On January 15, 2026, the Daviess County CEO cohort had the opportunity to visit Judy and Charlie Heller, owners of Heller’s Unlimited/The Country Garden, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about entrepreneurship and long-term business success.
Charlie shared his journey, which began in 1971 when he started mowing lawns. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, a strong work ethic, and the idea of “falling forward” when facing challenges. Charlie also spoke about the role faith, prayer, and trust have played in guiding them through both successes and setbacks in their business journey.
Throughout the visit, the Hellers offered practical advice on many aspects of running a business, including the benefits of being self-employed while acknowledging challenges such as rising insurance and fuel costs. They discussed the importance of adapting quickly to unexpected circumstances, strategically growing a business by diversifying services, and focusing on repeat customers to build a loyal client base. Exceptional customer service, strong branding—especially through visible company vehicles—and consistent follow-up and feedback were highlighted as key components.
The Hellers also addressed the realities of entrepreneurship, such as handling rejection, learning from setbacks without dwelling on them, and maintaining strong credit by avoiding the “credit card trap.” They reminded students that work ethic is always being observed and that consistent effort truly matters.
Judy Heller concluded the visit by leading the cohort on a tour of the greenhouse, providing an inside look at their daily operations and business processes.
The Daviess County CEO cohort extends sincere thanks to Judy and Charlie Heller for generously sharing their time, wisdom, and inspiring experiences with the students.