Train Like a Ninja Warrior and More at A1 CrossFit #WBBizBuzz

When you walk into A1 CrossFit on Highway 33, you’ll notice something different. Your typical gym has multiple rows of elliptical machines, treadmills and stair climbers. At A1, you’re greeted by a much more open space, without the rows of machines. Turns out, this is definitely not an accident.

A1 CrossFit owner, Alex Kain explains that A1 is not a “regular” gym. Sure they have cardio equipment and weights, but A1 Crossfit is focused more on what Alex calls “functional fitness.” 

CrossFit as an exercise started in the early 2000s, when the first CrossFit gym opened in California. With the growing popularity of television shows like “American Ninja Warrior” and “The Titan Games,” more and more people are learning the benefits of CrossFit workouts for exercise. 

Owner Alex Kain demonstrating proper pull-up technique

“It’s very much a chicken and egg situation,” Alex says when asked whether the shows influenced the workouts or vice versa. “While CrossFit is our main platform, we also teach people how to move properly for a safe and efficient workout. We teach nutrition habits as well.”

A few years ago Alex had been looking for a local CrossFit gym. When he found none, he decided to start A1 in a small warehouse on Lang Street. A1 quickly outgrew the 1000 square foot area, and he moved to their current 5000 square foot location at 4345 Highway 33 in 2016. “We would have classes of 7 people and it was tight,” Kain said, “We definitely needed to get into a bigger place.” A1 now has over 120 members who can work out together with plenty of space.

CrossFit isn’t just for adults, either. A1’s CrossFit Kids programs are designed for children as young as 6 years old. These classes combine fun with exercises to help kids develop strength training habits and proper use mechanics. 

A1 is truly a team player. The company is deeply involved in volunteer organizations throughout West Bend. Between helping the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and collecting lightly used tennis shoes to donate, they make sure to support the community that has supported them over the last 5 years. In fact, A1 is hosting an anniversary party and open house on August 4th. All are welcome. Details are on the A1 CrossFit Facebook page. 

You can follow A1 Crossfit on Facebook and Instagram at (A1Crossfit)

About LMC BizBuzz

Keep up to date with all of our BizBuzz articles by liking our Facebook page @lauramitchellconsulting, and following us on Instagram @lmcmtkg. We will see you next time!  #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-429-14012 @laurahmitchell

215 N Main Street, Suite 130, downtown West Bend

Not Your Average Gaming Store – Hobby Knights

Looking for a great place for you and your kids to play this summer? Check out Hobby Knights, West Bend’s gaming store.

Hobby Knights opened its doors in Newburg five years ago, although it was then called The Wizard’s Moo. Husband and wife owners Rob and Alexandra Wagner moved the shop to West Bend, when a spot opened up across from Badger Middle School, in the West Bend Plaza shopping center at 822 S. Main Street.

The store carries products such as Magic: The Gathering cards, Dungeons and Dragons campaign books, and many board games. Rob has made it a point to carry games that appeal to a wide variety of tastes and interests.

The store also hosts summer camp programs.

Hobby KnightsIt’s safe to say this is not your typical gaming store. With almost 1500 square feet of open space, Hobby Knights has a huge open gaming area where people of all ages and backgrounds can play any game they want. And, because the gaming community is a welcoming and accepting one, new players are always welcome, and don’t need to feel nervous about fitting in. There is always someone there to teach you a new game, or you can learn how to play it together.

Or try your at one of the tournaments that Rob and Alexandra periodically organize. That’s the best part of gaming: There is always something fun to do.

You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram at HobbyKnightsWB

Hobby Knights weekly

About LMC BizBuzz

Keep up to date with all of our BizBuzz articles by liking our Facebook page @lauramitchellconsulting, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!  #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-353-3412 @LMCMktg

215 N Main Street, Suite 130, downtown West Bend

Habitat For Humanity #WBBizBuzz Featured Business

“A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” – Habitat for Humanity Mission Statement

Founded in 1997, Habitat for Humanity of Washington and Dodge Counties strives to put that statement into practice by helping those who are less fortunate get affordable housing. We spoke with Executive Director Russ Wanta who said this year Habitat will be breaking ground on home number 44!

To qualify for a home, families must show they fall between 30 and 55 percent of the median income for the county. But Habitat does not give away the homes. The new homeowners pay a no-interest mortgage to help cover costs. The family, along with other volunteers, contribute “sweat equity.” This involves helping build the house, helping at Germanfest, and helping at other construction sites. After their house is completed, the family is required to live or work in Washington or Dodge County for a minimum of one year.

Russ remembered one family that was helped by Habitat. “They were fleeing the Serbian-Kosovo War. They lost their infant as they made their way to Macedonia for protection. After all that tragedy, their luck turned, and they won a lottery to become one of only 25,000 families to be granted United States citizenship. They eventually made their way to Hartford where a church took them under wing, and Habitat was able to help them build them a home.”

Sign-A-Board

These boards, which are painted with inspirational quotes and pictures by families and organizations, end up inside every house that Habitat builds.

Habitat does more than just build houses. They also run the ReStore shop, a place where people donate their old and unused home building supplies and tools such as hammers, saws and other power tools for resale, keeping those items out of landfills.

Martina Ritger was one of those that have been helped. “I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Habitat,” she said. “I am thankful that I have a safe home for my children and that my family has a sense of accomplishment by helping to build safe affordable homes for families who otherwise can’t afford one.”

Along with construction, Habitat also helps the community through their A Brush With Kindness program. This program provides low-cost minor home repairs to low-income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners who might not be able to do the work themselves. Such repairs include window repair, door replacement, building ramps for the physically disabled and other such projects. Much like the homeowners, the recipients of this work pay it back through no-interest loans and sweat equity projects.

Want to help support Habitat? There are three events coming up:

Golf Fore Homes on June 14th at Hon-E-Kor Golf Course in Kewaskum

Germanfest August 22-25 in Downtown West Bend

Annual Fall Celebration in November at WBMI in their Prairie Center.

You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @hfhwado.

About LMC BizBuzz

Keep up to date with all of our BizBuzz articles by liking our Facebook page @lauramitchellconsulting, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!  #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell

215 N. Main Street, Suite 130, downtown West Bend

 

Let’s All Go to the Movies… West Bend Cinema- Off Paradise

West Bend Cinema – Off Paradise

Let’s All Go to the Movies…

#WBBizBuzz Featured Business

Let’s all go to the lobby, to get ourselves a treat. You might remember seeing this ad play before watching the latest release from Hollywood. Popcorn, hot dogs, soda…all of it just a few steps away and quick enough to grab before your feature started. Going to the movies was never about just watching a movie. It was an outing, a social event, an entire experience to eat, drink and enjoy watching a movie on the big screen.

When a group of local West Bend investors purchased the old Paradise Theater, they had one goal in mind: to bring back the magical and nostalgic experience of going to see the movies to our West Bend theater. Since then, the West Bend Cinema-off Paradise, has been thriving with a brand new management team, all new deluxe rocker/recliner seating, expanded hours and many new concession items for purchase. Yes, this includes hot pizza, wine, beer, margaritas, hard seltzer. The West Bend Cinema is now the largest independently owned theater in Wisconsin, with 10 screens.

West Bend Cinema

All 10 theaters have brand new seating, sound systems have been upgraded, many screens have been replaced, and the lobby and bathrooms have been updated and renovated to provide moviegoers with a better, cleaner and more comfortable experience.

One of the screens.

And let’s not forget the concessions. Besides the typical movie fare such as popcorn, candy and soda, patrons can also nosh on hot pizza, soft pretzels, Kettle Corn, nachos and other savory sweets. Coffee, hot chocolate and adult beverages (valid ID required) are also available.

The West Bend Cinema prides itself on being a community staple, with local partnerships across the community and reasonably priced tickets and concessions, making it even more accessible to our local movie lovers.

In fact, it turns out that you can save a whole lot of money, just by watching movies here in West Bend. We took a minute to do the math for you:

Competing theater charges:

~$23 in gas (estimated round trip mileage 40 miles)  

  $38 for four adult matinee movie tickets

~$60 For two large popcorns and four beverages

That’s $121

Save over 50% by staying local at the West Bend Cinema!

That’s right, you get 4 tickets, 4 large drinks and 2 large popcorns for only $50

Now you won’t have to drive NEARLY as far. And it’s available 7 days a week!

Don’t take our word for it. Come check it out for yourself. With movies such as Avengers: Endgame, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, John Wick: Chapter 3-Parabellum, the live-action Aladdin and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, plus more on the schedule in the next few months, now is the time to make your way there and see your amazing and locally owned and operated West Bend Cinema-off Paradise (next to Meijer).

And mark your calendar now to join us at the WB Cinema’s Annual Summer Blockbuster Launch Party on June 15th. This celebrate West Bend event is totally free with tons of activities, free food, live performances, trivia, music, prizes and discounts on all concessions. Fun for all ages!

You can follow WB Cinema on Facebook and Instagram at @westbendcinema or on SnapChat at wbcinema. You can also see their website: westbendcinema.com.

About LMC BizBuzz

Keep up to date with all of our BizBuzz articles by liking our Facebook page @lauramitchellconsulting, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing and follow us on Twitter @LMCMktg. We will see you next time!  #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US

Your Home Away From Home- Cedar Community

Your Home Away From Home-

Cedar Community

#WBBizBuzz Featured Business

As we age, we are faced with many choices and emotional changes. Planning a retirement, giving up the keys, or when to move out of your home are all difficult and emotional decisions. When it’s time to choose a community for yourself or your loved one, how do you pick the right one? And which things are important to consider? We decided to do some digging and started talking with the fine staff at Cedar Community, located right off Big Cedar Lake in West Bend.

Cedar Community offers a range of services including independent living, assisted living & memory care, skilled nursing, home care and hospice options. With over 400 employees and 500+ volunteers, Cedar Community has a faith-based approach to providing their residents with the highest quality of care, while offering a slew of activities, resources, and services, on a beautiful and peaceful 250 acre setting. With amenities such as nature trails, salons, fitness centers, woodworking shops, cafes and social events, it’s easy to see why it would be enjoyable to live here.

Cedar Community wants to make sure their residents thrive and live healthy lives. They offer many exercise and healthy lifestyle-based activities such as swimming, water aerobics, weights or even chair exercises. And it doesn’t stop at just being physically fit. They also offer religious programs, art classes, social opportunities and other entertainment options to ensure resident satisfaction.

Cedar Community is the only not-for-profit engaged retirement-living community based in Washington County. It was founded in 1956, after a retiring farmer donated his land on Big Cedar Lake to the United Church of Christ. From humble beginnings, Cedar Community now cares for over 900 residents throughout Washington and Sheboygan counties, all with the same commitment to making your family feel just as important as their own.

Care follows the acronym LIVE. Cedar Community approaches care with (L)ove, (I)ntegrity, (V)itality and (E)xcellence. Don’t just take our word for it though, go and have a look yourself and get a tour of their beautiful residences and property. Enjoy the view!

Visit them online at: www.cedarcommunity.org or follow them on Facebook at @cedarcommunity, Instagram at cedarcommunity1953 or on Twitter @cedar_community

About LMC Biz Buzz

Keep up to date with all of our Biz Buzz articles by liking our Facebook page @lauramitchellconsulting, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!  #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full-service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell

Located downtown West Bend: 109 N. 6th Ave (next to Slesar Glass)

 

 

A Grand Plan for Grander Care- LMC Biz Buzz Company: GrandCare Systems

Born between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer generation came along right after WWII. They make up about 26% of the entire United States population, a number that is only matched by Millenials. They own the majority of the homes in the United States and, in fact, usually own more than one property. With such numbers, boomers are determined to change the way we age in America. They will not settle for the care and surroundings that their own parents received. The boomers want to remain independent and in their own homes.

In a world of Uber, GrubHub, and Amazon, at-home caregiving and independence-enabling services will be the “go to” for our aging neighborhoods. GrandCare Systems, located in the heart of downtown West Bend, has been on the cutting edge of the digital caregiving bubble since the late 2000s. We had a chance to sit down with co-founding members, Charlie and Gaytha Hillman to find out more.

“If our healthcare system and caregiving methods continue in this way, the cost of my generation’s care will bankrupt our grandchildren and great grandchildren,” says Charlie. “I wanted to be a part of the solution, and I think GrandCare can play a significant role in changing the way caregiving services are delivered.”

“We were a disruptive era of fashion, music and raising kids. Now it only makes sense that we will redefine the way we choose to age,” adds in Gaytha. “We aren’t going to stand by and simply allow things to happen to us. We will use home health care technology like GrandCare to stay at home for longer.”

The Hillmans have spent a majority of their lives in West Bend and serving the greater community in various business and volunteering positions. Charlie grew up in West Bend. His father, Larry was an engineer at the West Bend Company. His mother, Helen (known to her students as “The Frau”) taught German. In fact, it was Helen who introduced Charlie and Gaytha. After Gaytha graduated from UW-Madison, she relocated to West Bend to student teach German classes under Helen. Charlie had been in Boston attending MIT, but happened to be home for a semester with mono. Helen arranged for the two to meet and the rest is history!

Charlie and Gaytha spent a few years in the early 80s in California when Charlie was recruited for computer engineering work in Silicon Valley. In 1984, the Hillmans came back to West Bend to start up Hillman Consulting, a CAD/CAM and computer consulting company. Gaytha and Helen also founded West Bend Travels in the old Geib Hotel (now home to Alexssa). Charlie and Gaytha later formed HNET, the first Internet Service Provider in the county. GrandCare being their latest venture, and it is truly a family affair. In 2005, their daughter Laura and her husband Nick moved back from Minneapolis, to round out the founding team of GrandCare.

GrandCare was created to help seniors–even those in rural, isolated areas–maintain independence and stay healthier, happier and safer at home. It also gives family members peace-of-mind knowing that their aging loved ones are doing well at home.

The idea for GrandCare came to Charlie when he was visiting his great great Aunt Clara, who lived in a cottage on the Hillman’s property. She would come to their house twice a day for meals, but the Hillmans were not often at her cottage. On a cold January day, she called Charlie saying she was cold. He headed right over and saw that the windows were wide open. Apparently, she had opened the windows after smelling a “burning smell.” He went into the basement and saw that the furnace was literally on fire. Later, he would find out that she had heard clanging sounds in the basement and a beeping noise for days, but didn’t know what it was. “I didn’t want to be a bother,” was Aunt Clara’s response as to why she hadn’t let anyone know sooner.

Charlie knew there had to be others experiencing the worry and stress he was. He searched for existing products and came up with nothing. He put his engineering mind and MIT education to good use and decided to design a technology to provide remote monitoring capabilities and enhanced communications between the loved one and family members. GrandCare is available not only for use in the United States, but internationally in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Aruba, Bermuda and New Zealand.

The system can be used in both single-family homes or in senior living communities. GrandCare is a large touchscreen that is placed into the loved one’s residence. It is a source of information and communication with pictures, videos, games, trivia, weather/news, simple video chatting and reminders. Caregivers can simply log in or check the GrandCare app to add communications or check on activity, medications or health readings.They can also get alerts if something seems amiss (e.g. didn’t take medications, blood pressure is too high, didn’t get out of bed, or isn’t moving around normally). GrandCare requires zero computer knowledge on the senior’s part.

Are you reading this article and interested in learning more about GrandCare? GrandCare has a special discount just for you. Use BIZBUZZ and receive a 15% discount on your GrandCare System.

The Hillmans still continue to be active in the greater community of West Bend and have participated in many charitable organizations including COLUMNS, the Washington County Campus Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, the Volunteer Center, the Oz/Wash County Land Trust, Friends of Sculpture, Riveredge Nature Center, School Board, the West Bend Chamber of Commerce, Noon Rotary, to name just a few. Charlie and Gaytha co-chaired the United Way fundraising campaign with record-breaking results and have been recipients of various service awards including the Cliff Nelson Volunteer Award and the Volunteer Center Dynamic Duo.  

Just one of the features of the GrandCare system

Find more information on GrandCare either through their website: grandcare.com or their Facebook or Instagram pages: @GrandCareSystems info@grandcare.com  262-338-6147

About LMC Biz Buzz

Keep up to date with all of our Biz Buzz articles by liking our Facebook page, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!

#LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting.

WWW.LMCLLC.US

262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell

109 N. 6th Ave, downtown West Bend next to Slesar Glass

Cafe Floriana- What’s In A Name?

I was reminded a line from the movie Robots after meeting with sisters Katherine (Kat) Schenk and Sara Young of Cafe Floriana.

“See a need. Fill a need.”

Owner Katherine Schenk and Kitchen Manager Sara Young

A while back, the two were visiting their parents in the newly opened Cast Iron Apartments, and noticed that the common area would fill up quickly…and loudly. So, they started discussing how nice it would be if there were a coffee shop close enough for everyone to go to. A place that could serve the neighborhood, the city, or even an LMC interviewer from Glendale.

“Once we decided on this place, we knew it couldn’t be any other spot,” Kat said. “It was here or nowhere.”

After finalizing the location, the siblings got to work on bringing their vision to life. This included deciding on a name and a focus. The name Cafe Floriana pays homage to Kat’s time in the Mediterranean island country of Malta, where she lived in the beautiful city of Floriana.

And it’s not just the two of them. Cafe Floriana currently counts 10 smiling employees. Among the employees, you’ll see their dad helping with maintenance and cleaning, and their mom helping in the kitchen and behind the counter.

Their grand plan is to be the neighborhood coffee shop. They want their guests to leave the cafe with full bellies and happy hearts. The way they see it, if they are a great part of everyone’s day, then they have done their jobs.

The women say they will never settle. In the past few weeks since the cafe has opened, they have expanded the menu to include gluten friendly options, as well as specialty drinks such as a Peppermint Matcha Latte and an Irish Cream White Chocolate Mocha, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

There are also some unique and special plans and events coming up. These include having a pet-friendly outdoor area, and a “Coffee and Dessert Night” complete with later evening hours and specialty coffee “mock”tails. Catering options and a possible spot at the West Bend Farmer’s Market are also in the works. All of these, while still maintaining a focus of being totally authentic, meaning no box or premade mixes. This allows them to be as “clean” as possible with no worries about GMOs or processed foods.

Stop in and see for yourself. While you’re there, order a delicious sandwich, smoothie or hot drink!

You can follow Cafe Floriana on Facebook and Instagram: @CafeFloriana

About LMC Biz Buzz

Keep up to date with all of our Biz Buzz articles by liking our Facebook page @lauramitchellconsulting, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!  #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell

Life on the Fringe: #WBBizBuzz Featuring Fringe Salon

 

“Take chances. They are worth it in the end.”

That’s the quote that Fringe Salon founder Alessandra Anderson chose for her high school yearbook, but it has guided her professionally as well. For starters her location, at 151 N. Main Street in West Bend, just went through a total remodel from top to bottom (Or head-to-toe, since it is a salon after all). And the results look great!

While keeping as much of the original building as possible, she was able to preserve most of the original flooring, baseboards and walls at the front of the salon. However, the entire ceiling is now a beautiful new tin style. She also removed all the old carpeting inside and made the hardwood floors more presentable.

Fringe is a full-service hair salon that offers haircuts, colors, waxing and more. As far as hair trends and specialties go, Alessandra makes sure that she is on top of all the popular styles. Whether it be hand painting highlights onto the hair, a technique known as balayage, lobs, beach waves or variations of the timeless shag, she has seen many popular styles come and go, and many others that have remained long-time favorites. Whatever you want, she can handle it.

Alessandra at work

Alessandra tries to make everyone feel comfortable in her chair. Whether they are male, female, adult or child, everyone is welcome at her salon. This is a mantra she tries to live by outside of the salon too. She and her husband try their best to be involved in as many things in the West Bend community as they can.

“That’s the thing about West Bend,” Alessandra said, “There’s almost always something to do. No matter what time of year it is.”

And this doesn’t just mean everyday things. Alessandra and her family are also active with several non-profits, including Destination Dino-Liam, an organization that helps organize road trips for families dealing with childhood cancers.

Being so involved and busy, it is no wonder that Alessandra cites Dory from the Disney movie “Finding Nemo” as her favorite character. She says that she too gets distracted by almost every little thing, especially when a cute dog walks by.

Curious about the latest specials, or just need a trim? You can reach Alessandra either through her Facebook page @Fringebyalessandra or her Instagram page @fringebyalessandra.

 

About LMC Biz Buzz

Keep up to date with all of our Biz Buzz articles by liking our Facebook page, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!

#LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell

109 N. 6th Ave, downtown West Bend next to Slesar Glass

,

The Sweetest Thing: My Visit to Laughing Mountain Gourmet Popcorn Store

Have you ever walked into a store and instantly smiled? That was the case when I visited Laughing Mountain Gourmet Popcorn for the first time. From the moment I walked in the door, I was greeted with delicious smells, a friendly environment, and the bright colors of the wide variety of popcorn flavors. I couldn’t help but smile. Owners Mark and Nancy Laufenberg immediately made me feel welcome as we talked about Laughing Mountain, Jack Daniels and all things that taste delicious.

Laughing Mountain was born in June of 2015 when the Laufenbergs made a cool discovery. Their son had started shipping bags of his grandparents’ delicious caramel corn to all his friends. Beyond these college kids, they realized there was an untapped market for the family’s signature popcorn. As fate would have it, a storefront in downtown West Bend was available. They named their store Laughing Mountain (a translation of their last name) and the rest is history.

Featuring 35 in-stock flavors at any one time, Laughing Mountain also has the ability to make over 60 different flavor combinations. Some are instant hits while others, like the Gingered Jack made with Jack Daniels, are more of a complicated experiment requiring several rounds of testing and tweaking before they’re satisfied that it’s ready. I must say, however, that the “not ready” Gingered Jack batch that I tried was wonderful, so I can’t even imagine how good the finished product will taste! I also learned about some brand-new summer flavor launches including: “Unicorn” and “S’mores”. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift, the perfect office snack or just a tasty treat, Laughing Mountain certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Popcorn is not the only thing they offer, either. They also have smoothies, coffee, cocoa and cold drinks. They do gift baskets and corporate gifts that they can ship using either the US Postal Service or UPS (including APO addresses). This allows them to serve popcorn lovers everywhere. They can do small batches of gourmet flavored popcorns, for truly personalized options.

 

It’s not just about popcorn, though. Mark and Nancy are also trying to make West Bend a better community. They open early for the Farmer’s Market, and they stay open late during the popular “Music On Main” series every summer.

“We view our shop as a means of being a blessing to the world we serve,” Mark says.

Two of the charities that they regularly support are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, and the LiFE of Hope Project that aims to lower the number of suicides, through raised awareness and education.

By giving everyone who walks through their doors a great experience, Laughing Mountain does their own part for helping make West Bend that much better. The Laufenbergs realize that people in West Bend value the downtown area, which is the center of the city. They believe that as this area improves, the entirety of West Bend improves along with it.

You can follow them on Facebook at @laughingmountainpopcorn or on Instagram @laughingmountainpopcorn.

About LMC Biz Buzz

Keep up to date with all of our Biz Buzz articles by liking our Facebook page, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time!

#LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full-service guerrilla marketing and business development shop, focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US 262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell

109 N. 6th Ave, downtown West Bend next to Slesar Glass

WB Biz Buzz: Gray Willow Salon Brings Caring Commitment to New Location

It’s been said that if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. That’s definitely true for Taylore Kohn of Gray Willow Salon here in West Bend. And with her recent move to a new location on the corner of 7th Ave and Chestnut Street, this is more true than ever. We had a chance to sit down recently, and talk about why she chose to stay in West Bend and why she does hair.

Having experimented on hair with her dolls growing up, Taylore has long known what she wanted to do. “I had done some friends’ and family members’ hair for special events, and loved every minute of it,” she said. When it came time to choose a career path, the choice was easy. Even when looking at continuing her education, Taylore says she always gravitated towards the beauty schools, ‘It’s where I truly felt at home…as if it were meant to be.”

She says that one of her favorite styles to do is the popular and timeless up-do. “Since starting my own business I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many people’s BIG day and that is really amazing.” And, always looking to expand her creative base, she recently became certified to do extensions when she went to SKW extensions training in Chicago.

We asked what makes her salon and style unique. With a focus on realistic expectations and being a listening ear for her clients, Taylore says as a hairdresser, she helps educate her customers as to what truly is possible with their hair.

People of all ages are welcome at Gray Willow. Taylore strives to make it known that customer service is her number one priority. She does this because West Bend is not just where she has her business, but it’s her home as well. She loves that many of her neighbors are also her clients. She loves sharing her knowledge and recommendations when someone is looking for help in the area. And, she loves being able to support their businesses.

“I am very passionate about hair. I love what I do.” Taylore says. “The best part is when you’re all finished with their hair and the smile on your customer’s face just lights up the room. To me that’s the best feeling a hairdresser can have.”

To see more of her work, follow her on Facebook (Gray Willow Salon) and Instagram (graywillowsalon_taylore). Just a warning, though…You’ll be looking for hours at the amazing results.  

About LMC Biz Buzz

Keep up to date with all of our Biz Buzz articles by liking our Facebook page, and following us on Instagram @lmcmarketing. We will see you next time! #LMCintheWB #WBBizBuzz #LMCMktg

LMC is a full service guerrilla marketing and business development shop focused on social media, web design, strategic planning, creative campaigns, PR and copywriting. WWW.LMCLLC.US   262-353-3412 @laurahmitchell   

109 N 6th Ave, downtown West Bend next to Slesar Glass