Family Owned Business 2022

Family & 2022

OWNED OPERATED

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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2022

Ways you can help local Family small businesses thrive T

here are millions of small businesses in the United States owned by passionate people working hard to make their dreams a reality. Rather than buying from a big retailer the next time you need something, consider supporting the locally owned businesses around you. When you support a small business, you’re not only helping build your community, but also directly impacting someone’s life. Every customer counts when it comes to small business, which means your dollars can help that small business owner thrive. For example, as the nation’s largest insurer, State Farm has more than 19,000 agents who are small business owners themselves, who are committed to restoring lives, rebuilding neighborhoods and investing in the communities where they live and work. This desire to help started 100 years ago when the company was founded by a farmer who was concerned that big city insurance companies would not serve the specific needs of his business and community. Here are three simple ways to support small businesses and have a positive impact:

Support small business service providers

Get to know your community businesses

Many small businesses rely on satisfied customers to tell others so they can grow their client base. People trust word of mouth, so your effort makes a difference. In fact, more than eight out of 10 people around the world said they completely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family, according to Nielsen. Plus, two-thirds said they trust online opinions from consumers. So, tell a friend in person, share a post on social media, or leave a positive review online. If you’re a small business owner, consider using your platform to build up other entrepreneurs in your neighborhood.

Your support matters all year long. For many people, this means shifting their mindset to thinking about local options first and getting to know the types of products and services your local businesses are providing. Whether you are purchasing items for yourself or someone else, start to understand how these local businesses can fill your needs. Don’t forget, many small businesses offer gift cards, which are wonderful ways to show ongoing support.

Small businesses aren’t just for tangible goods. Many provide important services, such as your local mechanic, dentist or insurance agent. So, no matter your needs, try and find businesses that are active in the community. You can spot these businesses by seeing how they engage with their neighbors. Look for the providers that are going above and beyond to support the neighborhood and other small businesses. By supporting those that have a strong investment in your community, you are helping them create a greater impact. “From doughnut shops to beverage distributors, from hair salons to warehouses, State Farm agents are perfectly suited to help small business owners protect their dreams, their livelihoods and their families,” said Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer and former State Farm Agent Rand Harbert. “We offer products and services business owners need, and State Farm agents are small business owners themselves.”

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OWNED & OPERATED A publication of

Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411

Section Editor................ Tracy Ouellette Creative/Production Director..........................Heather Ruenz Advertising Director ..................... Vicki Vanderwerff Section Designer...............Jen DeGroot For advertising opportunities in our publications, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134. above: The next time you have a need arise, think of how a small business can help. Every effort counts to build your community, show your support, and ensure you continue to have thriving small businesses near you. STOCK PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Roesing Furniture

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Much more than apples

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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By Heather

Ruenz STAFF WRITER

Apple Barn offers diversity of products, experiences

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ast autumn, the crew at the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery was in the midst of the busiest time of the year at the farm and in spite of ongoing challenges they were doing what they do best – shining like a freshly picked and polished apple. Judy Jacobson, who owns the orchard and winery with her husband Steve, said last year’s crop was better than they expected given the weather. “Between frost and hail, both of which caused issues, its not as bad as we thought it might be,” she said. “It’s always according to the weather and we have to work with what God gives us.” The Jacobson’s took over the farm in 1985 and converted the former dairy barn and buildings into an orchard, while raising five girls. It’s now a thriving business featuring more than 4,000 apple trees. The orchard grows and sells 14 varieties of apples. They also raise strawberries, peaches, pumpkins, spearmint and peppermint, and supply corn, soybeans and alfalfa to local dairy farms. They then added a bakery and country store to provide fresh pies and cider donuts for patrons and later added a winery. The store and winery features a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits, apple cider, cheeses, baked goods, fruit wines, candles, gifts and local honey.

Keeping it local Judy said it’s important to them to focus on using their own harvest for the products they make and partnering with other Wisconsin small businesses for other items they sell. “We always try to use what we grow. We now make all of our own pies here and our own apples are used in our cider donuts, muffins and breads,” she said. “We’re also doing some gluten-free items and we’ve added a gluten-free line with a lady from Appleton that has a variety mixes – bread, cake, piecrust and more, for people to make at home,” she added. There is salsa available that comes from Chilton. It’s available in a variety of flavors including strawberry and raspberry. Because of the ongoing pandemic, Jacobson said they weren’t able to offer food samples in the store last year but said if customers stopped out to talk to an employee about what they like or what they’re looking for, they were more than happy to help. In another creative partnership, Jacobson said they enlisted help from customers for their mulberry wine. “The mulberries all came from this area. We paid our customers by the pound for what they brought in and it worked out great! Plus, the wine is amazing,” she said. Wine tasting at the Apple Barn was offered outdoors last year and mostly on the weekends, Jacobson said. “If someone wants to schedule a tasting, we’ll try our best, but with limited

Steve and Judy Jacobson (front from left) with their daughters (back from left) Emma Jacobson, Hannah Heggernes, Madalyn Reichert, Maren Jacobson and Rebecca Terpstra. The family has owned and operated Apple Barn Orchard and Winery since 1985. SUBMITTED PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

staff it’s been challenging,” she said. One of the business’ most popular wines – Apple Barn Blush – features apples, pears and strawberries grown there, according to Jacobson. “Our wines are whatever the fruit brings out in them. There is no coloring and no additives. We might enhance a wine with our pear or apple cider, but that’s it,” she said. During the off-season, select varieties of Apple Barn wines are sold at the following stores: Delavan Lake Store in Delavan; Frank’s Piggly Wiggly in Elkhorn; Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly in Delavan and Lake Geneva, and; Daniel’s Sentry Foods in Walworth. The Farmer’s Daughter line of products available at the Apple Barn features sauces, jams and jellies made on site. “It’s what we do in the off-season,” Jacobson said with a smile.

All about them apples Apple Barn Orchard & Winery’s website features a “What’s Picking” tab at the top of the homepage that lists the apples available for purchase and the status for pick-your-own during the apple season. Only some varieties fall into the pick-your-own category because staff handles the more fragile types, according to Jacobson. The website also includes detailed descriptions of each variety, revealing the taste, texture and what the apples are best suited for, from eating to baking to making applesauce and so on. Apples available at various times

Judy Jacobson peels apples that will be used in freshly baked pies at the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery. She said using the items they’ve grown in their products is a priority. HEATHER RUENZ Family Owned & Operated

throughout the season – though the list can change on short notice – include: Ginger Gold, Paula Red, Zestar, McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Holiday, Honey Gold, Empire, Ida Red, Autumn Gala and Jona Gold. Pick-your-own is only available on Saturdays and Sundays in late summer/

early fall. There is also a patch full of pumpkins available for picking in the fall. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery, W6384 Sugar Creek Road, Elkhorn. For more information, call 262-7283266, visit applebarnorchardandwinery. com and see the ad on Page 2.

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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Furniture pedigree

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

REED’S HISTORY IS AS SOLID AS ITS FURNITURE By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Residents of the Elkhorn area and beyond are well familiar with Reed Furniture, which has been at its present location since 1957. But that was not the beginning of this family business. It has remained in the same family since 1865 – that’s correct, 1865 – when Abraham Lincoln was president and the Civil War ended. Founded by John Reed in Palmyra in 1865, Reed moved his business to Elkhorn in 1871. His original store carried not only furniture but carpeting, blinds, and wallpaper along with a variety of in-home services. In the 1800s and early 1900s it was not unusual for the furniture stores and funeral homes to work together, and Albert J. Reed added the funeral home to this business but built it at a separate site. Over the years the business changed some of the services offered, including the selling of the funeral home by the current owners’ grandfather, but two things remained constant – furniture was their primary business and the business continued to be owned and run by the Reed family.

Brothers in charge

Today brothers Joe and Jim Reed are the owners of Reed Furniture and continue to provide high quality furniture and service to their customers. “We sell furniture that is built to last,” said Joe Reed. “(It’s) high quality furniture at reasonable prices. That is what most people are looking to purchase. “ This past year as more people have stayed home because of COVID, the Reed brothers have taken a look at their furnishings and it made them realize it is time to replace some things. “People in this area are looking at a mix of traditional and transitional furniture,” said Joe Reed. “Not many are interested in modern styles. In the last year, most customers are requesting furniture made here in America. One of the quality brands the store carries is King Hickory. The King Hickory sofas can be custom ordered in the customer’s choice of a variety of fabrics. According to Joe, a good quality sofa should last about 20 years if it is cared for. Less expensive sofas may only last about 10 years. If customers are not certain what they are looking for, a visit to the Reed showroom should clarify things. The large showroom is full of different styles of chairs, couches, and love seats, dining room sets, and bedroom furniture in a variety of colors and fabrics. It is especially good for those who have difficulty visualizing the final look. End tables and lamps along with other decorative accessories are in place to allow the customer to visualize a more finished arrangement. “The sofas can be ordered in fabrics and styles to meet your needs,” Joe Reed said. “Our staff will work with you to help you find the look you are trying to achieve.” One of their sales consultants, Jaimie, has been working at Reed for 18 years. During that time, she has developed a good sense of interior design and works well with those trying to decide what goes well together. The staff is accommodating and always willing to help the customer make choices. If not ready to make final choices, customers are welcome to wander the store checking out the variety of furniture choices. This is a place when the staff works with your needs. They are happy to let customers look by themselves if that is what the customer wishes, but are also there to assist when needed.

Reed Furniture is owned by brothers Joe (left) and Jim Reed. They each began working for the company when they were in high school and learned every aspect of the business before becoming the next generation to own the store. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Family Owned & Operated

Filling customer desires

There was a time when furniture all matched, but today people are looking for pieces that are not exactly the same yet still work well together. Chairs are often a different color from the sofa to bring another burst of color into the room. Recliners are popular for relaxing with a large number on display including a variety of colors. Blue remains a favorite choice for an accent color. Many are coming in looking to replace their furniture because they are tired of the gray colors that have been so popular the last few years and need that touch of color. Once the large pieces for the room are in place it is time to consider what else needs to be there to make the room comfortable and attractive. End tables and coffee tables can be seen throughout the store in a variety of finishes and styles. “High-cost end tables are not as important as high-end sofas. Put your money on the things you sit on. They will need to be sturdy to last,” shared Joe Reed. Amish Furniture from Door County is well known for its high quality work. A variety of Amish furniture pieces can be ordered and many are on display in the showroom. One of the nice things about this furniture is that it is

made to customer specifications. The type of finish that is preferred may be ordered. Lift chairs are ultra comfortable especially for those with disabilities that make it difficult to get out of the chair or who need to change positions frequently. Reed Furniture has a limited number of these chairs in stock, other can be ordered. One of the advantages of purchasing the chair from Reed’s is that they provide all the warranty service those they sell and they will deal with the manufacturer. No need to hunt for someone to repair it if needed.

All this and bedrooms, too

New bedroom furniture is also available from Reed’s in a variety of styles. Mattresses need to be replaced probably more often than most people choose to do so. It is only when they wake up each morning with a sore back that they begin to realize that it is time for a new mattress. “We only carry one brand of mattress because we feel it is the best for our customers,” Joe Reed said. “The mattress we carry is the Radiance line which is made in Wisconsin near Green Bay.” The mattress is available in three versions, firm, plush or luxe, depending on the support that one prefers. All the components used in the mattress are from Wisconsin. The

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

springs are made in Sheboygan and the foam is from Madison. Depending on which mattress is chosen, one can expect to have a warranty from 5 to 15 years. Looking for a new bedroom set? Consider one from Vaughn-Bassett. These American-made, solid wood bedroom sets are made from cherry, oak, maple, or birch. They are well constructed and will provide many years of service.

Delivery challenges

Because of the pandemic, delivery times for special-ordered furniture have increased. It’s a challenge all furniture stores face. Many of the upholstered pieces have been taking from 12 to 24 weeks. First there was a wood shortage and then a foam shortage. Reed has a good supply of furniture in its storeroom, but there is no guarantee that they have the exact item that the customer wants. “We have been ordering extra items all last year because of the extended shipping times but we are limited as to the amount our warehouse can hold. If we have one in stock that the customer wants of course we will sell him that one and he will not have to wait. Sometime we may have an item that is close to the one they wish to order but the customer will decide that they can be just as pleased with the one in stock because it saves the long delay,” added Joe Reed. Along with the increase in time for delivery, the cost of everything continues to rise. Prices for the raw materials used to build the furniture

continue to increase. Lumber has been in short supply and shipping costs too continue to rise. Items that are shipped from overseas have seen major increases in shipping prices. The cost a limited shipping container has increased 10 times since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Joe. “In spite of all these increases we continue to do our best to keep prices reasonable. We have a small but very efficient staff that helps to keep our overhead down,” he added.

Style assist

Often customers will bring in a photograph of the room to work with the staff to determine the appropriate size and style for the room. On some occasions they will come to the house but this is more unusual. A photo is often all that is needed. “We don’t do curtain and drapery design. We focus just on furniture – fine quality and great style,” added Joe Reed. “We deliver all the items to the home without additional charge in about a 60 mile radius from Elkhorn. We also service what we sell. We will handle dealing with the manufacturer if it is still under warranty.” With more than 150 years of service and experience standing behind them, you know they will still be there after the sale to ensure that any difficulties or problems will be solved expediently. Reed Furniture is at 920 N. Wisconsin, Elkhorn. Visit them in person or at their website shopreed. com, which has photos of many of the items in store. The store’s telephone number is 262-723-2686.

clockwise from top left: Chairs in a variety of colors may be just what is needed to add that pop of color to the room’s décor; This is one of many styles of dining room tables and chairs on display at Reed Furniture; For the family bicyclist, this whimsical table will remind everyone who enters the home of the family’s interest; Door County Amish Furniture is high end, quality furniture made in Wisconsin. Pieces can be ordered in the finish of the purchaser’s choice. SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Family Owned & Operated

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A brief history of

REED FURNITURE

By Joe Reed CONTRIBUTOR

Reed Furniture has been continuously family owned and operated since 1865. Most people know that, or at least we advertise it enough, but it’s a date that is kind of hard to put into perspective. We were founded in Palmyra, WI by John Reed. Not much is known about that location, but the civil war had just ended, and Wisconsin had only been a state for 17 years. We assume that we were more of a general store that sold a little bit of everything. In 1871 John moved the store to Elkhorn and it was located at the present-day location of Friend’s on the Square. Elkhorn was the center of the county and had a thriving downtown. If you’ve eaten in the Elk you’ve probably seen the old pictures of the city square from around that time. As was often the case, stores back then sold a variety of goods and services. Reed’s has always sold furniture, but we initially provided funeral services and other items as well. Our ledger book, which goes back to 1871, records everything from tables to caskets. Our ‘Grand Opening’ ad for our present location in 1957 advertises wallpaper, blinds, carpeting, picture framing, wagons and even go-karts. At some point around 1900 John’s son, Albert Reed, took over from his dad and moved the funeral home portion of the business to the orange brick home located West of the town square. Albert and his son Birdell ran the funeral home and store until our present-day store at 820 N. Wisconsin St. was built in 1957. At that point Birdell retired and his two sons, Mike and Albert took over.

then

now

Mike and Al decided to sell the funeral home and focus on furniture and carpeting. Al’s son Steve started working full time in 1973 at the age of seventeen. He officially took the keys to the store in 1991. Mike retired that same year and Al retired in 1997. Since then, we stopped offering carpet and started carrying mattresses. Steve officially retired in 2016 and is his two sons, Jim and myself took over the day to day. We each began working at the store a little in high school on the delivery truck – the same way our dad and his dad began. We’ve adapted with the times but have always aimed to provide quality products that the community needs. Today we are a full-service furniture store aimed at providing quality furniture and mattresses. This year we’ll celebrate our 157th anniversary, and while that date may be hard to put in perspective, hopefully this brief history gives some help.

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Victoria Williams, co-proprietor of Anchor Nutrition, showcases the menu of items available for sale at her establishment in Burlington, 532 N. Pine St. Williams has partnered with her daughter, Brittney Smoger, on the business, which they opened in August. JASON ARNDT Family Owned & Operated

Beverage shop helps revive aging building Anchor Nutrition hopes to build following in downtown Burlington

By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Victoria Williams, like many people, looked for ways to support a local business during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Williams, formerly of Burlington and now residing in Genoa City, has a niece who operated a store selling herbal teas and drinks packed with vitamins and minerals in the Dubuque, Iowa, area. She decided to support her niece by purchasing many products, which helped keep the establishment afloat during the pandemic. “I got into Herbalife during the quarantine, she was struggling with her business to keep afloat,” said Williams. “Then she was she like, “Yeah, can you buy some of my products?” With little hesitation, Williams bought many items, which resulted in her opening a similar business of her own alongside her daughter Brittney Smoger in the heart of downtown Burlington. Anchor Nutrition, 532 N. Pine St., specializes in healthy shakes, energizing boba teas and daily specials. The business

launched in August 2021. The building previously housed the Burlington Hotel, Plush Horse, Sharkey’s and SciFi Cafe. Among the menu items are beauty bomb consisting of collagen and green tea; deja brew protein coffee with belly fat burner, iced protein coffee, herbal tea, an immune booster called Get Well and a beverage promoting healthy digestion she calls Jet Drink. Anchor Nutrition also offers pre- and post-workout shakes. Williams said the pink drink containing collagen and protein has been one of the most popular beverages. “Pink drinks have got collagen, B vitamins and it also has 15 grams of protein in it,” Williams said. “It tastes like strawberry lemonade and it is so good.”

Gaining popularity Williams, however, admits opening a new business amid a pandemic was “terrifying” experience. But at the encouragement of her business partner daughter, who worked with her niece in Iowa, Williams decided

to take a leap of faith. “It was kind of a now or never situation, these (Herbalife) clubs are opening up in Kenosha, Racine, they got one in Elkhorn,” she said. “We felt that if we didn’t get our foot in the door here, somebody else would.” Since opening, Williams and her daughter began renovating the inside, adding new ceiling tiles, flooring, and comfortable furnishings such as couches. She hopes the newly renovated inside, as well as future exterior upgrades, can draw more people into the establishment nestled between John’s Main Event and the new Quotes + Cotton shop. “We eventually want to get workout groups going with our customers,” she said. “We just want to help people get healthy and live their best lives. When you use our products, you just feel better.” Thus far, Williams and her daughter have enjoyed the experience, and look forward to seeing exterior upgrades on the building. Those upgrades received approval from the Burlington Common Council when it authorized a certificate of

appropriateness, therefore, allowing property owner Brad Paradeis to make exterior alterations. Under the approval, the project consists of replacing all first floor arched wood windows with anodized aluminum frames with fixed sashes and arched top sashes. He also garnered approval to remove all first floor doors and replace them with anodized aluminum doors. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission anticipates Paradeis will apply for a facade grant, which would fund further upgrades of the long vacant building. Williams said remembers first walking into the building and noticing aging, or dated, interior decorations including carpeting and spent months coordinating upgrades. Williams decided on Burlington, instead of Genoa City or her native Kenosha, because the community supported her while she lived in the area. “I love Burlington, I raised my kids here and the support of the community has just been outstanding,” Williams said.

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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The last one around: Family owned, independently operated Sue and Tom Schinke, owners of Lyle’s TV and Appliance in Elkhorn, take pride in the fact that they are the last independently owned appliance store in Walworth County. Being local, Lyle’s not only sells the appliances, but they deliver and service them as needed. “Our customers come from the local area not only Elkhorn but also the southern Wisconsin area and across the Illinois border to nearby towns such as Richmond and McHenry. We limit our delivery and service areas to approximately a 30 mile radius so that we can offer the best in service,” Tom Schinke said. Lyle’s offers a wide variety of kitchen and household appliance in all price ranges. They also feature the Big Green Egg, one of the most popular grills out there. Lyle’s was opened by Tom’s father, Lyle Schinke in 1954 out of his home. “He later purchased the building at 17 S. Washington in Elkhorn where the business continues to grow,” Tom said. Tom joined his dad in 1973 and Lyle’s daughter-in-law, Sue, joined the business in 1996. Lyle was well known for his knowledge about the appliances he sold and also for the service that he offered to his customers, service that continues today. Lyle continued to actively work in the store until his retirement in 2006 when Tom and Sue, took over. Now as owners of Lyle’s, Tom and Sue have brought in other family members including their daughter. Lyle’s TV and Appliance at 17 S. Washington St. in Elkhorn. For more information, call 262-723-3477, visit www.Lylestv. com and see their ad on the Back Page.

Tom and Sue Schinke are second-generation owners of Lyle’s TV & Appliance in Elkhorn. HEATHER RUENZ Family Owned & Operated

A Wisconsin tradition: The fish fry is staple of business at Chances By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

Wisconsinites savor an old-fashioned fish fry with walleye, perch and bluegill, among other options, as standard staples. The classic Wisconsin fish fry, according to the state Department of Tourism, plays a significant role in the state’s food culture. “Ask any Wisconsinite about their favorite, and you’re bound to get a detailed list, typically ranked on the basis of bar or restaurant atmosphere, fish and breading type, seasonings and quality of side dishes,” the Department of Tourism wrote in its brief history of the Wisconsin fish fry. Chances Food and Spirits, 205 W. Main St., Rochester, marks off all criteria of a Wisconsin fish fry with several options for customers. The Rochester establishment, which opened in 1987, serves beer battered or baked Icelandic cod with French fries or homemade potato pancakes, homemade coleslaw, fresh marble rye bread and applesauce. Additionally, for the customer looking for variety, Chances offers a Friday fish fry combo consisting of two blue gills, two perch and one walleye. Tom Schuerman, owner of Chances, calls the fish fry atmosphere “organized chaos” in a family-friendly environment. As COVID-19 numbers have subsided, Schuerman reports his establishment has seen a more steady flow of customers. “I would say we have been exceptionally busy right now,” he said. “I think people are very anxious to get out. Business has been very busy.” While Chances offers carryout orders, the establishment suggests customers place reservations for a more efficient dining experience.

Family operation Chances Food and Spirits, of Rochester, offers a traditional Wisconsin fish fry year-round at its downtown establishment (from left) Sue Splan; Tom Schuerman, owner; and Sarah Coots. JASON ARNDT Family Owned & Operated

Sue Splan, Schuerman’s sister, oversees operations with Schuerman’s daughter, Sarah Coots. Chances, according to Splan, touts a friendly

atmosphere with customers coming away impressed with their experience. “People walk away satisfied and happy with the atmosphere,” she said. She attributes the positive feedback to a strong base of employees and loyal customers who keep coming back for more. “We have a good employee base, we have a good customer base. It is a real family atmosphere,” she said. “Our employees are like family, a lot of our customers are like family, because they have been around since the start.”

Taking chances Schuerman, meanwhile, found a simple inspiration in the name when he opened the establishment tucked away in peaceful downtown Rochester. “I thought I was taking a lot of them. I took a lot of chances in opening up a business,” he said. Since opening, Chances has become a staple in the area, and Schuerman considers himself fortunate to continue even amid challenges. “It opened in 1987. We have been here 35 years. We are still standing and some restaurants come and go,” he said. Chances, meanwhile, tries to keep prices reasonable as costs of food and supplies continue to rise for many reasons. The typical Wisconsin fish fry, however, isn’t the only menu item that Chances offers. Menu options include burgers and sandwiches, chicken entrees, but Schuerman said steaks and ribs are the most popular besides the fish fry. “Besides our fish fries, we are known for our ribs, our steaks,” said Schuerman, who added that customer camaraderie as another asset. “The friendliness and the conversation is what I enjoy.” Chances, accessible online at chances food. com, is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and 4:30 until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. For more information or to make a reservation, call 262-534-2772.

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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NATURAL WELLNESS STUDIO OPENS IN ELKHORN By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

For Brandee Walton and John Stuart, opening their new whole health studio Eleven 11 on Valentine’s Day was the perfect option. “Brandee and I are both in service to love,” Stuart said. “Our whole practice is geared to self love. We figured the perfect day to open our doors would be Valentine’s Day, a day that is dedicated to love.” Eleven 11 is at 11 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn – the former Elkhorn Independent building. In fact, the old newspaper sign is still on the front of the studio. Inside, however, the building has been renovated into a place where people can gather, listen to music, perform yoga, meditate – and basically, try to find their own health in a variety of different ways. Stuart said the idea is to focus on holistic wellness – mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. He is a registered yoga instructor, Walton is certified in breath work and meditation. As Stuart explained, the various options available at Eleven 11 allows everyone to meet holistic health on their own terms, working with traditional medicine as well providing holistic options. Walton did add that spirituality holds no tie to any specific religion. “We welcome all faiths,” she explained. “There is no dogmatic practice that we associate with. Anybody that walks through that door, we honor their sovereignty.” Just some of the offerings at the studio include: • The 360five Sound Experience, available in two-hour and four-hour sessions. It is a group class/experience, with participants

John Stuart (left) and Brandee Walton are the owners of Eleven 11 – a new whole wellness studio located at 11 W. Walworth Ave. in Elkhorn. JENNIFER EISENBART Family Owned & Operated

reclining in meditation while Stuart provides multiple different sounds and music. Stuart said it is a “multi-sensory experience,” with the different instruments and sounds allowing for binaural beats – where the body hears two different beats and settles at the middle frequency for healing – as well as solfeggio frequencies, which is a six-tone scale set that is present in sacred music. “Typically, when people come into it, they are working through some traumatic experience, wanting some clarity or just wanting to relax,” he explained.

• A wide variety of yoga is available, including Yoga Nidra and Yoga 360five – both variations on the traditional yoga experience. Classes will be held in an open space called “The Garden.” • Different dance offerings are also part of the studio, include ecstatic dance – where

people are encouraged to dance freeform, “allowing your inner child to have its moment, your soul to be free,” Walton said – as well as a sober dance night called “Eden,” which will start in March and take place once a month. In addition to the classes, there is a propagation wall – where plant clippings can be brought in to grow and exchanged – as well as organic coffee and water available in the front room, called “The Hive.” People will be encouraged to bring their own mugs, to cut down on waste. There is coffee, tea and Puriam products for sale, as well as essential oil blends the two will put together. Essential oil bracelets are available. There will also be homemade truffles and oat balls for sale. Space in the back of the building is being dedicated to Walton’s non-profit foundation “Lot of Love,” a space for unpaid family caregivers to engage in self care. There will also be smaller rooms for everything from massage to Reiki treatments. Walton, who has lived in the ElkhornLake Geneva area her entire life, said the space is about living a dream – and being of service. “And answering your soul’s calling,” she said. “Wanting to share what you learn, because that’s the ultimate experience. Learning and sharing.” For more on the studio or to sign up for classes, go to www.eleven11-thestudio.com.

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www.luisaspizza.co Hwy. 50 & 317th Avenue, Wheatland A space in Eleven 11 known as “The Garden” will host classes of all kinds, including yoga. JENNIFER EISENBART Family Owned & Operated

12 Miles East of Lake Geneva

262-537-4795

413242

Page 14

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Westside is a stone yard available to the public and contractors for pick up or delivery

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Cornering the market

There’s a new hot yoga studio and vacation rental in Burlington

By Mike Ramczyk CORRESPONDENT

R

Page 15

elax your mind, and let your conscience be free, you’re now rolling the flow of the M-A-R-T. OK, that cheesy Jay-Z reference wasn’t an attempt for a laugh. It’s true. The Mart in downtown Burlington brings relaxation, free conscience, mindfulness and “flow” in two forms – an apartment rental upstairs and a hot yoga studio, Wisconsin Power Yoga, downstairs. While The Mart and WPY are separate entities, they are in the same building, which is owned by Molly Elsbury, 32, and her husband, Dustin, 33, both Burlington natives. Molly and her friend Amy Bielinski, 29, run the spacious hot yoga studio, and Molly and Dustin are in charge of the exquisitely renovated apartment rental – compete with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, new furniture, a huge kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. And while you may have heard of yoga, hot yoga is a different animal. Picture 12 to 15 people in a yoga class, constantly moving from pose to pose despite 95-degree temperatures and 70-percent humidity, for an hour, just focusing on breathing and being present in the moment. Shutting down the mind from the crazy thoughts of the day, like what to grab for dinner, where to run the kids for practice and what is your boss going to say about

last week’s presentation. “We’re really trying to give people a mindfulness practice for your daily lives, taking a step aside from our crazy thoughts that are constantly running,” Molly said. “Some people come for the idea of the workout, but the end goal is the meditation process. The whole class is designed to set you up for detaching from your thoughts and focusing on what you’re doing right now. That’s the start of a meditation practice, you feel great because you just spent an hour focusing on one thing,” she added. “You’re giving yourself an hour to be yourself.”

Discovering a passion

What a concept in this day and age of smartphones, screens and distractions. Molly, who was a dance minor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and dabbled in yoga, started getting passionate about it after taking a hot yoga class by Amy Bielinski in 2019 at The Landing in Burlington. She was so intrigued that she and Dustin headed out to Rhode Island to earn a hot yoga certification, and she came back to Burlington eager to teach with Bielinski. “We started with the yoga business. We started teaching hot yoga out of a garage a few blocks from here – in a garage at her uncle’s house,” Molly said about Bielinski. “I started taking Amy’s classes, and I was hooked. I fell in love with the style of • CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

top: Molly and Dustin Elsbury stand in the Mart, a short-term rental apartment they created in downtown Burlington. The apartment is on the second floor of a building that houses a hot yoga studio operated by Molly Elsbury and a partner. left: The Mart is located at 164 E. Washington St., Burlington. MIKE RAMCZYK Familyl Owned & Operated

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

YOGA STUDIO • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 yoga, I wanted to be involved in this. We decided to team up. I was like, ‘We have to do this, it’s so cool, it’s really unique.” Luckily for Molly, her husband just so happens to be in the general contracting and carpentry business with his dad, so when they were looking for a place to buy to open their own studio in 2019, the former Burlington Laundromat on Washington Street adjacent to Flippy’s was the perfect place. It had been dormant for a few years, but there’s tons of space and a great downtown location. And a little bit of family history didn’t hurt. It turns out Molly’s great-grandfather, Robert Ruedebusch, used to own the building from 1950 to 1986, when it was called “The Music Mart.” Many locals bought their first records there, and when Dustin and Molly were “completely gutting” the building, people would walk by and tell them they used to buy music there. The place also sold instruments and offered music lessons. Molly wanted to honor her greatgrandfather, so she made “The Mart” sign the same design as the old sign. Also, there’s an old photo framed on the brick wall of the kitchen of the apartment rental – something that makes Molly beam with pride. She is the youngest of three sisters, and both her and Bielinski recently had babies. In fact, Molly has three children 6 and under, and her four-month-old baby was sleeping through mom’s interview with the newspaper. “I guess that’s what happens when two young women are running a business,” Molly joked about her and Amy both being young and having babies. With the hot yoga studio getting up and running in February 2021, the Mart opened in May of the same year. It’s been a challenge opening during a pandemic, but they are starting have classes every week, and the apartment rental is already booked for 75 days, mostly weekends, in 2022. When they bought the building, it was just two, one-bedroom apartments upstairs and nothing downstairs. “The place was a mess, the basement and all the way up here,” Dustin said. “It was time to start over with this place.” Molly and Dustin have been trying to get the word out with The Mart. It’s mostly been used for wedding parties, whether it’s the bridesmaids staying over the night before and bride and groom staying the night of the wedding. Also, there was a family that recently stayed five nights for the holidays. The convenience to downtown, walking to Mercantile Hall and Veterans Terrace for events is ideal. They’re not on Air B&B websites or trying to make it a grand production. “We have a website, it’s our own booking service, themartapt.com, we’re not in a huge rush,” Molly said. “We want to keep it word of mouth and a local thing.” “It sleeps eight, there’s a pull-out sofa and washer and dryer in the unit. We’d like to have more families use it. We get vacationers in town visiting family.” above: Wisconsin Power Yoga, a hot yoga studio, is on the first floor of The Mart building at 164 E. Washington St., Burlington. top: The Mart features this living area in addition to a full kitchen and two bedrooms and two bathrooms. MIKE RAMCZYK Familyl Owned & Operated

A unique experience Molly says the hot yoga experience

is a synchronized vinyasa flow, which is a unique style of yoga that matches your breath with each movement as well as matching your breath and movement with everyone else in the class. “The environment of the room also aides in keeping your awareness on what you’re doing while you’re doing it,” Molly said. “The challenge of our class it to be aware of one breath at a time, moment to moment.” “It may sound intimidating but we are trained as your teachers to help guide you through this. Anyone is welcome. It’s open to anyone with an open mind.” What’s the difference between yoga and hot yoga? “The focus of the breath with the movement,” Molly said. “Take complete, full breaths, keeping your focus on that and not letting your mind drift away, not getting distracted by a sound.” “Your body’s so warmed up before class starts, your muscles, joints and everything move much easier.” People can walk in and take a class for $15, and there is also a deal where people can buy three classes for $23, and attend those at any time. The bottom line is with both businesses, people can come downtown and get a relaxing, invigorating experience, one they aren’t soon to forget. So what are the ultimate goals for The Mart and Wisconsin Power Yoga? “We’d like to keep offering this cool, little downtown haven,” Molly said. “We want it to be a local treasure. Maybe there’s other businesses that are looking to hire someone and put them up for a weekend or something. We kind of want it to be for the whole community, not a party house. I’ve had a knitting club contact me, like just a place to go and hang out for a day. People can contact us through our website, and we can work it out. We’re the only licensed vacation rental in town.” “As for the yoga studio, as we get back in the swing of things, we would love to just keep adding classes and growing. We’re training two other women to teach with us.”

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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The Stebnitz family is celebrating 50 years of service in the community with Stebnitz Builders, Inc. The home remodeling company is headquartered in Elkhorn and ready to assist in your next home-improvement project. SUBMITTED PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

Stebnitz Builders: A family foundation for 50 years Stebnitz Builders, Inc. is proud to be celebrating its 50th year of service to Walworth and surrounding counties. Founded by Stan Stebnitz in 1972, original projects were limited to general carpentry work and the occasional addition. With the help of Stan’s three sons, Dave, Gary and Dan, the company grew and was recognized for its quality and integrity. “The three key principles my father committed to from the beginning, still resonate within our team today,” said Dan Stebnitz, Production Advisor and Estimator for the company. “Always do what’s right, provide service like you expect to be served and never walk-away from a project.” In 1985, the brothers approached their father about purchasing the business. They wasted no time implementing their growth plans which began with new headquarters in Delavan and an expansion of their service offerings. They also added key members to the team to further enhance the client experience, which was so important

to each of them. The tradition of family ownership and involvement continued when Dave’s son, Chris Stebnitz, purchased the business in 2005 and became the company’s thirdgeneration owner. “Our team culture has the same goals today, to ensure our clients are well-served now and years to come,” Chris said. “That approach is something that’s critically important to our team and the family name. It’s a focus that will allow this company to continue my grandfather’s legacy by serving Walworth County for another 50 years.” To be more easily accessible to their clients and allow for continued growth, Stebnitz Builders moved their headquarters from Delavan to the hub of Walworth County at the interchange of highways 43 and 67. Their location, 204 Commerce Court in Elkhorn, provides easy access for clients traveling from anywhere in the county. Collaborating with their clients through Houzz, 3-D design and virtual walk-

throughs allow everyone involved in the project development to truly experience the renovated space before construction even begins. An expansive presence on the internet, including social media sites, homeowner reference sites and a comprehensive website allow homeowners to gather great information about Stebnitz Builders and the countless product and material selections they may be considering for their project. The company culture at Stebnitz Builders encourages regular client communication. Their team of consultants, production managers, carpenters and office staff all pride themselves on proactive and responsive communication. “Our clients want and deserve to be in-the-know. Remodeling can be a scary and invasive process; our level of regular communication and availability make us a 24-7 home advisor and information funnel for our clients and homeowners. Phone, text, email, Zoom meetings, messenger and face-time, just to name a few, make

us accessible for any schedule,” said Chris Stebnitz Delivering great client service and an exceptional client experience is evident by the many accolades and awards they’ve received. One such measurement is the use of Guild Quality, a third-party survey firm who contacts clients after project completion for an in-depth, detailed survey/report about their remodeling experience. Those most recent results are constantly updated and accessible for all to see. “We love the transparency Guild Quality provides us in our efforts to continually improve. Our 99% referral rate from those client surveys has earned us our 9th consecutive Excellence in Customer Service and another Guildmaster Award … I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” said Chris Stebnitz. If you are interested in a home improvement project of any size, reach out to them – they’ll be ready to listen! See the ad on Page 23 for more information.

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

a s a s r N I a S e Y U 0 B 1 1 Y L g I n i M t a A r F b e Cel OWNED Y L L A LOC

ESS!

800 Park Dr Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Phone: 262-248-2031 Same Family Owned and Operated Since 1912

Since our first location in 1912 in

1912-1934

downtown Lake Geneva, the Derrick Funeral Home has been owned and operated by the Derrick family. Even though we have moved to a couple of locations, one thing has remained the same, the professionalism and the dedication of the staff to providing the families that we serve with the best possible care.

Main Street, Lake Geneva Derrick Funeral Home will be more than honored to assist you or your family with everything from a traditional funeral to celebration of life to preplanning and pre-funding a funeral service. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give us a call, 262-248-2031 or visit our website, www.derrickfuneralhome.com for more information.

1934-1997

Center Street, Lake Geneva

1997-Present | 800 Park Drive, Lake Geneva

413620

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

All

in

the

Page 19

Family

Parents and daughters make smiles brighter By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

hen Tim Smith began working as a dentist – ironically, for his father, of all people – he got a piece of sage advice. “My dad always used to say, ‘wait till you’re seeing the children’s children,’” Smith said. Now, not only are Tim and his wife, Sharon Ruetz-Smith – both dentists with separate practices – seeing generations of patients, their childrem have followed in their footsteps as well. Tim Smith followed his father, who inherited the business from his father, into dentistry. While in dental school at Marquette University, Tim met Sharon – who decided to be a dentist as well. She opened her own practice in Waterford, where she works to this day. Four daughters through high school later, three of the four – Allison, Michelle and Maggie – wanted to pursue careers in the health field. While Michelle went into business and the fourth daughter, Kelli, went on to become a teacher, both Allison and Maggie ended up graduating from Marquette’s dental school. Allison (now DeLorme) went to work with her father, while Maggie (now Meyer) went to her mother’s office in Waterford. “There was never any pressure to go into dentistry,” Maggie explained. “Mom and Dad were just like, ‘Do what you want to do.’” “But they’re happy that we did,” Allison added, her father fist-pumping on the other side of the room, the whole family together for the weekend.

The parents first – or the grandparents? Tim Smith will be the first to admit that dentistry runs in the family blood. Not only was his father a dentist, but his mother’s father was as well. “I kind of cut my teeth on dentistry,” Tim said, pun likely intended. “We would get together, and my grandfather and my dad would talk dentistry.” Oh, and let’s not forget the two uncles and Tim’s brother – all of whom are dentists. “These girls kind of grew up around it,” Tim admitted. When it came time for college, Tim ended up at Marquette – first for his fouryear undergraduate degree and then for the five-year dentist (or DDS) program. When asked what he loves about the business, his answer is straightforward – he gets to work with his hands and be creative. “It’s a bit like a watchmaker,” Tim explained. “We’re working in a small space. That is the fun part of it. You tear it all down and you build it back up.” Sharon, meanwhile, met Tim at Marquette in 1980, through a mutual friend.

Dentistry runs in the Smith family. Shown here are, from left: Tim Smith, Sharon Ruetz-Smith, Allison DeLorme and Maggie Meyer. JENNIFER EISENBART Family Owned & Operated

Tim Smith is shown here with his daughter, Allison DeLorme. The two dentists work together in Burlington.

Sharon Ruetz-Smith and her daughter, Maggie Meyer, are shown here. The two dentists work together in Waterford.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

SUBMITTED PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

As it turned out, they made a pretty good pair – and Sharon, who was in the dental hygiene program at Marquette, decided to pursue her DDS as well. The two were married in in 1984, after Tim graduated from dental school. Tim then went to work at his father’s office, while also working in Delavan to guarantee himself enough work. The couple lived in Milwaukee until Sharon graduated in 1985. “When I graduated, we’ve been in Burlington ever since,” Sharon said.

Two practices While both became dentists – and the two became partners – the details needed to work together never came together. As Tim explained, he had to work at more than one office to get enough work at that point in time. Sharon, meanwhile, was contacted by Mike Casey to work for him in his Waterford office. The building both Casey

and Ruetz-Smith are in – now two separate practices – was built about 30 years ago, something Sharon remembers because, “I was pregnant with Kelli.” Tim took over his father’s practice in the mid-1990s. Both have been running their own offices since.

Enter the kids It may not be surprising that, with four daughters, all ended up working for one or both of their parents at one point or another. “My mom trained me in assisting,” Allison explained. All four had other things in common, too. All four were standouts on the Catholic Central High School girls volleyball, all graduated after being part of at least one WIAA Division 4 state volleyball championship team, and all were at the top of or near the top of their classes. The first to graduate, Allison headed for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The

other three – Michelle, Kelli and Maggie – would all end up at Colorado State for their undergraduate degrees. Allison was the first to discover dentistry would be her future career, though both she and Maggie are clear that there was no pressure from their parents. “When I first started at Madison, I explored all different kinds of health fields,” Allison said. “I knew I wanted to do something health-related. I kept coming back to dentistry and thinking it would be a really good fit for me.” Allison graduated from Wisconsin in 2011, with a Bachelor of Science in communicative disorders, and applied – and was accepted to – several different dental schools. In the end, Marquette won out, and she graduated in 2015. She started working for both her mother and father right out of college, splitting time in the two offices. She has worked the last two to three years exclusively in Burlington. Maggie, meanwhile, graduated from CCHS in 2014 and considered several schools – some to continue playing volleyball, others just for school – before heading to Colorado State. “I liked the mountains,” Maggie explained. “And my sisters were out there. It was a huge blessing to have my two older sisters there.” She earned a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science, but like Allison, she discovered dentistry would be her future. Some in-person experience at a local dentist’s office drew her in and Maggie was hooked. She remembers sitting on the beach with her father, on a family vacation, nearing graduation. Tim questioned her as to what her health care choice would be. And while neither Allison nor Maggie felt any pressure from their parents, there was acknowledgment from both Sharon and Tim that both daughters would be good at the job. “You think you know your children,” Sharon explained. “It seemed like really good fits (for both).” Maggie graduated and started working with her mother in the summer of 2021. The way family became dentistry – and dentistry became family – is evident in how all four talk about one another. “I think it’s really cool,” Tim explained. “They’re fourth-generation dentists. It really warms my heart.” Sharon remembers working while being pregnant with each of the girls – and now some of those patients are being seen by the daughters. “We know their life, and they know our life,” Sharon explained. “They trust them right away. We’re very happy to have our kids working with us.” Allison added, “Maggie and I are very fortunate to have the mentorship early in our careers from our parents. It’s the best mentor, because it’s your parents.” Maggie agreed, saying, “You didn’t have to building a trusting relationship. It was already there.”

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Page 21

Justin Miklaszewski, 21, owner of Two Creek Farms LLC, showcases items available for sale at his recently opened store in Union Grove. JASON ARNDT Family Owned & Operated

Young meat purveyor opens storefront UNION GROVE SHOP ALSO OFFERS FARM MARKET ITEMS By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

What began as a hobby turned into a start-up enterprise for Justin Miklaszewski. Miklaszewski, 21, and owner of Two Creek Farms LLC in Union Grove, said the business directly across the street from the Racine County Fairgrounds offers an array of farm fresh meat and cheese products all locally produced. “All of this is 100% naturally grown, it is literally just farm fresh meat and cheese products, and it is all GMO and chemical free,” he said, adding Two Creek Farms serves a key market. “It is a niche were people want to eat healthy.” Although Two Creek Farms LLC officially launched in 2018, it wasn’t until this January when he decided to open a storefront, which has since drawn overwhelming community support. “It has been insane, it has literally been insane. The community has brought in so much support,” he said. “It has been really tremendous. It has been busy.” Miklaszewski, a 2018 Union Grove High School graduate, started the business as a hobby when he was 16 years old in Franksville. In 2016, Miklaszewski, who did not have a name for the business, initially envisioned selling show cattle and offering meat up for purchase. “When we first started this, it was just to sell cattle, and the meat side of it was just going to be a hobby,” he said.

“

When we first started this, it was just to sell cattle, and the meat side of it was just going to be a hobby. “It became very, very popular, so I quit my job and started working for myself full-time while still in school.” – Justin Miklazewski

However, in the next two years, many of his friends and family savored the quality taste of his products available for sale. The popularity, he said, compelled him enough to quit his full-time job and officially launch the business under the name “Two Creek Farms LLC” about three years ago. “It became very, very popular, so I quit my job and started working for myself full-time while still in school,” said Miklaszewski, a college student. As for the name, Miklaszewski simply found inspiration in his own yard, which includes two creeks. “We needed to have a business name, at the time, we were doing it in our personal house and we have two creeks on our property, one in the front and in the back,” he said, adding his father encouraged him to choose the name. “People started remembering it and then it just kind of stuck.”

Farmers markets Before he opened the store,

Miklaszewski sold his products at multiple farmers markets, including Mukwonago, Racine, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, Madison, Whitefish Bay and other Milwaukee area markets. Additionally, the products were available online. Last year, Two Creek Farms attended several farmers markets per week, according to Miklaszewski. Meanwhile, he also found a way to expand his inventory, selling products made by other farmers market sellers at the Union Grove store. Products include maple syrup, ketchup, among other items. “The maple syrup is done in Mukwonago, the ketchup is from Mukwonago, the garlic is from Illinois, but it is all from people who I have met at farmers markets,” he said. “I liked their products so I added it to my store.” Miklaszewski added he still plans on bringing products to area farmers markets, however, it won’t be as much as in previous years because of the new store.

“It will continue. We probably won’t do as many, however, we will still do a good fair amount,” he said.

Fair experience Miklaszewski, a 4-H and FFA member, has exhibited multiple animals at the Racine County Fair on an annual basis. Additionally, he has also made appearances at the Wisconsin State Fair, jackpot shows and other state exhibitions. “I used to show pigs, race pigs and then after doing that for a couple of years, we transitioned into cows and cattle,” he said. “I have been around animals all my entire life, so that wasn’t new. I have enjoyed the farming aspect and raising of the animals.” When searching for a storefront, it was only fitting that he chose a location near the Racine County Fairgrounds along Highway 11 in Union Grove. Miklaszewski, who takes pride in his hometown, saw the storefront at 1360 15th Street as a perfect spot to begin. “We looked at a few different places, the reason why I chose Union Grove is because I grew up in Union Grove, I show at the Racine County Fair,” he said. “I went to Union Grove High School and I have a ton of friends and family in Union Grove.” Miklaszewski has considered opening a second, and even a third, location. For more information, visit twocreekfarmsllc.com, or call 262-5885819.

A long way from the family garage

Page 22

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

RC PORTABLE WELDING AND FABRICATION HAS GROWN By Jennifer Eisenbart STAFF WRITER

To think Bob Swatek’s business started out of the family garage – with an $85 loan from his mother. Working for a welding company in Burlington after graduating from Elkhorn High School, Swatek was given an offer for some work on the side. The only problem was, he didn’t have a piece of equipment he needed. So, he borrowed the money from his mom, promising to pay it back immediately. “I did,” explained Swatek, the long-time owner of RC Portable Welding, W5839 Sugar Creek Road, Elkhorn. “I went and did the work on a Sunday morning, paid my mother back and had $20 and odd cents profit.” Now, Swatek has owned and run RC Portable Welding out of his home on W5839 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn, for the last 30-odd years. His son, Dylan, does a lot of the hands-on work, and Bob’s wife Jodi handles the bookkeeping and finances. The property is a former dairy farm that Bob worked on as a child. It now provides

a one-stop shop for any and all welding work, plus metal decorative cutouts on the side. “The current shop is obviously our new facility,” Bob said. “The old shop is right next door. It was a storage building. We turned it into a shop (in 1994 when the family brought the shop).” The name of the business is derived from the fact that Bob first owned a portable, gas-driven welder. “I would go out and do jobs on site,” Bob said. “Wherever I needed to go. Then I bought this property and had a shop and the business just grew and grew.” “So here we are now.” The new shop is 7,000 square feet, though the Swatek family doesn’t use of all of it. When asked what the business specializes in, Bob basically said, “everything.” “There’s nothing we don’t do,” he explained, saying that they work on semi trucks, work with copper and aluminum, stainless steel in places like bars, restaurants and hospitals and even driveway gates. Because of a contract with company

Bob Swatek and his son, Dylan, work at the burn table in the family’s welding business. The computerized table allows the pair to create intricate designs in the metal pieces they create for customers. JENNIFER EISENBART Family Owned & Operated

Bob Swatek (right) and his son Dylan do the hands-on work at RC Portable Welding and Fabrication. JENNIFER EISENBART Family Owned & Operated

that has an office in Elkhorn – as well as in Europe – Swatek can even claim he does work globally. “I’ve been working with them for over 30 years,” he said. “We repair or make these little pieces.” With his mother and father running the business, it seemed natural that Dylan – a 2019 Elkhorn graduate – would want to follow in their footsteps. While both encouraged their son to try other paths, Dylan knew he wanted to do the work at a young age. “I never looked back,” Dylan said. Added Bob, “He said, ‘I’m doing your job.” And while neither Bob nor Dylan, claim to be artists, a computerized burn table

allows them to do artistic pieces for gates, signs or, most recently, even fire pits. They do the work at the shop, then install it onsite. “We’re a one-stop shop,” Bob said. The fire pit recently gained some attention locally, as it was done for a veteran who wanted the piece to reflect the Marine motto: “Semper Fi.” Dylan handles most of the work on the burn table. A local Marine saw the logo and the work and handed it off to the Swatek. “Dylan did all the work,” Bob said. “Now I have to make another for a customer in California.” The business can be reached by calling 262-723-4718.

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Distinctive Landscape-Design & Installation

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WE HELP YOU MAKE MEMORIES

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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Your Hometown Funeral Home Since 1923 Your Hometown Funeral Home Since 1923

Mealy Funeral Home

Serving Waterford and surrounding communities with care and compassion for over 90 years

Hometown Funeral Home Since 1923 Serving WaterfordYourand surrounding communities Funeral with careMealy and compassion for over 99Home years

Serving Waterford and surrounding communities with care and compassion for over 90 years

• Traditional Services Third Generation Owner *Traditional Services Licensed Funeral Director with Burial with Burial and his dedicated staff *Cremation with Services •Memorial Cremation with *Pre-Need Specialists *Serving All Faiths Memorial Services • Pre-Need Specialists John E. Kojis

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John E. Kojis

Third Generation Owner Licensed Funeral Director and his dedicated staff

225 West Main Street Waterford, WI 53185 Resources are available for women who own businesses. 225 West Main Street Waterford WI 53185 225 West Main StreetKOJIS, Waterford WI 53185 JOHN (262) 534-2233 (262) 534-2233 www.mealyfuneralhome.com (262) 534-2233 www.mealyfuneralhome. THIRD GENERATION OWNER, www.mealyfuneralhome.com LICENSED FUNERAL DIRECTOR. STOCK PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

Take your business to the next level For woman who have launched a small business or dream of becoming a business owner, the task may seem daunting. The good news is, helpful resources – and funding sources – are available to support you as you plan, start and grow your business. Here are tips specifically for women and women of color business owners, that will help take business operations to the next level.

Build your brand image To make an impression in today’s digital landscape, it’s crucial for your brand to be clearly defined and communicated. If branding is not your expertise, it’s worth the investment to hire someone to bring their experience and market know-how to creating your brand and developing a strategy to communicate your brand effectively. Knowing what your brand means and how your product or services fulfill your vision will help your business stand out from the competition.

Optimize social media To generate positive word-of-mouth, offer exceptional services and rapid communication. It’s also vital to take advantage of today’s digital landscape by maximizing your social media presence. Create relevant content and positively engage with your audience on their favorite platforms to build brand awareness - and a loyal following. Develop a social media strategy and content creation calendar focused on how your company engages with your customer base.

Embrace the digital transformation If your small business hasn’t yet mastered ways to accept digitized

payments online or in-store, now’s the time to get on board. According to data from the latest Visa Back to Business Study, more than two thirds (68%) of the female consumers surveyed said they anticipate shifting to being completely cashless within 10 years. In the U.S., e-commerce has grown significantly in the last year and that trend is likely to continue in the future. Relatedly, 3 in 4 (76%) of women-owned businesses surveyed in the Visa Back to Business Study agreed accepting new forms of payment is fundamental to their business’s growth. To help your customers pay for goods and services using their computer or mobile device, Visa offers a variety of resources and digital tools.

Constantly pursue funding opportunities Beyond discovering resources via the Small Business Administration at sba.gov, be on the lookout for ad hoc programs focusing on women and people of color to help you get needed funding. For example, visit websites like IFundWomen.com and BlackGirlVentures. org for information, tips and pitching opportunities. Right now, Visa is partnering with Black Girl Ventures to help provide hyperlocal grants and mentorship, plus access to partners, products and marketing to help drive growth to minority-owned small businesses. If you live in Atlanta or Detroit you can sign up to participate in upcoming pitching opportunities here. This partnership builds on Visa’s commitment to support entrepreneurs in cities with the highest concentration of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. • CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

We have over 99 years of experience caring for families. Families come to us because they know we are sincere about guiding them through their most challenging time in life and our dedication to excellence in service. Harry W. and Dena (Hoppe) Mealy began serving families of Waterford from our Main Street location in 1923. Then it was in conjunction with Ione (Mea a furniture business which ly) Kojis was phased out in the 1960’s. Over the years they were involved, along with their children Thomas “Spud” and Ione, in offering care and comfort to those in need. Together, Spud as director and Ione operated the funeral home until his untimely passing in 1978. Ione continued, along with the aid of director Ted Hegeman, who has been an integral part of our business since 1984. A commitment to caring has passed down through three generations. John E. Kojis is the third generation of the Mealy family and has been serving as President/ Licensed Director since 2000. John brings a deep sense of compassion to his work, striving to make the most challenging time in one’s life just a little easier. “We’re here to take care of all aspects of the funeral, from the legal paperwork, coordinating the service, setting up the luncheon, ordering flowers and everything in between, so that the family is able to focus on grieving for their loved one.” John takes considerable pride in owning and operating a family-owned business and in supporting the community as his family before him did. Community based means we Harry W. Mealy wit also support the h Harry J r. area churches, Little League, The Lions Club, and other groups in our hometown. We are dedicated to the community we serve.

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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262-534-6090 THE FLUEGGE OPTICAL STORY: We TRULY are a local family owned and operated business conveniently located on the NE corner of Highway 36 and Main Street in Waterford, WI. We have been at this location since 1986. Staffed by the third generation of Fluegge opticians, we are proud to say that we are many things. Such as • The only full service optical store in Wisconsin • We manufacture all lenses in-house • We are the only optical lab in Wisconsin that manufactures glass lenses • We are the oldest name in the optical lens manufacturing business in Wisconsin and have been making lenses since 1918. We are truly a dedicated eyeglass store. We do not examine eyes or fit contact lenses. We simply make and fit eyewear right and fast. We proudly declare that we are the largest independent eyewear store in Wisconsin with over 4,000 styles of high quality eyewear e.g. Tiffany, Dior, Fendi, Tag Heuer, Polo, Versace, Gucci, Prada, and many more. In addition we have a large and great selection of sunglass brands e.g. Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Rudy Project and more. Truly a selection to satisfy the most discriminating taste. If it goes on your face, it should come from our place.

Wisconsin’s ONLY In-House, Full Service Lab With Glasses Made As Quickly As You Need them

If you are not familiar with us and what we do, simply ask a friend or a neighbor that wears glasses and you’ll find that we have probably done something for them. Or visit us on the web at www.fluegge.com. We have convenient hours; Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We have fun, music, TVs and a true desire to take care of you, our customer for your eyeglass needs in a way that others don’t do or forgot how to do. Customer service is not a department here; it’s how we do business. So please, we encourage you to stop by and see for yourself and you will find that in the case with Fluegge Optical, seeing is believing. If you haven’t found what you are looking for, you haven’t been here yet. We look forward to the opportunity to show you what we can do for you! 413305

Thank you, The staff at Fluegge’s, AKA “The FLU Crew”

Opening the dining room after pandemic FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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Napoli’s offers indoor dining after two-years without By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

When the COVID-19 lockdown happened in spring of 2020, restaurants everywhere were hit hard. Many switched to carryout or delivery only while others shut down for a while. In the two years since, much has changed with the industry. For one area restaurant, Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria in Burlington, the desire to keep staff and customers safe during the pandemic, has led to a restructuring of how it does business. The restaurant, which is owned by the Pedone family of parents, Simone and Anna, and daughter, Vincenza, kept its dining room closed since the beginning of the pandemic until just recently. “We closed the dining room when the shutdown happened,” Vincenza Pedone said. “I’m pretty sure we were the first restaurant in the area to shut down. We took this seriously, we had relatives in Italy suffering and we were hearing from them what was going on.” Because the safety of the staff and the customers were their No. 1 priority, Vincenza said they decided to keep the dining room closed to in-person seating when they reopened after the lockdown. “I kept my parents in quarantine for a full year,” she said. “They didn’t come in at all. They actually only started coming back about five months ago. They just come in part-time. Dad likes to come in and have his coffee in the morning and wait the deliveries and stuff. It helps me out so I don’t have to come in.” Vincenza added that her parents still do some cooking and her dad especially likes to work in the kitchen. “Mom and I will skip out for a minute, running an errand, and he’s in there making tiramisu or cookies. This is all for fun now, he really enjoys it,” Vincenza said. The restaurant re-opened its dining room on Fridays and Saturdays in mid-March. Staffing struggles Like most area restaurants, staffing has been an issue for Napoli, Vincenza said. “We went from a crew of about 50 down to 12 or 13 now,” she said. “After this weekend I might be down to 10.” The restaurant is hiring, Vincenza said. “We have openings everywhere, whenever people want to work,” she said. With such a small workforce, the decision to keep the dining room closed is something they do to not only protect the customers, but to keep staff healthy so the restaurant can stay open, Vincenza said. “If we lost half of our staff because of an outbreak, we’d have to close the doors,” she said. “We’re keeping everyone as safe as possible. We love this community and we want everybody to be healthy and happy and to get back to work.” Vincenza said there has been some pushback from a few people who are frustrated their dining room is not open, but she understands people are just worn out over the situation. “It’s been traumatizing for a lot of people and we’ve been losing people we love,” she said. “I get it, but it can be hard

Anna and Simone Pedone own Napoli Restaurant Pizzeria with their daughter, Vincenza Pedone (not pictured). The restaurant features authentic Sicilian cuisine, including homemade pizza, pasta, sandwiches, desserts and more. SUBMITTED PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

sometimes. Seeing how some people behave when they’re upset can affect your mental well-being. But I don’t want to give the impression that this is a constant thing. We have amazing customers who are like family to us the they honestly keep us going.” And, yes, they have lost people close to them to COVID-19. “John Taylor, a former manager here, who helped out for about 15 years, is gone, we

lost him a couple of weeks ago,” Vincenza said. “He was like my ‘American dad,’ a second dad to me. He hadn’t worked here for about a year, but when the dining room closed, he said, ‘Call me when you open back up.’ He was retired, but just liked to help out. He never got that chance. “There’s been a lot of suffering with this pandemic, but there have been more times of happiness and joy because we’re all in this

Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria in downtown Burlington is open for takeout and delivery along with indoor dining on Fridays and Saturdays, from 5 to 8 p.m.. The restaurant also will book private parties for 10 to 60 people on select dates. TRACY OUELLETTE Family Owned & Operated

together. That’s what we need to remember.” Carryout and delivery hours at Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Indoor dining is available Friday and Saturday 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended, seating is limited. For more information, visit www. napoliburlington.com or call 262-763-8390.

Choose Kullberg Jewelers

When you choose Kullberg Jewelers you could be working with the man who was born and raised in this jewelry business, plays the trumpet, and loves to fly the airplane that he built. You could design a ring with the woman who was married on the top of a mountain in her ski boots and loves to golf and play the piano. You could have the man who was raised on a homestead in Alaska and loves to ride his motorcycle, repair your jewelry. You could choose the perfect piece of jewelry with a woman who can skydive, drywall a basement, or tile her kitchen. No matter where you live or what your budget is, we want you to enjoy your jewelry shopping experience. We understand that the most important thing we can do is to ensure that you are getting the perfect piece of jewelry for you or your loved one. Kullberg Jewelers is at 15 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. For more information, visit kullbergjewelers.com and see the ad on Page 19. SUBMITTED PHOTO Family Owned & Operated

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

PROUD TO BE BOLDT CONTRACTORS

A.O. BAUER GLASS, INC.

BURLINGTON LUMBER CO.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

903 E. Geneva Street Delavan, WI 53115

639 Baxter Drive Mukwonago, WI 53149

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BLISHED 1976 ESTA

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141

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820 W. Walworth Street Elkhorn, WI 53121

200 Hwy. 67 & B Walworth, WI 53184

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413

138

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5785 Highway 11 Elkhorn, WI 53121

140

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2832 School Street East Troy, WI 53120

413

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413

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062

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FAMILY OWNED ITZIN’S SHOES & REPAIR

MARKHAM CONCRETE, INC.

JAY’S LANES, INC.

436 N. Pine Street Burlington, WI 53105

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N6636 Hodges Road Elkhorn, WI 53121

SCHMIDT & BARTELT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES 930 Main Street Mukwonago, WI 53149

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434

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VORPAGEL SERVICES, INC.

Heating & A/C Specialists 665 S. Kane Street Burlington, WI 53105

262-763-2573 BLISHED 1976 ESTA 413

306

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Betzer Chapel

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FURNITURE & MATTRESS

Page 31

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Dreams do come true Area woman opens bookstore with family’s help

By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

For Kelly Klein, owning a bookstore has been a lifelong dream and when the opportunity arose to do so, she jumped at it. “I’ve wanted to open a bookstore since I was a little girl,” Klein said. “I’ve always had a passion for reading and books. My mom and I went to bookstores all the time. It’s a huge passion of mine, something I’ve dreamed about doing.” While the idea of owning a bookstore may have been lurking in the back corner of her mind for decades, even Klein couldn’t have predicted how quickly that dream would become reality. “When this space became available, we just decided to do it,” Klein said last fall. “But it’s been crazy, we started on Oct. 1. We’ve only been in the space about six weeks and we’re opening next week!” With help of her husband, Steve Klein, and her sister, Wendy Harmon, along with other friends and family members, Klein was able to make her dream come true. “We have done 100% of the renovations ourselves,” she said. “Everything from carpentry to electrical. We build the children’s room, put in new flooring, walls, window coverings … it’s been a lot of work and my husband has been amazing.” Klein said that beyond fulfilling her dream of owning a bookstore, she wanted to bring something special to the community she calls home. Kelly has lived in the Waterford area for

23 years and loves the community. “I’ve lived in Waterford for the last eight years and in Rochester the 15 years before that, the kids all went to the Waterford schools. I wanted to give something back to this community,” she said. Independent bookstores are few and far between in today’s world of Amazon delivery, but the ones that are around tend to have a loyal customer base. InkLink Books on the East Troy Village Square is a favorite of locals and attracts visitors from as far as Illinois on a regular basis, according to the owner, Kayleen Rohrer. In fact, Klein said she was a frequent customer at InkLink and the support of the independent bookstore community helped her open her own store. “It’s incredible,” Klein said. “I’ve found the whole independent bookstore community so welcoming and supportive of each other. It’s a really great group of people who share this passion and are keeping independent bookstores alive and well. They’ve been answering my questions, offering advice and sharing things that have really helped. It’s really a great community to be a part of.” Reads by the River is at 102 E. Main St. in downtown Waterford. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, find the bookstore on Facebook.

top: Kelly and Steve Klein (back), owners of Reads by the River Books and Gifts in Waterford, and Kelly’s sister Wendy Harmon, are ready to help customers. The store is literally a dream come true for Kelly. above left: The Kids’ Cottage at Reads by the River contains the bookstore’s children’s collection. above right: Reads by the River has a large selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books along with literary-themed gifts. TRACY OUELLETTE Family Owned & Operated

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Foodies unite

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

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COMMUNITY FOOD SCENE BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

he past two years have been tough for restaurants, especially small-town, independently owned eateries. However, one area community has been benefiting from some gutsy restauranters who have opened new establishments in the middle of a pandemic, adding to the existing restaurants, and helping create a “foodie destination.” Waterford, for many years, has been the very definition of a “bedroom community,” with residents often joking that when living in the small town, “you’re 30 minutes from anything.” In recent years however, that’s changed as the village and town of Waterford have been working to invite more people into the community with new events along with Explore Waterford, the area’s chamber of commerce. The added foot traffic on Main Street in the Village of Waterford has been a boon for the local restaurants, whether located in the downtown district or nearby. According to local restaurant owners, the new events – such as the carnival and almost weekly downtown events in summer, added to perennial favorites like the Fourth of July and Christmas parades and Tractorcade – are bringing in a steady stream of customers, including many who are new to the area. Holly and Kevin Baumann, owners of Café 213 in downtown Waterford, say the support they’ve received since opening in January of 2020 has been overwhelming. They credit their success to a community that took “shop small” to heart. “When we opened, we didn’t really know anybody,” Holly Baumann said. “I was originally from here, but we had lived in Milwaukee for 15 years. When the pandemic hit, everyone just bonded together – the businesses and the community – and supported all the small businesses in a really honest way.” The Baumanns have rolled with the punches through the pandemic, even to the point of pivoting their entire business model in the early days to curbside pickup. More recently, staffing has been an issue, as is the case with most restaurants. “There’s definitely been a mass exodus of skilled hospitality workers,” Holly said. “The industry has changed,” Kevin added. “Hospitality workers were not always treated the best, but we try to be better than that.” While wildly busy with the restaurant, bakery – both retail and wholesale – and their children, the Baumanns say they are “humbled and blessed” by the support they’ve received in the community and they are committed to giving back whenever possible. “We couldn’t have asked for more,” Holly said. The Baumanns are just one of the many couples who have opened up new restaurants the past two years. Also new on the Waterford area food scene are Hometown Table Kitchen, owned by

T

above: Shannon and Michael Foeckler, of Waterford, enjoy a Sunday morning breakfast at Marty’s Restaurant in downtown Waterford. left: One of the newer menu items at Café 213 is poutine, which is made with locally sourced cheese curds, bacon, french fries and homemade red-eye gravy. TRACY OUELLETTE PHOTOS Family Owned & Operated

Matt and Amanda Rooney; DW Coffee in Rochester, owned by Jane and Bob Willard; and Scungilli’s sandwich shop in Rochester, to name a few. Scungilli’s, which opened last month, is owned by Paul and Dana Dagastino. The menu features Italian sandwiches, sides and desserts. “We honestly felt accepted into this community on day one,” Paul Dagastino said. “It’s been really humbling and a really cool experience. We haven’t even had the chance to make the rounds to the other restaurants in the area, but people from them have been stopping by nonstop since we opened. We’ve met people from Chances, Spanky’s, Kravings … we moved from Illinois to Burlington 18 months ago and everything about that has been great.” Dagastino added that the community and its support has meant a lot because the main goal was to create a place where people could gather and have great food. “That was really my wife’s focus when we were setting up,” he said. “She wanted a spot where people would feel comfortable to come together when she designed this place and it seems we’ve accomplished that with all the customers we’re seeing.” Scungilli’s features the family’s Italian heritage in the cuisine. “We’re family owned and operated with family recipes and a lot of the stuff is homemade,” Dana said. “That’s what we wanted to focus on,” Paul added. “Our Italian roots and

welcoming atmosphere, that was a big target to hit. We wanted to offer something you maybe can’t get everyday to separate ourselves and be authentic to our roots.” Restaurants already on the scene before the pandemic that are popular with locals and visitors include Spanky’s Sports Bar and Grill, Marty’s Restaurant, Bruno’s Restaurant, Pop’s Pizzeria, Crossover Cantina, Java Jo’z and Chances. Additionally, Uncle Harry’s Frozen Custard and the new Kravings offer up frozen treats year round.

Community interaction

With the wide variety of offerings and to create a buzz about the food scene, Waterford’s Noah Wishau, a local attorney, created a Facebook group called Waterford Food Scene.” It’s a place for foodies to share favorite meals and local experiences. The group was created in September of 2021 and has 700 members to date. “Waterford has been blessed with a burgeoning food scene over the last few years. From old standbys to brand new restaurants, the choices have never been better. This group seeks to highlight and discuss everything the Waterford area has to offer,” Wishau wrote in the group’s description. The basic rules of the group are “keep it local,” which refers to the greater Waterford area including Wind Lake, Rochester, Big Bend, etc. and “don’t be a jerk.” Waterford Police Department’s Sgt.

John Nelson is a member of the Facebook group and offered up some of his observations and favorite meals from the area. Nelson, who lives in Franklin, has been working in Waterford for years. “I really can’t say enough about some of the local restaurants,” Nelson said. “All of them take really good care of us and, of course, I’ve got a couple favorite eateries. “Marty’s breakfasts are one of our ‘go tos’. We really go as much as possible; they honestly have the best huevos rancheros I’ve ever eaten. Café 213 does some pretty good business and they do nice soups. I like the soups at Crossover, too.” Nelson also recalled meeting Matt Allen, the owner of Spanky’s, the first time he stopped by for pizza. “This is actually my funniest and best foodie story for Waterford,” he said. “Spanky’s is my No. 1 go to for pizza, hands down. Everything is just phenomenal there, but their pizza, the first time I had it, it was like a memory and I realized it tastes like the old Shakey’s pizza from when we were kids. I told Matt and he said he’s actually heard that before.” Nelson said he’s watched the food community form over the last few years with interest and has made a lot of friends with local restaurant owners and customers. “One of the things I love about the Waterford businesses is that the majority of the employees and owners are from Waterford and because of the strong community that translates into exceptional service from good, caring people. I can’t say enough about that.” Nelson added that Spanky’s is known for hiring local teens. “Any kid who wants a job, he’ll pay them,” he said. “There are other restaurants in the area that are the same way. Again, it goes back to the community and the great service.” Nelson also said many of the local restaurant owners like Allen and Gonzalo Perez from Marty’s, go the extra mile with charity fundraisers, support for the local veterans and more. “And it’s not just them,” Nelson added. “So many of the owners are helping the community in any way they can.” Chuck Torosian, owner of Bruno’s Restaurant and River City Lanes, has hosted fundraisers and even donated the use of the use of his banquet facility on occasion to numerous charities over the years. The annual Holiday Fair during the Christmas in the Village event is held at Bruno’s. Torosian hosts a winter-weather clothing drive each fall for the community. The Baumanns plan to work with the area youth and said they are hoping to create a partnership with the high school culinary program in the near future. Holly even recently reached out to her alma mater, Milwaukee Area Technical College, to recruit some grad students to train in the industry. “We’re focusing on the future of hospitality, which is all about community,” she said.

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FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Area antique mall earns community support By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

Waterford Unique Antique Market opened up about five years ago and has seen its customer base grow ever since. This year, with many people choosing to “shop small” and support local businesses, the store is welcoming a steady stream of shoppers daily. “We feel very blessed with so many people coming in and making purchases,” owner Darla Yanny said. “We’re seeing a lot of new people too. I hear, every week, at least one person say, ‘I didn’t know you were here, I’m so glad I found you!’” Yanny, who owns the antique mall with her son, Ryan Ross, said the day-to-day operations have been turned over to him and she just “helps out” now. “He’s been doing great,” Yanny said. “He’s got some really good ideas and we’re hoping to expand in the new year.” The mall’s loyal customer base has helped increased awareness about the market through word of mouth testimonials and social media, Yanny said. “We come here all the time, it’s a great place to shop,” said customer Lisa Grodey, of Racine. “It has anything and everything, just the coolest stuff,” her husband, Alan Grodey added. The couple said they stop in on a regular basis just to see what’s new. “Our stock changes almost on a daily basis with the vendors coming in and restocking their booths,” Yanny said. “The

regular customers know this, so we see a lot of them frequently. We got new people all the time, too, who tell us that they’re supporting local businesses more this year. Events like Christmas in the Village and Small Business Saturday have really helped bring more people into the community and it’s just great.” Kerry Mealy, who works at the antique market, said the wide variety of items available often surprised first-time visitors. The mall is more than 10,000 square feet and features more than 50 vendors. “It’s not just antiques,” Mealy said. “We have hand-made items, up-cycled furniture, books … we have a lot of different things for people.” Other items that can be found at the market include soaps, candles, collectibles, vintage toys, jewelry, chocolates, coins and currency, military items, farm items, 1960s and older sports cards, and much more. The antique mall’s tagline is “Something for everyone,” which the customers seem to agree with, according to Yanny and her staff. “Rarely does someone leave without something,” Yanny said. “And we don’t take it for granted, I feel so blessed so many people come in and keep coming back.” “We’re a hidden gem,” Mealy added. The Waterford Unique Antique Market is at 209 N. Milwaukee St., Waterford. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www. waterforduniqueantiques.com, find the market on Facebook or call 262-534-3500.

from top to bottom: Lisa Grodey, of Racine, checks out with employee Kerry Mealy at the Waterford Unique Antique Market. Grodey and her husband, Alan, are frequent customers; Waterford Unique Antique Market owner Darla Yanny (right) and market vendor, Linda Amon, of Big Bend, enjoy each other’s company on a recent Friday afternoon; One of the more popular vendor stalls at the Waterford Unique Antique Market features painted wood furniture. at left: Darla Yanny, who owns Waterford Unique Antique Market with her son, Ryan Ross, shows off one of the vendor’s stalls at the store. The shop, on Milwaukee Street offers antiques, collectibles, re-purposed furniture, hand-crafted items and much more. TRACY OUELLETTE Family Owned & Operated

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS 2022

Page 35

A Family Tradition

Authentic Italian at Luisa’s

Luisa’s in Salem is owned by Jen and Paul Luisa. The popular restaurant has been serving Italian and American food to its customers for 22 years. Built on the legacy of great family cooking by the likes of Paul’s great-grandmother and father, Luisa’s dedicated staff works with the best ingredients to serve phenomenal pizza, traditional Italian dinners, American dishes, and sandwiches every day. Luisa’s is at 6806 317th Ave., Salem. For more information, visit www.luisaspizza.co and see the ad on Page 13.

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Master Service Plumbing, Heating and Cooling adds new services Master Services Plumbing Heating and Cooling is proud to announce bilingual and hearing-impaired services. Master Services, owned by Keith Nissen and Mary Nissen, is a veteranowned, family business that has been servicing Southwestern Wisconsin for 32 plus years. The company has added the ability to schedule bilingual services on its website by calling the office between the hours of 2 to 5 p.m. Master Services has added two bilingual technicians to its team as well as one bilingual customer service representative in the office. The company has also added a skilled service technician who can sign language service calls and estimates. Taking care of the veterans and seniors in the community is another focus for the company and it offers additional discounts on all services for

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these groups. Additionally, Master Services works with the Elkhorn High School employing to youth apprentices. The company offers a 100% moneyback guarantee on all services, including “Fixed Right or it is Free!” For more information, visit www. masterserviceslg.com and see the ad on Page 30.

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