unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Marvin Ross's entrepreneurial journey began at his grandfather's diverse farm, where he grew up surrounded by livestock and crops, including corn, soybeans, cotton, and vegetables. Though farming had always been part of his life, the formal establishment of Peculiar Pig Farm as an LLC in 2017 marked a new chapter in his family's agricultural legacy. The business faced several complex challenges during its evolution. Initially focused on hog farming while raising cows, ducks, chickens, and goats, Ross needed to navigate the intricate demands of livestock management, maintaining approximately 20 hogs at various stages of development from 8 weeks to 8 months.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business experienced a dramatic shift in market dynamics. While restaurants struggled with high meat prices, Peculiar Pig Farm had to quickly adapt to increasing direct-to-consumer demand. Ross had to pivot again post-pandemic as customers returned to grocery stores, necessitating a strategic shift toward butcher shops and restaurants. The business also confronted significant operational challenges, including the need for sustainable energy solutions, streamlined processing capabilities and expansion into new markets beyond Charleston. The complex SAM registration process for grant funding presented another hurdle, requiring expert guidance from his SC SBDC consultant, Jim Johnson, to navigate successfully.
"I've been impressed by my consultant Jim Johnson and his commitment to my success. Any time I have a question, I just send an email and he always answers straightaway. I'm glad I have him in my corner."
Ross connected with the SC SBDC in March 2022 through an associate's referral, primarily seeking assistance with the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG). SC SBDC consultants Jim Johnson and Brian Wheat became instrumental partners in Peculiar Pig Farm's development. Wheat's expertise was crucial in helping Ross navigate the SAM registration process, providing step-by-step guidance and connecting Ross with the right resources. Johnson established himself as a constant presence, always available for questions and strategic planning. Their support extended far beyond grant writing, encompassing comprehensive business development strategies.
The SC SBDC team helped Ross explore various opportunities, including marketing strategies for the catering arm of the business, Peculiar Pig Eats. Wheat and Johnson also helped Ross evaluate sustainable energy options, weighing the benefits of solar power versus traditional electrical systems and exploring bio-renewable grant opportunities. Johnson continues working closely with Ross to develop plans for in-house processing capabilities and securing additional grants. Their relationship exemplifies the SC SBDC's commitment to long-term business success, with Johnson helping Ross approach growth systematically while maintaining the authentic, farm-to-table nature of the business.
The partnership with SC SBDC yielded remarkable results for Ross, most notably securing $265,000 in grant funding — a $250,000 VAPG grant in October 2022 and a $15,000 ACRE grant in July 2023. This financial support enabled significant expansion beyond Charleston into Nashville, Charlotte, Greenville, and St. Augustine, with plans for Atlanta on the horizon. The business successfully diversified through Peculiar Pig Eats, their catering operation, which now handles events ranging from 30 to 500 people, specializing in the famous "whole hog experience."
Peculiar Pig Farms maintains a consistent presence at farmers' markets and caters up to eight events monthly, with the operation requiring meticulous planning — sometimes starting preparations days in advance, with cooking beginning as early as 3 AM for morning events. The business remains farm-to-table, sourcing animal feed from local farmers and collaborating with regional producers like Low Country Fungi, thereby supporting the broader agricultural community. Currently operated by six family members, Ross plans to hire 20-30 additional employees within the next 2-4 years as they streamline operations and integrate in-house processing.
Looking ahead, Ross envisions a fully integrated operation powered by sustainable energy sources, with expanded processing capabilities and a wider variety of meat offerings. His dedication to quality has earned community recognition, particularly from older generations who praise his products' authentic, traditional taste.
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An innocent question from their young daughters sparked Jennifer and Keith Baker's dream to open Kids Play and Café, an indoor playground and café business. The Bakers had toyed with the idea for over a decade, but it took their daughters' challenge to "draw what you want your playground to include, and we'll bring it to life" to finally set the wheels in motion. Turning this family vision into reality presented the Bakers with several key challenges. They needed to find the right commercial property, secure sufficient financing and craft a solid business plan.
With a projected $500,000 in startup costs, obtaining the necessary funding was a significant hurdle. Additionally, Jennifer and Keith wanted to custom-design and build all the play equipment themselves, further complicating the process. Beyond the financial and logistical obstacles, the Bakers also faced significant operational challenges. They had to thoroughly research the market, ensure their facility and equipment would appeal to children of all ages and navigate the permitting and licensing requirements. With no prior experience running an indoor playground or café, the Bakers knew they would need expert guidance to successfully launch and manage their new business.
"We are a Veteran family-owned and operated small business — maybe even the first who allowed their children to design, build, and create a business from a simple drawing."
Seeking expert guidance, the Bakers turned to the South Carolina SBDC for support. They first connected with the Charleston Area SBDC, meeting with consultant Jim Wetzel. Wetzel reviewed the Bakers' existing business plan and financial projections, identifying areas that needed refinement and additional detail.
When the Bakers temporarily paused their plans during the pandemic, they reconnected with the Clemson Area SBDC and consultant Ben Calhoun. Calhoun took a deep dive into market research, analyzing the demographics and psychographics of the Easley area to ensure the Bakers' facility design, equipment, and offerings would appeal to their target audience of children and families. Armed with Calhoun's comprehensive market insights, the Bakers were able to finalize their business plan and begin securing financing.
Calhoun provided hands-on guidance in developing a thorough loan application package, including detailed financial projections, operational plans and marketing strategies. He also leveraged his extensive network to connect the Bakers with multiple lender options. Through this collaborative process with the SC SBDC, the Bakers obtained a $289,850 commercial loan, complemented by a $60,000 equity investment from the family. This funding enabled them to purchase the necessary equipment, complete the buildout of their 5,000-square-foot facility, and hire eight full-time employees to bring their vision to life.
Kids Play and Café is a true family business, with the Bakers' children playing an integral role in designing and creating the 5,000-square-foot indoor wonderland. From "Piper's Pantry" to "Doctor Daisy," every facility element reflects the family's imagination and commitment to providing a safe, engaging, and whimsical environment for children to play. The Bakers have checked all the safety, cleanliness, and age-appropriate entertainment boxes.
Offering a variety of soft play structures, tunnels, slides, and imaginative play spaces, Kids Play and Café caters to children of all ages while also providing a comfortable space for parents to relax, work, or socialize. As a veteran, family-owned and operated small business, the Bakers are proud to have turned their daughters' drawings into a thriving enterprise. With the support of the SC SBDC, they have realized their entrepreneurial dreams and created a unique, family-focused destination that brings joy to the local community. Kids Play and Café created eight new full-time jobs in its first six months of operation and generated $349,850 in capital funding.
In 2010, Joe Wilson, a veteran of the chemical manufacturing industry, established Toll Solutions in Duncan, South Carolina, as a specialized chemical blending company. The business faced several significant challenges during its growth journey. Initially, the company struggled to recruit qualified chemical operators, a crucial position for their operations. By 2019, when Trevor King joined as Vice President of Business Development, the company began experiencing rapid growth, expanding from 17 employees to approximately 40.
While this growth was welcome, it brought its own set of challenges. As Toll Solutions ventured into international markets, they encountered difficulties typical of new exporters, particularly in collecting payments from global clients. A specific challenge arose with a Mexico-based client, highlighting the complexities of international business transactions. The company also needed to identify and evaluate potential new markets for expansion while managing the risks and complexities associated with international trade.
"It would be hard to capture Beth Smith's—our consultant—energy and dynamic nature. She is fantastic and a pleasure to work with."
Beth Smith, Spartanburg Area Manager and SBDC Business Consultant, played a pivotal role in Toll Solutions' evolution. Their relationship, which began through the Tyger River Chamber Council, evolved from mentorship into a strategic partnership. When faced with international payment collection issues, Smith, leveraging her expertise in global product sales, connected Toll Solutions with Wes Seeger, Director of GPS Capital Markets Inc., who provided immediate solutions and preventative strategies for future transactions.
Smith's comprehensive support extended far beyond immediate problem-solving. She introduced the company to the SBA's Export Working Capital Program, expanding its financial resources for international trade. Her expertise in grant acquisition proved invaluable as she secured a $4,400 grant from the SC Department of Commerce State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which significantly offset costs for a crucial trade mission to Mexico.
In September 2021, Smith further demonstrated her strategic approach by coordinating with USC's Darla Moore School of Business to conduct extensive market research. This initiative identified six high-potential countries ripe for expansion, providing Toll Solutions with clear, data-driven targets for their international growth strategy.
Throughout their partnership, Smith's extensive network of trade professionals and ability to connect Toll Solutions with the right resources at the right time proved invaluable for the company. Her holistic approach to business development, combining practical problem-solving with strategic planning and resource acquisition, created a solid foothold for Toll Solutions' international success.
Under the guidance of the SC SBDC and Beth Smith's expertise, Toll Solutions achieved remarkable success in its international expansion efforts. The company experienced a significant 25 percent increase in export sales from 2021 to 2022, leading to its recognition as South Carolina's 2022 Small Business Exporter of the Year. The initial 17 employees in 2019 grew to approximately 40, marking substantial organizational growth.
The STEP grant facilitated successful trade missions to Mexico, opening new market opportunities. The comprehensive market research conducted by USC's Darla Moore School of Business student consultants identified six promising countries for expansion, with Joe Wilson actively pursuing contracts in these target markets. Resolving international payment issues and implementing preventative measures has strengthened the company's ability to manage international transactions effectively.
Toll Solutions continues to build on this momentum, with King and Wilson maintaining their strategic partnership with the SC SBDC to further their international expansion goals. The company has evolved from a local chemical blending operation into a recognized international exporter, showcasing the potential for small businesses to succeed in global markets with proper guidance and support.