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Business owner says her furniture company thrives due to a community of collaborators
‘Made in America’ finalists Tina Nicole and Khai Mai describe how they created Nathan Anthony Furniture on ‘The Bottom Line.’
Glenwood Park businesses, residents optimistic over new Beltline expansion
The latest Beltline expansion is sparking hope among Glenwood Park residents and business owners, who anticipate what new opportunities it could bring.
iPhone 17 Pro Max Units With Dents And Scuffs Are Being Restored To Near-Pristine Levels, Similar To Cars Getting Repaired
Some owners cannot stand the sight of their shiny new iPhone 17 Pro Max getting bumps or scratches, causing them to seek those who can restore them
Small Business Owner Paola Hinton Praises Tips Provisions of Working Families Tax Cut - Americans for Tax Reform
Paola Hinton is a taxpayer and small business owner of Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop in Peoria, Illinois. Her business and employees are benefiting
Paola business owners, residents clean up shattered glass, assess damage after severe hailstorm
A severe hailstorm caused significant damage to buildings and vehicles in Paola on Wednesday night, leaving residents and business owners cleaning up shattered glass.
Cheboygan business owners brace for the worst as dam water levels rise
Paramount's David Ellison makes big promises to theater owners at CinemaCon
He commits to a 45-day theatrical window
Cheboygan business owners brace for the worst as dam water levels continue rising
Small business owner travels from SA to California as official vendor for Karol G pop-up event
Around her birthday, the woman behind San Antonio boutique Chasing Camila learned that she’d been selected as an official vendor at Karol G’s “Bichota” Flea Market — a pop-up event in California during Coachella.
Box office powerhouse Disney to show theater owners what’s next
The Walt Disney Co. is closing out CinemaCon on Thursday in Las Vegas. The company dominated the box office in 2025 with nearly $2.5 billion in domestic ticket sales. Hits like “Lilo & Stitch,”...
CDCR connects via Small Business Administration event
CDCR is making connections thanks to staff from the Office of Business Services participating in a Small Business Administration event.
As a small business owner, I never expected to pay $100,000 protecting my business from ransomware
This is a $131 billion tax on the American economy, spread across small business owners like myself.
What Rochester's small business owners miss by separating strategy, wealth
Commentary: Nicole Newman highlights how small business owners in Rochester often separate business strategy from wealth planning, limiting long-term financial flexibility.
Clinton, Missouri, business owners clean up after tornado destroys storage shed
A tornado touched down just outside of Clinton, Mo., on Wednesday night, with minimal damage to structures in the community.
Small business owners scrambling after abrupt closure of 6 Houston-area 'Painted Tree' boutiques
Dozens of small business owners across the Houston area are scrambling to find new places to operate after the sudden closure of all Painted Tree boutique locations nationwide.
'This is the majority of my income' | Painted Tree closures leave Houston-area small business vendors scrambling
Painted Tree Boutiques is shutting down locations across the U.S., including six stores in the Houston area, leaving hundreds of small business owners scrambling.
SBA administrator visits Jimmy's Famous Seafood on Tax Day
Kelly Loeffler toured Jimmy's Famous Seafood with co-owner Tony Minadakis during a Tax Day event on Wednesday.
Blackhawks extend general manager Kyle Davidson's contract
The Chicago Blackhawks extended general manager Kyle Davidson's contract Wednesday without providing the length of the deal. “We are committing to Kyle to continue the plan he has put in place,” chairman and owner Danny Wirtz said before the team's season-ending game against San Jose. The Blackhawks are locked into 31st place in the 32-team NHL and haven’t made the Stanley Cup playoffs since the expanded COVID playoffs of 2020.
Christopher Nolan brings ‘The Odyssey’ to CinemaCon; Steven Spielberg previews 'Disclosure Day'
Christopher Nolan has given theater owners a thrilling glimpse of “The Odyssey” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Christopher Nolan brings ‘The Odyssey’ to CinemaCon
Christopher Nolan has given theater owners a thrilling glimpse of “The Odyssey” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas | 104.1 FM KMOX
Christopher Nolan brings ‘The Odyssey’ to CinemaCon
Christopher Nolan has given theater owners a thrilling glimpse of “The Odyssey” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas | Talk Radio 1210 WPHT
NJ health officials spar with Hudson County hospital system
NJ officials and the owner of the former Christ Hospital are sparring over the owner’s claim that it may reopen the facility in some capacity
Houston small business owners blindsided by sudden Painted Tree Boutiques closure
Hundreds of Houston-area small business owners are scrambling after Painted Tree Boutiques, an indoor marketplace with six locations across the Houston area, abruptly shut down all of its stores nationwide with little to no warning.
Small business optimism drops, more owners cautious on spending: NFIB
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index fell 3 points in March to 95.8, falling below the 52-year average of 98.0. NFIB Research Center executive director Holly Wade breaks down the data and what factors are impacting American small business owners, including price pressures, as uncertainty rises.
Hamilton County unveils new business incubator plans as current tenants fear costly move
A day after small business owners raised concerns about the possible sale of their building, Hamilton County leaders are outlining where the incubator could go
Reward offered after 71-year-old was found fatally beaten inside her business
The North Carolina governor is offering a reward after a 71-year-old business owner was fatally beaten inside her fitness studio in March.
Snapchat owner cuts 16% of global staff in latest round of job cuts
It's not the first time the Santa Monica, California-based company has eliminated jobs
How Latino business owners are navigating growth, AI and inflation
Latino-owned businesses in the U.S. continue to overcome funding challenges to pursue expansion and innovation—through strategies such as scaling internationally, acquisitions, and investing in artificial ...
TAX DAY: New Report Highlights Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent in Ohio
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, released a new report outlining the economic benefits and massive tax savings the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction will bring to the 1.1 million small businesses in Ohio now that it has
TAX DAY: Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction in Illinois
NFIB Releases Report Detailing Benefits of 20% Small Business Tax Deduction Becoming Permanent in Illinois
Business owners 'spooked' by oil price surge, national survey shows
A monthly national barometer of small business optimism released by the National Federation of Independent Business shows a dip in March.
New Willmar entertainment venue teaming up with Rendezvous Axe Throwing
(Willmar MN-) Shining Light Entertainment at The Uptown Willmar Mall is getting closer to opening. Co-Owner Jason Miller says in addition to laser tag and mini-golf, they will be teaming up with Rendezvous Axe Throwing......Victoria Hibma of Rendezvous Axe Throwing says their location on West Litchfield Avenue is now closed and the building, which also houses an operating laundry mat, is for sale. They are in the process of moving their throwing lanes and kitchen equipment to the Shining Light location, across from Golden Ticket Cinema, in the former Chen Garden Restaurant space. Shining Light had hoped to open this past winter, but Miller now hopes to be in operation in less than 2 months......
Business owners left with questions on proposed Fruitville Road development
Construction of the large apartment project could begin as early as February of next year.
New homeowner penalty is making it a terrible time to buy a first home
Soaring housing costs have put recent homebuyers at a steep disadvantage. The effects could warp America's real estate market for decades.
Water main break causes headaches for Gwinnett County business owners
The water main break took over 12 hours to repair.
First day of Oceano Dunes closure, business owner speaks on the impact
A federal court decision is bringing changes to California’s Central Coast, banning off-road vehicle use and camping at the Oceano Dunes for some time.The ruli
Callaway Plaza business owners ask for City of Holts Summit's help
According to previous reporting, the odor has caused a decrease in sales for at least one business.
Minnesota business owner facing dozens of tax charges
A Minnesota woman is facing dozens of charges related to filing fraudulent tax returns.
Business owner calls for community support after fire destroys historic Cullman building
In the heart of downtown Cullman, the destruction of the historic Stiefelmeyer Building is more than a devastating fire — it is a loss deeply rooted in history, memory and community identity.
Kent trucking owner challenges ‘millionaires tax,' explains small business impact
Scottsdale small business owners scramble as Painted Tree Boutiques announces sudden closure
Business owners who rent space at Painted Tree Boutiques were told Tuesday morning that the company was ceasing operations, leaving many scrambling.
FOX Business’ ‘Made in America’ contest features veteran-owned cycling business
Pedal Guerrero owner Joe Leon discusses his business and journey to becoming a ‘Made in America’ finalist on ‘The Bottom Line.’
'It's been so stressful': Bend restaurant loses 90% of business after Shilo Inn closure
"IT'S BEEN SO STRESSFUL": A Bend restaurant says business dropped 90% after the Shilo Inn closed next door, and many people don’t realize it’s still open. The owner is asking the community to stop by and show support.
Sony is nerfing its Bravia TVs' program guide
Sony is removing some features for Bravia television owners using an over the air antenna or a set top box.
Developers to meet with business owners about replacing historic cottages with 324-unit complex
Tennessee-based Bristol Development Group proposes demolition of colorful Fruitville Road village.
Roundup: Business optimism / Cleveland’s housing answer / America at 250
Slipping further: U.S. small business optimism fell for a third straight month in March, hitting its lowest level in nearly a year as the Iran conflict drove up energy costs and uncertainty. Owners reported weaker expectations for profits, sales and economic conditions, while plans for capital spending dropped sharply. Rising input costs are also prompting […]
Nebraska business owners left scrambling as Painted Tree Boutiques ceases operations
Business owners are scrambling to retrieve their items after Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly shut its doors on Tuesday.
NFIB Hosts Speaker Matt Huffman at Lima Small Business Roundtable
Lima small business owners had a lunchtime discussion with Speaker Huffman.
Someone planted backdoors in dozens of WordPress plugins used in thousands of websites
Dozens of WordPress plugins were allegedly hijacked to push malware after they were sold to a new corporate owner.
Small business owners sound alarm on word that Hamilton County may sell Business Incubator
Small Business owners at the Hamilton County Business Development Center say they’re worried about the future of the facility as the County Commission is set to
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to stay in business under new nonprofit owner
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will live on past its slated May 3 closure date, thanks to a new deal with a nonprofit journalism organization.
Eastern Market hosts All Things Detroit Day, helping small business owners
Sheds 3 and 5 hosted independent entrepreneurs Sunday, allowing them to showcase their businesses for an event called All Things Detroit Day.
What They Are Saying: Small Business Owners Share How They’re Using 20% Small Business Deduction Savings
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 14, 2026) – In a new video, NFIB member and Texas small business owner, Marcie Rodriguez, describes how making the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent has benefited her metal recycling company. Rodriguez explains how the deduction has allowed her to plan raises for employe
Z2 Entertainment Goes With Tixr For Colorado Venues, Including Boulder and Fox Theaters (Exclusive)
Ticketing platfom Tixr has partnered with Colorado independent promoter and venue owner Z2 Entertainment, a deal that includes ticketing at the Fox and
Pool Scouts Owner Wins SBA Alabama Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Award
Pool Scouts of Huntsville owner, among other SBA winners, will be recognized during the National Small Business Week for their significant work within the greater Alabama business community.
Local business owner to run for Black Mountain Town Council
John Richardson cites longstanding dispute with officials in announcement Fred McCormick The Valley Echo April 14, 2026
Sony is Removing Many Popular Features From Its Free OTA TV Options Impacting Free ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC
Sony has notified owners of its recent BRAVIA television models that significant changes to the built-in TV Guide for its OTA TV antenna users and related menu features will take effect starting in late May 2026. The update affects a range of premium sets released between 2023 and 2025, marking another instance of feature adjustments […]
City of Eufaula looking for input from local business owners
The City of Eufaula is seeking input from local business owners and operators.
Amy Hillyard: $10,000 reward posted for info on missing Oakland business owner
Amy Hillyard, 52, left her home near Oakland's Lake Merritt on March 25. She is considered at-risk due to an undisclosed medical condition.
Fulshear leaders, businesses navigating rapid growth as population rises
Fulshear, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, has grown from about 2,500 residents to more than 50,000, according to city leaders. Business owners say the population boom is bringing both new customers and growing pains, including heavier traffic and increased strain on infrastructure and public safety.
TPG Agrees to Buy Learfield in Deal Worth Roughly $2 Billion
Learfield’s majority owners—Charlesbank Capital Partners and funds managed by Fortress Investment Group—hired two banks in the fall to explore a sale.
Mandy Moore, Nate Bargatze, more stars reveal new movies at CinemaCon
The biggest names in Hollywood are unveiling their buzzy new movies at CinemaCon 2026, the Las Vegas convention for theaters owners.
ICE surge costs: Business seek relief | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
Minneapolis and St. Paul took the hardest hit during the ICE surge, which the cities estimate at more than $300 million in business losses. But business owners in greater Minnesota suffered as well, and some of them are Republican lawmakers.
WECT INVESTIGATES: Hampstead business owner faces felony charge, state investigation
A Hampstead pool contractor faces a felony charge after accusations of taking customers' money and not finishing projects.
House DFL hopeful that small-business relief from Operation Metro Surge could get GOP votes
Minnesota’s House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony from several business owners, school district members, and city leaders on Monday, as testifiers explained the impact of Operation Metro Surge on their respective spaces.
House DFL hopeful that small-business relief from Operation Metro Surge could get GOP votes
Minnesota’s House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony from several business owners, school district members, and city leaders on Monday, as testifiers explained the impact of Operation Metro Surge on their respective spaces.
Owner of Kevin's Seafood in New Haven fundraises to reopen business
The organizer of the fundraiser, Cheryl Heyward, said Kevin Heyward has "a long history" of supporting local churches, community events, schools, shelters and feeding the homeless.
Regulation Evaluation Portal Open for Small Business Owner Feedback
The Regulation Evaluation Portal allows Texans to submit feedback and make recommendations on areas of possible government overregulation.
Bill Foley downplays Lorient-Bournemouth multi-club fears
Multi-club ownership is very much in fashion, especially in Ligue 1. It isn’t a phenomenon without resistance, however. A section of RC Strasbourg Alsace’s fanbase are veciferous in their oppositi...
Kansas governor signs sports authority bill to guide Kansas City Chiefs’ developments
The governor, state legislative leaders and owners of the NFL franchise announced in December the framework of a deal for developing a domed stadium surrounded by an entertainment district in Wyandotte County, in addition to the team’s headquarters, training facility and related developments in Johnson County.
SBA now offering help for small business owners affected by drought
the Small Business Administration (SBA) is now offering disaster loans for small business owners who've suffered finnancial losses due to drought.
SBA now offering help for small business owners affected by drought
the Small Business Administration (SBA) is now offering disaster loans for small business owners who've suffered financial losses due to drought.
Meta Expected to Unseat Google as World’s Largest Digital-Ad Player
The owner of Instagram and Facebook has fueled growth with new advertising products and AI.
SCORE Offers Free Business Mentoring Sessions
Local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Pasadena have a valuable resource at their fingertips with the ongoing SCORE One-on-One Mentoring Sessions. These free and confidential appointments provide individuals with expert guidance on starting, running, or growing a small business, courtesy of SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors. The sessions are designed to offer personalized advice and strategic insights from experienced professionals. SCORE, which stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives, is a non-profit organization and a key resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Its mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through dedicated mentoring and education. The organization comprises a network of seasoned business owners and executives who generously volunteer their time to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. As SCORE states, their mentoring is a “free, confidential service for anyone starting, running, or growing a U.S.-based small business.” These one-hour mentoring sessions are held every other Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. at two branches of the Pasadena Public Library: the Lamanda Park Branch Library and the Santa Catalina Branch Library. Appointments can be conveniently reserved up to 14 days in advance, ensuring that individuals can schedule a time that best suits their needs. This recurring service underscores SCORE’s commitment to continuous support for the local business community, helping them to plan, launch, and grow successfully. Need to Know: The SCORE One-on-One Mentoring Session offers free business guidance. These one-hour appointments are available every other Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Public Library’s Lamanda Park Branch (140 S Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107) and Santa Catalina Branch (999 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104). The service is free. For more information or to book an appointment, visit [https://www.score.org/].
Entrepreneurship was never easy, but it doesn’t need to be relentless
Why entrepreneurs and small business owners struggle with mental health, and how intelligent systems can improve that.
Ska Brewing sale breathes new life into 30-year-old business
Ska Brewing Co. in Durango has survived more than 30 years of shifting economic landscapes, a pandemic, a multiyear decline for craft breweries on the whole and a recent change of ownership after deca...
Business owners react after Uptown burglaries as NOPD searches for suspect
Police said the same suspect is believed to be responsible for all three break-ins, which happened early Sunday morning.
Downtown Evanston to offer Refresh & Renew: Health & Wellness Open House event April 25
Spend April 25 day exploring local fitness and wellness businesses in downtown Evanston — try free mini-sessions, meet owners and instructors, tour spaces
BIZNOTE: After almost a quarter-century, Avalon Glassworks looking for new ownership for their unique West Seattle business
By Tracy Record West Seattle Blog editor More change is on the way for the heart of the Luna Park mini-business district. Shannon Felix and Jon Felix are looking for new ownership for Avalon Glassworks, which they've owned for 23 of its 33 years at 2914 SW Avalon Way. Their one-of-a-kind business - West Seattle's only commercial ...
Santee business owner arrested for allegedly threatening deputies
A Santee business owner was arrested this weekend after allegedly threatening to shoot sheriff's deputies who had responded to reports of gunshots, officials said.
Santee business owner arrested for allegedly threatening deputies
A Santee business owner was arrested this weekend after allegedly threatening to shoot sheriff's deputies who had responded to reports of gunshots, officials said.
Santee business owner arrested after threatening to shoot deputies
Authorities spotted Robert Sanford, 43, apparently armed with a handgun, entering his business suite on Rockville Street
Samsung Confirms Upgrade Offer—Galaxy Owners Must Now Decide
Millions of Samsung phones are vulnerable to attack — you must act now.
Bay Area business owner re-dumps mountain of trash on customer driveway after broken promises on payment. Was he right?
This dumpster dispute really dumped things on a whole new level turning one missed payment into a trashy pile of fines, fees and chaos.
Kansas City small business needs uniform tobacco regulation across Missouri
When every municipality can impose its own rules, store owners are at the mercy of whichever way the political winds are blowing. | Opinion
Green Eats healthy cafe opens in Glen Cove
The owners are bullish on vegetables and whole grains, organic wherever possible.
Pacoima business owners say Montague Street conditions are driving customers away
Montague Street in Pacoima has become nearly impossible to ignore. Trash, abandoned furniture, and human waste line parts of the sidewalk and street, creating conditions that business owners say ar…
iPhone Fold’s Crease-Less Display Longevity Claims Will Be Scrutinized As OPPO Find N6’s Real-World Use Exposes Its Exaggerated Marketing
An OPPO Find N6 owner exposes the device’s false crease-less claims after a month of use, bringing pressure on Apple and its iPhone Fold
U.S. Small Business Administration Offers Drought Disaster Loans for Colorado Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters - by Carly Winchell
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit
ON THE JOB: “What is the Best Business Advice You’ve Ever Received?
Interviews by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Sound advice can contribute to your success. We recently asked area business leaders, what was their best advice they’d ever received. Here’s what they said: “The best advice I ever received was from my then –boss, Gerry Church, Fulton plant manager at Miller Brewing Co. He told me that whenever I wanted to discuss a business problem or issue with him, I should also be prepared to offer possible solutions. It’s the difference between being proactive or reactive. It’s also the difference between being a leader or follower. That has served me well in any business relationship I have had since then.” — Stephen Chirello, Owner, Steve Chirello Advertising, Fulton “Someone will always do it for less; they will also take the most effort to service or satisfy and leave you for the next lower price.” — John M. Henry, Owner, Speedway Press, Mitchell Printing, Phoenix Press, Oswego “I’m going to answer this question by turning it around and giving my own advice that is, ‘Always treat every customer as if they were your only customer!’ We are celebrating our 50th anniversary in business this year. We started our business on March 25, 1976. My advice works.”” — Nick Chervinsky, President, Brewerton Pharmacy, Brewerton “’You need to toot your own horn, my grandfather, Howard D. Dice, told me.” — Beth Ann Dice, Women’s active aging and cancer recovery coach, Mission Movement Wellness Studio & Breast Cancer Recovery Studio, Fulton “In the micro enterprise class, they taught, ‘Get a good lawyer, accountant and bank.’ That was over 30 years ago and I still have those three today. I chose good people I could grow with.” — Tony Pauldine, Owner, Anthony M. Pauldine General Contractors Inc., Oswego “From my grandfather; ‘Listen to everyone! You never know where you will get the solution you need.’” — Kevin Dean, Executive director, Oswego County Opportunities, Fulton “‘Preparation is the mother of success.’ My dad always drilled that into my head growing up, and it has helped me avoid a lot of snags in both my personal and professional life. Thanks, Dad!” — Bekkah Frisch, Owner and president, iHeart Holdings, Inc., Fulton “If you don’t take a risk and try, you will never know.” — Justin Taber, Owner, Torbitt’s Service Center, Oswego “Be ready to take a loss.” — Cody Seymour, Manager, Damiano’s Eatery, Mexico “I’ve received so much good business advice over the years. When people are giving you advice, always be curious rather than judgmental. Follow your gut. Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” — Dana Decker, Principal owner/broker, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Oswego ’Do it and figure it out later.’ It hasn’t failed me yet. Too many people take time to think about doing this and this and this and then the opportunity is over with. If it’s somewhat reasonable — if it’s not something outrageous — do it and figure it out later.” — Jeremy Allen, Licensed real estate salesperson, Acropolis Realty Group, Syracuse “’Try to meet the needs of the customer. Treat them like you’d like to be treated.’ It’s like the Golden Rule says.” — Douglas Dickson, Physician and associate at CNY Foot Surgery and Podiatry Care, East Syracuse “The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received applies to life in general: always be honest. Never overstate your capabilities and always be willing to ask questions. The more specific you can be in any given topic will always lead to a better outcome.” — Tom Fernandez, President, Woodbine Hospitality, Syracuse “As a business owner, the advice would be ‘Don’t overextend yourself. Especially in agriculture, expect issues to come up.’ If something is going right, it’s not true agriculture. This last season, we scaled very hard to field another crew. We got more drones, crew and generators based on projections. This last season hit the ag community hard with a very wet spring. We did 15,000 to 20,000 acres for fungicide and the same for cover crop seeding in 2024. We scaled to 25,000 to 30,000 for 2025. We ended up doing 2,000 for fungicide and 3,000 for cover crop seeding. That’s why that advice was good.” — Rick Jordan, Operations manager, CNY Drove Services, Clinton “’Keep your head down, mind your own business and do the best for your clients that you can do.’ It has a lot to do with my success in working for Galloway Century 21.” — Ed Fayette, New York state licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Galloway, Oswego “’Expand in all ways, always.’ It just keeps you going and keeps you growing.” — Stephen Baier, Licensed real estate person, The Real Estate Agency & Bouck Commercial, Auburn “The best advice is, ‘Your biggest asset you won’t see on the books because it comes from your employees.’” — David Flickinger, Owner, Edible Arrangements, Syracuse “Don’t take things personally when you’re working with the public.” — Leeann Desimone, Manager, Annie’s Hallmark Shop, Auburn “‘Follow up.’ The customer knows that you care about what you are doing and that their opinion counts. Sometimes they might be on the fence about whether they want to use your company. If they’re asking your opinion on things, they feel you are concerned about what you’re doing. They like to be kept in the loop if they’re spending money with you.” — Dorothy Casper, Saslesperson, SweetWoods Memorials, Phoenix “The best business advice I received is ‘Never be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.’ That’s how you learn.” — Debbie Bilello, Owner, Virtual Office Solutions, Central Square “’You need to grow your business but you can’t grow too big too fast.’ That’s what we’ve done at Pinnacle Maintenance. We’ve tried to grow but not too fast. Along those same lines, there’s another good piece of advice, ‘Don’t take on more than you can handle because it only leads to a bad name for your business and a bad experience for your customers.’ It goes along the same lines as growing your business slowly and carefully.” — David Wines, Owner, Pinnacle Maintenance, Central Square “Always be on time and do what you say you are going to do.’ I’ve done very well following that advice. Most of my work is referral and I don’t really do any advertising so I have a pretty good customer base. It’s mostly word-of-mouth from satisfied customers.” — Robert J. Fleming, Owner, Bob Fleming Windows & Doors, Brewerton “’Concentrate on your finances, always pay your taxes, and form a team you can depend on. Try to help the community you’re in as much as you can.’ We do all of these all the time here. We give and give and give to the community and the community gives back to us always.” — Susan Bonnet, Co-owner, Bonnet Sales and Service, Central Square “Keep smiling. It brings a positive attitude to the workplace.” — Karin Lindsley, Vice president, DTS Truck Service, Syracuse “‘Customer service above all.’ Following this advice has served us very well.’ — Guy Fox, Owner, Fox’s Discount Parts, West Monroe “The best thing to do is to make sure you’re taking in more money than you’re spending. I wish I could say I’m a good businessman but I have been in business since 1981. I’m not a bean counter but work well with my hands and its’s served me well all these years and I am still in business.” — Matt McGill, Owner, Matt McGill Collision, Brewerton
Seniors: Dennis Ouellette, 80
Ontario Orchards owner not slowing down as he grows his farm market By Stefan Yablonski The seeds for Dennis Ouellette’s career path were sown when he was 6 years old — and he isn’t slowing down. “Since age 6, I grew up an agriculturalist. That is 72 years. Started out with a 37-acre farm when I bought it from my parents and built it up to almost 300 acres. Brought it back down to around 200 acres now,” he said. The location of his business was just a barn, a horse barn, he said. “In 1967, it officially became Ontario Orchards Farm Market. My wife [June] and I graduated [high school] in 1964 and three years later we became Ontario Orchards. We have been here more than 60 years,” he explained. “It is the same location. We have expanded over the years as the customers mentioned different things; we have expanded to bring in different products. “What keeps me going is I totally enjoy what I am doing. I enjoy the people that I work with. The customers are wonderful. Mostly, more important than anything, is my family — my wife, my daughters, grandchildren, son-in-law — we are still very much a family business I’m not going to retire just yet.” He also enjoys the changing seasons. “Ontario Orchards is a four-season business. There is always something new; more energy, more interest. Not only for the business but for my staff, the people that work here. Things keep changing, changing. We are always looking forward to something new and exciting,” he said. They work with quite a number of local farmers within the area and throughout the state, throughout the country and from around the world.” “We do have things from different countries around the world. But specifically, we are very excited about the local. We have an over 200-acre farm. We sell just about everything we raise on that farm right here at the farm market. For example, we press cider year-round. We make baked goods every day, year-round. We sell our apples 12 months a year.” “Today, there are so many products in Ontario Orchards that we never would have thought of in 1967,” he continued. “I attribute a lot of that to my daughters. I like the young blood and new energy. That is very crucial to a business, it keeps it vibrant.” What’s his favorite part of the job? “I don’t have a favorite part. I enjoy it all. I have a lot of intertest in other things,” he said. “I have staff that knows so much. I can go to the staff and say, ‘I don’t know what this is, you tell me what this is.’ They are so knowledgeable. It is impossible for one person to know everything in this place. In the summer, staff is about 60; in the winter about 20, 25.” He added that he plans on being around for several more years.
Seniors: Carol Watson, 72
Owner of Carol Watson Greenhouse and Landscaping in LaFayette enjoys her growing business — still puts in six-, seven-day weeks By Mary Beth Roach Carol Watson, the owner of Carol Watson Greenhouse and Landscaping, has been in gardens since she could walk. Literally. She said she learned to walk in her grandfather’s garden, which was next door to her current home and business in LaFayette. Today, at 72, she is running the business that her mother, Claire, opened in 1981 as Watson Greenhouse. Watson worked part-time for her mom until 1990, when she joined her full time. While she may not have had any formal horticultural experience, she said she learned so much about growing and raising plants from her mom, who had an abundance of energy and talent. Now, after 35 years in the business full time, Watson has no plans to retire, although she joked that she’d like a couple of days off a week. On her seven-acre site, complete with four greenhouses, Watson said her favorite parts of the job are working with and educating her customers; helping some of her young customers build terrariums; conducting occasional class field trips; and supporting local art by decorating the shop with an eclectic mix of pottery from at least four area craftspeople. A one-time employee of the former Dey Bros. department store in Syracuse, Watson said she loves merchandising and enjoys displaying unique pieces of art on shelves and even suspending from ceilings. “We’re creative. We also had top quality plants. We got a reputation of quality plants and unusual products,” she said. It’s tending to her customers and her plants, showcasing the unusual products, and hosting special events to benefit the community that keep her motivated to work six to seven days a week. “I just love it. I love taking care of the plants. I’m one of the few people that really enjoys watering,” she said. And while she has cultivated a solid customer base over the years, she remains savvy in her marketing efforts to draw in new customers. For example, she does a gardening segment on CNY Central television; her active Facebook page has thousands of followers; and she hosts a number of unique events and classes that not only introduce her shop to potential new clients, but some benefit nonprofits as well. About 13 years ago, when the local symphony orchestra was struggling, she said she wanted to help. So, partnering with the group, she began offering concerts, called Soirees, featuring the Syracuse Orchestra’s string quartet. Following up on a suggestion from a customer whose brother is a deejay in retirement, specializing in sock hops, she hosted the greenhouse’s first sock hop. Plants got moved back toward the walls to make room for dancing; a caterer was brought in, offering diner-like food; guests came in period outfits; and proceeds went to the Food Bank of CNY. She is excited about doing it again in October. Via her website, she promotes the greenhouse as an “oasis in the snow,” offering visitors the opportunity to pick up some decorating and gift ideas while taking in the floral and citrus scents. And she also caters to her four-legged friends. Over this past winter, she said, she came up with a “brilliant idea,” although at the time she didn’t appreciate just how brilliant it would become. Feeling it too cold outside to take her dog for a walk, she opted to bring it into the greenhouse. And before long, she was inviting people to bring their dogs into the big greenhouse as well. She looks forward to extending that invitation again this upcoming winter season. For Watson and her customers, the greenhouse is always in season.
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