Client Spotlight: Patricia Kim, Pioneering Success as CEO of a Woman-Owned Business

Stock Yards Bank & Trust celebrates Women’s History Month and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of trailblazing women. Meet Patricia Kim, a Korean-born visionary who carved her path to success as the founder and CEO of commercial maintenance enterprise, JJC Maintenance. Patricia started her company in June of 2016 but has been a Stock Yards Bank & Trust customer since the early 2000s. 

Before starting her maintenance enterprise, Patricia and her husband started (and continue to run) a dental lab, but after her youngest daughter started college, Patricia found herself wanting to pursue a new venture. Kim shares, “When my daughter started college, I felt like I couldn’t stop. I felt like I had to do something else for the community.”

With such a small Korean community in the Louisville area, Patricia began training to become a certified medical interpreter, which inspired her launch into medical facility cleaning and maintenance. Not long after becoming certified, she was ready to start her new endeavor: JJC Maintenance. With a vision and determined spirit, she received support from her team at Stock Yards after struggling with other financial institutions.

“When I was ready to start my business, I was told I wasn’t qualified. Other institutions did not go above and beyond – they didn’t want to hear my story at all. Choosing the right bank was crucial for the growth of my business,” said Kim.

What started as a maintenance, mainly, janitorial company quickly has grown to serve other areas of need. JJC now provides professional floor maintenance, construction cleaning, and disinfectant services to its clients.

Like any small business owner, Patricia faced her fair share of challenges – one of those being the Covid-19 pandemic. When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was first announced, Patricia didn’t know where to start. With the help of her Stock Yards Relationship Manager, Michelle Kristiansen, she applied for the PPP loan program and was able to sustain her business during the global pandemic while planning for growth simultaneously.

Following the pandemic, Patricia acquired funding for new machinery that launched her business to the next level. Her business grew from two employees and one team, to now fifteen teams and nearly 400 employees.

Being a woman-owned business has also come with its challenges. Patricia noticed that often when her business was leading construction clean-ups, vendors and clients assumed that Patricia didn’t understand the blueprints and construction terminology. Patricia was determined – she spent time learning the industry and becoming an expert at construction clean-up to better serve her clients.

“They never bothered to talk to me first, and that motivated me to learn and continue my education about this. So, I learned how to read blueprints, and took courses at JCTCS. You have to continue to grow and learn to be successful,” said Kim. 

Patricia believes that it is important to educate and inform other women about her entrepreneurship journey to inspire other women to do the same.

“I started the business after my daughter started college, after age 50. Who would’ve thought I could hire 400+ employees and growing,” said Kim. “If you don’t step into the water, you’re never going to know the water will split for you to cross to the other end. Have faith in yourself, too.”

When asked for advice to share with other entrepreneurs, Patricia encourages others to not be afraid, “This community is open for everyone. Don’t be afraid and never give up. If you don’t start your new journey, you’re not going to get where you want to be!”

Patricia’s story isn't just about personal triumph; it's a testament to the positive impact a woman-owned business can have on the local community. JCC Enterprises has provided employment opportunities, supported local businesses, and inspired other aspiring women entrepreneurs. Stock Yards Bank & Trust is immensely proud to have played a role in supporting JJC and Patricia. Both Patricia and Stock Yards look forward to a long-term banking relationship with continued business growth on the horizon.