Room to Grow

Living the Dream

Find out how local entrepreneurs are turning their passions into successful new businesses.

By Linda Feagler

Animal Clinic Northview CT Scan Animal Clinic Northview Therapy Pool

Mrs. Scott’s Sweets

Animal Clinic Northview

Robert Hutchison and Gary Krone have been friends since high school, at which time they earned money cleaning cages at a veterinary clinic in Elyria. In 1976, after earning their doctorates in veterinary medicine from The Ohio State University, the pals launched Animal Clinic Northview.

Now, Animal Clinic Northview is in the process of a 12,000-square-foot expansion.

In addition to providing extensive feline, canine and avian care and an ER that’s open 24/7, the clinic also specializes in cuttingedge reproductive services. “We were one of the first animal practices to offer PennHip screening and elbow certification that helps people make sure their dogs are healthy and genetically sound,” Hutchison says. “We’re also known for our minimally invasive surgery procedures, as well as our rehab facilities. We are especially excited to open our new state-ofthe-art ICU and our new CT scan.”

Animal Clinic Northview is also one of only 15% of veterinary practices in North America accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Hutchison, a North Ridgeville native, takes pride in being a part of the city’s business community. “Being here is very emotional for me,” he says. “Many clients who come to the clinic have known me since I was a Cub Scout here. The fact that the city is so easy to travel to via the turnpike and highways is another reason why I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” 36400 Center Ridge Road, 440-327-8282, northviewvet.com

Mrs. Scott’s Sweets

Ashley Scott relishes the recipes her mother-in-law, Charlotte, passed down to her. They are the foundation for Mrs. Scott’s Sweets, a bakery Ashley and her husband, Frank Scott, opened in May.

“We really didn’t ever have a game plan in mind that we were going to take these recipes and one day open a bakery,” Ashley Scott says. “But life comes at you fast, and a personal priority for us was to stimulate the economy in the town where we live and our children attend school.”

Mrs. Scott’s Sweets is filled with delectable cookies and cream, peanut butter cup and classic blueberry doughnuts. Signature cake and cupcake flavors include the irresistible death by chocolate and other seasonal favorites. Sugar and chocolate chip cookies also line the shelves, and cinnamon rolls Ashley describes as “massive” are on the menu for autumn. All delights are baked fresh daily by the store’s staff of seven.

“North Ridgeville has been very welcoming to us,” Frank Scott says. “The city is growing so fast, and we’re proud to bring a bakery to the community. It definitely fills a void.” 34161 Center Ridge Road, 440-315-8102, mrsscottssweets.com

Pope Fitness

Some are there for powerlifting. Others are determined to lose weight for an upcoming vacation or wedding. Then, there are those who are rehabbing from surgery or simply making the commitment to stay in shape.

Don Pope, owner of Pope Fitness, admires the fortitude of all who enter his gym. “When we open at 5:30 a.m., there are people already in line to come in, and I can hardly keep my eyes open at that hour,” he marvels. “I know I made the right decision to open my gym in North Ridgeville.”

Pope, who placed third in the 2006 international World’s Strongest Man competition

Pope Fitness

held in China, has a passion for physical fitness. His goal is to provide clients with a onestop shop for all of their exercising needs.

In addition to free weights, cardio equipment and weight training machines, Pope Fitness features an expansive artificial turf area for athletic training, as well as offers HIIT classes, relaxing yoga sessions, personal trainers and functional medicine/wellness services. “You can have all of the money in the world, but if you don’t have your health, you have nothing,” says Pope. “I, along with my team of nine, are committed to helping people be the best they can be.” 33789 Center Ridge Road, 440-731-3199, popefitnessgym.com

Charmed Boutique

In September, best friends and stay-athome moms Melissa Hong and Trish Troyer turned their love for fashion into a business by opening Charmed Boutique, a clothing emporium designed to help women style their inner confidence.

“We’re friends with many of the women who own businesses here,” Hong says. “We saw that North Ridgeville really supports North Ridgeville, and that’s very uplifting.”

The boutique specializes in what Hong describes as “basics with a bit of pizzazz,” ranging from casual and businesscasual wear to special-night-out dresses. Hats, bags and other accessories complement the collection.

“Trish and I believe you wear nothing as well as you wear confidence,” Hong says. “You find that right pair of jeans, and you feel like a rock star. We really want to empower women to look as good as they feel.”

Hong and Troyer appreciate the support the city and its residents have shown their new endeavor.

“With all of the businesses that have recently opened, I believe we’re really creating a culture that our city has been desiring,” Hong says. “Everyone has been so welcoming. We really feel the city has hugged us, and it’s so wonderful.” 34960 Center Ridge Road, 440-666-4392

Charmed Boutique

I AM LCJVS Success!

North Ridgeville Resident Hylton Antonio