Joe and Jo Ann Anderson knew they had people skills, and were searching for a small business that would fit their abilities. Joe’s skills came from his previous job where he traveled as a salesperson living from motel to motel and also developed good public relations experience. Jo, had worked with Hospice and developed great experience in helping people and knowing their needs. When they heard a motel in Lovell was for sale, they decided that was where they wanted to be. The Anderson’s went to the Bank of Bridger for a 7(a) loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). They also met with a Wyoming Small Business Development counselor in Powell. With the SBA loan, they purchased the Horseshoe Bend Motel in October of 1998. After deciding to purchase the motel, Joe walked the streets of Lovell talking to people to let them know he and his wife were purchasing a small business. The hardest problem they encountered, was finding good help. Jo knew she was particular about her specifications, but she knew what she wanted. They had three employees when they bought the motel and sometimes had to hire up to six employees to get the required work done. Finally, after a year, they found the perfect couple from Mexico, and their problem was solved. When the couple arrived, Jo couldn’t believe the great cleaning job they did. It was above and beyond what she asked. The Andersons decided to offer them a place to live at no charge because they did such a great job. Now they have three full-time employees and the job is done right. Since the Andersons really care for people and their needs. They watched tired people coming back from work, and started cooking their dinner on a hibachi. They decided to build a gazebo with a BBQ grill available to their customers. This turned out to be a great idea, and is used almost every night. Then Jo felt something missing on Thanksgiving, she enjoyed cooking a big dinner but had no one to cook for but her husband. Jo Ann had an idea. She invited the hunters in Lovell during this time of year, to a Thanksgiving dinner, all of whom were missing Thanksgiving dinner themselves. This proved to be a welcome tradition for the hunters. Joe is delighted to prepare a dinner for the duck hunters that come up towards the end of September. When the BLM rounds up horses, they fix a kettle dinner for all of them, which is a great, easy way to serve larger parties. They are members of the Chamber, Joe is a past president and now serves on the Board of Directors. They make contributions to worthy causes when they are unable to physically participate. Jo is VP of the Red Hat Society. Both volunteer their services for Mustang Days, all school reunions and participate in most community activities. You will find them at the Horseshoe Bend Motel, 375 E. Main St., Lovell, WY 82431, 307-548-2221.