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Posts Tagged ‘Bellbrook’

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Family-Owned Businesses, Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear Celebrate 30 Successful Years

In Business, Local News on April 17, 2025 at 7:37 am

BELLBROOK, Ohio, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This year marks a significant milestone for Parrot Promo Essentials and its sister and origin company, Parrot Sports Gear, as they celebrate 30 years of innovation, growth, and community impact. Founded in Bellbrook, Ohio, by Kim Massie, she and twin daughters, Holly Beard and Krista Guiliano, have grown these family-owned businesses into staples in the promotional products and sports gear industries.

Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear owners celebrating 30 years - Krista Guiliano, Kim Massie, and Holly Beard.
Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear owners Krista Guiliano, Kim Massie, and Holly Beard are celebrating 30 years.

Massie’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to channel her creativity into something meaningful. Having started her career in the pharmacy business, Kim spent years in the healthcare industry before the entrepreneurial opportunity arose. “I was constantly seeking ways to fulfill my creative side, which wasn’t possible in my previous career,” Kim recalls. “Starting Parrot Sports Gear part-time allowed me to explore that passion while supporting my family.”

Motivated by her daughter Holly’s involvement in competitive swimming, Massie started by selling goggles and swim caps. “I remember setting up at swim meets to sell supplies,” Massie explained. “It was a labor of love, and seeing my daughter’s enthusiasm for the sport inspired me to keep going.” Later, Parrot Sports Gear expanded to branded apparel and promotional items, particularly those for swim teams.

In 2013, Parrot Promo Essentials became a full-time venture that quickly gained a reputation for its personalized approach and wide range of products. Their partnership with Proforma Albrecht & Co. provided access to high-quality vendor relationships and buying power, further solidifying their position in the market. Meanwhile, Parrot Sports Gear continued to thrive. They opened brick-and-mortar space and expanded swimwear and activewear lines for teams and individuals.

Holly Beard, now co-owner of both businesses, fondly remembers those early days. “My mom’s dedication was incredible,” she said. Her sister, Krista Guiliano, co-owner of Parrot Promo Essentials, came aboard a while later. “What I love about this job is connecting with people, learning about their businesses, and educating them on ways they can use products to promote their businesses.”

Parrot Promo Essentials 30th Anniversary open house at Proforma Albrecht near Cincinnati.

Holly also emphasized the importance of adaptability. “The business landscape has changed so much over the years, but our ability to evolve while staying true to our core values has been key to our success,” she said.

“We are very different people. But we each bring different strengths to the table, and that diversity has been our greatest asset,” Krista noted. “It’s what allows us to provide the best possible service to our clients.”

What do the next three decades have in store for the business? “We’re constantly exploring new ways to innovate and serve our customers,” Massie said. “The next chapter will be just as exciting as the last 30 years.”

“We’re grateful for the support of our community and clients,” Holly said. “They’ve been with us every step of the way, and we’re committed to continuing to exceed their expectations.”

Krista believes that the future will be met with the same passion and dedication that has carried them thus far. “This anniversary is not just about looking back, but how to serve our customers moving forward,” she said. “We want to maintain the same personalized service but on a larger scale.”

The 30th anniversary of Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear is a celebration of family, perseverance, and the impact of small businesses on their communities. The company continues to expand its reach, serving clients across the country. As Kim, Holly, and Krista forge ahead with heart and vision, their story inspires entrepreneurs everywhere.

For more information about Parrot Promo Essentials and Parrot Sports Gear, visit their websites – www.parrotpromoessentials.com and www.parrotsportsgear.com.

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Greene County Security Company Celebrates Grand Opening of New Bellbrook Office

In Business, Dayton Ohio News, National News, Technology, Uncategorized on April 12, 2019 at 4:05 pm

April 11, 2019 – Bellbrook, Ohio – Safeguard Data and Security, LLC, has announced a public ribbon cutting and open house event at their new office, 5:30-7:30 PM, Thursday, April 25, at 70 Bellbrook Plaza, downtown Bellbrook, Ohio. The event will include an official ceremony to dedicate the new space immediately followed by an open house with free refreshments and a door prize drawing.

Safeguard Data and Security, LLC, was founded March 22nd of last year by Mike Pearson and Christina Pearson of Bellbrook. The firm specializes in residential and commercial video surveillance, alarm systems, 24-7 monitoring, access control, network cabling and more.

“We have been working hard to open an office and showroom space where customers can see for themselves the variety of security products and services we have to offer,” said Christina Pearson, co-owner and director of finance. “We specifically chose Bellbrook because we wanted to support and be more a part of the community where we live and where our kids go to school.”

Safeguard’s new showroom will include different versions of available Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras, home automation, and responsive lighting and alarm systems. Attendees of the grand opening will have the opportunity to win a number of door prizes, including a grand prize of a video doorbell system. This will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the company’s comprehensive offerings and dedication to the community.

Co-owner and president, Mike Pearson, said, “We offer our customers a vast knowledge of state-of-the-art products and personalized service,” he said. “We pride ourselves on providing an affordable solution for just about any security need, whether it’s an alarm inspection or a full security system for your commercial property.”

For more information, call Safeguard Data and Security, LLC, at 937-725-4204 or email info@safeguardyourworld.com.

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Long-arm quilting services now available at Crafters Lodge in Sugarcreek Plaza

In Business, crafts, Education, Entertainment, Senior Lifestyle, Technology, Uncategorized on July 15, 2014 at 9:05 am

By Gery L. Deer

IMG_7258 Sugarcreek Twp. – A homemade quilt can be a treasured and very personal family heirloom. From the earliest American settlers, the craft of quilting has been passed down from one generation to the next, each adding a new creative style to the process. Once the top of a quilt is completed, it must be stitched to the back with batting in between – a detailed and painstaking process if done by hand. Fortunately, Crafters Lodge in Sugarcreek Township now offers long-arm quilting services and certification classes for those who wish to learn to do the work personally.

A long arm quilting machine is an industrial sewing machine similar to those used in the mattress industry.  It moves along a track or rails and sews the three parts of a quilt together. “We have the American Professional Quilting Systems (APQS) Millennium or Millie as it’s also known,” says Crafters Lodge co-owner, JoBeth Bryant. “The Millennium is the top of the line long arm quilting machine.”

JoBeth Bryant of Crafters Lodge demonstrates the Long Arm Quilting Machine nicknamed, "Millie"

JoBeth Bryant of Crafters Lodge demonstrates the Long Arm Quilting Machine nicknamed, “Millie”

Bryant says the store currently has two certified long-arm operators on staff and walk-ins are welcome. “When you bring your quilt top to us it will be measured and checked for any issues that may affect the quilting process.  Then you can choose the type of quilting you want done and the thread color.”A fifty-percent deposit and signed contract are required at time of drop-off.  Customers can also choose any additional services they may want, such as binding, a hanging sleeve, or a label.

To make the process go as smoothly as possible, Bryant notes that customers should properly prepare the work. “Make sure the backing is square, backing must be at least six inches wider than the top,” she says.  “There are some materials, particularly generic brands from chain stores, which may not be suitable for batting, and they must be clean and odor-free. Check with us for details on acceptable batting and backing materials, both are available in our store.”

Certification classes are also available for those who wish to learn to use the long arm machine and handle the IMG_7254quilting job personally.  Students are given expert instruction on how to load a quilt, threading the machine, wind and load bobbins, access the various features, use of the pantograph, and how to create basic “meander” quilting pattern.

Crafters Lodge is located at 6056 Wilmington Pike, just behind Fazoli’s in the Sugarcreek Plaza in Sugarcreek Township. Regular store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am to 8:00pm, Sunday noon to 6:00 pm and closed on Monday. For more information and a schedule of classes, visit the store’s website, http://www.crafterslodge.com or call (937) 470-2649.

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Jamestown music group dazzles the BellHOP Cafe

In Children and Family, Entertainment, Food, Local News, Theatre, Uncategorized on March 3, 2014 at 5:27 am

The Brothers & Co. at the BellHOP Cafe.

The Brothers & Co. at the BellHOP Cafe.

BELLBROOK, OH – As part of their whistle-stop tour of the Miami Valley, The Brothers & Co. Variety Show appeared last Saturday at Bellbrook’s,  BellHOP Café. The show really started with the arrival of the group’s tour bus, which somewhat dwarfed the venue. The 40-foot, Silver Eagle coach has been restored over time to suit this unique group’s style of family and fun.

Playing to nearly a full house, The Brothers & Co. featured four-part vocals by pianist Gery L. Deer, bass player Jim Karns, guitar and banjo man Ed Jones and percussionist Gary Deer Jr., all in matching black, western outfits. They covered songs by George Jones, John Denver and their main inspiration, The Statler Brothers, as well as their comedy original, “Bingo Night,” and Ed Jones’ ballad, “Sweet Days.”

IMG_6759The Brothers & Co. Entertainers are an Americana act started in 1995 and best known for their 1960s variety show style and family-friendly content. Each show features covers of The Statler Brothers, The Monkees, John Denver, and George Jones as well as many original pieces.

This performance celebrated a particular milestone for The Brothers & Co., celebrating their 18th year on stage alongside the recovery of their bass singer, Jim Karns, who suffered a serious health scare in early February.

Gery Deer (left) and Jim Karns entertain with "Comagic," comedy magic routines during the Brothers show.

Gery Deer (left) and Jim Karns entertain with “Comagic,” comedy magic routines during the Brothers show.

“We put a modern spin on an old kind of entertainment that’s nostalgic and originally presented all at the same time,” said Karns, who joined the group in 2004, also providing comedy and magic. “If you’ve never seen a live variety show, this is something the whole family will really enjoy.”

The show’s manager would like to hear from local venues interested in hosting a Brothers & Co. performance in the coming months. Contact information, photos ,video clips of the show and more are all available at the group’s website, www.thebrothersandcompany.com.

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Crafters Lodge to open in Sugarcreek Plaza, September 20

In Business, Children and Family, Economy, Education, Local News, Senior Lifestyle, Uncategorized on September 10, 2013 at 9:50 am

Bellbrook / CLLOGOSugarcreek Twp., OH – On Friday, September 20th, Sugarcreek Township residents JoBeth and Scott Bryant invite the public to join them at the grand opening of their new craft store, Crafters Lodge, 6056 Wilmington Pike, just behind Fazoli’s. Festivities begin at 4PM with the official ribbon cutting presented by the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Chamber of Commerce.

“Our store is intended to provide high-end supplies and expertise to the serious crafter of a kind you won’t find at the big-box stores,” says co-owner JoBeth Bryant. She and her husband, Scott, who currently serves as a Sugarcreek Township Trustee, established their business in their home area to better serve their community.

“My mom was an incredibly talented crafter; she could do anything,” says Bryant. She says her store was born from a desire to honor the gift of crafting passed to her by her mother, who can no longer participate because of Alzheimer’s disease. “As I was growing up she would take me with her to craft classes and I was usually given a project of my own to work on. We want to provide a similar experience to other families.”

In particular, Bryant believes many of the old needle arts are dying simply because they are no longer being taught to the younger generation, so the skills are lost.  “We hope to help revive many of these arts,” she says, “such as bobbin lace making, tatting, embroidery, spinning and weaving to name a few.

Another unique offering of the Crafters Lodge will be hosting American Girl Birthday Parties. For a flat fee the store will provide American Girl party supplies, a Happy Birthday banner, and an authentic American Girl craft with instruction.  Seating is limited to twelve, including the birthday girl and girls are encouraged to bring their American Girl dolls along.

In addition to stock items, Crafters Lodge will be able to order specialty supplies. “If there is a product you want and you don’t see it on the shelf, please ask,” Bryant says. “Chances are good that we can have it for you within a day or two.” After the grand opening, Crafters Lodge will keep regular store hours Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am to 8:00pm, Sunday noon to 6:00 pm and closed on Monday. For more information and a schedule of classes, visit the store’s website, www.crafterslodge.com or call (937) 470-2649.

Check out the video clip on WDTN-TV2’s “Living Dayton” 

Crafters_Lodge_LD_Jo_Beth

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