If you’ve ever admired the wildlife displays at the “big name” outdoor stores that span the U.S., it’s time to go local by visiting Artistic Visions Wildlife in Douglassville, Berks County, PA. The booming business recently held a grand opening celebration as it expanded from a two-story garage to a space 10 times larger thanks to financing with an SBA 504 loan through Seedcopa.
Seedcopa’s Marie Shires joined avid hunters and nature enthusiasts at 507 Ben Franklin Highway at the open house on June 15, 2023 to view the unique collection of mounted animals in a luxurious showroom with pieces ranging from North America to Africa, life-size to shoulder mounts.
“We were able to help Artistic Visions Wildlife move from a residential garage of 500 square feet to a 6,250-square-foot showroom that’s truly worthy of the award-winning work they do,” said Marie Shires, Seedcopa Vice President and Relationship Manager. “This is one of the most unique projects I’ve ever worked on, and the artistry is impressive to see in person.”
Artistic Visions Wildlife was able to lock in a low, fixed interest rate through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s SBA 504 loan program for small- to mid-sized business owners. Such loans often act as a complement to conventional, commercial loans that Seedcopa facilitates through local banks and credit unions. This project was referred to Seedcopa by Tompkins Community Bank.
“We’ve been assisting Artistic Visions Wildlife with a complete suite of services to fulfill its business banking needs, and it is really rewarding to be able to support its growth and expansion here in Berks County,” said Tompkins Relationship Manager Joe O’Neill.
Artistic Visions Wildlife was founded by Aaron Simser in 2005 and has grown to become one of the industry’s leading studios. A Marine Corps veteran with nearly two decades of taxidermy experience, he chose to pursue wildlife artistry after earning a criminal law degree at Kutztown University. Since opening in 2005, he has grown to be one of the leading companies in his industry, featured on nine covers of Taxidermy Today Magazine. Simser has won dozens of awards over the years in state, local and regional competitions.
Photos courtesy Artistic Visions Wildlife
