In the rural town of Gosnell, Arkansas — located in Mississippi County near the northeastern corner of the state, just outside Blytheville — Tachmonite Butler is on a mission to bring something different to his community: a space where gamers can gather, connect, and share their love for collectible card games, role-playing adventures, and classic board games. His business, H.U.B. Games, may still be in its startup phase, but the vision behind it is crystal clear.
“Not everyone in rural areas wants to go to wine tastings or stick to the usual small-town routine,” Tachmonite said. “There are people like me who enjoy strategy, storytelling, and a challenge — whether it’s Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, or Yu-Gi-Oh. I wanted to bring that fun closer to home.”
The name H.U.B. stands for Heroes United Because of Games — a nod to the idea that every player steps into the shoes of a hero when they sit down at the table. But Tachmonite knew that building this kind of business would take more than passion. That’s when he turned to Communities Unlimited (CU) and began working with Senior Management Consultant James Custer from CU’s Entrepreneurship Team.
While he had sold cards online and hosted a few games, he hadn’t yet built a steady customer base or developed systems to manage the financial side of his business.
“I was operating, but without much traction,” he explained. “I didn’t really know where my business stood financially.”
James stepped in to help turn that around. Together, they developed a Business Model Canvas, laying out key elements like revenue streams, customer segments, and value propositions. James also conducted a benchmark analysis, giving Tachmonite a realistic look at industry standards and where his business might go.
But one of the most valuable shifts came through setting up a formal bookkeeping system using Wave accounting software.
“I’ve learned more about bookkeeping in the last few months than I had in three years,” Tachmonite said. “Now, I know what I’m making, where my money’s going, and what I need to plan for next. It’s helped me get a real picture of my business.”
Currently operating online, his long-term goal is to open a physical storefront back in Mississippi County — providing a dedicated space for gamers to meet, compete, and bond.
“The dream is to have a place where people don’t have to travel an hour to play. A local shop where folks can come in, hang out, and enjoy what they love.”
Although the business is still in its early stages, Tachmonite says the support from Communities Unlimited has given him both confidence and clarity. His next meeting with James will focus on planning for financial growth and long-term sustainability.
“I’d recommend CU to anyone starting out,” he said.
“They don’t just give advice — they mentor you. They take the time to work with you, to find out where you’re at and where you want to go.”
With his community-focused mindset, deep love of gaming, and a mentor by his side, Tachmonite Butler is leveling up.
As he puts it: “Gamers, let’s game.”
