In a fast paced world, average citizens are looking for any ways to ease everyday stress. When Cyrus Johnson saw a need to simplify life on Wadmalaw Island, he came up with a solution—and a profitable business venture to boot.
Idea
On Wadmalaw Island, residents had no trash pick-up services available and instead had to drive to the county waste recycling center to dispose of household garbage. Seeing a niche and a golden opportunity, Johnson began aligning resources to start up his venture, Front Door Trash Collections, LLC. The business was established with a specific focus on curbside and doorstep pick-up for commercial and residential locations on Wadmalaw Island and surrounding areas. Besides Johnson’s vision of growth and fulfillment in the niche market, he also established a goal of securing at least 40% of the Wadmalaw Island market and at least 30% of the Hollywood market.
Assistance
Through his work at a federal halfway house, Johnson had learned of the business assistance available from the South Carolina Women’s Business Center. Working with Business Coach Mary Dickerson, Johnson enlisted the SCWBC’s advice on initiating and managing a start-up venture. The WBC assisted him with preliminary brainstorming and conceptualization, structuring a comprehensive business plan, securing leads on needed financing and generating a brochure to publicize and market Front Door Trash Collections.
Results
Officially opening the doors of the business in January 2007, Johnson says the business and market are experiencing rapid growth, and he is now serving customers on Wadmalaw Island, John’s Island, Ravenel and other nearby areas. Johnson has expanded to include two trucks and four employees and the business has grown from 20 original customers to more than 100.
“The SCWBC was a critical element in the success of my start-up venture, Front Door Trash Collections,” said Johnson. “Their advice and expertise allowed me to efficiently plan and initiate business operations. I can now say that my business is here to stay.”
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SC Women's Business Center is a program of the SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership, with management, oversight and support provided by SCMEP and its resources.
Success Stories 
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SC Women's Business Center is a program of the SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership, with management, oversight and support provided by SCMEP and its resources.