Hot Springs Tire & Auto Service, Inc
Terry and Lisa Biggers, Owners
Hot Springs, Arkansas

When the Goodyear Tire Store that Terry Biggers managed closed, he faced two challenges - one, seek other employment or two, become a small business owner. ith 19 years of experience in the retail tire business and the support of his wife, Lisa, Biggers made the decision to open a new tire business. The next step the Biggerses faced was to learn the process of starting a business.

Lisa was familiar with the Henderson State University Small Business Development Center. As an employee of Summit Bank, she had encouraged several entrepreneurs to take advantage of the SBDC's training and consulting services. Lisa contacted Lonnie Jackson, HSU SBDC Center Director, to discuss a business plan and to get assistance with loan packaging.

With the help of a 7(a) SBA loan, Hot Springs Tire & Auto Service, Inc. opened in May 2003. Not only did several former Goodyear employees begin working for the Biggerses, but many former Goodyear customers lined up to patronize the new tire store from the beginning.

As the business began to grow, the Biggerses again called upon Jackson at the SBDC. They were ready to secure a 504 SBA loan to purchase the business property they had been leasing. To date, Hot Springs Tire & Auto Service, Inc. has annual revenue of more than $1.2 million and employs 10 full-time staff.

The Biggerses continue to use the HSU SBDC services when they face major business decisions. They also enjoy sharing their experiences with the community at large by participating in a promotional segment about the SBDC on a local cable channel and speaking to students and business owners on behalf of the organization.

The Arkansas Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran’s status, or disability.