Feature Business: Sanders Meat Market
Describe your business and how you got started. Our market is your full service village meat shop carrying USDA Prime/Choice beef, natural pork, natural chicken, lamb, veal and local meats. A full service deli, homemade “on the premise” salads and prepared foods, produce, local baked breads and sweets, and grocery ingredients round out the offerings.
I (Tim Sanders) am a second generation meat cutter and I learned my craft from my father, Harvey Sanders, who worked for 40 years as a butcher. I perfected my skills in little meat shops as young man, learning from my father and old school fingerless butchers who knew what the meat was and how to lovingly carve the unrecognizable hunk of beef into an incredible eating experience.
I worked for major chains, most notably for 22 years with Shaw’s as Meat Manager in several locations, including flagship of the chain. I was the #1 sales dept in whole company, best gross margin results, lowest preventable loss (shrink), customer service award winner, as well as earning a number of sales and display contests.
My wife, Heidi Sanders has over 20 years experience in the retail food industry. She started her experience learning the art of scratch baking from men who were “up with the moon and napping by noon”. She used her skills in various small bakeries and deli’s learning her breads and sweets while gaining knowledge in deli meats and customer service. Heidi joined the supermarket industry in 1990 to work for Shaw’s and held many positions during her 17 years there.
She too received many accolades for her achievements—best overall performing Seafood dept, lowest preventable loss(shrink), best cake design, many customer service awards including Employee of the Year, Human Resource(Director of Fun), as well as several sales and display awards
We both retired after lengthy supermarket careers, vacationed in this area, loved it, moved here (leaving our adult children and parents in New Hampshire) and decided to use our experience and skills to open up a market.
Are you known for anything special? Well, we have only been open a few months, hard to put an exact answer to that question. I will say the many returning customers have made comments like: “Oh my goodness, your meatballs are soooo good I stopped making my own!” or “those steaks you cut for my father’s birthday…..he said he hasn’t had meat that good in 30 years….he ate the whole porterhouse and he’s 82!”
To those folks the meal was special…it was good enough to share there delight and appreciation with us on there return visits. That validates our efforts in providing quality products at a reasonable price.
What do you want the community to know about you? There’s so much to share but I think one of our favorite things is to tell people about our son, Eric Gibbons. He is a VEGAN but enjoys working with us. Although he doesn’t eat the meat he is very knowledgeable about it. Eric enjoys cooking and creating his own Marinades, Salads and Salsa’s and has worked in the retail business and in the kitchen for 5 years.
Eric is the youngest of our 4 children, he is 24 and moved here to Ballston Spa to help us with the business. He has a lot of interest in grass fed beef and free range chicken, has a green thumb and enjoys planting and growing his garden.
What do you like the most about your business? We are both passionate about the things we enjoy doing. I really enjoy the quality of a well marbled piece of beef, the color and texture of a fine piece of pork and the smell/feel of fresh chicken.
Heidi enjoys the kitchen area, creating the homemade salads from heirloom recipes and preparing side dishes and entrée for the folks on the go.
We enjoy the challenges of a small business, the ownership of the results, the risks and rewards.
What would you say is your biggest challenge? Marketing would have to be the biggest challenge…so many mediums to use..radio, cable, magazines, bulk mailers, newsprint, brochures, flyers, etc. etc. etc. You can chew up several thousand dollars with little effect or hit the right combination right away and watch the business grow. It can be hard to figure out which combination to choose.
Anything else? Above all, we really have enjoyed meeting the people of this community and thoroughly enjoy talking and sharing with our patrons (my wife says I enjoy it way too much, always reminding me of the time—)
We are friendly, engaging people and like meeting the people who appreciate our market. ”Word of mouth” has been a priceless unsolicited form of trust and acceptance that we appreciate our customers sharing with their family and friends.
Feature Business: Children’s Academy of Malta
Q: Describe your business and how it got started.
We are a full service daycare offering many exceptional and unique services. I started in 1995 out of need for my own children.
We proudly offer faith based education and care services to children 6 weeks to 12 years of age, and with 15+ years of experience, you can be assured that your child will be left in experienced and caring hands.
Our emphasis is meeting the needs of the whole family, as well as businesses in the community.
Q: Are you known for anything special?Yes! Flex scheduling, part-time, full-time, drop-off care….even valet drop-off and pick-up. Also, we are the daycare of choice for the new Global Fitness facility and offer a faith based preschool curriculum. To meet the needs of any busy family, we provide extended hours on Friday until 11:30 p.m. and we are open Saturdays.
All together, we offer child care, preschool education, after school programs Summer Camps and extended programs including overnight and late night care.
Q: What do you like most about your business?
The fulfillment of meeting the needs of families and the fun and excitement of looking at life through the excited eyes of a child.
Q: What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Getting the word out there that we are open and we’re different. We are helping children and families get back to the basics while offering the little extras that can truly make a difference for busy families.
Q: What do you want the community to know about you?That we are a welcomed “different.” Families will find us very friendly and extremely family-oriented.
Our building is very warm and inviting awash in fun colors and rooms. It is homie – not institutional at all! We hope it feels like your child’s second home.
Q: Anything else?We offer discounts for multiple children and business to business discounts and also accept county subsidies. We are a member of the Capital District Child Care Council, the Malta Business and Professional Association and the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.
Owners: Melissa Brennan and Rochelle Dinallo
Business name: The Children’s Academy of Malta
Address: 2381 Route 9 – Next door to TreePaad – Malta
Phone: (518) 289-5485
Website: www.childrensacademyofmalta.com
Feature Business: Out of the Park Sports Cards
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. We sell a wide variety or sports cards and memorabilia: Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, NASCAR, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh. I collected cards as a child and remember going to all the card shops in Ballston Spa. There hasn’t been a card shop in many years so that inspired us to open one and help bring the hobby back in our area.
Q. Are you known for anything special? We have a wide variety of collectables with something for everyone from the beginner collector to the hardcore collector. We fill wish lists and help alot of collectors complete sets and find them rare cards.
Q. What do you like most about your business? THE PEOPLE. We have met so many great people our first month in business. It has been great seeing kids faces light up when they walk in the shop and see a picture of their favorite player or a card in one of the display cases that they like.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? Our biggest challenge was getting the store set with with display cases and inventory…just getting organized. Once we opened the door for the first day of business, everything has been great.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? Mostly that we are a local, family run business. We work very hard to keep a safe, family atmosphere. Anyone is welcome to stop in and look around at anytime.
Q. Anything Else? Yes, we are excited to offer monthly give-aways and look forward to getting involved with a variety of community events.
Owner Name: John & Tracie Fitzgerald
Business Name: Out Of the Park Sports Cards
Address 53 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone 518-857-0311 or 518-885-1122
Website www.outoftheparkcards.com Find us on (use logo FACEBOOK) Keyword: outoftheparksportscards
Feature Business: New 2 You Fine Consignments Boutique
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
I have always been a consignment shopper and consignor. With the change in the economy I just knew this was a great time to go into business. I think we tend to live in such a throw away society so why not make money on your clothes that are gently used or possibly new and shop at 50-70% off retail.
Becoming a consigner is easy. Sign a 60 day contract, the retail sales split is 50/50. 50% of the sale goes to the consigner. “Its All About You” at New 2 You where it’s all about Fashion, Quality, Variety and all at affordable prices. We believe “Recycle Before Retail”. Why buy a Coach Purse for $229.00 retail when you can spend $49.00 on a like new one in my store?
Q. Are you known for anything special?
I would have to say I am known for consistent brand name and new quality and value on women & juniors apparel. Brands include, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch. 7 For all Mankind, True Religion, Rock & Republic, BeBe, Guess, BCBG, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Chico’s, Talbot, Sigrid Olsen, The Loft and more.
I also have one of the largest selections of prom,mother of the bride/groom gowns and I offer sizes from 1-20 in so many gorgeous colors.
Right now, I have over 100 pair of gently used shoes, sandals and sneakers.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
The best part about my business are my customers and consignors. I also love when a customer comes looking for an outfit or item and by the time they leave, they are dressed from head to toe at an amazing price. I truly do my best to be a fashion consultant to support every customers needs and have so much fun doing it!
I truly love what I do! I strive to obtain the best quality items, at competitive prices.
Q. Anything else?
We are continually working on our web-site and will be offering items for sale on the web soon. Fund Raising for local schools and sport teams are in the works as well.
We’ve just moved to a brand new location. Our new store in Carousel Village at 2100 Doubleday Ave, Ballston Spa (Rt. 50) offers the customer a well lit brand new location, easy access and ample parking. It makes for a truly easy shoppers’ experience.
Terry Bailo
New 2 You Fine Consignment Boutique
2100 Doubleday Ave.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-4040
www.new2youfineconsignment.com
Featured Business: Make Me Fabulous
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Well, I guess I got started when I was in High School. I would do hair and makeup at slumber parties. Sometimes girls would then sneak away to meet their boyfriends! I also remember “trying” to color and cut my cousins’ hair in those days. We would then wake in the morning and try to ‘fix’ it!
But officially, after my son Cameron was born in 1997, I decided to leave my full time job as a sales rep for TRW, now Experian, to be a full time mom and follow my dreams of being a makeup and hair artist.
Since then, I have grown into a wedding day, special event and commercial makeup, hair, and wardrobe stylist now for more than 18 years. I now work with politicians, newscasters, celebrities, models, actors and brides from clean and classic…to hi fashion…to blood, sweat and tears…I’ve done it all!
I now divide most of my time between print and video projects, the Boutique and off-site wedding requests.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
When I was with Clinique, many called me “the eye queen.” I still really love to bring out my clients eyes.
I’m also very excited to have been just recently rated one of the HOT 100 Salons in the Country by Beauty Entertainment Magazine.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Recent projects include styling for guests of the Rachel Ray and Larry King Live Shows, a national ad appearing in Martha Stewart Weddings, NY Giants Training Camp, national print for retailer AJ Wright as well as three editorial features in WellWed and Vermont Vows Magazines. I am also the ongoing makeup artist and consultant to NBC News affiliate WNYT.
Frequently, I am asked the question “What are you doing in Ballston Spa?” I have had opportunities to work in other areas but I thought about it alot and really wanted to work where I was close to my roots, my home and my children.
Q. Anything else?
Owning our own business has been is one of the hardest endeavors my husband and I have ever taken on . You make mistakes. It takes passion and belief in yourself and your product to overcome and move on. You are always learning, improving, making it better. That is also one of the biggest rewards as well. I always want to please my customers and give them the best I have to offer. Instilling my staff with this philosophy has become our focus in the past year and will continue in 2010.
Oh yeah, and anyone who leaves the boutique, has a wedding or a photoshoot must feel “fabulous” We have to… its in our name.
Business Name: Make Me Fabulous
Address: 102 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: 885-2929
Website: www.makemefabulous.com
Featured Business: Home of the Good Shepherd
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. “Comfort, Care and Security” are the words our residents use to describe the Home of the Good Shepherd. The Home of the Good Shepherd is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our residents and promoting independence and individuality.
Along with assisted living in our Home, we also offer nursing, home health aide and companion services through our home care agency.
During the time Rev. John Breckenridge Gibson was rector of the Bethesda Church, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, 1866-1869, this institution, the first charity was started in town at the suggestion of Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Thomas J. Marvin, and Mrs. William Bryar White. These good women and others of the church associated with them in their visitations among, the poor and afflicted, discovered the need of some place where the sick and the aged could be cared for as old age came upon them. The Home of the Good Shepherd has served the Saratoga Springs community since 1870, earning a proud reputation for providing the highest level of skilled, attentive care.
We are pleased to continue that tradition with the opening of our new, assisted living home for men and women in Malta, the Home of the Good Shepherd at Highpointe!
Q. Are you known for anything special? We put the personal care and comfort of our residents above all else. This includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, oral care, and general hygiene. The personal care plan reflects an individual resident’s needs and routines prior to admission, and is based on discussions with the resident, family members, physicians, and others concerned with the well-being of the resident.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? A variety of delicious meals are served three times a day in our dining room. Each resident has a choice of meals. Snacks and nurioushments are offered through out the day including an evening snack.
As well as daily bed making and straightening of rooms, full housekeeping services are provided twice weekly. Laundry services are provided one to two times weekly or more as needed.
Our residents never run out of opportunities for enriching and energizing their lives. We offer a full calendar of social and recreational activities that keep residents challenged and active. Planned trips are scheduled to area shopping centers, restaurants and cultural activities. Of course, residents may choose to pursue their own interests, such as reading or watching television. A bus that seats up to 14 residents is available for outside activities.
Our case manager works hand in hand with our nurses as well as community providers, to manage the medical, social, physical and mental needs of each individual resident to ensure a positive quality of life and maintain a level of independence. The Case Manager is a primary source of communication with the resident’s Primary Care Physician in regard to the medical well-being of the resident
Q. Anything else? We have a Memory Care Facility coming soon! For more information, please visit our website or call our office in Malta.
Featured Business: Double M’s Halloween Hall
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. My name is Leo Martin, owner of the Double M Haunted Hayrides. I started this business when I was a senior in high school. A friend of ours in the western part of the state told us about the Haunted Hayride franchise. We (my parents and I) thought it was a great fit for our business here at the Double M so we joined.
The franchise dissolved after 5 years and we decided to stay in it, my wife Jennifer joined me in 1995 and we continue with our son Max to grow the business. This year we welcome our 19th season haunting the Capital Region.
Q. Are you known for anything special? The Haunted Hayrides have become an autumn tradition for so many in the area. People love to be scared and the Double M is THE place to be scared in October!
Q. What do you like most about your business? We love the Haunted Business, it’s a lot of work to prepare but we have a lot of fun! Making people laugh and scream is rewarding is this business! We attend a Haunted Show in St. Louis where we purchase a lot of our props and come up with fresh ideas. We also attend seminars at the show to learn about things like applying stage makeup, ticket sales, stage lighting and advertising to name a few. The haunted industry is a big business, we get lots of ideas from the internet and we have friends with attractions that we exchange ideas and trade props with.
Every October is different here at the Double M, we change the ride each season to there’s always a surprise!
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? The weather, no doubt!
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? That we bring old fashion fun to an ever changing society! The Haunted Hayrides are open Thursday – Sunday by reservation system. There is a concession stand on the grounds, a souvenir stand and entertainment in the waiting area which includes: A D.J. or Radio Station, Oversized Monsters to greet you and, of course, the Host of the Haunted Hayrides, Scary Harry.
In addition to our Hayride and Redneck’s Revenge Terror maze, we also have our Nightmare Manor haunted walk through, not for the weak at heart! Our house has been expanded and is sure to make you tremble! Reservations are not required for Nightmare Manor. .
Q. Anything else? We also offer a daytime hayride & corn maze for families with smaller children, open Sat & Sun from 11-4. Call 884-9122 for more information.
Business Owner Name: Leo & Jennifer Martin
Business Name: Double M’s Haunted Hayride
Address: 678 Route 67, Ballston Spa, NY – A mile west of northway exit 12
Phone: 518-884-9122
Website: www.mmhauntedhayrides.com
Featured Business: Halloween Hall
Q. Describe your business and how you got started. Our business began 40 years ago as a carnival supplier to schools, churches and businesses. We added the Halloween division in 1981. We had close friends who had recently opened a Halloween store and urged us to do the same.
We were hesitant because we are so rural, but much to our surprise, the Ballston Spa area loved Halloween.
Q. Are you known for anything special? Our customers say “We should have come here first”. We have a wide variety of items from scene setters to scary props. We also specialize in items for school reports like George Washington, Ben Franklin and Abe Lincoln kits. We have saved many mothers during the school year when a quick wig or hat will make the report complete.
Q. What do you like most about your business? The people. We are a hands-on store and make suggestions, work with our customers until they are satisfied that they have found just the right costume to meet their needs. Its truly a lot of fun!
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? Keeping fresh and current. Competition can be tough, but we are here year round, so the big box stores may not be much help to the frantic mother in February when their child needs a colonial costume.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you? That we are open year round and carry unique items like inflatables, games, tents, tables, chairs and more to accommodate any type of theme party. We have expertise in balloon arches, great party center pieces and carry Santa Suits, Santa wigs and beards for the holidays.
Our “Fun Services” division has a special program called Holiday Gift Shop which is an elementary school program. We offer the finest selection of quality gifts, while keeping the prices affordable for children. Our shop contains over 110 different items. Your organization may mark up the gifts as much or as little as you wish. The “shop” can be used as a fundraiser or you may simply present the program as an exciting and fun holiday activity for the children. Best of all, your group does not have to pay any money in advance. At the completion of your shop, you pay only for the gifts sold, and return the leftovers to us. It couldn’t be easier.
The Halloween scene has changed over the last 28 years from mostly children oriented to more of an adult style holiday. We have a large variety of wigs, hats, accessories and make up that add some terrific finishing touches to any costume.
Q. Anything else? We are well worth the visit and I think you would be pleasantly surprised at what you will find at Halloween Hall.
Business Owner Name: Lois Myers
Business Name: Myers Fun Services, Inc. dba Halloween Hall
Address: 831 Route 67, Bldg. 6, Ballston Spa, NY
Phone: 518-885-5725
Website: www.halloweenhall.com or www.Fun1.com
Lake Ridge Restaurant
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Lake Ridge Restaurant co-owners Bob McKenna and Chef Scott Ringwood offer a crafted menu that will be pleasing to everyone from filets to seafood, to salads, and homemade soup using the previous establishment, Sweet Nothings’, recipes. We have mouth watering appetizers, sandwiches, fish, pasta, chicken entrees, and home made desserts. Scott brings award winning dishes and some of the areas best creativity in lunch and dinner menus. Both owners guarantee the highest quality, the freshest ingredients, and the most generous portions at very competitive prices.
Bob and Scott got to know each other when Scott was working for the Old Dater Tavern. When Scott left there, Bob asked him to consider becoming partners in a new place. Bob McKenna says “We looked for two years for our own place somewhere between Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs. We were invited to take a look at Sweet Nothings’, formerly home to a bakery, a sweet shop, a luncheon restaurant and before that, a butcher and general store. The location fit the goal and the Lake Ridge Restaurant was formed.”
Scott says the idea of owning a restaurant was “a dream come true.”
Q. Are you known for anything special?
The Lake Ridge features exceptional cuisine at moderate prices as well as friendly, attentive service. We offer first rate Continental fare in an intimate dining setting, homemade soups and desserts, as well as unadvertised nightly specials.
We also host showers and engagement parties. Long-time manager Diana Murphy says “we don’t do banquets or standard banquet meals. Every meal we serve here is individually ordered and prepared.”
Q. What do you like most about your business?
Our repeat clientele and regulars who have come to be part of the dining experience we offer. We’ve worked together for years and function as a family, with pride in the quality of our fare and friendly, attentive service
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Assuring our new customers that fine dining doesn’t have to be overpriced to be superior. We are happy that folks have discovered the Lake Ridge Restaurant experience as something that can be enjoyed regularly.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Two things: Every month, on the fourth Friday, we have a special wine tasting event at our bar from 5:30 – 7:30pm out of our three dining areas, the largest of our dining rooms can be closed for private events.
Q. Anything else?
We are always offering something different and new! We are please to be known as “A Fine Establishment With Equal Measures of Good Food, Good Drink & Good Company”.
Business Owner Names:
Bob McKenna and Scott Ringwood
General Manager: Diana Murphy
Business Name: Lake Ridge Restaurant
Address: 35 Burlington Ave., Round Lake
Phone: 899-6000
Website: www.lake-ridge.com
Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/Lake-Ridge-Restaurant
Brookside Museum
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Brookside Museum (home of the Saratoga County Historical Society) was formed by a group of devoted citizens in the 1970s. We care for historic artifacts, offer exhibits and education programs, and provide a number of other community services. As a not-for-profit organization, the funds we raise through events, programs, and fundraisers go directly into education programs we offer to thousands of local children and adults.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
Brookside is known for many special things! The building we operate out of is special because, at 217 years, it’s among the oldest in the area. Each of the thousands of historic artifacts we collect and care for are special because they tell the story of Saratoga County. And, of course, the programs we offer are special because they teach thousands of school children and visitors about Saratoga County’s rich history.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
The best days at Brookside are the days we make a difference in someone’s life. When kids attend our Sheep to Shawl program and learn about the process of making sheep wool into a sweater, they get so excited learning about a historic craft. Many adults who visit us today remember attending that program 30 years ago — and there’s nothing better than knowing that an experience we give to a child today will stay with that child into adulthood.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Other than raising money for our not-for-profit organization, Brookside’s greatest challenge is getting locals to come visit. While it is true that most people tend not to visit the museums located in towns they live in, Brookside would like to change that in Saratoga County. Our goal is to have every resident visit the museum at least once — either through a school program, to browse exhibits, or to shop for local goods in our Gift Shop.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
We’d like the community to know that we are a welcoming place for all members of the community, and we invite you visit us.
Q. Anything else?
Brookside is online at www.brooksidemuseum.org. Check out our new site! You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Name: Joy Houle, Executive Director
Business Name: Brookside Museum (Saratoga County Historical Society)
Address: 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: 518-885-4000
Email: info@brooksidemuseum.org
Website: www.brooksidemuseum.org
