In the winter of 2016, Jeremy and Kimberly Gilleland faced a stark reality: they were broke.
A modest $100 tax refund became a seed of hope. The couple purchased three pieces of furniture, some paint and brushes. Kimberly Gilleland’s interior design background came in handy.
One of the pieces, a corner cabinet, became her creative canvas. The finished product sold online for $450. Profits were reinvested into more furniture.
Soon, customers began asking if the couple could apply their skills to kitchen and bath cabinetry. Kimberly, 41, and Jeremy, 42, of El Reno, pivoted to painting cabinets full-time. In August 2020, the couple’s cabinet company was booked solid for six months. It was time to expand.
In 2022, Kimberly Gilleland connected with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at Canadian Valley Technology Center’s El Reno Campus.
Business Development Specialist Emily Beesley provided vital support, including crafting an employee handbook and helping refine the couple’s business plan. All services are provided at no cost.
Kimberly Gilleland said Beesley was the missing piece for their business.
“I wanted her to help with figuring how to scale and grow the business to where we are not always on tools,” she said. “We threw ideas at her, and she’d tell us if we’re crazy.”
The Gillelands secured a small business loan, hired two employees and adopted a fast cure system that uses infrared heat to significantly reduce drying times for cabinet coatings. The improved efficiency allowed them to take on more work and increase profitability.
Their business, Red Tulip Designs, thrives as they continue to transform cabinets and delight customers. The company’s commitment to quality was recognized in May 2024 when it was named “Best of the 405” in home improvement by 405 Magazine.
The Gillelands realize there are countless others like them. They are now mentoring others through online DIY and professional groups, one of which has over 100,000 members. They’ve even started hosting cabinet refinishing seminars, helping others transform their own dreams into reality.
Dozens of companies have benefitted from SBDC’s statewide network. For more information, call Beesley at (405) 422-2271.
DID YOU KNOW?
Thirty years ago, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), established the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center. Oklahoma SBDC, a no-cost entrepreneurial and small business management advising service. Their mission is helping Oklahomans start and grow businesses. SBDC is a fitting companion for Canadian Valley Technology Center whose mission is preparing people for success in the workplace. The school provides an office and financial support for the services provided through SBDC.
