Check out Voyageur Bus Company
Whether it’s across town or across the nation, Voyageur Bus Company can get you and your group there safely and efficiently! Call them today to find out more.
SM Spotlight Mike’s Bowling Lanes
Years ago, there were three bowling alleys located in the beautiful town of Stratford, Ontario, but today only one remains – Mike’s Bowling Lanes.
Mike’s Bowling Lanes was originally opened in 1956 by Mike Gornyiczki. It was taken over by Len Barber in the mid ’80s and then by current owner and manager, Joe Shaw, more than a decade ago.
Shaw had just completed his Business Management degree and was having trouble finding work in that field.
Having already known Barber, Shaw was offered a part time gig working weekends at the bowling alley.
“I really enjoyed it. I made so many friends. I got to see the same people every single week and got to know everyone … it’s a great atmosphere,” Shaw said.
Twenty-one years later, Shaw can still be found working seven days a week at Mike’s Bowling, and loves every minute of it.
Today, Mike’s Bowling Lanes offers adult and youth leagues, as well as a special Olympics program.
It provides space for several types of events such as birthday parties and glow in the dark bowling.
Mike’s Bowling Lanes’ open season is from Sept to the end of April with reduced hours during May and June. It shuts down during July and August, during the warmer weather.
Mike’s Bowling Lanes is also fully licensed and has a snack bar complete with food like chicken fingers and fries.
Although Mike’s Bowling Lanes offers a great experience for people of all ages, getting people to join is one of the biggest challenges
“In this day and age, no one wants to do a weekly time commitment,” Shaw said.
Mike’s Bowling Lanes strives to alleviate the financial costs by offering weekly payments, rather than upfront in hopes of encouraging people to join.
“My biggest goal right now is to be around and go after the property,” Shaw said.
Since the property is still owned by Barber, they can’t renovate or make any large changes.
When asked about what he enjoys most about what he does, the answer was obvious – it’s the people.
“I’m one of the lucky ones. Most of the time, it doesn’t even feel like work. I know everyone here and they make it so much fun,” he said.
Being such a strong pillar of the community, Mike’s Bowling Lanes strives to support and give back any way it can.
In the past, they have hosted many fundraisers for organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has been home to many hockey events and other private events.
It also provides donations to local charities and organizations whenever possible.
For more information about this great business, visit it online at www.mikeslanes.ca.
SM Spotlight Jafferson Computers
When you walk into Jafferson Computers, you’ll be pleasantly 
surprised to learn that it has been in the service business for almost 20 years.
Back in 2002, Mateen Jaffer was looking for an Engineering job. Due to the recession, it was hard to find a job, so he started doing repairs and service out of his home.
Eventually, he and his wife, Nabeela Jaffer partnered together and built up the business until they were able to move into their current location in 2004.
For Jaffers, it was an easy transition, as Mateen has a background in electrical engineering and telecommunications and Nabeela in computer science. Seventeen years
later, Jafferson Computers has a team of four staff, and they haven’t looked back.
Over time they added services, such as on-site help for businesses and residential customers, as well as remote and managed services.
Jafferson Computers stocks new and used laptops and a host of technological components.
“With our managed services, we get notified if [a customer’s PC] picks up malware or something and we can quickly mitigate the problem,” Jaffer said.
They can also remote into a customer’s computer and help with things like printer or email issues, as long as clients are connected to the internet.
“Our biggest advantage is the experience we have and that we have been in the market for so long,” Jaffer said.
Jafferson Computers also places a huge priority on the community and has developed personal relationships with its customers.
“People really like that the owner is personally there for services … they like that we are upfront [and] if something goes wrong we are there to help.”
Jafferson Computers takes the time to analyze and evaluate every unique situation, in order to give clients the best solution possible.
“When someone walks in with a VCR … we would not turn them away. We would listen. We would talk and find out what is so important for them that they want it fixed [then offer a customer-focused solution].”
For Jafferson Computers, it is all about technology – it doesn’t matter what kind of device it is. It is that level of service excellence that makes Jaffer’s business standout in the community.
Jafferson Computers also faces some big challenges, such as the perception that customers can walk in and buy a device at the same price as an online retailer.
“You just look online and you order it and then you’re on your own … here you’re coming in getting questions answered, making sure you get what you need, and if it’s not right, coming back and exchanging.”
With decreasing tech prices, fewer people are wanting to repair their devices, and find it easier to replace them, which is also challenging for Jafferson Computers.
“We’re not here for selling and we’re not here competing [with e-retailers] — we’re here to service,” Jaffer said.
Jafferson Computers doesn’t just place a high priority on high-quality products and personal services, they are also advocates for online safety in their community.
Jaffer regularly hosts public classes at local libraries and senior centers in an effort to raise awareness about possible scams.
“Technology is…challenging for them. I would really love to see how we can help keep them safe … and bridge the tech gap that seniors have so they can stay connected with their loved ones.”
In the future, Jafferson Computers hopes to continue offering second-to-none services as a business, as well as a community member and advocate.
Recommendation Letter for BNL Media Consulting
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my pleasure to write this letter in recognition of a fantastic business, BNL Media Consulting. Located in Coquitlam, British Columbia, BNL Media Consulting is a social media management team that empowers entrepreneurs to grow their business.
BNL Media Consulting helps to build a strong brand through digital marketing, content creation and consulting. It takes the time to learn about your business and work its magic to best suit your needs and budget.
The team at BNL Media Consulting are true experts in their field. Its team is made up of honest, creative, and professional individuals committed to helping your business as best as possible. They will walk you through the process and answer any questions you have throughout it. They will easily go above and beyond any expectations you have.
I highly recommend BNL Media Consulting if you’re looking for a reputable, experienced group to help you grow your online presence and market your business. You can rest assured with its great team your business is in great hands.
Yours truly,
Mark Gibbons
Business Optimization Specialist
Schooley Mitchell
Featured Client Paxton Company
Paxton Company is a wholesale distributor that provides marine safety and industrial supplies to customers from Delaware to Florida. It offers items such as boat paint, docking, hardware, seating, oils and much more.
Featured Client Coldwater Cafe
Coldwater Café offers a European style dining experience that has both a lunch and dinner menu. It features first-class in-house dining, takeout, and catering of specialty menu items.
Featured Client Invictus Martial Arts
Invictus Martial Arts is a premier private martial arts academy that offers small group training, black belt programs, private coaching, youth programs and more. Its mission is to transform lives through the martial arts by encouraging a wellness-focused lifestyle.
Recommendation for John Kohler at Reinsfelder, Inc.
To whom it may concern:
I am more than happy to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of a great asset to the business world, John Kohler. John is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Reinsfelder, Inc. and he provides quality service to his clients.
Reinsfelder, Inc. is a third generation, family and veteran owned business that is based in Western, Pennsylvania. It provides a variety of services to its clients including total turnkey and logistic services, storage facilities, extra-large hauling and much more.
I met John at college and instantly knew he was going places. He is kind and friendly, always greeting people with a smile and brightening every room he walks into. He uses his industry skills and talents to give his clients the best service possible.
John is also a true pillar in the community. He is always looking for ways to give back to his community and support those around him. Mostly recently, he participated in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in an effort to raise money and awareness to free the world from cancer. He also hosts a golf outing in his father’s name that raises money for the local VA hospital.
I recommend John Kohler and his team at Reinsfelder, Inc. to anyone in need of specialized transportation and rigging services. You can count on John and the team to get the job done right, on time and on budget, all with great customer service every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Adam Baker
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell
Recommendation for Tony Yonko at C.A. Curtze Co.
To whom it may concern:
It is an absolute pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Tony Yonko, Vice President of Finance at C.A. Curtze Co. Tony is a skilled and talented businessperson who uses his diverse background and experience to provide exceptional service to his clients.
C.A. Curtze Co. is a full line food service distributor with locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. It’s been in business for more than 140 years, has over 200 sales consultants and delivers more than 12,000 products to eight US states.
I have known Tony for several years now and have come to know him as a true industry professional and asset to our community. He is friendly, personable, and easy to get along with. He takes the time to get to know those around him and is always looking for ways to help out or give back to the community. He uses his extensive business skills to go above and beyond and deliver top notch service to his clients.
I highly recommend Tony Yonko and the team at C.A. Curtze Co. to anyone looking for a food service distributor they can count on. When you partner with Tony and the team, you can rest assured knowing you’ll get great service and quality products at a price that is fair.
Sincerely,
Adam Baker
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell
Featured Contact Phil VanGelder of Atlanta Office Technologies
Phil VanGelder, founder of Atlanta Office Technologies, is a very well-respected business professional with extensive experience in the office technology industry. Phil specializes in managing commercial print and copy equipment, AV solutions and document management.
