Living Treasures Wild Animal Park - New Castle
People
Adam Guiher grew up around tigers, antelope and camels, and at age 19 he was ready to purchase Living Treasures Animal Park from his father, Tom Guiher. A bank was willing to lend against the attraction’s 11 acres and buildings. But much of Living Treasures’ value was wrapped up in its good name, its future revenue, and hundreds of animals. Banks don’t typically consider alligators and binturongs as collateral.
Progress
Enterprise Bank referred Adam to the Small Business Administration and The Progress Fund. The bank, the SBA, The Progress Fund, and Tom Guiher teamed up to fashion a $765,000 financing package, including $200,000 provided by the United States Department of Agriculture from The Progress Fund; that allowed Adam to buy the park and make improvements.
Impact
A new alligator pond and parrot exhibit, plus a host of baby animals, add to Living Treasures’ role as a primary destination in Lawrence County, and a complement to nearby state parks. The young man who grew up on the premises now handles a staff of as many as 15. “I’ve been waiting my whole life up until now to get involved in a business like this,” Adam says. Then he’s off to feed the tigers.
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