Success Story: Arkansas –

One way to know spring has arrived is the familiar whir of lawn mowers. The sound is music to the ears of the Sabbs family.

Faithful Cuts Lawn Care Etc. LLC is their family-owned and operated lawn care and ground maintenance company. The business was started by Leon Sabbs of Little Rock, who has 30 years of landscaping experience.

Leon and his son, Gabriel Sabbs, worked with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) to organize the business and secure a FORGE microloan last fall to prepare for the 2019 season, and now they are “heading into it at full throttle,” said Gabriel.

“The 2019 season focus will be on building and maintaining our brand and truly building a client network. We want to expand our business to bigger heights and focus on job creation, while not compromising our quality of service,” he said.

The Sabbs family began working with the center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) in February, 2018. Business Consultant Eileen Devereux Dailey helped them complete a business plan and provided financial projections, market research and loan application assistance. She suggested FORGE, a Certified Development Financial Institution and a Small Business Administration microlender.

“When we first went to the ASBTDC at UALR, we illustrated our vision and laid out our goals to Eileen in our consulting sessions. She knew how to accommodate and direct us in the right path,” said Gabriel. “She challenged and pushed me to articulate the business through planning.

“I learned so much from Eileen in such a small amount of time, and eventually we were able to secure a SBA guaranteed loan. Without the help of Eileen and her resources, we probably would be still looking for ways to fund the project.”

The Sabbs used the loan proceeds for commercial-grade equipment and supplies, advertising and working capital. The company cares for residential and commercial properties, offering mowing, landscape trimming, sod installation, weeding, fertilization, bedding plant and color installation, spring and fall cleanups, power washing, and tree and ornamental care services.

In appreciation for those like Leon who have served in the military, Faithful Cuts gives a 15% discount on residential services to U.S. veterans. To learn more about the company visit the Faithful Cuts website, and for more about the Arkansas SBTDC visit asbtdc.org. To find your nearest SBDC, click here.