Editorial Team
4 min read
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, where new trends fizzle out as fast as they emerge, the wisdom and experience of long-time merchants can serve as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs. Meet the Merchant has brought us face-to-face with some remarkable business owners who have successfully navigated the challenges of the industry and stood the test of time.
Let’s explore the insights shared by 7 inspiring Clover merchants on the strategies behind the staying power of their businesses.
ABC Fitness Connection
ABC Fitness Connection is a bustling fitness center that has been a pillar of its Waldorf, Maryland, community for years. Owner, Tammie Wright, offers three pointers to aspiring merchants:
- You will work harder for your business than any job that you’ve ever held.
- You must be open to changes because the needs of clients change.
- Always dream because that will be what keeps your business!
Wright also credits Clover for providing easy-to-use services that facilitate seamless client servicing, both in and out of their facility, enabling them to compete with larger businesses.
Crystal Marie’s Divine Designs
Crystal Marie Render has been a leading hair stylist in Cincinnati for over 20 years. Crystal Marie’s Divine Designs is especially known for working with all hair types. Render’s advice to aspiring merchants is succinct: “Know your value, demand your worth, and don’t forget to add tax!”
Clover has been instrumental in supporting her business goals consistently, providing peace of mind with reliable payment processing.
The Batty Lady
The Batty Lady is a unique and niche retailer specializing in quilt batting. Owner, Alicia Campbell, is now the largest distributor of batting on the West Coast.
Campbell’s salient advice? “Make sure you know your market and what makes you different from all the other retailers. It takes time to establish a reputation and a following. Talk up your products, reach out on social media, and expect to spend a lot of time the first few years just tweaking what you are selling.”
Adding Clover’s POS system significantly enhanced Campbell’s operations, helping with inventory management, increasing sales at trade shows using a handheld POS device, growing her online revenue, and ensuring faster transactions.
Big Mama’s Kitchen
Gladys Harrison—current owner of Big Mama’s Kitchen in Omaha, Nebraska—knows a thing or two about longevity. Her mother built the beloved soul food business out of her home kitchen, culminating in the opening of her first restaurant in 2007.
Above all, Harrison emphasizes the importance of quality and consistency. Her family’s commitment to serving delicious homemade food has kept customers coming back for years. Multiple appearances on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives has also helped solidify their loyal fan base.
Gonzo’s Rock and Roll Pizzeria
Gonzo’s Rock and Roll Pizzeria is a staple of its Sandwich, IL community—both for its legendary pizza and live music shows. Owner, Arturo Garza, believes in the power of customer engagement and the need to create a unique and memorable restaurant experience.
Inheriting a pizza recipe of nearly mystic proportions from a local hero and mentor, Garza has built a thriving business with a loyal customer base over the 15 years he’s been open.
“Believe me, I’m very grateful to be in the position we’re in. And I don’t take one bit of it for granted,” says Garza.
From the Boot
The Philadelphia-area family-owned Italian restaurant, From the Boot, has been a beloved institution since 1999. Co-owner, Bob Devine, advises aspiring merchants to understand the market, adapt to changing trends, and maintain the highest standards of quality.
“There’s a little bit of something for everyone. It’s really family-friendly and wide ranging—salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and entree dinners to make everyone happy,” shares Devine.
By providing authentic Italian cuisine with options for all types of eaters, they have garnered a dedicated customer following that has helped them expand into three locations.
Icy Mountain Water
Icy Mountain Water has been a mainstay of the ice and bottled water industry in and around Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, since 1994. Marketing Director, Brandy Wilde, emphasizes the importance of investing time and effort in refining products and services, as well as utilizing technology to streamline operations.
Since adopting Clover in 2019, Icy Mountain Water has streamlined payment processing and improved customer satisfaction, says Wilde. With a more efficient system to accept payments, their sales have increased, too!
We offer our congratulations to these businesses for their remarkable longevity, and a big thanks to them for sharing their invaluable insights. Their stories can serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding all of us of the enduring principles of hard work, adaptability, customer engagement, and quality.
Discover more of Clover’s noteworthy merchants in our Meet the Merchant series.
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