EAGLE GROVE - Sometimes opportunities look like hurdles. One just has to be willing to take the leap.
For two new businesses in Eagle Grove, the difficult economy didn't discourage them.
Covenant Computer Solutions
Joe McKinney always repaired computers for himself and friends and family when he wasn't on the road as a trucker.
"Everyone told me the town needed the service, so I figured I'd open up a little store and see how it goes," McKinney said. "I just do repairs, like removing viruses."
The Eagle Grove resident opened his business late last month. McKinney decided to rent a building on the town's main street, 213 W. Broadway St.
An open store front that used to be an old laundromat was transformed into a minimalist office space that is now Covenant Computer Solutions, Inc.
McKinney's "ace of a landlord" installed new floors and painted the walls for the entrepreneur, and a couple from Kanawha created a custom-made sign and wall art for the business.
"I know there are other computer repair shops in Webster City and Fort Dodge, but I thought it would be nice for people to be able to have the service on their own main street," McKinney said.
For those who can't make it to the shop, McKinney makes house calls too.
When asked if he was nervous going into business for himself, he said not at all, even though the venture is financed from his savings.
"Even in a bad economy, I think there are certain things that people want. A couple of those things are their satellite and Internet," McKinney said. "People want entertainment, and I'm here to help them when problems crop up."
As far making a profit, this is no hobby for McKinney, but he's not looking to "squeeze every penny" he can from customers.
"In a small town you have to be conscious of the economy," McKinney said. "I think when your prices are reasonable or maybe a little lower, it generates more business. If I only focused on making money and didn't treat people fairly I wouldn't succeed."
So far, McKinney said the business is lucrative. The doors are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"I tell my clients, if you're happy, tell your friends; if you're not happy, tell me," McKinney said. "I'm here to help."
RJ's Photography
When the company Regina Jenson worked for left town, the Clarion resident saw it as a sign.
"I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason," Jenson said.
So she and husband Robert turned their passion for photography into a business.
"We've done photography work for years on our own out of our home," Jenson said. "After I lost my job, we decided it was time to make our dream come true."
Driving through Eagle Grove one day, the couple noticed an empty building on the Eagle Grove main street and called the city to inquire about renting.
"It met all of our criteria and there's no other photography studio in Eagle," she said. "So we decided to go for it. You never know until you try."
With their own savings, the Jensons opened shop Dec. 1.
"The Community Development Corporation paid for our first month of rent, but other than that everything is out of our savings. No loans or family help," Jenson said. "We're nervous, but really excited to bring our dream to life. We're hoping it takes off."
RJ's does everything - architecture, weddings, events, graduation, pets, babies and family portraits.
"We don't really specialize in anything, but we love doing weddings and family pictures," she said.
The studio is open from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. All other times can be scheduled by appointment by calling 509-1811.
Contact Lindsey Mutchler at (515) 573-241 or lindsey@messengernews.net