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Testimonials

Gooolll!

Minerva Lopez scored big when she launched Gooolll!  in the heart of the Hispanic shopping district in South St. Louis in April of 2006.  Minerva’s soccer apparel and accessories boutique caters to a worldwide clientele, offering jerseys from soccer teams from all continents.  Minerva sought SBA financing from Justine Petersen to not only expand her inventory but provide working capital dollars for months when her business slows.  “Justine Petersen allowed me to address the seasonal nature of my business,” states Minerva, “with a micro- loan I was able to bridge my seasonal gap.”

Creations in Style

Nickco Kemp realized her dream of having her very own salon when she partnered with her aunt, Isabelle Rutherford, to open Creations in Style in May of 2006. With a financing package from Justine Petersen, which included both a SBA micro-loan and forgivable monies through a local foundation, the “aunt/niece dynamic duo” launched a full-service salon in a recently rehabbed historic storefront in the Fox Park neighborhood.  The salon offers a variety of services including natural hair, manicures, pedicures and waxing.  “We simply could not have done this without the assistance of Justine Petersen,” notes Nickco. “This is a family business dream come true.”

 

 

Jerry Johnson

Jerry Johnson came referred to Justine Petersen by a client who had previously purchased a home with JP’s help.  The entire home buying process for Jerry took only seven weeks. Jerry did not believe that he could be a homeowner because of past credit issues.  Jerry had a good current credit report, he just needed guidance in the home buying process. After receiving loan approval, Jerry worked with a Justine Petersen real estate agent to find the “perfect” home. After purchasing his home, Jerry said, “Justine Petersen helped me own my own home. I am so happy that I do not pay rent anymore. It feels great to come home every night.” 

 

 

St. Louis Q

Ken Watson offers up “the best Q in the Lou” at his landmark St. Louis Q at the corner of West Florissant and Goodfellow in North St. Louis.  Since 1994, Ken has dished out his expansive barbeque menu, with the addition of fish, chicken and burgers.  A Justine Petersen micro-loan combined with an Individual Development Account allowed Ken to take care of some pressing infrastructure needs, such as a newly paved parking lot and a total exterior paint job for his beacon-like corner business.  Ken was also part of a technical assistance program through Justine Petersen that provided his business with a laptop computer, a printer, accounting software and the opportunity to attend training seminars.  “I now have my inventory tracked on the computer,” comments Ken. “I’m eager to become more computer-literate. Thanks, Justine Petersen!”

 

Darrow White

Darrow White came to Justine Petersen in November of 2006 for credit building. He needed assistance in updating and disputing information on his credit report.  Over the course of a few months, Justine Petersen worked with Darrow to pay off a few remaining collections.  After clearing up all credit issues, Justine Petersen staff prepared Darrow's file for loan application at a local financial institution. Once approved, Darrow worked with a Justine Petersen real estate agent to find the right home get his mortgage loan closed in June of 2007.  He is thankful to Justine Petersen staff because he achieved his dream of owning his own home.  Darrow said, “No matter how stressful work is, I am now able to go home to my own home every night.  This would not have been possible without Justine Petersen.”