When the Extol Magazine Team opted to make this edition our third annual Business Issue, we spent hours in a meeting debating what that means today.
For some of us, the word “business” conjured up images of professionals in classic attire working for corporations and companies in cubicles and windowless offices still utilizing faxes and copy machines and refraining from responding to people outside of the 8-5 working hours. That model still exists and can be beneficial. But, all of us agreed while the old stereotype of what constitutes a business and a business professional remains true in some aspects and should be acknowledged, it’s time to also extol those who are working in ways that usher in the changing times ahead.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov), the overwhelming majority of businesses are defined as small with a range from 1 to 499 people. Here, in our Southern Indiana community, we see the value of said “small” shops, firms, restaurants and entities as well as the importance of frequenting their businesses. We also appreciate the connectedness such businesses offer that big box chains can’t or simply don’t.
For example, my husband and I recently purchased bunk beds for our soon-to-be 4-year-old daughter from Schmitt’s Furniture. In addition to receiving a follow-up phone call about delivery, we also enjoyed — and I mean that — a post office mailed letter signed by owner Louie Schmitt thanking us for our purchase.
A week before writing this, I shopped at Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany for frames and fall decorations and was greeted by employees who also aided me on my search and welcomed me to return instead of treating me as an annoyance.
At Cricket’s Cafe in Sellersburg, where the Extol Team recently met, the cashier took the time to explain the day’s special and help us find a quiet corner. We were so grateful for the kindness.
Before heading home, I stopped at Preferred Meats, where the helpful staff assisted me in selecting the best meats — and more — for an upcoming family gathering. At other big box locales, this wouldn’t and hasn’t happened.
I could go on and on exalting – extolling – the excellence of small businesses located in our midst. Instead, I’ll let this issue speak for itself as we celebrate businesses, especially those connecting with and in our community in this issue.
As always, thank you for taking the time to pick up Extol. This small business – our magazine – is heading into its fifth year of existence, and we couldn’t do that without you and your support.
Truly,
Angie Fenton
Editor in Chief
angie@extolmag.com
With some quick research, they created Board & You as a fully formed business model. At first, Flanagan and Lara found their customers on Instagram and Facebook. They took orders for custom charcuterie boards filled with cornichons, nuts, rare meats and cheeses, fruit, candies, crackers, cookies and other delectable treats they could source locally or from vendors.
Products are now sourced from large meat and cheese distributors, with some serving as staples and others as limited-time offerings.
“I’m everywhere these days,” laughed the CEO of New Washington State Bank. At the young age of 41, the dynamic executive is on a fast track to success and service in Southern Indiana.
Fourth-generation partner Zack Schmitt and his father and company president Louis Schimitt, along with aunt Anne Schmitt, who serves as treasurer, are on hand daily at the massive New Albany store.
Eventually, Schmitt Furniture expanded into neighboring buildings as they vacated, “and that’s where we are today,” Zack says. “We technically have nine buildings downtown, but it’s seven separate facades that have been acquired over the years as recently as two years ago. That original building has brick on the inside, original hardwood floors (and) tin ceilings.”
