It's Your Business — Spring 2011

SPRING 2011

A directory of stories about local businesses

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‘Do the right thing’ It’s not just a personal creed for Chris Clark of Clark’s Tire and Automotive — he’s betting his business on it. PAGES 8-9

2 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

Why read these stories?

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Featured Story

Clark’s Tire and Automotive ■

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Community and Education

Liberty Lake Children’s Academy Zephyr Lodge (ad) Liberty Lake Learning Center Go Liberty Lake Guide ■

Food and Dining

R’nR Clubhouse Ormond Valley Apiaries

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ometimes, you can hear the same words grouped the same way so often they begin to lose their meaning, slithering without notice through the brain like white noise.

What once carried a vital message, with repetition may become a sleepy saying, another sound machine setting joining the monotonous chorus of chirping birds, crashing waves and mindless static.

Once a year, our staff puts together a publication that attempts to prevent this fate from befalling the phrase, “buy local.” You’re holding it in your hands.

It’s Your Business is a storytelling venture. The thinking is that when neighbors learn more about each other — and about each other’s businesses — a true sense of community is

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achieved. We all begin to see ourselves as part of the story of this slice of earth we share as our collective home.

This third annual section of advertorials are intended to help local businesses share information about themselves in a traditional story format. We simply ask you to read it.

We think you’ll learn some wonderful things about your neighbors, and we hope the end result is that you will be further motivated to support local goods and services.

This project is an effort to remind readers that buying local is not an old-fashioned, sentimental concept.

It’s actually at the center of a healthy and vibrant community. Local businesses contribute to our economic vitality, providing services and funding to maintain and advance our quality of

life. In turn, a healthy community provides a safe and desirable haven for its residents. This cycle completes when these residents — you — support local businesses.

I truly believe the success of our community, from Post Falls to Liberty Lake to Spokane Valley, is not just his business or her business or their business.

It’s my business, and it’s yours.

May the stories in the pages that follow excite you anew about being an active member of our unparalleled community.

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Health and Wellness

Family Medicine LL/Healthy Living LL/ Medicine Man Pharmacy 5 Therapeutic Moon Massage 6-7 Liberty Lake Family & Sports Medicine 7 North Idaho Dermatology 10-11 Lakeside Vision PLLC 12 Intelligent Balance Spinal Care 12 Rockwood Clinic (ad) 13 Life Care Center of Post Falls 14 ■

Services

Clark’s Tire and Automotive Karen Does My Hair Get the 411 LLC The Wave Wittkopf Landscape Supplies Andrean Accounting Dorsey Auto Sales

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PUBLISHER

Josh Johnson EDITOR

Tammy Kimberley CONTRIBUTOR

Frank Cruz-Aedo ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Janet Pier

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Josh Johnson

Sarah Burk

Local resident. Local business owner.

Local consumer.

It’s Your Business is a directory of business advertorials published by Peridot Publishing LLC of Liberty Lake. The mission of the publication is to provide a platform on which local businesses and local consumers can connect through the power of story. All of the content in the publication was directed, approved and paid for by the participating businesses and organizations in collaboration with the Peridot special projects team.

2310 N. Molter Rd., Ste. 305 Liberty Lake 99019 509-242-7752 www.libertylakesplash.com

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 3

Academy expands to extend learning to more children As owner of Liberty Lake Children’s Academy, Teri Finch has seen her business grow — in class offerings, student bodies and building sizes — during the past seven years. To accommodate the current growth spurt, the preschool is opening a new facility next fall across the parking lot from its current location.

Affectionately called “Miss Teri” by her Pre-K students, Miss Teri said she attributes the success of the academy to the passion of her wonderful, educated staff and parents who have a desire for a quality program to help children get their first taste of excitement for learning.

After staying home to raise her three children, Miss Teri said she always knew she wanted to return to her degree in child development and family relations. By the time her third

Liberty Lake Children’s Academy

Description: An enjoyable, safe and secure program for preschoolers ages 2 to 5 Current location: 1327 N. Stanford Lane, Liberty Lake

Teri Finch (far left) credits parents and staff at Liberty Lake Children’s Academy for the preschool’s continued growth. child was ready for preschool in 2004, she decided to start her own business with a class in the basement of her home. Seven children attended the first year, and by 2007 she was running three classes a week in what was then known as 3’s Cool Academy.

The interest for an academic preschool experience with her teaching style only grew, Miss Teri said, so she moved the

school out of her home to the Stanford Lane location. There she was able to meet the needs of families looking for a program that would focus on their child’s development and prepare them to be successful in kindergarten.

After four years at the current location, Miss Teri said the demand for a quality preschool program continues with waiting lists that contain “babies in bel-

Moving to: 1322 N. Stanford Lane, Liberty Lake For more: 509-922-6360 or www.libertylakechildrens academy.com

lies” and extend out to the fall of 2014. The new 3,500-squarefoot facility will allow up to four more classes to be formed.

4 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

Peters: a master educator Joan Peters, owner of The Liberty Lake Learning Center, has an extensive background in educating at-risk youth, special needs students and school-age students. With 20-plus years experience, Peters has a Master of Arts in Teaching from USF and has been a reading specialist for 15 years. She specializes in dyslexia, dysgraphia, visionrelated learning problems and auditory processing disorders.

Her reading method is scientifically-based, proven, effective and has been evaluated as “one of the best reading methods around.” Peters will soon publish a book, “The Letter, Sound, Syllable Approach: A Comprehensive Reading Method for All Learners.” She has also developed an effective math method to be published as well.

Peters has a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from

Liberty Lake Learning Center

Description: Expertise and broad training teaching math, reading, writing and piano.

Location: Liberty Lake For more: 509-954-5378 or www.thelibertylakelearningcenter.com

USC’s School of Music and is a classically trained pianist. She has been playing the piano 37 years and studied with master teachers John Perry, Daniel Pollack and Ilana Vered. She offers private piano lessons, which she has taught for 25 years.

Partnered with the city of Liberty Lake’s recreation department, Peters is able to offer her expertise in teaching reading, writing, math and piano at affordable rates. Parents and students love her programs.

Go LL Guide provides info on local destinations, events

With information on events, recreational opportunities, destinations and regional attractions, the Go Liberty Lake Guide is used by residents and visitors to discover what the surrounding area has to offer. This publication was awarded first place in the 2010 Best Tourism/Community Guide by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

The next guide will be distributed to all local residents in the spring via The Splash newspaper and also delivered to tourists via the website and area tourist destinations. Advertising opportunities are available by contacting 2427752 or janet@libertylakesplash.com by April 22.

Go Liberty Lake Guide

Description: Guide to events and destinations in Liberty Lake and the surrounding area Distribution: May 2011 For more: 509-242-7752 or www.golibertylake.com

Dealership offers dine in Yes, it’s an RV dealership with a cafe, serving everything from hot coffee to warm soups and fresh-made sandwiches.The R’nR Clubhouse, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., allows visitors to check out RVs, then sit down to a great and affordable lunch. Burgers, sandwiches and salads!

R’nR Clubhouse

Description: A yummy cafe at the region’s largest RV dealership, open for lunch.

Location: 23203 E. Knox in Liberty Lake For more: 509-927-9000 or www.rnrrv.com

r’nr Clubhouse, located at the rV dealership, offers lunch in a ‘50s style diner.

Beekeeper gears up for spring Ormond Valley Apiaries will soon begin another year of honey production as the spring blossoms appear. Many people already know the healing properties and medicinal value of raw honey. The honey from Ormond Valley Apiaries is not only great for your health, but the taste is truly one-of-a-kind!

Ormond Valley Apiaries

Description: Local Beekeeper sells pure, raw honey and 100% beeswax products.

Location: Liberty Lake Farmers Market and Otis Orchards For more: 509-921-5778 or ehmazurik@gmail.com

Where’s your story?

The next edition of It’s Your Business may be out in August. Reserve your space at a 10% discount if you contact Janet Pier at 509-242-7752 or janet@libertylakesplash.com by April 15.

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 5

Duo teams up for one-stop healthcare Dr. Ashley and pharmacist Amini build wellness destination for LL Dr. Susan Ashley and pharamacist John Amini are both passionate, both on top of their field and both Liberty Lake residents ecstatic about providing one-stop medical care to the community they love. Through three businesses operated at 23801 E. Appleway Ave., Ashley and Amini partner to help residents achieve optimum health and wellness.

Family Medicine Liberty Lake

Family Medicine Liberty Lake

Description: Full-range medical care practice of Dr. Susan Ashley.

Location: 23801 E. Appleway For more: 509-928-6700

Medicine Man Pharmacy

Description: Pharmacy owned

Dr. Susan Ashley and pharmacist John Amini, both Liberty Lake residents, partner to provide everything from “nutraceuticals” to a medically supervised weight loss program at their Heartland Mall businesses, 23801 E. Appleway Ave.

Dr. Ashley is finishing her board certification in anti-aging, including cures and ways to extend a higher quality life.

So huge is this topic that acclaimed anti-aging advocate and celebrity spokesperson Suzanne Somers is behind it and lists Dr. Ashley and John Amini on her website.

care, treats infants through seniors and specializes in bioidentical hormones. The practice celebrated its one-year anniversary in February.

“We like to get to know the whole family, and we’ll never turn you away if you need to be seen same day,” Dr. Ashley says.

“We can now measure something called your telomeres and predict longevity,” Dr. Ashley explains. “The longer your telomeres, the longer you live. But as we age, our telomeres shorten.”

Medicine Man Pharmacy has been open at its Liberty Lake location for 10 years. Amini has seen most of them, including the past four years as owner.

Despite its longevity, Amini says many people don’t realize some of his pharmacy’s unique aspects, including that it’s the only fully certified compounding lab in the region.

“We are a pharmacy, but what many may not know is that we’re also specialists, not just general practitioners,” he says. “We are specialists in natural products, hormone balancing and veterinarian medicine.”

Quality and patient confidence are vital to Amini.

“We produce the top of the

An extensive article on telomeres was featured in the Wall Street Journal last year, and none other than Oprah Winfrey is always talking about things to do to age beautifully.

“At Family Medicine Liberty Lake, we can measure your micronutrients and tell you specifically what you’re missing,” Dr. Ashley says. “This can be checked yearly (so you stay on top of your game).”

Family Medicine Liberty Lake is open five days a week, accepts walk-ins and Medi-

Medicine Man Pharmacy

top,” he continues. “There are three categories of nutraceuticals, and the majority of what is available is the lowest grade.

Our clinic carries only the purest grade.”

Nutraceutical, a term combining the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” is a product that provides health and medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. The growth of nutraceuticals in the United States has corresponded with the aging baby-boomer population.

Dr. Ashley added that Medicine Man is developing a cream that will flush out aluminum and mercury levels following immunizations and shots. She says this is one reason the pharmacy’s certified lab is a big deal.

Healthy Living Liberty Lake Healthy Living Liberty Lake is Dr. Ashley’s weight-loss clinic located right next door, in Eclectic Gifts’ former space.

Healthy Living Liberty Lake is a medically supervised program built around balancing hormones and providing sup-

by John Amini R.Ph, CNPS, CCS specializing in natural products, hormones and veterinarian medicine.

Location: Celebrating 10 years at 23801 E. Appleway For more: 509-755-3333

Healthy Living Liberty Lake

Description: Weight-loss

clinic using science, balancing hormones and HCG with no severe calorie restrictions.

Location: 23801 E. Appleway For more: 509-924-6199 plements to remove many of the roadblocks to weight loss.

“We offer a one-hour consult and use what’s called a PACE workout,” explains Dr. Ashley.

“While eating even a little less is helpful, most of us can benefit enormously if we consume supplements before meals that impede calorie absorption and favorably influence internal regulators of fat storage.”

Weight-loss will be an upcoming topic as Amini and Dr. Ashley launch monthly health seminars. The first seminar, April 12 at 6:30 p.m., is called “Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women.” The cost is $20. Call 928-6700 to RSVP.

6 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

Massage therapist promotes health and healing After massage alleviated pain from a series of injuries, Stephen Luna knew he wanted to help others obtain the same relief from neck, shoulder and back pain.

Therapeutic Moon Massage

Description: Licensed and certified massage therapist Stephen Luna provides both therapeutic and relaxing massage at his practice.

He started giving massages to family members and friends and then decided to attend school to pursue it as a career.

Luna’s dream of helping others took another step when he set up his Liberty Lake practice, Therapeutic Moon Massage, in June of last year.

Location: 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 108, Liberty Lake

For more: 509-924-4443 or www.therapeuticmoon massage.com Established: June 2010

With a medically proven method of healing, Luna said his passion is to help people recover from injuries and stress.

“I love the feeling I receive when I can effectively reduces someone’s pain and aid in their recovery,” he said.

Benefits of massage While many believe massage to be an item of indulgence, Luna said studies have shown massage to have a variety of benefits for a person’s physical and mental health.

“People think of massage as pampering yourself, but it has health benefits for other areas of the body as well,” he said.

Massage can reduce stress, Luna said, which is a contributing factor in many illnesses.

When a person is under stress, the body releases a hormone called Cortisol that destroys

Style specialties: Swedish,

Jin-Shin Do, Deep Tissue, Prenatal and Infant/Toddler

Stephen Luna, owner of Therapeutic Moon Massage, uses an Anatometer to measure a client’s posture during an initial exam. This is one of the screening methods Stephen uses to determine a client’s customized care plan. cells necessary for immunity. A simple 15-minute chair massage can help reduce Cortisol levels, he said, and boost the body’s immunity.

Luna said massage also contributes to correct muscle function. Sensors that transmit to the spinal cord and brain sometimes malfunction and cause muscles to remain in a contracted state, he explained. An example of this is when you notice your shoulders are raised without you intentionally doing it. Massage helps to reset the sensors, re-

storing muscles to their healthy state while flushing out toxins that cause sore muscles.

Additionally, massage can reduce the frequency of migraines, provide relief for back pain for pregnant mothers, alleviate the nausea, pain and fatigue for chemotherapy patients and help those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

What to expect All new patients receive a diagnostic exam to determine if there is any structural dam-

Stephen Luna, LMP Born and raised: Tempe, Ariz.

What led to his career: Stephen was introduced to massage during high school. Since he played the largest drum on the drum line, his father would give him massages after

performances to relieve the pain from carrying the large drum. He later received massage as part of chiropractic care after injuries and decided to pursue massage as a career. He completed his studies to become a massage therapist in 2010.

Hobbies: Percussion, billiards,

age that needs to be addressed, Luna said.

On your first visit, Luna performs a functional leg check on the patient to determine any discrepancies in leg length.

Uneven leg length is a warning that there may be a partial dislocation of the spine, he said, which could be the cause of the patient’s muscle pain.

He also does a test on the neck to determine if there is interference in the nervous system and uses an Anatometer

See MASSAGE, page 7 choral singing, archery and shooting.

Family: A resident of Liberty Lake, Stephen and his wife, Sariah, love spending time with their son, Samuel. They look forward to welcoming another child into their family next month.

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 7

Dr. Manson works, volunteers in community LIBERTY LAKE — A steady presence in the community and friendly, familiar faces have been key to making Liberty Lake F a m ily and Sports Medicine one of the longestrunning physician’s ofDR. MANSON fices in the area, Dr. Timothy Manson says. Dr. Manson opened his practice 11 years ago. It remains in the same location with consistent staff and a passion for volunteering in area athletics.

Although the practice moved to a different floor in the building in 2009, patients continued

to be welcomed by familiar faces of Dr. Manson’s staff. For nine years, Patti has served as patient care coordinator, and Lisa has served three years as a certified medical assistant. Dr. Manson’s wife, Shelly, also works as office manager in addition to keeping track of their two children.

The only dually certified sports and family medicine physician in Liberty Lake, Dr. Manson puts his expertise to use by volunteering at local sporting events. To encourage youth exercise and activity, Dr. Manson performs sports physicals for Pop Warner with all proceeds donated to the league.

He has been the team physician for the East Valley High School wrestling and football teams as well as the North Idaho College wrestling team for 12 years. From November

MASSAGE

Description: Dr. Timothy Manson was the first family medicine and is the only sports medicine physician in Liberty Lake.

Established: May 2000 Of note: Dr. Manson feels the greatest compliment you can give is trusting your family’s healthcare to him.

Location: 2207 N. Molter, Suite 101, Liberty Lake For more: 509-921-7755

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you should see your doctor about today,” Dr. Manson said. “Yearly physicals assure patients of their good health or sometimes find suspicious concerns sooner rather than later.”

With a father who is an Air Force veteran, a younger brother in the Air Force and an older brother who served in the Marine Corps, Luna said helping those who serve our country is of utmost importance to him.

to find any postural distortions throughout the body. If there are any issues, he recommends the patient to an upper cervical doctor for a free, in-depth consultation.

Using these screening tools, Luna creates a customized care plan for each patient. He is trained in various massage methods, but Swedish, Jin-Shin Do, Deep Tissue, Pre-natal and

Dr. Manson offers office hours on Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The practice welcomes patients from birth to maturity.

Dr. Manson encourages people to take action before medical problems arise by scheduling yearly physicals.

Liberty Lake Family & Sports Medicine

Massage bene�its military members

Continued from page 6

“If these test results come back positive, it tells me there is structural and soft tissue damage,” Luna said. “If it’s not corrected, further damage will happen to the muscular, skeletal and nervous system.”

to February, Dr. Manson can be found at wrestling tournaments throughout the Pacific Northwest. He has served as the medical director for the WIAA Mat Classic Tournament for four years.

Stephen Luna is trained in a variety of massage techniques. He established his Liberty Lake practice in June 2010.

That’s why he offers services at half price to members of the military as well as their spouses for life. In the past, he has even given complimentary massages to

military for Veterans Day. Massage can help military personnel recover from soft tissue injuries and the physical traumas the body endures, Luna said. He has researched the role massage can play in helping people cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and takes pride in offering his knowledge and services to military members.

Infant/Toddler are his specialties.

Luna said his massages start with a light pressure to prepare

Mention this article and receive one of the following deals: Buy one massage, get one 30% off OR Buy two massages, get one free Valid only on massage lengths of 60 min. or longer

muscles and then gradually progress to Deep Tissue massage. Following the Deep Tissue work, he said he gradually flows back to light pressure which helps muscles relax after the

Deep Tissue work.

He welcomes people to drop by the office or to schedule a session to discover how massage can become a regular part of their healthcare.

8 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

Betting on integrity

 Clark’s Tire and

Automotive was founded on the belief that if you do the right thing, success will follow. Success is following.

VERADALE — It was while going to school to be a police officer that Chris Clark’s side job steered into his true calling.

“I always wanted to help people my whole life, and I thought that would be as a cop or fireman,” he said. “I went to work for Les Schwab in 1991 while taking law enforcement classes, and I found fulfillment making sure people don’t break down or have a problem.

It was just another avenue I could take.”

Clark didn’t look back, and two decades later he is operating his own tire and automotive shop based on that original premise: helping people.

Customers like Liberty Lake’s Bob Petersen have taken notice. Petersen took all of his automotive needs to Clark back when he was a manager for a different company. He

Clark’s Tire and Automotive

Description: Complete automotive repair, maintenance, parts and advice marked by friendly neighborhood service.

Location: 16010 E. Sprague Ave., Veradale News flash: In January, Clark’s

SuBMiTTED PHOTO

Technician gordon kacalek works on a vehicle recently. followed him when he opened a new Lloyd’s Tire and Automotive location in August 2009, and stuck by when Clark bought out his business partner a year later, changing the name to Clark’s Tire and Automotive.

“I’d say that his approach of making sure the customer gets taken care of and that they feel like it’s always a fair deal is kind of cornerstone to his growth that he’s experienced and the comfort I have in taking him my business,” Petersen said.

“He considers the core of his business to be his customers and his employees. … He feels like the viability and financial

was given the 2010 Award of Excellence by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce as its small business of the year. Clark’s is also a finalist for a similar award from Greater Spokane Inc.

side of his business won’t be a huge challenge if he can keep it growing by taking care of his customers.”

Above and beyond: Customer

To hear Clark talk about his business philosophy, phrases like “doing the right thing,” “honesty and integrity” and “we don’t pressure people” are mentioned often and prominently. He talks about everything from making special arrangements to help a woman on a fixed income — “people need transportation” — to giving back to the community. For two days last fall, Clark’s Tire and Automotive held a benefit offering free oil changes, wiper

• Comfortable waiting area • Complimentary popcorn and drinks • Free local towing with repairs of $250 or more • Free pick-up and delivery • Free Wi-Fi • Loaner cars or shuttle service • Night drop-off

service goes beyond premium parts and top-notch automotive repair and maintenance. Extras:

For more: 509-924-1681 or www.clarkstires.com

See CLARK’S, page 9

What customers are saying about Clark’s Tire and Automotive ...

“I was looking for some 35-inch tires and new wheels for my Dodge Ram 3500, and every place was so expensive.

I went and talked with Chris who gave me not only the best deal in town but even cheaper than anywhere I could find on the Internet!”

— Cameron, Liberty Lake

“Chris, thank you for going the extra mile last week when I had a flat tire at Fred Meyer. I can’t believe you came over and put my spare on and fixed my tire all for free. Your service is noted with my family. Thanks again!”

— Karen, Liberty Lake

“I shopped all over Spokane for tires on my Suburban, and I stopped in at Clark’s Tire and Automotive and they gave me the best price on tires. I was looking for some all-seasons and Clark’s had some 60,000mile all seasons on sale.

Thanks for the great service.

— Roger, Spokane Valley

“I have five vehicles, and they’ve all got over 100,000 miles on them except one. And I’ve got kids that are young and we’re providing their cars right now, so I have a pretty good ongoing need for a good mechanic. ... I recommend (Clark’s) to everybody.”

— Bob, Liberty Lake

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 9

Familiar team together since long before Clark’s

Chris Clark Early life: I grew up in Deer Park, raised by my grandparents iT’S YOur BuSinESS STAFF PHOTO

Chris Clark gushes about the people he works with as if he knows them well. He does.

Despite being relatively new to ownership (his shop opened in August 2009 and he bought out his partner a year later), Clark has worked with most of his team for more than a decade, going back to his days managing several independent shops in the Spokane area.

Most of his team has been together 12 years. Pictured from left are Scott goodan, Brian Christensen, gordon kacalek, Chris Clark, gail Wilson, Doug Tervo and Bowen Steiner. (Cody Cress isn’t pictured). Clark’s mechanics are all ASE Certified Technicians. “i just have a really good crew,” Clark said. “They all work really well together. They complement each other. if one of them is stuck, the other one will come and pick them up. My wife and i are really fortunate because it’s almost like hand-picking the best of the best.”

CLARK’S Continued from page 8 blades and winter inspections with a donation to Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels.

That’s to say nothing for bending over backwards to meet random repair needs.

“We literally will fix everything,” Clark said, recalling the recent call from a woman to repair her lawnmower. “I ran by and picked it up and delivered it for her. It was just a spark plug; five bucks later, she was taken care of. But if it has a motor in it, I’ll fix it for her.”

These customer interactions are times when Clark really shines, Petersen said.

“He’s got a really good sense for understanding what people

expect in terms of customer service and then sincerely delivering that,” he said. “I don’t know if that is something he learned somewhere or is just innate in him, but he’s got a real sense for it.”

Clark deflects credit.

“I’ve been in the business for 19 years, worked for a lot of places and learned what to do and what not to do,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from people like Duane Alton and Les Schwab.”

As he speaks, a woman comes in and presses him about a quote for new tires he gave her. She believes it’s too good to be true, but satisfied he’s not hiding something from her, she sets up an appointment for the next day.

“Some places are taking ad-

vantage of prices right now, selling tires higher than they need to be,” he says as she leaves. “Just like this lady just said, ‘Are you sure you can sell me this tire at this price?’ It’s like people don’t expect to be treated fairly. I’m still all about price, integrity and doing it right the first time.”

Family: My wife, Erin, and our Golden Retriever, Annie Loves: I love camping, hunting, fishing and I’m a season-ticket holder of the Seattle Seahawks Favorite places to eat: My wife and I like to eat at Hay J’s Bistro in Liberty Lake and Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery in Coeur d’Alene What I drive: A Dodge Ram 1-ton diesel truck. I bought it for towing and hauling. I pull a lot of stuff.

Why we live in the Inland Northwest: We love the community and the nice, clean environment. The people are so friendly, and there is so much to do in the area that there is no way you could do it all.

Get Acquainted Offer Oil chAnGe fOr new custOmers Includes up to 5 qts. of oil, filter, check and fill all fluids and tire rotation

Most vehicles. Additional parts not included. Dye extra if needed. Not valid with other offers. Coupon required. Expires 6/30/11.

10 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

NID’s growth built one patient at a time Dermatology practice sees exponential expansion since ‘99

North Idaho Dermatology

Description: A comprehensive

medical and cosmetology dermatology practice serving the Inland Northwest since 1999.

Founded by: Dr. Stephen Craig of Liberty Lake By the numbers: Two locations, four procedure rooms, six providers, 16 exam rooms, 40 staff members and more than 50,000 patients served.

Dr. Stephen Craig couldn’t have foreseen the massive first decade’s growth when he opened North Idaho Dermatology in 1999. What he could control was a commitment to state-of-the-art medical care and an unforgettable patient experience.

Fun fact (now that it’s over):

The growth just followed.

More than 50,000 patients have trusted North Idaho Dermatology since that time with their medical and skin care needs.

By 2005, North Idaho Dermatology was ready for a major expansion. Dr. Craig moved the practice into a spacious new office at 2288 Merritt Creek Loop. With 16 exam rooms, four procedure rooms for outpatient surgery, a treatment room for UVA/ UVB and PUVA treatment and three cosmetic and laser treatment rooms, the clinic is fully equipped to assist with any skin care need.

The practice now boasts six providers, two locations with a second office in Sandpoint and 40 employees.

One of the primary ways the NID team serves patients is by

NID had a fire sprinkler pipe burst the day after Thanksgiving in 2010, flooding the entire building. Thanks to dedicated employees, the staff worked through the weekend and was up and running for business Monday morning.

Location: 2288 Merritt Creek Loop, Coeur d’Alene For more: 208-292-5946 or www.niderm.com

north idaho Dermatology’s practice fills a bustling, state-ofthe-art health care facility at 2288 Merritt Creek Loop. continually keeping up with the latest advances and technologies in medical dermatology.

“Our goal is not to provide the next ‘new’ thing, but to continually provide the next best thing in the field,” Dr.

Frequently asked questions Q: What kinds of problems do you treat?

Q: I am nearly 50. Is it too late to start caring for my skin?

A: Any problems of the skin, hair and nails. Diseases of the skin affect all age groups from infants to the elderly and all skin surfaces. Our practice provides therapeutic tools ranging from antibiotics to surgery.

A: No. As our skin ages, the dermis gradually loses its major constituents: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Dermal fillers are becoming

See FAQ, page 11

Craig says.

The physicians at NID are board-certified and treat a variety of conditions, including skin cancer, laser treatments, mole removal, psoriasis and acne.

The cosmetic team at NID

Skin cancer facts • Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer. Half of all new cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are skin cancer (about 1 million new cases each year).

• Of skin cancer diagnoses, 80 percent are basal cell carcinoma, 16 percent are squamous cell

offers a wide range of antiaging services and beauty products, and all cosmetic treatments are dermatologist supervised. A medically supervised weight-loss program is also offered. carcinoma, and about 4 percent are melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95 percent cure rate if treated early.

• Nearly 10,000 Americans die each year of skin cancer (75 percent of which are melanoma) • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life.

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 11

Dr. Stephen Craig, M.D. North Idaho Dermatology founder Dr. Craig has lived in Liberty Lake 10 years with his wife, Julie. They have four children and will become a grandparents this July.

He is a voracious reader and loves Civil War history and religious history. His free time is spent with family or fishing.

Richard Flygare, P.A.-C., Ph.D Flygare joined North Idaho Dermatology in September 2000, about a year after it opened. He and his wife have two children. He first practiced with Dr. Craig when they served together at Fairchild Air Force Base. Flygare is a published author and accomplished videographer. He did his doctoral study on warts.

Lura Brown, P.A.-C. Brown joined North Idaho Dermatology in 2007. She is a member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. She enjoys hiking, biking, water sports, skiing, snowshoeing and fly fishing. She also enjoys dance, travel, writing and learning her guitar.

Shannon Mortensen, NP Mortensen is a nine-year veteran of North Idaho Dermatology. She is a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner specializing in dermatology, laser and cosmetic procedures. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and extended family. In her spare time, she likes to scrapbook, read and run.

Dr. Paul Becker, M.D. Dr. Becker, who spent more than three decades practicing dermatology in Spokane, recently came out of retirement to add his expertise to the team at North Idaho Dermatology. Dr. Becker loves dogs and life in the Inland Northwest with his wife, Debra.

FAQ

Does your practice offer this specialized technique?

Continued from page 10 increasingly popular as a means to help reverse the changes associated with aging. Because the goal is to return the dermis to its original youthful state, dermal fillers can give a more natural appearance than surgical face lifts. Our patients use dermal fillers to reduce or eliminate wrinkles, raise scar depressions, enhance lips and replace soft-tissue volume loss.

A: Yes. In fact, Dr. Craig is a fellow with the American Society for Mohs Surgery. This procedure offers the highest cure rate of all skin cancer treatments, and it achieves the best cosmetic results.

Q: I’ve heard about the advantages of Mohs surgery.

Q: I’m not certain if I need to see a dermatologist. What is the cost for a basic check?

A: We are currently offering a free skin check with our physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Melanoma battle personal for NID Dr. Craig’s practice diagnoses up to a third of Idaho cases

The pathology report is clear and unmistakable; for the second time in a month, another young person in their early twenties has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. As the medical providers of North Idaho Dermatology discuss the findings, they are all reminded of patients they have known, patients who became friends, who have become a part of their lives. They think of a young women in the prime of her life with a young child. They think of the boy, just entering his teens. They think of the middle-aged mother, the grandfather of 17, and so many others.

Unfortunately, these kinds of experiences are becoming more frequent in North Idaho and the surrounding area. The Cancer Data Registry of Idaho recently announced the startling news that the state had become No. 1 in the nation for per-capita melanoma deaths and seventh-highest in the incident of melanoma.

When Dr. Stephen Craig began his dermatology practice in Coeur d’Alene in 1999, he knew he would be diagnosing skin cancers. But perhaps nothing could have quite prepared him for the toll melanoma has taken on so many, especially young people and their families.

For Dr. Craig and his associates, the fight against melanoma is a personal mission. Of all the melanomas diagnosed in the state of Idaho, his practice diagnoses 20 to 30 percent

of them each year (up to a high of one-third in a recent year).

“If melanoma is detected early, if it is still in its initial stages, it can be cured simply by removing it,” Dr. Craig explains. “But, even after that, there is a risk of the cancer coming back, and that risk increases with the depth of the tumor. The deeper the tumor goes into the skin, or if it has spread to the lymph nodes, the more likely it is that the cancer comes back. And most unfortunately, if melanoma has spread to other tissues and organs, the cure rate is pretty low.

When melanoma spreads that far, it’s pretty hard to stop, and it usually ends in death.”

Why Idaho has earned such an unwelcome distinction for melanoma deaths is something Dr. Craig believes to be the result of numerous factors.

“It probably isn’t just one thing, but an unfortunate combination of factors,” he says.

“Some of these factors include our high incidence of Caucasian population, our relatively high altitude and latitude and the fact that in North Idaho, our exposure to sun comes in short but high doses.”

Sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure are the most important ways to minimize the risk of developing melanoma, but for those who may already have it ...

“Early detection is everything,” says Dr. Craig. “If a person will perform a thorough self-examination monthly and schedule a formal skin exam with a dermatologist yearly, they could very well save their life.”

12 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

Optometrist opens boutique-like eye clinic With eight years of experience in eye care, Dr. Laura Fischer is realizing her dream of establishing roots in Liberty Lake. She recently opened Lakeside Vision in the Aspen Ridge Plaza to provide quality eye care to area residents.

New styles of glasses and sunglasses arrive every couple of weeks to keep up with changing trends, Dr. Fischer said.

Ariel, the front office coordinator, helps patients find frames that suit their face shape and lifestyle.

Careful thought was put into the design of the office, Dr. Fischer said, with the clinic waiting area exuding a calming, boutique feel.

A native of the Spokane area, Dr. Fischer went to high school in Spangle (where she met her husband) and did her undergraduate work at Walla Walla University. After living out of state for five years during graduate school and training, Dr. Fischer said the family was happy to return home.

“We want patients to feel comfortable and relaxed while they are visiting us,” she said.

Another unique aspect of her practice is that her staff schedules adequate time to ensure all patient questions are answered, she said, especially when it comes to the sometimes overwhelming task of selecting eyewear.

“I feel lucky to be able to do something I love in the area I am from,” she said.

While they enjoy skiing and snowboarding during the winter, Dr. Fischer and her fam-

Lakeside Vision

Description: Providing patients with compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care Dr. Laura Fischer sees patients of all ages at her practice in Aspen Ridge Plaza.

ily spend their summer months watching movies at Pavillion Park or wake surfing on the lake. Her daughter, Hailey, 5, said she wants to be an eye doctor like mom or a princess.

Derek, 2, is still undecided, but for now is having fun keeping up with his sister on the ski hill.

Lakeside Vision is currently accepting new patients and welcomes anyone to stop in and visit their new office.

Location: 22106 E. Country Vista Drive, Suite A, Liberty Lake For more: 509-927-2020 or

lakesidevisionlibertylake.com

Did You Know?

• 80 percent of the information you receive from the world passes through your eyes.

•Just like your skin, your eyes need protection from the sun.

•The sun causes wrinkles to the delicate skin around your eyes.

•UV rays can cause cataracts and macular degeneration.

Unique treatment worth the drive for patients When Dr. Ryan Yates opened Intelligent Balance Spinal Care and Wellness Center in Liberty Lake, he knew that because of the unique procedure he uses, NUCCA, he would have success at helping those with chronic pain such as headaches recover from their injuries and live pain-free once again. He had witnessed the results of NUCCA in his own life. What he didn’t understand was the distance patients would be willing to drive to receive such care.

“Most of my patients drive two to three hours one way to see me,” Yates said. “NUCCA is certainly a unique procedure because it is results-driven, using scientifically reproducible and reliable tests, and the results speak for themselves, but I never could have foreseen that 60 percent of my patients would drive two to three hours

Intelligent Balance Spinal Care

Description: Dr. Ryan Yates’ NUCCA chiropractic practice.

Location: 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 108, Liberty Lake For more: 509-924-4443 or www.spokanenucca.com.

INTELLIGENTBALANCE

™

spinal care & wellness center

PLLC

to Liberty Lake to become a patient! Patients are coming from Montana, Central Idaho, Central Washington, British Columbia and Alberta.”

He explains how he takes time to educate patients more about their condition and how NUCCA can help.

“People are willing to sacri-

fice their time, energy and gas money to see us because not only can they feel the improvements their bodies are making, they can see it, too,” Yates said.

When patients leave his office, they do not wonder if the treatment he delivered worked; they can see it and feel it.

Before delivering an adjustment Dr. Yates evaluates each patient to determine whether or not they need a spinal correction.

“It is just as important to know when not to adjust as it is to know when to adjust,” Yates said.

After the correction, he will evaluate the patient again to ensure the correction was achieved.

Dr. Yates admits many patients appreciate the gentle nature of a NUCCA adjustment

as opposed to the “popping, twisting and cracking” of traditional methods.

“NUCCA is a great procedure for children and adults because it is so gentle,” he said.

Besides being gentle, NUCCA care is similar to orthodontics. Just as an orthodontist aligns your teeth, fits you with a retainer and eventually releases you from care, a NUCCA chiropractor aligns your spine, educates you to help you maintain a balanced position and releases you from care.

“My patients appreciate the fact that it is not my intention to see them every week for the rest of their lives,” Dr. Yates said. “The care in my office has a beginning and an end.”

Dr. Yates is offering free spinal evaluations to the first three patients who call the office.

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 13

14 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

LCC provides a higher Karen Does My Hair standard of excellence delivers with style Life Care Center of Post Falls, an upscale rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility, is now Joint Commission accredited. This mark of quality in health care is a distinction proudly achieved through passionate dedication and a constant commitment to the highest standard of health care excellence — not to mention passing the commission’s rigorous inspection and interview process.

So you can be assured that the short-term or outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy or skilled care you need will be of the highest quality. And it will be provided by compassionate caregivers in a comfortable environment.

Life Care Center of Post Falls

Description: A rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility dedicated to caring for area seniors Visit us: 460 N. Garden Plaza Court, Post Falls

For more: 208-777-0318. or

www.LCCA.com

The Wave has covered various topics throughout the years, and the theme for 2011 is Expressions. From cooking and karate to painting and poetry, this year’s issues will explore positive ways kids express themselves.

Owner Karen Pagliaro has gone through extensive training during her 20 years in the industry, including becoming a Redken color specialist.

Additionally, her styling work has been featured in “First for Women” magazine.

PAGLIARO

For more information, contact Cindy Shoeman, admissions and marketing director, at 208-777-0318.

Wave covers topics for kids

Established in 2008 and named by local kids, The Wave is a special publication distributed four times a year with The Liberty Lake Splash. This newspaper pullout offers stories about local kids, as well as seasonal information and activities for kids and their parents.

With a solid clientele and recognition in national magazines, Karen Does My Hair has earned the reputation as the go-to place in Liberty Lake for the latest hair design and color techniques.

The Wave

Description: Quarterly

publication geared toward elementary-age students in Liberty Lake and the surrounding area

2011 theme: Expressions Issue dates: March 31, June 9, Sept. 1 and Dec. 15

For more: 509-242-7752 or

www.libertylakesplash.com

Karen Does My Hair

Established: 2004

Description: Professional salon care with a personal touch

For more: 509-921-5663 or

www.karendoesmyhair.com

Karen said she is grateful for the local support of her business. She carefully assesses and listens to clients to determine what works best for them. Karen Does My Hair provides color, cuts and styles to fit a person’s face, shape and lifestyle.

Get the 411 brings local info to residents’ �ingertips LIBERTY LAKE — Get The 411 LLC launched its first of many local online business directories in Liberty Lake. This locally owned company plans to open directories throughout the Northwest over the next few years.

The company taps into people’s knowledge of what 411 means (information) and ties it in with local city names.

Their first domain, www.libertylake411.com, created a whole internet page listing for its advertisers. The site includes business information, active Google map, web and email links, exclusive coupons, video and much more.

Prices for advertisers begin at a modest $60 per year depending on the options se-

Get the 411 LLC

Description: Keith Kopelson and Steven Clark launched Get The 411 LLC in January 2011.

Location: 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 100, Liberty Lake For more: 509-252-0709 or www.libertylake411.com

lected. The company also sets up no-obligation listing pages for businesses to preview prior to making a buying decision.

Area businesses and consumers are invited to take a look at libertylake411.com to experience its marketing potential and take advantage of exclusive savings from local merchants.

It’s Your Business

SPRING 2011 • 15

Wittkopf’s longevity lends to expertise With personalized customer service and landscaping expertise, Wittkopf Landscape Supplies has succeeded as a family-owned business since its inception nearly 70 years ago, said owner Kristy Wittkopf.

In the early 1940s Harold and Larry Wittkopf Sr. purchased three army surplus trucks to haul clay, grain and landscape materials for contractors. The 1974 World’s Fair Expo shifted the company to landscape materials and established Wittkopf as a respected supplier in the industry.

Larry Jr. along with his brother and mother, took over the company upon his father’s accidental death in 1978. Larry and his wife Kristy assumed full responsibility for the north Spokane operation in 1983.

Emily Wittkopf, Stephen Murdock and Ryan Taylor are some of the helpful staff you’ll find at Wittkopf Landscarpe Supplies.

“You can’t help but have a huge sense of pride when your name is on the company sign,” Kristy said.

And that sense of pride has passed on to the next generation. Kristy and Larry’s three daughters, a son-in-law and a nephew all work for the company. One of their daughters, Emily, manages the Spokane Valley store established on Broadway in 2005.

“We were convinced it would be a great home for our Valley sales yard,” Kristy said. “Our hunch was on target as the Liberty Lake and East Valley communities have embraced us and become valued customers.”

With the exception of live plants, Wittkopf offers products to improve outdoor living spaces — everything from bulk products to pavers and retaining wall systems. Whether a

Wittkopf Landscape Supplies

Description: Supplier of a wide range of landscape supplies to home owners and contractors Location: 19215 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley

For more: 509-893-3521 or

www.landscapeandgarden.com customer needs one piece of flagstone or 10 dump truck loads of soil, Wittkopf said each customer is of equal value to the company.

“Our level of expertise is not available from all companies,” Kristy said. “We spend an incredible amount of energy seeing that each customer has a satisfactory experience with us.”

Behind the face of Andrean Accounting

By Brandan McNett

Andrean Accounting owner Sandra McNett provides a sense of ease to her clients.

White Summit Marketing

I recently interviewed Sandra McNett, owner of Andrean Accounting, to learn more about her business that opened two years ago in Liberty Lake.

Q: What made you want to start up your business?

A: I like helping people.

When you’re working in a corporate environment, you don’t have the one-on-one relationship with your employer as you do with clients. After working in the corporate world for so long, I realized I missed feeling like I was making a difference in someone’s life.

Q: What made you want to get into the accounting field?

A: Initially, I wanted to be an aeronautical engineer and build rocket ships. But I real-

ized being a business owner was more important to me. I’ve always been naturally talented at bookkeeping and accounting, so it seemed like a perfect fit for me as a business venture.

Q: How did you decide upon the name?

A: Andrean is an altered Greek form of my name, Sandra. It also has a personal meaning which helps encourage me to persevere when times get tough.

Q: How did you choose

your business logo?

A: As a child, my grandmother and I would spend hours putting jigsaw puzzles together, which is a lot like what I love about accounting.

Finding the source of why financial statements look odd or why an accounting system isn’t functioning properly is like solving a puzzle.

Q: What sets you apart from other accountants?

A: We understand accounting can be a daunting task,

Andrean Accounting

Description: Andrean Accounting covers the full realm of data handling including bookkeeping, accounting and tax returns.

Location: 21950 E. Country Vista Drive, Suite 200, Liberty Lake For more: 509-928-8500 or www.andreanaccounting.com so instead of just offering accounting services, our goal is to provide a sense of ease and comfort. Preparing taxes or financial statements shouldn’t be a painful experience, so we do whatever we can to make the process easier. We believe our clients feel comfortable because we listen to and respect them.

16 • SPRING 2011

It’s Your Business

T.A. Dorsey moves dealership home Longtime Liberty Lake resident parks Dorsey Auto Sales 5 minutes from home T.A. and Erin Dorsey moved to Liberty Lake when they were first married in 1984.

T.A. worked at his grandfather’s third generation Chevrolet dealership (since 1925) in Tekoa at that time. Focused on customer service, he would pick up one of his Liberty Lake customers’ cars almost every night and take it to Tekoa for maintenance the next day. T.A. Dorsey did this for many years until closing the dealership in the early ’90s. He continued this type of service working at Becker Buick with his loyal customers like Bill Gray, Jon Keeve, Bill Williams, Wayne Williams and Elmo Abernathy, to name a few.

Large corporations started buying up family-owned car dealerships in the late ’90s.

While working for these dealerships, it seemed to Dorsey the corporations did not care about building relationships and retaining loyal customers.

What was important to them was extracting the maximum number of dollars from each and every customer with little concern for customer service or return business. Dorsey said he was disillusioned with this business theory and knew he would have to start his own dealership to get back to building relationships.

Since 1925, the Dorsey family has been providing quality cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles and sound advice to thousands of customers in the Inland Northwest. After

Liberty Lake resident T.A. Dorsey of Dorsey Auto Sales recently moved his dealership just down the road from his house at 17815 E. Appleway. much coaxing from friends and customers in 2007, T.A. re-opened Dorsey Auto Sales across from Costco in the Spokane Valley. After losing his lease three years later, he moved to Adams and Sprague.

Now after losing it again, Dorsey Auto Sales has made its final move to 17815 E. Appleway.

Most of the professional advice Dorsey received about where to locate pointed to Airway Heights.

“If you want to be a car dealer, it’s the only place to go,” said some old-time car dealers.

Dorsey decided to bet on Liberty Lake rather than the casino.

“I’ve lived in Liberty Lake my whole adult life,” he said. “My good friends and customers are here. Liberty Lake people support their own businesses, and it’s only five minutes to work for the first time in my life.”

Dorsey Auto Sales’ main focus is to provide the safest, most dependable, pre-enjoyed cars, SUVs and trucks available for close to $10,000 or

less. Other services include special orders on specific used cars of any make, mileage or age. If you want a certain car, Dorsey has connections all over the country that can find the car you want and save you money and grief. Vintage cars, hot rods, Harley Davidson motorcycles, RVs — you name it, Dorsey said he will save you money.

Got a problem with your current car? Call for free advice on what a fair price would be to repair it and a good, honest mechanic to do the work.

Dorsey said it is important to him to be the customer’s advocate and give good, free advice from his lifetime of experience in the auto industry when it comes to anything to do with a car.

Dorsey’s goal is to provide a friendly atmosphere, free of the normal “get you to buy this car” pressure. He said the thing he hears most from customers is, “That was the fastest and easiest car-buying experience I have ever had.”

Dorsey Auto Sales

Description: Used car dealership operated by the Dorsey family, in the car business since 1925.

Location: 17815 E. Appleway For more: 509-534-5757 or www.dorseyusedcars.com

Customers with good credit, cash or a paid-off trade are rewarded with an instant “Lower No Haggle Price.” Customers who qualify under those conditions can buy the vehicle for the posted “No Haggle” price of just $975 over the reconditioned cost of the vehicle.

“We think you will find Dorsey Auto sales to be a rare exception to the norm,” Dorsey said.