Special Advertising Edition (630) 232-9222
ShawMedia.com
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ST. CHARLES & WAYNE
insight
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WHAT’S INSIDE
In Towne Self Storage........................................................................ 12
Elite Furniture Resale Boutique.........................................................4
Loyal Companions............................................................................5-7
Family Flooring......................................................................................8
Seniors Helping Seniors of Fox Valley..............................................3
Fox Valley Auto Group...................................................................... 11 Sterling Bank..........................................................................................4 House of Fireplaces............................................................................ 10 Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery..................................................9
Page 2 • Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section
Find Meaningful Work With
Seniors
In Your Community! Part-Time Paid Positions OPEN with Seniors Helping Seniors Fox Valley As our aging population continues to grow, more and more families are turning to in-home care services for the non-medical needs of seniors. Seniors Helping Seniors is a nationwide franchise for in-home care founded on the unique philosophy that seniors connect best with other seniors because of their understanding and compassion gained from the wisdom of life experience. Seniors Helping Seniors of Fox Valley is owned by St. Charles native and retired U. S. Navy Captain, Caroline (Carlson) Olinger. In order to meet the needs of seniors and their families, Seniors Helping Seniors is looking for loving, flexible and patient men and women (~40+) to help serve our clients as Providers. Required qualification for Providers are good health, valid
driver license/current insurance, available to work 12-20 hrs./week, cell phone and computer access. Many of our clients, known as Receivers, live in their own home but can no longer do daily routines independently, such as laundry, errands, and meal preparation. Providers help with those daily tasks, and more. In their time spent together, Providers and Receivers develop deep relationships of trust and care which add a mutually rewarding dimension.
“Getting to know receivers and their families is an added benefit to the rewards of helping them stay in their homes and function as independently as possible.” is interacting with Receivers.” “It is a wonderful thing to give back and help other seniors during difficult times. It may be someone who just needs a little help for a short while or for a more long term situation.” “Seniors Helping Seniors has been such a positive experience for me over the past nine years. The seniors we care for have had such full lives and I always learn something from them…” If you meet the basic requirements and have a heart for helping others, please call Seniors Helping Seniors of Fox Valley at (630) 937-4246 or go to our website, https://seniorcarefoxvalley. com and fill out an on-line application via the “Interested in Becoming a Caregiver” tab. We look forward to hearing from you!
Perhaps you would like to become a part of a senior’s life and be of service to your community. Do you find purpose and meaning in being a listening companion and helping others in need? Do you like to keep active and find satisfaction in the completion of tasks? Your abilities and talents can make a difference in the daily lives of seniors. Our Providers are retired teachers, homemakers, chaplains, business managers, nurses, and include various other backgrounds. From our Providers about their experience working for Seniors Helping Seniors of Fox Valley: “Caring for people who have lived the same life as we have gives us a lot in common. It’s a great concept and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for meaningful part time work and a few extra dollars.” “I like doing work that has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life. It is a rewarding and community service opportunity for us. The best part
Seniors Helping Seniors of Fox Valley
(630) 937-4246
https://seniorcarefoxvalley.com
SM-CL1732888
Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section • Page 3
ELITE FURNITURE & MORE HIGH-QUALITY RESALE WITH FLAIR R
SALE UP TO
40% OFF!
HIGH-QUALITY HIGH QUA UA
(Excellent Condition) Furniture, Decor and Homegoods Furniture • Cabinetry • Artwork • Lighting • Garden • Clothing Office • Kids • Tools • Rugs • Jewelry • Crystal • China • Gifts
Shop us First... We have Everything You Need!
1749 S. Randall Road, Geneva, IL (East Side of Randall Rd. next to Mario Tricoci & Walter E. Smithe) Tues. & Wed. 12 - 6 | Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 - 7 | Sun. 12 - 4 | Seasonal Hours May Vary
www.EliteFurnitureResale.com • 872 227-0106 • info@elitefurnitureresale.com
Are you looking for ways to expand or streamline your
business? we are here to meet your needs.
Local bank, Local lenders. St. Charles 10 Illinois Street (630) 549-7065
Your future is with us! Page 4 • Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section
www.sterbank.com
Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section • Page 5
Give Your Pets The Best In Vet Care
L
oyal Companions is a pet-centric veterinary practice providing state-of-the-art care in a FearFree environment. This results in more pleasant visits for beloved pets and their people. Loyal Companions is passionate about elevating the care your pet receives to the next level. Dr. Vicki Petsche has practiced veterinary medicine for 25 years and has worked in several veterinary hospitals in the Chicago suburbs, as well as in Miami, Fla. She settled in the Fox Valley area 19 years ago, and has been practicing in this community ever since. Loyal Companions Animal Hospital and Pet Resort is a fullservice veterinary hospital that also offers luxury overnight lodging, day care, grooming and training classes. The style of the building allowed Dr. Petsche to design the animal hospital and pet resort of her dreams. As an added
bonus, there is a spacious yard for the lodging and day care pets to get outdoor exercise. Dr. Petsche’s love for animals began at a very young age. She started riding horses when she was five years old, and throughout her childhood spent her time caring for her family’s pets - dogs, cats, hamsters, horses and a goat. It was here, as a little girl in rural Michigan, that she decided to become a veterinarian.
Scientifically proven to produce calming effects, species-specific calming music and pheromones are diffused into each room. To ensure pets equate only positive experiences with coming to Loyal Companions, Dr. Petsche has aligned herself with the national owners are asked to bring their pets to their appointments Fear Free initiative and has achieved the distinction hungry so tasty treats or food can be provided throughout of becoming one of the first Fear Free Certified the exam and procedures. Practices in the nation. To become Fear Free Certified, Loyal Companions had to pass a review by the Fear Free board, Loyal Companions is proud to be an AAHA Accredited which is composed of well-respected behavioral and medical Hospital. They are in the top 12% of hospitals nationwide specialists as well as architects. They evaluated the hospital and because they hold themselves to a higher standard, design, the approach to medical care and client education they have voluntarily entered the accreditation process. To practices at Loyal Companions. A board member came to achieve accreditation, Loyal Companions was evaluated on tour the state-of-the-art facility and evaluated Dr. Petsche’s over 900 rigorous standards of veterinary excellence and Fear Free approach first hand. Only 25 other practices in the passed with flying colors. Loyal Companions strives to be champions of excellent care. nation had been granted this distinction. All hospital staff members have received additional training to obtain their own individual certifications as Fear Free Professionals and they are continuing to advance their knowledge in the Fear Free approach. Special attention is paid to the smallest details to ensure every pet’s experience at Loyal Companions is calming and pleasant. The Fear Free certified staff employ numerous scientifically based techniques to keep pets - and their people – calm and stress
Page 6 • Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section
free while they receive veterinary care. Pets never leave the security of their owners during an office visit. Owners help the team at Loyal Companions minimize their pet’s stress and anxiety. Often pets can receive medical treatment without even noticing if they are focused on tasty treats.
Loyal Companions is also a Cat Friendly Practice, certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Loyal Companions rolls out the red carpet treatment for your feline friend giving them their own entrance, own exam rooms and own treatment space so your cat will never have to see, hear or smell a dog during their visit. By decreasing the stress and anxiety of patients Loyal Companions is able to achieve a higher level of care for your feline friend.
Keep Them Happy & Safe While You’re Away
A
t Loyal Companions Pet Resort your dog or cat will receive extra special attention. If you will be traveling, your pet can lodge overnight in one of our spacious dog suites or kitty condos. There are cozy beds, special treats and oneon-one attention from our caring staff. Each area of the Pet Resort is equipped with state-of-the-art webcams so pet owners will be at ease knowing they can see their pets even if they are miles away. For additional peace of mind, you can have confidence knowing Dr. Vicki Petsche and staff are ready and willing to assist your pet if the need for veterinary care should arise. We recommend planning a minimum of 3 weeks ahead of time when reserving a lodging stay because some pets may need to have vaccines started or updated. We accept reservations for up to one year ahead of time! Doggie Day Care is the perfect solution if you are a working pet parent or have a busy schedule with your human children. It is especially helpful with the busy holiday schedules and winter weather. Your dog can have a full or half-day of playtime exercising in the spacious indoor and outdoor areas. At Loyal Companions the day care service rises to the next level by providing your pet with extra training in basic manners or working on a skill or trick at your request. The staff wants the time spent
LOYAL COMPANIONS 2312 W. Main St. St. Charles 630-524-2125
at Loyal Companions to be stimulating both socially and intellectually - the same as a high quality children’s day care center. Keep your dog smelling fresh and looking their best by taking advantage of the full grooming services. This service includes bath and brush out, hair cut based on your dog’s breed and your preferences, nail trimming and grinding, ear cleaning. This is a great service after a lodging stay or a fun day of daycare so your pet goes home smelling fresh and clean. Loyal Companions Pet Resort... the care and compassion your pet deserves.
PET RESORT
Loyal Companion s pet resort offe rs luxury overnight lodgin g, day care, an d grooming service. Each lu xury suite has a webcam so pet parents can log in online to vi ew their pet.
TRAINING CLA
SS E S
Loyal Companion s has two dog tr ainers, Tess and Ali, who of fer positive re inforcement training classes. Tess is running a Level 1 Dog Training class on Tuesday nights that is open to dogs of all ages. Ali is ru nn ing a Reactive Dog cl ass on Monday nights.
www.loyal-companions.com Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 7am-6pm; Tue & Thur: 7am - 7pm; Sat: 9 am - Noon
Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section • Page 7
LOCAL OWNERSHIP+ NATIONAL BUYING POWER = Family Gary Titiner grew up in the flooring business, working at his father’s store from the time he was a child. After graduating from law school, Titiner followed his heart and began working full-time for his father, learning something new every day. When his father retired in 2010, Titiner started Family Flooring America. Titiner considers it to be built upon a 50+ year family legacy of experience and knowledge. He says he’s in the flooring business because, quite simply, he loves it. “Every day provides new experiences.” he said. “I love that we help make our customers’ homes more beautiful.” Family Flooring America is a full-service flooring store with an extensive selection of carpet, hardwood, ceramic, LVT, area rugs and window coverings. In addition, they offer installation on all of their products. And with financing options, it is easy for people to get their dream floors. Why put a store in Saint Charles? Titiner said it was a no-brainer. “St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, in fact, the entire Fox River valley was a great location for my dad, and is for me. People here expect and appreciate excellent quality in both product and service. They know a great value when it is presented.” he said. Titiner says his business offers a perfect blend of big and small. “We are locally owned, but we have the buying power of the big box stores. It’s economies of scale at its best.” First and foremost, it is a locally owned family business, and so his customer’s money stays in the community. “We care about this community because we live in it” he said. “There are many places you can buy flooring, but there is no other place that cares as much as we do. We live here and we work here. This is our community; this is our home!”
At the same time, Family Flooring America is part of a 500+ store co-op that provides everything that large-scale, national retailers have. With access to first-class marketing, advertising and training he is able to effectively promote the business and train his staff. National pricing on his products allows him to pass on the savings to his customers, and not be the prey of the big box stores. As part of the Flooring America co-op, they also offers programs such as the “Confidence Plus Warranty” which allows customers to replace their floor at no charge, just because they don’t like it. Due to the Family Flooring America staff being committed to helping customers find just what they want, however, it is rarely used. Titiner does realize choosing new flooring can be overwhelming. There are so many different available options. It’s about asking the right questions and finding out about a customer’s needs. Titiner said that the secret to success really isn’t a secret. “It is simply exercising the long-proven practice of taking care of customers and delivering a fantastic experience.” he said. “At the end of the day, we want to give our customers great flooring at a great price, and an overall fantastic value. We want to earn their business.” And there’s nothing more rewarding than having a repeat customer. “We have people who say they would never shop anywhere else. People throw out the word trust a lot in business, but you can’t sell trust. You have to earn it. And that is what we try to do every day!” “Our company slogan is “Where Friends Send Friends” he said. “We take that very seriously. We know that if a customer will send their friend to us, then we have done our job well.”
Gary Titiner, owner
Family Flooring America SM-CL1735647
Page 8 • Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section
2015 Dean Street, Monday & Wednesday 10-8, St. Charles, IL 60174 Tuesday & Thursday 10-6, (630) 584-9300 www.WeFloor.com Friday & Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-4
STOCKHOLM’S BREWPUB BRINGS QUALITY MENU, WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE TO GENEVA While enjoying a meal at Stockholm’s Brewpub, the oldest brewery in the tri-cities, it’s not uncommon to run into a neighbor or a friend. That’s because, year after year, Stockholm’s has been the place to go for a bowl of homemade soup, the best burger in town, a pint of handcrafted beer, and some friendly faces. In fact, 2020 will mark their 18th year nestled in the heart of downtown Geneva. With so much existing competition in the Fox Valley and new restaurants and breweries popping up seemingly every day, it is quite the accomplishment to remain a favorite. When you ask Michael Olesen, Stockholm’s owner and brew master, what the keys to his success are, his reply is simple, “Stockholm’s success is based upon three pillars: Quality, People, and Community.” First and foremost, quality of the food is of the utmost importance. Stockholm’s menu is extensive; offerings range from sandwiches like their famous Brisket Grilled Cheese, pastas and risottos like the spicy Seafood Diablo, to Mussels, Salmon, Seared Ahi, and even a Sunday Brunch. Olesen believes you can offer anything under the sun, but if the quality is not superior, guests will not return for it. “Everything is made fresh here in our from-scratch kitchen, and the quality of the food is key. Our steaks rival those of the big steakhouses in downtown Chicago; the only differences are the price and family-friendly, cozy atmosphere.” The food is amazing, comfort food at its finest; but that’s not the heartbeat of this operation. The menu and the beer make Stockholm’s a destination, but it truly is the people who make it the destination worth returning to again and again. “Three people on our talented kitchen staff have been with us since we opened in 2002,” Olesen says, “and much of our staff has been here 10 years or more. It’s become a second family.” And it’s not just the staff who have become a family as many of the guests come back so often, they’re known by name. “Folks come back week after week for their favorite menu item, or to try a new monthly special, or even just to have a beer and a friendly conversation. These relationships make Stockholm’s a true neighborhood “Vardshus” [tavern in Swedish].” As a lifelong resident of Geneva, to Olesen, community is a way of life. On the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, he worked with The Geneva History Museum to curate old photographs of the town, dating back to the early 1900s. These photos, prominently displayed on the walls, celebrate the history and culture of Geneva and are reminiscent of a bygone era. “Guests will point out their grandmother or grandfather in these pictures, and even themselves from time to time. We’ve heard some pretty remarkable stories since we put these pictures up.” Olesen is also very active within the community in many other ways. On October 31st of 2019, Stockholm’s wrapped up their second annual several month-long fundraiser for The Conservation Foundation; raising a total of $4,139.25 to help clean up the Fox River. Olesen has put on fundraisers for other charities as well, such as Northern Illinois Food Bank, Living Well Cancer Resource Center, and even St. Baldrick’s, during which he shaved his head after helping a local boy raise money for childhood cancer research. As a board member of The Geneva Chamber of Commerce and an avid supporter of The Geneva Community Chest, Olesen constantly works to lend a helping hand where it is needed most. “Geneva is a quaint and bustling small town, brimming with unique small businesses and passionate, caring people. We feel lucky to be a part of it.” Stockholm’s is located at 306 W. State Street, Geneva and offers dine-in, patio, and carry-out services. The restaurant is open Monday – Thursday 11a-11p, Friday & Saturday 11am-12a, and Sunday 10a-11pm, with Sunday Brunch service from 10a-1p. For more information, please call (630) 208-7070 or visit www.stockholmsbrewpub.com
306 W. State Street Geneva, IL 630.208.7070
www.stockholmsbrewpub.com Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section • Page 9
TURNING
HOUSES INTO HOMES H
ouse of Fireplaces aspires to be your “one-stop fireplace shop,” where we can meet all of your fireplace needs, from complete installation of new fireplaces to technical support and advice. Offering gas, wood and electric fireplaces, gas logs, inserts, custom glass doors, custom mantels, granite, marble, cultured stone, installation and superb service. Visitors to the newly-updated and redesigned showroomwill marvel at the dramatic new centerpiece, the Heat & Glo True masonrystyled direct vent fireplace, a new line of durable Broilmaster grills, and all the new displays and products. Showroom manager Kevin Sandell represents the third generation of the Sandell family business. Kevin manages the retail side of the business while his father, Mark Sandell, manages the wholesale side. Founded in 1953 by Stanley Sandell after his return from the Navy in World War II, the business began as one of the first distributors of the Thulman wood burning fireplace. When Thulman turned into the Majestic Fireplace Company, the business took the name Majestic Distributing.
for over 60 years
Originally a strictly wholesale company selling the Majestic Fireplace to builders and heating contractors, we opened our first retail outlet in 1963—and House of Fireplaces was born. Kevin, who started at the bottom sweeping the warehouse after school as a kid, worked summers and winters while going to school. He started working full time shortly after graduating college with a degree in business administration, and took over showroom operations in 2010. “We have been selling fireplaces since the very beginning of the air-cooled prefabricated fireplace,” Kevin said. We have seen the industry go from one manufacturer to hundreds, from three fireplace choices to thousands. Throughout this evolution, we have continued to adapt to the changing tastes by adding more options, brands and choices for the customer. “We offer the best fireplaces, and with the most knowledgeable employees, the best possible customer service before and after the sale.” He recalled a customer interaction: “One of our funniest and most memorable experiences happened when a customer came in with his wife to look at gas logs. He really liked the gas grills, but she was not interested in the grills. So they looked at log sets and left. “A couple days later, the wife returned, saying she would like to buy the grill for her husband as a surprise birthday present. She bought the grill and asked us to hold it until they came back for a log set. Later that week, the husband returned by himself and said he would like to buy the grill without his wife knowing about it.”
“Somehow, we managed to hold him off on buying the grill. It ended up being a great surprise for him when they came in to get the gas log set, and he saw the grill with a big bow on it.” Plans for the business include expanding the showroom space during the next year to better showcase some of the exceptional fireplaces and options available, and perhaps add an outdoor products display area. Additionally, the company is keeping an eye on the industry, discovering how it will change and what new things there will be. Owners said they would like to see an increase in onsite manufactured products, perhaps including a millwork shop for in-house custom mantels or a metal shop for high quality chase tops. “Although we look forward to the future, we are extremely proud of our long history as a family-run business. We have been turning houses into homes for over 60 years.” HOUSE OF FIREPLACES 1255 Bowes Road, Elgin (847) 741-6464 thehouseoffireplaces.com Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Page 10 • Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section
Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section • Page 11
NOW OPEN!
MOVE IN NOW AND RECEIVE 20% OFF FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR LEASE! In Towne Self-Storage is a brand new temperature controlled indoor facility. We promise to exceed your expectations as you transition from one stage of life to the next. We take our job of safeguarding your belongings seriously in our state-of-the-art secure facility.
A great storage experience is a given at IN TOWNE SELF STORAGE, but we also offer: Free use of our moving truck for move in! State-of-the-art Security System Full selection of moving supplies and packing materials Convenient location Convenient office hours and extended access hours Hand carts available for easy move in Month-to-month leases, no security deposit required
630-360-8600 • WWW.INTOWNESTORAGE.COM 200 N. 9TH AVE., ST. CHARLES
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR DOWNTOWN ST. CHARLES, ONE BLOCK NORTH OF ROUTE 64. SM-CL1733389
Page 12 • Insight • December 2019 | Special Advertising Section