2017 Susquehanna Faces by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc.

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TEXT BY KAREN HENDRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONOVAN ROBERTS WITMER

It’s the FACES that really make the PLACES. The real heart and soul behind any successful enterprise are its people. Once again, Susquehanna Style has partnered with businesses and organizations in the region to give you a glimpse of just what keeps them on top. It’s the people who make all the difference. On the following pages you’ll discover the stories from “behind the counter” and get a better understanding of what makes each and every one of these operations so effective. FACES is a combination of professionally written profiles by Karen Hendricks of Hendricks Communications and incredible imagery produced by Donovan Roberts Witmer of The Premise Studio. Together they shine the spotlight on the people who have contributed toward making each business stand out so brightly. Welcome, and get to know these FACES of the Susquehanna Valley.

May May 2017 2017 | SUSQUEHANNA | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE STYLE 51 51

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The Face of Fresh Foods

Stauffers of Kissel Hill “Our motto is to delight customers—from the moment you drive in and are greeted to the moment we help load your groceries into your car,” says Debi Drescher, Director of Marketing and Branding for Stauffers of Kissel Hill. Rooted in Lancaster County since 1932, Stauffers of Kissel Hill operates three supermarkets located in Lititz, Rohrerstown and Oregon Pike/Lancaster. “You can visibly see the freshness and taste the difference in products from Stauffers’ fresh departments,” Drescher says. Stauffers features produce supplied from more than 20 local family farms; custom cuts of meat are available

from in-store butchers; seafood fillets and steaks are always fresh—never frozen; and unique masterpieces are handcrafted in the bakery. Dedication to quality also guided the company’s recent creation of its Stauffers Signature brand—“we love these products so much, we put our name on them, speaking to the value and quality,” Drescher says. “We simply have a passion for food,” Drescher summarizes. “As a locally family-owned business, we strive to offer the best quality foods for families who live here, work here and play here.”

Stauffers of Kissel Hill | 813 Lititz Pike | Lititz, PA 17543 | www.skh.com | 717-626-4771

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The Face of Wealth Management

Smith, Mayer & Liddle “It started with my late grandfather,” says Kevin J. Smith. “When I was a teenager, he would take me along to meet his financial advisor, and we would discuss financial matters on the drive home. I knew then what I wanted to be.” Years later Smith founded wealth advisory group Smith, Mayer & Liddle with business partner Holly Mayer and operations manager Alyssum Keefer. “Two things set us apart—what’s inside our heads and what’s inside our hearts,” says Smith. By that, he means the group’s knowledge and expertise are unparalleled (Smith has earned a staggering 11 professional designations!) but they also advise clients with heartfelt concern.

“Our product is advice, which extends well beyond investing,” Mayer explains. “We take a holistic approach and offer guidance in countless areas.” Areas of expertise include portfolio management, retirement and estate planning, education funding, philanthropy, risk management and insurance, debt management and more, such as Mayer’s specialty in advising women investors. It’s proof of Smith, Mayer & Liddle’s tagline, “a wealth of knowledge about wealth.” “I know my grandfather would be proud,” Smith says. Undoubtedly so.

The Face of Financial Planning—Simplified

Sequinox

“We believe in doing what’s right for the client, first and foremost,” says Joe Wirbick, President of financial planning company Sequinox. “I founded Sequinox 15 years ago because I wasn’t happy with the way most financial companies were putting their needs before clients’ needs.” “We educate clients about their options and make financial planning stress-free,” Wirbick explains. Sequinox helps clients make life-changing plans for retirement, social security, entrepreneurship and investments. “Lately we’ve had a resurgence of clients wanting to lower their tax expense,” Wirbick explains. “We don’t just focus on managing assets; we manage clients’ bottom lines so they can keep more of their money. It’s not what you make, but what you keep, that’s important.” Wirbick has even authored a financial self-help book. Everything They Never Told You about Retirement hit number one on Amazon’s 2016 international bestseller list. “Growing up in Lancaster County, I always wanted to own a business,” Wirbick says. “To achieve this goal in my hometown is overwhelming. People in the Susquehanna Valley work hard for their money; it’s rewarding to help them protect it.”

Sequinox | 941 Wheatland Ave., Suite 301 | Lancaster, PA 17603 | www.sequinox.com | 717-397-7957 Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. (JWC), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc (JWCA). Sequinox and JWC/JWCA are unaffiliated entities. 54 54 SUSQUEHANNA SUSQUEHANNA STYLE STYLE | May | May 2017 2017

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The Face of Backyard Retreats

Integrity Pools & Spas When Kate and Craig Horning founded Integrity Pools & Spas 15 years ago, they never dreamed that their business would grow every year thereafter. “One pool at a time, one customer at a time, we built our business,” says Craig. And that’s how Integrity Pools & Spas approaches each client—taking time to custom design each project, fulfilling the needs and dreams of each client. From custom in-ground pools to hot tubs, fireplaces, pergolas, water features and more, Integrity Pools & Spas prides itself on utilizing the most modern and efficient products, meaning ease of maintenance for customers, says Kate.

Health reasons motivate many people to build backyard retreats—taking a dip in a hot tub or pool can relieve back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis or daily stress, says Craig. “Simply looking at a pool takes stress away,” he says. But the biggest trend by far? “People want to stay home more, with a backyard oasis for the kids and grandkids to enjoy. It means spending more time together as a family,” Craig says. The Integrity Pools & Spas team, as a family-owned-and-operated business since 2002, understands completely.

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The Face of Construction

Paul Risk Construction

When you visit Paul Risk Construction, you receive a friendly greeting by the Vice President of Hospitality and Happiness—the office dog, Coors. “Paul Risk Construction believes in treating employees and clients like family, developing relationships and continuing a legacy built on trust,” says DJ Risk, President of the fourth-generation construction company. More than 70% of projects come from long-standing client relationships. Paul Risk Construction projects can be spotted throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. In Lancaster, the T.W. Ponessa Corporate Headquarters on Prince and Lemon is one of Risk’s personal favorites. Design/Build Construction transformed a vacant parking lot into a modern building that fits within the historic downtown. Risk describes the company as a “boutique contractor,” able to handle large-scale healthcare and senior living facilities, state-of-the art commercial and industrial projects, and small renovations. “Our Concept to Completion approach provides every client with one point of accountability from the initial design stages through the project’s completion,” states Risk. “My grandfather and father built a successful business by treating others how they wanted to be treated—now it’s up to me to continue that legacy.”

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The Face of Event Bartending

Good Spirits Lancaster “An elevated event experience with wine and beer flowing freely is what it’s all about with Good Spirits Lancaster.” Founder Dave Murray started the company in 2013 after being in the hospitality industry for over 17 years. But Good Spirits Lancaster isn’t just about standing behind a bar serving drinks. “My staff is the central hub of the team—they create the atmosphere. You want bartenders dressed in superhero costumes, you got it. You want formal and chic, you got it. A rock & roll vibe? We can make that happen, too. I’m blessed to have a versatile staff with grit, passion and experience,” Murray says.

From corporate events to weddings and mixology parties, Good Spirits Lancaster curates drink menus and performs buffet service, event setup and cleanup, coat check and more. Good Spirits Lancaster handled 35 events in 2015 and 300+ events in 2016. “Word got out about our services, and business exploded,” says Murray. “It’s been a learning curve, and we’ve made mistakes, but the thing that keeps us going is our clients’ rave reviews.” “I owe all of my success to my staff, my consultant Lauren Stine and most importantly my wife,” says Murray. “Shirley is the most incredible woman. Without her in my life, there would be no Dave or Good Spirits. It’s all because of how amazing she truly is. So bring on what’s ahead for 2017!”

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The Face of Luxury Interiors

Steiner-Houck

“Luxury is more about a process than a product; it’s about creating timeless classics, amenities that mean something to you personally, paying close attention to details,” says Sandra Steiner-Houck, president of Lancaster County interior design firm Steiner-Houck & Associates. “Luxury is very different for each client and does not necessarily refer to cost,” she continues. Going behind the scenes with SteinerHouck, she offers insight into a recentlycompleted client project, pictured here. “For this client, luxury meant designing a ‘his and hers dressing room’ as part of an entire master suite project,” says SteinerHouck. “It features beautiful chandeliers overhead, closet rods that are lighted, space for the clients’ shoes and islands with leather inlays. Elements of the original part of the home, a farmhouse, are carried through to the new addition, as seen in the cabinetry, which features antique finishes with distressing, glazing and crackle details—and the flooring is comprised of reclaimed wood,” Steiner-Houck explains. Steiner-Houck & Associates is wellversed in all aspects of home design, from luxury kitchens and bathrooms to outdoor kitchens and living spaces. “Wine cellars are an exciting and growing part of the business—a specialty,” says Steiner-Houck. “When you invest in quality design and products, you’ll receive longevity and value. Luxury interiors have a longer lifespan,” says Steiner-Houck. Sound words of advice from a woman whose design career has spanned 36 years.

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The Face of Creative Outdoor Living

C.E. Pontz Sons

“The outdoor living trend is as popular as it’s ever been,” says Bobby Kenyon of C.E. Pontz. “But over the last year or two, more and more empty nesters are building backyard living spaces so they can enjoy time with extended family, kids, and grandkids. They are saying, ‘Why go on vacation for a week when I can renovate my backyard and enjoy it for a long time?’” Kenyon, who goes by the title of “creative solutions guru,” says customers appreciate the personality, fun and relaxed approach of C.E. Pontz Sons. We are talking about backyards, after all.

Founded in 1934, C.E. Pontz Sons has completed projects of all sizes—a feat that requires creativity and ingenuity. While complete backyard renovations can involve patios, seating and dining areas, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pavilions, sound systems, fire pits and water features, the Lancaster County company also enjoys the challenge of smaller projects. “We’ve done lots of small waterfalls and patios in city backyards where space is tighter,” Kenyon explains. “Coming home to the sound of water in your backyard is about as tranquil as it gets.”

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The Face of Community Safety Law

Atlee Hall

“Atlee Hall’s mission is to achieve justice for our clients by holding negligent people accountable,” says Jamie Hall, community outreach coordinator for the Lancaster-based, full-service trial law firm. “As a result, we are striving to make the central Pennsylvania community safer.” Specializing in medical malpractice and products liability, Atlee Hall partners possess nearly 30 decades of professional experience and include Mark C. Atlee, Thomas W. Hall, Robin A. Jabour and Jaime D. Jackson (left to right). “The legal process should not be scary—our attorneys are approachable, real people who are committed to defending their clients,” Hall states.

Atlee Hall also promotes health, safety and wellness by establishing relationships and volunteering with area nonprofits such as Music for Everyone, Girls on the Run, and The Common Wheel. Family is a core value at Atlee Hall, as several mother-daughter, fatherdaughter or father-son pairs exist within the firm. “It feels like we’re a big family,” Hall says, “which makes our vision of community safety all the more meaningful.”

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The Face of Architecture

LeFevre Funk Architects

“Architecture is one of the few professions that touches everyone—how they live, work, play, and practice their faith,” says M. Melanie Burnette of LeFevre Funk Architects. “The built environment not only satisfies our most basic physical needs but expresses our values and culture. It’s rewarding as architects to play a part in shaping that environment.” LeFevre Funk Architects, formed in 2002 by partners Burnette and Steve Funk, is making a mark on the Susquehanna Valley via unique hospitality venues, corporate, retail, and multi-family housing projects, many of which are historic, adaptive re-use. “We have a deep understanding of historic buildings and construction techniques,” says Funk, “which informs our contemporary work, imbuing it with a sense of permanence, balance and meaning.“ Currently, two of LeFevre Funk’s high-profile projects include Lancaster’s recently completed Keppel Building, a challenging historic mixed-use project which is energizing downtown with a vibrant mix of residential, office and retail space; and 101NQ, the former Bulova building in downtown Lancaster. Funk, whose family roots run deep in Lancaster, says, “I have a special affinity for projects like 101NQ. It was originally built as a Hess’s department store, and I have memories of shopping there with my mom as a child…to help bring it back to life is especially gratifying.”

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The Face of Dream Homes

Landmark Homes The Landmark Homes team “brings the vision of your new home to life,” says Amy Nordall, marketing communications manager for the awardwinning home builder. “We have a broad portfolio of distinctive floor plans—more than 80—and each home is personalized to meet the needs and budgets of home buyers,” Nordall explains. The Landmark team walks buyers through the process of building their new home from design concept to completion. Brothers Cliff and Clair Weaver founded Landmark Homes in 1998 on the belief that every new home should be as unique as the family who built

it. The family-owned builder offers home buyers the opportunity to choose from 35+ new home communities throughout central Pennsylvania, four of which are 55+ lifestyle communities. Or, Landmark Homes can also build on privately-owned lots anywhere in central Pennsylvania. Landmark Homes offers something for everyone—from first-time homeowners to retirees—whether it’s a townhome, an estate home, or a oneor two-story home envisioned as the home of your dreams.

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The Face of Local Lending

AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union focuses on building the community through financial literacy and lending programs both for individuals and local businesses. “Our members are our owners, so every decision is made in the best interest of members and community, with profits going right back into products and services,” says Brad Grissinger, Vice President of Consumer Lending. “AmeriChoice is a small credit union, but we offer a full range of services— just as many loan services as institutions ten times our size,” Grissinger explains. With a full service lending team, each averaging over 15 years of

financial institution experience, members can access auto and student loans as well as mortgage and home equity loan products. “On the commercial loan side, offerings range from $10,000 equipment loans to multi-million dollar hotel loans,” says John Needs, Executive Vice President of Mortgage and Business Lending. AmeriChoice, founded in 1970, has five locations to serve members—Camp Hill, Enola, York and two in Mechanicsburg. What do members say? “They constantly thank us for making financial decisions ‘easy,’” says Grissinger.

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The Face of Educating Young Women with Excellence

Linden Hall

“Linden Hall is known throughout the world for excellence in educating young women—we are a treasure within the Susquehanna Valley,” says Mark Powers, Assistant Head for Enrollment. Founded in 1746, Linden Hall is America’s oldest all-girls boarding school, educating 200 girls, grades 6-12. The school’s Moravian founders believed in educating young women—even in the 1700s, says Lauren Simonetti, Assistant Director of Admissions. Thus Linden Hall’s tagline, “where girls are valued and known.” Today, Linden Hall’s global student community represents 28 countries and 14 states.

Day students from the Susquehanna Valley comprise 40 percent of the school’s population and hail from “a variety of educational backgrounds—including public and private schools—and want to be challenged more,” Simonetti says. Academically, students are enriched by strong STEM, Arts and AP programs; Linden Hall’s average AP score over the last five years is 4.6. The class of 2017 scored an average of 1316 on the 1600-scale SAT. Students achieve a 100% college acceptance rate. Amidst the statistics, Simonetti says Linden Hall’s environment of excellence produces young women of exceptional character.

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The Face of Higher Education

“Central Penn College is in the process of a substantial transformation,” says Dr. Karen M. Scolforo, President. Founded in 1881, Central Penn College offers associate’s, baccalaureate and master’s degrees and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. “We are developing a culture of research and scholarship grounded in the liberal arts. Our graduates are critical thinkers, ready to take on leadership roles,” Scolforo explains. Efforts to keep tuition low make Central Penn an affordable choice in private education. Located in Cumberland County, Central Penn’s 1,450 students enjoy many of the amenities of a larger institution, such as the 250seat Capital BlueCross Theatre, a partnership with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, an expanded USCAA Division II athletic program, the Greenly Foundation Fitness Center, a banking program relying on regional bankers’ insights and a partnership with East Pennsboro Township dedicated to creating a college-friendly town. “Central Penn connects the dots between education and workplace,” Scolforo summarizes. “Students complete capstones or internships, and all are required to fulfill service hours. Regardless of program at Central Penn, students have the opportunity to leave a legacy.”

Central Penn College | 600 Valley Road Summerdale, PA 17093-0309 www.CentralPenn.edu | 1-800-759-2727 66 66 SUSQUEHANNA SUSQUEHANNA STYLE STYLE | May | May 2017 2017

PHOTO COURTESY OF CENTRAL PENN COLLEGE

Central Penn College

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The Face of Custom Organization

California Closets

“Most people start and end their day in their closets,” says Jeff Orr, owner of California Closets of Central Pennsylvania. “By providing custom storage solutions, we give people convenience and control over their ‘stuff’ through organization. It changes the attitude with which they begin their day.” But California Closets can customize much more than bedroom closet space— think garages, kitchen pantries, home offices, craft rooms, media rooms, coat closets and much more. “It’s a completely collaborative process,” Orr explains. “We work directly with customers to provide exactly what they need, within their budget, beginning with free, in-home consultations. No two projects are the same.”

At showrooms located inside INTERIORS HOME in Camp Hill and Lancaster, customers are encouraged to browse a variety of displays. Orr, who established California Closets in Central Pennsylvania 10 years ago, introduces designer Todd Schneider (pictured). “Todd has been installing California Closets for five years, and now he’s transitioning to Design Consultant. His prior experience affords him a unique perspective that will greatly benefit the customer.” “Everyone can benefit from being organized,” Orr says. “California Closets provides solutions that are life-changing.”