Tim Cason has been composing music in his head virtually all his life. Now he's endeavoring to spread the magic of his inspirational tunes and launch a new business simultaneously.
"I've always dreamed of making my music available to more people than just family and friends," says Tim. "When my son was born in 2005 it seemed the perfect time to turn this music hobby into something to help support my family."
His new company, Tim Cason Music, started with the release of Tim's first CD of inspirational music, Triumph of Grace, early last year.
"Tim composed and played everything on it," reports Cyndie Cason, his wife. "One of Tim's favorite things has been creating our home recording studio." Samples from the CD can be heard at the couple's Web site www.repeatthesoundingjoy.com.
But this business is not Tim's first entrepreneurial endeavor. He founded Scootermania a little more than three years ago: "I first went into business with the idea of selling motor scooters in 2002, but since that time it's become obvious that music is my real calling and that's where the business needs to be focused."
"I trained in music, including opera and marching band, at NMSU (now Truman State University) in Kirksville. I've sung with various ensembles and currently I sing with 'Renewed,' a southern gospel quartet, in addition to my independent enterprises. Triumph of Grace is my first major CD project, and the first available for sale to the public."
And what are some of the positives and negatives Tim has discovered about running a business?
"The best things have been seeing my music help and encourage people who needed it," he explains. "I enjoy working with my music students as well. (But) I still have a lot to learn about running and managing the business."
For guidance regarding the business side of his ventures, Tim has turned to Glen Giboney, counselor with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Truman. The Kirksville SBDC is part of the statewide Missouri SBDCs, which are affiliated with the University of Missouri's Extension business program.
"I learned about the SBDC from a friend, when I was first considering opening a business," recounts Tim. "He said, 'Go up to Violet Hall and talk to Glen Giboney. He can tell you anything you need to know.'"
Tim was looking for basic information about starting a business and he wanted advice: "I needed to run my idea by someone with some knowledge, who could help me decide if it was a crazy idea in the first place or if it had potential."
Giboney guided Tim through the process of developing a business plan, a necessary big step on the path to obtaining financial backing. The business counselor also offered other advice.
"On the CD Triumph of Grace, he guided me through the process of setting prices for wholesale and retail buyers in different venues," says Tim. "Glen is my one-stop-shop for all my questions on setting up and running a business. I go to him first, and if he doesn't know the answer, he can tell me who will."
"If the SBDC wasn't available, I don't know if I would have ever dared to start a business. It was so helpful to have someone tell me, 'Yes, you have filled out all the forms you need to and you're ready to go.'"
Obviously the musical entrepreneur and his new venture, Tim Cason Music, are more than ready to go. He's out there in the marketplace with his inspirational music and he's making his business work.
And because of the impressive entrepreneurial initiative he has demonstrated, Tim Cason will represent MO SBDC at the second annual Client
Showcase and Legislative Breakfast Thursday, Feb. 9, in the State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City.
At that event hosted by MO SBDC, Tim and representatives of more than a dozen other outstanding Missouri companies will meet with legislators to discuss their products and services. They also will be recognized for their contributions to the economic development of the state of Missouri. Recognition from MO SBDC will be accompanied by legislative resolutions presented by each company's district state senator and state representative.
For more information on the services of the MO SBDC program, call Giboney at 660-785-4307 or e-mail him at ggiboney@truman.edu
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