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From Push Mower to a Growing Enterprise with Help From the UGA SBDC

June 17, 2026

From a $30 push mower to a thriving, full-service landscaping company, Griffin Thomas has spent more than a decade building TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping one yard, one crew and one lesson at a time. With guidance from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), Thomas turned a major expansion opportunity into a strong foundation for long-term growth—a move that fueled his company’s rapid growth and earned him the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Based in Carrollton, TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping serves commercial and residential customers in west Georgia. The company provides comprehensive lawncare, landscaping and landscape design services, supporting projects from routine maintenance to full design-build installations. What began as a teenage side hustle has evolved into a growing business with multiple crews, expanding markets and a clear vision for the future.

Thomas’ journey into landscaping started early. At 14, he began helping a neighbor maintain his farm, learning the value of hard work and responsibility.

“I learned my work ethic from Mr. Brock, and when he passed away, I wanted to continue earning money doing good, honest work,” said Thomas.

At 15, Thomas bought his first piece of equipment—a $30 push mower at a yard sale—and began mowing lawns for families and friends. By his senior year of high school, he had purchased a larger mower and was cutting grass daily after school.

After graduating, Thomas was balancing college coursework with a growing customer list. As demand increased, so did the complexity of the business. Thomas hired employees, expanded into small landscaping projects, and eventually faced a decision.

“I really didn’t have time to do both,” said Thomas. “I found myself trying to juggle school and work and not having enough time in the day.”

Thomas decided to focus exclusively on his business. Over time, TopLine expanded from basic lawn maintenance into landscaping, hardscapes, irrigation and design-build services.

“I’ve had some good mentors along the way, but a lot of it’s been self-taught and trial and error,” said Thomas. “Some people might be intimidated by that, but I guess you really just need to love what you do.”

Griffin Thomas, owner of TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping in Carrollton, Ga.

As the business grew, Thomas identified a new opportunity—a centrally located building that would support expansion, improve efficiency and provide needed office space. However, he was unfamiliar with the commercial loan process and financial projections required to move forward. That’s when he was referred to the UGA SBDC.

Troy Vollenweider, area director of the UGA SBDC at the University of West Georgia, worked closely with Thomas to develop a business plan and financial projections to support the purchase. Vollenweider helped Thomas better understand the commercial lending process and available loan options.

For Thomas, the UGA SBDC’s guidance changed his approach to financial management.

“When you learn how to look at your financials, you’re able to manage cash flow better and project where you’re going to be,” said Thomas. “I wasn’t really doing that before, but now it’s something I review monthly. That’s been the biggest takeaway for me.”

With support from the UGA SBDC, Thomas was able to obtain commercial financing through First Bank, utilizing the Georgia Cities Foundation and the State Small Business Credit Initiative loan programs.

The new facility, located in downtown Carrollton, has been transformative. The business used to operate out of a barn used primarily for equipment storage but now has dedicated office space to support structured meetings, improved communication and more intentional business operations.

The new location has also increased TopLine’s visibility and brand recognition, supported workforce recruitment and contributed to measurable growth. Since moving into the facility, TopLine has added three new crews—one installation and two maintenance—and up to eight employees. Year-to-date revenue is up 24% compared to the previous year, and higher visibility has helped the company secure major contracts, including work with the city of Carrollton.

“Through our work with Troy and the UGA SBDC, we have experienced significant operational growth. We’ve been able to invest in new trucks and equipment to support that expansion. Whether it was a quick phone call or sitting down for hours going over charts, Troy and the UGA SBDC made it happen when deadlines mattered."

Griffin Thomas, Owner of TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping Tweet

Most recently, Thomas was named this year’s SBA Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to see that effort acknowledged,” said Thomas. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and the journey that brought me here.”

UplinkRobotics and Wyoming SBDC: Building World-Class Tech in Laramie

June 3, 2026

When University of Wyoming engineering students Christian Bitzas, Oreoluwa Babatunde, and Brady Wagstaff noticed a lack of local tech opportunities, they decided to build something themselves. An idea sparked when Bitzas’s father, a home inspector, needed a safe way to check out tight crawlspaces. While options existed in the inspection vehicle field, the team was confident they could build something better.

With help from UW Business Management graduate Zoë Worthen, the first prototype quickly turned into UplinkRobotics, a startup based in Laramie, Wyoming. Today, they manufacture smart, compact inspection drones capable of taking high-definition pictures and sending back live video. These little crawlers let home inspectors, contractors, and first responders easily see into dangerous, hard-to-reach areas without putting themselves at risk.

Uplink Robotics is giving back to the local community. By partnering with the University of Wyoming, creating paid student internships, and mentoring youth 4-H robotics clubs, they are helping grow the next generation of engineers.

UplinkRobotics received the Spirit of Wyoming award from the SBA District Office in May 2026, for their perseverance, community service, and growth. Proving that you don’t need to live in a massive tech hub to create world-class technology, the company is making tough jobs safer, helping the local economy, and building a tech community right here in Wyoming.

Check out the video below for more information about UplinkRobotics and some of the assistance they have received from Wyoming economic development groups, including the Wyoming SBDC, APEX Accelerator and WSSI Innovation Funding programs.

Congratulations to everyone on the UplinkRobotics team!

Zo’s Mini Donuts Finds the Recipe for Growth with Michigan SBDC

May 27, 2026

For sisters Zoey and Lydia Heyn, the mission of Zo’s Mini Donuts is simple and sweet: bring hot and fresh donuts to the community. What started in 2023 as a single food truck in Sawyer has blossomed into a thriving business with three mobile food trucks and a plan to double that number in the next year. This extraordinary growth, however, presented a new set of challenges for the young entrepreneurs.

The duo was confident in their family recipe and their ability to sell delicious donuts, but they needed guidance on the business aspects of how to grow their company. As they hired more employees, Zoey and Lydia found themselves needing a deeper understanding of financial management and human resources – which is exactly where the Michigan Small Business Development Center came in.

“We applied to our Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber HYPE pitch competition and we actually won,” said Zoe. “When we won, we were given a list of all these resources that we had access to that we didn’t know about.” One of those resources was the Michigan SBDC, which connected them with Southwest Region Senior Business Consultant Wendy Spreenberg.

“What we really needed was things that we couldn’t find on a Google search,” Lydia explained. “We needed contacts for suppliers, we needed contacts for packaging.” Wendy worked with the pair on their financial management, helping them understand cash flow and how to get the most out of their wholesale suppliers. She also provided them with invaluable knowledge and contacts for the behind-the-scenes operations of their business, which made their busy summers run more smoothly.

“Lydia and Zo were tremendously skilled already,” Wendy said. “What I brought to the table was helping them understand a little bit more about their finances.”

With Wendy’s guidance, Zo’s Mini Donuts has been able to win additional competitions, expand its fleet of food trucks, and grow its team to 15 part-time, seasonal employees, with plans for more. The Heyns’ vision is to make Zo’s Mini Donuts a tradition in Southwest Michigan and eventually expand to college campuses and even retail.

“It was just so helpful to have someone to turn to when we hit a wall or we didn’t know what to do next.”

Zoey Heyn, Co-Owner of Zo's Mini Donuts Tweet

The Michigan SBDC is proud to support ambitious young entrepreneurs like the Heyn sisters. Their energy and drive are a perfect example of how a great idea, combined with the right resources, can lead to incredible growth.

“The best thing about working with the Michigan SBDC is working with the clients,” Wendy said. “They have unique stories and unique business approaches. Specifically for Zo’s, they brought the energy, the enthusiasm, the will and the desire – as well as the ambition to get their business not just started, but grown to the next level. I love working with them.”

SBDCs and Veteran Entrepreneurship: Resources, Recognition, and Results

April 22, 2026

Small Business Development Centers continue to play a vital role in helping veterans and military spouses launch and grow successful businesses. Across the country, SBDC advisors are working directly with veteran business owners to build stronger businesses, one client at a time.

David Smith Named Boots to Business Instructor of the Year

The SBA recently honored the 2025 Boots to Business Instructors of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators and partners helping military-connected entrepreneurs succeed. Among the honorees was David Smith, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at Texas Tech University, recognized for his hands-on, practical approach to instruction.

"Most importantly, I stay engaged with the veterans I serve. There are real-time challenges and that local feedback keeps that guidance practical and not theoretical."

David Smith, Regional Director of SBDC at Texas Tech Tweet

From Home Roaster to Regional Brand: Pinup Coffee Co.

Navy veterans Bryce and Stephanie Wein built Pinup Coffee Co. in Norfolk, Virginia — a 4,500-square-foot roastery that started as a home setup selling at farmers’ markets.

Their SBDC played a direct role in that growth, providing customized consulting on forecasting, logistics, inventory management, and expansion strategy.

Combined with support from their local Veterans Business Outreach Center and SCORE mentors, the results were remarkable: 1,225% revenue growth in their first year, followed by nearly 200% growth in both 2023 and 2024.

Today, Pinup Coffee products are distributed through major retailers, the team has grown to seven employees, and the company operates with a 1,500-pound roaster in a renovated production space.

Thriving in Rural America: Northern Wings Repair, Inc.

In Newberry, Michigan, Navy and Marine Corps veteran David Goudreau founded Northern Wings Repair, Inc. in 2001 — growing it from a rented pole barn into a $20 million-per-year aerospace and defense operation supporting NASA, the Department of Justice, and major prime contractors.

SBDC support was among the SBA training resources that helped the company navigate the complex world of NAICS codes, contract structures, and federal marketplace requirements. In a remote region with limited industry infrastructure, Northern Wings now employs 32 people and continues to expand.

Resources for Veteran and Military-Owned Businesses

These stories are a reminder of what’s possible when veteran entrepreneurs connect with the right support. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, America’s SBDC has compiled federal and non-federal resources specifically for the military community. Visit our Veteran-Owned Business Hub to explore what’s available to you.

The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network | Excargo Services: From Small Office to Industry Leader

April 1, 2026

Excargo Services Inc. began with a vision to fill a significant gap in the transportation industry. Marcia Faschingbauer, who took over her family’s business, transformed it from a small operation into a logistics powerhouse. Starting with just a small office, Faschingbauer focused on building a company based on safety, communication, and exceptional customer service. Over the years, Excargo has grown into a 195,000-square-foot facility near the Port of Houston, becoming an industry leader in container transport.

“Excargo started because I saw a real need in the transportation industry. My family’s food business relied on exporting goods, and I experienced firsthand how unreliable container transport could be. I knew there had to be a better way,” Faschingbauer said.

While expanding, Faschingbauer knew that modernizing operations and scaling the business required the right strategies and resources. This led her to the Houston Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She first connected with SBDC in 2002 to refine the company’s growth strategy and has received continuous support from them ever since.

“The SBDC helped us navigate SBA funding options, secure financing for expansion, and refine our banking relationships to ensure continued growth—even during challenging times,” Faschingbauer said.

Charles Capers, Faschingbauer’s SBDC Business Advisor, played an instrumental role in helping Excargo scale strategically, secure financing, and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Excargo is a powerhouse in the transportation industry, and our role was to help them scale strategically,” Capers said. “We worked with Marcia to navigate financing, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability for the business.”

The SBDC has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us grow, secure funding, and create jobs, and I can’t recommend them enough!

Marcia Faschingbauer Tweet

In 2021, Excargo secured $6.3 million in commercial property financing, a move that directly contributed to an increase in revenue by $2.7 million. The company also created 75 new jobs. Faschingbauer credits much of this success to the support and guidance from the SBDC.

“What sets us apart in the industry is that we’re not just moving cargo—we’re shaping the future of container transport. Safety, reliability, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do,” Faschingbauer said. “With the SBDC’s help, we’ve been able to expand our operations, grow our fleet, and stay ahead of industry trends.”

As Excargo continues to grow, the focus remains on sustainability and efficiency. Faschingbauer and her team are looking ahead to expanding their reach, improving technology, and staying at the forefront of the logistics industry.

“We’re continuing to invest in sustainability, efficiency, and smart logistics to keep up with industry demands. The future of transportation is changing, and we plan to be at the forefront,” Faschingbauer said.

Excargo Services Inc. stands as a perfect example of how determination, strategic partnerships, and the right resources can elevate a small family business into an industry leader.

“The SBDC has been a game-changer for us. They’ve helped us grow, secure funding, and create jobs, and I can’t recommend them enough!” Faschingbauer concluded.

Watch Marcia’s video testimonial to hear how Excargo’s partnership with the SBDC helped transform a small family business into a leading force in logistics.

Learn more about the Huston Small Business Development Center.

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