Kimberly Elam, owner of Kimmer’s Ice Cream delights in creating her own brand of homemade ice cream. But, as she was finishing the third year of scooping this delicious treat in a retail shop in St. Charles without a profit, she became discouraged. She knew she needed a solution that would be long-term. Not willing to give up on her dreams, she looked for answers.

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Kim went to the Small Business Development Center at Elgin Community College who suggested that she contact the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center. Fortuitously, Kimmer’s Ice Cream earned a grant to pay for consulting services with Graydon Management. According to Kim, her work with Graydon has “changed my life and my business significantly.” Since the initial contract with Graydon, Elam has continued to work with the consulting firm.

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Most recently, Graydon Management helped Kimmer’s acquire a second store, which opened in May 2015 in Wheaton. “Our business has doubled in size since working with Graydon Management,” Elam affirmed. “We’re now making smart decisions and taking advantage of opportunities when they are available. Andy has provided me with the tools to become a more confident and successful business person.”