You Reap What You Sow

Since 1993, Bruce has been owner-editor of the Lolo Peak News, an advertiser-newspaper for the bedroom community of Lolo, Montana. The paper’s revenue comes from selling ads, and it features stories about community events and serves as a community “bulletin-board.” Bruce’s business is a creative outlet that allows him to express his views and make a positive impact in his community. Bruce can interact with “community members from little old folks to up-and-coming business leaders and advertisers.” Because of the paper, he is recognized as a leader in the Lolo community and throughout the Bitterroot Valley. He wanted his business to grow into a healthy community enterprise, but it needed a shot in the arm to reach that goal.

Bruce started by tapping into community resources and federal programs to make his business dreams take flight. First, he contacted Montana Vocational Rehabilitation, which referred Bruce to the Rural Institute for help completing a Social Security Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS). Later he accessed MontanaWorks, the employment service arm of the Rural Institute, for help creating his business plan and with applying for Montana Job Training Partnership (MJTP) Careers through Partnerships funds. Bruce was resourceful in leveraging money from several sources including the Medicaid waiver program, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Montana Job Training Partnership. And, of course, he contributed his personal resources to grow the business. All together, Bruce was able to leverage approximately $30,000 in funds for business expansion.

“Before entering the Careers program I felt alone. I learned that there is someone out there asking what I needed to be successful.”

The funds Bruce accessed paid for a late-model wheelchair-lift equipped van, a color printer, a machine for folding his newspapers, a digital camera, and a computer with a scanner. Before getting this equipment, Bruce had to out-source printing and folding the newspapers with another printer at the cost of $480 per month. This cut into his net profit. Now he can print and fold the papers himself in Lolo, paying only for the paper and ink, and saving $250 per month in total production costs! The machine also gives him the ability to market his printing services to other businesses and organizations; he is talking to several schools about the possibility of printing their school newsletters.

Bruce likes the flexibility that running his business provides. He explains, “I have to balance my health concerns with my abilities. This job matches me because I am able to work around my health issues. I can always schedule an interview for times when I am at my best.” Bruce’s wife also works in the business and provides some of his disability-related natural supports. Most businesses in the United States rely on family assistance, so Bruce is definitely in the main stream.

“Before entering the Careers program I felt alone. I learned that there is someone out there asking what I needed to be successful.” Bruce shared, “that’s the whole core of rehabilitation—helping people realize their full potential. I think that’s what these people have done.”

Self-employment was not an easy path for Bruce. Coming up with a business plan was a monumental task—the first version was just over twenty-five pages. Later, unexpected problems with PASS plan limitations and getting the new computer to “speak the same language” as his new printers slowed the paper’s production. In the end, Bruce’s determination saw him through. “The thing about my business is that it’s not an exact same amount of income every month—it’s a reap-what-you-sow program.” For Bruce the harvest is just beginning!

How to contact this small business owner:

Bruce Burk
Lolo Peak News
Unique West Publications
P. O. Box 1017
Lolo, MT 59847-1017
(406) 273-6171
(406) 273-6174 (fax)