Effective Jan. 1 2013, White and his wife, Jenny, who handles the day-to-day operations of the business, bought out Kruzick’s share of the company. Later, having attained a sufficient financial footing, the Whites purchased the property from the Kruzick family.

Since September 2011, Winamac Lumber has completely overhauled the store, significantly expanded inventory, re-established and then enlarged its greenhouse, and increased its workforce from three full-time and one part-time employees to six full-time and three part-time staff members. Additionally, the Whites reached an agreement whereby Healey Custom Cabinetry, LLC, now operates out of the rear of the store, providing Winamac Lumber with additional exposure and business opportunities, and Patrick Healey with a convenient location for his growing operations. 

For all but two months in 2012, Winamac Lumber made payments in excess of the monthly balance; these additional payments on principal, as well as wise fiscal management, have allowed the company to complete repayment of the loan 12 months early, thus increasing the amount of funding available for other borrowers.

"The CDC is grateful for the opportunity to have assisted in the growth of this local business," said CDC executive director Nathan Origer. "Phil and Jenny White and all of their employees express their deep gratitude to the community for all of the support over the last four years and in the future."

The Pulaski County RLF has a balance of nearly $150,000 and grows as current loan repayments build the fund. The RLF, established with grant money received from the State of Indiana, exists to assist current and start-up businesses to grow when bank financing is either unavailable or insufficient. Funding is available at four levels: micro-financing, mini-financing, and small loans, all administered by the CDC, and regular loans, administered with assistance from the Regional Development Company. For more information, contact the CDC.