Small Business of the Year

Last week, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance honored the five small businesses that were finalists for the Small Business of the Year award.

Jason Smith Plumbing, Heating and Cooling was named the winner at a Chamber luncheon culminating the week.

The announcement came in a video that highlighted the good work done by each of the finalists. Business owners Jason and Debbie Smith accepted the award from Chamber board President Jennifer Moutrie.

The Smiths are lifelong Mt. Pleasant residents.

Before the award presentation, Executive Director Kristi Perry read the words of a Smith customer: “The Smith’s are truly one of the nicest couples in town and their customer service is outstanding. Their positive attitude and kindness shows in their small business but also through their daughters.”

The Smith’s three daughters, who could not attend the luncheon, watched their parents on Facebook Live.

“Jason believes in honesty and always putting the customer first,” Perry said. “He has grown the business to seven full time and several part-time employees.”

Judges had good things to say about Jason and Debbie, Perry said.

“The judges were blown away by the Smith’s outstanding customer service to their clients. But even more so by the list of things they support financially and the volunteer hours they have given to the many worthwhile organizations in our community,” Perry said. “One of the judges said, ’This must be what you refer to as Iowa Nice.’”

The five finalists for the award were introduced by Perry before the presentation of the award. Here’s what she said about each:

Airport Road Vineyard/CrossFit Teo

Mike and Kalen Henderson, Dave and Whitney Rogers, Raul and Mallory Becerril

When asked why they decided to open their businesses, they stated. “When our large family gathers together, you can bet that conversations around the dinner table eventually transition to brainstorming sessions and during those times, we often talk about how we can contribute to the community through business development.”

Family is what holds these businesses together. They have a winemaker, a photographer and a caterer. So, when you add a personal trainer to the mix, you better expand your footprint. They have made sure that Airport Road Vineyard and CrossFit Teo is more than “just a building” but instead a very special place that people want to return again and again.

According to their clients, CrossFit Teo has built a strong, supportive community. The compassion, positive feedback, and devotion they provide to each and every member is second to none. And for Airport Road Vineyard, their growth and success are a direct result of their hard work and determination.

So, what sets these companies apart … family. Not just their own family but treating their customers like family.

Big Dog Tattoos

Chris Lamore

Big Dog Tattoos is an integral part of the greater Mt. Pleasant area and has been in continuous operation since 2003. For Chris, the most important thing is operating a studio with good business ethics. He enjoys the fact that his store has created additional opportunities to other local businesses by drawing customers from out of town, giving downtown Mt. Pleasant more exposure to persons that may not otherwise visit.

He strives to help veterans, local law enforcement, first responders and local animal shelters. Just in the past year, he has brought in three upcoming artists that were looking to become tattoo artists, but they didn’t really know where to start nor did they have the money that most shops charge for an apprenticeship. Chris does not charge the new artists and provides them all with they need to get started.

Chris says “My artists all have a story, and they came to my shop seeking to do something more in life. They have a dream.”

Chris has 46 years in the tattoo business and wants to give something back to this community before he retires. For Chris, he not only has a strong work ethic, but he is humble and grateful for his clients.

Jason Smith Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Jason and Debbie Smith

After 15 years of working at a local plumbing and HVAC company, Jason Smith decided the time was right to open his own small business.

Jason believes in honesty and always putting the customer first. He has grown the business to seven full time and several part-time employees. They have recently been accepted for an apprenticeship program to help grow their future workforce.

Jason and Debbie Smith were born and raised in Mount Pleasant, and they wanted the same for their three daughters. They believe that an important role of owning a small business is the importance of community service. From school events to church events, to 4-H and Old Threshers, softball to band, from Van Allen to Girl Scouts, Jason and Debbie and the three Smith girls have made giving back their mission.

In the words of their customer, “The Smith’s are truly one of the nicest couples in town and their customer service is outstanding. Their positive attitude and kindness shows in their small business but also through their daughters.” Congratulations!

Little Mexico

Anna Pang

Little Mexico has been downtown Mt. Pleasant, providing authentic Mexican food and great service for over 20 years. Anna’s dream was to introduce Mexican food into the community to enrich Mt. Pleasant and to bring the joy that comes with providing excellent food and service.

Anna’s kindness is recognized by many when she allows community groups to use her restaurant at no cost for their meetings and family gatherings. She has a passion for helping young women in their journey to becoming successful and is proud of her involvement in P.E.O.

Her menu is inspired by several places from Mexico where she had the chance to watch and learn from some of the most talented chefs in those areas. She has used that knowledge to create a unique experience that blends fine Mexican cuisine with a little bit of an American twist.

Zeglen Construction

Rob and Kat Zeglen

When Rob married his wife Katherine, he not only got a wife but also the opportunity to work with his father-in-law in the construction business. He quickly realized that construction was his passion.

He eventually became a small-business owner and was able to take his construction experience into directions that he was passionate about. Rob enjoyed learning new techniques, staying on top of the current products and ways to apply those to his business.

Rob has been very successful at not only growing his business but also balancing his family and his community service. You see, Rob is not only a small-business owner, but he’s also a husband, father, Olds City Council member, volunteer firefighter, church group youth leader and has even been known to play Santa Claus.

He loves to volunteer at Midwest Old Threshers and currently serves as the Mt. Pleasant boys varsity golf coach.

Rob has learned that to build a trusted clientele, you must first establish that you truly care about the community where you live. Rob’s customer put it this way “Rob runs his business with integrity and professionalism. He treats both his customers and his workers with respect.”

826 jobs

Perry noted the importance of small businesses in the United States, in Iowa and in Mt. Pleasant.

In closing, Perry challenged the business owners in the room.

“Let’s all go forward and try to be more like these five remarkable businesses,” she said.