When a young farmer lost his new home in a fire, Jimmie and Misty Wiley were able to provide him a temporary option while he rebuilt.
Eighteen months ago, the Wileys set out to establish 4-U Convertible Sheds in Hubbard County, a business venture to sell convertible sheds to the public. Having secured loan support from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, they completed their first shed this past winter. They were about to put the shed on market when they learned that their neighbor lost the home he had been building, along with some key valuables, in a fire.
Valuing humanity over profit, they chose to provide their neighbor housing. The Wileys gave him the 4-U Convertible Shed, with the agreement that he’d pay back only the cost of the building materials once he was back on his feet.
“These are the things we live for,” the Wileys reported to NMF. “We hauled (the shed) down the road and placed it. It was quickly converted into a heated cabin and made a fit place for a young farmer who needs to wake up where his cows are.”
NMF was able to provide funding through a Small Business Administration microloan as well as rapid response funding intended to support underserved populations. The couple has been married more than 23 years and have two children.
“This is a great example of how entrepreneurs can support their communities and follow their dreams,” said Tabi Steinmetz, an NMF Community Revitalization program officer. “This shows how important our local, small businesses are in our communities.”
