by Julia Paulus

In 2000, Nicole Reynolds began to work for End of the Rainbow CDC in Columbia, Mo. Although she was still in college, she started forging her entrepreneurial path.

“I asked the owner if she would want to sell, and she said, ‘Yes, in the future,’” says Reynolds. “When I graduated, I stayed and learned all of the ins and outs of the business, became the assistant director, and stayed close to all the families, which helped when the transition in ownership came. I knew then what I wanted for the future, so my husband and I planned for the purchase, expansion and remodel.”

Two years after graduating in 2005, Reynolds and her husband, Jared, purchased End of the Rainbow. Soon, Reynolds’ years of experience with the business paid off. Within three years, the business grew 225% in annual volume – from $250,000 in 2005 to $813,442 in 2008.

“We had 56 children when I started in 2000,” says Reynolds. “When my husband and I bought it, we expanded and got a license for 99 kids and we doubled the staff. Now we are in the process of expanding again to 150 kids.”

Reynolds says she is focused on providing exceptional care and on continuing to succeed. Keith McLaughlin, senior vice president of the SBA Lending Division at the Bank of Missouri, who nominated Nikki for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, says her commitment will lead to continued success. “Nikki demonstrates a personal commitment to the business and a passion for children,” he says. “The growth of the business, her investment in the facility and her focus on community involvement are what make her stand out as an exceptional young entrepreneur.”