Lisa Halbert
Owner - Double L Country Store in Belle, Hwy 28.
573-859-3771

...an entrepreneur since age 12.

1. Tell us about your business.

 " We are more than just a convenience store. Yes, we offer the basics of convenience: snacks and drinks, sandwiches, beer & spirits. We also offer lottery tickets, and gaming machines.

But "country is in our name," and we live up to that. We offer livestock feed & corn, bales of straw, hunting and fishing licenses, and more. We have the only drive-thru window in Belle, with friendly and personal service, with a greeting and a smile. We get to KNOW our customers on a first-name basis, and serve them individually.

By offering extended EARLY HOURS (4:30 a.m) we feed early risers on their way to work, or retirees who just get up early. Daily you will see farmers gathered on the front porch or in our dining area inside.

Conveniently located at the corner of Hwy 89 and 28 right on the road frontage, in Belle.

We financially support the Belle Fair, the local school, and we adopt struggling families for Christmas."

Store Hours:
Winter: 4:30 a.m. -to 8 p.m Mon-Sat and 5;30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Summer: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon-Sat and 5;30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
_______

2. Give us a brief history of your work and entrepreneurial history.

"Well, my dad was a hard-working logger and he was killed in a logging accident when I was only ten. So I realized that I would need to take on responsibilities at a very young age. I started a babysitting service at age 12. During high school, I took advantage of summer school programs that paid me to clean, mop floors, and paint playground equipment. I took a sales job at age 18, and took on factory work, as well. I knew this wasn't for me.

I went back to school - Vatterott College - and studied Business, and Computer Technologies. I also attended Cosmetology Training.

Immediately out of school I started my own businesses. I was hair stylist for many years, PLUS I co-owned a local bar on Hwy Y, just outside of Belle.

When my husband, Vince Halbert, and I married we decided to purchase Campbell's Country Store, which is now Double L today."
____

3. What motivates your work ethic and desire to be in business for yourself?

"I did not like being controlled by "corporate." Incentives were just not there for me. I craved a family-oriented environment which didn't exist. That's why you'll notice that we are all like family at Double L."
_______

4. What hurdles did you (and do you) have to overcome?

" Personal issues often get in your way. Pier pressure to conform is another. Developing self-discipline and learning to say "NO" when appropriate. Banks and financial institutions can often be a source of stress, but TACTFULLY standing my ground under pressure is a skill I had to learn. Don't burn bridges! Next week you may need them."
______

5. What advice would you offer budding entrepreneurs and motivated employees?

"Find a personal partner who has your back NO MATTER WHAT! Find and know contentment and a purpose in your life. And then LIVE IT!"