Holmes Chamber honoree prints a winning formula

The Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau’s annual awards were handed out at the end of the year, and as always, the decision to narrow it down to one business was difficult for the selection committee.

This year’s Small Business of the Year went to Shoemaker Custom Apparel in Berlin.

Presenter Vic Weaver of Killbuck Savings Bank said this venture was an opportunity for owner Tyler Shoemaker to find a balance between career and community.

With the support of his wife Tabitha, who also serves an important role in the community as a teacher at Killbuck Elementary, Shoemaker grew the business into a thriving enterprise that has served the region faithfully and supported many fundraising efforts.

Weaver said the business has prospered to the point that it has outgrown two locations before settling in at its current location on state Route 62 in Berlin.

“Their vision was to build a better business that positively impacts their customers, employees and local economy,” Weaver said. “That is evident in their day-to-day operation, where customer service and creating a positive working environment are key.”

He said the growth of the company has been explosive, with a 300% growth in its first year. That has led to additional expansion and output while reducing lead time and increasing efficiency.

Weaver also said the Shoemakers have thrown themselves into supporting local schools and other nonprofit organizations through their work, where they have fostered successful fundraising.

Weaver said their nominator said of the Shoemakers, “They are longtime supporters of youth pursuing higher education, by investing in the mission of the Holmes County Education and Community Foundation.”

Tyler Shoemaker said his first passion was for accounting, where he planned to make his mark.

“I was always going to go into accounting, and this was a side project,” Shoemaker said. “It has slowly grown from where we started, and I’ve transitioned to this.”

The Shoemakers purchased the business Berlin Embroidery & Screen Printing in 2012. They saw the company as a good opportunity to invest in the community and have been growing the business ever since.

“I think for this area, customer service is an overall theme, and when people walk into the door here, they know we are going to take care of them,” Shoemaker said. “We don’t always get everything right, but when we do make mistakes, we always fix it, and that’s part of what keeps people coming back.”

He said they put an emphasis on supporting local businesses, schools and organizations and noted doing things the right way is critical because they live, work and play among the people who keep coming through their doors to support them.

“I want to be proud of the products and the business we are providing,” Shoemaker said. “It’s about providing something the community needs, and we want to do that really well — well enough that people will come back again and again.”

In accepting the award, Shoemaker said the family was honored and humbled, and they appreciate the community in which they live and work for being a terrific place to raise a family.

“First, I thank my wife for supporting my dream to own a business,” Shoemaker said. “She is always there to listen or offer encouragement, and there is no way I could do this without her.”

When they purchased the business, there were three employees, and they were printing everything manually, doing around 100 pieces per hour. Today they have seven employees and have the capability of printing up to 900 T-shirts per hour on an automated press. In addition, they have grown the company to nearly five times its size when they purchased it.

He thanked the many people and area businesses and organizations that have put trust in them to provide an important service.

“While we are still small, it has grown into something I never thought it would be,” Shoemaker said. “We know there are many companies out there doing what we do, and we can’t thank you enough for trusting us, and we look forward to building and growing relations in the future.”

Finally, he thanked his team, a group he said has given their heart and soul into the company.

“This award is a reflection of all of your hard work,” he said directly to his staff at the banquet. “Our business wouldn’t be what it is today without you, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished together. You are the reason our customers keep coming back, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”