Lamar Jones grew up eating delicious BBQ at family gatherings, but after years of adjusting the usual store-bought BBQ sauces, he decided to develop his own special sauce recipe known as “The Jank”, which means “too awesome to describe.”
Like many entrepreneurs, he started his business by word-of-mouth and found loyal clients who purchased up to 10 bottles a month.
Fast forward to 2014, when Lamar won the City of McAllen’s Innovation Grant Award and with the help of the RGV Small Business Development Center (SBDC), he began to improve his product and organize a business strategy.
Through the SBDC and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Lamar was referred to Marlene, a LiftFund lender.
“I had no money and no idea where I was going before I heard about LiftFund,” Lamar said. “I used that loan to package my first few orders and start advertising for the sauce.”
Today, the Jank boasts an impressive clientele– including the Pittsburgh Steelers and hundreds of grocery stores across Texas — and Lamar has plans to expand the business.
Since its inception, LiftFund has helped small business owners like Lamar purchase equipment, supplies and other essential services and materials. We know that small businesses represent nearly 90 percent of Texas employers, and their success is essential to communities and job growth.
Since 1994, LiftFund has made more than 19,000 small business loans, totaling more than $250 million, to small businesses. We now offer business loans between $500 and $1 million. Visit LiftFund today or call 888- 215- 2373 to learn how we can help you start or grow your business.
