Trucountry Inn SBDC Success Story
Advisor: James Leavelle
Economic Impact
- Business Start
- 3 Jobs Created
- Owner Investment
Heather Craigmyle grew up in southern California. While in her teens, she joined a band and music became not only a passion but a career.
Over the next several years she recorded several albums including one song with Dwight Yoakum. After an invitation by a local radio personality, she visited Brady Texas to see his country music museum. She fell in love with the community and particularly an old run-down hotel.
Heather purchased the hotel at a bargain price with the intent of renovating it to its former glory. She had a vision of an economical, western-themed hotel. She was recommended to the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center where she worked with James Leavelle, Senior Certified Business Advisor.
James worked with Heather on her business plan to position her for funding. He also worked with her on helping understand Texas laws regarding hotels, taxation, and permits. She opened her hotel in stages with the pinnacle being the renovated ballroom.
“James has been a great help to me in planning my hotel business.”