Success Story _ JT Crane Service
JT Crane Service | Grand Junction, CO
Jeff Thornton brought nearly two decades of technical mastery—twelve years operating cranes and five years handling heavy equipment. Despite this expertise, he faced a critical challenge: a lack of experience in launching and scaling a business.
In the spring of 2019, Jeff connected with the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Mesa County. He immediately recognized the need for guidance, stating, "The classes and coaches... have been essential because I have no experience in bookkeeping or web design.” Shortly after, JT Crane Service was successfully launched, providing essential services for new construction, repairs, sign installations, HVAC installs, and deliveries.
Jeff's commitment to strategic growth was unwavering. He met with various Colorado SBDC business coaches and enrolled in high-impact programs like the Bookkeeping Bootcamp and the intensive LEADING EDGE Strategic Business Planning Course.
The strategic support yielded dramatic results almost immediately. In less than a year, the business training transformed his field expertise into financial success. According to Jeff, “My business almost tripled from my first year to about a year later.” The Colorado SBDC proved to be the vital partner that converted a veteran operator's skill into a booming, profitable enterprise.
For more information, visit JT Crane Service.
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The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is Colorado’s most trusted business resource. We empower businesses to launch, advance, and thrive, ultimately fueling innovation, strengthening local economies, and driving economic vitality across the state. Since 1987, the Colorado SBDC has been the state's only nationally accredited, go-to resource for entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage. With 14 Service Centers, over 25 Satellite Centers, and a network of approximately 300 business experts, the Colorado SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising, essential training, and vital connections to community partners.
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the State of Colorado, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Colorado’s institutions of higher education, local economic development organizations and local chambers of commerce.
This program is supported by Federal Funding.