After graduating with a Graphic Design degree, Susie’s creative journey began in an advertising agency in Pennsylvania. Originally taking photos to avoid purchasing stock images for design work, she discovered a love for photography that evolved into a lifelong passion. Once moving their family to Ohio, Susie began doing freelance design work, but found herself continuing to do more and more photography. Design clients were asking her to take family photos, and she fell in love with working with businesses and families in that way. The Jarvis family made their way to Bellefontaine in 2012 and Susie saw an opportunity to plant roots, both for her family and her work. She quickly found new clients in the area while continuing to serve long-time Columbus customers. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when Susie had an idea to offer a day of sessions in the winter and was looking for a special space - she then contacted Jason Duff after seeing his number in the Canby building window. Speaking of Jason and his team, Susie boasts about their encouragement and says that their excitement about revitalizing downtown Bellefontaine was contagious. “It felt like the right time and place to be part of something special.”
While she technically doesn’t have employees on payroll, Susie’s studio wouldn’t run without her crew—her husband, sister, and kids. (Their unofficial compensation? Pizza from Six Hundred Downtown after a long day of helping.) Her daughters are key creative collaborators. Katy gladly helps with photography and social media, while Lucy, a film student, contributes her videography talent.
While The Photo Booth might not intentionally chase awards or the spotlight, Susie’s impact is undeniable. Through word-of-mouth, community engagement, and being consistently wonderful to work with, she has built something special. “How you treat people matters,” Susie said. “If people like working with you, they’ll keep coming back and tell others.”
Susie’s wisdom for aspiring business owners? “Don’t wait to be perfect. Start with what you have, stay true to your story, and let your passion guide you.” She reminds us that comparison kills creativity and connection builds success. Although she isn’t currently hiring, Susie welcomes inquiries from those interested in photography or seeking mentorship. She says she loves connecting with others who want to grow in this field. With 10 years in the downtown studio under her belt, Susie’s not slowing down. Her favorite quote is “What’s your favorite photo? - The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” The future is full of undiscovered smiles, spontaneous moments, and exciting projects yet to unfold. Interested in Susie’s photography? You can check out her website or find her on Facebook. Maybe you’ll be The Photo Booth’s next favorite photo! Please join us in congratulating Susie Jarvis and The Photo Booth on being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce May 2025 Business of the Month!
0 Comments
Since its inception, Clarity has become more than just an IT service provider. It has grown into a trusted partner for businesses, ensuring that they have the tools and support they need to thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape. Jason credits much of their success to the wisdom and insights gained from mentors, peer groups, and a relentless pursuit of learning. Always eager to refine their approach, Clarity continuously adapts to industry trends, allowing them to offer best-in-class IT services to their clients. Customer service is at the heart of everything Clarity does. They diligently track and measure their Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score, which currently stands at an impressive 99.4%. Clarity Technology Solutions bridges the gap by offering comprehensive IT services specifically tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. Their ideal client profile is companies of 10-100 employees, as they have learned that smaller businesses are often limited in staffing and investment for technology. This limitation can leave businesses vulnerable to cyber threats, system failures, and inefficient operations. Clarity’s core services include infrastructure management, cloud services administration, backup and recovery solutions, and cybersecurity management and compliance. As a fractional IT service provider, the team can deliver these services for much less than what it would cost a business to hire an in-house IT person. By also acting as a referral source for clients to help them address their business needs, this adds to the trust that clients have in the Clarity team. Transparency and accountability are key components of their approach, as evidenced by the client accountability reports they publish to ensure that their services align with client needs and expectations. Behind every successful company is a team of dedicated professionals, and Clarity Technology Solutions is no exception. Jason Comstock leads the company as President and Founder, bringing 20 years of leadership and expertise. His wife, Pam Comstock, has also been with the company since day one, overseeing financial operations as Fiscal Officer. The team also includes Todd Freshour – an IT Support Specialist, Tony Stahl – Team Lead, Austin Confer – an IT Support Specialist, and Amanda Comstock – Administrative Assistant. The newest addition to the team, Joe Rausch, joined as an IT Support Intern from Tolles’ cybersecurity program where Jason sits on the advisory board.  The Clarity Team While Clarity Technology Solutions is headquartered in Union County, the company has expanded its services into Logan County in recent years. Recognizing the importance of community involvement and the growing need for expert IT solutions in the area, Clarity became a member of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce in 2023. By joining the Chamber, Jason and his team have been able to build strong relationships within the local business community and extend their expertise to businesses in need of reliable IT support. Recently, Jason presented at a Chamber Lunch & Learn about cyberattack readiness. This dynamic workshop was designed to help businesses walk away with a plan of action/resilience in the face of a cybersecurity event. Clarity Technology Solutions has earned multiple accolades over the years, reflecting their dedication to excellence and community impact. In 2019, they were honored as the Small Business of the Year by the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce and were recently named the 2024 Small Business of the Year by the Union County Chamber of Commerce – an award that will be officially presented on April 24, 2025. In addition, Jason Comstock received the 2023 Industrial Parkway Association Leadership Award, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the IT industry. Having spent two decades building Clarity from the ground up, Jason has valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His top recommendation is to build a strong network and learn from others. Engaging with industry peers, joining peer groups, and staying open to new ideas can make all the difference in long-term success. Reflecting on his journey, Jason recalls a pivotal moment in 2024 when he was asked what advice he would give to his past self in 2005. Without hesitation, his answer was simple: "Engage in a peer group early on." The future looks bright for Clarity Technology Solutions, with several exciting milestones on the horizon. The company is in the final stages of earning its Digital Forensics & Incident Response Certification, a crucial step in enhancing its cybersecurity services for clients. Additionally, Clarity is wrapping up its GTIA Trustmark Certification, which will further strengthen its security controls and compliance measures. On a personal level, Jason and Pam have even more to celebrate. This year marks their 35th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring partnership in both business and life. The couple is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of their sixth grandchild, adding another joyous milestone to an already eventful year.  For businesses looking for expert IT solutions with a personal touch, Clarity Technology Solutions is the go-to partner. Whether you need infrastructure management, cybersecurity services, or strategic IT guidance, their team is ready to help. Contact Clarity Technology Solutions today by giving them a call at (937) 303-4033 or visiting their website: clarityts.com.
Please join us in congratulating Clarity Technology Solutions on being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce April 2025 Business of the Month! Cojack LLC was founded in fall 2023 as a construction management company. With a strong background in manufacturing and commercial/industrial construction, the leadership team saw an opportunity to deliver a unique construction experience to Logan, Champaign, and Shelby counties. By May 2024, Cojack had taken a bold step forward, purchasing a local hardware and lumber yard just outside West Liberty. This strategic acquisition allowed them to control both supply chains and material costs, creating an operational advantage that benefits their customers. For Cojack’s leadership, Logan County wasn’t just a business decision – it was home. The owners reside in the West Liberty area, so when the perfect location became available, the choice was easy. Since May 2024, Cojack has been operating from its new headquarters, offering general contracting, material supply, and project consultation services. But their connection to Logan County runs deeper than just business – their goal is to be an integral part of the community, supporting local initiatives, working with fellow business owners, and providing valuable resources to homeowners and contractors alike. Cojack is more than just a construction company – it’s a full-service operation, offering:
As Cojack moves into 2025, they are focused on expanding their reach, refining their services, and continuing to exceed customer expectations. Their rapid growth and strong community support indicate that the future is bright for this Logan County business.
As a growing business, Cojack is always on the lookout for talented individuals who share their commitment to excellence and teamwork. If you’re looking for a career in construction, logistics, or sales, reach out to learn more about current opportunities!
Want to learn more about Cojack and the services they provide? Give them a call at (937) 465-8910 or check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/westlibertybuildingsupply, where they have all sorts of helpful information. Better yet, go ahead and stop by their location at 6506 US Highway 68, West Liberty! Please join us in congratulating Cojack on being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce March 2025 Business of the Month! Their dedication to quality, efficiency, and customer service is helping build a stronger community—one project at a time. Bobcat Multi-Works is a family-owned and operated company that has become a trusted name across 14 counties for its exceptional septic and excavation services. Celebrating over 25 years in business, their story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep connection to Logan County.
Steve and Audrey Moody never planned to start a business - they were farmers raising a family in Logan County. With Steve working as a semi-truck driver and Audrey at a factory, they decided to make a change they thought would be best for their family. In 1999, they took a bold step toward entrepreneurship, starting Bobcat Multi-Works with the only financial help being a loan for their first Bobcat machine. In those early days, Steve worked during the day while Audrey managed the household, billing, and marketing. She would go through the phone book to call friends and neighbors to let them know about their new venture. In the evenings, they traded off – Audrey would go to work at the factory and Steve would be home to take care of the kids. Bit by bit, their hard work paid off. What started as a two-person operation now boasts a team of skilled operators and office staff, serving a growing client base with reliability and care. Bobcat Multi-Works has grown from a small, local business to a company registered in 14 counties. Their range of services includes:
Steve and Audrey have lived in Logan County their entire lives, and their love for the community is evident in everything they do. The business operates from their home property, where old barns and outbuildings have been transformed into operational spaces. For the Moodys, Logan County isn’t just where they do business—it’s home. This connection to the community has helped them build strong relationships with their customers, many of whom have been with them since the beginning. Despite their expansion into new territories, Logan County remains at the heart of Bobcat Multi-Works. Bobcat Multi-Works is more than a business; it’s a family legacy. From day one, Steve and Audrey planned for their children and grandchildren to play a role in the company’s future. Today, the second generation is stepping into leadership roles, learning the ins and outs of the trade and carrying forward the values that have made the business a success. “Our plans from the beginning were to create something for our kids and eventually grandkids,” says Audrey. “We’re sticking to those plans.” While Bobcat Multi-Works has received formal awards and recognition over the years, Steve and Audrey agree that the most meaningful accolades come from satisfied customers. Positive feedback and word-of-mouth referrals have been the foundation of their growth and success. Starting a business from scratch is no small feat, and the Moodys have learned plenty along the way. Their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Bobcat Multi-Works is proud to be “#1 in the #2 business,” but their dedication goes far beyond their humorous slogan. Whether you need septic services, excavation expertise, or reliable rentals, they are here to help. Their dedication to quality service, community, and family makes them a shining example of local business success. Please join us in congratulating Bobcat Multi-Works for being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce December 2024 Business of the Month!
If you accept the Gift with Purpose challenge, here’s how to participate:
If you’re in West Liberty and craving a home-cooked meal in a place brimming with local charm, look no further than Liberty Gathering Place, located at 111 North Detroit Street. Established in 1995, this cozy restaurant has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly three decades—and it’s set in a location with even deeper roots. The building itself has been home to a restaurant since the 1940s, starting as The Betty Lane Restaurant and later becoming Dajolee's. The evolution of this beloved spot mirrors the community it serves, and in March 2023, it embarked on a new chapter under fresh ownership by Ashley Shaffer.  Liberty Gathering Place traces its origins back to 1941, when The Betty Lane Restaurant first opened and was run by Cora Saltz. The restaurant was then sold to Rose Emma Smith and her son Dan, and was renamed to Dajolee’s. In the 1970’s, the Smith’s purchased the adjoining building and expanded to include the banquet room which eventually sold to Delbert and Kathy Fullencamp.
Beyond breakfast, the restaurant offers lunch and dinner with a menu full of hearty, classic dishes. The staff takes pride in crafting each meal, and the community takes pride in supporting the restaurant. Liberty Gathering Place has been recognized as a Business of the Month by the West Liberty Business Association, a testament to the commitment the community has to the restaurant, and also the restaurant back to the community. Recently, Ashley donated a peanut butter pie to be auctioned off to benefit a local community member and impressively raised $16,200 in donations - another testament to its deep community ties. As Liberty Gathering Place looks to 2025, they’re excited to introduce new items to the menu, expand into catering, and hit the road with their newly acquired food trailer. The trailer has already began to make a splash, where breakfast was a bit hit at the fair. Ashley and her team promises to bring a taste of Liberty Gathering Place to even more people around the region with their food truck. Stay tuned on their Facebook or website for food truck details, and more!
As 2025 approaches, Liberty Gathering Place is hiring! They’re seeking cooks, prep staff, and servers to join the team, starting in January. It’s an exciting time to be part of a long-standing business with a fresh vision for growth.
Stop by Liberty Gathering Place for a taste of tradition and a glimpse of its bright future. The restaurant’s hours are Monday-Tuesday 6am-2pm, Wednesday-Saturday 6am-7pm and Sunday 8am-2pm. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a slice of Cindy’s famous pie, or a chance to be part of something special, Liberty Gathering Place has something for everyone in West Liberty. Please join us in congratulating Liberty Gathering Place for being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce November 2024 Business of the Month. A significant part of customer service is engaging with your customers. Interacting with your customers shows that you have an adequate understanding of what good customer service is. Good customer service will make your customers feel less like they are just around to give away their money, and more like they are a priority, reminding them that they add value to your business. Knowing how to treat your customers will be very beneficial in the long run!
Why engage with customers? Relationships: By engaging with your customers, you will build new relationships with people. This could simply be with customers that you see on a regular basis, or even business professionals within the community! Forming new connections will eventually lead to building relationships. New connections can provide you with new ideas, resources, and perspectives. Having a relationship with your customers is what will make them want to come back. Customers will be more inclined to visit your establishment and spend their time and money there if they have a relationship with you. To build relationships, you must engage with customers. Loyalty: Consistently interacting with your customers allows you to build trust. This also plays a part in building relationships with your customers. If your customers can trust that you will provide what they need, have prices that they can afford, and can help answer any questions they might have then they will continue to go back to you. Their loyalty to you means that you always have customers you can count on, even when times get tough! Satisfaction: The satisfaction of your customers is your highest priority. Satisfied customers mean repeating customers! Part of customer satisfaction is engaging with customers. Figure out what the want/need, why they are stopping in, etc. Engaging with them will show that you want them to have a good experience, and that all their questions are being answered without them even having to ask! High customer satisfaction also boosts customer retention! How do you engage with customers? 1.Social Media Many people use social media on a daily basis. Social media is a great tool to engage with new and returning customers. Making frequent posts on social media and staying active lets your customers know what’s going on with your business without you having to directly tell them. Though not everyone is active on social media, many of the younger generations are, and as social media is used more and more by future generations it will become even more of a useful tool. For example, One-Eyed Cookie Lab stays active on Facebook. Posting multiple times a week, listing all products that will be sold, along with pictures of their sweet treats to provide a visual. Posting regularly and utilizing social media makes engaging with customers quick and easy. 2.Reward System Creating some type of rewards system shows that you are engaging with customers. Making customers feel special and important to your business will make them want to come back… which also means you will have customers loyal to you! Six Hundred is an example of a business implementing a rewards system in the community. At Six Hundred, returning customers can receive $10 off after spending a certain amount. This type of engagement is a great way to give back to your customers. 3.Personalized Shopping A meaningful way to engage with customers is by personally addressing customers. Introduce yourself and use their name while interacting with them. Personalized shopping will let customers know their needs are being met, while catering to the needs of individuals rather than customers as a whole. This could include custom orders, making specific product recommendations, etc. This creates a unique experience with the customer. At High-Point Graphics you will always have a personalized experience. With custom orders, banners, embroidery, and much more you are guaranteed to be taken care of as an individual. 4.Feedback Encourage feedback! Always ask for honesty from your customers as it can help your business. This could be through emailed surveys, “Tell us how we’re doing” QR codes on receipts, asking in person, social media comments/posts, website reviews, etc. Your customers’ opinions are so important, and by asking for their feedback shows them that what they think matters. Figuring out how you can enhance your customers’ experience can only be done if you know what they need from you! An example of receiving feedback is after making a purchase at Gathering Grounds, you can select a smiley face or a frowny face to express how your experience was. Actively asking for feedback allows you to engage with customers as you are allowing them to communicate how they feel you have done. 5.Mail/Email Sending out flyers, letters, or even new products that your business may have directly to your customers is an effective way to engage with them. Another great way to engage with customers is sending thank you letters or emails directly to them after making a purchase or even randomly. Showing your appreciation to your customers will show that you care about them and make them feel valuable! Four Acre Clothing sends out emails that inform customers when there are new products being released and any events they will be a vendor at. Sending out mail or setting up an email that customers can subscribe to is a great way to engage with you customers. 6.Events By hosting or participating in events, you can engage with many customers at once. Depending on your establishment, you can host many different types of events that cater to your business. These events could be holiday based events, deals your business may be having, or even events associated with First Fridays or any of the events Logan County has going on downtown! The Syndicate consistently hosts events. Nearly every weekend, there is live music open to all. By welcoming in the community and offering things that others can experience with you, you will more than likely have returning customers! Engaging with the community while giving them something to look forward to will be valuable to you and your business. There are many events that go on all throughout Logan County. To stay in the loop, check out: https://www.experiencelogancounty.com/events.html Engaging with your customers and taking the time to practice good customer service will benefit not only your customers but also your business. The experience that your customers have in your establishment is meaningful to them and will leave an impact! For over 16 years, Elle A. Design has been a pillar of creativity and innovation in Logan County. What began as a one-woman operation has blossomed into a thriving design studio known for its unique blend of artistic flair and technical expertise. Lindsey McGlone, the Owner and Creative Director of Elle A. Design, discovered her love for art at five years old. This early passion for creativity laid the foundation for what would eventually become a successful design studio. Lindsey always knew she wanted to be an artist, and in 2008, she turned her lifelong dream into a reality by founding Elle A. Design. Initially, Lindsey managed everything on her own, dedicating countless hours to her craft and her clients. Eight years into her journey, she decided to take a leap of faith by hiring a teammate – Chelsea Bray, Lead Designer and Copywriter. This decision marked a turning point for Elle A. Design, as Chelsea’s talent and dedication brought a new dimension to the studio - Lindsey says that Chelsea has become her right-hand girl and that hiring her has been one of the best decisions she has made. The team continued to grow, adding Lane Yoder as a Designer, Photographer and Videographer and most recently, Kate Powell as a Designer. Together, they have transformed Elle A. Design into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar studio, serving hundreds of clients not only in Logan County but across the country.
Why should I get involved?
Involvement in your community shows dedication and commitment to your business and the people you serve. Whether you’re a newer business, or your business has been around for a while, it’s never too late to get involved! How can I get involved with the community? There are so many ways to get involved with the community. Think about what you want out of your connections in the community. Do you want to meet new people? Give back to those in need? Offer your expertise to others? Or just have fun and relax? Consider your desired outcome to help guide your next steps.
What are the benefits to getting involved? By getting involved in the local economy, you are making an impact, whether it would be big or small. Volunteering and getting involved gives your business the chance to give back to the community, while giving you a feeling of gratification. When your business makes a positive impact, you also create a positive image for your brand. Volunteering in the community also opens opportunities to network and make connections with whomever you are volunteering with/for. Getting involved won’t harm your business - there are no downsides. Start getting involved to help you and your business expand and grow! Networking helps contribute to professional development, builds and strengthens relationships, all while allowing you to connect with new resources. Regularly attending networking events and connecting with the community will be extremely beneficial to you as you work on growing your business. Here are some ways networking will help your business flourish:
1. New Connections By networking and attending events within the community, you can build professional, long-lasting relationships and make connections that will add value to you and your business. These relationships can aid you when times are tough, or they can even just be familiar faces that you see on a regular basis. The Chamber hosts regular networking events, including our First Thursday Coffee each month at various coffee shops around Logan County. 2. New Resources Your new connections that you make can help you gain new perspectives, while also providing you with new knowledge. By bouncing ideas off one another, businesses can help each other grow by sharing their expertise. Our quarterly Member Meet & Greets are a great way to get to know other business owners and leaders who can aid you in ways you might not have known about! 3. Be More Visible Networking will ultimately lead to more visibility. Making it known that you are out in the community and representing your business will make more people knowledgeable of you and your business. When people are looking for a product or service, you want to be the first one to come to mind! 4. Positive Image Regularly attending professional events will show that you are involved and willing to make an appearance in the community. This creates a positive image for not only you but also your business! 5. Increased Opportunities Your involvement and connections will give you more opportunities. You may be offered certain job advice, and new doors may open up after networking. This is especially true for our Young Professionals events held throughout the year. What are some ways you can network within the community? There are endless ways that you can network within the community. This could be grabbing coffee with a neighboring business, popping into a new store to introduce yourself, or even simply connecting with a business via social media or email. Keeping up to date with events in Logan County is a great way to network. Getting involved – and staying involved – will allow you and your business grow. Stay up to Date with all of the Chamber’s networking opportunities! https://members.logancountyohio.com/events |
Categories
All
Archives
May 2025
|
RSS Feed
|
Logan County Chamber of Commerce
100 S. Main St, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 Phone: 937.599.5121
|
Site powered by Berry Digital Solutions, LLC