Kathryn Morris-Miller, owner of Glass Specialists in Atlantic Beach, didn't have high expectations when she entered a contest for $15,000 in cash and business services.
Like many other small business owners, she's tried to get bank financing to expand and been met with "not at this time" responses.
Still, the Boost This Biz contest sponsored by PostNet seemed worth a try.
"It was, what the heck, see what happens, somebody else will win, but maybe it will be us," she said Wednesday.
It turned out it was her. Among 244 entries nationwide, Morris-Miller was selected for the prize. She will receive $10,000 in cash plus $5,000 worth of design, printing, copying and shipping services from PostNet.
PostNet, based in Denver, counts 700 locations worldwide, including one in Orange Park.
Morris-Miller and her husband Chad started Glass Specialists, which repairs and replaces glass, a couple of years ago after he lost his job. Her contest entry said she would use the money to add screen repair services to the business. She said she's noticed more people have been keeping the windows open, possibly to save money on electric bills, so they need screens to be in good condition.
Winning the online contest did require some work and persuasion. When she got home from work, she spent many nights urging her Facebook friends to cast votes on PostNet's Facebook page.
She was the leading vote-getter with 610 votes, putting her in the final round with the other four entries. Then, a panel of judges evaluated how the finalists would use the prize money and selected a winner.
PostNet CEO Steve Greenbaum said the contest grew from the company's realization a few years ago that its most successful stores had built ongoing relationships with owners of up-and-coming businesses. He said the contest's use of Facebook illustrates how important that form of communication has become for growth strategies.
"Social media falls completely within that realm," he said.
david.bauerlein@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4581
