Local Businesses Owners Celebrate Small Business Saturday

Nov. 26 is the second annual Small Business Saturday, which was launched last year by American Express to support local businesses during the holiday season.

In order to prepare for Saturday, Patch interviewed several local business owners about what it’s like to own a small business in Inver Grove Heights.

• NAME: Eric Bader
  BUSINESS:
  OPENING DATE OF YOUR BUSINESS: January 2007
  WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP:
  Bader began taking on handyman projects when he was managing a hardware store and the store’s recommended contractors were overbooked. His business grew from there and Allrounder now provides full-blown remodelings, as well as handyman services. “It’s a lot of work,” said Bader. “But at the same time, it’s very rewarding.”

• NAME: Chad Lessard
  BUSINESS:
  OPENING DATE OF YOUR BUSINESS: 1987 (Lessard has owned since 2006)
  WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP:
  Lessard, who co-owns the studio with his wife Joanna, became involved in dance in 1991, when his mother, who was taking lessons at the time, dared him to try dancing. “I was young enough that dares still meant something,” said Lessard. “So I came in and fell in love with it.” After spending some time in the military, Lessard returned to dance and has been teaching partner dancing at Fred Astaire since 1997. Although Fred Astaire Dance Studio is actually an international franchise, each studio is individually owned. “We actually have a say and a big effect on the atmosphere that we create for people,” said Lessard.

• NAME: Brandon Bramscher
  BUSINESS:
  OPENING DATE OF YOUR BUSINESS: February 2011
  WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP:
  “I’ve always had a passion for food and the bar business,” said Bramscher
  So, when Bramscher, who had been looking for a potential venue for the past few years, had the opportunity to open a restaurant in Inver Grove Heights, he jumped at the chance. “I really love the people in the area,” said Bramscher. “It’s a tight-knit community. I really appreciate that.”

• NAME: Lorrie Jacobson
  BUSINESS:
  OPENING DATE OF YOUR BUSINESS: 2002
  WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP:
  Over a decade ago, Jacobson was working at a small fitness center for women, but she wanted to be involved in a business with a more holistic focus. Now, as the owner of All About Me, she provides holistic services to the Inver Grove Heights community. “I feel like we’re helping people,” said Jacobson. “When they leave here, it’s so nice to see them relaxed.”