Across the U.S., alternative financing and entrepreneurship solutions are helping small business owners find new paths to growth and stability — and that’s exactly what happened for Jason Skelton, owner of S&S Auto Sales in Lincoln, Arkansas.

From there, he serves a network of dealers across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. And with more than 15 years in the industry, he knows how to move cars fast — buying used vehicles, fixing them up, and selling them quickly, often the same day they’re ready.

“I sell wholesale, not retail,” Skelton said. “I can text a dealer photos and a price, and they’ll text back ‘yes’ because they trust me. If something’s wrong, they know I’ll make it right.”

Over time, that trust has grown. It didn’t happen overnight. Instead, Skelton earned it by learning how to judge vehicles at auction, paying close attention to what different dealers want, and staying selective. Even now, that sometimes means walking away empty-handed rather than taking a chance on a problem vehicle.

Navigating the Limits of Floorplan Financing

Like many auto wholesalers, Skelton relies on floorplan financing to buy vehicles at auction. In simple terms, this tool lets dealers borrow money for each car and then pay fees and interest until the car sells. Because of this, floorplans work well for fast, high-volume buying. However, they also come with strict rules and flat fees that apply no matter how much a car costs.

As a result, lower-priced vehicles often bring in less profit. Those flat fees can take a big bite out of earnings. At the same time, when Skelton buys cars outside of auction — such as from private sellers — lenders usually value them at wholesale prices. Unfortunately, those numbers often fall well below what he actually spends to buy and fix up the vehicles.

“The floorplan works for auctions,” Skelton said, “but it’s not feasible for every opportunity.” For smaller dealers, alternative financing options for small businesses may offer more flexibility.

Because of these limits, Skelton sometimes had to pass on good deals — especially private-party purchases and lower-priced cars that didn’t fit the floorplan setup.

That’s when Communities Unlimited (CU) stepped in.

A Strategic Loan and the Right Support

With help from CU’s Lending Team, Skelton worked with Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Tillman to secure a small loan that gives him more flexibility. This line of credit allows him to buy vehicles that don’t fit the rules of his usual floorplan financing. This alternative financing service for his small business has proven crucial in giving him an edge.

“This line will let me buy cars I have to pass on right now,” Skelton said.

Skelton is also using the loan to cover parts and repair costs. These expenses add up quickly, especially in a business where every vehicle requires money upfront before it can be sold.

At the same time, Skelton has been working closely with CU’s Entrepreneurship Team, including Brian Wells, Area Director of Entrepreneurship. Through this entrepreneurship solution, the Arkansas small business owner created a simple system to track his costs and goals for each vehicle.

“At any moment, I can see exactly what I’ve got in each car,” Skelton said. “What I paid, what I put into it, and what I need to sell it for. That spreadsheet is invaluable.”

From Chaos to Control

Before working with CU, Skelton said debt was running his business. But with better tracking, stronger habits, and more accountability, he was able to pay down much of his problem floorplan debt, reorganize other loans, and take back control of his finances.

“Before, debt was controlling me,” he said. “Now it’s under control.”

With clearer records and better tools, Skelton can now see how his business is doing each month. That clarity helped him turn a tough year in 2024 into real progress — and set the stage for strong, measurable growth in 2025, more than doubling his results from the year before.

Building Long-Term Stability

For Skelton, what sets CU apart isn’t just access to capital — it’s the focus on long-term stability.

“They’re not just interested in giving loans,” he said. “They’re interested in making sure you’re better off than when you started.”

All of CU’s work with S&S Auto Sales — from entrepreneurship help to lending support — was made possible through the ongoing support of the Walton Family Foundation, which helps ensure entrepreneurs across Northwest Arkansas have access to both capital and the tools needed to use it wisely.

With smarter financing, stronger systems, and a business built on trust, Skelton is no longer just reacting to opportunities — he’s positioned to take advantage of them.

And for a wholesaler who prides himself on knowing when to walk away, that flexibility makes all the difference. By using CU’s financing and entrepreneurship solutions, Skelton has positioned S&S Auto Sales to stay competitive and adapt in a demanding market.