Growing up with Tim’s Body Shop literally in her backyard, Lanae Kline was destined to be a successful entrepreneur like her dad. Horses have also been a huge part of Kline’s life. If you want to see her eyes sparkle, just ask her about them. With an interest in a unique service within the livestock industry, Kline put herself through training and certification in hand massage and Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. Through word of mouth within the community and her strong customer service abilities, Kline found herself picking up more and more clients which led to the start of Kline Performance Equine. Now, Kline has combined her love for livestock and people, traveling all over to farms and livestock shows, delivering a non-invasive therapy that enhances metabolism, reduces stress, increases blood flow, improves overall health and aids in overcoming injuries. These benefits have proven to be a valuable asset to livestock in the show and performance industry.
In the beginning, Kline struggled with confidence and believing in herself as an entrepreneur. With FEDCO’s BizGro programming, she was able to find support and resources to help her overcome the challenges many beginning entrepreneurs and small business owners face. With the support of the BizGro programming, Kline started using a variety of resources offered including the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) free business counseling program. Kline proudly stated, “Tracy with SBA was huge in making my dreams and ideas realistic.” Together, they were able to put together an existing cash flow and projection sheet that helped bring a clearer picture of the current success and the potential Kline’s business had. This boosted her confidence and allowed her to see her potential on paper.
In addition to working on horses, Kline Performance Equine has branched out into other niches including showstock cattle, swine, sheep and goats. Through the tools of the BizGro’s NxLevel Business Planning and Management Course, a [now] five week course typically offered in the fall and spring, Kline was able to find her target audience and find ways to break into different niches such as show cattle. Feeling alone at times in her very niche line of work, Kline loved taking the Business Planning and Management class alongside other entrepreneurs who also had unique businesses or ideas. “Just the class itself really makes you feel supported,” Kline shared.
Not only did Kline utilize the business counseling program and the business planning class, she also took advantage of some of BizGro’s financial resources including the small business loan. Kline offers, “I never would have been able to go out and get a business loan from a bank because it would have been so much harder. I attribute my success and how far I have come with the support of FEDCO.”
Like many small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kline faced a new set of challenges. Through BizGro’s resources, she felt like she was able to go through the unique, challenging time without being alone and she felt supported along the way. Kline feels that, “Everyone should be taking advantage of BizGro’s resources. The resources and options are endless and there is support out there.”
When asked what advice she’d give to someone with the entrepreneurial spirit wanting to start a business she said:
“Start small and keep it simple. Don’t get caught up in all the details. Don’t stress over the little things.”
Follow Lanae on Facebook and meet some of the livestock animals she works on!
If you are interested in utilizing her services, call or text: (574) 551-0077
If you were inspired by Lanae’s story and would like more information on BizGro’s resources, visit BizGro by FEDCO’s Website.
To sign up or find out details for the NxLevel Business Planning & Management Course, contact Amy Beechy at 574-709-7955 or amy@projectmattersllc.com
Thank you to Flagstar® Bank for sponsoring the Stories of BizGro!