Kevin LynchWooster Daily Record
WALNUT CREEK − Developing a business from a dream that began by building playhouses in a garage is the entrepreneurial spirit representative of the businesses that received recognition at the annual Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau awards Thursday at the Carlisle Inn of Walnut Creek.
Dan Schlabach, owner and founder of Little Cottage Company, has something in common with the late Steve Jobs, the late founder of Apple, according to sponsor Rob Hovis of LPL Financial.
"They each started a business in their garage," Hovis said.
Hovis was one of the presenters of the awards at the banquet that served more than 300 people.
Large Business of the Year
Little Cottage Company won the large business of the year award (more than 50 employees). Little Cottage Company operates two other businesses, Wild Ridge and Green Fox Plastics, under the same umbrella.
The product line includes storage sheds, chicken coops and dog kennels. Wild Ridge produces poly-outdoor furniture, mainly chairs and tables. To support the need for plastics, Schlabach founded Green Fox.
Schlabach joked that maybe he should change the name of his company to a "Little Bit Bigger Cottage Company Than it was in My Garage."
He thanked his family for supporting his dream and the many employees who have helped build the company to what it is today.
Small Business of the Year
Tyler Shoemaker accepted the award for small business of the year (less than 15 employees) for Shoemaker Custom Apparel. He thanked his wife, Tabitha, for supporting his dream, and the members of their staff for making the award possible. The company has grown from three to seven employees over the last 10 years.
"Shoemaker Apparel's support of local schools, sports teams and nonprofit organizations such as Share-a-Christmas and the Holmes County Education and Community Foundation has fostered successful fundraising and brand awareness to those organizations as well as the community and the region," said sponsor/presenter Vic Weaver of Killbuck Savings Bank. "An entrepreneurial philosophy and expanded equipment capabilities have increased their product output and reduced lead time and increased efficiency."
Medium Business of the Year
Patrick Miller, director of people and culture, accepted the award for JDM Structures, another service company that relies on quality people in product design, project management and customer care and building crews, doing a quality job to provide a quality product for the people of Holmes County and beyond.
"We are passionate about delivering a five-star experience for our customers," Miller said.
Community Service Award
Eddie Steiner presented the Community Service Award to the Holmes Center for the Arts, noting HCA provides a wide range of artistic activities, giving community members of all ages the ability to experience and practice the arts in Holmes County.
"We don't often take time at the arts center to pause and reflect upon all that we've been able to accomplish in a short period of time," HCA Executive Director Holley Johnson said. "The Holmes Center for the Arts is a testament to this community, and I want to thank you for pouring all of your gifts into us, not only through financial donations, but your advice, your counsel and your encouragement."
Educator of the Year
Leah Miller earned the distinction of being the first educator of the year named by the chamber for her efforts through the Leadership Holmes County program.
"The educators in our lives are usually under-rated and taken for granted," said Holmes County Education and Community Foundation Director Shasta Mast, who presented Miller with the award. "Educators do so much more than teach; they mentor, they lead; they shine as examples and they help those around them rise to the occasion and reach new heights."
"It has been a real joy getting to know all the people in Holmes County and all of the employers who have embraced Leadership and really made a difference in who we are as a county," Miller said. "Thank you for this award. It has been an enjoyable journey."
Lifetime Achievement
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Shayne Weaver, who accepted on behalf of his late father, Mark Weaver, of the Ivan Weaver Construction Company.
"It is an honor to accept this on behalf of Dad," Weaver said.
Vaughn Troyer of the Hummel Group was the sponsor and presenter lifetime achievement award.
"You can look anywhere in Holmes County and see a project that Mark Weaver touched in some way," Troyer said. "Mark's contributions to the construction field would fill a biography that would inspire future business leaders to work hard and support their community and to place family and faith above all else."
