Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees Enjoys Being a German Village Local and Thinking Globally

   Joe and Laurie Reiser, the owners of Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees understand local. They have been producing and serving hand-crafted chocolates and roasted coffees to the local neighbors of such quaint Ohio communities as Piqua and Troy for over 50 years. And as much as they enjoy their local status in the southwestern areas of Ohio, it almost seemed like karma when the opportunity to become German Village locals presented itself last spring.

     “Laurie and I met in Columbus and loved living here. Since the day we left we’ve talked about moving back.” says Joe. “When the opportunity to open a store in German Village presented itself, we jumped on it. It was an emotional decision, not a strategic one.” he continues.  “But, we know our business and understand catering to a small community like German Village and it a big bonus that it happens to sit within our favorite city.” Laurie adds, “It’s also great opportunity to celebrate our combined German heritage and the German born-and-bred candy maker who helped my Dad perfect his chocolate recipes 50 years ago.”

      Laurie and Joe purchased the Winans business from Laurie’s father Max Winans in 1993 after leaving corporate jobs in Columbus. Joe quickly put his OSU-earned business savvy to work.  The decision to enhance Winans’ traditional product line of caramels, creams, toffees, barks and brittles to include roasted coffees was initially made to feed Joe’s personal morning caffeine needs;  however it was a move which ultimately has earned Winans the “Best Coffee in Dayton” award for the past four years. Joe also broadened the number of stores in and around the Dayton and Cincinnati areas. Winans’ current retail operations are now focused in the central and southwestern portions of the state but its custom gift basket business sends Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees all over the world.

      Winans cherishes being an Ohio-based company that still handcrafts their own chocolates and roasts their own coffees out of the original Piqua, Ohio location. However, Joe Reiser is also acutely aware of the buy-local movement and is cooking up his own plans to control more sourcing for his primary ingredients; cacao and coffee beans. “Obviously we can’t grow cacao or coffee beans in Ohio but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some direct control over where and how they are produced. We are in process of purchasing some property in Honduras and are establishing crops now that will eventually be utilized in our chocolates and coffees,” Joe states.  He also acknowledges that it is an opportunity for Winans to begin single sourcing their products in a sustainable way while helping to build and shape another local economy. It is something for which he is very proud.

     Joe and Laurie Riser are also very proud to be celebrating Winans’ 50^th year in business.  “It’s quite an achievement and we feel like opening the store in German Village has been the best way to celebrate it,” says Joe. “We love being local.”

      Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees is located at 897 South 3^rd Street in German Village on the corner of 3^rd and Whittier and is open Monday through Saturday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.

David Cunningham, Edward Jones financial advisor, is optimistic about 2012′s financial outlook

David Cunningham has been a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones for nine years, but has been involved in investing for over twenty.  A graduate of Ohio State University, Cunningham’s management career originated at Rickenbacker Aviation Center at Rickenbacker Airport and later in computer manufacturing at Tracewell Systems.  In 2003, Cunningham decided on a career change to integrate his growing interest and skillfulness in investing with his desire for more autonomy in his work environment. He became a financial advisor with Edward Jones and hasn’t looked back.  “I liked Edward Jones’ commitment to individual and small business investors and recognized the opportunity to focus on clients while having the resources and expertise of a large investment company behind me,” Cunningham states.

Cunningham operates out of a small office in German Village and its central location is a good fit for his mostly urban client base. He states, “German Village is filled with people from all walks of life who believe in hard work and enjoy the riches that come with living in this celebrated community. It is incredibly rewarding for me to help my neighbors think and plan strategically for their futures.”

Trust and respect are at the core of Cunningham’s relationships with clients, most of who were attained through his active community engagement or by word of mouth. “Confidentiality is key to my business and so, while I never share the names of my clients with anyone, it is flattering to me when my clients share my name with others,” he states. Cunningham also takes his commitment to clients to heart. “Good customer service is not enough in this business. I develop strong relationships with each client – I have to. We’re talking about life savings here.  We’re mapping out plans for reaching life goals and addressing unexpected changes that occur along the way.  They trust me and I take that very personally.”

Cunningham is optimistic about 2012. He believes there will be a lot of fluctuation in the market but with a small, gradual upswing.  He notes some of the more recent positives – falling unemployment numbers, a stabilizing housing market, and a lot of cash savings.  Cunningham suggests now is a good time to ensure that IRAs are properly funded and to talk with a financial advisor about tax advantaged investments. He states, “The new year is a naturally good time to re-evaluate your goals and review potential scenarios. Make sure you have a solid plan in place for getting you where you want to be and don’t let the daily swings in the market drive your decision making.  It’s going to be a bumpy ride but I feel good about 2012.”

To talk to David about your financial planning needs, contact him at David.Cunningham@edwardjones.com or at 614.461.5803.

Advertise on the map. Just a few spots left. Click here for ad specs and deadlines.

Urban Style Rooted in Local Hospitality.

As the name reflects, Erika Taylor’s spa is urban, but with a uniquely German Village spirit.  It sits just north of German Village proper in the Hartman Building in what is now known as the “Red Brick District.” Visually the space is upscale contemporary but the tempo and neighborly greetings from staff and customers alike, make it feel less like a salon and more like a local bar where everybody knows your name.

Erika Taylor, of Erika Taylor’s Urban Spa, is very clear that making guests feel welcome and comfortable is priority number one. She is also clear on her feelings that beautiful, upscale accommodation does not equate to high-priced services or stilettos. “Our prices are very reasonable because I believe everyone should be able to afford a little bliss. I want guests to feel equally comfortable walking in here in shorts and flip-flops as dressed for a night out on the town. Most importantly, I want them to walk out, in either case, feeling beautiful.”

Being in the business for twenty plus years, Erika Taylor knows a little something about making people feel beautiful. She started in the early 90s as a receptionist for Stephen Colatruglio’s Short North Salon. She eventually became a licensed nail technician and worked with such well-known stylists as Dennis Cox, Jacob Neal, and Charles Penzone. “Strong stylists with incredible business savvy. I learned so much and credit my experience with them for building the self-confidence I needed to create my own brand.”

Erika started her first salon, The Sanctuary, in the Brewery District in 2001 but took a hiatus in 2006 to focus on family. She successfully re-introduced herself in 2010 with the Erika Taylor Urban Spa and now plans to launch a martini bar in the space to the salon’s north and a workout facility in the space to the south. “It’s ambitious, I know. But you have to understand that I grew up in German Village in the 1980’s. It was such an assertive, invigorating, and caring community. I was influenced by so many bold, inventive urbanites that it feels natural to me to “go big.” I see it as just an extension of my passion to make people blissfully happy. And who isn’t blissfully happy after a great workout, a deep tissue massage and a Cosmo?”

Erika Taylor Urban Spa features an extensive array of hair, skin, nail and health and wellness services.  Their licensed professionals can help you find the ideal rejuvenation treatment for your skin; a massage to relax your body and mind; a treatment to beautify your hands and feet; and a hair treatment to compliment your style perfectly. Ask about Erika’s amazing Valentine’s Day Package featuring Skinmaster Petite Treatment, Relaxation Reflexology for feet or scalp, customized hair therapy treatment & blowout, manicure & pedicure and, of course, chocolate covered strawberries for $225 – normally a $370 value.  Get your bliss on!

Erika Taylor Urban Spa
275 South Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215
www.Erikataylorurbanspa.com
(614) 564-9054

Tuesday – Thursday: 10am -9pm
Friday – Saturday:      9am – 6pm
Sunday & Monday:   Closed for private appointments

Specialties include campaigns and brand development from concept to fruition — and anywhere in between. Includes the coordination of all elements of the marketing message, to achieve a consistent, memorable look and feel to the consumer.

Sunday, December 4, 2011 • 6-10 PM

New to Village Lights this year – STRIEZELMARKT!

Inspired by Dresden, Germany’s annual Christmas Market, this intimate outdoor market promises goodies to delight from a variety of GermanVillage’s finest establishments! Find it in the walkway located just outside of the German Village Meeting Haus.

________________________________________________________________________

Follow over 11,000 luminaries to shops, businesses and restaurants open late with holiday treats, discounts and special offers. Festive surprises are at every corner including carolers, live holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides and more!

Shop. Dine. Stroll… in Historic German Village
Columbus, Ohio

Click here for photos of Village Lights past …

Offering a Healthy Pedigree of Supplies and Services

     Greg Gamier and Jeff Lowe opened Village Pet Supply (VPS) in 2003, in response to what they saw as a burgeoning need for more local, specialized products and care for Village area pet owners.  “People around the Village love their pets.  They want high-quality, healthy food alternatives; they want fun, safe toys; they want humane and well-fitted training products; and they want to talk with someone knowledgeable about their pets’ special needs,” says Greg. “We wanted to offer local pet owners what we wanted in a pet supply store – service and selection for a more discerning consumer.”

      It’s clear from the moment you walk in VPS’ door that Jeff and Greg love animals. Petey (their Catahoula – Leopard dog) greets everyone initially with a sniff and a wagging tail. If Jeff’s not cooking up some homemade dog-biscuits he’s taking some furry-four legged friends around Schiller Park a couple of times. Greg has his own line of custom-made clothing for dogs and is the chef behind VPS’ special occasion cakes.

     While VPS mainly caters to dog and cat lovers, VPS also carries items for fish, birds and small animals. Food selections range from natural foods to holistic and grain-free varieties and services extend beyond just dog-walking and pet-sitting; they even offer to-your-door delivery.  Even better – VPS’ prices are at or below the large pet store competitors.

     Bring your special pet by to meet Jeff and Greg at Village Pet Supply Monday through Saturday, 740 South High Street or find them at villagepet.net.

Village Pet Supply
740 S. HIGH ST. (across from Einstein’s)
COLUMBUS, OH 43206
614-443-1784
villagepet@sbcglobal.net

DELIVERY AVAILABLE TO GERMAN VILLAGE & THE BREWERY DISTRICT
STORE HOURS: MON – FRI 11 – 7, SAT 11- 6
ADDED SERVICES: DOG WALKING

Remax Metro Plus.

Customer Focus Drives “Best Year Ever” for German Village Real Estate Team.

     When most central Ohio real estate agents are talking about difficulties in the market, Regina Acosta Tobin of RE/MAX MetroPlus and her partner and husband, Jeff Tobin, are not. In fact, they are talking about having a phenomenal year.  Get to know this dynamic real estate duo and you’ll find it not at all surprising.

     “We’re finding the market to be ripe with first-time home buyers and investment property seekers, flush with cash and eager to take advantage of rock-bottom property prices and record-low interest rates. Rentals are at an all time high and corporate relocations are making a comeback as well,” says Regina.  And while she sees a lot of upside to the current market, it’s clear that some basic fortitude, sprinkled with a little strategic finesse, has provided the foundation of this flourishing business.

     The Tobins are big believers in putting “talent to task.” Jeff, an experienced advertising executive, manages the marketing portion of the business while Regina focuses on what she does best – building and nurturing relationships. “Because I trust Jeff’s got my back, I can focus on my clients.”  Regina’s reputation for being responsive and attentive is well known and she credits her experience as a teacher and as a counselor for her effectiveness in helping people navigate the challenges of buying and selling homes.

      Regina’s interests and talents are as varied as her client list but being passionate about community has remained consistent. The Tobins have lived in Columbus since 2005 and have supported events and causes all over the city ever since, however, German Village has received a disproportionate amount their volunteer energy. “Our home is in German Village and so naturally we’ve invested ourselves emotionally and physically in supporting It.” says Regina. “German Village is flavored by not only the individuals who live and work here but also the unique community spirit that flourishes during such things as Village Lights, Haus und Garten Tour, and Shakespeare in the Park. We are proud to support and be a part of all of them.”

     “A majority of our closest friends developed out of being Regina’s clients,” explains Jeff. “She not only understands people, she sincerely enjoys helping them. They respond to her,” which is one more reason why the Tobins are looking at 2011 being their best year ever.

If you are in the market for buying or selling a home in Columbus, contact  Regina Acosta Tobin   regina@villagequeen.com or 614.507.7785. Villagequeen.com.

Note that we WILL have printed 6×4 postcards available for pickup (after 11-14-11) at the Meeting Haus this year, thanks to David Cunningham’s office. These can be mailed or slipped in shopping bags or guest checks. 

VOLUNTEER TO HELP forms,
click here to download PDF

STOP-IN-AND-WIN entry forms,
click here to download PDF

EMAIL PROMO (right click on image and save to desktop)

FACEBOOK / EMAIL PROMO (right click on image and save to desktop)