Funny Farm Coffee Company
Mike and Kate Detmer first walked through the doors of the ISBDC on June 26, 2018, full of energy and big dreams but looking for guidance on how to get their coffee cart business off the ground. From the very beginning, their commitment was unmistakable. They eagerly attended the Small Business Boot Camp sponsored by Lawrenceburg Main Street, and that became the foundation of a long, productive partnership.
As their ISBDC Business Advisor, I had the privilege of helping them shape and refine their vision. Together, we developed business models for three ventures, wrote business plans, projected financials, and even scouted locations. Whenever they needed it, I provided letters of support, helped them navigate grants and financing, and offered the moral support that every entrepreneur needs at one point or another.
The results speak to their hard work and determination. In 2019, Mike and Kate launched their first brick‑and‑mortar business, Greendale General—a cozy coffee shop and food establishment in Greendale, Indiana, established on March 14, 2019. From there, their momentum only grew. They expanded into a larger, vibrant space at 29 East High Street in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, now known as Funny Farm Coffee Company, serving as a coffee shop, ice cream shop, coffee roaster, and restaurant. They employ roughly 19 people and continue to invest in their community. Their growth didn’t stop there; they later purchased another building from the City of Lawrenceburg to develop an ice cream shop and a taqueria. When asked how they felt about the ISBDC, they said, “The ISBDC has been in our corner since the very beginning. Their support and guidance helped us level up again and again. We seriously couldn’t have grown this fast without them.”
Over the years, Mike and Kate have returned to the ISBDC regularly—typically about three times a year—to continue refining their business operations and growth strategies. I’ve had the pleasure of supporting them at every step, and watching their journey unfold has been incredibly rewarding. Their success is a testament to what passionate, dedicated entrepreneurs can achieve when they pair vision with perseverance.
Their story—both as business owners and as community contributors—makes me truly proud. Funny Farm Coffee Company stands today not only as a thriving business but as a reflection of their heart, resilience, and remarkable ability to bring people together.