Women in biz 2018

in

From coffee to pet care, area businesswomen build thriving companies

A Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC publication 2018

n e m o W Business

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2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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TRACY OUELLETTE Women in Business

Boni Weis, owner of Java Jo’z Specialties in Waterford helps a customer on a recent Saturday morning. Weis has been serving coffee, specialty drinks and other treats for 11 years in Waterford.

f f o Just the trail Java Jo’z offers cyclists (and others) a place to rest and replenish

F

or many years, Java

By Tracy Jo’z Specialties Inc. Ouellette in Waterford has EDITOR been a favorite of area cyclists to stop and rest a bit on their bike treks on the Seven Waters Bike Trail, which runs from Burlington to Muskego.

“The bike trail is about a block away and runs behind our property, so we get lots of bikers here,” Java Jo’z owner Boni Weis said. “I have people who bike anywhere from 5 to 30 miles and love to stop here.”

Weis said the Department of Natural Resources has made improvements to the trail in recent years, and the people who use the trail, whether for biking or walking, also pitch in to keep it clean and obstacle free.

“It’s really nice now and used more and more,” Weis said. “We have miles and miles of bike trails in Wisconsin, I think we might have even passed Minnesota with the miles now, but I don’t know for sure.”

See JAVA JO’Z, Page 4

TRACY OUELLETTE Women in Business

Waterford residents Geraldine Wage (left) and Agnes Giers enjoy coffee and conversation at Java Jo’z in Waterford.

Women in Business A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 763-3511

Editor in Chief: Ed Nadolski • Special Sections Editor: Tracy Ouellette Editorial Assistant: Sharon Soch • Creative Director: Heidi Schulz Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff

For advertising opportunities in our weekly newspapers or other special publications, please call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134.

Page 4

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Help for the home

A

office

and the Organizer offers variety of services

n area woman has revamped her personal organizing business in recent months, helping people clear the clutter in their homes and their finances.

“One of the biggest benefits is people really have difficulty with how to get started,” said Jennifer Raschig, owner of More Than Organizing. “A personal organizer will help figure out a plan and help you get started.”

More Than Organizing is based in Rome, which is between Palmyra and Jefferson and north of Whitewater.

Raschig has 15 years of experience in process consulting and a background in computer science and accounting.

“I am able to quickly get to the basics of process, provide clear documentation, organize and standardize the documentation and teach others how to do the same,” Raschig wrote on her website.

About eight months ago, she made her personal organizer job a full-time gig. When she started the personal organizing work in July 2015, she still was working full time in another job. She has had about 20 clients since starting the business.

Comfort is key

People need to feel comfortable to work with a personal organizer, Raschig said.

“They need to make sure their personal organizer has a good attitude,” Raschig said.

“They would also need to be clear on what they need when they get started, and they really need to think about it.”

Priorities tend to differ by person and situation, she said.

“Top priority would be if it’s something that affects their daily life,” Raschig said.

“The focus on organizing starts with 15 minutes each day. Pretty much anyone can use 15 minutes in a day.

“What are the major areas of concern?

Pick the major areas and focus on it for 15 minutes.”

Some clients ask for help with one room and others ask for their whole house.

“It depends on the needs of the client,” Raschig said.

Depending on the scope of the task, her work could vary from three to four hours to multiple visits that will total up to 30 to 40

• Java Jo’z

hours.

“They usually don’t have me do every step, but I may come back and help where needed,” Raschig said.

When Raschig meets with potential clients, she gives them an initial estimate.

After that, Raschig will develop a written plan in a one-hour consultation.

“They can take the written plan and run with it,” Raschig said.

However, she will provide the organizing as well.

That consultation is for up to one hour and costs $99. Then she charges $60 per hour for organizing.

“A lot of home organizers offer different things for different prices,” Raschig said. “I always offer free estimates. It’s always an in-person consultation. It’s never guesswork over a phone.

“I look at what their work is like,” she added. “I look at who else lives in the house and who may contribute to the disorganization. It is getting to know someone. Every client is different and their needs are different. There needs to be that understanding.”

She said people shouldn’t let budget constraints prevent them from calling her or any other personal organizer. Many organizers will work with clients and figure out a payment program or other resources to help get the job done.

“Don’t let a budget keep you from calling an organizer,” Raschig said. “If you are feeling overwhelmed, you need to take care of that and get organized.”

Not just a ‘personal’ organizer

Raschig also offers workshops about organization.

“I’ve done a few where people will create plans. I talk on different topics, more for businesses,” Raschig said. “Some people engage my skills for around the house, but I offer workshops on pretty much everything organization, including financial.”

Since starting her organizing business, she normally has done three to four workshops per year. But she said that is not her full capacity, and she would be open to do more.

It’s not just work in homes and speaking

SUBMITTED PHOTO Women in Business

Jennifer Raschig, owner of More Than Organizing, helps de-clutter a client’s kitchen. Raschig is a personal organizer who helps clients in their homes and businesses.

engagements.

“It’s interesting that organizing tends to be seasonal,” she said. “I get calls at the beginning of the year because of New Year’s resolutions. Around now, I’m a tax organizer, so I help people prepare their taxes.

“In early fall, I am really busy. I don’t know if people have more time then or if

it’s with the kids back off to school, they need a little help cleaning and they would like to address it. But it seems like a time when I’m really busy.

“Then early in the year, I’m busy with the financial stuff.”

For more information, go to morethanorganizing.com. Call 608-3465074 to make an appointment.

lasted three months and some three years.

I’m trying to teach the kids ways to move forward in their lives and the skills needed in the real world like communication and teamwork.”

Weis said she has notebook where the workers can write out any grievances or issues they’ve come across and then they can bring it to her for discussion.

“I tell them to write it down first, so they can organize their thoughts and then we can talk about it,” she said. “It’s just something I’ve instituted here and it works. Writing things down helps, I always say we can only remember seven things,

after that you need to write it down.”

Java Jo’z features coffee, tea and special drinks along with sandwiches, snacks and bakery. The shop has indoor and outdoor seating, a drive through and a Little Free Library for anyone looking for something to read.

(Continued from page 3)

Weis said most of the cyclists who stop at the coffee shop do so on the weekends.

“If it’s nice out we can see a lot of bikers,” she said. “I get serious ones, all decked out in their equipment and I get more casual bikers, too. If the sun is shining, they’re out biking.”

The location of the bike trail helps bring in customers, but Weis said for her Java Jo’z is more of a community service than a moneymaker.

“We pretty much do break-even business here,” Weis said. “I look at it as a service to the community – a place to gather and relax.”

She said the hours of the business have been tailored to her customers, keeping in mind the fact that Waterford is a “sportsminded community” and opening early on the weekdays and closing by 8 p.m. each night.

“There’s no point in being open later,” Weis said. “I open at 5:30 a.m. on the weekdays and 7 a.m. on the weekends because that’s when people want to come.”

Weis said she also has given a lot of local kids their first job as another way to serve the community.

“I’m sure its well over 100 kids who got their starter jobs here,” she said. “Some

Java Jo’z Specialties is at 29134 Evergreen Drive, No. 400, Waterford.

Hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call 262-5144994 and find them on Facebook.

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Page 5

HEATHER RUENZ Women in Business

Interior designer Cindy Wilson, of Fontana, shows how a computer program allows her to load an architect’s design (screen on left) and transform it into a three-dimensional image (right) to help customers visualize how a space will look, from furniture to colors and fabrics.

Interior designer takes on jobs from

C

big to small

indy Wilson, an

By Heather interior designer Ruenz STAFF in Fontana, helps WRITER customers with a myriad of projects, whether it’s updating the look and layout of a home, remodeling or new construction – and she said there’s no limit on how small or large it can be.

“It’s really fun to spend time with people and, often, they can do a lot of things on their own so I help them stay focused on what they’re trying to accomplish,” Wilson said.

Wilson, who earned a fine arts degree at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, said she didn’t realize until later interior design was her calling.

“The school exposed me to all kinds of art – fine arts, printmaking, textiles and photography,” she said.

She met and married a man from Barcelona and lived in Spain for several years. When the marriage didn’t work out, she said, everything she had learned and

been exposed to led her to interior design.

“I knew I had to go back to school so went to Gateway Tech in Kenosha. They have a very fine interior design program but because I was a single mom with young kids, it took me about three years,” Wilson said.

She met and married, Peter Wilson, who recently passed away, and said deciding to start her own business was a challenge.

“Because my kids were still small, I hung out my own shingle and that’s a very hard way to go. I never would’ve done it without the schooling and background I had,” Wilson.

There are many levels of work people hire her for, beginning with something as simple as seeking her opinion.

“I offer ideas about what people can do by identifying what they’re not happy with in their current home,” she said.

On the other end of the spectrum, Wilson can work with architects or builders on new construction to ensure their home will be built to suit their

desires.

One tool Wilson uses allows her to load an architectural plan into her computer and transform it into a three-dimensional floor plan, offering a great visual for customers.

“It’s invaluable in showing people how things will look and fit into a room.

I can even go into the materials and apply fabrics, say a rug or chair and choose colors, patterns and so on,” she said.

Wilson said she always takes lighting into consideration, a vital aspect that can change everything about a space, and recommends manufacturers for cabinetry, furniture, fabrics and flooring by working with as many local resources as possible.

Wilson said there’s a shortage of people in the trades she works with.

“I wish kids understood how much we need people in skilled trades, seamstresses, carpenters, electricians, cabinetmakers.

Those people are so valuable in my business,” she said.

Wilson said one of the areas people can make changes is by reducing the amount of

items they have.

“The big issue is we accumulate things and keep adding them to what we already have. I like to help people find meaningful things to use. Things should blend, not match,” she said.

Wilson is licensed and certified and said she takes continuing education classes regularly to stay current.

Though she has a busy schedule, Wilson said she takes on as many customers as possible but if she doesn’t believe she’ll be able to dedicate the time a project deserves, she tries to offer recommendations.

“I have a lot of repeat customers, some who I worked with years ago that come back for a new project. I’m very flattered by that,” she said.

For more information about CB Wilson Interior Design call 262-275-1123 or visit cbwilsondesign.com. For photos of a few of Wilson’s design projects go to Houzz. com and search Cynthia B Wilson Interior Design.

Page 6

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Seamstress sees steady influx of clients

W

hether it’s altering a

By Tracy wedding dress or putting Ouellette in a new zipper on a EDITOR gun case, Burlington seamstress Beverly Meronek is never short on work in her basement sewing shop.

“I rarely turn away work,” she said. “It might take a bit to get to it, but I haven’t told people no much at all.”

Meronek, 62, has been sewing since she was in junior high school and has been doing alterations and repairs professionally since 1983.

“I worked other jobs during that time, but when I retired, this became my full-time job. Now that I’m retired I devote at least eight hours a day to it,” she said.

The work Meronek takes on is eclectic, ranging from the traditional hems to reconstructing formal wear to specialty work.

“I do men’s and women’s items; there’s no sex to these projects,” she said. “During the wedding season I get busy with formal wear, but I do things like reupholster car seats, and I hem a lot of pants.”

Meronek said she enjoys the interaction with her clients and the work they bring her.

“I just like talking to the people and doing their projects,” she said. “It’s kind of a pride thing; I do everything to the best of my ability and make sure the client is happy with it.”

She said communication with the clients was one of the most important parts of her business.

“I’ve had people bring me things from another seamstress and ask me to fix their work because it

wasn’t what they wanted, or they didn’t understand the work they were having done.

“I don’t ever want someone leaving here not knowing what I’m doing for them and I certainly don’t want them disappointed when they pick up their item.”

Meronek said she doesn’t have much time for sewing from scratch anymore, but she was OK with that as her clients came first.

“It’s my job now to take care of their sewing needs.

All they have to do it call me and tell me what they have and I can tell them if I can do it,” she said. “It’s not often I can’t do it.”

Meronek said she likes to keep her prices reasonable, like the $6.75 she charges to hem a pair of pants.

“I don’t want them to feel like they’re being gouged,” she said.

While Meronek keeps regular shop hours, she advises people to call first before heading on out.

“I might be with someone or I might run an errand, so if they call, we can set something up so I’m not at the bank when they’re at my door,” she said.

She advises clients that she works out of her home, and the sewing shop has a separate entrance with stairs to the home’s lower level.

Alterations, Repairs, Tailoring of Designs is at 7800 Hunters Lane, Burlington.

Appointments can be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, by calling 262-767-0249.

For more information, visit artofdesignsburlington. com.

TRACY OUELLETTE Women in Business

Beverly Meronek prepares to hem a pair of pants in her home shop Alterations, Repairs, Tailoring of Designs, at 7800 Hunters Lane in Burlington.

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2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Page 7

Sherry Leka, director at Circle of Friends Mission Thrift Shoppe in Elkhorn, sets up a display of home décor. The organization helps people throughout Walworth County. It relies on donations and is in particular need of new or gently used furniture and clothes.

HEATHER RUENZ Women in Business

A shop where it’s all about the mission Circle of Friends focuses on charity

Circle of Friends Mission Thrift Shoppe

By Heather in Elkhorn helps people throughout Ruenz Walworth County and relies on donations STAFF of new and gently used items to not only WRITER give to people in need, but also to sell and help pay overhead costs.

Sherry Leka, director at the 501(c)(3) organization, came to Circle of Friends after retiring from St. Vincent De Paul, where she served in several roles, from overseeing the food pantry and meal program to managing stores.

“I began helping out here after I retired,” Leka said.

“My last job was wonderful, but I spent a lot of time behind a desk doing paperwork. So, this has been great to be directly involved with helping people again.”

Circle of Friends gets referrals from a variety of sources, including school districts, Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter, Hope How, Community Action and the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center. Those people are sent to the thrift shop with a letter, which allows them to shop for what they need.

Leka said people don’t often realize just how great of a need there is.

“Just last year we gave away more than 200 beds, 100 couches, 2,000 clothing items, plus dishes, blankets and so on,” she said.

To be successful, Leka said Circle of Friends needs

donations and shoppers.

“Items are donated to us and we help people that get referred,” she said. “But to pay our bills, we rely on shoppers to come in and buy things.”

The items available vary but include clothes, shoes and boots, dishes, pots and pans and home décor. There is also a second location in Elkhorn that features furniture. Leka said some marketing is done – though there is room for more – by approaching retailers and asking for donations of discontinued or out-of-season items.

“We also have a medical equipment loan closet that’s very active,” she said.

Treated with respect

Leka said treating people in need with the respect they deserve is an important part of her mission.

“We pick and choose what we take because even people in need deserve nice things… and there are nice things out there to be donated if we can get the word out,” she said, clarifying that they take most of the clothing, shoes, purses and jewelry people want to donate.

“One thing people don’t always understand is that us having nicer things donated means they will sell for more,” she said. “That means we can help even more people, so we’re trying to spread the word that not only do we accept nice things, we’re in need of them.”

Leka, the only paid employee at Circle of Friends, said she relies heavily on volunteers and offers community service opportunities.

To keep the shop interesting, especially for regular shoppers, items are continuously rotated.

“It’s important to have new things all the time,” she said. “And items that don’t sell, eventually we recycle them. We have a baler, so they get baled and then sent all

over the country and beyond to help people in need.”

Leka said one of her goals is to find a location in Walworth County where everything can be under one roof.

“I would love nothing more than to see that happen,” she said.

How you can help

Basic items to be donated to Circle of Friends can be dropped off at the main store. Those wanting to donate furniture are asked to call Leka to discuss details about what types of items are needed and being accepted.

The organization also needs assistance with the trucking portion of its work.

“We have a box truck, but it needs a new motor and isn’t even paid off yet,” Leka said. “We have someone looking for a motor, but they haven’t found one yet. So if anyone has a motor that would be great.

“We’re also busy enough that we could use a second box truck,” she added. “That would be a big donation, but you never know.”

The last thing on Leka’s list of needs is a grant writer.

Though she has spoken with a few people who have the skills, she said in most cases they’re already working with an organization and often aren’t able to write more than one at a time.

“If anyone is a grant writer and is willing to step forward, that would be amazing,” she said.

Circle of Friends Mission Thrift Shoppe is at 23 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays. The furniture store is at 32 S. Wisconsin St. and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

For more information, call 262-723-8007 or follow on Facebook.

Page 8

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Meet Dr. Brown from Excel Family Chiropractic In February 2004, Dr. Donna Brown ventured out on her own, opening Excel Family Chiropractic and Wellness in Lake Geneva, after having worked as an associate at other chiropractic offices for nearly two decades.

Being married and raising four children, working part-time for other chiropractors was a good option.

As her family grew up, Brown decided it was time to open her own chiropractic office. She said her vision was to have an office where people could get excellent (thus the name, Excel), chiropractic care in an upbeat, friendly and fun setting, and at the same time, in an efficient and professional manner.

Brown says people are busy these days and do not want to spend 30 minutes at an appointment. She set up a system of care where people could be in and out in 10 to 20 minutes and still get “excellent” care.

Brown also said she believes that sometimes people need other or additional types of care besides chiropractic to reach their health goals. She made sure to have massage therapy, nutrition services, exercise instruction and lifestyle education available.

Brown said she believes teaching people how to take care of themselves is as important as a doctor taking care of them and her offices as “in-house” education on various topics to help people help

themselves and sometimes bring in outside speakers.

After owning her own business for the past 14 years, Brown said she has seen her vision become a reality. Today her office has two doctors, a nutritional consultant and four massage therapists.

This year will mark 35 years in practice, 20 as an associate and close to 15 as an owner.

Her words of advice for other women wanting to have their own business, or who already are owners, include making sure to have a crystal clear mission and vision of what you want and then surround yourself with great people who also care about the mission like you do.

She recommends having a coach or mentor to bounce ideas off of and be open to their suggestions.

“Times change and you have be adaptable and flexible enough to keep up or you will fall by the wayside. Continue to learn and grow in your field. Lastly, have fun,” Brown said.

Excel Family Chiropractic and Wellness is at 820 Geneva Parkway N, Suite 105 in Lake Geneva. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, 8 to 11 a.m.

Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call 262-2486700, visit www.excelfamilychiro.com and see the ad on the back page.

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2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Page 9

An upscale approach Clothing shop focuses on designer labels

outfitting them.”

The store carries clothing in junior, misses and women’s sizes so there’s something for everyone, Hodgson said.

“And it’s all the current stuff,” she added. “We only accept things from the past couple of seasons so we’ve have the latest fashions, which change so rapidly.”

The store will not accept sleepwear, formal wear or intimate apparel.

“We just don’t have the room,” Hodgson said.

When the store accepts something, a 90-day consignment is offered to the client, which will receive 40 percent of the sale price if it sells within the 90 days. At the end of the 90 days, Hodgson will mark the item down to try to move it, but if it doesn’t sell, it is then donated to one of several charities Hodgson works with.

“It might go to the Bottomless Closet in Milwaukee or Agape House in Walworth,” she said. “I also have a couple of churches that have a women’s closet the items can go to. People who bring in the stuff like that, it will go to someone in need if it doesn’t sell.”

Hodgson said she also likes the “green” aspect of repurposing the clothing.

“This stuff might end up in a landfill otherwise and I like that we can help the planet with that along with helping the people,” she said.

Hodgson said that while downtown Rochester might not seem like an ideal spot for a retail space, it has been good for her business.

“People don’t realize what a gem Rochester is and how much we have right here in this little area,” she said. “Women can come and really pamper themselves.

We have our shop, the children’s shop (Kinder Kloset), Hearts and Hands Massage, the Fox & Fork and Chances.

You can come out here for a full day with your girlfriends and just have fun and top it off with a nice meal. What more can you ask for?”

New To You Consignment Boutique is at 200 W. Main St., Rochester. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call 262-5347553.

TRACY OUELLETTE Women in Business

New to You Consignment Boutique owner Maggie Hodgson with some of the spring fashions and accessories available at her Rochester consignment shop.

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ff the beaten

By Tracy path, in a small Ouellette storefront in EDITOR Rochester, sits a gem of a find for women looking to purchase department store quality items at discount prices.

The New To You Consignment Boutique, which has been around for more than two decades, offers a wide variety of popular labels in clothing, jewelry, purses and shoes.

“We’re a whole mall in one spot,” owner Maggie Hodgson said. “We’re mostly upscale with labels like Ann Taylor, J. Jill, Talbots, Chico’s and more. The boutique stuff.”

Hodgson said the store only accepts brand-name clothing on consignment, turning away discount store items from places like Walmart and Target.

“There are some Kohl’s brands we won’t take as well,” she added.

The storefront on Rochester’s Main Street has been home to the consignment shop since 2002.

“Originally we were next to the children’s shop on Front Street (in Rochester),” Hodgson said.

The store was opened in 1997 by a friend of Hodgson’s.

“She was a really good friend and I partnered with her in 2000 and then she moved and I took over in 2001. We moved here a year later,” Hodgson said.

The store does a brisk business throughout the year and some days are quite hectic, but Hodgson said that’s what makes it so much fun.

“It can get quiet on some days, but then the next day it’s just crazy, so it all works out. We’re doing OK.” Hodgson said she adds Sunday hours on the schedule during her busiest time of the year, which is fall.

“People just seem to want to shop more then and we tested the waters and it worked out,” she said.

Hodgson said her favorite part of owning the store is the interaction with her consigners and customers.

“They become like family,” she said.

“And we just love to dress our customers.

They come in and tell us what they’re looking for and we just have a blast

Page 10

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

A bit of history of In eighth grade, Beth Tumas’ prophecy was to be the next “Julie” on the “Love Boat,” always having a desire to entertain and make an opportunity for people to have fun, this was always a secret desire of hers.

Marrying early in life and living in many states as a military wife only allowed this dream to fester – unless she was hosting events for families and working on events.

Life moved on and Tumas found herself in Walworth County. She started a job in the wine business as with a wine distributor – despite no formal training or knowledge of the wine world.

The men who hired her believed in her and Tumas took the territory from 10 active accounts to more than 165 after a little more than 10 years. Tumas loved her job and helping stores and restaurants in the area build their businesses. She helped create events, sales and increase sales. All fun to Tumas!

One day she went into an account. David Biegemann created “Pop More Corks” from the ground up. He had a reputation for knowing wine and helping people to find something new, however due to health concerns, it was time to retire. He invited Tumas to purchase his shop.

This was a huge compliment and took Tumas by surprise. After careful consideration and a lot of thought and prayer, Tumas accepted that this was the chance she was looking for. It was her opportunity to take the love of sales, wine and the prophecy of being “Julie.”

She personally negotiated the deal and on Aug. 4, 2015, Tumas took ownership of the turn-key operation.

David had done much of the difficult legwork to create a successful business, but because of his health, wasn’t able to continue the shop he once dreamed of. He set Tumas up for success, now it was up to her to make it happen.

Work was started immediately to create a shop that people could find unique wines, beer, craft spirits, sodas, cheeses and gift items. Adding an event calendar with events from music, art displays, wine dinners, local crafter

Wine Bar

Wines by the Glass Wine Flights Bottles of wine to enjoy in our lounge Wine Sampling Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Delivery Service Available

The Bottle Shop Beth Tumas, owner of The Bottle Shop, serves a customer at the Lake Geneva location.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Women in Business

market in the summer and more has added to the ambiance of the shop.

Today, The Bottle Shop has grown its beer by more than 300 percent, the wines went from 150-plus bottles to 800-plus different wines and offers custom gift baskets.

“Our wine flights, which change weekly have become a favorite of the customer and have allowed people to try new wines that they wouldn’t have tried,” Tumas said.

“We have a complimentary wine sampling on Saturday for everyone to try before they buy. Our Shop and Patio are Lake Geneva’s best-kept secret!”

The staff at the shop is primarily women who all take pride in their work, Tumas said.

Retail Store Wine Beer Craft Spirits Gift Items

Running the shop is a full-time plus job, but Tumas said she never feels as if she is working because this is her passion.

“The shop has become a place where people make it the first stop coming into town, a place where they feel comfortable, a place where there are always events going on and a place that provides fun to all,” Tumas said.

The Bottle Shop is in downtown Lake Geneva at 617 W. Main St. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit the bottleshoplakegenvea. com and see their ad below.

Lounge & Patio Comfortable seating for relaxing Lounge - 2 fireplaces Patio - weather permitting

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617 W. Main Street • Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (half block east of Starbucks)

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Vet says job is never boring 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Page 11

New therapies, clients keep things fresh

After more than 30 years

By Jason in veterinary medicine, Dr. Arndt Mary Sue Lux of Westosha STAFF Veterinary Hospital in WRITER Kenosha County still finds satisfaction in her position, and is always learning new therapies.

Lux, who started as an employee of the full-service clinic in 1986, climbed the ladder and eventually took ownership.

In 2015, Westosha Veterinary Hospital moved from the former Village of Silver Lake to the 26851 75th St. in the Village of Salem Lakes.

Although the location changed, Lux’s passion and her love of animals still remains.

“I love my job because I am never bored,” she said. “There are always interesting cases and people.”

Some interesting cases included surgery on a toad and a frog, splints on fractured bones for birds, and even treatment of squirrels and opossums.

Clinical services

At the clinic, however, Lux said her team of 25 people, including five veterinarians, mainly see dogs and cats.

The staff sometimes helps rabbits, but not as often, she said.

Westosha Veterinary offers a wide array of services.

Dr. Mary Sue Lux

Services include wellness appointments, which consists of parasite preventions and blood panels, along with surgery, internal medicine diagnostics and treatment, dental cleanings and extractions, and skin care.

Surgery includes spay and neuter, as well as soft tissue, such as bladder stone

removal, splenectomies, lump removals and wound repair.

“We are open until 8 p.m. four nights a week, which is very convenient for our customers,” she said.

Along with traditional services, within the last five years, Westosha Veterinary Hospital has added others, like acupuncture and Chinese medicine and laser therapy.

According to Lux, acupuncture is most popular among owners who have older dogs.

“Acupuncture is fairly popular. The most common use for it is for older dogs that are having trouble walking and with spinal issues as well,” Lux said.

Laser therapy, she said, is used after surgery and dental treatments to expedite healing.

“It is also used for orthopedic conditions,” she said. “We bought our laser machine in 2014.”

Additionally, the clinic introduced a house calls service for feline wellness appointments.

The house calls, according to Lux, help reduce the cat’s stress level.

“Many cats are very anxious and stressed traveling to the vet office,” she said.

Considering animals are under distress when they arrive to the clinic, Lux’s team

promotes fear-free techniques, and looks to keep them comfortable.

Techniques include using stressreducing pheromones and separate rooms for cats and dogs.

The clinic also offers food treats during exams, like dried liver and peanut butter.

“We go through a lot of peanut butter,” she said.

Commitment to community

Through her 32 years of practicing medicine, Lux continues to learn new therapies, which keeps her passion ignited.

“I still like to learn new therapies and find it very rewarding to see a pet get better,” she said. “I have known some clients for many years and now their children are coming through with their pets.”

The families have varying commitments to caring for their pets, both in time and finances, she said.

“It depends more on the economy and the individual situation of the owner,” she said. “Everyone is different with varying commitments to their pets.”

“Many consider their pets to be important family members,” added Lux. As she helps families, Lux also contributes to the community, like

See VET, Page 13

Going to the dogs

Retired firefighters create successful grooming, day care service

When they opened their dogBy Heather grooming business in 2005, Dan and Ruenz Lucy Knull had no idea it would grow STAFF into what it is today.

WRITER “Dan decided he wanted to do something with animals so we started the grooming business in our basement three days a week,” Lucy said of their business, Pampered Pup. Both she and her husband were firefighter/ paramedics with Dan retiring in 2005 and Lucy quitting her job less than two years later. Also in 2005, Dan graduated from the Wisconsin School of Professional Pet Grooming – a course that featured more than 600 hours of hands-on, practical grooms and written exams in theory, anatomy, physiology and canine diseases.

Once Lucy was on-board full time, the couple expanded with a mobile grooming van, which allowed them to travel to customers’ homes and groom dogs on-site. Lucy also began pet sitting at clients’ homes in Elkhorn.

In 2009, Pampered Pup had grown enough to move from the Knull’s basement into its current location on West Evergreen Parkway.

But the business wasn’t done growing.

“Our customers asked for day care and lodging options so we added that. Our lodging includes day care so the dogs aren’t in kennel all the time – they’re off-leash, playing with staff and other dogs,” Lucy said.

She said the rough winter that hit the area several years ago helped the day care portion of the business.

“We had two mobile grooming vans then but had to cancel a lot of appointments because we couldn’t keep the vans warm enough,” she said. “So, we turned those bays into what is now the day care area.”

Grooming at Pampered Pup, which only serves dogs, includes baths, long hair trims and a brush out – or style, for dogs with longer hair, and nail trims.

Doggie Daycare allows dog owners to drop off their pet in the morning and pick it up midday or early evening. Clients can pay by the day, however price breaks are offered in a variety of packages.

Lucy said an assessment is done for any new dogs whose owner wants to place them in day care.

“The only situation where there’s a limitation is if the dog is aggressive,” she said.

Once part of the program, she said, the dogs are grouped together based on a number of factors.

“We base it on size, temperament and energy level. Some dogs, usually the younger ones, want to run around, play ball and chase each other,” Lucy said. “But the older or more relaxed dogs want to walk around and lay in the shade.”

There are no restrictions on the lodging offered.

It can be for one night to an extended stay, common when the dog’s owner is going on vacation.

A typical day care or lodging routine includes breakfast, several outdoor breaks, morning and afternoon activities such as ball fetching and chase me games, afternoon nap, and dinner.

See GROOMING, Page 13

HEATHER RUENZ Women in Business

Amber Bartz, Pampered Pup’s client services manager, trims a dog’s hair in the grooming area of the Elkhorn pet care business.

Page 12

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Page 13

STOCK PHOTO Women in Business

Women are leaving careers in the United States at a faster pace than other countries. Family, financial flexibility needs rank high on reasons why.

Women declining in workforce At its peak in 1999, the American workforce was dominated by female workers. At that time, 76 percent of women, including those who had children at home, worked outside of the home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The tides have since shifted, and rates of female employment in the United States now fall well behind many European countries. Economic woes, a short supply of middle-class jobs and minimal family leave may have prompted the changes.

According to a study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University, single women without children have actually driven the

•Vet

(Continued from page 11) donating services to the Twin Lakes Police Department K9 program and Peesh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Salem Lakes.

Keeping a pet healthy

As warm weather arrives, Lux offers customers suggestions on how to keep their animals healthy and safe.

“Keep your pets on parasite prevention.

Ticks are everywhere,” she said.

“Mosquitoes will be out in full force, transmitting heart worm disease.”

“All pets should be on prevention, even

turnaround. Technology and international outsourcing have removed many low-skill, well-paying jobs from the workforce.

Wages for work in healthcare services, laundry and social assistance – jobs dominated by women – have remained relatively stagnant for years. Despite this, the cost of living has steadily crept up.

Other households tout the high cost of childcare and the relatively small amount of maternity leave allowed in the United States as reasons why they haven’t returned to the workforce after having children. The economic analysis resource The Upshot, powered by The New York Times, reports that many

if they don’t go outside,” she said, adding prevention includes protection against fleas.

Owners are advised caution in intense heat conditions.

“Be careful in the heat with your dog, especially older dogs and dogs with short noses. Dogs can only cool off by panting.”

Westosha Veterinary Hospital operates 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information, visit www. westoshavet.com or call 262-843-4271.

American companies give 12 weeks of maternity leave (largely unpaid), while most European countries give a year of paid leave and offer protections for parttime workers who want to return to the workforce.

According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, and France now outrank the U.S. in prime-age women’s labor force participation.

The role women play as caregivers, not only for their own children or spouses, but for aging parents, also may be contributing to females dropping out of the labor force.

•Grooming

A chronic-needs family member, such as a parent with dementia, can take away focus from employment. This can quickly result in a loss of a job.

Employers interested in keeping talented women in the workforce can change corporate policies to reflect changes in modern society, including higher divorce rates, college debt and the higher cost of living. Flexibility in schedules, modernized work environments that focus on mobile connectivity from home and lack of negative repercussions for needing family time can help keep talented female employees working.

(METRO CREATIVE)

(Continued from page 11)

Pet sitting is still offered to clients in Elkhorn, and is a suitable option for dogs that may experience increased anxiety when taken out of their home or are around other dogs.

Pampered Pup has 3,000 total customers, according to Lucy, and while day care and lodging are generally available at any time, she said grooming appointments are currently about a month out.

In addition to the services offered, the store sells a variety of high quality dog

food, treats, grooming supplies and toys and accessories.

There are currently 12 employees but Lucy said they’re always accepting applications for more help.

“We’re always looking for more people that love animals,” Lucy said.

Pampered Pup is at 201 W. Evergreen Pkwy, Elkhorn. For more information call 262-723-BARK (2275), visit pamperedpupspa.com or follow Pampered Pup Spa, Daycare and Lodging on Facebook.

Page 14

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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New owners give it a go 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Page 15

Garden center work runs in the family for Thomases

G

ardeners who

By Tracy might have Ouellette EDITOR been dismayed when 3D Greenhouses and Gifts closed in Mukwonago last year can rest easy with the opening of Thomas’ Greenhouse and Gardens in the same location.

Jennifer Thomas, owner of the new garden center, said talks with ProHealth, which owns the land, began almost as soon as 3D announced its closure.

“Our lease started in January and we’ve been working hard ever since to get things ready for the planting season,” Thomas said.

Thomas is leasing 12 acres total with about 5 or 6 of them are in operation at the moment.

Thomas grew up around greenhouses with her father running a gardening center for about 45 years.

“And now my son’s working with it, so we’re third generation in the business,” she said.

Thomas’ husband is also a long-time gardener with 25 years of experience in the business and has been instrumental in getting everything planted for the season.

“Of course we’re the owners and we’re biased, but it’s just awesome,” Jennifer Thomas said. “We grow almost all of our own flowers and perennials even for the baskets, which we have in every shape and size.

“To see all we’ve accomplished, especially in our first year, it’s very exciting. We’ve had a few growing pains, and we’ve learned from them. It’s different growing at this level.”

The gardening center runs eight full greenhouses and offers a large variety of flowers and plants.

The Thomases gave the retail space a full makeover when they came in and stocked it from top to bottom with everything a garden enthusiast could want.

“We’re really excited about the different things we have here,” Jennifer Thomas said. “And if someone is looking for something specific that they don’t see, we want them to let us know and we’ll get it in. We want our customers to have a good experience.

“They might be looking for something 3D had and we don’t, so we want to be able to get it for them.”

too,” Jennifer Thomas said. “We’ll have live and artificial trees, Christmas shopping, wreaths, all the greens people use, ornaments, poinsettias and more.”

As part of the greenhouse’s community outreach, Jennifer Thomas said she’s been working with Next Step Life Coach

Connie Lelivelt in Waterford and giving the students an opportunity to work at the garden center. The students, who Jennifer Thomas said are “differently abled” have been putting in hours all winter and spring.

“They’ve been a huge help,” Thomas

said. “We’ve had them planting, tagging, pricing, anything they can do. We love having them.”

Thomas’ Greenhouse and Gardens is at S108 W28220 Maple Ave., Mukwonago.

For more information, call 262-363-3807 and find them on Facebook.

Plans for the future

Jennifer Thomas said the garden center is also ramping up to offer workshops and community events.

“We plan on having one or two workshops a month, starting in June,” she said. “In addition to that, we want to host a winter market because people like farmers markets all year round and we don’t have something like that in this area.”

Other activities on the planning board include a ladies night, classes on succulent planting in containers, Christmas classes and more.

“We’ll be fully stocked for the holidays

TRACY OUELLETTE Women in Business

Jennifer Thomas, owner of Thomas’ Greenhouse and Gardens in Mukwonago, is ready to help customers. Thomas opened the greenhouse this year in the former 3D Greenhouses and Gifts on Maple Avenue, which closed last September.

Page 16

2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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