Entrepreneur Archive:
The Home Center

The Home Center—Clinton, MO
Assisted by:
Don Davis, Small Business Development Center at Central Missouri State University

Leland and Renee Cunningham saw a need in their home community of Clinton, and with the help of the SBDC at Central Missouri State University and their counselor, Don Davis, they have not only filled the need but have done so with great success.

The Home Center is a retail lumber and hardware and home improvement center. When the Cunninghams first approached Don Davis of the CMSU SBDC in 1999, their feasibility studies and projections were promising. They worked with Don to develop a business plan, which was received favorably by a local lender.

They were on their way.

Leland built the contractor portion of the business on his previous relationships with construction firms in the area. At the same time, Renee focused on the retail side of the operation, widening their customer base to include Warrensburg, Harrisonville, Garden City, Warsaw and Urich. Referrals from the SBDC have resulted in business in Lee's Summitt and Concordia as well.

The Cunninghams attribute their success to offering only quality products with a heavy emphasis on customer service. Profits have exceeded projections by 15 percent; sales have exceeded projections by nearly 19 percent. They have created 12 new jobs in rural Henry County and added a vital retail and service company in their receptive community.

Facility expansions and the addition of a lawn and garden center are their future plans.

The Home Center
625 NW Rt. 7
Clinton, MO 64735
Phone: 660/885-2989
Fax: 660/885-2706

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