PROGRESS u Upper Valley
C Section SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2010
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Reselience in the Great Recession
Businesses share secrets of success MATT EICHNER editor@uvsj.com
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inter is on its way once again, but one storm that may be over is the socalled Great Recession. Many businesses have come and gone during that time, but many more have not only survived, but thrived in a tough financial environment. The Standard Journal took a look at many businesses throughout the upper valley that have shown a successful business acumen. Some of these businesses have even expanded. What is the secret to their success? The reasons are varied. But of those we polled, for the most part, they said it comes down to three factors: • They were willing to be flexible and diversify;
Inside: See what businesses did differently to survive the recession.
• They had a solid base of clients and customers, and give good customer service; • They tightened their belts and made good financial decisions. The willingness to diversify, to add more products is the most common denominator. From the Madison Gymnastics Center and Circle of Love in Rexburg, to Sassy Floral in St. Anthony and TroutHunter in Island Park, having an open mind to new things and expanding their business when others would contract in a recession is the main reason why they came through the storm. “One of the things we’ve
“I think (the recovery) is going to be a little shaky — it’s not roses by any means. Generally what happens is the confidence comes back when the recovery’s already been there.” —Lane Steel
been able to do is diversify our products to be able to appeal to more people,” said Justin Packard, co-owner and manager at Madison Gymnastics Center. “Not everybody wants to grow up to be a gymnast, but everybody wants to be in shape. Most of our clientele is children, and people haven’t stopped investing in their children. Instead
of just offering gymnastics classes, we have rockclimbing, a preschool and an evening opportunity set aside for adults to come and work out.” Heather and Jon Weber of Circle of Love also did some expanding of their product lines. “What makes us different and been able to weather the storm is we’ve been able to diversify,” Heather Weber said. “We have enough variety going on from women’s daywear to men’s suits, tuxedos, wedding dresses and then bridesmaids’ dresses. “Not that we haven’t felt the storm because we’ve felt the storm. We’ve just tightened our belt a little bit.” “Heather has launched her own line of gowns, Heather Weber Designs, and that has done very well for us,” Jon Weber
said. Craig Chandler of Chandler Insurance in St. Anthony says the company has coped with economic changes by developing new markets when old ones changed. “You have to be creative,” Chandler says. “We live on the road. We’re like truck drivers. The time has changed when the customers will come to you. You have to go to the people.” Linda Bates of Sassy Floral in St. Anthony also has learned that to survive in a small town in this economy, she has had to learn to cut expenses, such as recycling vases and selecting vendors that save her money. And she’s reached out to new markets, particularly corporate accounts and the bridal business, mostly in See Businesses page 2C
Hillman agency adapts to changes NATE SUNDERLAND nsunderland@uvsj.com
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Zach Hillman, owner Zach Hillman Agency, American Family Insurance
he insurance business isn’t recession proof, but as items like car insurance are a necessity, businesses like the Zach Hillman Agency of American Family Insurance in Rexburg have done OK during the recession. “(Insurance), I think is a necessity in life — a necessary evil,” owner Zach Hillman joked. However, that being said, Hillman says the recession has effected his business primarily by moving it from a growth period into a “let’s maintain period.” “We aren’t growing like crazy, but we have definitely built a good sturdy business, and we are maintaining (our) customers,” said Hillman. And they have seen some growth, specifically by moving into a new office and hiring another employee. “Even though layoffs were high and unemployment was going up, I just hired one employee to help with the service end of things,” he said. He says the growth is in part because of his business philosophy. “My attitude or business model is, ‘It’s only slow if you think it’s slow.’ You’ve got to adapt. It’s a mindset — you can’t let the economy get you down,” said Hillman. “We always try to stick positive and you just have to keep at the grindstone and keep going.” Hillman says it’s a plan he’s going to be sticking to as they plan for the future. “I’m a local boy, I from the area, I’m not moving anywhere, so I’m going to be in business for the next 20 years. My goal is just to maintain and grow and be a good service to the client,” he said.
Quality of Life in Sugar City Sugar City’s vision is to maintain a small-town, family-oriented atmosphere, but the city also desires balanced growth. Residential neighborhoods are expanding, and business development opportunities are emerging.
Visit us on the web at: sugarcityidaho.gov Mayor: Glenn W. Dalling City Council: Harold L. Harris, Bruce P. King, W. Lamont Merrill and Vaun L. Waddell C M Y K
Welcome to these new businesses
AGRI-SERVICE ‘cause you got work to do! www.agri-service.com
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Reselience in the Great Recession
Sassy Floral reaches new markets JOYCE EDLEFSEN jedlefsen@uvsj.com
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inda Bates has learned a lot about the community and the full-service floral business in the nine years she has operated Sassy Floral on Bridge Street in St. Anthony. With one employee and help from the husband and daughters as needed, she has developed dependable accounts and a reputation for quality service and products as she provides flowers for weddings, funerals and other occasions. Bates also has learned that to survive in a small town in this economy, she has had to learn
to cut expenses, such as recycling vases and selecting vendors that save her money. And she’s reached out to new markets, particularly corporate accounts and the bridal business, particularly in Rexburg, where word of mouth about the quality of her work has brought her a significant amount of business. The corporate accounts and standing personal accounts provide a certain predictability to the business that has helped keep the shop successful. “You have to be noticeable in the community,” she says, using her decorated bright green Volkswagon delivery vehicle as an example.
“The first thing you have to do is provide value and good customer service.” —Linda Bates
Businesses (cont.) Continued from 1C
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Linda Bates, the owner of Sassy Floral in St. Anthony, goes by the nickname “Sassy.” With her signature hats and sassy attitude, Bates has operated the business for the past nine years, through lean and fat years. C M Y K
Rexburg, where word of mouth about the quality of her work has brought her a significant amount of business. Jonathon Stiehl of TroutHunter in Island Park says the company has weathered the economic downturn by continuing to add products to its wholesale offerings as well as to its retail customers. “This past winter, we added new line of leaders and tippets, which have received a Dealers Choice Award at this year’s International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and is being released nationally,” he says. “Being so close to Harriman State Park and its excellent winter recreation opportunities, last winter we brought in cross country ski rentals. Building on last season’s success, we are planning on adding skate ski rentals as well as snowshoe rentals,” he says. Dave Thueson of Homestead Assisted Living, which has expanded its Rexburg center and recently bought a facility in St. Anthony says: “We’ve been able to keep our rates low and increase our services. It’s just the opposite of what you’d normally do. ... We found that if we increased our service and keep our staff ratio up and keep our fees down, and then we can actually service more people because they can afford it and feel they get the service they need.” The second biggest reason for a company’s success is a good customer base and customer service. Lane Steele, who is an investor with Edward Jones in Rexburg, particularly felt the economic downturn. Since his business is money, he is a focal point for what people spend — and what they don’t — in a recession. He is also keenly aware of the market forces at work during a downturn. So, although he may have had a bad day at the office some days, he was buoyed by those he is supposed to represent in the market, who ended up helping him instead. “I think No. 1 it was the clients that I already had,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve actually had clients pick up the phone and call me and say, ‘Hey Lane, are you doing OK?’ “That’s comforting to me to have my clients calling me and saying, ‘I realize I’m down 20 or 30 percent — how are you?’” Gary Paynter of Gary’s Auto Body in St. Anthony says the key reason he’s been able to stay in business through the downturn has been his loyal customer base, built up through the shop being See Businesses page 4C
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
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Reselience in the Great Recession
Businesses (cont.) Continued from 2C
focused on providing good customer service and doing quality work. “People in the community are loyal,” he says. “That’s what has saved us.” With Steve Oakey, owner of Ray’s Chevron in Rexburg, it’s a little bit of both new offerings — he is not only building a huge new car wash, but also has one of the few full-service gas stations you’ll find — and building that customer loyalty. “We try to nurture loyalty and create an environment that is inviting and are renovating with different types of technologies,” Oakey said. At Beehive Federal Credit Union, the story is the same when it comes to staying afloat: Good customer base and service, while having the stability that appeals for both. “It hasn’t been easy for financial institutions,” said Shane Berger, CEO of Beehive FCU. “This is Beehive’s 50th anniversary. Every year we have ended with a positive bottom line. That will happen this year as in years past. We haven’t changed fees or loan policies. We try to maintain our business as it always has been and try to be known for great service to our members.” Then there is always good old-fashioned belt tightening and hard work that keeps others successful. Hard work is a trait that is common in the upper valley, like for Dave Jacobson at Dave’s Jubilee in Ashton. Jacobson attributes his good managers for keeping the market viable, as well as hard work. He works seven days a week in the store, doing everything from cutting meat to unloading freight and everything in between. “I used to take a day off,” he says, but working that extra day, at least a few hours, is one of his secrets to surviving the downturn. Good financial decisions have also helped one other company. Cedarpoint Trucking is alive and well today because of that. “Probably the reason we’re weathering the storm as well as we are is little to no debt,” said Craig Leatham, president of Cedarpoint Trucking.
Is the worst over?
2009?” 120 disagreed. The markets did not agree with that assessment, either. The Dow Jones Industrials bottomed out shortly after June 2009, as the market’s index fell to nearly $6,400. That was from a previous record high of $14,000 at the end of 2007. Since that bottoming out, the market has slowly gained back its value over time, as the Dow Jones Industrials closed on Tuesday with an index of $11,169. That is history mirroring itself says Steel, who makes a career out of studying market trends. “Looking at the numbers and seeing the numbers, you know it doesn’t make sense that we’re this low, for one, and the two the numbers have always shown that we’ve recovered,” Steele said. “I had one person tell me that I’m an idiot because you can’t look at history because history doesn’t mean anything. But what was it that Benjamin Franklin said? To paraphrase, ‘History doesn’t repeat itself, but it mirrors itself.’ “And that’s kind of what we see. The market has cycles, up and down.” So is the recession over now? Yes, for the most part, Steele says. “I think it’s going to be a little shaky — it’s not roses by any means. Generally what happens is the confidence comes back when the recovery’s already been there.” That’s when the recent closing market numbers come into play, he says. “We’ve seen the Dow was at like 6,400 or something like that at the bottom. It’s already up to 11,100, and people are saying how terrible it is. But that’s a pretty dang good return right there.” So, one could make an argument that the worst is over, and has been over for quite a while according to the numbers. But is it over in people’s minds? What is the consumer confidence now? Are people willing to spend money again? Not only does history show that we will, but now might be the best time to spend and invest money. “When Broulim’s has a case lot sale, does everybody run away from Broulim’s? Absolutely not,” Steele says. “In fact, everybody goes in there in droves. And that what they really ought to be doing with the stock market right now. We still have a 25 percent upside just to get back to even. “So if we have some confidence to think that we’ll be back to a normal type of environment in the future, whether that be two, five or 10 years, I don’t know. ... I do see some normalcy coming back, some confidence coming back.”
In September, The Associated Press reported that the Great Recession ended in June 2009, as announced by the Obama administration. That met some skeptical responses from the public and the Standard Journal’s online poll. Of the 133 respondents to the Reporters Joyce Edlefsen, Nate Sunderland, J.R. Briscoe and Joseph Law contributed question, “Do you agree that the Great Recession ended in June to this article.
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SERVING YOU SINCE 1873
www.zionsbank.com®
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Chandler Agency truly a family biz JOYCE EDLEFSEN
jedlefsen@uvsj.com
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n business since May 1963 in St. Anthony, Chandler Agency was started by Grant Chandler, the father of the current owners, Rod and Craig Chandler. The company has five full-time and a part-time staff, including the owner/brothers. All but one
of the staff are family members and all are licensed insurance agents able to handle a variety of property and casualty insurance accounts. “It’s a small town,” Rod Chandler says. “You have to do it all.” Craig Chandler says the company has coped with economic changes by developing new markets when old ones changed. “You
have to be creative,” Craig Chandler says. “We live on the road. We’re like truck drivers.” Among the adjustments they have made to survive in a changing economy is to market their firm to public entities and to offer Medicare supplemental insurance. “We hope to keep our third generation in business,” Rod Chandler says.
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With his brother Craig Chandler, Rod Chandler is one of two principals at Chandler Agency in St. Anthony, a full service insurance agency that serves customers all over the upper valley and beyond.
A Time of Progress and Thanksgiving We in Rexburg and the surrounding area have a great deal to be thankful for. I think of our nation and the struggles it faces with an economy that refuses to bounce back. Then I think of the western half of our own state, which seems to have followed suit. Yet, while our community has not been entirely immune to the economic downturn, we still have been uncommonly blessed in terms of growth and prosperity, which I believe has resulted from the many contributions of our citizens, their positive outlook, and general willingness to work for a better community. • The rebuilding and widening of 12th West. • Greatly increased capacity at our wastewater treatment plan. • Repairs and refurbishing of the Rexburg Tabernacle and Romance Theater. This was done through grants and the generous donations of local citizens.
Widening of 12th West
City Hall
• The new City Hall is a wonderful addition to our city—purchased and remodeled at no increase in taxes or rate fees to our citizens. • The new Madison High School, elementary schools, impressive BYUIdaho Center, the improved Madison Hospital and the Madison Library— each amazing structures in their own right.
DOCTORS KUNZ,TOENJES, BRIZZEE & ORME P.A COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
“A Healthy Smile, A Healthy Life.”
Neil Kunz, D.M.D.
John Toenjes, D.D.S.
Gabe Brizzee, D.D.S. Drostan Orme D.D.S.
Se habla español
305 East 5th North, St. Anthony • 624-3757
204 Main Street, Ashton • 652-7868
Cosmetic Dentistry • Zoom 1-Hour In Office Whitening • Veneers, Lumineers, Crowns & Bridges • Implants • Professional Hygiene Cleaning Preventive Care • Restorative • Dentures • Partials • Emergency Care Smile enhancement consultations and second opinions at no charge
New Aquatic Center • New Aquatic Center on Second North. • Our streets are safer with the addition of the Hawk pedestrian signal and three new signal lights across town. • We have enhanced the Fire and Emergency services department.
CEDAR RIDGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL & BOARDING KENNEL 1076 ERIKSON DR. REXBURG (Valley Wide Co-op Business Park)
We do have a great many things to be thankful for. We have been told that we live in a bubble. In one sense I think this may refer to the growth we’ve had, despite these economic times. I think it is marvelous. There are new businesses locating here and new jobs being created, right here in Rexburg. Indeed we have a great deal to be thankful for!
Mayor Woodland
359-2622 Heal your Pet! New therapeutic laser technology is available to treat arthritis, lick sores, wounds, and much more! This works by decreasing inflammation and increasing circulation to promote healing. Call for consultation today.
Other Services Include: • Dentistry • Medicine • Laser Surgery/ General Surgery • Professional Grooming all breeds C M Y K
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Since 1935, East Idaho Credit Union has been here for you. Time has changed a lot of things, but today East Idaho Credit Union is as strong as ever.
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Our Convenient Locations 412 Grand Loop Rexburg
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Find us online at www.eastidahocu.org C M Y K
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Quality customers help keep shop in business JOYCE EDLEFSEN
jedlefsen@uvsj.com
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ary’s Auto Body has been in business since Gary Paynter opened the auto paint and collision repair shop at 110 W. Seventh South in September 1984. In those 27 years Paynter has built a solid clientele and provided a peak number of five employees with a living. Like most businesses in the upper valley, Paynter’s also has felt the effects of the recession. He says the key reason he’s been able to stay in business through the downturn has been his loyal customer
base, built up through the shop being focused on providing good customer service and doing quality work. “People in the community are loyal,” he says. “That’s what has saved us.” And he has tried to streamline the operation, cutting back on hours and expenses as much as possible. He also has taken jobs he may not have considered when economic times were more vibrant. “I painted a propane tank the other day,” he says. Other less tradition auto painting jobs also have been on his job list. He’s also developing a website, he says.
“People in the community are loyal. That’s what has saved us.” —Gary Paynter
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Gary Paynter, owner of Gary’s Auto Body in St. Anthony, dons an air mask and protective clothing to spray paint onto a bumper in his paint booth. Paynter has been in business since 1984, focusing on customer service and quality work. C CM M K Y Y K
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TroutHunter caters to customers JOYCE EDLEFSEN jedlefsen@uvsj.com
pened in 1999 as a flyshop and guide service, the TroutHunter added a small wholesale business selling fly-tying materials to other flyshops. “In addition to the flyshop and guide service, our new facility includes a lodge as well as a bar and grill,” he says. “And we have continued to run the wholesale aspect out of the garage.” The company employs more than 50 people in the summer, and about half that in the winter season. Stiehl says the company has weathered the economic downturn by continuing to add products to its wholesale offerings as well as to its retail customers. “This past winter, we added new line of leaders and tippets, which have received a Dealers Choice Award at this year’s International Fly Tackle Dealer Show and is being released nationally,” he says. “Being so close to Harriman State Park and its excellent winter recreation opportunities, last winter we brought in cross country ski rentals. Building on last season’s success we are planning on adding skate ski rentals as well as snowshoe rentals,” he says.
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After a day fishing the Henry’s Fork, enjoying Yellowstone Park or visiting sites at Big Springs, TroutHunter guests enjoy fine dining and socializing in the Bar & Grill.
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Catering to those who enjoy catching trout – trout hunting – is the primary focus of all of the facets of the TroutHunter at Last Chance in Island Park. C CM M K Y Y K
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Reselience in the Great Recession
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The TroutHunter’s lawn faces the Henry’s Fork, usually the prime focus of the business’s guests. From its beginnings as a flyshop and guide service in 1999 to its expansion into a full service lodge, bar and grill, the business has grown into a mainstay in the Last Chance area.
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“We try to nurture loyalty and create an environment that is inviting and are renovating with different types of technologies.” —Steve Oakey Owner of Ray’s Chevron C CM M K Y Y K
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Reselience in the Great Recession
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Homestead’s helpful tips of survival MATT EICHNER editor@uvsj.com
Five reasons for being successful in the economic recession: 1.”We’ve been able to keep our rates low and increase our services. It’s just the opposite of what you’d normally do. ... We found that if we increased our service and keep our staff ratio up and keep our fees down, and then we can actually service more people because they can afford it and feel they get the service they need.” 2.”Hands-on management has helped a lot. We’re there all the time to make sure things are done right.” 3.”Our activities program — we have a full-time activities director who’s just terrific.” 4.”The local people in the community have been so supportive. They come in and support the residents. ... It makes them really feel at home and comfortable.” 5.”Also the quality of the labor force in this area.”
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Homestead Centers in Rexburg and Rigby. Expanded the Rexburg facility (shown above) during the recession. Also bought a facility in St. Anthony in February. Owners, Dave and Linda Thueson (shown right). C M C CM M Y K K Y Y K
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Madison Memorial JR BRISCOE intern@uvsj.com
adison Memorial Hospital has done several things to be successful during the current economic recession. “Like most businesses, we’ve looked closely at all our expenses. We’ve also been able to successful apply ideas and programs that work in one particular area and implement them to other departments of the hospital. “Another key has been in growing our way to success by investing in key facilities and equipment such as our joint efforts with physicians at Teton STANDARD JOURNAL/ JOSEPH LAW Radiology Madison and Madison Manager Boyd Cook (foreground) talks to customers on the phone while Doug Nash Memorial Surgery Center. gets ready to pull his truck out to make some deliveries Thursday morning. “Lastly, we’ve sought to attract and retain great people at all levels of our organization — our board of trustees, medical staff,
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Porter’s Office City JOSEPH LAW jlaw@uvsj.com
hat has worked for us is to try not to let the recession get to us,� said Mark Porter, president of Porter’s Office City. “We’ve focused on finding new customers in addition to keeping our present customers.� He said providing effective customer service is very important. “We’ve really tried to add value and make it easier for customers to order from us,� he said. “We’ve been working to to find ways to save our customers money in setting up their offices.� Having an improved and
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effective Web site is part of that process, according to Porter. “If we can save them time, they can get back to their core business,� he said. Speed in delivery is another aspect focused on by the company. “We deliver to our own customers on a daily basis with our own trucks,� he said. “We have a lot of customers nationwide — we can get (products) to 95 percent of our customers nationwide on a one-day basis.� He said the main goal the company has is “really focusing on our customers — if we don’t have customers we don’t have a paycheck.�
and hospital employees. With their help, we’re leading the other hospitals in the region with an average patient satisfaction rate of about 85 percent. This sets us well on our way to reaching 100 percent in the near future. “Madison Memorial also has some plans to continue its success for the future. “The healthcare industry is constantly changing, particularly with healthcare reform, and Madison Memorial is on the leading edge for implementing the technology infrastructure required by these changes. We also plan to refine our programs and deepen our relationships with the medical community by working closely with them on the opportunities the future brings us.�
STANDARD JOURNAL/J.R. BRISCOE
Dwayne M. Hansen, MD, FACS General Surgeon
656-8442 Medical School — Tulane University New Orleans, LA Surgical Residency — University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
Practice Specializing in... • Trauma/Critical Care • Advanced Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Procedures • Gastrointestinal Surgery • Breast & Oncologic Surgery • Colorectal Surgery • Vascular Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery • Skin Cancer Removal & Check-ups • Varicose Veins – EVLT • PillCam Endoscopy • TIF Procedure for GERD
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381 E. 4th N. Street Suite 100 Rexburg, ID 83440
656-8442 www.rexburgsurgery.com C M Y K
Visit Our Web s ite to Se e O u r Vid e o W W W.T HEHOMESTEA D L IVIN G.CO M
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Lane Steel with Edward Jones Investing MATT EICHNER editor@uvsj.com
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ane Steel’s reason for being successful during the recession is his clients’ concern for him: “I think No. 1 it was the clients that I already had. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve actually had clients pick up the phone and call me and say, ‘Hey Lane, are you doing OK?’” “That’s comforting to me to have my clients calling me and saying, ‘I realize I’m down 20 or 30 percent — how are you?’” “(It’s) building relationships with people. And my clients knew (the recession) wasn’t me, it wasn’t a personal vendetta I had against them, it was simply what the markets have done.” “I was in the grocery store one day, and I think it was right before we had the start up (in the market) the first time, and I was feeling pretty down. And I walked up to one of my clients that I saw there and started talking to him, and he said, ‘Don’t worry, Lane, it’ll be OK.’”
Cedarpoint Trucking JOSEPH LAW jlaw@uvsj.com
“Probably the reason we’re weathering the storm as well as we are is little to no debt,” said Craig Leatham, President of Cedarpoint Trucking Inc. “Everything is based on supply and demand, and if there are more trucks than loads, then you’re competing with everyone else, and rates go down. It wouldn’t be fair to say we’re running at a profit, but we plan to be here when this is over.” To ensure this, the company, which has been in business since 1980, is paying attention to the details. “We limit our speed to conserve fuel. …” Leatham said. “We give incentives to the drivers to slow down, which improves fuel mileage. The difference between 65 mph and 75 mph is about an 18 percent fuel saving.” Another area of focus for the company is maintenance.
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Rexburg’s Second Annual
Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony Thursday, November 11th, 2010 12 noon-Smith Park
“We’ve kept our trucks and trailers longer than we used to. A truck that’s properly maintained can go a long way. We used to trade every three to four years, but now we’re keeping them five to six years.” —Craig Leatham
Please join us for this tribute to our Nation’s Heroes!
Proud Sponsor of Beautiful Smiles
Customer Testimonials “I have been coming to this office for years and now all my children and grandchildren come. We love it here and I always refer my friends. I couldn’t imagine my teeth in better hands” Dorothy R. Rigby, Id. “Best Dentist I have ever had! It is worth the 120 mile trip that I make to come to this office. I recommend them to everyone I talk to.” Nate M. Yellowstone, Montana
Contact the Chamber for details 208-356-5700 or info@rexcc.com
56 Professional Plaza • Rexburg • 208.356.9262 • www.rexburgdentist.com
Sponsored by the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce City of Rexburg SCOTT WILKES DDS C M Y K
DOUG SMITH DDS-FAGD
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
STANDARD JOURNAL v WWW.UVSJ.COM
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Progress
Reselience in the Great Recession
A-1 Rentals NATE SUNDERLAND nsunderland@uvsj.com
STANDARD JOURNAL/ NATE SUNDERLAND
Wes Thompson is the General Manager of Rexburg and Idaho Falls stores.
As the economy slowed down, so did building contractor work. And one thing A-1 Rental in Rexburg found was more and more homeowners were doing their own projects. A-1 wasn’t caught flat footed, they adjusted to that need. “We’ve had to adjust our stuff, do more things for the homeowners to use more,” Thompson said. “We have more homeowner clientele come in, of course, because there’s not as many contractors. “It really seems to be people are doing more things on their own now rather than hiring people to do it,” Thompson said. “They’re not going to buy the tools to do the job — they’ll rent them.” And A-1 has been responsive to that need. As Thompson says, they are renting fewer backhoes and more small stuff like plumbing tools and equipment.
Circle of Love
MATT EICHNER
editor@uvsj.com
F
or Rexburg’s Circle of Love, making it through the recession was only possible if the company made a few changes, said owners Jon and Heather Weber. “What makes us different and been able to weather the storm is we’ve been able to diversify,” Heather said.” We have enough variety going on from women’s daywear to men’s suits, tuxedos, wedding dresses and then bridesmaids dresses. “Not that we haven’t felt the storm because we’ve felt the storm. We’ve just tightened our belt a little bit.” One of the new things they do is their own dress designs. “Heather has launched her own line of gowns, Heather Weber Designs, and that has done very well for us,” Jon said. It also helps that the business is designed to have a solid base of need , especially in the upper valley. “We felt the pinch as much as any other business,” said Jon Weber. “But particularly we survived because of the nature of our business. We are in an industry where people celebrate their marriage even during their hard times — they’ll find ways to spend some money on their weddings. “And the community has just really been supportive of us (and) we are pleased and thankful for that. But we’ve been watching our spending and our spending habits have changed a bit. We aren’t buying as much as we have in the past.” And one last key is that they want to make sure that each customer wants to come back. “If you provide good customer service at affordable prices, they’ll come back again and again and again,” Heather said. “We pride ourselves on good customer service, making our customers happy.”
STANDARD JOURNAL/ MATT EICHNER
Jon and Heather Weber stand by one of the dresses that heather Weber designed, while Lauren Fossum tries on a bridal dress and Sydney Brendle looks on.
Heather Weber says: “What makes us different and been able to weather the storm is we’ve been able to diversify. We have enough variety going on from women’s daywear to men’s suits, tuxedos, wedding dresses and then bridesmaids dresses. “Not that we haven’t felt the storm because we’ve felt the storm. We’ve just tightened our belt a little bit.” Jon: “I think the trade that we’re in lends itself to weather it a little bit more than other businesses. People spend money on their wedding. No matter how tight things can be, they’ll cut back in areas, but they’ll still celebrate their wedding with a gown, with a tuxedo. It might not be as many tuxedos as we’ve
witnessed in the past, but they’re still dressing up. Jon: “Heather has launched her own line of gowns, Heather Weber Designs, and that has done very well for us.” Heather: “We have a really good customer base, clientele of Rexburgites. Repeat customers are really what keeps us alive.” Jon: “It’s really southeast Idaho. ... It’s that customer base that is loyal.” Heather: “If you provide good customer service at affordable prices, they’ll come back again and again and again. We pride ourselves on good customer service, making our customers happy.”
“What makes us different and able to weather the storm is we’ve been able to diversify.” —Heather Weber
www.bankofcommerce.org
C M Y K
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
Progress
Reselience in the Great Recession
Madison Gymnastics JOSEPH LAW jlaw@uvsj.com
W
hile not forgetting it’s core business, Madison Gymnastics Center has been doing a bit of diversification. Justin Packard, co-owner and manager at the center said, “Not everybody wants to grow up to be a gymnast, but everybody wants to be in shape. Most of our clientele is children, and people haven’t stopped invest-
ing in their children. Instead of just offering gymnastics classes, we have rock-climbing, a preschool and an evening opportunity set aside for adults to come and work out.” “We took over ownership at a challenging time, but it fills a niche in Rexburg. Gymnastics is an indoor sport you can do whether it’s 20 below or 100 degrees outside — it’s something that kids can do.”
“One of the things we’ve been able to do is diversify our products to be able to appeal to more people.” —Justin Packard
STANDARD JOURNAL/JOSEPH LAW
Owner Justin Packard coaches two young men as they practice their gymnastic routine. Shown are Josh Karl, left, Packard, and Josh Ward.
subscribe online at uvsj.com or by phone 356.5441 #1 C M Y K
STANDARD JOURNAL v WWW.UVSJ.COM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
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Progress
Reselience in the Great Recession
Dave Jacobson attributes good managers for keeping the market viable, as well as hard work.
Hard work means success for Dave’s Market JOYCE EDLEFSEN jedlefsen@uvsj.com
D
ave Jacobson got into the grocery business at the urging of his fatherin-law, Dave Thatcher, who with his wife, Myrna, owned what’s now known as Dave’s Jubilee Market in Ashton. The Thatchers had added gas pumps and a deli to the market, which once was a bowling alley, and thought it would be a good fit for their son-in-law, who was working in the wholesale business with Meadow Gold Dairy in Jackson, Wyo. Jacobson and his wife Julie, bought the market in the fall
of 1991 and since then have built the business to last. Jacobson says business has been down a bit in the past couple of years, and he has had to cut back a little on staff. He attributes his good managers for keeping the market viable, as well as hard work. He works seven days a week in the store, doing everything from cutting meat to unloading freight and everything in between. “I used to take a day off,” he says, but working that extra day, at least a few hours, is one of his secrets to surviving the downturn.
STANDARD JOURNAL/JOYCE EDLEFSEN
Shown above is Dave “Jake” Jacobson pauses on the job at his market in Ashton to talk about his secrets to success during recessionary times. Shown at the far left is Dave’s Market. It serves not only local customers but tourists passing by on U.S. Highway 20 toward Island Park and Yellowstone National Park.
SOMETHING WORTH SHARING We’re proud of the news coverage we’ve received, and we hope to build upon these accomplishments. We know that our success is your success. Thank you. J.D. Power and Associates, July 19, 2010
Edward Jones ranked “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms, Two Years in a Row,” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 and 2010 U.S. Full Service Investor Satisfaction StudiesSM. SmartMoney, June 2010
Edward Jones was named the No. 1 full-service brokerage firm in the June 2010 edition of SmartMoney magazine. The magazine lauded the firm for growing its number of financial advisors in a down market. The firm, with a reputation for excellent client service, also managed to lead the pack in stock picking. The firm consistently has been ranked highly in the SmartMoney survey as No. 1 in 2005 and 2007 and No. 2 in 2008 and 2009. FORTUNE Magazine, Jan. 21, 2010 For the 11th year, Edward Jones was named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 on the magazine’s Best Large-sized Company list. These 11 FORTUNE rankings include top 10 finishes for eight years and consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003. Edward Jones received the highest numerical score among full service brokerage firms in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2009–2010 Full Service Investor Satisfaction StudiesSM. 2010 study based on responses from 4,460 investors measuring 12 investment firms and measures opinions of investors who used full-service investment institutions. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in May 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
Lane R Steel
Brent Esplin
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
.
556 Trejo Street Suite A Rexburg, ID 83440 208-356-4456
90 S. 1st W. Rexburg, ID 83440 208-356-0772
www.edwardjones.com
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2010
www.lesschwab.com
Rexburg 407 S 5th W
St. Anthony 205 S Bridge
356-4606
624-3747
ready for
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A2DD6?86C 42C E:C6D
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Low cost tire with a high traction tread compound for added durability and tread life. TREAD DESIGN MAY VARY
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46.81 142.43 67.44 78.89 82.65 96.43 95.85 114.46 82.88 145.66 125.32 78.13 89.08 93.40 90.67 101.92 110.30 132.50 136.82 152.97 141.77
SUPERMARKET
255/65QR-16 215/65TR-17 225/65SR-17 235/65SR-17 245/65SR-17 265/65SR-17 235/65SR-18 185/60TR-14 195/60TR-14 185/60TR-15 195/60TR-15 205/60TR-15 215/60TR-15 205/60TR-16 215/60TR-16 225/60TR-16 235/60QR-16 215/60TR-17 225/60TR-17 235/60TR-17 255/60TR-17
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174.66 148.46 163.50 169.51 180.27 199.69 200.46 90.44 95.32 91.27 93.88 117.44 118.15 127.59 131.64 138.39 177.95 151.61 157.13 157.88 208.48
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PRICE 185.34 178.53 194.85 232.02 218.11 312.89 144.11 129.68 148.69 152.43 159.13 163.73 177.91 183.23 166.34 210.61 266.82 247.67 252.54 325.59 298.46
SIZE
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E E E B
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