Chamber Member Spotlight

Cindy’s Styling Center

opened on October 1, 1997, by Cindy and Ken Jones. For 24 years, Cindy and her team of stylists have off ered hair care, tanning, and hair care products. Cindy also displays and sells her photography at the salon. “It is defi nitely a family aff air with my son Garett putting in a lot of hours during our remodel. He was two months old when we opened the salon. Ken has been such a great teammate and has been the backbone and silly bone of the company,” Cindy said. Longtime employee, Sandy O’Donald, has also been with the salon since opening day. Cindy decided to open her salon in Fortuna after living here for a few years and deciding it was a nice place to run her business.

As with other businesses, Cindy has ridden the “Covid-19 roller coaster” with changing guidelines and mandates over the last 17 months. Customer fears over the pandemic, getting certain supplies they need for specifi c services customers want, and fi nding qualifi ed stylists are just some of the struggles they’ve faced. Things have begun to pick up and they’re bouncing back for the fi rst time since the pandemic began. Safety is their fi rst concern, following all guidelines from the State regarding masking and sanitation. When asked for advice for other small businesses, Cindy replied, “Perseverance. Put everything into your business. If you’re not willing to, you will have a hard time.”

After over two decades in business, Cindy has carved out her business and defi ned what it’s all about. Her focus is quality service and a comfortable place for customers to visit. “We want to continue having this be a happy place,” Cindy said. “Come in, say hi to our stylists, and let us take care of all your hair needs!” You can follow Cindy’s Styling Center on Facebook for holiday promotions on take-home hair care products and photography. Cindy’s Styling Center is located at 1021 N Street and can be reached at (707) 725-5820.

SHOP LOCAL FIRST

COME BROWSE OUR UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPS! Find everything you need all within walking distance in the downtown shopping district, where locally owned businesses offer exceptional customer service!

COURTESY OF FORTUNA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

For more info go to fortunadowntown.org

Sequoia Gas

Company was originally named Youngreen Propane Gas Service and was owned by the Youngreen family. The company was started back in 1941. In 1946, Ben McWhorter came back from WWII and worked for the Youngreen family. In 1950, Ben McWhorter and Gene Youngreen became partners and in 1951 they changed the name to Sequoia Gas Company. A few short years later in 1954, Ben and Gene parted ways leaving Ben and his wife Billie as the sole owners. In the early days of the company, they installed small propane tanks and off ered propane deliveries. They also sold electric appliances (refrigerators, cookstoves, washing machines & dryers, televisions, and stereos) and hot water equipment until the 1990s. As the industry grew, the company became what it is today with bulk propane deliveries and big tanks.

In 1976, Ben passed away leaving the business to his wife Billie and their children. In 1994, they opened a new branch in Arcata. This ended up expanding the territory into Northern Humboldt, with Shane McWhorter and daughter Britni running the offi ce. In 1999, Billie passed away and brothers Shannon and Shane became the owners of Sequoia Gas and managed the day-to-day operations of the company. In 2013, they bought a gas station in Fortuna (located at 1666 Main Street) and expanded their business even more. The business has become a family business with all eight kids having pitched in over the years.

During the fi rst half of 2020, no one really knew how to handle the Covid-19 situation. They followed the safety protocols set up for businesses, holding Monday morning meetings to remind staff to be careful, mask up, sanitize, and be cautious when out with customers. For the fi rst few months, they had the main offi ce closed and helped customers on the phone or through the door.

Shannon said one challenge for his industry is the push by California legislators to limit fossil fuels. These regulations make it diffi cult to plan for the future. “We are just going to keep doing what we do best. We have loyal customers because they know we are a dependable service and trust [our] company,” Shannon said. It is a rewarding business to be in because their customers know they will be treated well and given the best service possible. “We don’t sell propane, we sell service.”

Shannon and his son, Ben, are active in the community and support many activities and events like the Fortuna Rodeo, Humboldt County Fair, Apple Harvest Festival, Arcata soccer, and local sports teams. “We are always involved and putting in the time and eff ort into the community from school boards, hospitals, county commission, Chamber, etc.”

Their industry is very involved with the National Propane Gas Association and Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA). Billie was a past president of WPGA, Shannon was a past chairman, and Ben just fi nished his term as chairman. “Being involved is time consuming and expensive but it pays back many times over” in the form of networking and friendships gained. This year, Sequoia Gas Company is celebrating 80 years in business. The Chamber will help celebrate their anniversary with a ribbon cutting in mid-September, subject to change based on current Covid conditions. Sequoia Gas Company’s offi ce is located at 926 Main Street and can be reached at (707) 725-4465

or sequoiagas.com. Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area

Tires • Auto • Trucks • Tractors Brakes • Shocks • Alignments

260 S. Fortuna Blvd. Fortuna, CA 95540

Lisa Hummel Owner

Wendy Hummel Owner Phone: 707-725-4120 www.hummeltire.com