Sauk Valley
Business Journal Vol. 17, No. 4
Sauk Valley Media
• They love old things at Vintage Chicks ~ Page 6 • Small store, big glam at boutique ~ Page 13
• New Sterling car shop gets cookin’ ~ Page 19
Winter 2014
MIDNIGHT MAGIC THRIVES IN CAKE SHOP ~ Page 11
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081
Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
PA I D
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
YOUR EVENT SPECIALIST
Let us help provide the fresh meats, seafood, & appetizers for your next event.
815-288-6747
www.astroven.net
1888 Paulsen Road (Just off of Palmyra Road) Dixon, IL 61021 Monday - Friday 8AM -4PM Serving The Sauk Valley Area For Over 25 Years
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
PAGE 3
Welcome ... to the Winter 2014 issue of Sauk Valley Business Journal INDEX OF STORIES Brainerd Plastering .......................................4
Girlfriends boutique ...................................13
Vintage Chicks & Feed..................................6
“No-name” antique store ..........................15
Professional Skin Care
G’s eatery .....................................................17
and Massage Spa By Jess ...........................8 Midnight Cake Shop ...................................11 On the cover
Matthew Henthorn of Midnight Cake Shop makes a guitar cake that duplicates a real guitar; he takes it with him to bridal shows. – Philip Marruffo, Business Journal
Cook’s Quick Lube and Auto Repair .......................................19
The staff of the Sauk Valley Business Journal 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.
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.
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 4
WINTER 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
Persevering in the plaster business Third generation of Brainerds now doing the work BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525
DIXON – Chuck Brainerd says his dad, Chuck Sr., was the hardest-working man in Dixon. “He was a plasterer, and he owned his own plastering company,” Brainerd said. Chuck Sr. started Brainerd Plastering in 1948. “He did all of the houses around here,” said Brainerd, 74. “Everything was plastered back then, because drywall was not invented at that time.” Brainerd said his dad got into the plastering business for extra money, and because
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Chuck and Ben Brainerd, father and son, work a plastering job together in Morrison. Chuck, 74, who took over from his dad back in the day, is retiring, and Ben, 29, is taking his place. he had the skills needed to do the job. “He wanted to further himself,” Brainerd said. “At that time, people were not plastering homes.”
In 1985, Brainerd took over the business from his dad, who died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 75. Now he’s handing the business over to the third genera-
PLEASE PLAN TO MAKE OUR EXCITING NEW EXHIBIT GALLERIES A WONDERFUL WINTER DESTINATION!
tion – his son, Ben, 29, who plans to continue the family tradition. Ben said the company specializes in plastering and water damage, and interior and exterior restoration, on residential and commercial properties. “I have been trying to pick up where my dad left off with the family business,” Ben said. “I used to watch him work when I was a kid. I’ve been in the trade since I was 15.” “I have a reputation, and now he has a reputation, which I will guard,” his dad said. Brainerd Plastering has restored churches and homes, and also has done plastering work at the Depot Museum in Amboy. People can call the Brainerds, who live in Dixon, just to get informed.
We’re here to help you grow!
Renee Gray Commercial and Ag Lending
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 www.bauerfinancial.com
www.fnbamboy.com
DIXON 1314 N. Galena Ave. • 728 S. Crawford Ave 800-216-0008
AMBOY 220 E. Main St. • 301 E. Joe Dr. 815-857-3625
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 6
WINTER 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
They love old things at Vintage Chicks New Leaf River shop filled with rustic farm finds BY VINDE WELLS Shaw News Service
LEAF RIVER – A love for oldfashioned items and agriculture has led a rural Leaf River family to open a new business that features both. Gene and Vicki Miller opened Vintage Chicks & Feed, 700 E. state Route 72, on Sept. 6. They run it with their three grown children. The store, about 3 miles west of Byron, sells livestock and pet food, along with what Vicki calls “rustic relics” – things such as Mason jars and barbed wire art. It all started years ago,
Submitted
Vicki Miller opened Vintage Chicks & Feed, 700 E. state Route 72, at the family feed store, about 3 miles west of Byron. She sells livestock, pet food, muck boots and the like, along with what Vicki calls “rustic relics” – everything from Mason jars to barbed wire art. daughter Amy Kirchner explained, when her father started selling livestock feed from the store, which is just
down the road and around the corner from the family farm where they raise Hereford cattle.
“We were in 4-H and had livestock projects, so Dad started selling feed,” she said. They had hoped to expand the feed business, Vickie said, and decided to add some kind of country store. “We didn’t want to sit here with just feed,” Amy added. For a long time, Vicki, Amy, and a friend had scoured sales for rustic pieces and had amassed a good-sized collection. “We just love old things. We love the memories the old things hold. We’re the Vintage Chicks,” Vicki said with a laugh. The spaces inside the store are filled with artfully arranged rustic items and decorator pieces. For more information, search for Vintage Chicks & Feed on Facebook.
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
WINTER 2014
PAGE 7
www.prophetstownil.com
(815) 537-2348 114 West 3rd St. Prophetstown, IL 61277
As a full service community bank, we provide a complete range of products and services to individuals and businesses that help bring growth and prosperity to the communities we serve.
(309) 944-0580 700 U.S. Hwy. 6 East Geneseo, IL 61254
(815) 772-3700 110 East Lincolnway Morrison, IL 61270
Rehab/Skilled Care | Senior Housing Outpatient Therapy To learn more about our community in Prophetstown, call (815) 537-5175.
All faiths or beliefs are welcome.
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
Paint - Plumbing - Electrical - Tools Lawn & Garden - & More Dan Drummet
Dave Drummet
317 Washington St. Prophetstown 815-537-2881
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 8
WINTER 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
Beauty and massage spa moves Dixon native is certified in medical massage BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570
DIXON – Jessica Peterson has changed the location and scope of her business. Professional Skin Care and Massage Spa By Jess recently moved from a suite at the First Street mini-mall to 210 W. Third St. The spa first opened in February 2013. While the 2005 Dixon High School grad’s broad specialties are as a makeup artist and massage therapist, she now has certifications that expand the range of her offerings. Peterson is a graduate of Tricoci University of Beauty Cul-
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Professional Skin Care and Massage Spa by Jess, owned by makeup artist and massage therapist Jessica Peterson, has moved to 210 W. Third St. in Dixon. ture in Rockford, where she refined her skills as a makeup artist. Her aesthetics work included one-on-one train-
ing in Arizona with renowned permanent makeup artist Diana Yost. She also completed coursework at North-
ern Prairie School of Massage in Sycamore, and recently received a certification in medical massage. The nature of medical massage will allow some of her clients to claim the services on their medical insurance. “If doctors refer their patients to me, I will get their paperwork, and insurance can oftentimes cover it,” Peterson said. With medical massage, Peterson works on a particular area for release of pain and tension. She can treat generalized neck, low back and hip pain, as well as work to combat more serious ailments. “Medical massage can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, and help with sciatica and other nerve impingement,” she said. MASSAGE CONTINUED ON 9
Proud Supporters of Cancer Research
*1¢ Per Gallon of propane delivered by this truck is donated to Cancer Research.* BURKARDT’S is Ogle County’s Supplier of LP Tank Sales, Rentals & Installation For New & Existing Homes.
Since 1982
12420 W. Penn Road - Polo, IL - 815-946-3081
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
PAGE 9
Facials also offered MASSAGE
CONTINUED FROM 8
For those unfamiliar with permanent makeup, Peterson said, the process involves the use of skin pigment to basically tattoo the face. Her most popular requests are for lipliner, eyeliner and eyebrows. She said this type of aesthetics makes sense for any age. “As people get older, they start losing hair more, and their sight worsens,” Peterson said. “I can do it for them, and it lasts 8 to 10 years.” She said the process is not a quick one, so she has a good understanding of exactly what the client wants before the work begins. Clients then come in a month after the work is done for any color corrections they might want. “We have to go through a ton of paperwork, and then
‘‘
We do lightening, brightening, and the facials can even help correct sun damage. Jessica Peterson
’’
it’s sculpted, tweaked, and put on with a marker-type instrument,” Peterson said. “If it isn’t exactly how they wanted it, we can correct it.” Peterson also does deepcleansing and corrective chemical peels. The facials last about 90 minutes, and Peterson said consultations are done for that service as well. “We do lightening, brightening, and the facials can even help correct sun damage,” she said.
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Along with skin care services and medical massage, spa owner Jessica Peterson also offers hot stone therapy.
Get the right protection for your business Your customers depend on you to keep their cars on the road by using the right parts and giving topnotch service. Doesn’t your business deserve the same attention? Call us today for details on our Auto Service and Repair insurance package.
HCI
2321 E. Lincolnway, Sterling HAWKINS - CASSENS INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC 815-625-7474
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 10 • • • •
Mickley Insurance Agency 102 W. Main St. • Morrison
815-772-2793
Farm Vehicle Crop Hail
• • • •
WINTER 2014
Property Health Life Commercial
Sandrock Insurance Agency 107 Main St. • Tampico
815-438-3923
www.2cornerstone.com
Go Where You Need & When You Need
Aircraft Charter
Service To Over 5300 Airports Nationwide All-Weather, Radar-Equipped Twin
Instruction Aircraft Rental The Only Full-Time Aviation Education Facility in the Rock River Valley $69 Introductory Rides Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Whiteside County Airport• 10950 Hoover Rd. • Rock Falls, IL Phone: 815-622-FLY-1 (3591) • Fax: 815-622-5071 • www.mmaviation.net
Matthew Henthorn makes a guitar cake, a duplicate of a real guitar, that he takes with him to bridal shows. Hand painting and sculpting cakes is his specialty.
Make The Right Choice M
The First Tim me Choose RESTORE Therapy to Return Home Fast • We offer Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Individualized Therapy Programs • Smooth Transition from Hospital to Home
WALNUT MANOR NURSING HOME
308 S. Second St., Walnut • 815-379-2131
HeritageOfCare.com/walnut
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
PAGE 11
BUSINESS PROFILE
Midnight magic thrives in cake shop Dad turns hobby into sweet career BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN Special to the Business Journal
MORRISON – Creativity might be the sweetest ingredient at Matthew Henthorn’s Midnight Cake Shop. For Henthorn, 32, who once worked in the financial aid office at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, baking was simply a hobby that started one day when he made a birthday cake for his daughter. Then the fever took hold. “I started out doing cakes at night while working full time, and that is where the name Midnight Cake Shop was taken from,” he said. “Now, I work at home, and doing this has provided the opportunity to create our
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Matthew Henthorn of the Midnight Cake Shop works on a cake in his Morrison home. What started as a late-night hobby while he worked full time at St. Ambrose University has turned into a home business for Henthorn. own schedules and eventually homeschool our children.” He and his wife, Monica, 31, a legal secretary, have three children: Cadence, 7, Ophelia,
4, and Judah, almost 2. Midnight Cake, in business officially since 2011, offers cakes for all occasions, and in a wide variety of flavors, such
as margarita cake with key lime frosting and strawberry daiquiri cake. Another popular choice: the s’mores cake, made from graham cracker cake with chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow frosting. The self-described cake snob prides himself on creating only high-quality confections. “Everything I create is custom-made to order,” he said. “I give every customer the best that I can possibly make.” For instance: “I went through half a dozen recipes for our red velvet cake before I found the perfect one. Instead of cream cheese frosting, ours has an amaretto butter cream frosting. I also do a lot of cake flavors by request, including a Jameson whiskey frosting.” He also makes flowers, figurines, and cupcakes.
Solutions for Every Smile Cosmetic & General Dentistry For The Whole Family James O. Hey, D.D.S
Meghan Crisham, D.D.S We provide quality care for all ages and dental concerns. • Preventive dentistry & cleaning • Whitening, bonding & veneers • Nitrous Oxide Available • Implant Restorations • Emergency care available
724 North Brinton Avenue Dixon, IL 61021
815-288-4731
www.ExceptionalDentistry.us
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 12
WINTER 2014
When It Matters. We Insure It.
Visa Platinum Credit Cards (Low, low interest rate!)
Home Equity Loans (Fixed rates up to 15 year term)
Share Certificates
for nearly 60 years!
(CD’s)
Auto • Home • Life • Business Health • Bonds • Workers’ Comp
Money Market Accounts, IRA’s & Much More! 355 W Everett St., Dixon 815.284.7737
Phone (815)772-7215 • Toll Free (877)772-7215 204 N. Jackson St., Morrison, IL • www.adonecu.org
Membership is open to anyone living or working within 35 miles of Morrison & family members of existing members of the credit union ion. Established 1960
Ken Nelson Auto Group Serving Dixon and Surrounding Community for 50 Years 1964-2014
Local Management ... Local Ownership! We Are Your Automotive Destination 928-1100 N. Galena Avenue, Dixon | 815-288-4455 | www.KenNelsonAuto.com
Rick Curia — President & CEO
Chevrolet | Cadillac | Buick | GMC | Chrysler |
Dodge
|
RAM
| Jeep | Toyota | Nissan
“Only Dealership in Northern Illinois with Ten Franchises - One Location”
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
PAGE 13
BUSINESS PROFILE
Small store, big glam at boutique Girlfriends offers handmade jewelry and accessories BY CINDY PRATT Special to the Business Journal
PROPHETSTOWN – Holly Boricich needed a store from which to sell the jewelry she makes. Her friend, Cyndee Wildemuth, had a store with nothing in it. Girlfriends boutique was born. Boricich handles most of the day-to-day business of running the store, while Wildemuth keeps an eye out for new products and lends a hand when needed. Girlfriends might be small, but it’s full of everything a girl could need or want.
“ L e t U s L i f t Yo u ”
Cindy Pratt/Special to the Business Journal
Holly Boricich makes jewelry to be sold at Girlfriends, a boutique at 338 Washington St. in Prophetstown. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday. The shop, at 338 Washington St., offers a large variety of jewelry, most of it made by
Boricich, and a small selection of clothing, handbags, scarves, creams, lotions,
soaps, potpourri and more. The inventory changes continually to reflect what customers want, and the clothing is mostly American made and bought in small lots to allow for more variety. The creams, soaps and lotions are made by Midnight Perfumery in Moline, which uses organic ingredients whenever possible and no petroleum. Boricich also repairs jewelry and holds classes in jewelry making. The workroom also is available to rent for anyone who wants to hold a crafting class or a meeting. Girlfriends is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Call 815-989-6019 or find it in Facebook for more information.
Maintain Your Independence
with the help of these Nu-Trend Accessibility Systems Residential stairway chair lift
Scooter lift for auto/vans
Residential elevator (309)797-4647 • 1808 34th Street, Moline, IL 61265 • www.nutrendaccess.com • Illinois Licensed
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 14
WINTER 2014
We wish you a Merry Christmas and Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season
All the best to you and yours this special time of year
In today’s marketplace, you are facing a mountain of challenges. You need more than a firm that focuses on one project and moves on tomorrow. You want a partner with experience in your industry, who is committed to you and cares about your success. Wipfli is that partner. Contact us today.
815-288-7841 • 815-288-RENT 900 N. Galena Avenue • Dixon, IL Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat & Sun 8-5 www.acehardwaredixon.com
C
SPECIALTY
Magazines
Weddings
y Sauk Valle
2014
Kaleeidosc
ope
A Colo Co orful u
201 4
Nor thw este and rn I Eas tern llinoi s Iow a
HEALTH WELLNESS
2014-2015
&
TORY PROFESSIONALS DIREC
Voyag‘14er-‘15
A guide to o activities in Northern Nor Illinois and Easte rn Iowa
Fall 2014 Loo ook att Life e Afte ter 50
Business Journal Sauk Valley
Vol. 16, No. 2
GOLFING
Summer 2013
Sauk Valley Media
HIS JOB IS TREE-MENDOUS
Taste PRIDE the
A Guide to Achievements
BOOMERS
in our Local High Schools
Fall 20 14
2014 - 2015
Cover story: Oregon arborist
shares his love of the woods –
Pages 12-14
Also inside • New owner for Folsom’s Bakery doors • Magnuson Hotel opens its • Sterling Centers boosts businesses • Profile of Twigs & Sprigs • Local bicycle shop expands • Custom-made primitives
Published by Sauk Valley Media
Sauk Valley Media publishes different magazines geared toward different interests. The magazines are TOTALLY FREE and will be sent to you in the mail. To request your FREE copy, email your requests to: kweinstock@saukvalley.com
WINTER 2014
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 15
BUSINESS PROFILE
High demand for village antiques No-name store a perfect hobby for laid-back duo BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525
FRANKLIN GROVE – It’s so laid back, it doesn’t even have a name. Dale Stinnett and Kim Meyer, both of Lyndon, opened an antique store at 217 Lincoln Highway, next to Casey’s General Store, in April. It’s the perfect hobby for them. “We like to collect antiques and sell them,” Meyer said. That includes a wide variety, Stinnett explained. “We get everything from
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Dale Stinnett and Kim Meyer, both of Lyndon, opened an antique store at 217 Lincoln Highway, Franklin Grove, next to Casey’s General Store, in April. While the store is open about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the hours are loose. auctions, flea markets, and garage sales,” Stinnett said.
“We buy it and we turn around and sell it. This is a
hobby for us.” “We have so much of it, and you only have so much room,” Meyer added. The store is open from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, although those hours may vary. There’s no phone number, and no Facebook page. And that’s just the way the pair likes it. “Whenever we get here, we are here,” said Stinnett, who also runs a salvage yard. “If the antique sign is out and stuff is outside, we are open.” Their limited schedule hasn’t been a problem. “There is so much traffic on this road each day,” he said. “If we throw some junk outside, you can hear tires squealing because people are stopping.”
All the Comforts of Home
Private Suits Available
COVENTRY LIVING CENTER
We care for your loved ones like family.
• Skilled Care • Short Term Rehab • Traditional Care Speech • Occupational and Physical Therapies
612 W. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081 • 815-626-9020 • www.coventrylivingcenter.com
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 16
WINTER 2014
They go the extra mile and then some... My husband, Brandy Spencer, chose Gaffey because his mother, Jeanette, had them and she was very pleased with their services. I felt comfortable with them caring for Brandy. Becky and Kris took excellent care of him in his final days. The staff is very trustworthy and gave me guidance and helped me through a rough time. They gave me comfort and reassured me we made the right choice. Gaffey was there for us throughout everything. They continue to check up on me after the fact [Brandy passed away September 2013]. I would recommend Gaffey to anyone. -Dallas Spencer
“Where Better To Be Than At Home?� 3408 E. 23rd St., Sterling
815-626-3467 815-284-3467
Mon.- Fri. 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.
www.gaffeyhomenursingandhospice.com
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With warm wishes for a happy holiday season, along with heartfelt thanks for your friendship and goodwill
451 N. Main Ave. Milledgeville 815-225-7171
From our staff to you... Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
3200 E. Lynn Blvd. Sterling Member FDIC
www.milledgevillebank.com
815-625-3661 www.schunemanagency.com
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
PAGE 17
BUSINESS PROFILE
G’s team comes in from the cold Food truck owners move inside bar BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525
STERLING – Anyone who wants to get a burger from G’s Food Truck will no longer have to battle the elements to get one. That’s because the restaurant, now named G’s, has moved into Peterson’s Bullseye Bar, 103 W. Third St., in Sterling. G’s co-owners Tony Garza and Stephen Gladhill prepare all the food sold at Bullseye. Garza and Gladhill, both of Sterling, were childhood friends. They named the restaurant G’s for the first letter in their last names. Garza, 28, said that when
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
G’s has moved from its food truck to the Peterson Bullseye Bar and Grill kitchen in Sterling. Tony Garza (from left), 28, Stephen Gladhill, 28, and Brian Tucker, 32, all from Sterling, have successfully run G’s for about a year. the food truck was set up near County Market grocery, customers had to order and eat their food out in the cold.
“With the food truck, when it would drop below 40 degrees, my equipment wouldn’t stay hot, and who wants to stand
out in the freezing cold to eat food?” Garza said. Now that he is indoors, Garza can make the type of food he wants. The menu includes monster fries topped with pulled pork; Irish fries, topped with bacon, cheese sauce and jalapenos; and the Rambo burger, which includes pulled pork, bacon and onion fritters. Gladhill, 28, said the food truck has been around for only about a year. “The food truck was the first step toward owning a restaurant,” Gladhill said. “We’ve done graduation parties, banquet parties and things like that,” Gladhill said. Orrie Peterson, owner of Peterson’s Bullseye Bar, said having G’s in his establishment is good for everyone.
What makes the most money for you?
Update your old phone system... it’ll pay for itself
radioranchinc.com
Intercept those important phone calls ~Business Telephone Systems~
FCC Licensing? Narrow Branding? Digital Radios?
Call us!
Keep an eye on things! ~Security Cameras & Systems~
Since 1954
1217 East River Road, Dixon, IL. 61021 Whiteside County Airport 10924 Hoover Road, Rock Falls • 815-622-9000
815-288-6565
PAGE 18
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
ALWAYS AT YOUR DISPOSAL 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 1214 S. Bataan Rd., Dixon, IL • 815-625-1000 or 815-284-2432
www.republicservices.com
Expect the same exceptional people you already know and trust, backed by the banking products and services that help you get ahead. Stop in today to make Great Things Happen™!
IS NOW Illinois bank & Trust
Sterling Banking Center 2403 North Locust Street 815.625.1860
Seaton Banking Center 301 Maple Street 309.586.5511
IllinoisBank.com
CARS815.com
Rock Falls Banking Center 1609 1st Avenue 815.626.5626
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
WINTER 2014
PAGE 19
BUSINESS PROFILE
New Sterling car shop gets cookin’ Vehicle repair service opens BY JERMAINE PIGEE jpigee@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5525
STERLING – Josh Cook has a big passion for engines. “I would take an engine over a woman any day,” Cook said. “They are just as beautiful. “When I was younger, I mowed people’s lawns just because [the lawnmower] had an engine. I did it for free.” Cook opened Cook’s Quick Lube and Auto Repair, 1901 E. Fourth St., in October in the former Steve’s Auto Sales & Quick Lube site. The 25-year-old Sterling native has been around engines his whole life, and is thrilled to finally have his own
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Josh Cook (center) is the owner of Cook’s Quick Lube and Auto Repair in Sterling. Hayden Kramer is his mechanic, and his sister, Danielle Cook, is one of two office managers. Christie Haugen (not pictured) is the other. All are from Sterling. shop, he said. He offers a wide variety of services. In addition to oil changes, brake repair, tire work and
SMELTZER
INSURANCE AGENCY 701 W. Route 30, Rock Falls, IL
JENNIFER SCHRYVER
Wishing you & your family Happy Holidays!
DACIA DENNIS
HOME & AUTO AGENT
GROUP BENEFITS SPECIALIST
SIERRA HARMS
TOM MYERS, CIC
HEALTH INS. SPECIALIST
the usual vehicle repair, Cook’s also provides 24-hour roadside assistance, and a pick-up-anddelivery service.
“I will go pick their car up from their house or work while they are working, and I will service it and bring it back to them,” Cook said. “People have to work, and since they may not have the time, we can pick up the car, service it, and bring it to them.” For those who wait on site, though, “I put a TV in the customer lounge, and people can have a fresh cup of coffee when they come in,” he said. Curbside service also will be provided. When the temps are frigid, customers can just pull up and honk their horns, and he will come popping out. “I can come out and check your tire pressure, so you don’t have to sit in the cold,” he said. And, in addition to regular weekday business hours, Cook’s also is open Saturday and Sunday.
OWNER/AGENT
Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls
“Professional Advice From Trusted Friends”
815-625-5526
815/626-2511 • 815/288-7211 Email: servicemasterclean@comcast.net
www.gogreenwithclean.com
Liberty Court Assisted Senior Living & Memory Care
Everyone deserves a Great Life. We enrich the lives of our residents, families and employees by enhancing their experiences every day
“I welcome your calls and would love you to visit Liberty Court. You’ll discover why we win awards...our people care.”
Ann Barlow, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR 815.285.2000
124 Liberty Court, Dixon, IL 815.285.2000