In the 1980's Marty and Jamie Murray were partners in a Ceramic Studio in New Jersey. At the same time Marty was a full time firefighter in Camden NJ. They found that they liked dealing with people and of course in that kind of business you get to know your customers well. The business grew to a point where other ceramic studios were coming to them for product, and moving into the wholesale business put them at a crossroads. They needed to decide whether or not Marty would give up his firefighter job or they would run the ceramic studio full-time. For the security of Marty's retirement benefit, he stayed on as a firefighter and sold the ceramic studio, putting his entrepreneurial dream on hold.

After Marty's retirement they moved to Florida, had their retirement house built and Marty started another full time job. The yearning for owning a business never went away. Jamie and Marty talked about it often and started checking out the local small businesses to get an idea for their future store. Due to today's economy, they soon came to realize that their dream would be a gift store that had reasonably priced items. As they continued developing their idea, they wanted to make sure that they were able to provide something unique to their customer. Through their research, they determined that their gift buyer would also have a need to ship the gift up north to family such as sons, daughters, and grandchildren. Why not provide those customers a one stop shop opportunity!

"So, like chocolate and peanut butter, we thought--pack & ship & gifts - and Mail This, LLC was born!"

As they pursued their idea, they explored the internet and found the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University. In August of 2008, Marty came to the Cape Coral SBDC to meet with Judith Pultro, Certified Business Analyst. Marty and Judy met several times to complete and review a business plan. Marty and Jamie were in need of substantial start-up capital to get the business off the ground. Dedication and perseverance was the key, and after several long months, and a few passes from different lenders, Marty and Jamie found a partner in Calusa National Bank. With the receipt of a $100,000 SBA loan, the Murray's were on their way to fulfilling their dream and serving their customers!

On March 30, 2009, Mail This, LLC opened its doors for the first time. Business has been great and the feedback from the community has been very positive. On April 24, 2009, amidst great fanfare, Mail This, LLC held its grand opening celebration.

"With every journey there is a first step, and we are glad Judy helped us with that first step. Since then we have developed a working relationship with Judy, and she has become a mentor and friend. The help and information just keeps on coming. Just because our business is up and running we certainly are not done with her. We plan take advantage of what the SBDC has to offer and use what we learn to make our business grow and prosper. If any business does not do well with the assistance of the SBDC, they are just not listening!!"