Jeff Collins, the owner of Collins Enterprises in rural Arkansas, has always had a passion for technology and a desire to help others.

After earning a degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University, Jeff embarked on a career in the tech industry, working for major companies like Westinghouse and a power and light company in Arkansas. However, despite his success in the corporate world, Jeff always felt drawn to entrepreneurship and community service.

In 1997, Jeff founded Collins Enterprises with a focus on The Computer Station, which provides computer assistance and antivirus support to local customers. His goal was to help people in his community, especially older individuals, navigate the often-intimidating world of technology. Alongside his tech business, Jeff began exploring other areas, including solar power consulting and broadband consulting.

For many years, Collins Enterprises was a side business while Jeff worked full-time in the corporate sector. But after retiring in 2022, Jeff decided it was time to fully commit to growing his business.

He sought opportunities to expand and began looking into government contracts that could help him take his business to the next level. That’s when he connected with Communities Unlimited (CU) at a broadband conference in Little Rock, where Jeff was learning about Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) grants and the Internet for All program.

“I wanted to see where I could fit in and get support for expanding my business,” Jeff said.

There, Jeff crossed paths with CU’s Broadband Team and met Interstate Coordinator Mark Pearson. Mark referred Jeff to the Entrepreneurship Team and he began working with CU Management Consultant Katy Parrish, who has been instrumental in helping him focus and grow his business.

One of Jeff’s challenges, Katy noted, has been operating in rural Arkansas, where it can be difficult to find and maintain a consistent client base. His technical skills as a retired engineer have made him highly capable in computer services, solar power, and broadband consulting, but the business side of things has been more challenging.

Katy’s support has included creating a comprehensive marketing plan that helps Jeff target key areas of his business and developing a social media tool to attract more clients.

The impact of Katy’s guidance has already begun to take shape. With a clearer focus on his business goals and strategies, Jeff is optimistic about the future of Collins Enterprises.

“I think Communities Unlimited is doing a great job helping businesses like mine grow, whether it’s through marketing support or capital funding,” Jeff said. “I look forward to working with you all in the future as my business continues to grow.”