Connection to Success Capital that spans more than two decades and is rooted in service to the small business community.
Through Kurtis Clark’s involvement with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the early 2000s, Kurtis developed strong relationships with local leaders, including Susan Martin, who invited him to join the Success Capital Board. When Marsha Carr later joined the organization, Kurtis remained actively involved, finding that Success Capital aligned seamlessly with both his professional career and his passion for helping business owners grow by securing access to capital.
One of the highlights of Kurtis’s board service has been Success Capital’s role during challenging economic periods. He takes great pride in the organization’s willingness to step in when businesses struggle to obtain traditional financing. Success Capital helps fill a critical gap by supporting businesses with strong potential that banks may not be able to finance, without pushing them toward high-interest alternatives. Helping businesses survive, grow, and succeed during difficult times has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his involvement.
Kurtis has deep roots in the community and a passion many people don’t know about Kurtis is his backpacking adventures. Over more than 40 years, Kurtis has logged an impressive 1,212 trail miles, often alongside his son, whom he took on his first overnight backpacking trip at just four years old. While he’s slowing down now, those miles represent decades of adventure, connection, and time well spent.
When asked what advice he would give business owners, Kurtis is clear “don’t wait too long to ask for help”. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience assisting entrepreneurs through the SBDC, he has seen firsthand how waiting can cost businesses opportunities. He encourages owners to reach out early, ask questions, and use the many resources available – starting with Success Capital, which also serves as a connector to other community partners.
Kurtis lives by words and principles he has collected over the years, many of which he hopes to one day pass on to his children. A few of his favorites include:
“I don’t listen to criticism from people I wouldn’t take advice from.”
“No amount of regret can change the past; no amount of worry can change the future. But it only takes a little joy to brighten the present.”
“The best communicators listen with the intent to understand, not with the intent to respond.”
His faith also grounds his outlook, guided by scriptures such as Proverbs 3:5, John 14:27, and Jeremiah 29:11 – verses that speak to trust, peace, and hope for the future.
Kurtis Clark embodies the values Success Capital stands for and we are grateful for his continued service and the perspective he brings to our Board and mission.
