PRINCE WILLIAM
ALL ABOUT FACES
This special publication, being inserted into the Dec. 11 issue of InsideNoVa/Prince William, features profiles of 15 leaders or owners of businesses and nonprofits serving Prince William County. Profiles were written by Eric Althoff or Jennifer Waldera in cooperation with the featured organizations, and photos were taken by Doug Stroud or Luke Christopher.
Balance Physical Therapy
Balance Physical Therapy
Given her itinerant lifestyle as an Air Force wife, Dr. Brittany Elkins, DPT, got used to pulling up stakes every few years. After more than 15 years practicing her craft across the country, her family’s decision to settle in Prince William offered her the chance to create something lasting – an opportunity that culminated in the opening of Balance Physical Therapy in Haymarket.
Today, Balance Physical Therapy provides a comprehensive range of services, including orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, sports injury treatment and women’s health. The clinic also offers advanced dry needling and has earned the distinction of winning Best of Prince William: Best Dry Needling for five consecutive years.
In addition, Balance Physical Therapy specializes in Parkinson’s treatment with certifications in LSVT BIG. Extending her commitment to community care beyond the clinic walls, Elkins donates her time to support local charity organizations like Boxes of Basics.
“Not all of our therapists specialize in every single skill set we offer, but in most outpatient orthopedic clinics you primarily see pre-operative and post-operative cases,” Elkins explained. “What makes us truly unique is that we’re a comprehensive, one-stop
destination for virtually all musculoskeletal needs – under one roof.”
Elkins earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2013 and opened Balance Physical Therapy in 2020. She shared a story about an elderly man who broke down in tears after feeling his pain ease for the first time in months with newfound optimism for what the future might hold.
“So many people are carrying burdens they never talk about, and our patients feel genuinely supported here,” she said.
“We celebrate with them –whether their grandchild won a soccer game or their sister just got married. That personal connection is what sets us apart. We truly care about each person who trusts us with their recovery.”
Known for her relentless positivity, Elkins is known among patients for sprinkling appointments with glitter, confetti, and even birthday cake complete with candles if someone celebrates a birthday while in her care. “Life gives us so many reasons to celebrate,” Elkins said. “We’re intentional about never letting those moments slip by – especially for our patients.”
Over the years, she has received countless messages from people who say her clinic has given them a renewed sense of hope.
“It’s my job to help them rediscover their sparkle,” Elkins said.
Pond Roofing
For over 60 years, Pond Roofing has specialized in residential roofing and exterior remodeling, offering expert installation and replacement of roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters and skylights. According to owner Patrick Readyhough, Pond Roofing’s late founder, Bob Pond, built the company on hard work, honesty and a dedication to doing things the right way. “His legacy continues to guide us every day,” he said.
Pond Roofing is dedicated to providing top-notch service while helping homeowners to protect, beautify and improve on their investment.
“From our beginnings as a small, family-run roofing company, we’ve grown into one of Northern Virginia’s most trusted names in exterior remodeling,” Readyhough said.
“Over the decades, we’ve expanded our services, refined our customer experience and built a team of skilled professionals who share our
commitment to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.”
Commitment to helping their clients is evident not only in Pond Roofing’s ongoing high-quality work and customer service but also through continuous growth and change, which have provided expanded services and streamlined transactions. The company recently introduced a new gutter system, which gives homeowners a complete exterior protection package along with roofing, siding, window and door solutions.
“This addition allows us to provide a seamless experience and ensure every aspect of the home’s exterior is protected and performing at its best,” Readyhough said. Additionally, Pond Roofing has worked to improve internal processes through EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), which allows the team to communicate more easily and operate more efficiently.
Community service is also a part of
Pond Roofing’s mission. The company boasts a long-standing relationship with the Ryan McLaughlin Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the Young Hearts Foundation and Blood Cancer United (formerly LLS), and Readyhough has been instrumental in mentoring student leaders in Blood Cancer United’s Student Visionaries of the Year program. Additionally, the company holds a yearly roof giveaway and donates a roof to a deserving community member in need.
As Pond Roofing moves into 2026, the team looks forward to continuing to serve homeowners in Northern Virginia and taking pride in how they can help community members.
“One of our customers told us, ‘You made a stressful home project feel easy,’” Readyhough said. “That feedback reflects exactly what we strive for – not just delivering excellent craftsmanship, but creating a peaceful experience from start to finish.”
L-R Patrick Readyhough, Taylor Carroll, Anthony Themak, Laura Schultz, Mike Fitzgerald.
Atlas LC, Heating & Air
Who is Rob Gault of Atlas LC, Heating & Air? The protagonist of a 68-year-old novel? Not exactly. However, John Galt’s desire for entrepreneurship and invention is alive and well in Rob.
Rob Gault has been providing heating and air conditioning solutions to clients in Virginia since 1982. Next year, his business celebrates 40 years in operation. Gault, now 62, feels blessed to still be installing not only standard systems (i.e., heat pumps, air conditioners, furnaces), but also systems and devices he has patented, such as the DX “Groundhog” hybrid geothermal heat pumps and the Heat Pump Maximizer to increase home comfort year-round.
“A lot of companies do heat pumps, but we do them better,” Gault said, as the aforementioned products provide a big boost in efficiency for less.
Gault’s favorite system is the Atlas Groundhog Hybrid Geothermal Heat Pump, which can be installed in one day, but he also understands that electric heat pumps are not a onesize-fits-all solution. That’s why Atlas also offers non-geothermal options, including natural gas, oil, propane and hybrid-electric HVAC systems.
There are still plenty of older homes in Northern Virginia heated by radiators with no central AC. The Atlas team loves nothing better than looking for more efficient ways to add heating and AC without subtracting from the beauty and simplicity of a vintage home. Unlike other contractors, Atlas usually offers options to keep gas and/or oil systems as supplemental heat.
Gault knows some folks don’t want a high-efficiency system but rather a solid, dependable one. He’s always happy when he can give them the best of both.
Gault looks forward to the future with its new technologies and new opportunities to have even more fantastic clients. That is their highest privilege. After all, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Northern Virginia Orthodontics
DR. ZACH CASAGRANDE
DR. ELVI BARCOMA
DR. DANIELLE ROBB
DR. JESSICA ITANI
DR. SAMANEH MOJARRAD
(703) 327-1718
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN GAINESVILLE, ASHBURN, ARLINGTON AND RESTON
NVORTHODONTICS.COM
Since opening in 2008, Northern Virginia Orthodontics has grown into one of the region’s most respected orthodontic practices, treating more than 35,000 patients and earning national recognition along the way. In 2017, the practice was named the #1 Invisalign provider in the United States, and its doctors have repeatedly been honored as Top Doctors by both Northern Virginia Magazine and Washingtonian Magazine. The practice provides Invisalign, braces
and whitening for children and adults, offering comprehensive care for families throughout the region. In December 2023, Northern Virginia Orthodontics expanded its reach with the opening of its Gainesville location, which has already become a trusted fixture in the community.
The team attributes much of its success to its culture. “What truly sets NVO apart is its culture,” they said.
“The team is energized by positivity and connection with their patients. NVO isn’t just transforming smiles – it’s shaping the future of orthodontic care in the community.” This philosophy has guided the practice from its earliest days and continues to influence every part of the patient experience.
Over the past year, the practice has focused intensely on elevating that experience even further. “From the moment someone walks through our doors, they can feel the difference – the energy, the warmth and the genuine care behind every smile,” the team said.
By integrating new technologies and streamlining systems, NVO has been able to deliver more personalized, efficient care while creating an environment where patients “feel seen, supported and excited about their journey.”
One of the practice’s recent additions is its Smile Simulation Technology, a tool that allows patients to preview their future smile before beginning treatment.
“In just moments, we can show how Invisalign will transform their teeth and confidence,” they said.
The most meaningful feedback the team receives reflects the welcoming environment they strive to create.
“Many tell us that from the moment they walk in, they feel welcomed, cared for and part of our NVO family,” they said. That’s exactly the feeling they hope to cultivate. “We want them to feel genuinely cared for, welcomed and uplifted. Our goal is to create an environment that feels more like visiting friends than going to an appointment.”
Shannon Ryan, Logan Becker, Dr. Elvi Barcoma
Didlake, Inc.
Didlake is a leading employer of people with disabilities and one of Virginia’s highest-performing rehabilitation services providers, COO Kenan Aden is proud to share. A resident of Lake Ridge, Aden leads a team that continues the important work of ensuring that every individual served by Didlake in Prince William County and the Mid-Atlantic has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“I love building things, but I also want to build things to help people,” said Aden, the son of a social worker and an engineer. “So that’s been part of my paradigm since I was a small kid.”
Didlake has been incorporated for 60 years, offering services for residents north into Maryland and south all the way to the North Carolina border. In addition to helping those with disabilities find suitable employment, Didlake also teaches life skills such as managing a
budget and relationship-building. Many of Didlake’s referrals come from social services agencies, often recent graduates from special education programs. However, others are in their 60s and 70s and in need of other support.
“We are open to working with anyone who needs help, and we’re also very comfortable referring people that we might not be able to serve,” Aden said. “Really what people are looking for when they come to us is an opportunity to get some support doing some things in their lives that they have never done before.”
Didlake provides a crucial bridge to independence for those who may have relied exclusively on social services and government support. Earning a paycheck allows these individuals not only autonomy but also the chance to engage in a community of their own making. Aden relates how, at Didlake’s
recent gala, a young man helped by the organization got up to speak about the chance to make his own way in the world.
“To be able to say, ‘I have my own money now because of Didlake’s help,’ that’s been an important piece of feedback for us,” Aden said.
Aden heaps praise on Prince William business and civic leaders who consider people with disabilities a critical part of the county’s future, whether that means collaborations with George Mason University or institutions such as the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Much progress has been made already, but there is still a long way to go.
“I’ve been working in Northern Virginia in employment and disability services for close to 30 years, and Didlake has always made an amazing business partner,” Aden said of joining his current employer in 2024. “I feel like I came home.”
PRINCE WILLIAM
Summit Roofing
Summit Roofing has grown into a trusted home exterior specialist known for high-quality workmanship and reliable service. The company provides roofing, siding, gutters, replacement windows and full exterior replacements or repairs, helping homeowners protect and enhance their properties with durable, long-lasting solutions.
Over the years, since its inception in 1982, the business has experienced remarkable growth. As owner Sam Fullerton puts it, the company has evolved “from a one-man band into a full orchestra.” What began as a small operation is now a well-coordinated team (with the top five tenured employees boasting over 150 years combined experience) equipped to handle projects of every size while maintaining the personalized care customers appreciate.
Technology has been one of the biggest drivers of change recently. Fullerton notes that the most significant demand this past year has been “keeping up with technology,” a challenge Summit Roofing
has embraced. One of the company’s newest tools reflects that commitment: drones for estimating and inspections, offering safer, more efficient assessments and precise project planning.
Customer feedback plays a major role in how Fullerton measures success. When asked about the best feedback Summit has received, Fullerton shared a simple message he’s heard from customers: “Keep doing it exactly like you are.” He also said that his goal is always for clients to feel confident from the moment they connect with the team, whether scheduling an estimate or reviewing final results.
Support for Summit has come from
close to home. Fullerton credits his family and “our loyal, dedicated Summit employees” for helping build the business into what it is today. Community partnerships matter as well.
“We have many and are equally proud of them all, but our work with veterans groups and those less fortunate in our community stands out,” Fullerton said.
Moving forward into 2026, Summit Roofing is preparing for the future with purpose. The goal he’s most excited about is “transitioning to the next generation.” In the meantime, for Fullerton, the best part of operating in this region is simple: “The great people we encounter every day.”
PRINCE WILLIAM
JOSHUA ANDERSON
(844) 336-2474
RenovaSmiles
As founder and clinical director of RenovaSmiles, Dr. Joshua Anderson supervises six dentistry locations. Because the county has welcomed Anderson so warmly, he believes in providing people with a smile they can be proud of.
“Whether someone is coming in for a routine checkup or a long-term treatment plan, we want every patient to feel heard, understood and treated like family,” Anderson said. “RenovaSmiles provides comprehensive solutions designed to meet the needs of individuals and families throughout Northern Virginia.”
Anderson opened the first RenovaSmiles clinic in Falls Church in 2014, eventually expanding to Woodbridge, Manassas, Arlington, Franconia and Occoquan (Lake Ridge). Anderson has also expanded RenovaSmiles’ services to include same-day emergency appointments.
The practice is also open Saturdays for those unable to take time off during the traditional workweek.
Anderson said that his goal is to ensure that patients’ initial questions are answered succinctly and clearly. In his first consultation he will talk about the patient’s overall goals for dental care, whether that means pain relief, cosmetic changes or a bigger smile.
“Some people are anxious, some are dealing with ongoing dental issues, and others just want routine care,” Anderson said. “We make sure they understand their options, feel comfortable and know that we’re here to support them, not pressure them.”
Since dental work can be – and often is – a years-long process, it is important to establish trust right from the start. Accordingly, RenovaSmiles offers a transparent explanation of costs and treatment timelines. Anderson said he
RENOVASMILES.COM
consistently receives positive feedback from patients, with one patient even saying, “This was probably my first enjoyable experience at a dental office.”
Anderson believes that even as the county has grown, it has maintained that close-knit feel familiar to long-time residents.
“We’ve noticed more community events, more collaboration between businesses and a stronger focus on access to quality services – from healthcare to education to recreation,” he said. “For us, it’s been exciting to grow right alongside the community and to be part of a place that continues to evolve while staying true to its values.
“We’re grateful to be part of such a vibrant and growing community, and we look forward to continuing to serve, connect and grow alongside the people of Prince William and all Northern Virginia.”
FALLS CHURCH, WOODBRIDGE, MANASSAS, ARLINGTON, FRANCONIA AND OCCOQUAN
Vinyl-Lite Window Factory
MIKE BOUCHERY
MICHAEL BOUCHERY
MATT NIEDERRITER
CHRIS GRIMES
SEAN BOUCHERY
OWEN BOUCHERY
(703) 844-2457
8815 TELEGRAPH ROAD, LORTON
VINYL-LITE.COM
Few businesses can truly say they are a family legacy, but Vinyl-Lite Window Factory in Lorton has been in the Bouchery family for several generations. Current President Mike Bouchery estimates Vinyl-Lite has installed north of a half-million windows over its nearly century of business.
“As window technology advances, we continue to innovate, focusing on energy efficiency and long-term performance to serve our customers better,” said Michael Bouchery, Mike’s son. “That means better quality, more control and better value.
And because we’re local, our crews install efficiently, with minimal disruption.”
Team members such as Matt Niederriter perform an initial home walkthrough, discussing potential ideas and window styles. Because Vinyl-Lite makes the windows in-house, they can be customized to any specifications.
“You also get a lifetime warranty backed by the same company that built and installed the windows, so there’s real accountability,” Niederriter said. “[We] make sure you understand your options, feel comfortable and know you’re getting a quality product.”
A frequent positive feedback includes customers praising the reduction of street noise after window installation, said Vinyl-Lite team member Chris Grimes.
“Homeowners also highlight our clean, efficient installations and responsive after-sale support, including our lifetime warranty – showing the lasting impact Vinyl-Lite has on the homes and lives we serve,” Grimes said.
“As Prince William has grown,
so has the demand for high-quality, energy-efficient windows,” added Owen Bouchery, a member of the next generation of the Bouchery family to be involved at Vinyl-Lite. “Homeowners are more focused on comfort, performance and long-term value, which has allowed us to innovate and help more families improve their homes.”
“I love being part of the Prince William business community because it’s all about connection, collaboration and giving back,” added Owen’s brother, Sean. “Supporting local businesses, building relationships and contributing to our community’s growth is both rewarding and inspiring.”
President Mike Bouchery said VinylLite’s generations-long presence in the community has allowed the business to grow right alongside Prince William.
“Our commitment extends beyond quality; we invest in the community that has supported us for generations,” he said. “We don’t just want to sell you windows – we want to be the company you call again.”
Todos Neighborhood Market
CARLOS CASTRO
(703) 490-4907 (703) 221-1675
13905 RICHMOND HIGHWAY, WOODBRIDGE 16593 RIVER RIDGE BLVD., WOODBRIDGE
If Todos Neighborhood Market was just a grocery chain, the story of Carlos Castro founding it would still be a good one. But the two-store operation is more than that.
It’s like a community-service agency that just happens to sell groceries.
Castro, Todos’ president and CEO, started what was then called Todos Supermarket in 1990, 10 years after he arrived in the United States from El Salvador.
“We recognized the need for a grocery store that catered to the growing Hispanic community in Woodbridge,” Castro said,
“and thus, Todos Supermarket was born to serve those needs.”
That business expanded, and now it employs 212 people at two Woodbridge locations – one on Richmond Highway, the other on River Ridge Boulevard.
More than just making money, though, Castro wanted Todos to be genuinely dedicated to the community.
“Our mission is to not only provide quality products, but also to engage with and support our local community through various initiatives and programs,” he said.
For example, Todos is proud to bolster local neighborhoods by donating to schools and churches. “We believe in giving back and helping to create a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors,” Castro said.
That extends specifically to younger neighbors. Todos offers job opportunities to teenagers to help them develop skills and gain work experience. “Our team is dedicated to mentoring young people, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce,” Castro said.
Todos also works to go beyond just donating to others.
“We actively engage with local organizations to understand their needs and find ways to help,” Castro added.
That effort was particularly memorable during the pandemic.
“We made it our mission to keep our community informed, protected and well-fed,” Castro said. “We adapted quickly to ensure that our customers had access to the essentials, and the gratitude we received from the community was incredibly heartwarming.”
Castro is so well-known for being in the grocery business that it’s difficult to imagine him doing something else. But if he wasn’t in his current role, he said he would probably be managing a construction company.
Even then, though, he likely would be involved in service or advocacy work.
“Helping people and making a difference has always been my passion,” he said, “and I would seek opportunities that allow me to contribute positively to society.”
NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair
Somehow or other, the water is probably going to find its way in. And as house foundations settle into the ground – particularly in a wet region such as Northern Virginia – they will also likely need repairs as the clay beneath shifts.
NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Operations Manager Cristian “Cris” Abrigo is often found seeking out the source of such problems, whether trudging through a basement crawlspace or patching up drywall cracks.
“Our best recommendation for waterproofing is to do [so] from the inside of the basement. It’s a lot less expensive [and] extensive than digging out the perimeter of the home,” Abrigo said.
“Typically in a finished basement they’ll have drywall, carpet or hardwood – and if there’s water, typically that gets ruined, whether it’s [due to] mold or warping.”
Abrigo spends much of his time outside the office recruiting at job fairs, meeting interested students at Northern Virginia Community College or speaking to homeowners to problem-solve their issues – many of which can be invisible to the naked eye. He says that the region’s building boom often relies on temporary solutions, thus keeping his company busy.
NV owner John Forester is local to Prince William County, which Abrigo said allows him to approach his boss quickly to troubleshoot issues. That sense of accessibility extends to clients, who Abrigo said are called ahead rather than the trucks showing up “unannounced.”
“It’s not a high-pressure sales environment because again we’re not profit-driven; we’re trying to help people find the right solutions,” Abrigo said. Some customers even choose to get
down and dirty crawling inside those tight spaces with Abrigo, even carting along snacks and drinks for the crew.
“I think NoVa in general, we’re one of the more fortunate areas in the country [being] very close to the nation’s capital,” Abrigo said of Prince William’s significant growth. “There’s lots of people that are demoing houses and rebuilding, so there’s always going to be opportunity here.”
It wasn’t Abrigo’s career ambition to work in construction and waterproofing, but thanks to the training he received at NV – as well as his extensive field experience – he is now providing that critical knowledge to the next generation.
“We’re looking for great people in Prince William County to start a good career,” he said.
Montclair Family Restaurant
(703) 441-6304
17004 DUMFRIES ROAD, DUMFRIES
Montclair Family Restaurant owner Franceso Leone is living out his American dream right here in Prince William County. Leone came to America from Italy in 1998 at age 20, settling into his adopted Virginia home and soon raising a family. After cooking for his father-in-law at Armetta’s in Dale City, Leone struck out on his own, buying the Montclair in 2014.
“Everything is made from scratch,” said Leone, who arrives at the establishment at 5:30 in the morning to be ready for customers at 7. “We know all of our customers by name when they come in, [and] I really want to make sure before you walk out [that] you’re happy and had a great experience.”
That dining experience might include the corned beef hash at breakfast or the gyro burger for lunch or dinner. Leone makes his own burgers and slices his own fries and green beans as part of his effort to keep the farm-to-table movement alive and well at the Montclair Family Restaurant – and to ensure healthier dining options on his menu.
“We go to the market twice a week, Monday and Friday,” Leone said, adding that he pays particular attention to
seafood. “When it comes to the prime material, I like to look at it with my eyes and smell it beforehand. It takes time and effort, but it makes a difference.”
In addition to prepping delicious meals, Leone can often be found chatting amiably with customers and topping up their coffee. He has been to other businesses where it takes the staff some time to even acknowledge him, so he ensures that visitors to the Montclair are seated promptly and looked after throughout their stay.
Leone has watched his adopted
home come into its own over the past few decades. Perhaps there is more vehicle traffic than there used to be, but the restaurateur has also seen the improvements and investments in our infrastructure that have come with a population boom. His children have also attended local schools, and he calls Prince William a great county in which to reside.
“I love the fact that I can provide for my family here,” he said. “I love Montclair and what the restaurant is. It’s like my second family.”
PRINCE WILLIAM
FRANCESCO LEONE
Kemper Carpet & Flooring
For more than 50 years, Kemper Carpet & Flooring has been a trusted name in Northern Virginia, known for craftsmanship, customer care and high-quality flooring solutions. The woman-owned company specializes in hardwood, carpet, luxury vinyl plank, hardwood refinishing, gym flooring, custom stair runners and custom area rugs, all supported by full-service installation from a Class-A licensed team.
“Our mission is to make the process effortless and enjoyable from selection to installation,” says owner Tammy Titus. “We want to provide beautiful flooring solutions that truly transform homes and spaces.”
Kemper Carpet was founded in 1972 by Louis Weissman, and Titus began her flooring career there in 1988. She quickly discovered a passion for the creativity and craftsmanship behind flooring design.
“[I appreciated] the craftsmanship, customer service and ethical business practices under Weissman’s mentorship,” she said. After founding Piedmont Flooring & Design in 2003, she purchased Kemper Carpet in 2007, merging the
two companies. Now, Kemper is one of the most well-known woman-owned flooring businesses in the region, serving homeowners, designers, architects, real estate agents and custom builders.
Over the years, the company has expanded strategically. A second showroom opened in Gainesville in 2015, and the Fairfax showroom moved to Pender Village Center in 2016 to offer a more modern, convenient shopping experience. Kemper now carries industryleading brands such as Provenza, Fabrica, Masland, Stanton, Mirage, Hallmark, Hermitage and Artisan.
This year brought fresh updates. “We’re thrilled to welcome Michele Schumacher to our Fairfax team,” Titus said. The company also refreshed both showrooms and expanded its custom rug division, adding curated Karastan Black Label displays along with the Kravet Carpet collection.
Customer trust remains the foundation of Kemper’s success. One client gave a particularly meaningful piece of feedback when they shared: “This is the fifth time we’ve used Kemper to
“IT MATTERS WHERE YOU BUY FLOORS™”
FAIRFAX: (703) 978-9001
GAINESVILLE: (571) 222-4838
3905-A FAIR RIDGE DRIVE, FAIRFAX 7937 STONEWALL SHOPS SQUARE, GAINESVILLE
KEMPERCARPET.COM
update our flooring – from hardwood to carpet – and every experience has been outstanding.” Titus said, “That repeat trust is the highest compliment we could ever receive.”
Community partnerships are also central to the company’s identity. Kemper works closely with respected regional builders and recently completed projects for the Regency Country Club, Haymarket Police Department and Haymarket Town Center. “The Gainesville, Haymarket and Warrenton communities have a deep loyalty to local businesses,” Titus said. “We’re honored to be a woman-owned company our neighbors trust.”
TAMMY TITUS
Back row from left: Kevin King, Annie Medina, Steven Bouchner, Hamed Ghiassi and Michele Schumacher; front row from left: Craig T Lee, owner Tammy Titus and Stu Grimes.
The Meredith House
You could be forgiven for not knowing that a Tudor-style Manassas mansion is actually a social club. But inside this Gilded Age home, Valerie Meale works as the executive director for The Meredith House, serving an exclusive clientele of industry and civic leaders gathering to socialize and network.
“We blend the warmth of a private home with the feel of a curated social club, including [a] dining menu and beverage options that further elevate the experience,” said Meale, adding that the club is celebrating its first anniversary Jan. 16. “The services provided, hours of operation and showcase events have all evolved and matured as we have gained membership.”
The Meredith House is the only private social club of its kind in the Prince William area, and given the county’s
historic character, it was only fitting that the club itself reside in an equally historic home. Accordingly, the Manassas-based Loveless Porter Architects has renovated the mansion to marry modern luxury and historic elegance. Loveless Porter owner Sean M. Porter purchased and renovated the mansion, a process he also undertook for his firm’s circa-1900 offices.
Porter, who is also the majority owner of The Meredith House, is often found taking guests on an architectural tour of the reimagined Tudor home, sharing tidbits about his firm’s renovation.
“The most common questions we receive are about the history of the building,” Porter said. “Some of my favorite feedback is that guests ‘lose track of time.’ It speaks to how comfortable and welcome they feel the moment they walk through the door.
“In a project of this magnitude, attention
to detail is paramount, from the light fixtures and wall coverings to the door hardware and accent pieces. Loveless Porter Architects spent two years bringing the vision to life, and it shows.”
Meale says that she and Porter value the sense of connectedness within the Prince William business community –and it is this same mission they wish to continue when people step inside The Meredith House.
“Revitalizing this 1800s-era mansion [creates] opportunities for our members to invest in the community, contributing to the overall growth and vitality of the city and the county,” said Meale, adding that the mansion now serves as a sort of think tank for nonprofit and entrepreneurial leadership. “What makes us unique is our purpose-driven approach. We’re not just a venue; we’re a community hub.”
PRINCE WILLIAM
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza + Craft Bar
Tyler “Ty” Hardin moved to Prince William County from Houston to run Brixx Pizza in Woodbridge, where he serves as the general manager. In that capacity he stays busy baking pizzas, keeping craft beer well stocked behind the bar and attending to the many other tasks that come with running a busy pizza parlor.
While Hardin draws a distinction between the southern Texas culture he grew up in and that in Northern Virginia, he nonetheless praises his adopted home for the friendliness and hospitality of the people in the region.
“We have regulars and guests…I consider friends that have been coming here since even before I lived in the state
of Virginia,” Hardin said.
The Woodbridge location of Charlotte, N.C.-based Brixx Pizza opened in 2011 on Potomac Park Place. Everything is made in-house except for the ranch dressing and the flour – the latter being imported from Italy to give those pizzas that stamp of authenticity.
If you’re not in the mood for an individual pizza, check out Brixx’s salads and chicken wings – and, of course, a Virginia craft beer.
The pizzeria has grown up right alongside the community. Hardin says Brixx mostly bordered on farmland when it opened. Today the business partners with local high schools, including Freedom and Woodbridge, on various
charitable events.
Consistency is key in drawing customers back in for another slice, Hardin said, particularly as the restaurant business can be unforgiving even in the best of times – and as people become more careful with their dining-out dollars.
“We try to be consistent on our pricing, consistent in our service [and] never wavering from having high-quality ingredients,” he said. “People come in and find a beer, a wine [or] a cocktail, then enjoy a fresh, quality, handmade meal [in] an environment where they can sit back, relax and enjoy time with people that mean the most to them.
“That is something that is really rewarding for me personally.”
PRINCE WILLIAM
Appliance Connection
“Whether you need a $300 dishwasher or a $30,000 kitchen makeover, we’re going to give you the same level of attention and service that we would give our own family,” said Appliance Connection President Marty Nohe. “We want everyone to have a great experience, whether they’re a long-time customer, or just coming in for the first time.”
After 40 years as a staple in the community, Appliance Connection is moving to a new, even more spacious location on Telegraph Road in Woodbridge, just a few miles from its current location. “We’re right under the giant Potomac Mills sign and across the street from Ikea, so we should be hard to miss,” Nohe said.
What his customers get is a personalized, hands-on treatment. Because Appliance Connection is a family business, Nohe’s goal is to make
everyone feel as if they are personal friends with the owner. “The goal at Appliance Connection, from the moment that customers enter the state-of-the-art showroom until our courteous delivery crews place their new appliances in the kitchen or laundry room, is to treat everyone like a neighbor and friend.”
Nohe grew up in Prince William County and has watched as the county has grown to a diverse, thriving community. “Our community is far less transient, but much more diverse than we were 40 years ago. Even though the community has grown, what people are looking for hasn't changed. People in Prince William today want a comfortable and supportive community, whether they will be staying for a few months or many years,” he said. “I like to think that Prince William County is really the place that represents what’s best about the country. We have the honor of serving families in
Northern Virginia who come from every walk of life.”
Appliance Connection has been consistently recognized by InsideNoVa as the best appliance shop in the county. The business also supports a number of local not-for-profit organizations including Action in Community Through Service (ACTS), CASA Childrens’ Intervention Services, and Northern Virginia Food Rescue.
“At the end of the day referrals from people who’ve had good experiences is absolutely the best advertising we can get, which means it’s important that we do right by people,” Nohe said. “I love getting to deal with all of the people in this community in terms of the families with whom we do business, but also with the other businesses that are serving the same community.
“Prince William County should be a great place to live, work, play, and run a business, and we are proud of being part of our community’s history, and our future.”