Creating and owning a business can be a great challenge. Though it might seem daunting trying to get your business idea off the ground, it is entirely doable. Here is some advice from some of the area’s well-known business owners.
Lakewood Flower Market
Sarah and Michael Krueger, Proprietors
4701 Talmadge Rd
(419) 922-9272
Lakewood Flower Market on Facebook
How was this business started?
Lakewood Flower Market has evolved from a fourth generation wholesale greenhouse into
its current retail operation owned by me and my husband Michael. Michael and I decided that we wanted to start a business together. I had experience with managing a team and running operations from my previous job, and Michael had industry experience and plant knowledge. An opportunity came up that allowed us to open up in the former Anderson’s Toledo garden center and we were in business.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
Michael: Partially being raised in the business has developed my interest in horticulture. I have also always wanted to be an entrepreneur and really enjoy providing my community with quality plants from local growers in the Toledo area.
What were the steepest challenges in creating this business?
Opening our store in the old Andersons Toledo location which was vacant at the time, aside from The Olive Garden and Chili’s, we were the only other business in the whole shopping center for almost two years. Another challenge was marketing our business to a new part of town with a larger customer base – previously we had been in Northwood or at the Toledo Farmers Market.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Anyone who wants to garden. We really find joy in helping new gardeners gain knowledge about the plants they are purchasing. We want our customers to be successful and are here to help in any way we can. We provide healthy locally grown plants, fertilizers and nutrients and high quality soils and amendments to give our customers great success.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Aim higher, even if you fall short you will still be in a better position than you were before.
Jeff’s Hauling
Jeff Hoffman, Proprietor
310 Mulberry Street
(419) 508-3782
Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup on Facebook
How was this business started?
This business started when I moved a couch for my grandmother’s neighbor. I quickly realized that removing junk was fun, as it provided me with a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and assist them with a problem that we all have: too much junk.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
Word spread quickly and I soon had more calls coming to help with junk removal.
What does your support system look like?
I have a wonderful support system consisting of friends, family, other business owners, previous clients and others. The support system allows for exchange of ideas, knowledge and other factors that may come into play when needed. Having a great support system in place is essential to keeping things moving in an efficient manner.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Everyone is a customer. We provide quality service at a fair price.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
It is easier to provide superior customer service than it is to address a customer complaint.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
After nearly 25 years in business I have seen them come and go. What sets us apart is our longevity in the industry. We have seen it all and done it all. We have also been voted the Best of Toledo for four years in a row and we have also won the Mature Living Reader’s Choice award.
If you’re thinking about starting a business, you should…
Conduct market research. How much competition is out there? How will you provide a service that is different from others in the industry you are starting?
Ohio Living Swan Creek
Sarah Schnurr, Director of Marketing
5916 Cresthaven Lane
(419) 865-4445
ohioliving.org
How was this business started?
Ohio Living opened its first community, Dorothy Love Presbyterian Home in Sidney, Ohio, in 1922. This is where our legacy of faith, compassion and community was birthed and still stands 100 years later.
What does your support system look like?
Ohio Living is one of the largest and most experienced not-for-profit, multi-site senior living organizations. With 12 life plan communities (including independent living, assisted living, skilled rehabilitation, memory care and long-term nursing), Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, and Palliative Medicine, our total service area covers over 10 million Ohioans wherever they call home. Additional service lines include provider-owned physician and nurse practitioner services, a Medicare Advantage plan, and pharmacy services. Ohio Living Foundation raises several million dollars annually to support charity care, special programs, capital expansion, and Endowment. Ohio Living currently has more than 2,700 employees who are all dedicated to providing high level care to our residents, patients and their families.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Ohio Living has a proud history of serving adults for more than 100 years, as one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit, multi-site aging services organizations. We strive to introduce industry best practices and make a positive impact on the communities we serve, aligning with our mission to provide adults with caring and quality services toward the enhancement of physical, mental and spiritual well-being consistent with the Christian Gospel.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t let your personal or organizational ego drive future planning. Instead, make every effort to do what’s best for the organization, while staying true to your mission and personal compass.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
Our ability to change with the changing times, while not compromising on our mission or values has helped us remain strong and relevant amid the ever-changing times of healthcare. We refuse to rest on our laurels and continuously look to the future to proactively create new value propositions that will help older adults optimize their lives as they continue to age.
Rosaria’s
Phil Barone, Proprietor
135 W. Third Street
(567) 686-7644
rosariason3rd.com
How was this business started?
Rosaria’s started with the idea of branching out from our established restaurant, Rosie’s Italian Grille. My partner Chef Eric Kish and I wanted to bring authentic Italian cuisine to another community but with more emphasis on coastal Italian cuisine with fresh fish, mussels, oysters, scallops and our bungalow shrimp. We were blessed to find a home here in downtown Perrysburg where we live, so we get to serve our community.
What were the steepest challenges in creating this business?
The steepest challenge we face, in regard to opening, would definitely have to be COVID. It was a struggle to find employees, materials and financing. But, thankfully, it all came together.
What does your support system look like?
I have a huge support system in my family and the Kish family who have become an integral part of our family business.
How did you determine your business’ big-picture goals? Have you met them?
The big-picture is determined by the success of the business itself and recognition within the community as being one of the best Italian and seafood restaurants in the area. We are working towards these goals every day. We opened quietly right when the pandemic slowed down, so now we are trying to spread the word about the hidden gem of downtown Perrysburg: Rosaria’s on 3rd Street.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
What sets us apart from some other restaurants is we are family owned and operated between the Barone and Kish family and all of our recipes are passed down through generations. We are the community and we are a part of the community.
Rosie’s
Phil Barone, Proprietor
606 N. McCord Rd.
419-866-5007
rosiesitaliangrille.com
How was this business started?
Rosie’s began when my brothers and I decided to open up a little Italian deli on Sylvania Avenue in 1982 with an attached arcade. Our mother was our inspiration and namesake, we wanted to share her recipes with the community. From there we expanded to five restaurants and eventually condensed down to Rosie’s Italian Grille on McCord. Forty years later, we are a staple in the community.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
My mother Rosaria ‘Rosie’ Barone.
What does your support system look like?
I have a huge support system in my family and the Kish family who have become an integral part of our family business. Not to mention the staff who has worked for us over the years. When you work with people for almost 40 years, they become your family.
Who or what business do you admire in your industry? Why?
What I love about the restaurant industry is the sense of community. When you cook for people you are sharing with them a part of you, your history and traditions. We are very fortunate to have many foodies in Northwest Ohio and we have met a lot of great people doing the work that we do.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have ever received would be to love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
What sets us apart from some other restaurants is we are family owned and operated between the Barone and Kish family and all of our recipes are passed down through generations. We are the community and we are a part of the community.
Rudy’s Hot Dogs
Phillip Dionyssious, Proprietor
Various locations
rudyshotdog.com
How was this business started?
My uncles came over from the island of Cyprus in the early 1900s. They settled in Toledo. They had a chili recipe, so decided to open up a restaurant specially for chili, chili dogs and some home cooked specials.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
My family business inspired me to pass on to the next generation.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things don’t always go the right way. People let you down; it’s not a perfect world. You must learn and move on. Don’t let things bring you down.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
Our food is all made to order for the customer. We take special pride in making our customers feel special.
If you’re thinking about starting a business, you should…
Be ready to work hard. Be unique. Try to be an example to your employees. Try to always have a good attitude.
Parkcliffe Alzheimer’s
Tori Rotar, Activities Coordinator
4226 Parkcliffe Ln.
419-381-9447
How was this business started?
In 1988, Wayne Bucher opened Parkcliffe Community as an alternative to nursing homes and clinical approaches to care which could overlook the whole person.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
Growing up with parents and grandparents in the industry, Parkcliffe grew from the idea that long-term care could be less institutional and more affordable. It could be more responsive to evolving needs. He envisioned a community where individuals and family maintain a say in care. A choice where people lead meaningful lives throughout the end of life.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Dementia is our speciality. Our environment, meaningful activities, staff training and family support are all designed to meet the challenges of living successfully with dementia.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
Parkcliffe Community was built specifically for individuals living with dementia. Our buildings allow us to support individuals in a unique way, in the comforting and familiar surroundings of a true neighborhood and home. Our environment – houses, yards, gardens, photos, personal keepsakes – all contributes to a sense of normalcy and freedom.
Westgate Residential Suites
Ryan Pyle, Proprietor
3433 Oak Alley Ct.
419-535-0727
westgateresidential.com
What inspired you to enter into this field?
My father runs a luxury senior independent living community in Westerville, OH. Over the years he has met so many great residents with such interesting life stories. He really enjoys the environment. Like many sons, I wanted to emulate my father.
What were the steepest challenges in creating this business?
I’ve been in the apartment business for nearly 20 years. Before I bought Westgate Residential Suites, I thought I knew it all and could just run this business the same as any other apartment community. Boy was I wrong! Thankfully Bonnie, our Community Manager for the last eight years, views her job as more of a vocation than just a job. She knows exactly what our residents need and provides a great senior living environment. Without her I would have made a mess of things for sure.
What does your support system look like?
Her name is Bonnie. I also have my wife Heather of 25 years, and 3 daughters. My oldest, Gwen, joined the family business as our Leasing Manager last year and is making her dad proud!
How did you determine your business’ big picture goals? Have you met them?
We focus on making Westgate Residential Suites a great community. Sometimes that means spending a little extra money and time to make things just right. We feel that if we focus on making a great product and experience now, the rewards will come in the future.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
We provide a home-like atmosphere for the senior population. Many have sold their home and are now looking for an easier lifestyle. So, we provide services that come to them such as the library, podiatrist, hair stylist and so on.
Who or what business do you admire in your industry? Why?
Feridean Commons in Westerville, OH. My father runs it. They provide an amazing resident-focused senior living environment. I work every day to do the same at Westgate Residential Suites.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
Our community of 44 units allows the tenants to really get to know each other. The morning coffee and pastries and afternoon snacks gives them the opportunity to socialize and participate in the many activities available.
If you’re thinking about starting a business, you should…
Make sure that whatever you pick doesn’t feel like work. You should enjoy it and work every day to get better at it. If it feels like work, you just bought yourself a job!
Dunright Building Services
Bill McConnell, Proprietor
Custer Drive
419.518.2279
dunrightbuildingservices.com
How was the business started?
We had previously owned another business and decided to work for other companies when we realized we could do it better on our own.
What were the steepest challenges in creating this business?
Finding like-minded people with the same goals.
What does your support system look like?
I could not have reached the level of success we have without the unwavering support of my lovely wife Robin, my friends and family and a strong faith in God.
How did you determine your business’ big picture goals? Have you met them?
Big picture goals including working with integrity above all else. Our goal was to be the best and we have been awarded with national, state and local awards.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Homeowners of all stripes. Our target market is homeowners 35 to 75 that are looking for a good contractor at a fair price.
Who or what business do you admire in your industry? Why?
My father had always been my hero and had always given me a role model to follow and gave me wonderful advice on customers, personnel and success.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Keep your word. It is something that takes a long time to build and can be gone in a flash. Your word is more valuable than any money.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
We are the only active company in the city to be named in the top 1% of construction companies in the USA by Remodeling Magazine Big50, we are a BBB Torch Award recipient and have won City Paper’s Best of Toledo three times and MLiving News’ Readers Choice Contractor of the Year five times.
If you are thinking about starting a business, you should…
Have a burning desire to serve others. With that, it doesn’t matter the size of your business, the success and money will follow.
Royal Deli
Nancy Avalos, Proprietor
112 W Front St.
(419) 874-7451
Royal Deli Foods on Facebook
How was this business started?
We have always been in the food service business, we noticed that a need for home-delivered meals existed, so we followed our hearts and ended up where we are.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
My mother became ill and needed meals. I started cooking for her and decided I wanted to do this service for other people who need this.
What were the steepest challenges in creating this business?
Actually there were so many challenges in the first year, it was just a blur. So I would ay the first year was our steepest challenge – all of it.
What does your support system look like?
I have a wonderful support system. Our daughter and son both work here and keep me going. We also have a grandson and granddaughter here so we are full of family support.
How did you determine your business’ big picture goals? Have you met them?
Our big picture goal was really to enjoy what we do, and we have accomplished that.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Anyone who can not cook for themselves a balanced diet. We like to think we provide great tasting meals, and also some independence of being able to stay in their home.
Who or what business do you admire in your industry? Why?
I admire any business who does what we do. There is such a need in our community for our services.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Watch your pennies and the dollars take care of themselves.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
We have fresh, refrigerated meals. Ours are not frozen.
If you’re thinking about starting a business, you should…
Be prepared to work really hard. I have always said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” And, give it a year. It will get easier.
Painting Services Plus
Alexander Clawson, Proprietor
5242 Angola Rd. #75
419-297-7046
Painting Services Plus on Facebook
How was this business started?
I’ve been in the painting/construction field for over 27 years, so after working for other companies over that time period I learned a lot. I decided over two years ago to start my own company and haven’t looked back since. The coronavirus pandemic pushed me to do and be more – to be better – and here we are.
What inspired you to enter into this field?
When I was 20, 27 years ago, I told my father I was looking for employment. He suggested I contact the painting company next to his office. They hired me and this is where I got my feet wet, so to speak. This is where I learned the basics of painting and how to hang wallpaper.
What were the steepest challenges in creating this business?
The steepest challenge in the beginning was acquiring qualified employees. It is still a challenge, but I currently have a great bunch of guys and gals that are extremely well-rounded and professional. I honestly couldn’t be happier with all of their hard work and dedication. I am proud of them.
What does your support system look like?
My support system comes from all of the Sherwin Williams stores in and around the Toledo area, and John at Color Concepts on Central Ave. They are very consistent in referring me to their customers, which I am very grateful for. My friends and family are also very supportive in what we are doing at Painting Services Plus.
How did you determine your business’ big picture goals? Have you met them?
My big picture goal so far has only been to make sure I keep all of my employees working and happy. With this I have succeeded. My current goal is to continually build and grow as a company.
Who do you see as your primary customers, and what do you try to provide for that demographic?
Our primary customers are homeowners. We provide quality workmanship alongside excellent communication skills. We strive to provide a quality product each and every time. We aren’t finished until the customer is satisfied.
Who or what business do you admire in your industry? Why?
I admire Bob Rachko and all of his daughters at Garage Floor Coatings – The Great Lakes for what they have created. It is a female/family run company and they are very good at what they do. If you need a floor epoxied or custom cabinetry, give them a call.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t give up; keep pushing. It won’t hurt forever.
What sets you apart from other businesses in your industry?
Our attention to detail and communication. Our eagerness to get the job done correctly and to get it done correctly the first time. A quarter of the estimates I go to are for projects that have been done incorrectly by another contractor. I’ve never really understood why someone would go with the lowest quote – it’s the lowest quote for a reason. We will always make sure each and every customer is happy before we collect a check, guaranteed.
If you’re thinking about starting a business, you should…
Research “how to start a business.” The hard part isn’t starting the business, it’s the day in and day out pressures of running it. I usually work at least 60 hours a week including weekends. You have to love what you do. You have to want it each and every day, there is no downtime for a small business owner. You have to be willing to give a large part of yourself to something you strongly believe in.
