By Kaylin Campbell, Biz Foundry storyteller and big believer in beginners.
Running a business might seem like something only “business people” do. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a business degree to start something amazing. Just ask Dr. Stephanie Mueller.
She’s a pediatrician. She didn’t go to business school. She didn’t grow up dreaming of owning a clinic. But when she saw a need in her community, she stepped up — and reached out for the right support to help make it happen.
Here’s her story.
A Big Dream in a Small Town
Stephanie grew up in a small farm town in Illinois. She always cared about health, family, and helping others — which led her to a career in medicine. After years of study, training, and hard work (including medical school in the Caribbean and a pediatric residency in Chattanooga), she landed in Dayton, Tennessee.
It wasn’t long before she noticed a problem: families in Dayton didn’t have many options for care. There was only one other pediatrician nearby. Kids were waiting too long for appointments. Parents were frustrated. The community needed more support.
Stephanie stepped up to lead Firefly Pediatrics, a brand new clinic in Dayton. Her goal was simple: create a place where families could feel truly cared for.
The Dream Gets Real — and a Little Scary
Pretty soon, Firefly became a busy, trusted clinic. It even earned the official status of a Rural Health Clinic — a big deal that helps more people get access to care.
When the time came to purchase the practice and make it fully her own, Stephanie realized something:
“All of our education is medical, so we’re kind of afraid to do it… We don’t have the resources at our fingertips to open our own practice.”
Sound familiar? We hear this all the time. Starting or buying a business can feel overwhelming — especially if no one’s ever walked you through the steps. That’s where we come in.
Enter: The Biz Foundry
Stephanie reached out to Jeff Brown, our President here at The Biz Foundry. Together, they worked through her options. One of the biggest hurdles? Financing. Like many medical professionals, Stephanie had student loans and no business collateral — which meant most banks said “no.”
But we know that traditional loans aren’t the only path forward.
Jeff connected her with Debra Williams at Communities Unlimited, a lending partner who looks at the whole person, not just the numbers. With support from Communities Unlimited, Fund Tennessee, and SmartBank, Stephanie got the funding she needed.
She bought the clinic — equipment, inventory, patient base and all — and officially became a business owner.
“Without this loan, I wouldn’t have been able to purchase the business,” she said.
Growing, Hiring, and Serving More Families
Since buying Firefly Pediatrics, Stephanie has added two new providers, hired a team of support staff, and started looking for a bigger, permanent space. She’s creating jobs. She’s making care more available in a rural town. She’s building something that lasts.
And it all started with a dream — and the courage to ask for help.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If you’ve got a dream to start or grow a business — even if you’ve never taken a single business class — we’re here for you.
Doctors, artists, makers, teachers, parents — we work with all kinds of people who just need someone to guide them through the steps. We’ve helped people get funding, build a business plan, connect with mentors, and grow something amazing right here in the Upper Cumberland.
Got an idea you’re ready to explore?
Let’s talk. Schedule a free meeting with our team today.
By Kaylin Campbell, Biz Foundry storyteller and big believer in beginners.
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