We would like to congratulate our 2023 March West Liberty Business of the Month Winner, Logan Lawn & Landscaping. Logan Lawn & Landscaping is owned by West Liberty native, Jake Vitt. Jake recently “retired” from WLS Schools as the Athletic Director after 20 years. He is on his 25th year of driving a school bus for WLS and recently took on an interim position as the transportation supervisor.

Jake started mowing yards in 1990 when he was still in junior high. Now he hires 8 full time employees as well as 10-12 summer positions. His business started in his parents garage, then moved to a rented garage owned by Vivian Dodge. After that, he moved to a barn that John Detwiler allowed him to operate out of and finally moved to his current location at 8193 US 68 South, West Liberty, Ohio. He credits all of those individuals with aiding in the success of his business through their generosity. Jake recalls his first ever customers were lifelong West Liberty residents, June and Joyce Hostetler, who both just recently passed away. They supported him for many years! He says he is very thankful for the customers that have stuck with him year in and year out and that means a lot to him!

“West Liberty is a small community, but my business would not make it without them!” says Vitt.

Logan Lawn & Landscaping now offers all lawn maintenance services including fertilization, landscape maintenance, and design, Spring and Fall clean up, hardscape, and snow removal. They also offer the residents of West Liberty an added service in which they will pick up and take care of hauling all of their lawn waste away, so they don’t have to set it along their curb in buckets for the street department to pick up. Jake always loves to hear customers comment on the work ethic of his employees and the way they take pride in their work and make it personal. He has no set hours but works long days in the busy months.

Something unique that Jake offers is that he sponsors a float in the West Liberty Labor Day parade every year and has since 1995. The parade watchers always look forward to seeing the new designs and ideas for the floats every year. Jake says there is a big change coming for 2023 so be on the lookout!

Jake is very involved in the West Liberty community. He is a member of the West Liberty Business Association, and active member of the West Liberty Lions Club, and enjoys taking care of the downtown flower pots and landscaping around the town hall and the Welcome to West Liberty signs. Jake is also a member of the West Liberty Fire Department as well as a Trustee for Liberty Township. His hobbies include watching sports events, going on walks or runs with his dogs, working in his yard, or visiting Florida.

One of his favorite things is that so much can be established by word of mouth. Jake says “If you do good work, people talk. You can spend all the money you want on advertising, signs, etc., but if you do a bad job, people will tell 3 or 4 people and that news travels fast. If you do good work, people see that or hear about it, and will find ways to hire you. People in West Liberty, for the most part, have each other’s backs and want them to succeed, so they will help refer you and keep you busy.”

Logan Lawn & Landscaping
Phone: 937-465-3370
Email: loganlawnwl@gmail.com
www.loganlawnlandscape.com

Article written and submitted by Brenda Snyder, WLBA Secretary

​Article by Heather Chamberlain, Owner and CEO Theresa’s Gingerbread House and WLBA President
We would like to congratulate our February West Liberty Business of the Month Winner, Civista Bank! Civista Bank is a community bank that was founded in 1884. Civista Bank has provided trusted financial solutions to generations of families and businesses. They have been in business for 138 years and have 500+ employees. Prior to rebranding as Civista Bank in 2015, they were known as Champaign Bank. They joined the Civista Bank family in 2007.

Civista is a full-service community bank providing solutions for personal and business banking and borrowing, mortgages, and wealth management. One of the benefits to working with Civista is that they offer self-serve financial literacy education online at civista.bank/civista-learning-vault. They also offer in-class financial literacy workshops - whether you are a teacher looking for a guest speaker to talk about financial literacy with your students, or a non-profit wanting to help the community understanding the ins and outs of first-time homeownership, they are happy to partner with you.

They also give back to their communities. Employees are encouraged to volunteer in the communities they serve. Each year they dedicate time for employees to volunteer at various community organizations. Employees serve as board members, coaches, and attend various community meetings in the West Liberty community such as treasurer of the West Liberty Business Association and member of the PTO.

When asked “What do your customers love the most about your business?”, the answer was “Our customers love being greeted by friendly, familiar faces when they come into the branch. Knowing their name and their family or business is important to us and to our customers. Customers can count on us responding promptly to their questions.” And that is exactly what you get when you walk into the West Liberty branch of the Civista Bank! They also listed one of their favorite things about having their location in West Liberty is Being part of the community’s story. They said it is a great privilege to be a part of helping families, businesses and the community achieve their goals from one generation to the next. Here everyone knows each other and comes together to help one another in times of need. They also added that their favorite thing about West Liberty in particular is that no matter where you go or who you are, you will always be welcomed with a wave and a hello and of course, Stoners Ice Cream Parlor!

Hours
Mon-Tue: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Fri: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

​Article by Heather Chamberlain, Owner and CEO Theresa’s Gingerbread House and WLBA President
Walking into Country Friends takes you into a beautiful, warm, inviting store where you can find unique gifts, antiques, fabulous home décor, lights, gifts and candles to decorate any area of your home! You are always greeted with a smile and a helpful hand from the owner, Tami Cox, or one of her employees who love to see you stopping in to shop! Tami purchased the old Graystone building in June of 2018.  She did a complete renovation and opened the doors of Country Friends on November 2, 2018.  Tami is a member at large of the West Liberty Business Association and serves our community in numerous ways through giving her time, energy, and money to making West Liberty a great place to live, work and be!
 
We asked Tami some questions about her business to get to know her better:
When was your business established?
I started Country Friends 38 years ago.
 
How long have you owned the business?
I have owned Country Friends since the beginning, so 38 years.
 
 How many employees do you have?
It varies with the time of year, between 2-7 employees.
 
What does your business offer residents of West Liberty?
I am a local place for the residents to purchase antiques and home decor for all their decorating needs throughout the season.
 
What is something unique about your business or its owners?
I make it my goal to make everyone who enters feel like family. I have made many great relationships with my customers over the years.
 
Do you offer classes, specials, or any other service that your town may not know about?
We have a website and can ship anywhere in the USA. We offer a military discount everyday!
 
How are you involved with the community in West Liberty?
I am currently the Member at Large of the WLBA. I sit on the events committee and help plan and oversee the events put on by the WLBA. I help the WLBA make the Village of West Liberty a place everyone likes to come to.
 
What do your customers love the most about your business?
The fact that the items I carry are so unique and different from what other stores carry. I take the time to procure items I know my customers will want to add to their homes. They also like the fact that I make them feel right at home and ask about their families.
 
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm Saturday 10am-4pm
 
When you aren’t at your business, what are you doing? (Hobbies, etc)
I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, my kids and grandbabies. I also enjoy gardening, swimming in my pool and riding my Harley.
 
What is your favorite thing about owning a business in our small town?
My favorite thing about owning a business in West Liberty is the small town feel and that my customers become friends and more like family.
 
What is your favorite thing about West Liberty?
When it snows in the winter, it makes you feel like you're inside a snow globe.
 
Is there anything else you’d like your customers to know?
I am so thankful for all the support and friendships over the many years of my small business. It truly is a blessing to be able to share my passion with my customers.
 
Country Friends is open Tuesday-Friday 10 A.M.-5 P.M and Saturday 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. They are located at 216 N. Detroit St. West Liberty, OH 43357
(937) 465-0580
www.countryfriendsofohio.com

Article by Heather Chamberlain, Owner and CEO Theresa’s Gingerbread House and WLBA President
The village of West Liberty is home to one of the most knowledgeable and successful realtor’s in this area. Malia Hughes has been licensed since 2008 and she has been fundamental in one of the largest decision making processes people ever make in this community, buying and selling homes! She is the 2022 Pinnacle of Performance Sales Award Winner and has been for the past 9 years! The Pinnacle Performance of Sales Award winner is the highest award given by Ohio Realtors and Malia Hughes has once again proven that honesty, hard work, ethical treatment and integrity continually bring people back to her beautiful office located at 102 Zanesfield Rd. in West Liberty for all of their Real Estate needs. 
 
What type of business do you own?
A Full - Service Real Estate Office.  I am a Licensed Realtor, Agent/Branch Owner, Powered by Fathom Realty.  I also hold the title of District Director for Fathom Realty which is a Managing Broker Level, I serve and mentor 48 additional agents, from Lima to Dayton.
 
What are your names and occupations if you do anything besides this business?
Malia & Tom Hughes, Licensed Realtors.
We also own several rental properties in West Liberty and very soon will offer an Air B&B called Red Hawk Ridge Retreat that will be able to host a large family for gatherings. This will be located in a country setting near our residence.
 
When was your business established?
Malia was licensed in 2008 and Tom licensed in 2004.  We work Full-Time together.
 
How long have you owned the business? 
In 2018 I had the opportunity to purchase 102 Zanesfield Road, West Liberty and open my own office.  We are mobile agents, but this space is used for meetings, closings, etc.  Our professional assistant works from this location and it is an easy location for clients from Logan and Champaign Counties to pick up our moving truck.
 
How many employees do you have? 
At this time there are 3, myself, my husband Tom and our assistant Julie Bodenmiller.  I am working to start a professional Real Estate Team and looking to hire agents that want a place to grow their business.

What does your business offer residents of West Liberty?
Full Time Full Service Real Estate Office.   Specializing in Residential, Farm and Commercial Real Estate Services. Update to date knowledge of our local real estate industry, housing stats, long and short term housing.  Malia is also certified as an SRES The Seniors Real Estate Specialist®   She has the knowledge and expertise to guide homebuyers and sellers over the age of 50 through major financial and lifestyle transitions. Start gaining the resources that will help you better serve seniors.

What is something unique about your business or its owners? 
Malia and Tom are invested in the West Liberty Community.   We love our community and work to support the village and kiddos in many ways.

How are you involved with the community in West Liberty?
Malia is an active member of the West Liberty Lions Club and the West Liberty Business Association.

What do your customers love the most about your business?  
Integrity in business.  When you choose us to assist you with your real estate needs, you will always be treated with respect and treated as we would treat our family members.

What are your hours of operation?
Malia and Tom are both available Monday-Saturday by appointment.

When you aren’t at your business, what are you doing?  
We love spending time with our middle schoolers, Bell & Blaine, and our family/friends.   We also enjoy being outdoors and visiting Indian Lake.

What is your favorite thing about owning a business in our small town? 
We love our little community.   It may be small, but there are a lot of BIG hearts in our little village.   We love serving alongside the others that serve. "Whoever wants to be great must become a servant." Matthew 20:26

What is your favorite thing about West Liberty? 
Our parks are pretty special, we love seeing the community come together enjoying the beautiful scenery and abounding beautiful nature.  We enjoy our walkable and friendly hometown community.

Is there anything else you’d like your customers to know? 
We are here for you!  Call us, get to know us and we will work hard for you. We have a high regard for customer service and willingness to help those in need.    

Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
 
Malia Hughes is one of the most giving individuals in our community. When there is any need to be filled there is always someone we know we can call on that will fill in the gap, and that is Malia Hughes! Philanthropy calls to Malia and it shows in many ways throughout our community and we are all very blessed she and Tom are a part of our amazing village. If you are in need of a realtor, Please call Malia at 937.935.8008!

Article by Heather Chamberlain, WLBA President and Owner and CEO Theresa’s Gingerbread House Childcare Centers
One of the most popular destination sites in all of Logan and surrounding counties, and the cornerstone of retail shopping experiences in the village of West Liberty is the incredible candy store Marie’s Candies which has been in business since 1956! When you walk through the door you are greeted with a friendly face, a sample of candy, the overwhelming incredible smell of chocolate, and one of the most beautiful retail spaces you will ever see! Each season you are welcomed with a new theme and elaborate decorations to go with the season!  The staff are helpful, kind and willing to make sure you have the very best experience you possibly can, and they go the extra mile to make sure you leave with all the incredible and tasty candies you could ever want!   The candy store is an original train depot which was built in 1926 and was originally located in the southwest corner of the village. According to their website, Jay and Kathy King purchased the Depot in 1992, moved it through town in 1993 to its current location and renovated it for 3 years until they opened the newly renovated space Thanksgiving weekend in 1996.
 
Rebecca Craig, a third generation co-owner with her brother Shannon King explains the history of Marie’s Candies and how their family came to open and operate this incredible candy store.
Husband and wife Winfred and Marie King dealt with paralyzing polio for Winfred.  They gave gifts of homemade candy to helpful friends and neighbors.  Marie’s Candies officially opened its doors in 1956 and provided a living for the Kings.
Husband and wife, Jay (son of Winfred and Marie) and Kathy King took ownership in 1977 and had the vision and creativity for the growth of Marie’s Candies.  They dedicated their lives to improving candy production, increasing candy options, and designing candy gifts.  They also moved and restored a train depot that became the business’s retail space in 1996.
Brother and sister, Shannon King and Rebecca Craig (children of Jay & Kathy) became co-owners in 2016 and continue the legacy of their grandparents and parents.
 
How many employees do you have?
25-35, depending on the season.
 
What is the history of your business in West Liberty?
Winfred and Marie first sold candy from their farmhouse kitchen on State Route 507.  Ten years later, they needed more space, so they built a house and candy shop combination at the present location on US Highway 68.  That building is now completely devoted to candy production. 
 
What does your business offer customers?
We like to greet our customers with a sample.  We make over 100 different kinds of chocolates and candy.  We have fun creating seasonal displays and gifts.  We also offer a great selection of products from other candy makers.
 
Do you offer classes, specials, or any other service that your town may not know about?
We send a monthly email newsletter that includes a coupon.  You can sign up on our website www.mariescandies.com or by texting MARIESCANDIES to 22828. Our website has almost all the products we carry in our store with the option of ordering online and picking up in the store.   
 
How are you involved with the community in West Liberty?
We enjoy supplying candy and prizes for Easter egg hunts, coloring contests, trick-or-treating, pictures with Santa, and more. 
 
What are your hours of operation? 
10am-6pm Monday-Saturday
 
When you aren’t at your business, what are you doing? (Hobbies, etc)
When Shannon isn’t at work, he’s spending time with his family.
When Rebecca isn’t at work, she’s spending time with her husband and enjoying her kids’ sporting events.
 
What is your favorite thing about owning a business in our small town?
Rebecca’s favorite thing about owning a business in West Liberty, is being able to give back to the community who was such a big help to her grandparents. 
 
Maries Candies gives so much to our community and we are so very thankful and blessed to have them as part of our community.  We are honored to name them November’s Business of the Month for the Village of West Liberty!  Please stop by and visit them today!
Local: 937-465-3061
Toll Free: 866-465-5781
Fax: 937-465-3336
Email: service@mariescandies.com
Hours: 10am - 6pm, Monday - Saturday

Written By: Heather Chamberlain, President WLBA and Owner and CEO Theresa’s Gingerbread House, LLC Childcare Centers
As you head North on US HWY 68, across from Thoman’s IGA in to the bustling village of West Liberty, you are greeted by the local full service automotive garage that provides everything from fixing a leak in your tire to full service diagnostic testing and repairs on every make and model car you can possibly think of! From makes and models ranging from Asian, European to Domestic Vehicles, Solomon’s Garage is the Go-to place to care for your vehicle far and wide!  Behind the desk you will find the smiling face of a well-known native, Katie Neer, and hard at work on the cars in the garage you will find her husband, native Dave Neer. Together they have owned and operated the garage since Jan 1, 2012 when they moved back to West Liberty, and they have been at their current location since 2016 when they purchased it from the Hostetler’s, who owned and operated the former Liberty Oil & Gas.  Dave and Katie also own Neer and Farm, a home décor and Fashion Boutique next door at 114 S Detroit St. They have 2 beautiful children, Levi, a 7th grader and Sadie, a kindergartner and they have a brand new baby boy on the way! 
​

How many employees work at Solomon’s Garage?
Solomon’s Garage currently employs 2 full-time technicians in addition to Dave. Katie is the full-time service writer. There is also a part-time maintenance technician and a couple of on-call parts runners.
 
What is the history of Solomon’s Garage in West Liberty?
The location has operated as an auto repair shop / service station in this location since the 1950s (as far as the owners know).
 
What does your business offer residents of West Liberty?
Solomon’s Garage offers dealer quality services and expertise at a fraction of the cost right here in a small town. Solomon’s Garage saves customers the hassle of driving all the way to Columbus or Dayton for service on high line and foreign cars.  Solomon’s Garage also offers pickup and delivery and the occasional house call when necessary.
 
What is something unique about the business or its owners?
Dave & Katie both grew up here. They were high school sweethearts and graduated from WLS in 2000. Dave went to Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis for their automotive program and worked 10 years at Dreyer & Reinbold BMW in Indianapolis. Dreyer was the very first BMW dealership opened in North America and was and continues to be a nationally ranked facility. Katie attended Purdue University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2005. She worked for 4 years as a Civil Engineer designing highways and storm water systems and then “retired” from that career path in 2009 to be a stay at home mom to her son, Levi. When presented with the opportunity to sell their home in Indiana and move back to be closer to the grandparents, the Neer's jumped at the chance. Dave had always wanted to open his own shop and serve his hometown in that capacity. In 2011, he “retired” from Dreyer & Reinbold and started his own place in the end of his father’s machine shed. The rest is history…

Does Solomon’s Garage offer classes, specials, or any other service that customers may not know about?
Solomon’s Garage occasionally offers car care clinics to anyone, especially teen and women drivers, educating people on how to find a good used vehicle, how to maintain that vehicle and how to change a flat tire, check your fluids and tire pressures on your own, etc. Pre-purchase inspections are also a great service that we provide. For just about $60 you can have a vehicle you are interested in purchasing thoroughly checked out. We have saved several customers thousands of dollars avoiding a lemon!
 
How is Solomon’s Garage involved with the community in West Liberty?
Katie has serviced as a member of the West Liberty Business Association, often as secretary, for the past 7 years. The business also tries to sponsor ball teams and local events as much as possible. Solomon’s Garage has also been involved in Street Market events, the Christmas parade and car shows.
 
What do customers love the most about Solomon’s Garage? 
Most of our customers love that they can trust us to provide good quality services and sound advice. We train all of our employees to look at customer cars as if they are working on their own grandmother’s car or their wife and kids’ car. Most people appreciate that.
 
What are the hours of operation? 
We are open Monday thru Friday 8-5.
 
When you aren’t at your business, what are you doing? (Hobbies, etc)
Dave is a huge gun enthusiast, so you will often find him target shooting, competing, or teaching CCW courses. Katie loves home décor so in 2020 she opened up a home décor store next door, and she enjoys helping other people organize their homes in her rare spare time haha!
 
What is your favorite thing about owning a business in a small town?
We love being a part of the community that raised us! We like to use our technical skills and abilities to serve our friends and family and neighbors.
 
What is your favorite thing about West Liberty? 
What’s not to love? Being part of a small town where you know your local grocer, your daycare owner, your coffee shop and pizza and ice cream parlor owners, you can’t beat it! We love the relationships that we have built since we moved back to the area.
 
Is there anything else you’d like your customers to know? 
Typically, we book out about a week, so if you want something done before you go on a road trip, etc. schedule accordingly. We can usually accommodate emergencies, but if you can ever plan ahead, please do!

Solomon’s Garage is located at 122 S. Detroit St. West Liberty, OH 43357 and their phone number is 937.887.0029.

​Article by Heather Chamberlain, CEO, Theresa’s Gingerbread House, LLC Childcare Centers and President of the West Liberty Business Association
 
For 132 years, The Village of West Liberty has been faithfully served by The Peoples Savings and Loan Company, located at 110 North Detroit St, in a beautiful building that has been a bank since 1890.
 
When you walk through the doors you are greeted with familiar faces, the feeling of knowing you are going to be taken care of, and that your money matters.  No matter what you need, you can talk to your hometown bank and they are there to help you with the small and large purchases in life.  

What type of business is The Peoples Savings and Loan Company?
We are a state chartered federally insured savings and loan association. Our main office is located in downtown West Liberty at 110 N. Detroit St. Our full service branch is located in Jackson Center, Ohio at 707 East Pike St. That location opened in September of 1998.
 
When was your business established?
1890
 
How long have you owned the business?
The Peoples Savings and Loan Company is mutually owned by its depositors. There are no stockholders.
 
How many employees do you have?
11 full-time employees and 2 part-time employees
What is the history of your business in West Liberty?
This is our 132nd year in business in West Liberty so we have a very lengthy history in this community.
 
What does your business offer residents of West Liberty?
The Peoples Savings and Loan Company offers a full range of loan and banking products supported by knowledgeable personal service.
 
What is something unique about your business or its owners?
Our building was built in 1895 and has always been a bank in West Liberty.
 
Do you offer classes, specials, or any other service that your town may not know about?
We offer very competitive interest rates on both loan and savings products.
 
How are you involved with the community in West Liberty?
We support our schools, the village, the fire department and EMS. We sponsor softball, soccer, little league teams, Green Hills Community, the West Liberty Lions Club and many other worthy causes.
 
What do your customers love the most about your business? 
Our staff. They genuinely care about our customers and their business.
 
What are your hours of operation? 
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9-4
Fridays from 9-5
Wednesday and Saturday from 9-12 
 
What is your favorite thing about doing business in our small town?
Personally knowing who we do business with and being a part of them achieving their financial goals.
 
What is your favorite thing about West Liberty? 
The people who live and work here.

The Peoples Savings and Loan Company is located at 110 N. Detroit St. West Liberty, OH. Stop in soon or give them a call at (937) 465-4931 and to learn more about all they have to offer!

Article by Heather Chamberlain, CEO, Theresa’s Gingerbread House, LLC Childcare Centers and President of the West Liberty Business Association
Nostalgia best describes the feeling that you are overwhelmed with when you are walking through the door of Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor, located on the corner of 68 and W. Baird St in the heart of the village of West Liberty.  The Ice Cream Parlor boasts 40 flavors of ice cream, food, milkshakes and a variety of other desserts. They also offer the beloved pup cup for your dear 4 legged friend.
 
Behind the counter you will see a line of hard working high school students who are hand dipping your ice cream, and serving you delicious memories with a smile! You are transported to your childhood, and all the joy that comes simply from the anticipation of picking your flavor, and they are proud to serve the very best, Perry’s Ice Cream from New York. Perry’s has been in business for over 100 years and Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor is proud to be the top seller of Perry’s hand dipped ice cream in the state of Ohio! Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor is a family affair, owned by Jeff and Kelli Stoner, and their daughter Shae, a Senior at West Liberty Salem, is a familiar face you will see working all the time!
 

Article by Bailey Kolb, Beighliebird Photography LLC
If you live in West Liberty, you’ve shopped at Thoman’s IGA. Your grandparents and parents have shopped there too. Local families have utilized the store to supply a variety of special occasions and everyday needs for years. From BBQ’s before the fireworks and waking up the house with delicious donuts, to filling our fridges with high-quality meats and produce, the Thoman family has been there for every generation of shopper since 1951.

Thoman’s grocery store has always been a family owned business. Richard and Joe Thoman started the store in 1951 and became a part of the IGA Organization just one year later. Ten years following, they secured the lot where the store stands today. Richard and Joe’s children all worked in the store over the years which paved the way for Stan to step into a leadership role with his sister Marilyn, who still serves as the produce manager. In 2000, Stan’s son, Anthony, continued the next generation of family to work in the store, serving as assistant manager.

How did the business start and how long have you been in charge?
Stan: I’ve been here since back in ’75, and took over my dad’s duties in 1999.
Anthony: After college for me, the summer of 2000.

Do you guys have a management team or do you sort of do it all?
Anthony: We have a team. Marilyn is in charge of the produce and deli departments. Geneva is the pricing coordinator.  And then the two of us as well.

Can you describe the culture of Thoman’s IGA?
Stan: It’s fun! I look forward to everyday. The last couple of years haven’t been much fun, of course, because of covid, so it has been more challenging everyday, but I still look forward to it.
Anthony: It’s fun, but we get work done. We treat everyone like they’re family.

How many employees do you typically have?
Anthony: It varies a lot, but we try to keep at least 17-20. The work force is really a challenge right now. The ages of our employees range from high school students and college kids home for the summer, all the way up to the semi-retired.

What are the most important aspects of maintaining good relationships with your suppliers and customers?
Anthony: We use the golden rule. Treat them how we want to be treated. We make sure that the store is a fun place to shop, have exclusive items, be convenient, add that personal touch and keep the store clean.

What do you love most about business?
Stan: Seeing customers now, and older customers that were once young. We get to see entire family’s grow.
Anthony: I love the history of customers that worked in high school and come back to shop with family. Some are retiring now too. People have been working for Thoman’s since 1951, so I love to see that the relationships transcend over time.

How does your business give back to the community?
Anthony: We sponsor local sports teams and donate items to charity. We can’t do everything, but we always do what we can. We try to support non-profit groups, help supply concessions for sports events, and other local special events.

What kind of professional systems do you use that are essential for your business?
Anthony: A lot of Microsoft. A lot of excel. We use that to keep reports, update daily spreadsheets. It’s essentially how we communicate. Excel can interface with our pricing system as well.

What’s unique about your company?
Anthony: We’re a small town grocery store. We know customer’s by name, and offer a clean shopping environment. We pride ourselves on not being a 2 hour shopping trip. We are convenient and high-quality, always having what people need. It’s sometimes hard to beat supply issues with covid, so we make sure to have some kind of option out there for everyone. We do the extra leg work to make it happen for customers.

What are the company’s next goals and the future of the business?
Stan: Continue to provide quality service, competitive prices, local meat and produce, but with a personal touch. It is what we have always done and will continue to do in the future as well.

The Thoman goal is to be, “Big enough to serve your needs and small enough to know you,” and local residents would agree that our grocery store is essential. Between the shopping environment and smiling faces that greet you, it’s easy to see why they have earned June’s Business of the Month for West Liberty.