6 FORD TECHNOLOGIES
CEO is leading, learning, looking ahead
{from the editor}
10 UNCORKING WASHINGTON COUNTY: Wineries and vineyards worth exploring
The power of a pause
I don’t get the chance to write as much as I used to, but when I can, I eagerly accept. So when I had the opportunity to interview Ford Office Technologies CEO Johnathan Garlow, I said yes without hesitation. My conversation with Garlow spanned the business and his personal life. One thing that’s stuck with me since we talked is how important it is for him to take time for himself. He has to be right with himself to show up as an effective leader, community member, husband and father. If someone as busy and encumbered as he can make sure to be right with himself, then anyone can make sure to take a moment.
This point reminded me of a life coach and speaker we recently had present to our staff here, Lindsay Pfister-Kerr from LPK Coaching. She talked about the importance of micropauses, just mere momentary breaks to reset and recenter. No matter how busy we all are, everyone has the time for a five-minute breathing exercise. It’s just a matter of actually doing it. Isn’t that the kicker? So often, we know precisely what we need to do to feel better. The key is following through. Now, I’m trying to find the motivation and drive on my own for those micropauses, those mini moments of calm.
I have a cousin who lives a state away and has a very stressful job, yet she still finds time to hit the gym daily and run marathons. I am in awe of her. And anytime anyone asks how she does it, she says she doesn’t rely on motivation, since that feeling is so fleeting and unreliable. Instead, she says she focuses on discipline. I keep thinking about that, the fact that she’s so busy, successful and committed, and here I am without those hurdles, struggling with my mind. I hope I can push through. I know I can push through. Mind over matter. It’s finding the joy in discomfort, doing the things that bring my body and mind peace.
Now, comparing myself to others might not be the best recipe for success, but it can be helpful to see what works for someone else. Do you have any tips or suggestions? I’d really love to hear from you. How do you stay motivated to tackle tough things? Please let me know. Email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com or call me at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421.
Take care, and happy exploring.
16 TWO YEARS LATER: Driven by Hope brings Washington community together Editor
20 BRADFORD HOUSE earns coveted museum accreditation
21 CFSBANK opens new chapter in Connellsville
Ford Office Technologies owner and CEO Johnathan Garlow has been at the helm of his father’s company since 2018. During his tenure, he’s transformed the organization and expanded both its offerings and its coverage area, with growth expected to continue this year.
Editor
Trista Thurston
Advertising Director
Carole DeAngelo
Graphic Designer
Eric Tomlinson
Contributors
Kristin Emery
Emily King
Trista Thurston
Photo courtesy of Ford Office Technologies
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Ford Office Technologies CEO is leading, learning, looking ahead
By Trista Thurston
Technologies
Ford Office Technologies is an office technology and managed business solutions company based in Connellsville, with locations across western Pennsylvania and into Ohio, and growth on track to continue this year, including with the recent acquisition of AJ Technology Group. Since taking over in 2018, owner and CEO Johnathan Garlow has stretched Ford’s self-definition from a copy/ printer servicer and provider.
Chat with Garlow and his mindset of being a lifelong learner, inquisitive and engaged, is quickly evident. He seeks to surround himself with humble, coachable people who don’t take criticism too personally. That ethos is woven into the fabric of Ford.
A brief history
Garlow literally grew up in the family business.
“I grew up tearing apart office equipment, my brother and I, and my dad working on it,” he said during a recent interview at his office at the company’s headquarters.
Garlow’s father, John, started Ford in 1991, when his son was 6 years old, as a copy print company.
“He bought and sold office equipment and then did service on it,” Garlow added. “I always appreciated the ‘put it together’ mentality that my dad had.”
That spirit and an entrepreneurial drive led Garlow to Penn State to study architectural engineering. Out of school, Garlow entered the construction industry as a project manager, learning the ins and outs of executing projects.
Then 2010 hit, and Garlow’s father went into the hospital for his second aortic valve replacement. That’s when he asked Johnathan to come to the family business. He was at a crossroads, considering even selling the organization. John Garlow asked his son whether he would join the leadership team.
“I said yes. It was an opportunity to reap the rewards of what we were sowing in the community, developing something that puts food on the table for people here.”
When Garlow first came on board that March, things looked good on the surface, but the financials were actually in a precarious place. Garlow focused on getting his arms around the organization while still developing a sales team. 2015 marked the launch of Ford’s managed IT services, starting small. Then, in 2017, came the buildout of the network operations center, a command center in Ford’s headquarters on the first floor that looks as sleek and high-tech as any leading-edge company could.
Garlow’s father passed away suddenly in early 2018. All that responsibility shifted, becoming a pivotal inflection point for Garlow personally and the business.
“I didn’t make any changes until six months after my dad passed away, and then, at that six-month mark, I started making the moves to make it a company that was mine.”
“Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business” by Gino Wickman presents the Entrepreneurial Operating System, which Ford implemented in 2020, just before the pandemic hit.
“Then, in March, the whole world changes. We scratched and clawed, and we continued to grow revenue that year, despite everything,” Garlow said.
Photos courtesy of Ford Office
organization,” he added proudly. “We want to continue to grow and expand, and while we’re doing that, we don’t want to turn our back on our community that helped us get there.”
The loss of his dad when the elder Garlow was just 60 taught Johnathan a lot, including what he didn’t want to see at his
“I took the mindset of we have to have fun together while we’re winning and striving for success, and you can’t take any of this with you.”
The core values are key: “We hire and fire around those,”
Canvases featuring the values and their explanations (Own It!, Always Deliver, Continually Improving, Innovative and Optimistic) prominently adorn the wall
On keeping motivated, Garlow encouraged anyone entering the tech space to “gravitate toward something you love.”
“Tech’s going to continually evolve. If you don’t have a deep passion for it, you’re going to get stuck in a rut.”
Garlow’s eloquence and knowledge in keeping laserfocused on the next right thing are hard-won.
“I used to not cope with stress as well,” Garlow admits. He’s an avid reader and seeks perspectives
beyond his own to become a better leader, husband and father.
Life, he explains, is like a three-legged stool.
You have to be fulfilled, challenged and satisfied at work, since you spend so much time there. Things have to be alright at home, too, within the family unit, for life to go well. Jump into challenges and talk it out, intentionally. Then comes you.
“You have to really spend time on making sure that you’re in a good place mentally,” he said, to give it your all at work and for your family.
Garlow’s family includes his wife, Kelli, who is a high school principal at Elizabeth Forward High School, and the couple has two children: Nathan, 6, and Raven, 2.
AI, future and beyond
Garlow admitted that he both loves and hates the AI revolution that’s transforming not just his business, but every industry. AI will separate the companies that use it from those that sit still. The sheer access to information is incredible. But on the other side of the coin, bad actors use these tools for nefarious purposes, making cybersecurity a must for every business. Garlow said the tricks criminals are using now have progressed significantly in the past two years. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people is key to success and safety, Garlow added.
Ford’s ideal client is one with about 20-100 employees with needs for managed IT services, cybersecurity and copy/print. The goal is to develop a relationship more akin to that of a consultant than to just providing a commodity. That sort of relationship allows Ford to
emphasize the company’s needs with expertise. Garlow said Ford’s goal is to become a trusted adviser rather than simply a vendor.
When asked what sets Ford apart from the competition, Garlow cited the three ‘uniques.’
First, “a one-stop shop for all of office technologies.” No matter the technology needs, Ford can handle it, Garlow said. Next, “we don’t make assumptions.”
“Let’s figure out what they want to solve. Let’s understand their current environment, and then we make recommendations.”
Finally: “The answer is yes; now, what’s the question?”
Moving forward, Garlow said he’s excited, yet also a little anxious. 65 percent of revenue still comes from copy sales and service, a maturing business segment still rife with opportunity. Still, Garlow would like to see the revenue split evenly between that and managed IT services in the next three years.
“We still want to gain market share through acquisition and organic market growth,” he said. “The engine that helped us get here might not be the engine that gets us well into the future.”
What’s the next idea? What will continue to grow Ford? These questions keep pulling at Garlow.
“We don’t know, but it’ll become clearer as we keep taking steps toward it.”
For more on Ford Office Technologies, visit fordtech.com.
Uncorking Washington County: Wineries and vineyards worth exploring
For some, there’s no better way to wind down a hot summer day than with a cool glass of wine and good friends. As July approaches, now is the perfect time to grab some friends and tour a winery or vineyard right here in Washington County.
Ripepi Winery & Vineyard is, to put it simply, stunning. Tucked away on a 10-acre estate in Monongahela, this boutique winery has been growing grapes for its handcrafted wines since 1987. Some vines on the property are more than 30 years old — an impressive age attributed to both owner Richard Ripepi’s meticulous care and the fact that each grape harvest is performed entirely by hand.
Ripepi Winery boasts more than a dozen local and regional varieties on its tasting menu, making it an attractive spot for a full day of fun at the vineyard. The winery even hosts a happy hour every second Friday of the month, complete with live music, food trucks, wine specials and more.
Also located in Monongahela, Dead Head Winery is the perfect combination of the region’s best wines, high-energy events and even a touch of the macabre. What was once a century-old funeral home is now a freshly renovated full-scale winery complete with a wine production area, spacious tasting room and outdoor concert venue.
Contrary to its name, Dead Head is at its most alive when the sun sets, and the stage lights illuminate the act of the night. The winery has a packed entertainment schedule that runs throughout the summer, making Dead Head Winery a popular spot for unique nighttime fun with great local wine. Dead Head Winery is open seasonally during the summer.
Speaking of turning up the energy, Red Fox Winery & Lounge is all about good energy and even better wine. Located on a sprawling rural property in Hickory, Red Fox is a winery, brewery, kitchen and event space all wrapped into one, making it the total package for friends to gather, dance and enjoy themselves.
Beyond its varied offerings, Red Fox is becoming increasingly popular across Washington County for its creative and themed events, including trivia nights, craft workshops, parties and more, in addition to its regularly scheduled live music on Sunday afternoons.
What started as a hobby back in 2007 has turned into a full-scale wine-making operation at J&D Cellars in Eighty Four. Owners John and Dot Harvison are involved in every aspect of their
winery, from managing the vineyard to the actual winemaking, packaging and tasting room sales, as well as managing events on their 16-acre vineyard. From sweet to semi-sweet and dry, J&D Cellars has a little something for all kinds of wine lovers.
Visitors can sample J&D’s full variety of wines while relaxing at the picturesque vineyard, enjoying live music on the back patio or participating in events put on by the winery. No matter how one chooses to experience this vineyard, J&D is sure to please on a day out. J&D Cellars is open seasonally from April through December.
Other wineries in Washington County include Raccoon Creek Winery at Kramer’s Greenhouse in Burgettstown, which specializes in small-batch wines and offers free tastings in the attached greenhouse. When in downtown Washington, The Washington Winery is absolutely worth
a visit for a unique urban winery and tasting experience. Silver Mark Cellars in Canonsburg offers award-winning wines alongside a signature “grand charcuterie board” to make for quite the grand day out.
For a more laid-back, intimate setting with plenty of options, consider PK Winery in McDonald. Last but not least, Giant Oaks Winery is all about the full experience, as it is also a popular restaurant with weekly events.
With all these unique winery experiences to enjoy right here in Washington County, it would be hard to blame any wine lover for wanting to spend the rest of the summer touring and exploring these world-class wineries and vineyards.
To learn more and to see the full list of wineries and vineyards in the county, visit GoWashCo.com.
Two years later: Driven by Hope brings
By Emily King
The Driven by Hope campaign was created by the ObserverReporter and Washington Auto Mall to shine a spotlight on the meaningful work that local nonprofit organizations have in the community. Now that the program has been in place for a little over two years, employees have had a chance to reflect on its impact on local nonprofits and the community, and on how their volunteering experiences have affected their own lives.
The partnership between Washington Auto Mall and the Observer-Reporter began in early 2024, when employees from both businesses formed a committee to recognize deserving local nonprofits. Each month, an organization is chosen for recognition. They receive a monetary gift to expand their reach, as well as a promotional package that includes a newspaper article and a social media campaign to raise awareness of their work. As a result, the organization chosen each month is better able to meet the community’s needs. It also helps connect our neighbors in need with services they may not have known existed.
Chris Oliastro is a sales consultant at Washington Auto Mall and a board member for Driven by Hope.
“I cannot believe it has been two years already, which means we have helped at least twenty-four different nonprofits since inception,” he says.
Selecting the recipient of the award each month can be difficult, as there are so many great nonprofits in the area that are deserving of help. Oliastro says the nonprofit must be registered in Washington County to qualify, which helps narrow down the candidates.
an alumnus of the same high school, tragically lost her life in an automobile accident in 2009 when she was a sophomore in college. Her family set up a scholarship fund in her memory for collegebound high school senior cheerleaders.
“When I heard Nicole’s mom speak about the foundation and her daughter, when my daughter was a freshman, I thought I would really like to contribute in some way. As a parent, what she went through and stood for really hit home,” says Oliastro.
That chance came in the next year, when Driven by Hope began, and he was invited to join.
“We were finally able to recognize the Nicole LeAnn Chauvet Scholarship Foundation this past year, and she brought her family in for a picture,” says Oliastro. He was surprised to learn that Nicole’s uncle had retired from their Honda dealership.
“From there, the selection process can differ quite a bit,” he says.
“We may have a nonprofit that someone brings up at one of our meetings, and they get nominated right away. Or it may be heart month, so we select an organization that does something heartrelated.”
Sarah Johnson is the business development center manager at Washington Auto Mall and serves on the board of Driven by Hope.
“Choosing a nonprofit isn’t an easy one at times, but we try our best to focus on the need and how the money we provide can assist them,” she says.
Because recipients are local to Washington, many of the employees have personal connections to a cause or nonprofit. For Oliastro, that special cause was the Nicole LeAnn Chauvet Scholarship Fund. He heard about the Chauvet family when his daughter was a freshman at Canon-McMillan High School. Nicole,
“None of us had known about the relationship, and it felt great to give back to an organization that a former employee was involved with.”
One of Johnson’s favorite nonprofits that they worked with benefits cancer patients.
“I really love the ones we do for cancer patients, and we partnered with Mrs. Claus Club. They provide personalized care baskets for cancer patients going through treatments that provide comfort and some normalcy based on their interests and hobbies,” she says.
“In the last two years, to see a community such as Washington County coming together to do good for others has been a blessing.”
“Washington County has some of the most generous people I have ever met. Local businesses and media have the power to showcase these talented nonprofits and get the word out about the work they do,” he says.
Natalie Gloady of the Observer-Reporter serves on the board of Driven by Hope and helps manage the online marketing services provided to the award recipients. She says that in the two years that Driven by Hope has existed, the board has seen an increase in nominations and community engagement.
“Driven by Hope has given them a platform to share their mission and connect with new supporters.” She explains that many nonprofits operate with very limited marketing budgets, and the marketing services from the Observer-Reporter help connect them with potential donors and volunteers and build awareness in the community.
“The program has become a reminder that when a community comes together around a common purpose, even small acts of generosity can create meaningful change.”
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: PETERS TOWNSHIP CHAMBER
OF
COMMERCE
Adapting to economic uncertainty through collaboration
Economic uncertainty has become a reality for businesses of all sizes. But, of course, that’s not all. Businesses must also overcome staffing shortages, rising costs, rapidly changing technology, digital marketing demands and more. Small business owners continue to face challenges that require creativity and resilience.
At the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses through these shifts is central to its mis sion.
Unlike larger orga nizations that may focus primarily on regional growth, the PT Chamber prioritizes relation ships. Members are small-business owners and pro fessionals who live and work in the area. Because of this, the chamber takes the time to understand each business and its individual strengths and challenges. Those direct connections allow the chamber to provide meaningful support beyond simple networking.
tools and marketing strategies.
In today’s business climate, adaptation often depends on having the right information and connections. Learning from peers who have faced similar challenges can help business owners make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Chamber members benefit from a community that encourages open conversations, shared experiences and practical solu-
What makes the PT Chamber especially unique is the collaborative spirit among members. Rather than viewing one another solely as competitors, many members embrace the opportunity to work together, support local initiatives and strengthen the broader business community. These partnerships often lead to new business opportunities, creative problem-solving and stronger local economic development.
One of the most valuable opportunities the chamber offers is access to a trusted network of peers and experts. No matter what obstacle a business faces, chances are another chamber member has valuable insight to share.
The chamber has intentionally created opportunities for members to connect through networking events, educational programs, roundtable discussions and member-to-member referrals. Business owners gain direct access to professionals who specialize in areas such as staffing, employee retention, digital
Economic conditions will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: businesses are stronger when they are connected. By fostering relationships, facilitating collaboration and providing access to valuable resources, the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce helps its members navigate uncertainty with confidence.
As challenges arise and markets shift, the chamber remains committed to empowering local businesses through education, support and meaningful connections. Together, members continue to adapt, ensuring a stronger future for the communities they serve.
Bradford House earns coveted museum accreditation
By Kristin Emery
Photos courtesy of the Bradford House Museum
The Bradford House Museum is a gem here in Washington County, and now it has earned national recognition with a distinction bestowed upon only three percent of all museums in the United States. The Bradford House Historical Association is excited to announce that the Bradford House Museum has received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition awarded to museums. “This is a huge moment for the Bradford House,” says Tracie Liberatore, executive director of the Bradford House Historical Association. “We’ve always believed in the importance of telling our community’s story and doing it well. This recognition shows that our work meets the highest standards, and it motivates us to keep building on that.”
The Bradford House Museum preserves the history of David Bradford and the Whiskey Rebellion while offering educational programs and events for the community. The BHHA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that operates the Bradford House Museum, Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center, and Whiskey Rebellion Festival all of which are located in downtown Washington. The mission of the Bradford House Historical Association is to educate as it preserves and promotes the history of the Whiskey Rebellion and the 18th-century life and times of David Bradford.
This accreditation places the Bradford House among a select group of institutions nationwide and means it is the only accredited museum in all of Washington County. Why is it so rare for museums to earn this accreditation? Of only 1,200 museums earning it nationally, a mere five percent of those are small museums like the Bradford House Museum. “It is not an easy or cheap process,” Liberatore admits. “That is why I think so few go through it.” In Pittsburgh, only five museums are accredited, including the Heinz History Center, Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Natural History Center and Phipps Conservatory. “Those are big-time museums with a big-time staff,” she adds. “Not like the BHHA with only one full-time staff and several part-time seasonal docents.”
Earning accreditation is a rigorous process that involves a
comprehensive self-study and evaluation by museum professionals. It recognizes institutions that meet national standards for excellence in areas such as collections care, education and community engagement. In its official letter, the AAM Accreditation Commission praised the Bradford House for its commitment to community service, strong volunteer culture and dedication to preserving history through educational programming. Accreditation is not permanent; museums must continue to meet AAM standards and undergo periodic review, with the Bradford House’s next one due in 2036.
The BHHA also recently opened Bradford Place this year as another multi-purpose education space. “We also are storing the Whiskey Rebellion Festival items there,” Liberatore says. “We just opened the space in January, and it has been used for a K-12 field trip, a preschool field trip, cyber school testing, Rotary of Washington meeting, Main Street Farmers Market meeting and more. With our programming flourishing, Bradford Place will be used.” The group’s biggest event of the year is around the corner with the Whiskey Rebellion Festival, the second weekend in July. They also offer Hands-on History Daycamp in August, the Whiskey Rebellion Dinner and Small Business Saturday in November, and the Ladies’ Teas in December. Throughout the year, K-12 field trips flood the campus, and the campus also offers on-site presentations in schools and for organizations such as senior citizen centers.
The Bradford House was built in 1788, restored in 1965 and continues to attract visitors and spur economic development in the region.
“12,415 people visited us in 2025. That means 12,415 visited the city of Washington and Washington County,” says Liberatore. “While our mission is to educate, our vision is national awareness. We are on the cusp of seeing this vision. The Bradford House’s programming offers something for all ages and something throughout the year. We have a very unique and specific history to share. People get so excited to hear that a tax collector knocked on the front door of the Bradford House. Who knows, maybe it was Alexander Hamilton. That same front door stands today!”
For more information on the Bradford House Museum, visit bradfordhouse.org.
Drummer Jorma Borish leads the muster at the Whiskey Rebellion Festival.
The Bradford House Museum in downtown Washington
cfsbank opens new chapter in Connellsville
After nearly five decades of serving the Connellsville community, cfsbank is proud to celebrate the opening of its new branch location at 400 W. Crawford Ave., marking a significant investment in the city’s future and reaffirming the bank’s longstanding commitment to local residents and businesses.
The new branch officially welcomed customers during a soft opening on May 18, with a community-wide grand opening celebration on June 26. The event featured music, games, prizes, giveaways and family-friendly activities as cfsbank invited the community to experience its newest location firsthand.
While the building is new, cfsbank’s connection to Connellsville is not. The bank has proudly served the community since 1977, building relationships with generations of customers and supporting local growth through personalized banking services and community involvement. The new branch represents the next step in that journey, offering modern amenities and an enhanced banking experience while maintaining the personal service that has long defined the institution.
Construction of the new branch followed a groundbreaking ceremony in September 2025, where community members, local officials and project partners gathered to mark the start of the project. At the time, cfsbank President and CEO John Gill described the development as “the beginning of a new chapter for cfsbank in Connellsville” and expressed excitement about continuing to grow alongside the community.
Strategically located along Crawford Avenue, one of Connellsville’s busiest corridors, the new branch provides increased visibility and accessibility for customers while contributing to ongoing revitalization efforts within the city. Community leaders have praised the project not only as a sign of growth for cfsbank, but also as a vote of confidence in Connellsville’s future. According to comments shared by Downtown Connellsville, the branch serves as a gateway presence for the city and demonstrates thoughtful development that respects the area’s historic character while investing in future opportunities.
The building’s architecture was intentionally designed to complement the surrounding community, blending modern functionality with design elements that reflect Connellsville’s heritage. Additional features, including a public water station for travelers using the nearby Great Allegheny Passage, further underscore cfsbank’s commitment to serving both residents and visitors.
As a community-focused financial institution founded in 1935, cfsbank continues to invest in the people and places that have contributed to its success for more than 90 years. The Connellsville branch stands as a visible example of that commitment — a place where customers can access modern financial services while continuing to receive the personalized attention and local decision-making that distinguish community banking.
Together, the new branch represents more than a building — it represents a continued partnership with the city and the people who call it home.
