On August 19, 2026, the Daviess County CEO cohort had the privilege of meeting with Judy and Charlie Heller, owners of Heller's Unlimited/The Country Garden. Charlie shared their inspiring journey to success.
Charlie recounted how he began mowing lawns back in 1971, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and a mindset of "falling forward" in the face of challenges. He also stressed the role of faith in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
The Hellers offered practical advice on running a business, including:

**The benefits of self-employment, while acknowledging the challenges of uncontrollable costs like insurance and fuel
**Leaning on faith, prayer, and trust — nothing is impossible with God
**Building a strong foundation
**Adapting quickly to unforeseen circumstances
**Pursuing strategic growth by diversifying offerings
**Focusing on repeat customers and building a loyal customer base
**Delivering exceptional service as a key differentiator
**Using effective branding to make their vehicles and business stand out
**Handling rejection and learning to move forward without dwelling on setbacks
**Following up and communicating effectively
**Seek feedback
**Staying current on taxes owed
**Knowing your product, getting feedback, and satisfying your customers
**Staying willing to learn
The couple also stressed the importance of maintaining good credit and avoiding the credit card trap, reminding the cohort that work ethic is always being watched — so put in the effort.
The Daviess County CEO cohort extends heartfelt thanks to Judy and Charlie for generously sharing their time, wisdom, and inspiring stories.