Independent We Stand

A.I.R. Lawn Care – Where it’s the Little Things that Matter

lindsay — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:39:28 +0000

When Zack Kline was in the 6^th grade, he was instructed to cut the family’s grass. A task that most kids dread, Zack quite enjoyed. He continued to take care of the family’s lawn and in 2007, the summer he graduated from high school, he began working for a small landscaping company.

It was during this summer that the idea for A.I.R. Lawn Care came about. It was a scorching day in Darnestown, Md., and Zack was working on trimming the edge of a 2.5 acre property. He became irritated at the excessive amount of smog and the loud noise the string trimmer exerted. That, coupled with knowing the amount of gasoline the company was putting into their machines on a daily basis, had Zack thinking, “There’s got to be a better way!”

The better way? A.I.R. (Atmosphere Improvement and Renewal) Lawn Care. Zack developed a business plan and entered Salisbury University’s Bernstein Business Plan Competition in 2010, in which he took honorable mention. He honed his plan and came back the following year, winning the $5,000 first place prize. With that grant, A.I.R. Lawn Care was born – he put a down payment on a truck and purchased electric lawn equipment.

As an independent business, Zack has been able to develop direct, personal relationships with his customers. He gets to know his clients, their children, their interests, and so on, because he realizes it’s often the little things that matter most.

It was, indeed, little things and attention to detail that led Zack to a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment and connections to some of the green industry’s top professionals.

Zack was planning to purchase battery powered equipment and was in the midst of extensive research into the companies and products that would be the best fit for his business. He settled on STIHL battery-powered equipment and while doing research found out that the president of STIHL Inc., Fred Whyte, was an avid bagpipe player. So, along with a letter introducing himself, his company and his decision to purchase STIHL, he sent Mr. Whyte a pair of bagpipe cufflinks. Soon after, he received a personal phone call from Mr. Whyte to thank him for his gift, and the conversation turned to Zack’s business plan.

Mr. Whyte was so impressed with Zack’s commitment and attention to detail, he asked Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc., to meet with Zack personally. After a thorough review of Zack’s business plan, STIHL Inc. made the decision to help him start his business by providing several pieces of the Battery KombiSystem. Phelps, who is also a board member of PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, made a personal introduction for him to PLANET staff who were also impressed and provided Zack a 1one-year complimentary membership.

Phelps also introduced Zack to Independent We Stand, a movement supporting locally owned businesses. Project Manager Bill Brunelle loved Zack’s story and provided A.I.R. Lawncare a complimentary 1-year premium membership.

“I am proud to be a locally owned business and now a part of this national movement,” said Zack. “Locally owned businesses are the backbone of our economy. They provide jobs, service and revenue in the form of taxes to the communities of which they are a part.”

At 23 years old, Zack is paving the way for Gen Y entrepreneurs. A.I.R. Lawn Care is setting the standard for not only small businesses but for green businesses. To learn more about A.I.R. Lawn Care, visit www.airlawncare.com.

Zack Kline, owner of A.I.R. Lawn Care

“Small-Business Owners Stressed but Optimistic” Nathan Eddy, eWeek.com 5/18/12

lindsay — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:59:04 +0000

Small-business owners have faith in their local economies and are optimistic about growth, but still really stressed out, a Bank of America survey indicates.

A survey of small-business owners by Bank of America suggests running a small business is more stressful than raising a child or managing a relationship with a significant other, but the study also found that optimism and plans to hire are strong among business owners. Read more…

Nick, Debbie and John of State Street Saw Shop in Salem, Oreg.

Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Buy Pie!

lindsay — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:32:22 +0000

I have been an advocate of buying fresh, locally grown produce for many years. I shop at local farmers markets around the Bucks County area in Southeastern PA. Ten years ago there were two markets, now there are close to ten. We call it being “locavores” in my food club, which purchases items from local farms and has a location for members to pick up bi-weekly orders. It is soon to be the Doylestown Food Co-op, with the current popularity of buying local in my area.

Once I select the freshest foods to buy, I used to go home and search through my cookbooks and magazines for the best recipes to use these foods. I wouldfeed my family these fresh creations and share new items with dinner guests. But then, one day I thought it, “wouldn’t it be great if I could bake using these fresh, local ingredients and sell them to the locavores in my club?” It would be another way of promoting local, in-season produce in ready-to-eat form.

It was out of my love for fresh food, local businesses and baking that Fruitful Baker was born. As a marketing and graphic designer, I wanted the name to promote itself. It conveys what I use, what I do, and my main ingredient – fruit. I deliver an excellent product with mostly local organic fresh ingredients, from flour to honey. At Fruitful Baker, I don’t have one year-round signature pie because pies are made only with in-season fruits.

It’s best to buy in-season produce when the farm markets are overflowing with fresh produce. Starting in the late winter into spring, in my area, I can buy greenhouse lettuce and tomatoes, which are way better than the dull looking produce at the grocery stores. This local buying saves gas and cuts down on pollution from trucking long distances.

Starting in mid-May, I can buy strawberries or go to nearby fields and pick them myself. I end up with red fingers and lips as the occasional berry finds its way into my mouth! Flowing into the summer season, there are cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums and a plethora of berries. I’ll drive over an hour to the New Jersey Pine Barrens to stock up on fresh blueberries. I buy buckets full and freeze them for later in the year when someone orders a blueberry pie or I have a craving for a good blueberry muffin in the dead of winter.

The fall season ends most markets with apples and pumpkins. Since apples store well in the correct refrigeration temperature, my local orchard, SoleburyOrchards, makes them available until the end of March.

It’s hard not to eat well this summer as long as you shop at your local farm markets. In fact, you can eat well year-round by freezing or canning in jars what you can for use in the gray winter months. There’s nothing like a hot fresh pie with berries from the freezer in the dead of winter!

“Buy local, eat local, live local” is my motto on my Fruitful Baker banner that I’ll be hanging at my local farm market. I’ll be selling pies, cobblers, cakes, and other fresh baked goods at the Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market, located in southeastern Pennsylvania starting in June, and I can’t wait. Hope to see you there!

Eat well, live well,

Sue Ann Rainey

FruitfulBaker.com

Sue Ann Rainey, Fruitful Baker

Independent We Stand Road Trip 3.0 – That’s a Wrap!

Bill Brunelle — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:23:43 +0000

Wow! What a trip. Nine cities in four states in five days. 1,750+ miles. 14 – 16 hour days. Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Portland, Medford, Ashford, Ukiah, Oakland and Reno. And would do it all again in a heart beat.

It was hard work and a grueling travel schedule, but we would do it all again because it was inspiring to get out into this great country and talk to business owners. To hear the enthusiasm in their voices as they describe there piece of the American dream. To see the gleam in there eyes as they show you around there pride and joy. To hear the emotion in their voices as they share the struggles of the past few years.

Was it hard to buy only local? Not too hard. Obviously finding indie food was easy. There are lots of great indie restaurants out there from fine dining to diners, drive-ins and dives and everything in between. Finding independent hotels was a bit more challenging but doable. Fuel for the car was the biggest challenge. We were on fumes more than once when we’d finally come across a independent gas station. Not too many of those around any more.

We had a great time and have plans to do it again and again. We’d like to say a special thanks all the merchants we interviewed and to the the fine folks at Go Local Tacoma, Supportland, Buy Local Rogue, Oakland Grown and Buy Local Reno . Without their help it wouldn’t have been possible. And we’d like to thank the crew back at the Independent We Stand offices. Joe, Terry, Erin, Kate, Lindsay, Matt, Dave, Brenda and Jordan – you guys rock!

Show Mom Some Local Love this Mother’s Day.

Bill Brunelle — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:53:33 +0000

As the second-largest holiday for gift-giving, Mother’s Day will find the average American shelling out nearly $153* on mommy-dearest this year, selecting gifts at florists, clothing/accessory shops, personal services {such as spas} and of course at restaurants for an estimated total of $18.6 billion*. Imagine what an impact you could make on your local community if you treated Mom to some “local” love?

Please help us spread the word by sharing our Mother’s Day posters. Just click on the posters below to download a high res printable pdf. To share on Facebook, blogs or email blasts, please right click on the poster images below and select “View Image” and then “Save Image As” and save to your hard drive.

*National Retail Federation 2012 Mother’s Day consumer spending survey conducted by BIGinsight

“Choosing the Best Social Media.” Christine Erickson – American Express OPEN 5.7.2012

Bill Brunelle — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

It seems as if a new social platform pops up every week, and as a small business owner, it can feel overwhelming. So how can you establish yourself on social media when users are bouncing from one network to the other, and the next hot network may have no reliable messaging for your business? Read more…

Introducing Premium Memberships for Merchants on Independent We Stand

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:42:28 +0000

More and more consumers are beginning to understand the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally owned businesses. In fact, a recent study showed that a large percentage of consumers would shop at a store that advertises they are locally owned. With your help, we’re going build on this momentum and make buying local a daily habit. And that’s why we are introducing premium memberships for merchants.

For as little as $10 per month you can upgrade your current profile and get in front of consumers hungry to “buy local.” Here are a few of the features of a premium membership on Independent We Stand:

An enhanced listing that will help your business stand out in our search results
The ability to add logos, photographs and descriptions to your profile
Add keywords to make it easier for consumers to find you
A contact form to capture leads and links to help build your Facebook and Twitter fans

Again, premium memberships start for as little as $10 per month and you will be helping raise the funds we need to continue promoting and building the “buy local” movement. Please visit this page and upgrade your profile today!

“Hispanic Grocery Retailer: Bodega vs. Big-Box Store” San Jose Group, April 10, 2012

lindsay — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:22:36 +0000

Big-box chains have been expanding their ethnic offerings to better serve general and multicultural consumers. Supermarkets and superstores have been increasing aisle areas for ethnic products, adding signage and bilingual staff, and even revamping entire stores in areas densely populated by Hispanics.

As big (general market) businesses advance into established ethnic neighborhoods, is there room for traditional bodega-style grocery stores to survive in this context? Read more…

Tina 'Tamale' Ramos, co-owner of La Borinquena Mex-icatessen

Merchant Success Story: Nord Power – When the Big-Boxes Aren’t Home, Who Will You Call?

lindsay — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:18:05 +0000

It was 2004 when Twin City Power Equipment went out of business. During this time, Doug Nord was constantly traveling for work and his children were entering high school. Doug decided to make a change, one that would allow him to stay closer to home – he purchased the assets from Twin City Power and opened Nord Outdoor Power.

Since he opened up shop, things have been going great. He’s been able to spend more time with his family and more time interacting with the people of his community. Today, his wife, Deborah, works as Nord’s controller while his two children, Seth and Erika, work in the store – Seth is full time in service and Erika comes in part–time to help with miscellaneous projects. Doug loves seeing so many people from the local and surrounding communities stop in. Doug knows that he and his staff need to work hard to maintain and grow their customer base,.

“In our business, we have to resign the contract with our customers every time they walk through our door,” said Doug. “This is why we have to continually work harder, increase our knowledge base, find better ways to do things and strive to create an environment that not only brings back our current customers, it encourages them reach out to their friends, family and neighbors to recommend us.”

National chains rely on their vast marketing, long hours and extensive selection of a wide range of products to attract customers. The result? An inferior sales experience. Take Nybakke Vacuum, Doug’s local vacuum retailer, for instance. When you need your vacuum fixed, are you going to go to your big box mega retailer and ask the customer service team to fix it? Probably not! At Nybakke, the third-generation, family owned business cares about not only the vacuums they’re servicing, they care about people they’re repairing them for. The same goes for Doug and all of Nord Power’s equipment.

“My business is a part of me,” said Doug. When someone is not pleased, Doug takes it to heart and makes it his mission and the store’s mission to rectify the situation. He also takes praise personally. He expects every one of his staff members to go the extra mile with customers to make sure they have provided each customer with something the big box stores don’t provide nearly well enough – knowledge, service and a commitment that stands above all others.

This commitment is one that Doug and his employees have with all of their customers. The other day, Doug sold a walk-behind lawn mower. The customer asked Doug whether he would mind delivering the lawn mower to his house and picking up a few TV sets from his house and delivering them to a local charity. Nord delivered the TVs with pleasure at no extra charge.

Nord Outdoor Power is closed on Sundays but if there’s a storm, Doug will open his doors to help his community out. When the big-boxes close, do you think they’re going to do the same?

Next time you shop, shop local. Find locally owned businesses in your area by referencing our buy local search engine.

Guest Blog Post: Roanne Miller – “Indie Outdoors Shops are More Down to Earth!”

lindsay — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:06:18 +0000

Long before the “big boxes” began sprouting up across the country, before the ascension of international brands – there were specialty outdoor stores. They built the industry by serving hard-core niches of outdoorsmen and women cross the country. The growth in this industry’s popularity in recent years has been welcome as it has made great strides in environmental protection and advocacy, advances in product quality and innovation and it has improved access to wilderness areas for outdoor lovers everywhere.

Today, these stores serve the same role they always have. These specialty retailers connect local sport and outdoor enthusiasts to the best products and brands relevant to their regional market. What they do best is connect customers to the best local experiences and events and the most beneficial environmental initiatives. These retailers really drive home the “leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but memories” mantra.

Though the practices have remained the same, the markets have become oversaturated by mega-retailers. Consumers are now able to shop globally to get the product at the price they want. What is lost in that movement is the ability for a consumer to help his own local retailer and his own community by shopping locally. That’s where Grassroots Outdoor Alliance comes into play – we are an organization that unites independent outdoor retailers as a strong, unified voice to connect outdoor enthusiasts to the right product, educate them on how to use it, be there for any follow-up service and promote the outdoor experience across the United States.

Local retailers are friends and neighbors – support them and they will support you. Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains. More independents means more choice, more diversity and a truly unique community.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance members are experts, and local experts at that. Not only can they help customers determine the best products and services to help them enjoy their outdoor activities, they can provide consumers with the best “local” knowledge about the nature in their own backyard and across the country.

To learn more about Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, please visit www.grassrootsoutdoors.com

Roanne Miller is the President of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance member, Rock/Creek