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Michael (Mike) Slaton, a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIUE, is the founder of a new business, a 1-800-STRIPER franchise, preparing to launch and serve the St. Louis Metro East area. This franchise offers professional services like parking lot striping, sports court markings, and more. Slaton, an active military member, dreams of building a successful business that will create jobs and positively impact the local community.

Slaton’s entrepreneurial journey began when he attended a "Boots to Business" class, an initiative designed to support service members as they transition from military to civilian life. At the class, Slaton, an active-duty military member, first connected with Jo Ann Di Maggio, Director from the Illinois SBDC at SIUE. Di Maggio quickly became an invaluable guide as he navigated the world of business ownership.

Reflecting on his journey, Slaton said, “Jo Ann has been instrumental, providing referrals for attorneys, accountants, and even advised on local community organizations to consider joining to maximize success.” Her guidance, he noted, has been an essential support system, helping him shape his business vision into a concrete plan.

After 22 years of active military duty Slaton’s transition from military to an entrepreneur has been a key focus, he is preparing to fully operate his business by early 2025 with the goal to create job opportunities and grow the business over time. The initial crew will include a team leader and crew member, along with plans to bring in an operations manager along with a marketing and sales team.

Throughout this journey, Slaton has faced significant challenges, particularly in securing funding and navigating the logistics of small business ownership. Despite these hurdles, the support from the SBDC and the local community has kept his dream alive. "The community’s support for veterans has been overwhelming," Slaton shared, acknowledging the encouragement and assistance he’s received. “Without the SBDC’s guidance, I don’t think this would have been possible.”

“Slaton has worked hard to accomplish his goal of business ownership.  He is eager to learn and is extremely motivated,” says Di Maggio May. “I look forward to assisting Mike and 1-800-STRIPER further.”

1-800-STRIPER of St. Louis Metro East is based out of the O’Fallon/Shiloh, Illinois area. Find them online or reach their offices at 618-844-1210.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs like 1-800-STRIPER of St. Louis Metro East as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. SBDC enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. 

SBDC offices in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may assist in business ventures, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or [email protected].

PHOTO:  1-800-STRIPER