Viva Vivo

COEUR d'ALENE - Dale and Shawnda Rainey opened their first Vivo clothing store in Coeur d'Alene in 2009.

They opened a second Vivo in the Spokane Valley Mall in 2010, and their third in the Spokane NorthTown Mall in 2011.

They're still not done.

Dale attributes much of his success to the advice and feedback that he has obtained from coaches at the Idaho Small Business Development Center.

"I have learned more in the last two years, than in the previous 20 as a result of the interaction with the other coaches," he said. "Leadership is key; you must set a destination and lead your company there. Practice what you preach and trust your staff, you can't do it alone."

Vivo clothing stores cater primarily to late teens to 30-year-old women.

When the Raineys moved here, they analyzed the market and determined there was a need for an affordable clothing store in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

The Vivo clothing stores are boutique style, yet their prices are competitive with any department store.

Vivo has 22 employees and added another 6-8 for the summer season. They contribute to local charities by selling bottled water and all of the profits go to local charities. It is up to the staff at each store to decide where the funds go, which makes a local connection to the need.

As a Christian-based company, they seek to operate all aspects of business with great integrity so individuals with high character are a requirement.

The Raineys intend to open another store in the spring of 2012 in downtown Spokane, and are looking at a processing facility in Hayden with a retail outlet.

In early 2013, they will begin opening stores in the Seattle market and intend to open at least six in the area over the next few years.

Dale has been self-employed for 24 years and is currently CEO of an international commodities trading company. He has founded more than a dozen companies and is currently a business coach at the SBDC in Post Falls.

Shawnda has been self employed for 14 years in the retail industry and has founded three companies.

Dale Rainey became a volunteer coach at the Idaho Small Business Development Center in 2009.

"There is a tremendous satisfaction in helping a business owner turn around a company or take it to new heights," he said. "The coaching staff at the SBDC is an amazing group of highly skilled individuals that are dedicated to helping their clients succeed."

Idaho SBDC at the North Idaho College exists to help businesses thrive and grow by providing no-cost business coaching, high-impact business training and free resources to business leaders. For more information please call (208) 666-8009 or visit www.IdahoSBDC.org.

Website www.vivohome.com.