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Service with a Country Smile

getawaymavens.com

Living rural means viewing stars without light clutter, neighbors helping neighbors in good times and bad, and signaling every driver you meet with a two-fingered wave. It also means shopping takes effort, and running a successful business takes even more. Despite difficulties, creative folks find ways to provide services others need. I could rave for pages telling why I like shopping local where I feel welcome and my commerce keeps money in the region. I love my small town bank, mechanic, stylist, grocery, drug, and hardware stores. Here is a small sampling of area dreamers who have followed the “if you build it, they will come” model to success.

A couple of these must-stops involve meat products. For years, we’ve had beef processed at Smoky Hill Meat. This family-run business keeps customers happy by suiting individual needs. With only two in our family, we don’t want big roasts or large packages of burger. Not only does this business take extra time to cut meat to requested portions, but also they wrap it well to stay fresh. While waiting to pick up our order, I discovered this is one of few area businesses that sells tenderized chicken breasts that make amazing chicken fried chicken steaks.

The other required visit is Kensington Lockers, which I heard about years before I tried their products. Once I sampled their award-winning bacon, bacon-burgers, smoked pork chops, and steaks, I became a frequent customer. Now, I’m wondering how to send these as gifts to distant relatives.

Another local business our family has found worth a long drive is the Alton, Kansas, gun shop. Years ago, when my husband told me he was driving from Ellis to old Bull City to look at guns, I wondered why. How could a tiny town offer variety enough to draw customers from distant counties? When I accompanied him to Bull City Guns and Ammo, I was thoroughly confused. The store isn’t on the main drag. It sets on a side street at the south end of town. However, like other successful prairie businesses, proprietors provide service and product at a good price. Buyers enjoy the selection and deal with knowledgeable sellers. 

A newer business in Phillipsburg, Rust Armament, follows this same customer-centered model. We

are pleased with both their service and product. Like other successful regional businesses, they sponsor local fundraisers and charities.

While my husband enjoys checking out new shotguns, rifles, and pistols, I like craft shops. On a visit to our kids in Goodland, I discovered the Craft Peddler in Brewster. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine a remote community would have much to offer, but I was wrong. The owner caters to scrap bookers, crafters, jewelry makers, painters, and bakers. I can’t hurry through her variety of sprinkles, non-pareils, other cake décor, and cupcake papers, so I’m sure memory collectors and jewelry makers feel the same way. I never leave without something new for my paint box or baking list. This entrepreneur knows she has a limited customer base, so she markets on the internet. I once needed some paint supplies quickly and didn’t have time to drive her way. She delivered them via a traveling family member meeting me at the truck stop in Ellis. That’s service.

I’ve shared before about my innovative groomer. She buzzes about a multi-county area, offering doggie beauty treatments. She also provides boarding facilities with a personal touch near her home in Almena. When there weren’t enough dogs in her community to keep her busy, she figured a way to get to them. Now she has a waiting list, and customers have to make appointments early.

Think about your favorite store. Why do you do business there? Pass the word that western Kansas has innovative, customer-centered businesses that make it worth driving to shop here. Listen to that little voice that tells you you have a service to offer. Many businesses in our area have proved that providing quality goods and premium service means customers will come.