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KENOSHA — Kenosha native James Warner became an entrepreneur for many reasons, but none bigger than to control his own destiny.
“If the end is near, I want to know about it,” Warner said.
The 2006 Bradford High School graduate got his start in business as a Best Buy employee and worked his way into management. He soon discovered working for someone else “wasn’t his gig.”
In 2013, Warner made it a point to forge that path by finding a mentor and taking a leap of faith towards ownership of Kenosha-based Odd Job Larry.
“It was a new business loaded with potential,” Warner said. “When I got there, the business looked and operated very different than it does today.”
Warner shared his journey with local residents and entrepreneurs at a Small Business Roundtable on Tuesday (October 6) at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. The event was presented by Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Milwaukee and Community State Bank.
Through partnerships with SBDC and Community State Bank, Warner and his team built Odd Job Larry into an award-winning handyman and remodeling company with over 20 employees.
It allowed him the opportunity to start his own company with his wife Tina, who together founded Millie Bo Peep. The children’s boutique opened in 2023 in downtown Kenosha, offering quality, hypoallergenic clothing and products, including sustainable wood toys.
They also own Kenosha’s Kitchens & Baths and are in the planning stages for a fourth business coming soon.
Community State Bank Executive VP | Chief Lending Officer Robert Pieroni has worked hand-in-hand with Warner, helping him achieve his goals since the very beginning.
“James is passionate about everything he does,” Pieroni said. “It’s what drives him.”
Pieroni introduced a variety of tools to help Warner, including the Wisconsin SBA 7(a) loan program. It’s designed for small businesses, offering low-interest, long-term financing for real estate and equipment.
Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs succeed at any stage. It offers no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.
It’s that type of organizations, programs and relationships that have helped Warner throughout his journey.
“There’s four people you need to find: A banker, a lawyer, an insurance agent and a Certified Public Accountant,” Warner said. “If you can build a relationship with those four people and have them in your corner, those are going to be important people to lean on.”
Tuesday’s event was attended by numerous local residents looking to start their own business or improve their existing business. It allowed them the opportunity to ask questions and connect with local business professionals.
"It's all about relationships," Community State Bank VP | Market President (Kenosha-Racine) Laura Burnett Shoemaker said. "We want to help people. At Community State Bank, we provide opportunities for people and try and live up to the goals and expectations we set for ourselves."
Warner’s story inspired a local business owner who recently took over a popular Kenosha diner. It guided a local hair stylist looking to expand her business. It piqued the curiosity of a local real estate agent searching for financing options.
“We do our best to help local businesses grow and achieve their goals,” Community State Bank’s AVP | Business Banking Ben Bruno said. “When we can do that, it’s pretty fulfilling.”
Warner said he enjoyed sharing his story and hopes it inspires others to follow their dreams.
“If (Tuesday’s) event allowed me to help just one person, that to me is a success,” Warner said.
