SCORE Mentors

04/06/2026

“Financial decisions should be inclusive and collaborative.”

When Pamela Chen launched Refresh Investments, she brought deep expertise to the table as both a CPA and CFA. But like many entrepreneurs, she quickly discovered that building a business requires more than mastering your craft.

As she worked to grow her financial planning and investment firm, Pam turned to SCORE mentor Bill Ehrlich for guidance on scaling sustainably. Together, they developed a plan focused on team building, marketing, and operational efficiency.

The results were transformative. Pam launched a new website, created an Advisory Board, hosted educational webinars, and streamlined her operations, allowing her to focus on serving clients while growing the business.

What truly sets Refresh Investments apart is its approach. In an industry that can often feel intimidating, Pam has built a firm where clients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their options, and actively participate in the decision-making process.

By combining expert guidance with a collaborative philosophy, Refresh Investments is helping make financial planning more accessible for women and their families.

02/06/2026

SCORE mentor Ke'Ira Lewis knows that some of the most rewarding parts of mentorship go beyond business advice.

Through SCORE, she has built meaningful relationships with entrepreneurs, supporting them as they grow their businesses and pursue their goals. What may start as a mentoring conversation can grow into a lasting connection rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared success.

Those relationships are what make mentorship so special.

If you're ready to share your expertise and build connections that make a difference, consider volunteering with SCORE. 💙

01/06/2026

Learning never stops when you’re building your dream! 🌟

Join SCORE mentors and small business experts for low-cost webinars and local events designed to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

28/05/2026

“I took a class in business school about becoming an entrepreneur by acquiring someone else’s great idea. The concept resonated with me.”

After nearly a decade in corporate America, the owner of Blue Wrench Truck and Auto Repair decided it was time to make the leap.

In 2022, he and his business partner acquired a repair shop with more than 30 years of history serving Idaho's Treasure Valley. But buying a business and growing one are two very different challenges.

That’s why he reached out to SCORE almost immediately.

What he found wasn't just advice. It was a team of experienced business leaders willing to challenge assumptions, offer honest feedback, and help chart a smarter path forward. When he considered pursuing government contracts, his mentors advised a different route. Their guidance helped him focus on opportunities that better aligned with his goals and resources.

Since then, monthly meetings with SCORE mentors Dave and Don have become a cornerstone of the business's growth. From hiring and HR to marketing and expansion, they serve as trusted advisors and accountability partners.

“Having an experienced group of business experts as a sounding board is extremely helpful.”

Today, Blue Wrench continues to grow, serving everyone from Kenworth trucks to Honda sedans and helping keep the Treasure Valley moving.

Learn how SCORE helped turn a business acquisition into a growth strategy.

28/05/2026

26/05/2026

“One thing I’ve really realized is how important guidance and mentorship are when growing a business.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Austin Gerling didn't grow up around business owners or people teaching financial strategy. Much of the journey was learned through experience, mistakes, and figuring things out along the way.

That’s why SCORE mentorship made such a difference.

“It’s helping me accomplish goals, structure things properly, and just giving me someone I feel comfortable discussing business with.”

As businesses grow, so do the decisions. Having someone to share lessons, offer perspective, and help navigate the next level can make all the difference.

“I really believe there’s enough opportunity out there for everyone, and that we all grow faster when people are willing to help each other learn.”

25/05/2026

💡 Ready to take your business to the next level? SCORE offers live webinars and local workshops to help you start, grow, and thrive.

21/05/2026

“Drink Me! Tea Room is a unicorn!”

What began as inspiration on a family trip to London became something entirely magical back home in Tempe. On the flight home from afternoon tea with her family, the founder of Drink Me! Tea Room started writing a business plan — one that would eventually become an immersive, Alice in Wonderland-inspired escape built around connection, celebration, and inclusivity.

Today, Drink Me! Tea Room serves organic teas, allergen-friendly chef confections, and themed experiences in a space designed to feel whimsical, welcoming, and unlike anywhere else. Vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, and community-centered, the tea room has become a gathering place where guests can slow down and savor time together.

But opening during uncertain times came with challenges. “I believe I was able to launch a new business and survive the pandemic with guidance from programs offered by SCORE,” she shared.

Through SCORE mentoring, workshops, and strategic guidance, she gained support navigating hiring, operations, HR, legal questions, and long-term planning. “Julie possesses a wealth of diverse business experience and knowledge that I could identify with. She holds me accountable in many ways including goal setting and strategic planning.”

From a spark of inspiration at tea in London to a thriving themed destination in Arizona, Drink Me! Tea Room proves that a good idea — paired with the right mentorship — can become something wonderfully unexpected.

19/05/2026

SCORE mentor Jeffrey Turner understands that mentorship is not about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for entrepreneurs to think clearly, build structure, and move forward with confidence.

The most impactful mentors know how to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and support business owners in a way that respects both the mission and the person behind it.

That steady guidance can make all the difference in how an entrepreneur leads, plans, and grows.

If you’re ready to share your experience and help small business owners navigate the journey ahead, consider volunteering with SCORE. 💙

18/05/2026

📚 Low-cost business learning opportunities await!

Join a SCORE St. Louis webinar or workshop this week and 🚀

10/05/2026

Introducing the SCOREboard:

Our very own virtual bulletin board built for THIS community.

Each week, we’ll post a prompt where you can share wins, ask questions, swap insights, and support fellow entrepreneurs along the way.

Think of it as your space to show up, speak up, and connect.

New week, new prompt 👇

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Pin it to the SCOREboard 📌

In honor of Mother's Day, what advice do you have for MOMpreneurs?

We'll use the comment section as a sounding board to offer resources and support.

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Have something YOU want to ask other entrepreneurs? DM us to submit your prompts. 📩

09/05/2026

“He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

For Mark and Shannon Debner, building their business was never easy — but in 2008, everything changed overnight.

Just months after acquiring another company and moving into a new facility, a devastating flood destroyed the future they had carefully planned. Then came the economic collapse. Between June 2008 and January 2009, DPI moved three times while fighting to keep the business alive.

But quitting was never part of the plan.

Through determination, long hours, and an unwavering commitment to their team and customers, the owners of DPI Quality Custom Finishes rebuilt piece by piece. Along the way, SCORE mentor Scott Loggins became a steady source of guidance and support during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

“He has experienced what we’ve been through, and he came out on the other side,” Mark shared. “He shows us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

With SCORE’s help developing a new business plan and navigating constant change, Mark and Shannon turned disaster into resilience — proving that sometimes success is not about avoiding the storm, but finding the strength to rebuild after it.

08/05/2026

Something special happened in the Learning Lab this week 🧪

Ideas → action
Connections → opportunities
Entrepreneurs → growth

Two days. Ten webinars. 5,000+ registrants.

Same time next year? 👀

07/05/2026

In light of NSBW, we're excited to announce that we're teaming up with to bring you a series of AI webinars this year.

Join us to learn about how Google AI can help your business and get more details about the free Google AI Professional Certificate for U.S. small businesses.

Build AI fluency with hands-on training from Google experts. Master tools like Gemini & NotebookLM through 20+ activities designed to help you work smarter.

07/05/2026

: Finding Grants and Sponsorships: Locate Opportunities, Apply Confidently, Stand Out to Funders

Cheryl Smith is closing out our National Small Business Week Learning Lab with some words of encouragement!

07/05/2026

Thank you for a wonderful called, “How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business. this has been an amazing two-day experience.

07/05/2026

: How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business

Ramon Ray delivering hot takes on transitioning into an entrepreneur! Are you tuning in?

07/05/2026

: AI in 2026: What’s Changing and What It Means for Small Business

SCORE mentors Matthew and Charlie are discussing where AI fits in the small business workflow!