SUPPORTING YOUR OWN. Harlie Juedes grew up on a cattle farm in Dunn County, learning the ropes of hard work and self-employment early in life. Today, she is an entrepreneur herself – something that significantly supports her role as director of the Small Business Development Center in Eau Claire, for which she was recently awarded. (Photo via UW-Eau Claire)

Harlie Juedes, director at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has earned the state of Wisconsin SBDC’s Rising Leadership Award for her longtime leadership in the community. 

Through that role, Juedes supports the shaping of new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Eau Claire center's service area of eight counties in west central Wisconsin: Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Rusk and Taylor.

As part of the award, Juedes will join 49 other state SBDC award winners in October for a two-day conference and special leadership training in Atlanta, Ga. The leadership training will continue for a year with monthly virtual meetings.

Nominated by SBDC colleagues from across the state, Juedes was shocked when she heard her name called out at the state of Wisconsin’s SBDC annual meeting in Green Bay last month.

“Of course, I’m honored, and I’m humbled,” she said in a recent interview. “Yet, my view of myself as a leader is like those people who are dressed in black on a stage who support the actors and move sets and props around, behind the scenes.

“I want to do all I can to provide my team and our clients with the resources they need to succeed.”

In addition to leading the UW-Eau Claire SBDC, Juedes and her team are the focal point for the entire state’s Capital Access Clinic, which in simple terms, means helping entrepreneurs and businesses find the money they need to start or maintain their operations.

Being an entrepreneur herself has been a huge benefit in understanding her client's needs and wants and how to fulfill them, particularly with financial resources, Juedes said.

“Her impact on clients is both measurable and deeply human,” wrote Athena Agoudemos, associate director of the Wisconsin SBDC Network in Milwaukee, in her nomination letter.

“She has led the Capital Access Clinic with exceptional skill, serving hundreds of entrepreneurs and ensuring they receive the guidance, tools, and confidence need to move their business forward,” Agoudemos said. “She has navigated complex center situations with grace, respect and a steady presence that builds trust among colleagues, stake holders and partners.”

Entrepreneurship and business management is practically built into Juedes’ DNA. She grew up on her parents’ cattle farm in Colfax, where – with her innate talent – she started drawing and painting animals and nature scenes.

Later, her artwork financed a portion of her college education, as Juedes sold a number of pieces to individuals and Marshfield Clinic facilities. (Side Note: Juedes’s artwork has also graced the cover of Volume One twice.)

In time, Juedes’ parents moved from cattle to bison and created the Hooterville Junction Bison Farm. There, Juedes can be found staffing their booth at local farmers’ markets.

Additionally, she and her husband Cody also bought and now manage two local businesses: Snappy Car Wash, a touch-free car wash and laundromat business with locations in Eau Claire, Cadott and Ladysmith; and AmericInn by Wyndham, a relaxed budget hotel and venue in Chippewa Falls.

Being an entrepreneur herself has been a huge benefit in understanding her client’s needs, wants and how to fulfill them – particularly with financial resources, Juedes said.

For more information on the Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (Schneider Social Science Hall, Room 105, 1702 Park Ave., Eau Claire) or the statewide network, visit wisconsinsbdc.org. Professional inquiries can be sent to Harlie Juedes via juedeshj@uwec.edu.