Baseball is at the heart of summer pastimes for American families across the country.  Mike and Trina Dimmitt are keeping this pastime alive in Missoula by making their passion for baseball a family business.  When previous MCDC clients became busy parents and decided to sell the Missoula Batting Cages, Trina and Mike jumped at the opportunity to purchase the business and share their decades of baseball experience with Missoula.

As with many motivated entrepreneurs, obtaining financing to start their business was the biggest barrier.  Past financial hardships made it especially difficult.  Recognizing their determination, MCDC provided a microloan for half of the purchase price and arranged seller financing for the rest.  MCDC also provided QuickBooks and legal services grants and SBDC business consulting, all in time for the Dimmits to open the cages by the Spring season.

Making a seasonal business work is not always easy, but through MCDC’s seasonally adjusted repayment terms and the Dimmitts’ willingness to go the extra mile, baseball in Missoula is alive and well.  The Dimmitt’s pride of ownership shows through in their extended hours and many safety, storage, and equipment upgrades—not to mention batting lessons and exceptional customer service.  The Dimmitts support local children’s charities by supplying free cage time, and they provide discounted lessons to children from low income areas.  They have created a comfortable, safe environment for families to enjoy time together.  Their success right off the bat has caught the attention of their local bank who is now considering servicing their business loan by paying off the MCDC microloan.  Mike and Trina’s commitment to community is a Home Run for Missoula!