SVM-MAG_03202015

Sauk Valley

Business Journal Vol. 18, No. 1

Sauk Valley Media

• O’Dawgs brings Chicago fare here ~ Page 10

• Powder coating business devoted to its customers ~ Page 14

• Specializing in ethnic hair, sisters open Nasos Salon ~ Page 18

Spring 2015

TALENTED ARTIST FUSES GLASS, SHARES JOY ~ Page 20

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081

Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Welcome ... to the Spring 2015 issue of Sauk Valley Business Journal INDEX OF STORIES Gaumer Chiropractic ...................................4

Darkhorse Powder & Ceramic Coating .....14

Whitson Certified Public Accountants .......6

No Reservations ..........................................16

Blooms-A-Latte.............................................8

Nasos Salon .................................................18

O’Dawgs ......................................................10

Charlotte Arvelle Glass ...............................20

Dainty ..........................................................12

Dan Royer Photography.............................22

The staff of the Sauk Valley Business Journal

On the cover

Spirit animals are on display at Charlotte Arvelle Glass, 118 W. Market St. in Mount Carroll.

– Philip Marruffo,

Publisher: Sam R Fisher Advertising Director: Jennifer Baratta

Advertising Sales: Jill Reyna Business Journal Editor: Jim Dunn

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Email Kelly Null at knull@saukvalley.com to start receiving your FREE subscription to the Sauk Valley Business Journal.

Business Journal

Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media of Dixon and Sterling.

No portion of the Sauk Valley Business Journal may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.

Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this publication.

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SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Chiropractor opens Morrison office Gaumer utilizes computerized spinal treatment

Eric Gaumer owns Gaumer Chiropractic, 125 E. Main St. in Morrison. The business recently opened, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525

MORRISON – A new chiropractor has moved downtown: Gaumer Chiropractic, 125 E. Main St., opened its doors recently.

Eric Gaumer, 37, said most of his work will be done with PulStar, a computerized spinal analysis and adjusting system.

It uses sensors that allow Gaumer to find the source of joint restriction, without the physical twisting and cracking.

The area then is treated with

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

electro-mechanical impulses that relieve pain and restore joint function.

“Most people who experience it for the first time like it,” Gaumer said. “It’s precise, and it’s effective.”

He also offers radiology services, such as on-site digital X-rays.

Gaumer’s wife, Carrie, 35, is the office manager.

Gaumer Chiropractor is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon

and from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Find it on Facebook, call 815-772-8069, or go to www. gaumerchiro.com for more information.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Accounting firm opens in Dixon Free initial consultations at Whitson CPA

BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525

DIXON – Kyle Whitson, coowner of Whitson Certified Public Accountants, says his business offers more than other accounting firms like H&R Block.

“We have the same services as those guys and plus some,” Whitson said. “We are open year-round, and those people just pop up during tax season, and they go away.”

Whitson CPAs is a new accounting firm in Dixon; it opened its doors last year.

The firm offers a variety of

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Jessica and Kyle Whitson opened their CPA firm in Dixon last year. Kyle says business has been strong, thanks to referrals from around the community. services, including income tax preparation for businesses, individuals, estates and trusts; QuickBooks setup, support and training; month-

ly bookkeeping services; and tax planning and projections.

“We are not just limited to tax preparation,” Whitson said.

Whitson owns the business with his wife, Jessica, 31. Both are licensed certified public accountants.

Kyle is a 2000 graduate of Dixon High School. He was a baseball standout and, after high school, went to Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. While he was there, not only did he get his degree in accounting, he also met his bride. They will celebrate 5 years of marriage in May. The two received their master’s degrees in accounting from Northern Illinois University before becoming licensed CPAs. Both are excited about their new business venture.

Jessica said prices vary, depending on each person’s situation. She also said the firm offers free initial consultations.

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SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Prophetstown business in full ‘Blooms’ Coffee, gift and floral shop opens on Main Street

BY CINDY PRATT Special to the Business Journal

PROPHETSTOWN – Picture those drifty cartoon wisps: The familiar smell of fresh coffee, entwined with the familiar scent of fresh flowers, wafting their way down Main Street.

Blooms-a-Latte opened for business Nov. 29.

Meredith Johnson of Prophetstown is the owner of the coffee, gift and soon-to-be full-service floral shop.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and this felt like the right time,” she said.

Beans N Burlap closed there in the fall, and Johnson bought

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Meredith Johnson, owner of Blooms-a-Latte, opened her coffee and gift shop in downtown Prophetstown last year. most of its inventory, then ordered a lot more.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Bloomsa-Latte is the aroma of freshbrewed beans: You can buy a cup of coffee or a latte, grab a

bag to make at home, or get the paraphernalia to make that perfect cup of joe.

Johnson shared plans to expand her coffee choices by offering smoothies, cappuccinos, frappes and more.

The next thing you notice is the eclectic mix of merchandise. There’s a little bit of everything: things to hang on your walls, things to hang around your neck, things for him, things for her, and things for the house.

Mary Wetzell of Tampico has been hired as floral designer, and so Blooms-a-Latte will also be a full-service florist, offering corsages and boutonnieres, as well as fresh and silk floral arrangements.

Johnson also is a full-time nurse practitioner. She leaves the store’s day-to-day operations to manager Katie Fetrow of Tampico.

Blooms-a Latte, 319 Washington St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday.

Find it on Facebook or call 815-537-2000 to learn more.

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SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

O’Dawgs brings Chicago fare here Hot dogs, pizza puffs, sandwiches are made to order

BY ANGEL SIERRA asierra@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5695

STERLING – Can’t make it to Chicago this weekend? Then be sure to check out O’Dawgs downtown near the theater, a new dive that boasts Windy City fare such as hot dogs, pizza puffs, and made-toorder sandwiches.

The smell of hot bread fills the air as meats sizzle on the grill while owner Oscar Bosch, 33, whips around taking orders at his shop at 10 E. Fourth St. Fresh bread is brought in almost daily from Folsom’s Bakery, and a weekly haul of

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Oscar Bosch brings classic Chicago-style food, such as hot dogs, Polish sausage and Italian beef, to downtown Sterling at O’Dawgs, 10 E. Fourth St. The restaurant uses fresh bread from Folsom’s Bakery.

Vienna meats from the big city adds to the ensemble of what Bosch likes to call “Chicago-style fast food.”

“I was born and raised in Chicago on the northwest side, and growing up over there, … everywhere you go

there’s these types of restaurants,” he said. “And I’ve always had a passion for cooking.”

Bosch credits his Puerto Rican background as the source of his intensity toward cuisine, adding that making food is an innate part of his culture and personality.

Experience gained through a hands-on approach working at restaurants in Chicago gave him the insight needed to push forward with the idea, he said.

Eventually, he plans to expand the menu and add more colorful and ethnic options, like the Puerto Rican/Chicago staple “Jibarito,” a sandwich that uses fried plantain in place of bread, and a variation of charred meat, fragrant onions, lettuce, tomato and cheese, and a garlic smothering.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Student minds her own business Entrepreneurial class leads to gem of an idea

BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525

STERLING – During the day, Rachel Humphreys is a regular Newman Central Catholic High School senior.

But by night, the self-proclaimed girly-girl becomes a well-dressed, 18-year-old entrepreneur.

With the help of the Whiteside Area Career Center CEO class (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities), which she took last year, Humphreys started Dainty. She sells jewelry.

“In that class, one of the

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Newman Central Catholic High School senior Rachel Humphreys, 18, is the owner and operator of Dainty, a jewelry company she founded after taking the CEO class at the Whiteside Area Career Center. requirements at the end of At first, she wasn’t sure what the year was to create our she wanted that business to own business,” she said. be. When she got a necklace

for Christmas, “It just all fell into place,” she said.

So far, two vendors are selling her pieces, one in New York and one in Israel. She found them on Etsy, a peerto-peer e-commerce website.

“All of my products are handmade by professional jewelry-makers,” she said.

The Sterling teen, daughter of Mark and Carol Humphreys, plans to continue building her business after she graduates, and will major in entrepreneurship at Indiana University.

“Right now, the business is wholesale, but I will take a couple classes on how to create jewelry so I can make my own,” she said. “I’m also working on creating a website.”

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Class taught everything about entrepreneurship DAINTY

CONTINUED FROM 12

Sales now are based mostly on word of mouth, although a woman from China did find her jewelry on Pinterest and contacted her about a purchase.

“Once the business gets up and running, I will put it on the Wanelo shopping app,” Humphreys said. “People can buy things directly from me off that app.”

It’s not all e-ads, though – she also plays it a little old school, passing out business cards and company pens.

She credits the CEO class for her success.

“That class taught me everything about entrepreneurship,” she said. “It taught me everything about business, and it taught me to network in the real world. It’s a real, legit class.”

‘‘

It’s something I’m passionate about, and I want to continue it.

’’

Rachel Humphreys

The 2-credit CEO class has become very popular. It’s offered to juniors and seniors only, and its students are selected through a rigorous application process.

It’s as real-world as it gets.

Before they can start their own business, students must create three business plans. There are no textbooks: Local business professionals are brought in to speak about marketing, customer service, insurance and social media, among other areas. In addition, they give tours of their job sites, listen to students’ product pitches, and offer advice and guidance.

For example, “When the students wrote a business plan, they spoke to some bankers,” said LeAndra Hartman, class facilitator.

Some classes are held off campus, at different businesses throughout the area, and the students even are asked to dress business casual.

“They are learning to be business professionals,” Hartman said. “We are putting them in business casual clothes, and we are working in business settings.”

The class is even funded by local investors. The goal is to create a successful entrepreneur from the ground up.

Humphreys is well on her way.

Managing school and a business has been hard, but well worth it, she said.

“I have some long nights, but it’s something I’m passionate about, and I want to continue it. Why not put in the effort?”

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So far, two vendors are selling Humphreys’ jewlery, one in New York and one in Israel.

“All of my products are handmade by professional jewelry-makers,” she said.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Giving people their money’s worth Powder coating business devoted to its customers

BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525

DIXON – When people visit Darkhorse Powder and Ceramic Coating, co-owner Chad Fassler wants to make sure they get their money’s worth.

“If people come in here and give me their part, and they are willing to give me their hard-earned money to get their parts worked on, we owe it to them to give them the best work possible,” said Fassler, 41, of Dixon.

“We want to keep them happy.”

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Owner Chad Fassler (left) and partner Ian Smith have been running Darkhorse Powder and Ceramic Coating, 610 Nachusa Ave., Dixon, for more than a year.

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Specializing in powder and ceramic coating DARKHORSE

CONTINUED FROM 14

“I love the work, so it was a no-brainer.”

The company specializes in both powder and ceramic coating.

Powder coating, a free-flowing, dry powder, is applied electrostatically and cured under heat. As the powder heats up, it creates a skin or hard finish that is much stronger and more durable than conventional paint, Fassler said.

“We do a lot of wheels, car and truck parts and bike parts,” he said. “We have pretty much seen everything.”

Ceramic coating is a sprayon finish that’s infused with heat-insulating ceramics.

High-temperature ceramic coatings are designed to withstand temperatures up to 1,800 degrees.

Ceramic coating can be

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

The oven used at Darkhorse Powder and Ceramic Coating to bake the coating on is large enough to fit almost anything. used on exhaust manifolds and motorcycle pipes, among other things.

Fassler owns the business with Ian Smith of Sheffield.

The two met on a musicians’

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“We started writing heavy metal music together, but once we began getting serious with powder coating, we jumped right into this,”

H

Fassler said.

Smith, 22, said he has been learning about powder coating from Fassler.

“Before me and him started doing this together, I never got into any of this stuff,” Smith said.

Fassler, who also used to paint cars for a living, said he decided to use the name Darkhorse because incoming business owners are like underdogs.

“When you start a business up, people wonder if you will make it, and the name Darkhorse was fitting,” he said.

“A new business in today’s economy is not really something people are doing, but I thought this would be a good opportunity.”

For information, call 815994-2253 or 815-973-1776, go to darkhorsecoatings.com, or find Darkhorse Powder and Ceramic Coating on Facebook.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Personal chef kept chasing dream Langner puts healthy meals on clients’ tables

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570

STERLING – Brandi Langner is passionate about the importance of eating real food.

She defines “real” meals as the healthier alternative to the processed foods and takeout that Americans eat more of as they get busier.

As a working mom who has juggled the adults’ schedules with those of two busy daughters, she understands how difficult it is to cook healthy meals.

Her new business, No Reservations, can help by bringing her home-cooked meals into the homes of others.

No Reservations is a homebased personal chef business that is the culmination of a dream that just wouldn’t die.

“I’ve thought about this for a very long time, but I didn’t know what form it would take,” said Langner, 45, of Sterling. “I grew up in a household where we usually ate real food, and I’ve always known I wanted to get people to do that again.”

For a long time, the timing for starting a business wasn’t quite right. Between fam-

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Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Brandi Langner prepares candied sweet potatoes for the Thanksgiving holiday. Langner has started No Reservations, a personal chef service that brings gourmet food to you, cooked in your home. ily and her job as executive director of the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, the dream was deferred. After a little research, however, she became convinced that the dream was within reach.

“I looked at options online, and discovered that personal chefs are an actual branch of the culinary arts,” Langner said. “The groundwork was laid, and it was easier to jump into than I had thought.”

In April, she ordered training materials, and by Nov. 1, she had a website and Facebook page to get the business jumping.

“I just really pushed myself,” she said. “It was going to be baptism by fire, and I had

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a consultation session. Langner has menus and makes suggestions, but she expects a lot of input on menu choices.

“The consultation is in their home and it’s all about the client,” Langner said. “I really need them to take an active role, not just for likes and dislikes, but for things like allergies and other special health considerations like glutenfree and sodium intake.”

She needs at least a week’s notice to schedule a cook date.

After planning the menu, she shops for fresh ingredients the morning the cooking will be done. She insists on bringing her own cookware.

The customary package is 20 meals that work well as leftovers. There are five entrees and five side dishes. Cost is $300 plus the cost of groceries.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 17

Fresh and healthy ingredients used in dishes CHEF

Brandi Langner prepares candied sweet potatoes, a dish perfect for holidays such as Thanksgiving.

CONTINUED FROM 16

“That’s the amount of food that is needed to justify my time with preparation, planning, shopping and cooking,” Langner said.

She is working on other options for those who don’t need or can’t afford a package of that size. Credits are given for client referrals.

Langner said she is a selftaught chef, and has done a great deal of nutrition research.

She tries to offer a mix of simple and special entrees, but the common denominator is fresh and healthy ingredients. Some of her go-to entrees are roasted chicken and vegetables, spinach pasta with ricotta and marinara sauce, and chicken Parmesan.

Langner’s is one of a growing number of home-based businesses that are no longer

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

flying under the radar of local business officials. Some of the entrepreneurs hope to one day have storefronts, while others are content to remain in their home office.

“Home-based businesses are growing rapidly in the Sauk Valley, and the Rock Falls Chamber is working on ways to better help them with their needs,”

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said Bethany Bland, CEO and president of the chamber.

Bland said the chamber board recently approved new membership prices that target small home-based operations. A committee is being formed to assist with that segment’s outreach and marketing needs.

“We can talk about business

plans, budgets, and goals,” Bland said. “Some are not advertising at all. Our longterm goal is to get these members together and give them specialized support. It’s a different group we’re serving, but they have many similar needs.”

In any economy, it’s always a good idea for a new business owner to minimize risk, which makes the home-based option all the more appealing.

Langner appreciates not having to deal with the brickand-mortar aspect of a new business. She hasn’t entirely ruled out that option, however, at some point.

“While I’ve learned to never say never, I don’t think I’d ever turn this into a restaurant, but I might consider having storefront office space.”

To contact Brandi Langner, call 815-441-6878, or email her at noreservationspc@ gmail.com. Her business website is noreservationspc.com.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Perms, braids, extensions, oh my!

Specializing in ethnic hair, sisters open Nasos Salon

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN Special to the Business Journal

STERLING – There’s a new place in town to get your glam on.

Sisters Natikka and Alexis Lerma opened Nasos Salon, 12 E. Fourth St., 6 months ago.

They have three other sisters, and formed the name of their salon by taking the first initial of each: Natikka, Alexis, Sabrina, Okita, and Sethina, putting family at the center of their business.

They specialize in hair services such as color, cuts, relaxers and perms, as well as extensions and sew-ins.

Waxing, eyelash extensions, threading, and makeup applications also are on their style menu.

Clients can expect hair that not only will look better, but also will be healthier when they leave the salon.

“Every client’s hair is different, and we really focus on the health of the hair,” Natikka said. “Not only does it look good but it also feels good.”

They use and sell Kenra and Naked products, which are distributed out of Chicago.

The sister stylists also have surrounded themselves with

Submitted

Natikka Lerma, 27, works on client Tara Walker’s long, red tresses. Tikka owns and operates Nasos Salon, 12 E. Fourth St., Sterling, with her 24-year-old sister, Alexis. other talented hair and makeup specialists: Deven Young, a makeup artist and hair stylist; Fabiola Sierra, a licensed cosmetologist; Randi Rhodes, who specializes in up-dos and makeup application; and Tara Walker.

Alexis has worked with lines such as Dior and MAC, and still works in Chicago, but comes to Sterling on a regular basis to help with makeup

applications for weddings and special events, which the salon also does.

All the women are local residents practiced in working with all types of hair, although opening a salon that works with ethnic hair was especially important to, and a longterm goal of, the girls while they were going to school.

“My sisters and I grew up around here. Having more

curly, coarse hair, it was difficult to find someone who could really work with this hair type,” Natikka said.

“I have always done hair for my four younger sisters, and that is really where my passion comes from for this area.

I have been working in Chicago for the past 4 years, and I have learned how to work with all types of hair, ... and I really wanted to bring that back here. It does not matter what type of hair you have; we can help you.”

The sisters also create an atmosphere that promises a fun, yet relaxing experience.

Natikka wants each customer to leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

“That is our goal. We want people to leave feeling beautiful. We are here to make them feel and look their best, bringing new hairstyles and fun to the area while providing them with a fantastic experience.

“We want everyone to be excited about their hair and their appearance, leaving the salon with a smile on their face.”

Appointments are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; offhour appointments also are available.

A barber is on hand from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Find Nasos Salon on Facebook or call 815-213-7300 for more information.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 19

Photos submitted

LEFT: Barbie Sierra, Nasos Salon’s in-house threading expert, works on a client’s eyebrows. RIGHT: Nasos stylist Deven Young gives a client a rinse after highlighting her hair.

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SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Talented artist fuses glass, shares joy At her hot glass studio, Behrens creates beauty

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN Special to the Business Journal

MOUNT CARROLL – Char Behrens works well under fire.

She is the artist behind Charlotte Arvelle Glass, a working hot glass studio, where she fuses glass at more than 1,400 degrees to create colorful, unique sculptures and other pieces.

Her work is a reflection of herself. It’s colorful, modern, and even edgy. It evokes happiness and zest.

“I use a lot of color, lots of shapes,” she said. “My work is just really happy. … I’m a bright person. I’m optimistic.

That’s who I am. I prefer to see and convey joy.”

Behrens, 59, was an ambulance driver until two accidents damaged her knees.

She picked up a few pieces of stained glass and a book from a local craft store and tinkered around during her recovery.

Behrens is a completely selftaught glass artist. She worked for many years at a glass studio in Chicago; she and her former husband did stained glass windows and then fused glass work.

“We tried it. It worked. No one else was doing it at the

Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

Charlotte Behrens of Charlotte Arvelle Glass in Mount Carroll creates glass art at her studio. “I use a lot of color, lots of shapes,” she said. “My work is just really happy. … I’m a bright person. I’m optimistic. That’s who I am. I prefer to see and convey joy.” time,” she said. “It worked so well that we were able to [teach others].”

Behrens makes mostly sculptures – tabletop-sized display pieces – but also smaller things, such as ornaments and jewelry. Her heart, she said, is in the sculptures.

She starts with large sheets of glass and cuts them into smaller pieces, which she then fuses with other pieces.

She specializes in taking powdered glass and putting it on top of clear glass to create unique colors, patterns, and even stenciled shapes.

She fires, or fuses, her pieces together in a kiln at about

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“Because of my skills, my techniques, and my larger kiln, I can do things that hobbyists cannot,” she said.

“I can do it [smaller pieces, such as jewelry], but I figure, Why compete with everybody else?”

Behrens sells most of her artwork at the annual American Made Show, which is put on by the Buyers Market of American Craft and brings together artists and retailers from the United States and Canada. Retailers see her work at the show and order pieces to carry in their galleries and shops. Her work, as a result, is available all over the country.

“That’s where we go to get our orders for the year,” she said.

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SPRING 2015

PAGE 21

Work displayed at the Smithsonian Institution GLASS

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Behrens, for the second time, is a finalist for a Niche Award, which celebrates excellence and innovation in fine arts and crafts and also is sponsored by the Buyers Market of American Craft. Her snowflake ornament, “Silver Fumed Snowflake,” is included in the holiday category.

“It’s like being nominated for a Tony or an Emmy in my line of work,” she said. “They get thousands of entries. It’s a big thing to be a finalist, even if you don’t win; the retailers and gallery owners like to see that on my résumé and look for it at the show.”

Behrens also won a contest to create the fifth anniversary logo for American Craft Week 2014. The annual celebration spotlights handmade crafts in the United States.

In perhaps her most notable

accomplishment, Behrens has two pieces on display in the Smithsonian. She was commissioned twice during the Clinton administration to create Christmas ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree in the White House. One is an angel and one is a snowflake.

Behrens has been working with glass for more than half of her life. She has no plans to slow down.

“My mentor, she was really cool. … I remember one time, she was in her 90s at the time, and I said to her, ‘Fran, don’t you ever get tired of the glass?’

And I remember, she looked at me, and she said, ‘Char, there’s still too much to do.’

“Every day, when I wake up, and I think, ‘I’ll just hang out today,’ then I hear her voice in my head: ‘There’s still too much to do.’

“It’s a wonderful curse to have her in my heard. It’s a driving force. I’m here. I have a lot to do.”

ABOVE: Charlotte Behrens shows a small glass tray she is packing to take to a trade show.

Photos by Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com

LEFT: Behrens cuts colored glass for her artwork.

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PAGE 22

SPRING 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Shooting what he loves, with love Dixon man’s hobby became a full-time business

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN Special to the Business Journal

DIXON – Dan Royer, photographer and owner of Dan Royer Photography, is living the American dream, doing what he loves every day.

Royer, whose career began as a hobby at the young age of 16, attended Graphic Design College (CEDIM) in Monterrey, Mexico, where he discovered a passion for art, especially photography.

In the following years, he has taken classes in Chicago and has even mentored other photographers to help them become professionals.

Located in Dixon, Royer has a family history and life experiences that have brought him to the place he is today.

His father, Isidro Royer, was adopted by missionary Mae Royer, who moved to Mexico in 1939 from Pennsylvania.

His mother, Dina Royer, was born to Canadian missionary Sarah Morden, who married Salvador Gomez while on a mission in Mexico City in 1945.

His deeply established faith also led him to his wife. Royer met Katie while she was on a missionary trip at the orphanage his grandmother ran.

Luckily, his passion for photography translated well after his move to Dixon and his marriage to Katie in 1999.

By 2003, his “hobby” became a full-time job; his

Dan Royer

Dixon-based photographer Dan Royer has shot more than 400 weddings. assistant, Melissa Fields, joined the business in 2005.

Royer relishes in his opportunities to take photos in a variety of locations through-

out Illinois, all over the country, as well as when he travels to Mexico and Canada.

Royer shoots for a variety of life events including senior photos, engagements, quinceaneras, anniversaries, babies, and family photo shoots, as well as corporate and stock images. He has also shot more than 400 weddings.

His love for photography and working with his clients is obvious.

“Many times when I meet with someone, especially couples, I tell them to look at other options and to think about it before anything else happens. I want to make sure that my clients want to work with me. It is important that we like each other, as we will be spending a lot of time together.”

ROYER CONTINUED ON 23

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Photographer pursues ‘unforgettable’ shots’ ROYER

CONTINUED FROM 22

His hunt for the “unforgettable frames” of nature and landscapes has taken him to more than 46 states and to five counties.

“I cannot help always looking at everything in front of me through a ‘space of four edges’ where, light, composition, technical camera settings, and a touch of enthusiasm create a ‘freeze’ in time and is there forever.”

Royer lives his passion every day, but his first loves are family, faith and working with people.

His family has also grown, along with his photography business. Dan and his wife are the parents to five daughters: Kristin, 12, Emma, 8, Mikaela, 6, Gianna, 4, and Delanie, 2.

“I have a big passion for people and Jesus Christ, my

Photos courtesy of Dan Royer Photography

LEFT: Posing isn’t just for people in the wedding. Detail shots of the rings can be some of the most breathtaking memories from the big day.

RIGHT: Royer also relishes poses like the “middle-of-the-highway” photo, in which risk and limited time to get the shot “really created the atmosphere for a great memory.”

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