Vindy.com - Tyler History Center’s assets transcend time and space

Vindy.com - Tyler History Center’s assets transcend time and space

Silvers Vouge Shop

This men's clothing store has been in downtown Youngstown for decades. It's an icon! Owner Barry Silver would say that they "Specialize in hats to shoes and everything in between." I browsed for a good hour one afternoon and still did not see it all -- they truly have stock in all aspects of male attire. It should be noted however, that in the hat section at least, there could be some stylish crossover offerings ...

The store's history reads like this: Barry's uncle was in the business of not buying but liquidating businesses. When he bought Kelly & Cohen 40 years ago,  that was his intention. Before he lit the match he offered his brother, sister-in-law, and nephew a chance to go into business. The rest is Silver history.

As in most downtown areas of a city this size in our geography, there used to be department stores and boutiques in competition for the retail dollar. When they closed or beat feet to the suburbs, Silvers remained. Good move for Barry. There were some years leaner than others but Silvers has many things going for it besides location location -- on the corner a block off center square. The selection is vast! There are suits of all styles, sport coats, sports jackets, overcoats, button-down shirts, knits, sweats, sweaters, socks, underwear, ties, scarves, gloves, accessories -- it's all here under one roof. Check it out!

 

 

27 Federal Plaza West

Hours of operation: Mon.- Fri. 9:30 - 5:00, Sat. 9:30 - 4:00

Phone: 330 744-7819

Partner's Auto Repair

In October of 1984, two friends -- also good mechanics -- took a chance at this nostalgic site.

Today, one of the "Partners" is retired from this same endeavor, while the younger of the two, Frank Matyi, continues to pack his lunch and come to work everyday. It may be somewhat of an understatement coming from ANY self-employed businessman in Youngstown, but after 29 years Frank says, "The business has been good to me." 

The former gas station has 3 bays for servicing cars. Partners' parking lot is usually packed. The most asked-for repair these days is brake work. Frank's preference: engine repair of course, and diagnostic work. The intellectual stuff. Someone once said of all the professions, if you want to find the smartest guy in the room, it's a mechanic. It's all about understanding how systems interact with each other, cause and effect, thinking outside of the box, processes, and sometimes intuition. 

Frank works on all makes of cars. He updates his test equipment annually and consistently participates in educational seminars. The challenge is to remain abreast of the electronics, constant changes in computerization, VIN-specific programming used in engines and on their parts, and the specific diagnostics for each auto manufacturer. Imagine the lifetime of knowledge and experience in HIS databank. 

Grey matter aside, when I asked Frank of what he was most proud. He said it is his repeat customers with each of their cars -- and now their offspring are doing the same. His attributes this to a simple formula: "Doing it right."

Frank Maryi's Partners Auto Repair is at 37 Steel Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44509, (330) 792-7100.

Cindy's Health and Vitality Center

This is a full service, all natural, organic, fair trade, gluten-free, health food center -- and more. Since 1998, Cindy's has been offering an amazing variety of goods, products, and services all things health and wellness related.

When you go, you will find a deli bar that serves organic coffee, teas, and other beverages; a fresh produce section; refrigerated and frozen foods; gluten free breads, cookies, pasta, pies, even ice cream(!); pet-care products; health and beauty products; and of course the comprehensive line of vitamins, supplements, herbs, and essential oils. If Cindy doesn't stock it because of low demand vs. shelf space, she can and will special order for her customers with a turn around time of a few days or less. Cindy's also has books and other educational materials, and gift items like candles and  incense.

The store, located in Niles, Ohio, and Cindy in particular is known and respected in nationwide health food markets. The store, because of it's size, volume, variety, and radius of service area, etc. is recognized as an "A store" in the industry. Because of this Cindy can attract big-gun speakers like Dr. Michael Murray of the esteemed Bastyr University. In contrast to the serious business of health and vitality, Cindy's is not opposed to a little light-hearted vanity. FYI in case you missed the make-over party featuring all natural cosmetics.

Visit their website: www.cindyshealth.com for product features, recipes, events, hours of operation ... or call: 330-652-8284, toll free: 877-898-8288 or stop in! The store is located at 56 Youngstown-Warren Road (Route 422) Niles, Ohio 44446.

Stork's Landing, Ltd. -- A Unique Baby Boutique

Susan Dieter, a woman with an eye for fashion, has always loved retail. What makes her store interesting is that she has, for the last fifteen years, dedicated her eye for style and flair for fashion solely to clothing, accessories, and gifts for newborns, infants, toddlers, and 4-6x girls..

Before she opened the doors to this "dreamy place" - a description offered by a jog-by customer who happened to stop in - she traveled extensively to and formed relationships with suppliers in all the fashion hot spots: New York, Europe, the Orient. You will find hand knits, strap-on UV protected sunglasses, suits for very little boys and socks, shirts, shoes, neck ties, hats! -- all to match. The girls clothes - way too cute to not see. There are many gifts to choose from, some traditional, most very adorable, all potential heirlooms.

These little darlings are just a teaser to what you'll find ...

If it is true that people want the hard to find, then this unique "Baby Boutique" established in July of 1996,  is where you'll want to visit when looking for something special for the little ones (and their parents) on your "Favorites" list.

Stork's Landing, Shoppes at Coal Creek, 3649 Canfield Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406,  Phone:330 797-9003, Fax: 330 797-9012.

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Allow me to introduce ...

I find, even among close friends and family, we simply do not have a clear understanding of what we do for a living. As a business broker, I meet with a lot of business owners.

In this blog it is my intention to share what I learn by spotlighting privately owned businesses -- the products they provide or services they offer -- and how to contact them.