Doug and Denise Finnell decided to start Finnell Trucking LLC from their rural Turner County home at Lennox, SD. The duo began working with Nancy Larsen of the Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP) last October 2014 on a business plan and the SBDC on final financial projections. The comprehensive business plan was presented to their banker and the business was successfully funded. Doug purchased his first truck and trailer and has completed all of the signage and licensing to begin operations February 2, hauling grain and fertilizer for cooperatives and local farmers.
It is Doug’s goal to add another truck or two as time goes on and hopefully allow his wife to become a “stay-at-home Mom”.
“It’s been a journey. We have learned so much since the first time we started seriously talking about the possibility of becoming an owner/operator,” said Doug. “I have mentioned it on and off over several years—okay, the past 10-15 years. I guess the timing was right this year. The guidance and support we have received from Nancy and her group along with a few of our friends already in the industry and our family has been key to our successful beginning. We are so excited to get started.”
Doug can be contacted at (605) 750-0029 or at finnelltruckingllc@gmail.com.
The SEFP provides one-on-one business to those interested in starting, expanding, and retaining business in Turner County, McCook County and Menno, SD.
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