Noah's Ark Natural Foods

535 Placerville Drive, Placerville
530-621-3663

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?
We retail organic, natural and local food products. We sell food that is grown organically and bring forth to our customers local, sustainable products, hormone-free and free-range foods. We specialize in the health and wellness of our customers.

What was your vision when you first started your business, and what is it now?
Our primary focus is to provide our community with an environment that is healthful and healthy; we are a community retail grocery store. We love to fulfill the needs of our customers. This is the best part of our business – serving our community.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?
Our community is our customer base. I founded the Placerville Certified Farmer’s Market, which began in 1985 at the fairgrounds and managed such as a volunteer. Also, I have served our community as a county fair board director for 13 years, have taught community and organic gardening in the classroom for the Placerville Recreation Department, as well as at Pioneer School in Somerset. I have also served as an appointed member of the Community Pride Committee of Placerville.

Why is your staff the best in the business?
Our staff interfaces between our community of customers and our products. We are specialists in health and wellness. We focus on our customers needs – we believe in health and healthy relationships – therefore we offer what is above and beyond the norm.

What is the best thing about being the boss?
I am an art director and a source of innovation for our business. I am not a boss; I serve as a positive example and work with the positive spirit of our team members.

And finally, customer service is…?
Providing solutions to customers’ needs: by going above and beyond the usual and caring deeply for their sensitivities. Present the best; fulfill their needs of health and wellness; always strive to resolve the needs of our customers either by providing them with products in the store, offering “specials orders,” or by referring them to a business that can provide them with a solution.

Lighting Evolution

1248E Broadway, Placerville
530-622-9610

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?
Lighting Evolution literally evolved out of the interior design business that we operate, as most projects necessitate lighting.

What was your vision when you first started your business and what is it now?
JB: Having worked in the interior design industry for 11-plus years, we wanted to bring another level of service and products to the area. At the same time we wanted to educate customers about their choices.

What is the best part of doing business in this community?
It becomes like family. We have both lived in the area for more than 20 years and worked with many locals. We are enjoying some of the new transplants to our beautiful foothill community.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?
We participate in community events and planning and in our church. We pay special attention to our customers by providing on-site help, patronizing their businesses and going to lunch or dinner together to keep in touch and maintain those special friendships.

Why is your staff the best in the business?
It is a family-run business and we each have a personal stake in it. We are tirelessly committed to our customers and their satisfaction.

What is the best thing about being the boss?
We get to have lunch together (most) every day! And, it's nice to work toward a common vision without the red tape!

Who is your role model in business or in life, and why?
JB: My father modeled life-long learning for which I am grateful today. He demonstrated skill, compassion and integrity in everything he did.

Where do you go when the going gets tough?
The ocean! We enjoy the ocean air, a walk in the sand, and the seafood.

And finally, customer service is…
It’s first of all, listening, then doing the very best that you can to fulfill their vision and needs, and standing behind the products and services you provide, even when it takes extra effort. It is doing all of these things cheerfully and gratefully. It sometimes means changing a lamp fixture for a client who is unfamiliar with a certain installation, and has questions...even a year later.

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