More than any other time in their history, businesses have had to adapt to an ever changing local economy in the past year. Despite the challenges they have faced, these area entrepreneurs have shown they have the power to not just survive but thrive. We asked them about how things have changed, things we may not know about them and the importance of supporting local businesses.
Rebecca Verdugo
102.3 Proclaim FM (WPOS)
7112 Angola Rd. Holland
419-865-9767 Ext 207
proclaimfm.com
Rebecca Verdugo
Ten words about your business.
Proclaim FM…The BEST Music, Hope in Jesus, Encouragement, Community
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
It would be a community void of local personality, talents, and uniqueness.
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19? Explain.
It has been affected in regards to holding and attending events. On a positive note, Proclaim FM has been a beacon of hope for many seeking answers, comfort, and peace during uncertain times.
As a locally-owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
We are LIVE and Local! We know our community and how to relate and connect listeners to specific needs, not to mention develop lasting friendships. We are here and present in the community!
How does your business support the local community?
Proclaim FM gives financially to local nonprofits, but also serves as a platform to spread the word. As a radio station we give opportunity to local nonprofits and businesses to join us on our live shows to promote their business or ministry and opportunities to advertise.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
I am an Army War Veteran. I served as a Combat Medic in the first Desert Storm War.
What is the one piece of advice that most changed your life:
True happiness comes in giving yourself to others. (So very true! It’s not all about ME! A wise pastor of mine said this many years ago and I’ve never forgotten this)
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who truly have compassion for others. People who go out of their way with no motives of achieving any attention or reward for their good deeds. I know people like this. I will never forget their kindness and hope to mimic their character in my actions as well.
Ten words about your business
Life plan community: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
Locally-owned businesses make the community stronger, both culturally and economically; a community without them wouldn’t have the depth or uniqueness we have here in Toledo. Not only does it mean a lot to us to bring the Ohio Living mission here, but we’re thrilled that our residents and employees shop and volunteer in the area, so we’re constantly giving back and investing in the local economy. A community without a local business presence wouldn’t benefit from that support.
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19? Explain.
We have. One of the most difficult things for us has been the limitations placed on visitation and social interaction for our residents in the pandemic. With family visits and social activities put on hold, we’ve had to find creative ways to help residents to feel connected. But our staff has done a fantastic job offering activities that are both safe and engaging. Not only have there been masked, socially-distanced games inside, but thanks to generous donors we were able to build a beautiful outdoor observation deck for safely provided events, concerts and family visits. We’re also adding an almost mile-long nature trail to our campus this spring so residents can continue to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and healthy way.
As a locally-owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
We would encourage you to support organizations that provide high-quality care and prioritize the needs of those they serve, however they’re owned. But I will say that there is something really special about Ohio Living Swan Creek. Our mission means that the well-being of residents and staff are our top priority, and we do everything we can to enhance their mental, physical and spiritual health. We are here to support them, and you don’t see that everywhere. Our culture makes a big difference, and we’re deeply grateful for it.
What do you want our readers to know that might not be obvious?
Readers might not know that Ohio Living Swan Creek is part of the Ohio Living family, which owns and operates 12 life plan communities throughout the state, in addition to offering home health, hospice, palliative care, and physician services in some areas. As part of Ohio Living, our campus is faith-based and not-for-profit. We also offer the life plan commitment, which means that our residents can feel confident that they will always have a home here, even if (in good faith) they run out of the funds that were meant to see them through.
What local business do we support?
There are too many to mention them all – we love partnering with other local, mission-driven businesses! Covid-19 has pressed “pause” on some of our activities with organizations like the Metro Parks, University of Toledo, and YMCA, and we look forward to resuming those soon. But, thanks to some generous donations, we’ve been able to bring joy to our hard-working staff and business to local organizations, even in the middle of Covid! We were recently able to gift one of our employees a short getaway in Cannaley Treehouse Village in Toledo Metroparks, so they could rest and recharge after such a hard year. We’ve also brought in Rider Coffee Company to give staff and residents coffee during Covid testing, had a visit from We Be Ribs food truck, and have bought Schmucker’s pies for staff several times.
Sarah Schnurr
Regional Director of Business Development
OHIO LIVING SWAN CREEK
5916 Cresthaven Lane
419-865-4445
ohioliving.org
Ten words about your business:
Life plan community, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab.
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
Locally-owned businesses make the community stronger, both culturally and economically; a community without them wouldn’t have the depth or uniqueness we have here in Toledo. Not only does it mean a lot to us to bring the Ohio Living Mission here, but we’re thrilled that our residents and employees shop and volunteer in the area, so we’re constantly giving back and investing in the local economy.
A community without a local business presence wouldn’t benefit from that support.
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19?
We have. One of the most difficult things for us has been the limitations placed on visitation and social inter– action for our residents. With family visits and social activities put on hold, we’ve had to find creative ways to
More than any other time in their history, businesses have had to adapt to an ever-changing local economy in the past year. Despite the challenges they have faced, these area entrepreneurs have shown they have the power to not just survive but thrive. We asked them about how things have changed, things we may not know about them and the importance of supporting local businesses. help residents feel connected. But our staff has done a fantastic job offering activities that are both safe and engaging. Not only have there been masked, socially-distanced games inside, but thanks to generous donors we were able to build a beautiful outdoor observation deck that provides a place for safe events, concerts and family visits. We’re also adding an almost mile long nature trail to our campus so residents can enjoy the outdoors in a safe and healthy way.
Kimberly Arnold
Manager
MYERS FIREPLACE AND PATIO
808 N, Reynolds Rd.
419-531-9789
myersfireplaceandpatio.com
Kimberly
Ten words about our business: Myers is a family owned business that has been serving Toledo and surrounding areas for over 60 years. We carry items ranging from patio furniture and outdoor kitchens & grills to fireplaces and stoves & all of the accessories that come with them!
How has our business been affected by Covid-19? We have been busy through the pandemic so I consider us to be fortunate, we have defiantly run into supply issues and extended lead times with some of our vendors but we are doing our best to keep our customers happy.
Local business is the heartbeat of Toledo, shopping small helps continue to make our local neighborhoods and economy grow. Local businesses often have smaller environmental footprints, we employ local people who then spend money in the local economy. Local business owners have strong ties to the community-invest in their local community economically and socially.
Small businesses support other small businesses. One of the companies we do quite a bit of business with is Moon Valley Rustics.
Jeff Hoffman
JEFF’S HAULING & CLEANUP
310 Mulberry St., Perrysburg
419-508-3782
Jef“Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup” on Facebook
Ten words about your business.
prompt professional, family-owned, honest, best in Toledo
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
I think a community without any locally owned business would be rather dull, as the stores would all carry the same product. The community would suffer, as the experiences and talents that a locally owned business could provide, would not be enjoyed. A locally owned business develops a rapport with the local community and its residents.
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19? Explain.
Yes, with more working from home and cleaning up their spaces, we have been a little busier.
As a locally-owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
We offer personalized service. We are not a “one size fits all” business. We want to develop relationships with our customer base and turn our customers into friends and family.
How does your business support the local community?
We shop local as much as possible. We also volunteer our time with non- profit organizations.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
Giving back to the community is very important to me. Over the years I have served as a scout leader, library volunteer, i have sat on many boards and committees, and I am the current board president of Mom’s Mobile Mission which is a local food pantry
Dr. Jon Frankel
FRANKEL DENTISTRY
5012 Talmadge
419-474-9611
jonfrankeldentistry.com
D
Ten words about your business. Frankel Dentistry is changing lives a smile at a time.
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses? Patients at Frankel Dentistry often comment on the caring and professional doctors, healthcare providers, and staff. They are treated like family by their dental professionals. The best dental experience is tailored to fit each patient. It feels unique because it is.
Locally owned businesses know their roots. Their commitment to the community cannot be quantified. It is felt. You matter when you support local. Local supports you!
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19? Explain.
Frankel Dentistry has protocols in place to keep you COVID safe. Keeping you safe is a top priority at Frankel Dentistry. When you arrive in the parking lot for your appointment, call us at 419-474-9611. Stay in your warm car until we call you back letting you know it is time to enter the office.
Wear your mask as you come in. You will be greeted in the foyer. Your temperature will be
a locally owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
As, C.W. Lammers stated in 1913, “You will do better in Toledo.”
National Chain businesses are profit driven. Care is a commodity. Local businesses are family. They work, live, play and raise their children in their chosen location. It is home.
How does your business support the local community? Frankel Dentistry supports many local causes through donations and sponsorships. Unfortunately, our Bi-Annual Free Dental Days held on the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Memorial Day are currently postponed due to COVID-19. Free Dental Days are the highlight of our year.
What do you want our readers to know about your business that may not be obvious?
There are several “uniques” at Frankel Dentistry. One of the things that sets us apart from the rest is our people. We have the best doctors, healthcare providers, and staff.
Something most people don’t know about me is: My daughter, Lindy was accepted into dental school and will soon be the 3rd generation to serve our community through dentistry. I am sure my father, Dr. Sheldon Frankel is smiling in heaven.
Jeff Pettit
ARTISTIC MEMORIALS
12551 Jefferson St. Perrysburg
419-873-0433
artisticmemorials.net
Jef2nd Location
Artistic Memorials
5552 Woodville Rd. Northwood
419-693-0433
Ten words about your business.
We Bring Granite to Life-Our Product Will Last Forever
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
You would definitely lose that personal one to one connection that most people prefer. Let’s face it, you can’t always find what you are looking for at a small business but eventually if you stop supporting us, you will see more & more store fronts closed which eventually leads to decaying towns.
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19? Explain.
Not really…early on I closed the Northwood location for 5 weeks. I never closed the Perrysburg location since that’s where all production is done & we were considered an essential business since we are a cemetery related product. I would say at the beginning of Covid we did more sales of ordering over the phone but never really noticed a drop in sales at all.
As a locally-owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
I live here in the community, I support local businesses, I pay taxes here & my money stays here going back into the community. I feel you will have a much better experience working with me personally. I am a hardworking, dedicated person that has put my heart & soul into this business.
What locally owned business or businesses do you support and why?
I’m a foodie so I love the Perrysburger in Perrysburg of course (Try the Jiffy burger-peanut butter on a hamburger-delicious) & The Skillet in Walbridge (Love the chicken chunks & tortilla soup) Both locally owned with excellent food. Give them a try…
What do you want our readers to know about your business that may not be obvious?
We do all of our own engraving in Perrysburg. I am a first generation stonecutter who started Artistic Memorials in Perrysburg from scratch in 2002 & added a second location in Northwood in 2013.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
I have 2 different colored eyes.
What is the one piece of advice that most changed your life:
You have three choices in life: Give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got.
What inspires you?
I am very determined & focused to succeed in business & have accomplished that. Next year I will be celebrating 20 years in business.
Mike Phillips
HOME SOLUTIONS OF MAUMEE VALLEY
1038 S. Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-724-1212
homesolutionsofmv.org
Ten words about your business:
We are guided and abide by the Golden Rule.
What would a community look like if there was no locally owned businesses:
It would be sterile without the flavor of the born and raised citizens, neighbors and friends.
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19?
It has accentuated the need to have a safe, comfortable, updated and pleasant environment for the consumer and their family.
As a locally owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
The community should not support a local business just because they are local. A company needs to earn the communities respect and support through practice of The Golden Rule. We support the community, the community supports us.
How does your business support the local community:
By contributing to Habitat for Humanity, Donations to Shop with a Cop, The Wounded Warrior Project, Sparrows Nest and employing local citizens at above scale wages.
What locally owned business or businesses do you support:
All local businesses that reflect the good business practices and follow the Golden Rule.
How your locally owned business is important to the economy:
We employ local citizens, which contributes to the local tax base. We pay our employees above scale wages so they are able to give their family a good life and have disposable income to purchase products locally.
What do you want our readers to know about your business that may not be obvious:
We are a pure spirited group of local tradesmen/administrators that insist on the rights of all to live and prosper with freedom of choice and expression.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
I was fortunate to have parents who insisted upon following through on my commitments and instructed me to look to the heavens for wisdom.
What is the one piece of advice that most changed your life:
You only live once, WRONG – You only die once and you live Every Day!
What inspires you:
When I receive hand-written cards in the mail from customers expressing their gratitude to the tradesmen and office personnel in showing interest in their home and remodeling project. Also, the delight in my parents faces when they would enter the office and see that their leadership was instrumental to my success.
Laura Osborne
LAURA’S FRAMING PLACE
4400 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-893-7263
LaurasFraming Place on Facebook
10 words:
casual; precise; professional; informative; creative; fun-loving; local; dog-friendly; semi-focused(depends on the day); driven
Community with no locally owned businesses:
Pretty boring. Most of the creatively named businesses are locally owned. Personalized names, and the owners are usually working there, if there is only one location. There aren’t many levels to try to cross getting to the decision maker.
Has my business been covid affected:
I was affected last year because I had to close my doors for 2 months–even though it’s just me here, I was hardly deemed essential. Business had been picking up before that. It took a couple of months or so to get back up and running with steady business. Business was really good the last half of the year because after being stuck at home, people had looked at their walls too long and wanted different pictures up. Or they had been cleaning out spaces and found lost treasures they thought had been tossed years ago.
Community support local instead of national chain:
The national chain stores aren’t going to sponsor your student’s school events. If you want personalized service, you think that will happen at a big store? I’m really missing the local hardware store here in south Toledo, as one example. To get a one of a kind framing design, you should be able to talk with and help choose what’s best for your order, not just what’s on the shelf.
Most people don’t know:
I have been framing your memories since November 1983. After 7yrs, 11 months of working for someone else (a local owner), my Dad and I opened Laura’s Framing Place on Nov 8, 1991 at Parkway Plaza in Maumee. Seven years ago, I moved to my present location in south Toledo, so people just think I’m new at this. My business partner and best friend passed away in Nov 2019, but I think I’m still making Dad proud.
Bill McConnell
Owner
DUNRIGHT BUILDING SERVICES, INC.
1057 Custer Dr.
419-537-7465
toledodunright.com
BilTen words about your business.
We are a local business the community can trust.
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
It would all be run by faceless corporations or franchises where the focus is on the money, not the community.
Has your locally owned business been affected by COVID-19? Explain.
Yes, we actually had a couple employees come down with it and we also lost one of our installers to the disease.
As a locally-owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
We live and invest in the community. We are part of the fabric that weaves service and trust whereas a corporate outfit’s goals are usually just money.
How does your business support the local community?
We support many charities like Open Door Ministry and New Life Church.
What locally owned business or businesses do you support and why?
We use mostly locally owned vendors.
How is your locally-owned business important to the local economy?
We provide honest and affordable products for every socioeconomic level in our area.
Tony Rasczyk
General Manager
CONSIGN-IT HOME INTERIORS
6925 W. Central Ave.
419-841-4663
consignittoledo.com
Ten words about your business:
Eclectic, fun, funky, everchanging, customer service, variety, trendy, cool
What would a community look like if there were no locally owned businesses?
Without locally owned businesses, the community would look cold,not as friendly and warm, not enough variety
Has your locally owned business been affected by Covid-19? Explain.
We’ve been affected by Covid by being shut down for 7 weeks last year. That has made us increase our online presence even more through social media and emails. We’ve been fortunate that our business has grown since more people have been at their home and want to change/update their home furnishings and furniture.
As a locally owned business, why should the community support you instead of a national chain competitor?
The community should support our local business because we give back to the communities through donations to local charities; we keep us with current trends integrating new styles; we get an eclectic mix of styles that many bix box stores can’t compete with us; we give great customer service. We’ve been in business 23 .5 years; that says something about our integrity and ability to change with the trends and give good customer service.
What inspires me?
The challenge of always finding unique items and keeping up with the trends in our business.
One thing the customer doesn’t know that may not be obvious about our business:
The amount of time it takes to find the furniture and accessories, merchandise it, process it, and to sell the goods.
