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Jersey Mike’s Mariemont: A Family Affair By Kim Beach Jeff and Glenn Ayers have always been close, and recently they took their Father/ Son relationship to a new level. They are now business partners in the recently opened Jersey Mike’s in the Mariemont Promenade. Growing up in Hyde Park, Glenn Ayers enjoyed a busy family life with many siblings and a strong work ethic learned from his dad and stepmom. Glenn began working at the Hyde Park Jersey Mike’s in high school (Clark Montessori) and continued his work there as he began his college education at the University of Cincinnati. He studied Business Management and began thinking about a career with Jersey Mike’s. Glenn had been mentored by the Jersey Mike’s Area Director, Larry Rover, and began to realize that opening a franchise (versus just working in one) was within his reach. Only 25 years old at the time, he started discussing the opportunity last May with Rover and Jersey Mike’s corporate office. He signed his agreement in July and began scouting locations. Now came the excitement of identifying the best setting for the future of his dream. The Ayers family has always been fond of Mariemont and loved the proximity to their Hyde Park home. Finding the location at the Promenade was the perfect solution for their new business. Glenn and Jeff talked about the factors that made Mariemont the ideal fit. “We looked at the high traffic count, the incredible sense of local community, the disposable income of area residents, and the nearness to our home as valuable factors in
Nancy, Glenn and Jeff Ayers at Jersey Mike's Grand Opening. our decision to pick the Mariemont location,” Jeff remarked. Retired from a successful insurance business, Jeff is thrilled to have a chance to work with his sons (Jeff Jr. is also involved) and his wife Nancy. Additional siblings (there are eight total) will pitch in as needed! The company name, Sundance LLC, originated with a chance meeting between Jeff Ayers and Robert Redford when they were both skiing 13 years ago. After meeting Redford and then subsequently skiing with him, Jeff ’s family and friends aptly nicknamed him “Sundance” after Redford’s famous movie. When it came time to name the company, this inside family joke was the impetus for the corporate name. The Ayers mention multiple opportunities
for success in the upcoming year. They are excited to open the store and make a difference in our community. They also are focused on building into the people that they hire (as of this writing, at least five Mariemont high schoolers will be working at the location). As Glenn mentioned, “We want to be able to assist our employees both careerwise and life-wise.” They are also working with City Link to hire people who need a second chance to start a new life. The family is also very philanthropic and launched their Jersey Mike’s location by supporting Stepping Stones throughout the Grand Opening. During the “Five Days of Giving” from March 13-17, all patrons received a “free” sandwich for a minimum Cont'd on page 5