Business Review – June 2009

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review June 2009.

Scientopia
By Kristin Ranuio

It’s a great time to be a kid in Napa. Designed to help little ones love learning, Scientopia is open at 1785 Tanen Street, Suite B. Figuring two hours would be enough, a friend and I took four children, ages nine months though five years old. Three hours later the ones that could talk were begging us not to make them leave. Another mother, upon learning the time, realized she had been there over four hours. Obviously, the kids thought the discovery center was a big hit. When I tucked my two into bed that night, they asked when we could go back again.

Soon, for certain. There was so much to do that they didn’t see half of it, even during their three hour funfest. What they did do was have a blast.

First, we all took off our shoes, cubbies are provided, and checked out the Wee Wonders area for ages three and under. The baby was instantly drawn to the bright, colorful balls and the older kids were all over the tumbling mats and slides. On the wall hung a “yuck bucket” where toys are put for later disinfecting by the staff after finding their way in to kids’ mouths. An open doorway leads to the Reading Room, with comfortable couches and books offering a quiet place for kids or for moms who want to nurse.

Next, we headed into the large main room in the back. There was a quick blur of the backs of the kids’ heads as they zoomed by us, eager for more fun. The girls headed straight to a castle that looked like it was designed to ignite the imagination and climbed right in. My two year old son, who is obsessed with all things locomotive, made a beeline for the large train table, which is painted with Napa landmarks and kid friendly businesses and locales.

After a brief tour of the room, which is filled with activities for “up to age twelve”, my friend and I settled into chairs in the eating area. We had a great view of the space and, frankly, the kids had zero interest in us.

A stand filled with beautiful, realistic toy fruit is next to shelves with toy meats and eggs. A couple of pint-sized grocery carts add to the shopping experience. There are tables set up for arts and crafts, with aprons supplied for when things get messy. Large builder-boards fill the center of the room, offering kids the chance to make life-sized projects. The day we were there, there was a house built that was large enough for the kids to play in.

In the back of the room is a large space filled with colorful, soft, recycled tire rubber pieces kids can dig around in. A back corner is filled with experiments aimed at older kids. A popular draw is the Bernoulli, based on the Bernoulli principle, where kids put lightweight things on top of a traffic cone and then flip a switch, resulting in volcano like explosions. Every time they shrieked with delight.

We practically had to drag the kids to the eating area for a brown-bag lunch. My son, whose usual mantra is “I hungry” wasn’t even interested in his PB&J. He gobbled it down then asked if he could go back and play. Quick as a wink, he was gone.

After some more fun inside, we moved to the play space out front. There was a boat to climb around on, water tables filled with bubble solution, a picnic table and raised planters filled with gardens for kids to water and explore. The attentive staff filled watering cans for the kids and made huge bubbles the kids caught with butterfly nets. Employee, Adrienne Burris, took clear delight in her job. “I get paid to be a kid all day,” she says with a smile.

Our kids were reluctant to leave after the garden, but a promise to return and checkout the things as they had missed, like the puppet theater, music center, pulleys, and windmills seemed to ease the pain.

Owners Marcy and Jonathan Deeds have created a space aimed to delight and inspire. The seven dollar entrance fee, waived for a second adult and children under age one, is good all day, giving parents the freedom to come and go. There is a party room, and special packages and programs available. Scientopia Discovery Center is open Tuesday through Friday 9:30 – 5:30, and weekends 9:30 – 3. For more information call 707-2559-1559, or go to www.scientopiadiscoverycenter.com. Be prepared for happy kids!

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – May 2009

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review May 2009.

Silverado Antique Centre
By Kristin Ranuio

Do what you love and the money will follow, as the old adage goes. Over thirty years ago Rich Brazzi and Bob Corell did just that, turning their love of antiques into a thriving business, and never looking back. Now it is bittersweet for them that they announce their final retail store’s closing. May will be the last month of business for the Silverado Antique Centre in the Napa Town Center, across from the old Mervyns’s building.

“We’re at that point in our lives.  Thirty years ago it wasn’t difficult to move a piano or sideboard or an étagère,” Bob says with a laugh. “We’re facing the facts of time here.”

It all began in the 1970’s when the duo opened their first antique store on Main Street. The small store expanded rapidly and they moved their business, the Napa Antique Centre, to First Street where Copia now stands.  Multiple antique malls followed; Red Hen Antiques, Riverfront Antique Centre, Silverado Antiques on Lincoln Avenue and, finally Silverado Antiques Town Center.

The partner’s passion for antiques is obvious. Rich’s eyes light up and Bob becomes animated when recalling stories about foreign buying experiences and special customers. In fact, they still remember their very first customer, Charlotte, who remains a friend to this day.

When asked to recall a favorite story, neither could choose just one.  “Every day is a new life experience, especially working with the public”, recalls Bob.

After amassing their own collection of antiques, the pair invited other dealers to join them, thus creating one of the first antique malls in the area. At one point, with several stores operating, they had over two hundred antique dealers selling in their malls, enabling them to offer an incredibly vast selection to their customers. So as to not compete with their dealers, who sold primarily American antiques and collectibles, the partners began buying in England and Scotland then shipping large containers of selected antique pieces to Napa.

Rich says, “We established a warehouse in Lake Como, Italy and bought Italian, French and Belgian antique furniture, then began buying bronze statuary in Thailand, that was really fun!” He and general manager Brian Bergevin can laugh now as he recalls one container that had arrived from Italy containing exquisite high end furniture only to discover the marble tops smashed to pieces.

Brian has been employed with them for over twenty years, since he was a teenager. Another key member of the Silverado Antiques family is Richard (Carl) Cole, who has been with them for more than fifteen years. The atmosphere is indeed like a family. Many of the antique dealers are old timers also; several have been selling through the partner’s malls for over 20 years.

Bob and Rich plan on staying in the antique business, just in different ways. “We’re shifting gears, not actually retiring: we’re retiring from the aspect of having a retail outlet,” says Bob. Rich is pursuing a new career as a Professional Fiduciary, assisting the elderly with asset control and Bob will continue in the appraisal and estate liquidation business. They will also be overseeing their antique business in the Amish country of Ohio and shipping fine European and American furniture to Shanghai, China, which is proving to be an exciting new adventure.

“After thirty plus years of being open seven days a week, plus the current state of the economy, we are ready to expand our horizons”, says Rich.

Although they plan to continue selling via their website (now under construction), they are selling their entire current inventory, including a large collection of clocks, display cases and all fixtures.

“Rather than move items to storage, we are selling out. Beginning May 2nd, we will be selling all furniture and antique collectibles, everything that we have remaining in stock in the town center store. This is a great time to come in and buy. Antiques will never be lower priced. By heavy discounting, it will be our way of thanking our loyal past customers for years of patronage. Many of the antique dealers in the mall will also be present during the sale to make their inventory available at discounted prices.”

“We really appreciate the thirty years of business, and being part of the antique community here in Napa,” says Bob. For more information, please call (707) 253-1966 or email Silveradoantiques@Hotmail.com.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – March 2009

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review March 2009.

The Loose Caboose Hobbies
By Craig Smith

It’s hard to carry stress with you after you walk into the Loose Caboose Hobby Shop located at 820-A Third Street (the entrance is off Soscol.) This is a place for hobbyists, and tension just doesn’t fit.

Owner Ray Dahlgren opened The Loose Caboose fifteen years ago.  Originally located on Solano near the Ranch Market, it next moved to Jefferson, across from the High School, before settling in at it’s current location five years ago. If you are into model trains, you cannot resist the Loose Caboose. They carry the largest trains (G gauge) down to the smallest (Z scale.)  They carry a replica of the Napa Valley Wine Train in HO scale, which has been a favorite of residents and visitors for years.  Trains are just the jumping off point – they carry track of all sizes as well as everything anyone would need to create a village through which the train can run. You can buy accessories ready to use, or purchase models to put together and paint.

Loose Caboose is a full service hobby shop that carries models of every type plus rockets, slot cars, Lego, paints, and glue. There are crafts for girls as well as science projects.

Dahlgren was born in San Francisco, but has lived in Napa for forty-five years. During his life, he’s been a machinist, welder, built and raced hot rod cars, owned a back hoe and dump truck company, Dahlgren’s Trailers and Campers (in the 60s and 70s,) and sold real estate and insurance (“I didn’t care for insurance sales,” he says, smiling.) He was a machinist and nuclear inspector at Mare Island. Amazingly, he is eighty years old, but looks much younger and has the energy of someone twenty years younger.

He opened Loose Caboose thinking it would be a part time thing. Roy Ballard, who previously worked at Carl’s Hobby Shop, went to work for Dahlgren early on. “If it wasn’t for Roy, we wouldn’t have made it fifteen years,” said Dahlgren. He isn’t just being polite – Dahlgren said many people think Roy owns the shop, and he does practically run it. A few years after they had been working together, the two men discovered that they were related by marriage.

The Loose Caboose is also home to Warhammer tournaments, which Dahlgren’s grandson John Dahlgren runs.  These games, which are part chess, part Dungeon and Dragons and part creative thinking, involve intricate soldiers in war-like settings. Participants paint and build all the playing pieces. The store has a game room with tables and scenery in which customers can spend hours playing games and tournaments.

Dahlgren thinks parents should encourage kids to take up a hobby. “Teach them to build things, use their hands.  “Get ‘em away from TV and computer games.” He laments the absence of shop classes in schools.  His own children didn’t suffer from that lack. “My daughter is better working on cars than her husband is, and he’s a pilot for Delta.”

While the Loose Caboose features a room filled with Thomas toys, which Dahlgren said kids flock to, most of his customers are adults.  “A lot of them are senior citizens,” he said.  The shop is truly a place for the family.
Dahlgren himself is a family man. He and Ann have been married for sixty years. They have five children, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Over the years, several of the grandchildren have worked for Dahlgren. “It’s a real family business,” said Dahlgren.

Loose Caboose is open Tuesday through Sunday. Call them at 258-1222.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – January 2009

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review January 2009.

Napa Valley Center For Spiritual Living

By Craig Smith

On her way to chemotherapy treatments, Trudie Teague would stop by The Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living, located at 1249 Coombs Street. She’d straighten up where needed and lend a hand when appropriate. No one asked her to do so; she just did. In her memory, Kristina Heim and Tom Van Senus, both members of the church, collaborated to establish the Trudie’s Garden, located on site. Today, the beautifully transformed space is maintained by church members and is open to the public.

It might seem like a small thing to some, but Trudie’s Garden is just one of the ways the Center gives to the community. Committed to being green, the Center has several programs. Kirk Reid oversees the environmental commitments. While giving and tithing is a practice of the members, the Center itself also tithes, committing almost 11% of all its income to support local, community non-profit groups, teachers who are church members, and the parent organization.

Having been in Napa for almost fifty years, the Church returned to downtown several years ago. The new site was remodeled and the grounds landscaped, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and calming environment.  According to Reverend Janet Garvey-Stangvik, the new location feels like home.

The Napa church was founded in 1961 as the Science of Mind Center, led by local practitioner Ruth Wright. Four years later, membership was large enough to incorporate as a Church which was first located in a rented building on Brown Street where Mervyn’s is now located. Ruth Wright became the permanent minister, and served until 1970.

Essentially a volunteer organization in the early days, the Church grew over the years. A financial planner was brought in to help the fledgling group plan for the future. The office secretary began to receive a salary. Funds grew, and with the help of loans for the down payment made by some of the members, a small lot with a church was purchased on Menlo Avenue in 1971.

Four other ministers followed Ruth Wright. Reverend Dr. Barbara Smith took over in 1978, serving the Church in that capacity until 1995. During her tenure, the church sold the property at Menlo Avenue and bought several acres on Big Ranch Road, which were later sold. Today, the Church owns the property on which it is located.

‘Reverend Janet,’ as she is called, came to the Church ten years ago from Seattle. She loves living in Napa. “It’s been wonderful. Napa is a very community-minded place.  The wine industry itself is very community oriented.” Far from viewing other Churches as ‘competition’, the NV Center for Spiritual Living embraces other Churches and religions.  “If there isn’t peace among religions, there will never be peace among nations,” said Reverend Janet. The Center has been studying different religions this year. Reverend Janet picks a different one each month and talks about it during a Church service. “We are respectful of all faith traditions and beliefs and in our willingness to know and understand others we have representatives of different faiths as guest speakers. We believe that all paths lead to God,” said Reverend Janet.

If the church has a single focus, it is “Peace”. “We were involved with the Peace Table, Drumming for Peace (which featured 300 people drumming) and have been doing a World Peace Meditation since 1986.” Rev. Janet is leaving for the Middle East for a Walk of Peace, as part of  a Harvard University project.  “At heart,  we are peacemakers.”

Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Life is at 1249 Coombs, north of Pearl Street, phone 252-4847. Services are held at 10:30 on Sunday mornings.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – October 2008

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review October 2008.

JV Wine & Spirits – “Where The Napa Valley Shops For Wine”

By Craig Smith

Although JV Wine & Spirits customers know it as a great place to shop, they may not know that JV carries the largest wine selection of any store between San Francisco and Portland. Inventory at JV tops 4,000 wines, which include 1,000 imported wines, 450 cabs and 500 chardonnays.  JV is the number one retailer in the country for smaller wineries producing 2,000 to 3,000 cases per year. When surveyed, 85% of Napans responded that they shop JV. Not surprisingly, local wine makers shop for wine there more than any place else in the valley.  Yet, despite their success, the store still has the comfortable hometown feel that store founder Joe Vallerga insisted on as a feature of all his stores.

In 1947, Vallerga opened a grocery store on First Street near Silverado Trail. It was a small Mom and Pop operation and carried the family name. From the beginning, the new Vallerga’s offered great customer service and products, and also made generous donations to local non profits. The store was a success, which translated into more and bigger stores, and Vallerga’s became an important part of the community.

The Napa Valley was changing, however, becoming established as a world-renowned wine region. Locally, the demand for quality wines increased. In response, Vallerga’s opened a chain of corner wine and spirits stores called ‘Val’s.” The original Vallerga’s store was converted to a warehouse for the other stores, including the new Val’s.

Trying something new, Vallerga decided to open that warehouse to the public, stacking the merchandise in boxes versus on shelving, and JV Beverage Warehouse was born. The concept was an instant hit with customers.  JV recognized that it could enhance its wine presence even more, and began looking for the right person to help them accomplish that. It was then that Jon Sévigny landed on the scene.

Sévigny is a native of Montreal, Canada, who received both his Sommelier degree and diploma from Wine and Spirits Education Trust in Vancouver, and the Society of Wine Educators. He moved to St. Helena in the late 1990’s. His connections with the wine industry were strong. Sévigny offered to give the staff at JV some wine courses. About three weeks into the program, he knew that the best way for staff to learn was by example. He started working the floor, stayed through the Christmas season and simply never left. Today, Sévigny is JV’s Head Sommelier.

Under Sévigny, JV began to grow stronger. A couple of years later, Meryll Cawn, with undoubtedly one of the best palates in the industry, came aboard as store manager and sommelier. Several years ago, to reflect the size and quality of its inventory and its development into a destination for wine buyers, the store changed its name to JV Wine & Spirits.

“JV is where people come when they want something different, unusual and special,” said Sevigny. Customers include everyone from wedding and corporate event planners to people who don’t know much about wine at all.  JV is not in the least bit snooty, and welcomes everyone. “We’re far more than just a great wine shop,” said Sevigny. “We carry 550 different beers.  It’s fun to watch guys come in, look at our selection, and just start smiling. We’ve got 1200 spirits from around the world, and one of the best Tequila selections you’ll find anywhere. But at heart, we’re still a small store.”

JV Wine & Spirits
301 First Street
At the corner of First
and Silverado Trail.
Open seven days a week.
253-2624. There is plenty of parking. In addition, you can chose from 1,200 wines online at www.jvwine.com.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – September 2008

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review September 2008.

Napa Massage & Bodycare
Relaxation & Stress Relief in Historic Downtown

With its nine year anniversary just last month, Amanda’s Massage & Bodycare is changing its name to Napa Massage & Bodycare. “What’s in a name?” quips long-time business owner Amanda Escobio-Lewis.

The change is a reflection of the shift in downtown Napa as well as the business itself. Just as downtown Napa is finally thinking bigger, Escobio-Lewis is positioning her business to do the same. “After starting as just one therapist massaging in one room so many years ago, it is time for the business name to recognize the hard work of everybody involved with our seven-day-a-week operation,” states Escobio-Lewis. “My intention is to maintain the small-town feel of an owner operated business while embracing the new growth of downtown Napa.”

Close friends, many day spa clients, staff and others know that Escobio-Lewis has been successfully managing the business remotely for nearly two years. “Even with Amanda in Florida some of the time, this place is still very much owner-operated,” explains Kris Cole, on-site manager and lead massage therapist. Cole and Escobio-Lewis met four years ago at a Pregnancy Massage Course in San Francisco. Soon after, Cole, a native Napan who worked for 14 years at Silverado Vet Hospital before training in massage therapy, joined the team. She and Cole work closely together on day-to-day business operations. Each credits the other’s left-handedness for the unique blend of genius and insanity that makes a small business tick. “Kris really is my left-hand person,“ Escobio-Lewis says, only half-joking.

If Cole is her left-hand, then the bubbly and world-traveled Babs Bornemann is her right. “She’s actually more like an octopus, since she does top-notch massage, skin and nails, plus contributes on the admin side,” teases Cole of her right-handed counterpart.

World-travelers, beach bums and dog whisperers are only a small part of the Napa Massage & Bodycare team. “It is such a privilege to work with these people. If I’m not the perfect massage therapist for you, then I know somebody else here will be. We want you to find the perfect fit.” says Cole. You can even do a trial run; Jennifer Heminger offers chair massage regularly at Pharmaca, and Carol Villas does so at the Tuesday Farmers Market. Both of these therapists are available several days a week at Napa Massage & Bodycare. New clients can take advantage of the “Try Us For $25” campaign advertised in this issue. Existing loyal supporters are not left out, Escobio-Lewis promises a “freebie” next time they schedule. You can learn more about the highly diverse, nurturing and experienced professionals on the company website, www.napamassage.com, where individual bios are posted.

“We’re actually more like a family, than regular co-workers,” says Kim Himes-Aronsen who had one of the groups 4 babies in the past two years. “Since we’re open everyday, early till late, we work together to create a schedule that supports our busy clients as well as our own home lives.” Carlos Uribe, one of the team’s three male massage therapists, will add baby number 5 later this year. “We recently created a discount for pregnant women. After working with my sisters, co-workers and now my wife during pregnancy, I know first-hand that there is no better time to receive a massage,” he says.

At one time, the business’s clients were 100% local Napans. Today the day spa enjoys a nearly even split of a dedicated local following and wine country visitors. Escobio-Lewis adds, “Our goal is to remain the locals’ favorite with the ideal visitors’ location.” In keeping with a local focus, the day spa has organized and hosted, for several years, a Holiday Gift Bazaar, featuring the work of local artists to benefit the Napa Valley Food Bank. Their next event is the Second Chance Celebration, a Clothing Drive and ReGrand Opening with local charity, First Impressions (firstimpressionsnapa.org) and the Napa Premium Outlets, on Saturday 9/20, 3-7pm. “While helping others and having fun, this event will be our second chance to make a first impression as THE place for massage & bodycare in Napa” says Lewis. Check the Marketplace Events in this issue for details.

Yesterday’s “mom-and-pop” businesses are today’s sophisticated boutique establishments. Lewis and her team of a dozen massage therapists, manicurists and estheticians blend personalized attention and premium services in a unique historic location. Like the valley’s boutique wineries, Napa Massage & Bodycare will see discerning guests, just a few at a time, for something special that can’t be had just anywhere.

“We’ve been doing things differently here for a long time. Now we put a name on it,” says Diane Barbosa the massage therapist who coined the new term “Welti Wellness Massage” which debuted with the business name change this summer. The new name for the day spa’s signature service pays homage to its unique location within the historic Welti Wellness House. Dr. Welti, a prominent local physician nearly 100 years ago, built the craftsman-style house in downtown Napa. Today, his healing work continues.

Located at 1834 First Street, one block west of Jefferson, the day spa is in walking distance to a handful of upscale inns and downtown hotels, yet offers easy street parking for locals. Call 252-7079 to schedule an appointment, and be sure to check www.napamassage.com for more information, including special offers.

What’s A Welti Wellness Massage?

An integrated hands-on approach combining a Swedish foundation with elements of
Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Sports, Reflexology, Energy balancing and more.

These *extras* are included FREE:
Any pressure from light to deep w/ Aromatherapy oil or unscented lotion
Pain-relieving liniment for target area w/ Peppermint-chamomile foot crème
Therapeutic moist heat or cold pack w/ Integrated bodywork with advanced techniques w/ Full clock time

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – July 2008

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review July 2008.

The Playful Garden
by craig smith

Mimi Glavin, owner of The Playful Garden at 1001 Caymus (west of Main, near Shackford’s and The Learning Faire), tried to retire once, but it just didn’t work out as envisioned. She and Mike, her husband of thirty-nine years, sold their business, bought the big RV, and hit the road. After two weeks, they were bored to tears. “We missed contact with people, and realized we really like working,” Mimi laughed, as she often does. “So, we chose to give up retirement.”

Mimi didn’t just want another job. She wanted to pursue work that is related to her passions in life, which include an appreciation of art and gardening. She combined those two, knew humor was also an important ingredient, and created a mission statement for her new venture, The Playful Garden: “To bring laughter and playfulness into the home and garden.”

The Playful Garden begins to express that statement before entering the store, where guests are greeted by a 5 ½ foot tall copper, overall-clad gardening frog (for which Mimi plans to hold a naming contest at some point). The frog stands next to a “succulent chair,” which Mimi describes as being for “people with flair.” (You have to see it to understand!) Step inside the store, and be greeted by one of the many whimsical items she carries – an extremely realistic looking, croaking frog. In a juxtaposition The Playful Garden pulls off seamlessly, objects like the frog are mixed with beautiful art pieces, many of a playful nature, that would look good in any garden or home. Sprinkled throughout is a unique array of garden furniture and fountains.

More than just a garden shop, The Playful Garden is also part art gallery, although a relaxed, accessible one. The Playful Garden features lots of one-of-a-kind pieces from artists worldwide. Objects come from as close as Nevada City and San Luis Obispo, and as far away as Brazil and France. Nothing in the store can be found anywhere else in Napa. Visitors will not feel like they are in a gallery at all, but in a delightful, easy to enjoy environment. Regardless of how you feel walking in, you are likely to leave smiling.

The idea for The Playful Garden was born four years ago. Two of Mimi’s sisters, who live in the state of Washington, are accomplished gardeners and artists. The three siblings used to talk about how they could all start a business together producing specialty gardening items. Although Mimi hadn’t planned on opening a retail store, it seemed like the only practical way to accomplish their dream, given the geographic distance between them.

After “retirement,” the Glavins moved to Napa to be closer to their first granddaughter. Mimi spent two years searching for artists and merchandise while looking for just the right place for her business. One section of The Playful Garden features art by renowned mosaic artists Solomon Bassoff and Domenica Mottarella of Faducci. Local artist Kathy Dennett, who created the mandalas adorning the walls of the restaurant Pearl, also shows there. The work of a Tucson based artist, who only makes whimsical bird nest sculptures, can be found at The Playful Garden. A Martha Stewart listed faux bois artist has provided pieces. And the work of several of her talented family members and friends, which sells like hot cakes, is evident throughout.

There are some pieces Mimi won’t sell. A beautiful stained glass parrot window one of her brothers created is one of them. Another, a display table that the Grateful Dead often sat around to play music, also stays.

Mimi is the first to admit that she was very nervous about getting into retail, something she has never done before, and says she couldn’t have done it without the support of her husband Mike. Taking big chances, like the time she zip lined in Belize, has always paid personal dividends, and she knew she had to open the store. Like other new adventures, it has been a very positive experience that has helped her grow as a person. Mimi encourages everybody to do something, “that takes them out of their comfort zone, whether for a day or for life.” She isn’t suggesting that everyone open a store. It could be doing something for your community or city, but Mimi suggests to people, “be proud of what you are doing. It always extends outward.”
The Playful Garden is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:30PM. Call 258-8880. Better yet, stop in.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – May 2008

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review May 2008.

Think! Toner and Ink
By Kristen Kendrick

There is one job in every office or business that nobody wants. Your boss doesn’t want it so he asks your superior to do it, your superior doesn’t want it so he asks you to do it. You don’t want it so you ask the new guy to do it. This job is a menial, time consuming task, but one necessary to keep your business running. I am, of course, talking about the inventorying, stocking and re-supplying of ink and toner products. This job is especially irksome if you run out of ink or toner in your printer/fax/copy machine while knee deep in an important project. If you ever wished you could just call someone who could help you in your time of need, there is now, that “someone”. This scenario has happened to me more than once, and that is the reason I am overjoyed with the “Ink on the Spot” program from our local Think! Toner & Ink store.

Nick Cavanaugh and his wife Kim, owners of Think! Toner & Ink have developed a program to ensure that businesses never again run out of ink and toner supplies. “Ink on the Spot” harkens back to the good old days when milkmen delivered fresh milk every morning. Nick will personally come to your business, take an inventory of all your printing devices and their expected usage, then tailor a program that includes enough on- site stock to keep your business self sufficient for a predetermined amount of time. Because Think! Toner & Ink is local and conveniently located in Downtown Napa, Nick is able to come back to your business on regular service intervals to make sure you never have an “I could have sworn I ordered more!” moment again. The pricing from Think! Toner & ink is another bonus. With a savings of up to 65% on some items you may be surprised to find how much money you can keep in your pocket. They also offer parts and a full repair service that will come to you should your printer or fax machine feel a bit under the weather.

Service and quality are two things on which Think! Toner and Ink refuses to compromise. All Think! Toner & Ink’s products are of the highest quality and with Ink on the Spot, the stock management and delivery are free. Think! Toner & Ink is not an ink cartridge refilling source (the quality of products that are merely refilled and not remanufactured is not as high). Think! Toner & Ink uses contracted industrial remanufacturing companies that don’t just refill your ink or toner cartridge. They pull them apart, then rebuild your cartridges and make them like new. First they are inspected, cleaned, and worn parts and dirty ink sponges and screens are replaced. Cartridges are then recharged with ink or toner and fully tested before being repackaged and sent out. All of this is done in the clean rooms of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, not in the back of a store. Nick will gladly pick up your empty cartridges.

Nick and his wife Kim have been in the ink business in Napa for about a year now and are pleasantly surprised by the community’s commitment to buying local. “We are very happy with the way we have been taken in by our community”, Nick says with a smile. One of the major advantages of doing business at Think! Toner and Ink as a walk-in customer is the convenience. Everything you need is right behind the counter and there’s no waiting in long lines. You don’t need to bring in empties and, because Nick and Kim know their stuff, any product questions are answered without having to be redirected to someone else in another department like the big box stores.

Using “Ink on the Spot” for your business is a no-brainer! Never run out of ink again. Receive Grade A service and have quality products delivered to your office. Call today and have Nick come by and make life a little easier for you. Then spend your valuable time getting to more important business needs.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – May 2008

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review May 2008.

The Learning Faire
By Craig Smith

Thirty years ago, Lana Stanley and Sandy Jones made one of the biggest decisions of their lives, and opened the Learning Faire toy store. It was a well thought out and adventurous move for the two stay-at-home moms, but the business has been successful and is considered a community resource by many Napa residents.

Now the two partners have made another decision – to retire from their business.

“We still love it and it’s still fun, but it’s time to do something different,” said Stanley.

“I have four grandchildren, and I want to spend time with them, take some classes and try other things,” said Jones. “This has been wonderful, but it’s time for the next chapter.”

Committed to offering quality toys, books and educational games to children up to twelve years in age, The Learning Faire’s clients now include second-generation shoppers – parents who played and learned using Learning Faire games and toys, and grandparents now buying for their grandchildren. “We have always offered merchandise that we considered important in raising children,” said Stanley.

Sandy Jones, originally from Boston, moved to Napa in 1967. She taught school in St. Helena for three years, stopping to raise her two daughters. Lana Stanley, a native Californian, moved to and then back from, Texas, working as a librarian. She moved to Napa in 1977, and met Jones and Wendy Duckhorn, who was originally a partner in the business. All three were stay-at-home moms who wanted to work part time. They originally discussed opening a bookstore, but decided that Napa didn’t need another one. Recognizing that children needed interactive toys that would fully engage them, they shifted focus, and The Learning Faire concept began to develop. After much discussion and planning, the store opened in August 1978. Duckhorn left after a few years.

For the business partners, family is and always has been a priority. In the early days, the store was closed all day Sunday and Monday, so that the three young mothers could each work less than two days a week. When Stanley’s last child was born two months after the store opened, she went to work with mom. The partners rarely missed one of their children’s school events.

Initially, the store emphasized teaching supplies, but in response to customer feedback, educational toys became a priority. Today, their extensive product lines include science and nature, arts and crafts, picture books and early readers, wooden toys, Lego and other building toys, puzzles and games, along with dolls and stuffed animals. Price points vary to accommodate as many customers as possible. A Birthday Club program allows children to fill out a card with items they would like to have. “We resisted that as perhaps being too commercial,” smiled Jones, “but, families have loved it and thanked us for it.” Their strongest attribute is their customer service. “When a parent or grandparent asks, ‘What does a five year old want?’ we can easily make many suggestions in any price range,” said Stanley.

The partners say that educational toys are more important today than ever. Children’s lives are more heavily programmed now than in the past, and they need imaginative play. “Toys are the tools of childhood,” said Stanley. Asked what the most important toy is, both answered quickly, “Parents. The time they spend with their children is very important.”

Stanley and Jones both credit their manager of twenty-six years, Judith Irwin, for much of their success, saying her motivation and energy helps them stay enthusiastic. Another employee, “Mom”, is Patte Dunn who has been with them fourteen years. Making their families a priority has been extended to their employees – school activities come first, and work schedules are adjusted accordingly. “The Learning Faire is family oriented in a very real sense,” said Jones.

The women are not in a hurry to leave the business, and are open as to how that will happen. “Ideally, we’ll sell the business to someone who is as passionate about children’s education as we are.” The partners feel an obligation to a community that has been good to them. “When people tell us that we have become a community resource, it’s quite an honor,” said Jones. “We’d like to see that continue.”

The Learning Faire, open seven days a week, is located at 1343 Main Street, and can be reached at 253-1024.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com

Business Review – April 2008

Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine Business Review April 2008.

Cake Plate
By Craig Smith

Cake Plate, at 1000 Main Street in Napa (near First) had only been open a few weeks when a cab pulled up and a woman disembarked. Blind, she walked into the store with her dog and asked, “Am I in Cake Plate? I’m in my eighties, and my niece is getting married. I would love something special.”

Cake Plate owner Lindsay Kroll began showing her dresses. Kroll described the colors, drawing attention to those that would look good on the woman, as both explored the designs with their hands, feeling for fabrics, necklines, buttons and special features. They picked out four, and the woman began trying them on. She herself knew when something wasn’t quite right. Likewise, she and Kroll both knew instantly when she had found the perfect outfit. The woman loved the dress, but was worried that the cost of the dress and the turtleneck that complemented it perfectly were just out of her price range. Kroll had a solution.

“It was early in the day and she was my only customer. I locked the door, and she and I took the dress across the street to Mervyn’s, where she found a great piece that brought the outfit together for her. She looked fabulous,” she said.

Kroll had a slightly different twist on playing dress-up as a little girl. She’d organize everything, get her friends and sisters to play with her. Kroll always played storeowner. She’d pick out dresses for everyone else, and then ‘sell’ them to the other girls.

Kroll opened Cake Plate on October 1st, 2007, and is now living her childhood fantasy. Asked to describe the business, she smiled. “You are in my dream. Cake Plate is for women who appreciate classic, contemporary, sophisticated fashion.” Kroll herself has a great sense of fashion, and doesn’t believe in selling a dress unless the woman “looks fabulous and feels pretty” in it. But that’s just part of what Cake Plate is.

One of Kroll’s goals was to create a comfortable place for women who might not have anything particular in mind, or might just want a place to escape. As the mother of two, she appreciates a place where she can just relax. Customers occasionally come in with something older from their closet, asking if they can still wear it or what it might take to make it work. Kroll welcomes them all. If a woman is buying an outfit for a particular function, she and the staff keep track of what the event is so they don’t sell the same outfit to someone else also attending that function. She’s surprised when people remark on her great customer service. To Kroll, it’s just the right way to do things.

Kroll had a couple of forks in her career path to Cake Plate. After graduation, she taught kindergarten and second grade. She left to join Vintage Bank, using her teaching skills to develop training programs in Human Resources.

Kroll wanted to open a store in 2002, but she wanted to open in downtown Napa, but her market research told her it wasn’t the right time. When she found out that Vintage Bank was going through a merger in January of ’07, she looked into it again. “My husband told me to write a business plan. I think he thought that would put me off,” she smiled, “but I bought some software and got started. I interviewed other shop owners, designers I liked – anybody I could think of for research.” When she took the completed business plan to the bank, they laughed. “It was a real corporate approach, kind of overkill. But they approved it immediately.” After a family pow-wow with her parents and husband Erich, she decided to go for it.

Kroll had a two-foot high stack of pictures she had taken from fashion magazines, and made two piles – “fabulous” and “not so fabulous.” She literally called every designer from the “fabulous” stack and asked if she could carry him or her in Cake Plate. The lines she ultimately chose are classic and contemporary, such as Milly. She also carries some new lines, including Kirribilla, designed by two women in San Francisco and offered only at a store there and Cake Plate. She carries a Napa jeweler, Mollymdesigns, (McGraph) of Napa, and Carolyn Rasmussen. New spring lines will include Kate Spade, Orla Kiely, Paul & Joe Sister, and Alice & Olivia. She will continue to rotate lines in and out, always focusing on clothes and accessories that can be worn here in Napa and complement a Napa lifestyle.

As to the name, Cake Plate? “I’ve collected vintage cake plates forever, and gave them as gifts. Cake Plates are what you use to show off your prettiest treasures, and that’s what we do.”

Joining Kroll in the store is Maria Gomez, who has a great sense of fashion and of people. “Maria gets so many compliments. People love working with her.” Stop in and visit – even if just to escape for a while. Cake Plate is open seven days a week. (707) 226-2300.

http://www.napavalleymarketplace.com