SCORE Mentors

“One thing I’ve really realized is how important guidance and mentorship are when growing a business.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Austin Gerling didn't grow up around business owners or people teaching financial strategy. Much of the journey was learned through experience, mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.

That’s why SCORE mentorship made such a difference.

“It’s helping me accomplish goals, structure things properly, and just giving me someone I feel comfortable discussing business with.”

As businesses grow, so do the decisions. Having someone to share lessons, offer perspective, and help navigate the next level can make all the difference.

“I really believe there’s enough opportunity out there for everyone, and that we all grow faster when people are willing to help each other learn.”

SCORE mentorship shows up in more ways than one.

“SCORE mentors have played a pivotal role in my career more than once. Whether it is a workshop, mentorship, or connections, these spaces matter.”

During a busy season, Fernanda Ferrari made time to keep learning, even when it meant bringing her daughter along to a workshop.

And in a quiet moment during the session, something clicked:

“Can I come to the next one?”

A simple question that captured something bigger.

Mentorship doesn’t just shape businesses. It shapes confidence, curiosity, and what the next generation sees as possible.

“I am just really grateful for it all.” Thank you, Fernanda, for sharing your SCORE story. 💙

Learning never stops when you’re building your dream! 🌟

Join SCORE mentors and small business experts for low-cost webinars and local events designed to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

“He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

For Mark and Shannon Debner, building their business was never easy — but in 2008, everything changed overnight.

Just months after acquiring another company and moving into a new facility, a devastating flood destroyed the future they had carefully planned. Then came the economic collapse. Between June 2008 and January 2009, DPI moved three times while fighting to keep the business alive.

But quitting was never part of the plan.

Through determination, long hours, and an unwavering commitment to their team and customers, the owners of DPI Quality Custom Finishes rebuilt piece by piece. Along the way, SCORE mentor Scott Loggins became a steady source of guidance and support during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

“He has experienced what we’ve been through, and he came out on the other side,” Mark shared. “He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

With SCORE’s help developing a new business plan and navigating constant change, Mark and Shannon turned disaster into resilience — proving that sometimes success is not about avoiding the storm, but finding the strength to rebuild after it.

Thank you for a wonderful called, “How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business. this has been an amazing two-day experience.