SVM-MAG_06182015

Sauk Valley

Business Journal Vol. 18, No. 2

Sauk Valley Media

Summer 2015

• Sicilian Recipes Make For Tasty Fare At Maria’s – Page 7 • Breakers Celebrates 20 Years Of Good Times – Page 10 • One-Stop Shopping For T-Shirts And Sweets – Page 18

PRIMITIVES, SHABBY CHIC ANTIQUES ARE THEIR SPECIALTY ~ Page 16

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

Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081

PA I D

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 2

Empowering People

SUMMER 2015

Empowering Communities

NICIL Advocacy • Information & Referral • Peer Support

• Community Reintegration Program • Accessibility Assessment • Sign Language Classes • Independent Living Classes

www.nicil.org • 815-625-7860 Northwestern Illinois Center of Independent Living • 412 Locust Street, Sterling, IL

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 3

Welcome ... to the Summer 2015 issue of Sauk Valley Business Journal INDEX OF STORIES Twin City Popcorn ........................................5

Genesis Nursery ..........................................14

Maria’s Pizza in Dixon .................................7

Reubin’s Relics............................................16

LiLi Collection...............................................8

Scottee Shirts/Treat Me .............................18

Breakers Saloon and Eatery .......................10

Sauk Valley Angus.......................................20

Rockin’ Slots................................................12

The Hair Center and Tanning Hut ............22

The staff of the Sauk Valley Business Journal

On the cover

Reubin’s Relics of Dixon has a wide array of unique items, tools and furniture that can fit any style.

– Alex T. Paschal,

Publisher: Sam R Fisher Advertising Director: Jennifer Baratta

Advertising Sales: Jill Reyna Business Journal Editor: Jim Dunn

Want to stay informed?

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-Rock Falls.

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.

For you and your next generation.

A wealth of resources.

Let our longevity, strength, stability, expertise and experience go to work for your wealth management and investment needs. Call us today: 866-864-2111

Wealth Planning

Trust Accounts

Investments

NOW OPEN

in Dixon

Since 2003, Hughes Resources provides staffing solutions to companies within the administrative, industrial and professional sectors. As an extension of your HR department, let Hughes Resources provide the right people for your open jobs. Our select candidates have been interviewed, background checked, drug tested and are ready to work!

We recruit, so you don’t have to.

Call us at 815.835.3000 investwithfsb.com Securities offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. First State Bank – Shannon Polo is not a registered broker/dealer and is not affiliated with LPL Financial.

LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.

www.hughesresources.com

102 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon - 2nd Floor

Located in the Fifth Third Bank Building

PAGE 4

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

Dixon office: 815.284.3331 Sterling office: 815.626.1277

wipfli.com

SUMMER 2015

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 5

BUSINESS PROFILE

New business pops up in Rock Falls Gourmet popcorn shop has a large variety of flavors

BY JERMAINE PIGGE Sauk Valley Business Journal

ROCK FALLS – If you are in the mood for birthday cake or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, why not try it in popcorn?

You can get those flavors and more at Twin City Popcorn, a gourmet popcorn shop at 204 Second Ave., the former home of Dave’s Coffee Cake.

“This store will add something to the community that is very liked and needed,” said Donald Czyzyk, one of the owners. “It’s not something that you have to have, but it’s an entertainment product like ice cream.”

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Twin City Popcorn, a gourmet popcorn shop, has “a bunch of unique flavors,” according to one of the owners, Donald Czyzyk.

Czyzyk said this will be the first store in the Sauk Valley that is dedicated to popcorn.

“The Little Chocolatier candy shop offers caramel and

cheese corn, but they are a chocolate shop,” Czyzyk said.

Among the variety of flavors Twin City Popcorn will sell will be sea salt and pep-

Puzzled

per, double cheddar, caramel corn, and candy flavors.

“We will have a bunch of unique flavors,” Czyzyk, 24, said.

Twin City Popcorn also will be tailored to local school districts.

“We will have different school color popcorn, such as green and black, and gold and blue,” Czyzyk said. “They will help the schools with their school spirit.”

Students who are looking to raise money for their schools can start a fundraiser at Twin City Popcorn, with 50 percent of the profits from sales, Czyzyk said.

He will run the business with local businessmen Craig Sheffler, 57, and Sam Card, 57.

“We will be at different city events and chamber events,” Czyzyk said.

Your Trusted Advisor for Financing and everything Business!

by Your Insurance Options?

Let us help you put all the pieces in place.

With comprehensive insurance protection from a trusted team of professionals, it feels good to know you’re never alone. Trust our experience, financial strength and proven commitment to our policy holders for the quality coverage and the peace of mind you deserve.

3200 E. Lynn Blvd.

Sterling 815-625-3661

Renee Gray Lending/Business Development Officer (815) 946-2777

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • HEALTH • LIFE

www.fsbshannon-polo.com

PAGE 6

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Prophetstown

SUMMER 2015

www.prophetstownil.com

Paint - Plumbing - Electrical - Tools Lawn & Garden - & More Dan Drummet

Dave Drummet

317 Washington St. Prophetstown 815-537-2881

Quality comes first

HERITAGE PRINTING 219 Washington Street Prophetstown, IL

815-537-2372 Business Cards • Letterheads Business Forms • Envelopes • Full Color Printing Magazines • Newsletters • Posters up to 23”x29” SERVING THE SAUK VALLEY AREA SINCE 1979 heritage@essex1.com

t’s about helping I the whole person live the whole of life.

Perhaps it’s time we stopped being so afraid of getting old, and cherished life for the remarkable journey it has been and that is still to come. It’s about living the whole of life. Something that, we have made our daily mission. And our life’s work.

To learn more about services, from senior living to skilled nursing, call (815) 537-5175.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 7

BUSINESS PROFILE

Sicilian recipes drive Maria’s Pizza Family-owned restaurant is a Dixon fixture

BY JERMAINE PIGEE Sauk Valley Business Journal

DIXON – If you and your buddy are really hungry and want a free meal, you can get one at Maria’s Pizza in Dixon.

All you have to do is finish one of Maria’s 24-inch mega pizzas with three toppings and two drinks in less than 47 minutes, and the pizza is free.

In 4 years, 16 couples have tried to accomplish this feat, and owner Vince Mazzarisi, 49, has yet to see anyone beat the challenge.

“No one has done it,” Mazzarisi says with a laugh. “I want to see someone do it.”

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Phillip Mazzarisi, 20, tops a pizza with cheese at Maria’s Pizza in Dixon. Mazzarisi is the manager at Maria’s. His younger brother, Marco, also works in the kitchen.

Mazzarisi opened Maria’s Pizza in Dixon more than 25

Make Your Business Communication More Efficient, Profitable, and Enjoyable!

Intercept those important phone calls

years ago, and the familyowned restaurant has been

serving up pizzas ever since.

“Everything we do is homemade,” says Mazzarisi, who was born in Sicily, Italy. “The sauce is made fresh every day.”

People can order six sizes of pizza, ranging from a 10-inch small pizza to the 24-inch mega pizza. There also are specialty pizzas available, including chicken bacon ranch, spaghetti-stuffed pizza, and bacon cheeseburger.

All of Maria’s food is made daily from scratch, and the vegetables and cheeses are cut and shredded fresh daily.

There are other tasty items on the menu, including garlic bread, a meatball sandwich, chicken strips and ravioli.

Maria’s Pizza is at 420 W. Third St., Dixon. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Introducing...

Mortgage • Locally Funded • Locally Underwritten • Locally Serviced

~Business Business Tel Telephone Systems~ Two Way Radio

Contact us today!

~Call Us~ Keep an eye on things!

~Security Cameras & Systems~

Since 1954

Whiteside County Airport 10924 Hoover Road, Rock Falls • 815-622-9000

Don’t Take A Chance, Call Radio Ranch!

Karen Bumsted 815.946.2777

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 8

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

LiLi Collection a shoe-in for success Shoemaking hobby expands

BY PAM EGGEMEIER Sauk Valley Business Journal

MORRISON – Whether in a small Midwest town or the largest city on either coast, the limelight always finds Megan Linke.

The 1995 Morrison High School grad says she is still a Midwest girl at heart, but the lure of the city called at an early age.

“She talked about getting out of the small town all her life,” said her father, Gus Linke, who last year retired from the Morrison school district after 44 years as an educator, the last 20 as athletic director.

After Megan studied communications and marketing

Photo submitted by Megan Linke

Megan Linke, who graduated from Morrison High School in 1995 and now lives in New York City, has launched a webbased shoe venture, LiLi Collection, that could soon turn into storefronts. Her web address is http://lilicollection.com. at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the big city issued a louder call. Her love of sports launched a modeling

career that continues today.

“I moved to New York in 2009, and booked a lot of jobs, and found myself traveling a

lot,” Megan said.

She met husband Scott Marwin, an orthopedic surgeon at New York University Hospital, and they were married 2 years ago. Little did Megan know that the birth of her son, Liam, 2, would trigger another big career opportunity.

“I started making shoes for Liam, and what started as ‘my little hobby’ has grown beyond my wildest expectations.”

Other parents started noticing the little shoes and asked her to make some for them.

In July, she launched LiLi Collection, a web-based business that could soon turn into storefronts.

She is selling the shoes, boots and moccasins for babies and toddlers internationally now, warranting the hiring of assistants.

THE UNITY DIFFERENCE Customized Care: Our patient-centered approach to care means that no two patients are treated the same.

Consistent Care: Our clinicians don’t just get to know your medical needs - they get to know you!

Compassionate Care: Our 24/7 on-call service provides experienced

professionals who will be there for you and your family every step of the way, whenever you need us.

Rapid Response to referrals with same-day admissions 24/7.

Unity Hospice

of Western Illinois

Unity Hospice

®

866-568-6489 Visit Unity Online!

www.unityhospice.com

Medicare and Medicaid Certified

Specialty Programs A Time Together: Unity Hospice volunteers and

staff who attend to those who are alone in their final hours.

We Honor Vets: A beautiful, caring ceremony

honoring and thanking the Unity Hospice patients who are veterans for their legacy of freedom and sacrifice to our country.

Palliative Care: Patients living with advanced

illness can continue their active treatment and receive consults at home.

Comfort Touch Massage: Gentle touch helps soothe and nurture the patient.

Cardiac, Dementia & ALS Programs Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Paws for Patients

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 9

We’re here to help you grow!

Colleen Henkel Senior VP

Susan Gomez

Todd Muur

Ag and Commercial and Commercial Lending Ag Lending

The First National Bank in Amboy Where you come first.

Rated

5 stars 2014 Bauer Financial

Mobile Banking Now Available!

DIXON 1314 N. Galena Ave. • 728 S. Crawford Ave 800-216-0008

www.fnbamboy.com

www.bauerfinancial.com

AMBOY 220 E. Main St. • 301 E. Joe Dr. 815-857-3625

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 10

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Celebrating 20 years of good times Breakers Saloon and Eatery has energetic feel, awesome food

BY LONNIE C. MILLER Special to the Business Journal

OREGON – It seemed only natural. After all, they met in a bar.

Jan and Victor Green opened Breakers Saloon and Eatery 20 years ago, on Feb. 1, 1995.

They came from the St. Charles and Geneva area, where they had met. She had experience in several facets of business management, from bartending and serving to helping in the kitchen. He ran a printing company.

Jan learned that the busi-

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Jenna Cleveland serves up a pint of beer at Breakers Saloon and Eatery, which is celebrating 20 years in Oregon. ness on the southwest corner of Second Street and state Route 64 was for sale, and, as they say, “the rest is history.”

She laughs when she recalls Vic’s initial role: bouncer.

a truly local

Manager Stacy Orengo, lead cook Kevin Soper, and “quarterback” James Stuckey have teamed with the Greens to create a lively eatery and bar – one that features daily spe-

cials, awesome food, and an energetic atmosphere.

Whether the place has five patrons or 50, you can feel the good vibes in the air. Every member of this team is appreciated, and that shows in the pride each takes in his or her contribution to the familyfriendly establishment.

There is lots of laughter and teasing among the staff, and Jan and Vic don’t hesitate to sit with customers to share good conversation and some fun.

Families are encouraged to bring the kids in on Wednesday, when children eat for a buck if dining with an adult.

It’s also a patron-popular day, thanks to the 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. taco bar.

Sunday is buy-one-get-onehalf-price burger day, and Friday is the all-day-long fish fry.

BREAKERS CONTINUED ON 11

Hardware Store

Owned & operated by your neighbors.

New Hours:

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm & Sat-Sun 8am-5pm

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 11

Vegetarian offerings a part of the menu fare BREAKERS

CONTINUED FROM 10

In addition to the daily drink and food specials, and the usual tasty menu fare of burgers, steaks, seafood and desserts, Soper – a self-described “Food TV addict” – also makes Boca burgers, grilled mushrooms, salad, and other vegetarian offerings.

Lunch and dinner items range in price from appetizers for $2.95 to full, tummy-pleasing meals for around $12.95.

Video gaming, live music and a well-stocked jukebox add to the fun. Celebrations of all types are held at Breakers, from birthday parties to anniversaries to girls night out and sports nights. And when the weather’s nice, the Greens open the patio, which seats up to 30.

Breakers supports local sports clubs, too.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

The bar at Breakers Saloon and Eatery, Oregon, has lots of space for diners, as well as gambling machines where they can try their luck.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS Locally Owned and Managed

STERLING • ROCK FALLS • DIXON • MORRISON • FULTON

w w w. c o m m s t b k . c o m

FDIC

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 12

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

From auction house to Rockin’ Slots Newest gambling parlor will have full-service bar

BY PAM EGGEMEIER Sauk Valley Business Journal

ROCK FALLS – The owner of the city’s newest video gambling parlor wants it to be like Vegas, but without the noise.

Brian Snow, owner of Snow’s Cabinetry & Millwork in Sterling, plans to open Rockin’ Slots in June. Snow, also a Ward 2 alderman, has owned the 411 W. First St. property for 5 years, using it as an auction house until late last year.

“The auction house didn’t work well in that building, so to rationalize owning the building, we had to figure out how to generate revenue

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Brian Snow is opening Rockin’ Slots, a bar and gambling parlor, in June at 411 W. First St., Rock Falls. there,” Snow said.

Snow is adamant about certain elements of the new business, while he is content to let other features evolve from client input. Snow’s business

partners are his wife, Carrie, who will be the bar manager, and a friend, Scott Moulis.

“All three of us will run it for a while to get a feel for what the clients want, and then we’ll

hire people,” Snow said. “We want to be in touch as business owners and build relationships with our clientele.”

There will be a full-service bar with beer, wine and hard liquor. A kitchen won’t be put in right away, but Butch’s Pizza will be available for those who are feeling too lucky to leave for food.

Rockin’ Slots will use only a small portion of the 4,800-square-foot building, but Snow has ideas for future expansion.

“It’s a nice little 800-squarefoot quiet place for gamblers who don’t want the noise of a traditional bar environment,” Snow said.

An empty back room could eventually become a grill area, but the owners don’t really want to be in the restaurant business.

Proud Supporters of Cancer Research

LP Tank Sales, Rentals & Installation for new & existing homes.

Donated Over $8,100 to American Cancer Society Relay For Life Ogle, Lee, & Whiteside

*1¢ Per Gallon of propane delivered by this truck is donated to Cancer Research.*

June 14th - April 2015

Since 1982

12420 W. Penn Road - Polo, IL - 815-946-3081

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

NICIL

NICIL

PAGE 13

,

the next 30 Years

Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living, more affectionately known as NICIL, is about to celebrate 30 years of service. However, what do you really know about NICIL? We hope a lot for 30 years of dedication to serving people with disabilities, but just in case you are not sure who we are, here are some facts to know that begin to tell the story of NICIL: • Started in November 1985 • Serve five (5) counties: Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside in NW IL • 51% or more of the NICIL Board of Directors, Management, team members, and volunteers have to be people with disabilities and NICIL has never had less than 51% of this requirement • Our passion and mission are the same: We are dedicated to serving people with disabilities to live their independent life by supporting the independent living philosophy • Our services are free Still want to know more about NICIL, what a story we have! Our mission and passion is to serve people with disabilities to live their independent life on their terms. Imagine that tomorrow you lost the ability to do your favorite hobby or the ability to go to work, school, read or write. Suddenly your world would change, how would you adapt to your new life? NICIL helps with learning to adapt to your new life. That might include learning new skills, working to find new housing, exploring employment opportunities, and much more. This is all part of our Independent Living Program.

We also help with community reintegration, meaning that we help people with disabilities move out of institutional living (nursing homes, assisted living) into the community of their choice. This wonderful program allows people to live their lives on their terms in their community. Since 2004, NICIL has helped 57 individuals move out of institutional living and into our communities. Not only is this a great opportunity for our consumers to live as they choose, but we have saved the taxpayers of Illinois almost $6 million dollars. Yes, our work does make a difference in the lives of our consumers and we feel that it is an honor and a privilege to serve them.

Not only is NICIL celebrating a milestone, but also so is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which is now 25 years old! So many dedicated people have fought the fight for independent living, not only are we grateful for this brave and hard work, but we cannot stop moving this action forward.

NICIL is moving forward in the next 30 years too! We are in the process of planning new programs, classes, and services. However, we need everyone’s help! Celebrate with us this fall! Remember us in your giving of time, talent, and treasures. Never forget that together all of us can continue the fight for independent living and change our communities! Together we will make our communities and each other stronger! We are counting on you!

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 14

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Propagating perennials into profits Genesis Nursery seed farm keeping prairie legacy alive

BY DAVE FOX Special to the Business Journal

TAMPICO – It’s a farm with a mission. It’s a farm with a soul.

Genesis Nursery, tucked quietly away in a corner of southeast Whiteside County, uses native Midwest prairie seeds to grow plants from which more seeds are harvested and more plants are grown.

Its mission is restorative; its goal, purity. Its seeds are sold to preserves, or large-end landscapers, and the propagation, the conservation, continues.

“What we have now has been here since the beginning of

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Genesis Nursery in Tampico sells seeds to wholesale distributors. Horticulturist Kathy Lubbs (center) owns Genesis with her husband, Dennis; her daughter, Billie Jo Eagan, and son-in-law Aaron Eagan, pictured here with her, help run the farm. time, as far as seeds and plants,” says horticulturist Kathy Lubbs, who owns the seed farm with her husband, Dennis.

A Rock-Solid Reputation

“All we do is local native genetics, things that have evolved locally over the last millennium. We don’t have

any European or invasive species, either.”

The business began as Green River Seeds in 1975, “and it morphed into Genesis when we took it over in 1990,” Lubbs said.

Its 360 acres grow crops that are entirely perennials – “lots of flowers and lots of grasses,” – most planted as row crops started from seed in the company’s greenhouse. Lubbs said.

“Compared to most farms, we’re kind of small, but we’re row-cropping everything we can,” she said. “We use all the same equipment as other farmers; we just grow a different kind of crop. Because of the crop differences, some of our equipment is modified, especially our combine, which is extremely modified.”

GENESIS CONTINUED ON 15

SMELTZER

INSURANCE AGENCY 701 W. Route 30, Rock Falls, IL

JENNIFER SCHRYVER

DACIA DENNIS

HOME & AUTO AGENT

GROUP BENEFITS SPECIALIST

SIERRA HARMS

TOM MYERS, CIC

Through thick and thin, we’ve been serving the banking needs of this community with respect and integrity for more than 72 years. Our relationships with our friends and neighbors here at home are the true measure of our success, and we will continue to put our customers first for generations to come.

Great Rates & Products • Free Internet Banking • Free Bill Pay Free Mobile Banking • Mortgage Loans • Home Equity Lines of Credit

451 North Main Ave. | Milledgeville 815-225-7171 | www.milledgevillebank.com

HEALTH INS. SPECIALIST

OWNER/AGENT

“Professional Advice From Trusted Friends”

815-625-5526

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 15

Farm works with hundreds of seed varieties GENESIS

CONTINUED FROM 14

It’s a poetic crop: Leadplant and swamp milkweed, heath and New England asters, prairie brome, bristly cattail sedge and false sunflower are just a few of the hundreds of species Genesis grows.

“We’re working with almost 300 different species in the green house as plants, and almost 500 different species of seed,” Lubbs said. “Some of it is on the very rare end of the spectrum, and some of it is very plentiful.

“Some of the seeds are so big they come maybe 12 to 15 per pound, while others are so tiny they may have a million or more to the pound.”

It’s a farm vastly different from a typical grain farm, with its own set of challenges.

Even though the plants are installed in rows, many spread and grow differently

Photo submitted by Genesis Nursery

Harvesting on a seed farm is a whole different process than on a grain farm, Genesis owner Kathy Lubbs says. “We use all the same equipment as other farmers; we just grow a different kind of crop. Because of the crop differences, some of our equipment is modified, especially our combine.” than corn or beans would, making it difficult to weed without damaging the plants.

“By having all perennials, there are a whole different set of problems,” Lubbs explained.

“Unlike corn, where you can go in the field and disc

out your weeds, you can’t do that with perennials.

“We do a lot of hand-wicking, and we have custom mowing equipment. Besides all that, we do a lot of hoeing, just like you would do in your grandmother’s garden weeding tomatoes,” Lubbs

said with a smile.

In fact, a lot of manual labor is required, so Genesis employs 17 people during its peak season.

Some problems are similar to their grain-farming brethren, though.

For instance, corn is always subject to fungus in the field, she said, “and we have a plant called silphium that is in the same genus as corn. We actually have four different varieties of that, and it’s subject to the same fungus problems that have to be dealt with.”

Here’s a harvest problem unique to Genesis: Many of its seeds are similar to dandelions.

“In that sense, there’s a little bitty seed with a great big fluff to it,” Lubbs said. “We have to harvest those very wisely, because otherwise the wind will grab hold of the fluff, and if you don’t go out and get it, it’s all gone with the wind.”

This summer Walnut Manor Nursing Home will have a new name:

Our name is changing, not our mission.

The health care needs of today’s seniors are changing.

And, we are changing too!

For more details call Dennis Grobe, Administrator, at: (815) 379-2131 HeritageofCare.com/walnut • Facebook.com/HeritageofCare 308 S. Second St. Walnut, IL 61376

PAGE 16

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Shabby is chic; primitive is prized Reubin’s Relics offers a bounty of antiques

BY LUCINDA HALL Special to the Business Journal

DIXON – It’s one shop where chipped and ding is king.

Reubin’s Relics, 1112 S. Galena Ave., specializes in primitives and shabby chic antiques.

Like most dealers, Rick and Denell Reubin began as collectors.

It was during the process of clearing items from Rick’s grandfather’s home that everything started to snowball, and a shop seemed the perfect solution.

With the husband and wife close to retirement, “We decided to give it a go,” Rick said. “I

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Husband and wife Rick and Denell Reubin recently remodeled Reubin’s Relics, their antique store at 1112 S. Galena Ave. in Dixon. just kind of came up with the name. It had a good little ring to it and seemed to fit.”

The couple are keen on keeping up with new antique

and collecting trends.

“Understanding what other people like has been important to growing our business,” he said. “We try to gear

toward new, popular trends as antiques go through cycles and fads.”

“What’s big right now is ‘shabby chic,’” Denell said. “A lot of people are looking for pieces they can paint or refurbish.”

Shabby chic items are wellloved: Their age, scars, chips, wear and tear and general air of distress are what buyers want. The style often has a whimsical, cottage-style feel.

As part of the trend, the Reubins are seeing a growing demand for small furniture, window frames, shutters, wooden chairs, and ladders. Popularized on the Pinterest ideas website, such items are being redefined and repurposed as home decorating accent pieces and DIY projects.

REUBIN’S CONTINUED ON 17

SUMMER 2015

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 17

Early American country furniture a specialty REUBIN’S

CONTINUED FROM 16

Also trending are fruit and vegetable crates that sell as fast as they hit the store.

Trunks are popular for end and coffee tables. Seasonal antiques also always are in demand.

The Reubins favor primitives, and have filled their store with the early American country furniture. One room, in fact, is completely dedicated to primitive antiques.

“We love the square nails and craftsmanship,” Denell said. “Old paint is a real selling point. People love finding pieces with the original ‘chippy paint.’”

They prowl estate and barn sales, other antique stores, and resale shops to find items for their store and their home. They also do

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

An old writing desk awaits a buyer at Reubin’s Relics. estate settlements, where they will contract to go in

and clean out items in older homes and barns.

It’s always an adventure for the couple. They never know what they’re going to find, and they’ve landed everything from a primitive galvanized bathtub with wood wainscoting to a mint condition grinding stone wheel. For Halloween, they even had an antique coffin found in the attic of a Polo estate settlement – empty, of course.

“I think every antique store has its own personality,” Reubin said. “Antiques are like that. You get to know quite a few people and always get an education.

People are eager to share their own antiquing adventures – some may be lore, but they are always interesting.”

Reubin’s Relics, 1112 S. Galena Ave. in Dixon, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday.

Reach the Reubins at 815994-0709.

The Hide-AwayTM is an innovative, spacesaving storm and tornado shelter that folds up to only 17” off a wall when not in use.

It can be quickly and easily deployed in just a few seconds, should the need arise. It provides a safe hiding place from storms, and will with stand up to an F-5 rated tornado.

1808 34th Street, Moline, IL 61265

www.nutrendaccess.com

(309) 797-4647

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 18

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

One-stop shopping for shirts, sweets Mother runs Scottee Shirts while daughter operates Treat Me

BY CINDY PRATT Special to the Business Journal

PROPHETSTOWN – Two very dissimilar ventures – one run by a mom, the other by her daughter – are sharing space on Main Street.

Scottee Shirts opened about 8 years ago, after Scott Hartzell was injured and he and his wife, Cindy, were looking for something they could do at home.

Late last year, Cindy, 49, decided it was time to grow the business, and moved it to 217 Washington St. Scottee Shirts personalizes T-shirts – and mugs, mouse pads, can koozies, banners,

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Cindy Hatzell (left) owns Scottee Shirts in downtown Prophetstown, and enjoys a visit from her daughter, Erica, every Saturday morning. The mother-daughter duo share the space at 217 Washington St., where Cindy sells personalized items from T-shirts to drum heads, and Erica sets up a buffet of sweets for her confectionery business, Treat Me, every Saturday. signs, windows and more.

Cindy said she can put a

name or a photo on just about anything.

Because her clothing suppliers provide next-day delivery, she can keep fewer items on hand while still offering thousands of options. Even if she has to order clothing, the finished product is ready for pickup in 7 to 10 days.

“We order a lot of custom T-shirts for the band from her,” said musician Steve Morris of The Funnies. “She has been able to accommodate any request, and she makes it happen very quickly. Right now, she is designing the artwork for bass drum heads.

Cindy is very artistic, and I’ve never had any complaints.”

The Hartzells moved to Prophetstown in 2001 from the Chicago suburbs. They have five children: Ken, 28, Jessica, 23, Nick, 25, Erica, 21, and Alex, 19, and four grandchildren.

SHIRTS, SWEETS CONTINUED ON 19

When It Matters.

We Insure It. Your Expectations Exceeded.

Ordinary Tasks Extraordinary Service

for nearly 60 years!

Auto • Home • Life • Business Health • Bonds • Workers’ Comp

Dixon, Sterling andd Rock Falls

815/626-2511 • 8155/288-7211 Email: servicemasterclean@comcast.net

www.gogreenwithclean.com

355 W Everett St., Dixon 815.284.7737

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 19

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: Here is a sample of Erica Hatzell’s creations that can be found Saturdays at Treat Me in Prophetstown.

RIGHT: While Scottee Shirts specializes in custom T-shirts, owner Cindy Hatzell says she can put a name or a photo on just about anything.

Erica has ‘incredible artistic flair, creativity’ SHIRTS, SWEETS CONTINUED FROM 18

Erica is the co-entrepreneur.

Her venture is called Treat Me. On Saturdays, she sets up tables full of cookies, candies, pastries

and cupcakes in her mom’s shop, and is on hand to take orders for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

It’s a Saturday-only shop, because Erica works full-time as the pastry chef at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

ALWAYS AT YOUR DISPOSAL

She earned a certificate from French Pastry School of Chicago in 2011, then worked for 3 years at a bakery in Oak Brook before making goodies for people in and around Prophetstown.

“Her chocolate mousse cake

is out of this world,” Erica DeNeve said. “So is her chocolate pie. In fact, I’ve never had anything of hers that I didn’t like. She has baked cakes for me, and helped me bake my own. She has incredible artistic flair and creativity.”

Advantage One Credit Union

People you know, people you trust!

Serving Lee,Whiteside, Carroll, Bureau and Ogle Counties • Weekly Residential Service

• 2-8 yard Commercial Containers • 10-40 yard Roll-off Containers • Compactors • Radio Dispatched Trucks • Experienced Union Drivers • Licensed Special Waste & Asbestos Hauler

Financial Products an nd services to nd meet the needs of your entire family!

• Auto Loans (great low interest rates!)

• Mortgage/Home Equity Loans • Online Banking • Mobile Banking & much much more!!!

Phone (815)772-7215 Toll Free (877)772-7215 204 N. Jackson St., Morrison, IL

www.adonecu.org 1214 S. Bataan Rd., Dixon, IL • 815-625-1000 or 815-284-2432

www.republicservices.com

Membership is open to anyone living or working within 35 miles of Morrison & family members of existing members of the credit union.

PAGE 20

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Cattle are king at Sandrock farm Brothers, family run Sauk Valley Angus operation

BY DAVE FOX Special to the Business Journal

Beef – it’s what’s for dinner.

And in southeastern Whiteside County, the Sandrock name is easily associated with beef, specifically the Black Angus variety.

During a recent interview, Matt Sandrock, of rural Rock Falls, talked about what he and his brother, Ben, do together to make their largescale cattle operation work from one year to the next.

Fifth-generation farmers and cattle ranchers, the two brothers have been in the beef business together since shortly after they graduated from college. Ben completed his studies in 1998 and Matt in 2000; both have degrees in agriculture from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Owners of the operation known as Sauk Valley Angus, Matt pointed out that he and his brother also farm together with their parents, Gary and Kathy Sandrock, and their grandfather, Jay King.

“Our family has consisted of substantial farmers south of Rock Falls for a number of years now,” he said.

“On any given day, you can

Dave Fox/Special to the Business Journal

Ben and Matt Sandrock take a break after a recent bull sale to discuss prices and other aspects of their cattle operation. walk onto this farm and find at least four generations of us here doing one thing or another. We’re very blessed.”

Other types of cattle have been raised here in the past, Matt said, “but over the past 20 years, Black Angus has taken over. It’s all we raise now.”

Why just limit the herd to one breed?

“Well, for one thing, it’s the best-tasting beef there is,” he said. “Black Angus are some of the best as far as the highest marbling cattle, which creates a really high-quality product.”

Their herd is such high quality, he said, that they have only certified Angus beef, as designated by the American Angus Association, which are

raised under strict guidelines.

“They have many stringent quality guidelines that have to be met,” Matt said.

For example, strict attention is paid to genetics of the animals raised in their herd.

“There’s a massive amount of paperwork involved in tracking and maintaining genetics in our animals,” he said.

“Everyone we work with is either a longtime Angus friend or longtime Angus cooperative of ours,” he said, “and they also pay strict attention to the genetics. With the cattle and cooperatives we use, we are on the highest end of the genetics line possible.”

Matt mentioned his grandfather, Jay King, is a past president of the American Angus Association, “which is a very prestigious place to be in the cattle industry.”

Sauk Valley Angus was also awarded the 2006 Top Purebred Producer of the Year title.

“It’s the highest award in the nation anyone in our business can receive, and the biggest honor anyone around here has ever had, so when we won, it was really exciting,” Matt said.

Sauk Valley Angus is physically a much larger operation than meets the eye. The family farms in four different counties.

BILLBOARDS - BANNERS - WRAPS - GRAPHICS

ANGUS CONTINUED ON 21

16701 Lyons Rd. Prophetstown

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 21

Sandrock cattle have been sold nationwide ANGUS

CONTINUED FROM 20

It chops its own corn silage for feed. Dry distiller grains, purchased from area ethanol plants, are also used.

All of the farm’s cattle are artificially inseminated, Matt said, “and we have an extensive embryo program.

“We use satellite ranches for raising the embryo cattle,” he said, citing locations in central Illinois, western Colorado, southern Missouri, and Kentucky.

“They basically help raise our cows due to the amount of pastureland they have,” he said. “We pull a fertilized egg out of our cows, so they’re 100 percent our genetics, and they implant them into other cattle.” Such operations are overseen by state-certified veterinarians to ensure the genetic lines.

The local operation sports about 300 head of cattle at any given time, including 150 to 200 mother cows.

Consumers can’t find Sandrock cattle for sale in just any butcher shop.

“We have one annual production sale at our farm where we sell between 50 and 100 purebred Angus cattle,” he said. Angus farmers come from all over for the sale, and cattle have been sold to nearly all 50 states plus Argentina.

“We also have a boxed beef program under the same name, where we sell quar-

Dave Fox/Special to the Business Journal

As they eagerly await feed time, Angus cattle give a photographer their rapt attention at the Sauk Valley Angus farm south of Rock Falls. ters and halves of our cows to some very loyal local customers,” he said. No sales are made to wholesale markets.

The brothers also grow a number of row crops each year. Corn, soybeans, seed corn, peas, sweet corn and lima beans are commonly grown.

Even though they work closely together, Ben generally heads up the cattle operation, while Matt generally takes care of the crop side of things.

“I’m sure any farmer would agree that it really helps when you can diversify in agriculture,” Matt said.

Both brothers are married and have three children each.

Matt’s wife, Amanda, is a CPA in Dixon, and the couple are parents of Grace, Denver and Hope.

Ben’s wife, Traci, is a long-

time employee in a Tampico school, and together they are parents of Brianna, Shawn and Connor.

Speaking of the children, Matt expressed hopes that the tradition of a family operation would continue for years to come.

“We would sure hope they stay in it,” he said, smiling.

“We have every hope to keep it a family farm for all generations, God willing.”

What makes this type of farming so satisfying?

“Just knowing that we’re raising the best of the best in the beef industry, that we’re providing a very high quality product to our customers, makes it worthwhile, along with knowing that we’re doing everything that we can to be good stewards of the land God has provided us with,” Matt said.

“That makes it all worthwhile.”

Commercial Flooring & Decorative 100% Solid Epoxy Flooring 600 Klimstra Ct., Morrison, IL (Located in the Morrison Industrial Park)

KEITH STRALOW

815-772-4033 Since 1979

KURT STRALOW

REAL Design Concrete

INC

Call for a Free In-Home Estimate 815.864.3096

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 22

SUMMER 2015

BUSINESS PROFILE

Seven stylists, each with special skills The Hair Center and Tanning Hut offers expertise in many areas

BY CINDY PRATT Special to the Business Journal

ERIE – In 1991, after 2 years clipping there for someone else, Mary Davis bought The Hair Center and Tanning Hut and made it her own.

She’s since grown her stable of stylists from three to seven.

Each has her own clientele and area of expertise. Each pays “chair rent” and is in charge of setting her own hours and fees, and each works an evening or two a week for clients who cannot get there during the day.

Three tanning beds and a massage room are upstairs, along with a room for manicures and pedicures.

Angela Jacobs is a former Redken educator who now specializes in the Brazilian blowout, a process that helps to repair the cuticle of the hair, making it smoother and repairing split ends.

In a blowout, the hair is washed, product is applied, then the hair is blown dry and straightened with a straightening iron to bind the product to the strands. You can

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Mary Davis, owner/operator of The Hair Center and Tanning Hut, sits with some of her six stylists: Amber Zaagman (left), Angela Jacobs and Sara Anderson. Zaagman is an esthetician, specializing in microdermabrasion, facials, waxing and makeup. Jacobs specializes in the Brazilian blowout. stop there, or the hair can be rewashed and styled as usual.

The whole process takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on hair length.

“Angela is not just my stylist,” client Karen Vroman said. “She is as excited by the transformation as I am.”

• • • •

Farm Vehicle Crop Hail

• • • •

Property Health Life Commercial

Amber Zaagman is an esthetician, specializing in microdermabrasion, facials, waxing and makeup. Facials take about an hour and include a skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliating, shoulder/back/face massage and a mask. While the mask is on, the client gets

815-772-2793

Sandrock Insurance Agency 107 Main St. • Tampico

815-438-3923

www.2cornerstone.com

HAIR CENTER CONTINUED ON 23

LET YOUR AMBITION

Take Flight Instruction Aircraft Rental

Mickley Insurance Agency 102 W. Main St. • Morrison

a hand and scalp massage.

The diamond tip microdermabrasion helps remove dull, dry flaky skin and reduces wrinkles; it takes about 30 minutes.

Deb Jackson is the salon’s licensed massage therapist.

The Only Full-Time Aviation Education Facility in the Rock River Valley $89 Introductory Rides

Aircraft Charter Service To Over 5300 Airports Nationwide All-Weather, Radar-Equipped Twin

Whiteside County Airport• 10950 Hoover Rd. • Rock Falls, IL Phone: 815-622-FLY-1 (3591) • Fax: 815-622-5071 • www.mmaviation.net

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SUMMER 2015

PAGE 23

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

ABOVE: The Hair Center and Tanning Hut carries a wide selection of hair and body products.

RIGHT: Erica Eng, receptionist, greets clients with a smile.

Hairstyling and volleyball go hand in hand HAIR CENTER

CONTINUED FROM 22

Rounding out the seven are Chrissi Stubbs, Sara Anderson, Carry Meyer, and Davis, who estimates that they have well over 100 years of experience among them. Erica Eng is receptionist at The Hair

Center and Tanning Hut. “Sara does an awesome job,” client Pam Wirth said.

“I’ve been with her for 12 years.”

In addition to the hours she spends at the Hair Center, Mary has been head volleyball coach at Blackhawk College since 1991.

The team plays four or five

games a week during the season.

In December, January and February, she assists the Erie volleyball team and recruits for Blackhawk.

Mary and her husband, Bob, live outside Erie with their daughter, Emma, Buddy the dog and Mittens the cat. Bob works in IT for

the Burwood Group.

“I love to golf, and in the summer, we all like to hang out at the pool,” she said.

Emma also keeps mom on her toes: The 11-year-old is on a traveling softball team, a traveling soccer team, and a traveling volleyball team, and has band, choir and piano lessons.

TAKE US WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO!

Download our FREE mobile app!

Locally owned since 1885 www.sterlingfederal.com

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PAGE 24

SUMMER 2015

Foot and Ankle Center

David Yeager, DPM

Stephen Palmer, DPM

ksbhospital.com/doctors