Consumer Stories

Consumer Stories

Faith Friday: The Extension from Employee to Employer one woman never saw coming

When you walk into Hair Max Beauty Supply in Augusta, you may walk out with not only hair extensions, lashes, fashion jewelry, cosmetics and other products, but also an encouraging word or two. Owner Rochelle Tutt knows her storefront is a platform for connections that go beyond the point of sale with customers. “When I see my customers come in, I’m grateful,” she said. “Sometimes they share a testimony, and I will share mine.” But sharing her faith so openly didn’t always come easy for the 51-year-old wife and mother.

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Consumer Stories

Real Talk Real Estate: When will the madness end?

Spring sales are coming friends! We are definitely still in a fast moving market. To date, we have experienced 46 months of an aggressive seller’s market. A seller’s market by definition is an economic situation in which goods are scarce and sellers can keep prices high. At this time, I am seeing the most desirable homes selling for approximately 10% over the list price in the CSRA. Keep this in mind as spring fever hits and you are buying or selling a home. Undoubtedly, the most common question everyone is

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B2B Stories

Columbia County event shines spotlight on small businesses

An event that started as a way to get people out the house during the pandemic will continue this Saturday in Harlem. Harlem will be holding its 2nd Annual Small Business Expo from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, at the Harlem Library. The inaugural event was held last year. “During the pandemic, we wanted a way to get small businesses together and to get people out the house,” said Amber King, owner of Mama’s Sweet Spot Shoppe in Harlem and organizer of the event. Despite a windy day, the

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Consumer Stories

Business Lunch Review: Knuckle Sandwiches

Editor’s Note: Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Thursday he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad, and tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”. Food

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Consumer Stories

Local publisher donates $5,000 to honor late burn surgeon

A doctor giving patients his personal cell phone number may sound a little too far-fetched, but it’s something the late Dr. Fred Mullins did all the time. Jeremy Rueggeberg decided to honor the renowned burn surgeon’s legacy by donating $5,000 to the Burn Foundation of America on behalf of his business. Rueggeberg, publisher of Medical Professionals Augusta, a magazine devoted to sharing stories about top medical professionals in the CSRA, presented the check to the Foundation on March 2. Mullins, who served as Medical Director of the Joseph M. Still

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Consumer Stories

Staffing company keeps employees in the loop by giving back

Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta face numerous struggles, but employees with Loop Recruiting found a way to provide those families with a little hope and encouragement. Donald King, one of the technical staffing company’s partners, said Loop employees are required to give back to the community. King, who leads nine employees on the contingent staffing team, came up with the idea to complete a monthly community service project throughout 2022. Each month, an employee on the team chooses a local nonprofit to serve, and all

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Consumer Stories

It’s baaack! Aiken’s Bacon & Brews returns after a year off because of covid

Live music, craft beer and bacon-themed food sound like a recipe for success. It certainly has worked in Aiken’s past and organizers and business sponsors are excited for the return of the 4th Annual Aiken’s Bacon and Brews. The event went dark last year because of covid. If you are in the mood for great food and music which support children and future leaders of Aiken, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 12, 5-10 p.m. at the Newberry Street Festival Center. Event Chairman, Brad Lewis thinks of this year’s celebration

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Consumer Stories

Young entrepreneur elevates his business in competitive car cosmetic market

Chandler Brewer started his car detailing business with $25 worth of products, and about six months later, he’s now living the American Dream of being a successful entrepreneur. Brewer, 22, co-founded Elevate Auto Cosmetic Lab with his fiancée, Kamalani Straus, in October. Despite his age, he’s always aspired to become a business owner. While he was still in middle school, Brewer began working with his dad on his family’s vacation rental property business in Tybee Island. Prior to launching Elevate, he also worked for Rapid Restoration Auto Lab in Evans,

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Consumer Stories

New restaurant adds a dash of heavy metal to your lunch

If you enjoy rocking out to Iron Maiden or Anthrax while you pick up your lunch, Jason and Amber Parrish have just the spot for you: Mosh Pit Eats. Located at 111 Old Evans Road, Suite D in Martinez, the family take-out restaurant offers an eclectic menu that includes sandwiches, salads, fruit bouquets and chocolate-covered strawberries while playing hard rock and heavy metal music. One of their sandwiches is called “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” inspired by Joan Jett’s classic hit. The business, which opened in November, also sells a

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Consumer Stories

Pandemic survival story

Faithful customers kept Thai Kitchen alive during pandemic The pandemic was hard on many local businesses and sadly, some didn’t survive. But others made it through that unsettled period and are still alive. Over the next several weeks, we’ll look at their stories and what made the difference for them. Despite its small footprint, a solid customer-base helped Thai Kitchen in Evans survive two years of pandemic shut downs and restrictions that closed some bigger restaurants. “We have to thank our customers,” Marasri Ortiz said. “They’re the reason we’re still

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