The Local Chat.
Long Tom Region Business Interviews
by Tri City Directory. Interview your business here.
by Tri City Directory. Interview your business here.
![]() My family and I had the pleasure of working with Nick when we moved to Monroe. He helped us with many things including our taxes. It felt great talking to him as he was very knowledgeable and explained things in a way we could understand. We met at the Business Association of Monroe. Not only did he help us with our taxes he also introduced me to local businesses. Below is our interview of Nick and his business. Here is a retelling of the information he shared. 1. How did you choose this area? What are your favorite things about this area? My family and I moved to Monroe in December 2018 and have loved every moment since. We were drawn to Monroe because of its quiet charm and were blessed to find our dream home where we plan to stay for many years to come. Some of our favorite things to do in the area include short drives to the coast, bike rides around town, weekend visits to Christmas Junction for a chat and hot cocoa, and going out for a family dinner at Benny’s or Long Branch. 2. What is your background and how did you get into what you do? ’ve always had an interest in math and figuring out complex puzzles so a career in tax preparation felt like the perfect fit. I started working as a Licensed Tax Preparer in 2014 for a bookkeeping and tax service in Eugene where I gained valuable knowledge and experience. I became a Licensed Tax Consultant in 2017 and later that year became designated as an Enrolled Agent by the IRS, at which time I started my own tax preparation business. 3. How would you describe your business? I like to say I provide tax preparation with a personal touch - and one way I strive to achieve that is by providing services both in person or virtually based on your preference. For those local, I can come to your home or business. I also host meetings in my home office, over a video call, or phone call. In addition to tax preparation and consulting for individuals, businesses, and trusts/estates, I also offer bookkeeping services, tax planning, and tax audit representation. 4. What makes your business unique? The tax industry has continued to push toward mega corporations providing tax services to the masses where there is no focus on the individuals being served. I aim to provide more personalized services and have availability outside of tax season. If you get a letter, you had a life event that stopped you from being able to file on time, or even just need some advice, it's important to be able to get help after April 15th. I am also flexible in client communication styles. I have embraced technology in my business. When the pandemic started, some clients were uncomfortable meeting in person and my online client portal provided an opportunity to conduct business completely virtually in a safe and secure manner. The online portal allows clients to upload documents, e-sign, e-pay, and provides secure communication from the comfort of their home. Clients can also schedule in person, phone and video appointments with me via their portal. I also continue to work with those clients that preferred to meet in person or were not technologically savvy, and I plan to continue to offer a choice: remote, in-person or hybrid options to clients. 5. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years? I hope to continue to provide a high level of service while growing my client base sustainably, and because of the wonderful support of my local clients, I hope to expand into a dedicated office space here in Monroe as I currently work from an office in my home. 6. Are there any local causes you support? I’m very invested in seeing our small community flourish and believe the best way to do that is by volunteering my time and services with organizations that support our local artists and businesses. I currently serve as a board member and Treasurer for the Monroe Arts Association (MAA) and I am the Treasurer for the Business Association of Monroe (BAM.) I have been with these associations since their inception and am excited to see them continue to grow. 7. Do you belong to any local organizations? I am a member of the Oregon Association of Independent Accountants. Locally, I’ve had the honor of serving as a Monroe City Councilor since 2021, where I am the chair of the Finance Committee and served as the chair of the Budget Committee the past two budget cycles. 8. What is the best way for people to reach you? My website www.ritchtaxservice.com allows for clients to sign up for a secure online portal for remote communication and document sharing on the login page. I can be reached by phone at 541-870-2371 or by email at nick@ritchtaxservice.com as well. 9. Which social media do you prefer? You can find my business Ritch Tax Service on Facebook. I post updates and important information throughout tax season. My facebook page is at www.facebook.com/ritchtaxservice
7. Do you belong to any local organizations?
Not yet. 8. What is the best way for people to reach you? Stop in and see us! Check our website 448fitness.com for hours and info as well. 9. Which social media do you prefer? Facebook.
5. How would you describe your business?
We support local vendors and artists by selling their products through our store. If our customers need something, we make every effort to find it and carry it in our store. Every Saturday we sell our yummy cinnamon rolls which are a customer favorite. Our meat is also very popular which is why we created our CSA beef/pork boxes. Although we are not a certified organic farm, we work to do everything as natural as possible. This year we planted raspberries, marionberries and boysenberries and the year before was a variety of apple trees. Currently we are focused on humanely raised animals for meat, fresh eggs, baked goods and spices. 6. What makes your business unique? We have built lasting relationships with our customers and community. We’ve also created great relations with our vendors and competitors. It is essential to work together to educate people about farming in our community. We have been attending neighboring farm tours as well as visit other farms when traveling. We enjoy learning as much as we can about various topics relating to humane animal raising, new crops, and niche farming. We have found most farmers are eager and willing to share what they have learned. We participate in the OSU Extension Small Farms Program and attend workshops and tours they put on throughout the year. 7. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years? We will continue to learn and grow and find the areas that we can be successful and contribute to the community. We have created a gathering space and hope to have small gatherings as we go forward. 8. Are there any local causes you support?
9. What is the best way for people to reach you? Come by our store Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm now through Christmas or call 541-740-0819 to make an appointment. (Store is open Saturdays from March/April through Christmas each year with additional days during the late fall/Holidays) www.fallingoaksfarm.com Falling Oaks Farm Stand | Facebook Matt & April Givens (@fallingoaksfarm) • Instagram photos and videos
8. What is the best way for people to reach you?
info@goatyoga.net 888-992-GOAT Website WHY & What is Goat Yoga?: https://goatyoga.net/goat-therapy-animal-assisted-therapy/ Facebook No Regrets Farm Sanctuary : https://www.facebook.com/noregretsfarm Facebook Goat Yoga: https://www.facebook.com/goatyoga/ Instagram No Regrets Farm Sanctuary: https://www.instagram.com/noregretsfarmsanctuary/?hl=en Instagram Goat Yoga: https://www.instagram.com/goatyoga/?hl=en Email: infor@goatyoga.net Reservations for Goat Yoga & Goat Happy Hour: https://headquarters.goatyoga.net/events/ 1. How long have you been in business?
I started creating tees (and more) in 2020 at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. It's started as a way to make extra money and keep myself busy, but to my suprised joy it took off! Before I knew it I had built a good client base and had a steady stream of business. 2. How did you choose this area? My husband is originally from the area, roughly about a year and a half ago we decided it was time to move back and be close to family. 3. What are your favorite things about this area? I love the small town vibes and friendly people. I also love Tin Sing, Kento's food truck, the Beer Station, Nina's Pony Espresso, Jersey's Bar, and GunRunner Arms. 4. What is your background and how did you get into what you do? My background is actually in health care but I have always had a creative side and loved all things art. The Covid quarantines gave me time that I hadn't had before to explore my creative side. 5. How would you describe your business? I make custom clothing and accessories bringing creative designs to my customers at affordable prices. 6. What makes your business unique? I strive to make sure each order is exactly to the customers liking even if that means I have to redo an order and I keep my prices low so that my products are affordable to everyone. 7. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years? My youngest daughter has started creating her own designs and building a customer base of her own, I would like to see that continue to grow for her and my hopes would be for the business to grow into a store front in the next 5 years. 8. Are there any local causes you support? I sponsor children through the Corvallis Boys & Girls club for different sports and I am a platinum sponsor for the JC Varisty Cheer team. 9. What is the best way for people to reach you? Calls, emails, and texts are always welcome! Check out my Facebook page to see designs, specials, or message me! Phone: 346-337-0701 Email: B.butterfliesdesignco@gmail.com Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/101157698318798/ Downtown Junction City houses a family group of Realtors known as Willamette Properties Group. WPG is led by owners and real estate agents Tosh and Lisanne Dickenson. WPG also employs their daughter, Cheyenne as a licensed agent, along with Matt Rossiter, (Matt greeted me warmly as I arrived at their office.) Daisy Ramirez, MacKenzie Solton, Biff Sessner & Daniel Emanuel. WPG is actively involved in supporting several nonprofits and as such wear many hats in the community. I met with Lisanne to discuss the history and future of their business. Below is a retelling of the information she shared. 1. How long have you been in business?
I began practicing real estate in 2007. Prior to becoming an agent, I taught firearms classes throughout Oregon and worked in business administration.. Tosh worked in management for a local RV company. In 2011, Tosh decided to change careers and join me as a licensed Realtor. Thus began Willamette Properties Group in 2012. 2. How did you choose this area? We were married on our property in Cheshire 25 years ago. Being so close to Junction City, it was the logical place to set up shop. There was only one other practicing agent in town at that time, so we knew that there was a need. Junction City had been growing, and being able to serve this community in so many ways made it an easy choice! 3. What are your favorite things about this area? Junction City’s rich history. (From trains to a huge opera house and much, much more.)
4. What is your background and how did you get into what you do? When Tosh and I met I was a paramedic student and Tosh was a captain at the local fire department. He was teaching my required firefighter classes. He was amazing and we quickly became a great team, so we married in 1997 and bought our first home. Our experience with that was painful and disappointing and we knew that I could treat people better and do it with respect, knowledge, integrity and a passion for people. I began to take classes after being encouraged by my wonderful husband and a Realtor friend. A few years later, Tosh joined me in the business. We both have passions for helping people find the home of their dreams!. 5. How would you describe your business? We are very family oriented. Despite the pandemic, we sold many homes in 2020 & 2021, totaling millions of dollars in sales. We pride ourselves on our ability to connect with families and find the perfect homes for them. We love it when clients say, “what do you mean I’m not your only client? 6. What makes your business unique? We are very active in this community and share business contacts for folks needing services. We have a tried and true list of great contractors nearby. We utilize some unbelievable lead generation software that allows us to give hundreds of leads to our brokers, In turn, this means that more and more people are benefiting from having experienced, caring Realtors. 7. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years? Like most businesses, growth is imperative. We are always on the lookout for smart, positive, team players. Current licensed Realtors or those that are working towards their real estate license are always welcome to reach out and discuss joining our team. 8. Are there any local causes you support? Function 4 Junction, board member Donations to the high school for various classes A community Facebook group with 3.2K members. (“We are Junction City!”) Animal rescues 9. What is the best way for people to reach you? We are always available. Contact us through our website, wpgoregon.com, social media or text 541-403-8929. We’ll always respond in a timely manner!
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