Couple to continue services similar to former family business Jenniges Plumbing and Heating
John Jenniges Jr. and Tina Phan-Jenniges recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to start a plumbing and heating business, MJ Mechanical. The couple intends to operate the business similar to Jenniges Plumbing and Heating, formerly owned by John’s father. MJ Mechanical will focus on new commercial and residential plumbing and heating installation and will also provide HVAC replacement and ongoing service and repair work. MJ Mechanical can be reached at 507-828-5405.
John started in the plumbing industry in 1992 and received his master plumber license in 2002. Tina has been with Jenniges Plumbing and Heating since 1997 in office administration. John always knew he wanted to own and operate his own plumbing and heating company.
“This is a big step forward for us,” John said. “We could not have done this without the financial support and assistance from all three lenders involved. We cannot thank them enough for believing in us and our new business.”
The loan package was a joint effort by Hometown Bank of Redwood Falls; the Redwood County Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Redwood Area Development Corporation and Redwood County EDA; and SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program.
“We are pleased to be a part of this loan package and look forward to helping John and Tina grow their new venture in the future,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.
Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase assets from the original business. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship-building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $48 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 460 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which has created or retained more than 7,500 jobs. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
