Family First at Ferber’s Tire & Auto Service

We stopped at Ferber’s Tire and Auto Service for a chat with Marketing Manager Chris Best, to learn more about their success building a business in Ashland, Virginia.

1.      Why did the business locate in Ashland?

Our initial location is over in the Hanover Air Park. In 2017, we were ready to expand. We wanted a location that was coming up and progressing and keep it close to our flagship shop.

So, we thought, “how can we put our imprint on this city?”, and we came to 106 Junction Drive in Ashland. It’s a great shop, and it’s coming up in a great location.

Ferber’s Tire & Auto Service Marketing Manager Chris Best

2.       What is your most effective marketing strategy?

Our business model is really about being involved with the local community, and we do a little bit of social media marketing.

We are proud to sponsor all four of the Hanover County High Schools, Downtown Ashland Association, little league teams, Ashland Strawberry Faire, and more. We want to be active in the community. We are really just doing the right thing. It makes sense.

3.      How do most customers find the business?

We find most of our customer base in the Town of Ashland through word of mouth and referrals. Doing the best work gets our name out to the public.

Rob Ferber (left) and members of the Ferber’s Tire & Auto Service family.

4.      What would you like to say to a potential customer?

In our industry, it is about transparency and trust. We do everything we can in this location to reinforce that trust. We are very open here. We are a family, and we want our customers to be a part of our family.

When people come in, we know their names. We give people rides to work if they ever need it. We are a part of the community. It is about listening and talking to people and being as friendly as possible. That is natural for us because of the hiring process Rob Ferber has for Ferber’s Tire and Auto. The family-first culture we have is very important.

5.      Anything you would like to add?

Our culture is strong. We are family first, and everyone here enjoys being here.

Transparency is our priority. We will always be fully transparent and honest with you. We let you know everything that is going on with your vehicle, so there are no surprises.

Find Ferber’s Tire & Auto at 106 Junction Drive in Ashland, plus facebook, twitter, and yelp.

At Home in Ashland with RCI Builders

RCI Builders has produced well-crafted, high quality homes at an affordable price in the Ashland/Hanover area since 1999. With local founders that call Hanover home themselves, and four communities currently available for building, RCI is committed to Ashland and the community’s future.

Downtown Ashland is thrilled to welcome RCI as a 2019 Ashland Train Day sponsor. To learn more about this dynamic company with local roots, we recently spoke with RCI’s Emily Porter.

Who are the founders of RCI Builders and how has it grown over the years?

The company has been locally owned since the start thanks to our founders, Todd Rogers and Mike Chenault. Patrick Ashley joined the RCI team in 2012 bringing 15 years of home building experience with him and soon after became the third owner.

RCI Builders has grown to become one of central Virginia’s largest locally owned construction companies. We have land positions in over 18 communities and run a highly successful build on your lot program. With 30+ full time employees, RCI does more than 50 million in business per year.

Why did RCI choose to create communities in and around Ashland?

Because we believe this is a great place to live and do business. Not to mention that many of our employees and contractors call Ashland and Hanover home, too.

What communities do you currently have or have planned in Ashland? What makes them unique?

Currently in Ashland we have four communities, Ashland Park, Haley Farm, Hickory Hill, and Lakeview at Luck Farm.

Ashland Park has a few lots remaining in its Village section, which features single family homes from the low $340’s. This quaint neighborhood features walking trails throughout the community with a neighborhood pavilion.

Haley Farm is one of RCI’s newest communities featuring large homesites starting in the $470’s. This is a horse-friendly community, welcoming your family and beloved companions - whether they be canine or equine!

Hickory Hill features single family homes on large lots in Hanover County. Large lots, quiet cul-de-sacs, and a modern neighborhood vibe, Hickory Hill provides the amenities homeowners look for. Only 9 lots remaining in our new section that just opened this year!

Lakeview at Luck Farm features single family homes just outside the town of Ashland, starting in the $500’s. The 1+ acre lot size combined with the ample common space this community offers will give you plenty of elbow room.

RCI is sponsoring the “Touch-a-Truck” area this year. Why did you choose to support Ashland Train Day?

RCI is supporting Train Day because we adore the Town of Ashland! This community has been home to our employees, contractors, and the folks who build with us. We’re thrilled to support a day dedicated to the history and heritage of this town.

Downtown Ashland Association thanks RCI Builders for supporting Ashland Train Day on Saturday, Nov. 2nd. Event participants will find heavy equipment, dump trucks, fire truck, ambulance, and much more. We hope you’ll join us!

Relax at ReAwaken Spa

ReAwaken Spa owner Shanda Hileman bases her business on wellness. As a massage therapist, she believes that successful service focuses solely on the wellness of the client—rather than profit for the company. She trusts that the positive results will bring new and repeat clients to her door.

That is the mission of ReAwaken Spa -- offering personalized therapeutic care at “Ashland’s gem of peacefulness.”

Opening the front door, you walk into lavender, vanilla and cherry wafting from the soaps and candles displayed for sale. “All of our products are chemical free - pure and simple,” Hileman said proudly.

Inside the spa, you will see fun and sassy t-shirts, reasonably priced jewelry, and Arbonne and Juice Plus products available for purchase. Each month, Hileman showcases a different product line. She swears by the Juice Plus supplement line saying, “I never get sick, which is amazing because I never even get a flu shot.” 

As you walk toward the back, you will see several peaceful massage rooms and an infrared sauna. Hileman explains that infrared technology is “seven times more detoxing than a traditional sauna.”

Want to experience this gem of peacefulness for yourself? The Grand Opening of ReAwaken Spa is September 20 from 6:00-8:00pm and is open to all. Come and enjoy refreshments and music on the outside patio!

Plus, don’t miss weekly specials and membership benefits year-round.

ReAwaken Spa
112E Thompson Street
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 299-2385
reawakenspa.com

Yoga in the Center of the Universe

Yoga on Center celebrates its Grand Opening today from 5-7pm at 403 S. Center Street!

Tour the sun-filled studio and historic, trackside building. Meet owner Lorie Lower and her team of teachers who welcome yogis of all abilities for classes seven days a week.

 We recently chatted with Lorie about why she chose Downtown Ashland for her home and business.

Why did you choose Downtown Ashland?

My husband, Brad, and I looked to Ashland as we began to consider downsizing from a home in Short Pump.  With one daughter in college and one nearing the end of high school at the time, the idea of a college town and small community appealed to us both.

That said, we failed miserably at downsizing! Our family took on not one, but two historic properties on Center Street. My parents, Peggy and Dick, now live in the purple house next door.

How did you decide to start the business, Yoga on Center?

We were inspired by the bright, airy front room of our home. Plus, I have a degree in Business and Economics from the College of Charleston and a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher training course from OmOn Yoga. So, it was serendipity!

We started by looking around to see if there was a need, if there were any other studios in town, and asking the neighbors.  Support began to blossom, and we just started teaching classes. If you build it, they will come!

What makes Yoga on Center special?

We focus on the same things that make Ashland unique. We’ve integrated the trains that roll through town and instructors with local roots. We are committed to the community, as you can see from our partnerships with many local non-profits.

It’s what makes Ashland a community, all of us working in harmony.  We support each other, champion each other, and celebrate each other’s successes.  You can feel the happiness on the streets, in the shops and schools, and in the studio.  We are all so proud of Ashland!

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Welcome to Ashland, Lorie! For class rates and a full schedule visit: yogaoncenterva.com.

Expert Skincare in Downtown Ashland

The Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics is new to Downtown Ashland. Located at 405 England Street, the business is celebrating 15 years as a master esthetician school and includes a medical spa clinic.

Visit the Insitute for a special day of pampering or as part of a wellness routine. The medspa offers luxury and results-oriented skin treatments such as hydrafacials, peels, and microdermabrasion. Click here to make an appointment.

Owner Laura Todd is an expert in the field of esthetics.  She has served as a leader in the field, contributing to development of Virginia’s state regulations, standards of practice, and licensing examinations. Laura has several Advanced Esthetics textbooks in publication, and a new edition to be released in 2020.

The Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics serves students from all over Virginia with programs to become licensed as basic and master estheticians.  As part of the students’ training, they provide skincare services to the public under the supervision of highly qualified staff. Graduates are employed in the growing medspa industry, and many operate independent businesses.

Treatments at Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics will leave your skin glowing. The price tag will help you feel good about the experience too. Services are offered for a reduced price, in order to facilitate training of esthetic students.

Appointments are available on Sundays and Mondays. Click here to book online.

Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics
405 England Street
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 346-1979
theinstituteofadvancedmedicalesthetics.com