Benton County Offers A Sustainable Business Environment

Benton County Offers A Sustainable Business Environment Main Photo

30 Jul 2024


News

Growth is the goal of every small business owner and entrepreneur. With that pursuit, however, many are presented with the reality of outgrowing their current location of operations. The challenges of finding a new location to support continued growth can be stressful for decision-makers for years to come.

When Brad and Kimberly Thompson sought a new location for their growing company, BT Diesel Performance and Repair, local economic leaders like Benton Economic Partnership and Pine Country Bank put their experience helping businesses grow and thrive in Benton County to work for the entrepreneurs.

BT Diesel’s Success

The Thompsons have experienced consistent growth since starting BT Diesel in 2018. Brad had been working as a mechanic at another shop in addition to numerous side projects when, after returning from a vacation, he realized he did not have time to do both. The owner wasn't surprised when Brad approached him to inform him that he needed to focus on his projects.

“They had been waiting for the day when Brad came to that realization,” said Kimberly.

So, Brad started working his own business out of his home garage, eventually moving to their location in Royalton. Consistent customer increases in five short years led them to the new location search. Customers are primarily businesses with a fleet of trucks and individuals’ personal vehicles, with Thompson focusing on light and medium-duty diesel pickup trucks and some bigger box trucks. 
With financing made available through Pine Country Bank, they purchased the building and adjacent property in Rice, just five minutes up the road from the original location, to give them the expansion potential. The new shop is 50’ x 100’, compared to the room for only three stalls in Royalton, and has a design that accommodates future additions easily.

They moved into the shop in mid-May and fully transitioned from Royalton by the beginning of June. Some site rehabilitation was necessary, such as installing additional electrical capabilities and a new garage door.

Kimberly handles the scheduling, accounting, invoicing, and customer service, while two additional employees assist with the mechanic and office work. 

“We have not had one customer complain about the move,” said Thompson. “They are excited for our potential now that we have the room to work more efficiently.”

Growing region with a sustainable business environment

Sustainability refers to an economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly business model. As an endeavor within a free market society, a business will only achieve long-term success and the ability to deliver on the last two principles if it can maintain economic viability.

The dedication of organizations like the BEP and Pine Country Bank makes sustainability and business success a priority. 

“We could not have made the move without the help of Benton Economic Partnership in ensuring we could make the 20% down payment on the property,” said Kimberly. “We are excited for future opportunities due to our connections with them.”
Rice and Benton County offer an excellent environment with exciting and vibrant opportunities for small business owners to achieve economic success. 

“Without the support of our customers over the past five years, we would not have been able to make the move,” said Thompson. “Now, with a growing area and increasing customer base, we hope to continue to expand and hire more employees. The new shop opens the door to that possibility in ways we couldn’t before.” 

Find your potential with Benton Economic Partnership

The Benton Economic Partnership team is proud to work with dynamic small businesses like BT Diesel. With our primary focus being business retention and expansion, downtown redevelopment, and workforce development, all to better the overall quality of life for Benton County residents, we look forward to seeing similar advancements in the region.

Our work involves leading and encouraging development efforts throughout Benton County, and we welcome individuals and businesses who want to help. We are here to answer your inquiries regarding economic development in Benton County. Apply here to become a Benton Economic Partnership member, or connect with us today at (320) 968-6197 or aothoudt@bentonpartnership.org.