From Layoffs to Business Owner

The number of layoffs increase each day, but one Abilene man took matters into his own hands after he got the pink slip. Instead of looking for a new job, he became his own boss and started a business.

"It was devastating but there is hope, there is a silver lining and the end of anything, of any crisis we experience in life," says Windell Lowe, owner of WC Vending, "you just have to find the positive in it."

It was a way to turn lemons, into lemonade. He was laid off after 28-years with one company, but it didn't take long for him to get back to work.

"I picked myself up, took a hard look at the talents and the skills I hard to offer," says Lowe.

And his business thrives even through tough economic times, vending machines at Lowe's are one of forty accounts he got after a year in business. His initial goal was to have fifty accounts in two years. Business might be going well now, but it wasn't always easy. It took some time for Windell to build his confidence and clientele.

"The biggest challenge is walking into businesses and selling your talents or what you have to offer the customer that meets their needs," says Lowe, "and after a few times doing that you start getting some placements and getting your confidence built up, then it starts growing."

The biggest confidence boost came from his wife, Carol who watched the business grow over the past year.

"It's amazing," she says, "it's amazing how well it has grown and how far it's gone in a year's time.

Carol said after Lowe got laid off, they reflected on what he learned from his previous jobs. This also helped make WC Vending a success, and she's proud of him.

"Right now it's going very well, but if it keeps progressing, then i might quit my job and help him," says Carol with a laugh.

Windell says the best part of his new job is having more time to serve the community. He is active in the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and many local civic organizations.