Freeman Shopping Center Inc.

                                 "Helpful, Friendly Service, with a Smile"


Nancy Larsen of SEFP is presenting Gary Block with his first dollar of profit with his wife Tara Block looking on. 
Others attending the Grand Opening include back row, l-r Dean Dreessen, Merchants State Bank, Dale Weiss,
Luverne Langerock, SEFP Board Members; Derek Helderman, Affiliated Foods Midwest Corporate Registered
Dietician and Doug Cunningham, Affiliated Foods Midwest Govt Relations.  Not shown is Lori Cowman, ABC.

 

COMPANY:  Freeman Shopping Center Inc.

 

PRINCIPAL:  Gary Block

 

LOCATION:  Freeman, SD

 

PHONE/FAX/EMAIL:  (605) 925-4781

 

NUMBER OF JOBS:  7 Full-time, 8 Part-time (hiring 4 more part-time & 1 full time)

 

BACKGROUND:  A former construction business owner and school facility
& personnel manager paved the way for a new challenging career for Gary Block. 
A friend recommended he investigate the purchase of the Freeman Shopping Center
but it took research and an evaluation before he decided to become a grocer.

 

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED:  Business planning & financial projections

 

RESULTS:  A retained business

 

QUOTABLE:  “I met with Dean Dreessen for hours one day last summer and
Dean suggested I create a business plan with the assistance of SEFP.  Nancy
Larsen was a great help in developing the plan and helping me set realistic goals. 
At this time, the store is ahead of the goals.  The community and surrounding area
has responded positively to the full-service grocery.”