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How Wyoming SBDC Helped a Combat Veteran Turn Animal Rescue Into a Statewide Wellness Business

June 24, 2026

For Jennifer Clark, entrepreneurship grew from a deeply personal mission. As a combat veteran and mother to an autistic daughter, Clark experienced firsthand the transformative power of animal-assisted eco-therapy. This profound personal healing inspired her to found J&J Second Chance Smallholdings, an animal rescue and sanctuary in Laramie. Two years later, to expand her community impact and help sustain her mission, she launched the for-profit side of her venture: The Goat Ladies.

While many mistake the business for a standard petting zoo, Clark’s operations are focused entirely on community wellness and mental health support. The Goat Ladies offer unique services ranging from birthday parties, weddings, and gender reveals to indoor therapeutic gatherings. Beyond these events, the versatile animal crew also assists the community through local mowing and fire mitigation services.

By using animals for therapy, we (help) people by using one fluffy at a time. It is really hard to do something permanent when an animal comes up to you and feels comfortable and loves you.

Jennifer Clark, Owner of The Goat Ladies Tweet

Navigating the Business Landscape with the Wyoming SBDC

Transitioning from a passionate caretaker to a business owner presented a steep learning curve. To bridge the gap, Clark turned to the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. Her SBDC advisor, Jeff Engell, provided mentorship and suggestions, including an intensive eight-week business planning workshop where Jennifer mapped out her strategic goals.

The Wyoming SBDC Network also played a role in helping Clark structure her for-profit expansion, connecting her with grant opportunities, and resources to navigate regulations. The SBDC introduced Jennifer to Cyber Wyoming, enabling her to implement critical cybersecurity policies and procedures.

The SBDC has been my favorite. They’ve helped me the most with connecting with new people.

Jennifer Clark, Owner of The Goat Ladies Tweet

A Bright and Self-Sufficient Future

Today, The Goat Ladies are a popular attraction across Wyoming. This summer alone, Clark and her animal ambassadors are scheduled for 100 events across 150 days. The business has also successfully expanded into custom merchandise and children’s books authored by Clark, featuring real rescue animals like Magic Panda and Isabella.

Looking ahead, Clark aims to achieve complete self-sufficiency within the next five years. Backed by a recent Department of Workforce Services grant to hire new staff, she plans to secure government contracts for national forest fire mitigation, ensuring her life-saving mission continues to grow.

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! 

 

From the ER to Entrepreneurship: How Wyoming SBDC Helped One Nurse Build a Wellness Community

May 13, 2026

In April 2024, Jacklyn Baker, MSN, FNP-C, launched a venture intended to change the way her community approached healthcare. After years of working in emergency medicine, Baker saw a persistent gap in the industry: a need for care that went beyond treating immediate symptoms. Her vision was to create Routine Aesthetics and Wellness, a med spa where clinical results intersected with personal confidence.

The name “Routine” was chosen with intention. Baker wanted to move away from the idea of “luxury-only” treatments and instead encourage clients to view health optimization and self-care as a standard part of their daily lives. “I wanted to help people understand their bodies, optimize their health, and feel validated instead of overlooked,” she explains. By bridging the gap between internal wellness like hormone balance and IV therapy, and aesthetic treatments, Routine strives to help patients feel like themselves again.

However, the transition from medical provider to business owner came with a steep learning curve. While Baker had the clinical expertise, the business side of things, like payroll, taxes, and licensing, presented a new set of challenges. After being referred by their bank, Baker and her colleague, Derric, began working with Regional Director P.J. Burns from the Wyoming SBDC Network. P.J. provided a roadmap through the often-confusing world of entrepreneurship.

“P.J. became a huge resource and asset, When it came to such confusing business plans, taxes, department of workforce services, sales tax licenses - you name it, she was able to help with it.”

Jacklyn Baker, Owner of Routine Aesthetics and Wellness Tweet

This guidance was instrumental in securing a small business loan to purchase a commercial property on Highway 59. This shared space has since evolved into a comprehensive wellness destination. In addition to Routine Aesthetics and Wellness and Routine Tanning Studio, the facility houses a women’s health clinic, and supports a vibrant community of independent professionals, including massage therapists, estheticians, and cosmetologists.

Since moving to the new location, Routine has grown to serve over 2,000 clients and employs a dedicated staff of eight. For Baker, the most significant milestone isn’t the numbers, but the feedback from those she treats. She recalls realizing the business’s true potential when she consistently heard patients say, “I didn’t know I had the ability to feel this great.”

Scaling the business required significant time and dedication. In April 2026, Baker made the decision to leave her full-time hospital position to focus entirely on her clinic. This shift has allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance while giving her business the focus it requires to thrive.

When asked what advice she would give to others looking to start their own journey, Baker emphasizes the need for grit. “Be ready to be consumed by your business and to put in the VERY HARD work. But know this is temporary while you build something spectacular,” she says. Looking towards the future, Baker plans to keep growing, potentially expanding into a larger facility to ensure every client continues to feel seen, heard, and unstoppable.

A Hub for Rural America: The Hank’s Reno Junction Success Story

February 25, 2026

From humble beginnings catering out of his mother’s kitchen to owning the bustling Hank’s Reno Junction Travel Plaza in Wright, Wyoming, Hank Pridgeon’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, devotion to community, and a passionate drive to succeed. 

Hank’s journey began in 1982, the day after his high school graduation, with a $10,000 loan and a vision. “I always knew I wanted to be in the foodservice business,” Hank recalls. “It was just a matter of finding my niche.” That niche evolved from catering to a steakhouse, then a cafe, and finally, the comprehensive travel plaza that stands today, a testament to his ability to adapt and expand. Notably, this expansion has been marked by strategic growth, moving from a 2,100 square foot leased space in 1987, to the current expansive travel plaza, which includes a 4,000 square foot kitchen upgrade and corporate offices added in 2021. 

The Reno Junction Travel Plaza isn’t just a truck stop; it’s a destination. With Sinclair fuel pumps offering various octane levels and DEF, a restaurant serving everything from buffalo burgers to prime rib, a bar, a convenience store, and even the newly acquired 18-room Reno Junction Lodge motel, it caters to the diverse needs of travelers and locals alike. “We like to have fun,” Hank explains, a philosophy that permeates every aspect of his business, from quirky decor like the saddled dinosaur out front, to exceptional customer service. “We like our customers to have fun, and we join them.” 

 This unconventional approach has paid off. Hank’s business thrives on a foundation of genuine connection with his customers, particularly the truckers who frequent his establishment. “Truckers and bikers are the most loyal customers ever,” he says. “If you treat them right, they’re not only going to come back but are going to tell friends they should stop here. It’s like having an extended family.” 

 Hank’s commitment to community extends beyond his business. He supports local charities, volunteering his time, and even providing emergency assistance during crises, such as the EF-2 Tornado Response at the North Antelope Rochelle Coal Mine. As Robby Gallob, Town of Wright Emergency Manager, attests, “His heart is bigger than any person I have ever met.” Hank’s generosity is not just about financial contributions; it’s about being present and responsive to the needs of his community. He has also dedicated many years to community boards, including the Wright Town Council, the Wright Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Wyoming Liquor Association. 

 A key element of Hank’s success has been his ability to navigate the economic landscape of Wyoming. He credits the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with providing valuable support throughout his business journey. Assistance from P.J. Burns, Northeast Regional Director for the Wyoming SBDC, and utilization of the Wyoming Business Council’s resources has helped Hank make informed decisions and adapt to changing market conditions, especially during difficult times like the 2020 pandemic. 

 “2020 was undoubtedly our most challenging financial year with the government mandated shutdowns,” Hank admits. “But as an essential business, the truck stop remained open, and we continued to pay all of our employees.” This dedication to his employees has fostered long term loyalty, with multiple staff members having been with Hank for over a decade. 

 Hank’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to addressing the challenges facing his community. Recognizing the shortage of workforce housing, he purchased apartment buildings and a motel to provide affordable accommodation for his employees and visitors. “We’re a bit unique because we’re not on an interstate highway,” Hank explains. “We’re on the busiest intersection in the state, because of the energy industry around here.” This strategic location, combined with his understanding of his customer base, has allowed the business to thrive even during economic downturns. 

Hank’s success is also due to his genuine love for his work. “I get bored real easy, and I always have to have something to do,” Hank says. “People tell me I’m a workaholic. I do take time with family and friends, but a lot of that involves business because all of my daughters and my ex-wife have been involved in my business too.” 

Hank Pridgeon’s dedication to Wright, and his ability to see opportunity where others see obstacles, has created a thriving business and a legacy of community support. His story isn’t just about business success; it’s a testament to the enduring power of rural entrepreneurship, proving that with hard work, genuine care for others, and a dash of unconventional spirit, one can build a lasting and impactful legacy. 

Learn more at www.hanksrenojunctiontravel.com. 

Launching Whole Soul Consulting: How Rev. Jessica Boyce Found Business Confidence

December 31, 2025

For Rev. Jessica Boyce, the launch of Whole Soul Consulting in March 2025 was the culmination of 15 years of ministry and a deep-seated desire to be a healing force in the community. As a charitable corporation focused on providing guidance for those who have experienced religious trauma, Whole Soul Consulting fills a unique and vital need in Wyoming.

Rev. Boyce earned her Masters in Divinity and specialized certifications, and has an extensive background as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. This experience has uniquely qualified her as a leader and resource for individuals and families seeking a healthier, happier future.

Rev. Jessica Boyce

The journey into entrepreneurship, however, presented new challenges. “With this new venture, I had to look at my strengths and weaknesses in new ways,” Rev. Boyce explains. “The places where I didn’t have the natural gifts, like finances, had to be supplemented in ways I hadn’t needed to explore before. It’s ok to not be great at everything, you just have to be honest about those qualities, and find people who do have that strength to work alongside you.”

To navigate these challenges, Rev. Boyce turned to the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network where she found practical guidance and a sense of reassurance.

“I was so nervous,” Rev. Boyce explains, “and I left each meeting with Steen Stovall (Regional Director) with a to-do list, feeling empowered to accomplish them. This was especially true with regulations, business licenses, insurance, etc.”

Beyond the foundational elements, Rev. Boyce benefited from the SBDC’s expertise in online presence. “The (Market Research) group did the full website analysis for me, which was great but totally overwhelming,” she shares. “(They) went through it page by page with me, and that was fantastic. It helped me to understand how to communicate my message online. I had to change about everything, but it was good!” she shares. “Starting a business is hard and scary. Every empowering, positive, and informative resource available should be used.”

While Whole Soul Consulting is still in its early stages, Rev. Boyce is taking steps to build for the future and encourages others who are on the fence to take the chance. “In this process, I’ve learned that I am stronger and braver than I thought,” she says. “There is a great community of small business owners who are encouraging and want to welcome others into this little club.”

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to remember patience and self-compassion. “Spend lots of time thinking and dreaming and exploring options. Take time to let it all fall into place. It’s a journey, and it has ups and downs, but give yourself grace to learn and ask questions.”

The entrepreneurial journey has also offered unexpected connections. “It has been wonderful meeting people that I otherwise would not have encountered.” Rev. Boyce explains. “Being fairly new to Casper, this journey has allowed me to get to know the community better, understand its needs, and discern how I can positively contribute to it.”

Looking ahead, Rev. Boyce is optimistic. “In five years, I hope my practice is thriving, and I’m still learning and connecting to the community in meaningful ways.”

To learn more about Whole Soul Consulting, visit: https://wholesoulconsulting.com/

To learn more about Wyoming SBDC, visit: https://wyomingsbdc.org/