Monday, December 16, 2013

Meet Wolf Furniture

Five Questions with David Dumm, General Manager, Wolf Furniture
1215 W. Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21701
301-846-0800
www.wolffuurniture.com

How long have you been in business?
Company since 1902, started in Frederick in 1978

How many employees do you have?
31 employees in the Frederick location, 450 companywide

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
Wolf's is still family owned and our focus continues to be to offer the customer good selection, pricing and customer service.  Treat the customer how we want to be treated.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Heartly House, Community Living, Frederick Rescue Mission, United Way and annual Coats for Kids campaign at Christmas.

What are you most proud of?
Wolf's has continued to grow in spite of a tough economy the last 4-5 years thanks in large part to the loyal support of our customers.

Meet TNT Services Group

Five Questions with Don Tarleton, Owner, TNT Services Group

3958 Dartmouth Court
Frederick, MD 21703
301-874-8400
www.tntservicesgroup.com

How long have you been in business?
17 years

How many employees do you have?
44

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
Located close to most major markets.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We support many non-profits through the Patty Pollatos fund.

What are you most proud of?
That we survived the worst housing market since the Great Depression.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Meet Family MRI

Five Questions with Kerry Kianetski, Co-Owner, Family MRI

75 Thomas Johnson Dr, Suite F
Frederick, MD 21702
301-631-3674

How long have you been in business?
We have been in business about 3-1/2 years!

How many employees do you have?
We have 9 employees which includes 3 owners who work full-time.

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We offer many unique features which will help set us apart from our competition. First, we have the only true non-bore, open MRI machine in Frederick. Second, we are a locally owned, family business that treats patients like family. Finally, our passion for supreme customer service results in excellence from when the appointment is schedule through when the patient leaves with excellent quality images!

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We are Chamber of Commerce members
We support the Frederick Rescue Mission
We have supported the Asian-American Center of Frederick
We have and will support worthy local medical causes

What are you most proud of?
Family MRI was launched during a very difficult recession in 2010 and we have been extremely successful. We now embark on an expansion that will see Family Imagining become a reality in early 2014. We will offer x-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound testing under one roof. We have an amazing and loyal staff that will help us become the premier imaging facility in Frederick.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Meet Unified Community Connections

Five Questions with Amy Brechbiel, Director of Operations/Western Region, Unified Community Connections

5736 Industry Lane
Frederick, MD 21704
301-663-8700
www.uc2.org

How long have you been in business?
Originally founded in 1953 as United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland by a group of parents and concerned citizens, Unified Community Connections (UC2) is today a large, dynamic non-profit organization providing thousands of hours of services and supports each year to both children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities and chronic health issues throughout the state of Maryland. Our core programs provided in the Frederick community are: Day Program Services, Residential Services, Supported Employment Services, and Transportation Services. Our broad rage of services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, helping to fulfill their hopes and dreams by connection them to life's possibilities and supporting them in living as independently as possible.  The Frederick Center opened February 4, 1992.

How many employees do you have?
Between 500-600 throughout the agency.

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We are well established in the community and we have many business contacts in the county.

If you are involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We actively try to work with the community in all areas we provide services.  Specific to Frederick, residential homes and built relationships with neighbors. Santa's Truckers supports our clients during Christmas and we in turn sponsor a family that they are assisting. We have various civic groups or volunteers that come into the center like Pets on Wheels, etc. Clients interact with other clients in Hagerstown and Cumberland for social activities like prom, outings like bowling alleys, movie theaters, churches, dining out, etc.

What are you most proud of?
We are proud of the Adult Day program that has been constantly growing. Uses of switches for help in communication for non-verbal clients, life basics training. We are proud of the encouragement for growth of our employees, such as the new mentor program (approx 1 year old).  Our first graduate is from our Day Program. New ALU (Alternate Living Unit) brings our residential houses to 6 in Frederick County. We are also proud of our Disability Awareness training that allows new hires a chance to experience a few hours in the life of a disabled individual.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Meet LB Water

Five Questions with Shawn Pulford, Location Manager, LB Water
7111 Geoffrey Way
Frederick, MD 21704
301-874-2560
www.lbh20.com

How long have you been in business?
LB Water was founded in 1972 in Selinsgrove, PA.  Our company has steadily grown into eight locations serving Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and portions of New Jersey and Ohio.  We have been established in Frederick for seven years.

How many employees do you have?
We currently have a staff of 25

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
The LB Water team is motivated by shared ownership and driven to be the best in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  It is our goal to provide quality products, superior solutions and exceptional customer service.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We are not currently involved in community outreach.

What are you most proud of?
Teamwork- “We make water work”

We all do this together, every day!  A great team of dedicated people that supports and helps each other with one common goal: consistent customer satisfaction that will result in loyalty to LB Water.

Meet American Microwave Corporation

Five Questions with Darrick Francis, V.P. Operations, American Microwave Corporation


7309 Grove Rd, Suite A
Frederick, MD 21704
301-662-8677
www.americanmicrowavecorp.com


How long have you been in business?
35 years

How many employees do you have?
34

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We have a history of success. The location for manufacturing is well suited to attract local talent looking to avoid the 270 traffic jam as well. There are also less high tech firms to compete for your workforce in our field.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
This year our machine shop provided awards for a local Middle school student achievement award free of charge.

What are you most proud of?
The longevity of our business and our continuing success story of citizenship gained while employed at AMC.
We also built-out a new facility and moved in beginning 2012.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Meet The Business Factory of Frederick

Five Questions with Peggy Richman, General Manager, The Business Factory of Frederick

801 N. East St.
Frederick, MD 21701
301-378-0070
www.bizfactoryfrederick.com

How long have you been in business?  
We are 8 months old and growing!

How many employees do you have?  
We have 1 employee and work with independent business owners as our consultants as much as possible.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?  
We have a genuine passion to be flexible in providing a professional and dynamic coworking space and special events venue that brings together for and non-profit organizations.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We have partnered with several local non-profit organizations including Kids Are Heroes, Seed of Life Nurseries, the Entrepreneur Council of Frederick County, the Frederick Arts Council, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Frederick County; and the list grows longer on a regular basis.

What are you most proud of?
The positive-focused members we service and the cooperation and synergy that working with other entrepreneurs creates.

Meet Regus

Five Questions with Jean Wright, General Manager, Regus


5100 Buckeystown Pike, Suite 250
Frederick, MD 21704

How long have you been in business?
Regus has been in business since 1989

How many employees do you have?
Over 3,000 employees worldwide and approximately 40 Regus employees at 11 Maryland business centers, including 3 employees in Frederick.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
Frederick is a growing community which is attracting more business here.  Some employees and business owners need the flexibility of working in a more convenient location near their home.  They may have a corporate office in another city or may want to avoid the long commutes to DC, Baltimore, and beyond.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Locally, we partner with Goodwill of Monocacy Valley as a collection location for donations.  Recently, we participated in a corporate-wide drive benefitting Camp Better America which assists returning veterans and their families.

What are you most proud of? 

As a global company, we are able to assist businesses of all sizes and requirements with flexible office space solutions right here in Frederick.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Meet The Frederick County Chapter of the Red Cross

Five Questions with Nicholas Geier, Executive Director, Frederick County Chapter of the 
Red Cross

2 E. Frederick St.
Walkersville, MD 21793
301-662-5131
www.redcross.org/md/walkersville/


How long have you been in business?
The Frederick County Chapter of the American Red Cross was chartered April 27, 1917, so we have now been serving the community for over 96 years.

How many employees do you have?
We currently have 4 staff, but we also have 170 volunteers that help support the Red Cross mission here in Frederick County.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
For nearly a century we have been here to help whenever and wherever emergencies strike; whether bringing help and hope to people in distress, providing critical life-saving training, or supporting military members and their families.  Given the compassionate and supportive nature of the Frederick community, and our strong working relationships with local government and emergency management agencies, I know that we will continue to be successful in providing services here in Frederick County for centuries to come. 

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We work very closely with other agencies throughout Frederick County in supporting the needs of the community.  This type of collaboration is important for all of us to fulfill our mission in serving the citizens of Frederick County.

What are you most proud of?
Our volunteers! Be it a blood donor, a board member, an office volunteer, an instructor, or a disaster responder, I am honored to have the opportunity to interact with such amazing and compassionate individuals.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Meet ArachnidWorks, Inc

Five Questions with Monica Kolbay, President, ArachnidWorks, Inc

5104 Pegasus Ct, Suite B
Frederick, MD 21704
240-285-9844

How long have you been in business?
ArachnidWorks was established in 1998, and operated as sole proprietorship until 2008, when it was officially incorporated.

How any employees do you have?
We have 5 employees, and two interns.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
Frederick has so much to offer small business. It's a beautiful suburb of both DC and Baltimore, and continues to grow nicely, each and every year. Many of our clients are from the greater Frederick area, and we love to do business with those other local companies that thrive in our own neighborhood. The Frederick area offers such an array of businesses--from biotech to education, and retail to corporate. The opportunities for a business like ArachnidWorks are great!

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share your involvement.
We are always looking for that perfect partner, on a charitable level. We have a big heart for kids and animal-related outreach opportunities, and have a few partnerships in the works, currently. None have been made official by ourselves or the organizations we work with, quite yet. Stay tuned!

What are you most proud of?
We are proud of our ability to offer full-service advertising, website development and marketing efforts to an array of small to large businesses. We employ very customized marketing plans for each and every client--since no business is quite the same. And, we are proud of our flexibility, when it comes to working with tight budgets. We never forget that we, too, were once a very small company, with little capital. Every business has to start somewhere, so it's exciting when we are afforded the opportunity to work with companies ready to ramp up their marketing efforts, taking them to the next level.



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Meet Mama Lucia of Frederick

Five Questions with Chris Hayden, Owner, Mama Lucia of Frederick

1700 Kingfisher Dr #1300
Frederick, MD 21701
301-694-2600


How long have you been in business?
Mamma Lucia of Frederick has been in business for over 8 years

How many employees do you have?
I employ 22 fine individuals

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We will continue to provide the community with a quality and caring experience that is coupled with outstanding food.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Mamma Lucia is involved with local schools, organizations, charities, teams, and clubs. We serve as a host of fundraisers and provide donations of food and time. My pet project is Friends of Frederick County Meals on Wheels.

What are you most proud of?
The devoted and talented staff that I have the privilege to work with. Several of them have been working here from the beginning.

Meet Cafe 611

Five Questions with Randy Jones, Owner, Cafe 611

611 N Market St
Frederick, MD 21701
301-631-1460


How long have you been in business?
Café 611 was incorporated in September 2006 and opened its doors to serve Frederick County residents in March 2007.

How many employees do you have?
Café 611 is family owned and operated. We are currently operating with five family members and utilizing support from local vendors and contractors to support large functions such as banquets, conferences and weddings.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
The restaurant is located in a HUB location providing opportunity for federal government contracting in addition to multiple family members being veterans. Being located close to Fort Detrick and the Washington metropolitan area has given the restaurant the opportunity to cater on county, state and federal levels. The opportunity to serve customers in a mid-sized restaurant (seating over 250 patrons) has proven to be a benefit to Frederick county business, political, social and entertainment organizations.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Café 611 has been instrumental and is proud to be the recipient of multiple awards and recognition for community support. At the state level, the Maryland Restaurant Association awarded us the State of Maryland Good Neighbor of the year and the McCormick Corner Stone Small Restaurant of the year award, Small Business of the Year MD State Chamber of Commerce, Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Maryland State Governor, and at the county level, Human Relations Business of the Year Frederick County Human Resources Commission, Summit Award Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and Heart healthy restaurant of the year Frederick County Health Department.

What are you most proud of?
The company is most proud to serve the residents of Frederick County and their tourist with an establishment where they can dine, socialize and entertain for an affordable price.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Meet Biomat USA, Inc

Five Questions with Nadine Collier, Center Manager, Biomat USA, Inc, Frederick 


1037 C West Patrick St Frederick, MD 21702 
301-360-2400

How long have you been in business?
The plasma center opened on the corner of Rosemont Ave and Military Rd in February 2003 with 1600 square feet and six beds.  We relocated in July 2009 to our current 10,400 square feet center with 30 beds.

How many employees do you have?
Currently I have 22 full-time and two part-time employees.

Why do you believe that you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
As a community, Frederick is known for its giving spirit and donating plasma is an excellent way to help others.

If your company in involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
I recently discovered the "One Job at a Time" initiative and I immediately joined.  I felt that we met their criteria as I am always looking for employees. I have hired ten new people in the last six months so I thought we would be a good fit.

What are you most proud of?
I am proud of the job I have accomplished in growing my center from six beds with three employees to thirty beds and 24 employees.  This allows us to safely collect the plasma that is required to make the products that help save lives around the world.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Meet Resthaven Memorial Gardens

Five Questions with Richard F. Cody, President, Resthaven Memorial Gardens

U.S. 15 Frederick, MD 21701

(301) 898-7178

How long have you been in business?
Resthaven Funeral Services, Skkot Cody P.A. was incorporated in August of 2001, and granted a Funeral Establishment License by the Maryland State Board of Morticians in September of 2001.

How many employees do you have?
At this time, Resthaven Funeral Services only has one full-time employee; the president and supervising mortician. Other trade professionals are engaged as needed to assist in all stages of the services we provide. As we expand our facility to meet the needs of the increasing number of families we serve each year, more full-time staff will be added.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
Resthaven Funeral Services is located at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, and for over 50 years, Resthaven Memorial Gardens has been reaching out to families to make their burial arrangements, and since Resthaven Funeral Services was established, their funeral arrangements, years in advance of need when possible. Over 10,000 people own cemetery property at Resthaven, and Frederick is continuing to grow. It’s a nice place to live, with good schools, good food, and now a more business-friendly environment, so many people will move here and stay here.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Resthaven Funeral Services, in conjunction with Resthaven Memorial Gardens and other professionals, does provide informational seminars on end-of-life planning to church groups and other civic associations. This is general information that everyone needs at some point, and is not specific to Resthaven. Many people have found this to be of great value, and we plan to offer this service to the public on a regular basis when we complete our expansion.

What are you most proud of?
We are able to provide funeral services, burial or mausoleum property, and cremation services all at one location. We are also a dog-friendly establishment, and we are very proud of that. Dogs (and cats) are family, too, and we serve our families to the best of our abilities.



Monday, June 24, 2013

Meet Fitness First

Five Questions with Chase Helschien, Manager, Fitness First Westview 

5245 Westview Dr, Frederick

How long have you been in business?
Fitness First has been around for 22 years, and we expanded to our Frederick Westview location in March of 2012.

How many employees do you have?
We have between 50-60 employees at our Westview location.

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We are proud to be doing business in beautiful Frederick County. It is great to work in this growing county with so many health-conscious individuals. We believe new-comers and fitness enthusiasts alike can find a home here at Fitness First Westview, we welcome all members and guest and have something for everyone regardless of Fitness levels, goals or workout preferences.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We support over 20 charitable organization including The Wounded Warrior Foundation, Research for Juvenile Diabetes, Breast Cancer awareness, Relay for Life, and many more.

What are you most proud of?
In our first year we’ve filled this club with happy members getting great results. Frederick County and surrounding area residents are here improving their quality of life every day at our health club. We are proud of all the ways in which we can help, from a warm smile and hello to personal instruction on how to reach their individual goals.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Meet Capital Tristate

Five Questions with Darrin Nelson, Branch Manager, Capital Tristate

270 Interstate Circle
Frederick, MD 21704
301-663-1232


How long have you been in business?
12 years

How many employees do you have?
10

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
It is the perfect location, centrally located between Baltimore, Washington corridors, PA, WV, etc...

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We participate in and donate to local builder olympics, Frederick County homeshows, ABC Inc, Frederick County Vo Tech, etc...

What are you most proud of?
Our people.  Most have 15-30 years of experience in this field and have many long lasting customer relationships that continue to help make us the largest electrical distribution in the area. Afterall, it is a people business!


Monday, May 20, 2013

Meet Acela Technologies

Five questions with Christine Demas, Project Director at Acela Technologies

5115 Pegasus Court, Suite A
Frederick, MD 21704
301-846-9060



How long have you been in business?
10 years.

How many employees do you have?
23 in Frederick and in Los Angeles, CA

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
Acela is a national company, recently opening an office in Los Angeles, CA.  The attraction to our office in Frederick is access to three major airports.  BWI/DCA and IAD give us access to get anywhere in the country with not much hassle.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
At Acela, we know that when our communities thrive, so does our business.  This is why community engagement is so embedded in our corporate culture. Throughout our history, we have passionately supported many local efforts, including: Chamber of Commerce, School System, Local Governance, Mental Health Association, Women in Defense, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Hood College, Youth leagues, and charitable organizations like Faith Striders.

What are you most proud of?
The Acela Team. CEO Darryl Boffman has been able to attract and retain quality employees.  Building a great reputation for Acela with major corporations throughout the US.



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Meet Commercial Fleet Services

Five Questions with George Lane, General Manager and Nick Cockerham, Owner, Commercial Fleet Services

6838 English Muffin Way
Frederick, MD 21703
301-682-4929


How long have you been in business?
Seven years.

How many employees do you have? 
We have six employees.

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We give service for a fair price. We care about the customer first. As long as we take care of them, then the rest will take care of the rest.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Lightning Golf tournament, Middletown Independence Day Celebration, Middletown Volunteer Fire Co Golf Classic, Trinity School of Frederick Bull and Oyster Bash, Community Foundation of Frederick County.

What are you most proud of?
To be able to work and live in Frederick County. We grew up here and have been able to raise a family here.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Meet Bechtel Power

Five Questions with Sonia Taylor, Communications Manager, Bechtel Power Corporation


5275 Westview Drive, Frederick, MD 21703
301-228-6000

How long have you been in business?
Bechtel has a 115-year legacy of building the world’s largest, most complex projects. The company’s power business, which is based in Frederick, has been designing, building and executing projects in the power industry for more than 65 years.

How many employees do you have?
Bechtel’s power business has about 1,400 employees in Frederick and more than 3,000 employees supporting our power projects across the globe.

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
Frederick has been home to our power business since 1999. The safety and well-being of our people are of utmost importance to us, which is why we value a warm community where our people can live and prosper. A very high percentage of our Frederick based employees live in Frederick County, and we believe the County has been a welcoming community to our colleagues that live and work in the area. We anticipate a continued healthy and prosperous relationship in the future.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Bechtel is a very active supporter of the community. We are helping to build the next generation of engineers by supporting programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. For example, our engineers support regional competitions for First Robotics, National Engineers Week, Engineers Without Borders, and Junior Achievement.

Employees from Bechtel’s power business are very active with mentorship in the County. Bechtel Power started the Frederick Chapter of National Society of Black Engineers and sponsors the ACE Mentor program through the support and partnership with Frederick County schools and ACE National. We also provide mentorship and tutoring to TJ Middle School and Frederick High School.

In addition to the above community efforts, Bechtel Power recently sponsored and celebrated the dedication of two new homes on 7th Street in Frederick with Habitat for Humanity after a year-long build. We also continue to support additional community organizations like United Way of Frederick, Celebrate Frederick, and we are active on the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

What are you most proud of?
We are proud to build power projects across the globe that change and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Meet Sofpak Technologies, Inc

Five Questions with Mona Lim, Owner, Sofpak Technologies, Inc


1501 Tilco Drive, Frederick, MD 21704
301-696-7001


How long have you been in business?
We've been in business for over 30 years and currently operate in a facility that is 25,000 square feet.

How many employees do you have?
We have 12 employees and are looking to hire additional personnel.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
Frederick County has been attracting diverse business industries and we wanted to expand our customer base to include Frederick County. In addition, the location is ideal to accomodate our customers in the vicinity of Baltimore, Howard and Arundel Counties, Virginia, as well as the Washington DC metropolitan are.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
Although we have not supported any specific outreach programs yet here in Frederick County, we have participated in various fundraisers over the years and are scheduled to support the Special Foreces Association in May of this year.

What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of our employees, their work ethic and being able to work with them in such a positive environment every day.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Meet Hood College

Five Questions with Dave Diehl,  Executive Director, Marketing and Communications at Hood College


401 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701
301-663-3131

When was the College established?
1893. Prior to that, it was called the Frederick Female Seminary and it was housed in Winchester Hall. Winchester Hall was designed by Hiram Winchester for the seminary.

What separates Hood College from other colleges and learning institutions in the area?
It is the only four-year college in Frederick.

In what ways does Hood College give back to the community? Please see this link: http://hood.edu/about-hood/hood-at-a-glance/our-impact.html

What would you say has been the most important accomplishment of Hood College?
So many to list. Hood College continues to grow and meet the education needs of the Frederick Community. See this link, also: http://hood.edu/about-hood/hood-at-a-glance/our-college.html

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Meet BlueLinx Corp

Five Questions with Don Greene, Triad Branch Manager at BlueLinx Corp.

4300 Georgia Pacific Blvd
Frederick, MD 21704
301-874-8000

How long have you been in business?
We have operated at this location for 19 years. This is one of 55 distribution centers nationwide.

How many employees do you have?
Currently we employ 66 and are still hiring. Eighteen of our employees have been with us since we opened in 1996.

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
Frederick is business friendly. We are centrally located in our service trading area of Maryland, Washington, Delaware, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Eastern West Virginia.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We support many charities locally and nationally, to name a few: Habitat for Humanity, Frederick Community Action Center and the Food Bank.

What are you most proud of?
Our employees, their pride in safety and providing exceptional customer service.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Meet The Lube Center - Frederick

Five Questions with The Lube Center - Frederick/ WLR Automotive Group

3 Frederick locations: 421 S. Jefferson St., 1395 W. Patrick St., and 5715 Buckeystown Pike

How long have you been in business?
We launched our first Lube Center business at the 1395 West Patrick Street, Frederick location 25 years ago. Since 1987, WLR Automotive Group, Inc. has operated 16 vehicle maintenance, repair, and car wash facilities throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania. Serving more than 300,000 customers each year, The Lube Centers, The Auto Spas, and The Auto Repairs are committed to premium quality service and an exceptional experience for their customers at each visit. www.washluberepair.com.

How many employees do you have?
240 employees throughout our 16 locations across MD and PA.

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We provide service for our customers that is convenient and allows them to spend their free time on things they deem important while we handle mundane car care chores. Having been an active part of the Frederick community for the past 25 years,we know Frederick is a community that values small business.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
WLR Automotive Group, in celebration of their 25th anniversary, recently completed the inaugural $25k Giveaway for Good Contest which awards five local community groups each $5,000 to fulfill a Project for Good. The 2013 winners and details of the contest can be found at www.25kGiveawayForGood.com. We wanted to celebrate 25 years in business by giving back to the communities who supported us all this time. By investing in our communities, we hope to plant seeds which will grow into a strong foundation for the future. It is our intention to continue this community investment opportunity each year. Since their inception, The Lube Center, The Auto Spas, and The Auto Repairs have adopted a philosophy of giving and donate significantly each year to local groups.

What are you most proud of?
I am proud of a number of things but the one that stands out the most is the culture of our company which has not changed over the last 25 years. Everyone that is part of our organization has one focus and goal and that is to be the best; to give the best customer service, the best experience, offer the best products and have the best looking facilities. We are in a very competitive market and the only way that we continue to be successful is not to just say that we are the best but to actually be the best. As I visit our locations, I am proud of service we give our customers each and every day.     

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Meet Golden Corral at Frederick

Five Questions with Terry Amaker, Hospitality Manager, Golden Corral Frederick
5621 Spectrum Drive
Frederick, MD 21703
301-662-5922


How long have you been in business?
We have been in business in Frederick for 17 years very successfully.

How many employees do you have?
We employ 110 employees, 20 of which have been with us since we opened our doors to the community.

Why do you believe you'll continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We identify with each guest and treat him or her like they are part of our family. We are very involved with the community and enjoy helping individual organizations, both ongoing from year-to-year as well as new ones each year.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We are involved with the following organizations: Disabled American Vets, Children's Miracle Network, Camp Corral, Local Outreach Organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Adopt a Family @ Christmas.

What are you most proud of?
In the 17 years I have worked here at Golden Corral, I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of different people. I have been able to watch them grow as individuals. It brings me great joy to know my guests on a personal level and greet them by name. I consider them a part of my extended family.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Meet Richard B. Rudy, Inc.

Monday Retention Visit: Five Questions with Ken & Gary Rudy, President and Senior Vice President (respectively), Richard B. Rudy, Inc.

1 Bernard St.
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 663-9041


How long have you been in business?
Founded in 1938 by Mr. Richard B. Rudy, the company began using a single truck and stainless steel cans to provide milk transportation services to dairies for local area farms in Frederick County Maryland.  Richard B. Rudy, Inc was incorporated in 1960 and remained in the dairy industry until 2002. Diversification into liquid sugars and finished food-grade items came along in the mid 1970’s. Now 73 plus years and three generations later, the family operated business is proud and honored to continue to have many of our long-term employees and customers, which we entered into the food-grade industry with. Still located in Frederick, Maryland, our current terminal includes an office complex, a five bay, full service shop, an automated tank wash facility with three pull-through bays, as well as dry storage and cold storage warehousing.

How many employees do you have?
We currently have 75 employees. We are situated on 11 acres with 8500 square feet of space.

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
We have a niche market for the food handling industry, food certification and transportation of bulk products such as liquid sugars and corn syrup.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We regularly make significant contributions and donations to various non-profit groups and are very proud to be able to do so.

What are you most proud of?
Richard B. Rudy, Inc has built long-term relationships with both customers and employees.  Some employees have worked here for 40 plus years with the oldest employee having been here for 47 years. We have a number who have been here 30+.  The main segment of our customer base dates back to the 1960s.  With this kind of loyalty and longevity, we are proud to offer a top quality service.

Meet New Era Custom Design & Cabinet Works, Inc

Monday Retention Visit: Five Questions with Johnny Gage, Project Manager/Estimator, New Era Custom Design & Cabinet Works, Inc.

270 Interstate Circle, Suite 100
Frederick, MD 21704
301-695-4310


How long have you been in business?
New Era Custom Design and Cabinet Works Inc. was founded by current owner and operator John Gage in 1979. We have grown over the years from a 2 man operation to over 80 personnel. Currently, our headquarters occupy approximately 48,000 sq ft of manufacturing, warehousing, and office space which was purpose built in 2007. We like to believe that not only is our products manufactured with superior craftsmanship, but we strive for excellent customer service for repeat business as well. It is our goal to be the MID-ATLANTIC leader in custom commercial architectural millwork. New Era Custom Design strives to acquire the latest and greatest in equipment and technology in order to provide our clients with the highest quality product possible. We are a full service architectural millwork provider for commercial applications. All wood products furnished and installed by New Era are engineered in house and installed by our skilled carpenters.

How many employees do you have?
New Era has 80 people within our organization. Many of our employees have been with New Era over 20 years.

Why do you believe you will continue to be successful in Frederick County?
New Era Custom Design will continue to be successful in Frederick County because the location is spectacular for the markets we serve. Our markets reach locally is within the DC/VA and Baltimore areas for new construction and renovation projects. With both areas being within a 1hr drive. New Era also supplies work out of state as well. Being close to regional airports provide our company with a strategic advantage in order to meet our national account needs quickly and effectively. Frederick County also provides a great pool of talent to draw from a Human Resource stand point. Many of the employees that work at New Era Custom Design live in the County.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
New Era has donated excess inventory of raw materials to local high schools in order to promote finished carpentry. We also are able to reach out to schools to inform students about careers and other opportunities at New Era Custom Design. We support the Religious Coalition of Frederick County

What are you most proud of?
New Era Custom Design has very dedicated staff that we acknowledge by offering good compensation and benefit package. We have continued to grow through many economic cycles over the last 34 years, including the current economic challenges. We are lucky to have such and talented individuals on staff that can turn an impossible project into reality.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Meet Cowork Frederick

Monday Retention Visit: Five Questions with Glen & Julia Ferguson, Owner, Cowork Frederick
122 E Patrick St  Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 732-5165


www.coworkfrederick.com
(Pictured L to R) David Dunn, Alderman Michael O' Connor, Alderwoman Shelley Aloi, Julia & Glen Ferguson, Commissioner C. Paul Smith,
Alderwoman Kelly Russell, Helen Riddle and Patrick Barnes


How long have you been in business?
We recently opened in 2012 and are currently leasing 2,200 SF.

How many employees do you have?
2 employees with 24 members currently.

Why do you believe you will be successful in Frederick County?
There is a great level of entrepreneurial spirit in Frederick County and we are meeting an unmet need.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We have our members choose a charity of their choice and save all membership dues for a specific month and donate it directly to that charity.

What are you most proud of?
We believe it's not all about us, it's about the members helping one another and the sense of ownership that is created by the members.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Meet S&S Tire Service

Monday Retention Visit: Five Questions with Steve Stolz, Owner, S&S Tire Service
900 E. Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701
301-696-0669

(Pictured L to R) David Dunn, Commissioner C. Paul Smith, Steve Stolz, Commissioner Blaine Young, Alderwoman Kelly Russell)


How long have you been in business?
24 years at the present location for 8 years.  We have three locations: Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Hagerstown.

How many employees do you have?
We have 35 employees, 6 of which are sales people.

What do you think is the reason for your success in Frederick County?
We hire and maintain quality longtime employees and have good customer service, even after closing hours.

If your company is involved in community outreach, please share with us your involvement.
We have worked with Hope Alive doing repairs and upkeep for their vehicles and also work with the Homeless Coalition.

What are you most proud of?
Being able to weather the hard times over the last few years and provide excellent customer service.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Year Ends with Successful Business Visit to Toys- R- Us

The first year of the weekly visit retention program inaugurated by the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners and coordinated by Business Development and Retention proved to be highly successful. A total of forty companies ranging from small to large businesses were visited and recognized for their outstanding contributions to the economic vitality of Frederick County. Appropriate for the holiday season, the year ended with a business visit to the Toys- R -Us distribution center located at 7106 Geoffrey Way in Frederick, Maryland. This location is just one of ten distribution centers located across the United States. The visit was hosted by Mr. Jeff Sonnenberg, General Manager of the 740,000 square foot facility. In attendance were Frederick County Commissioners Blaine Young and David Gray along with members of the Frederick County Business Development and Retention team. The facility opened in Frederick in 1996 and currently has 150 employees. The distribution center fulfills store and online orders, services 96 stores in the Mid-Atlantic region and was the Distribution Center of the Year for the last six years. The center operates at a high level of efficiency and according to Mr. Sonnenberg operates on the mantra “Do your part a child is waiting.” For more information, visit their website, at www.ToysRUs.com.