#bestofcincinnati

[cocochanell1]

Had a rad little time at @citybeatcincy’s #bestofcincinnati event last night! I got to see so many stellar humans that I haven’t seen in such a long time. https://www.instagram.com/p/CcDxbPqu198/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thecitiview-blog]

It's #Christmas in #July at #TonysofCincinnati, where guests will receive a $25 #GiftCertificate with the purchase of 2 entrees between July 1-31. Call (513) 677-TONY (8669) for reservations! @tonysofcinci⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #citiviewtravel #cincy #cincinnatieats #cincylove #cincyeats #montgomeryohio #tonyssteaksandseafood #tonyssteaks #masonohio #lovelandohio #ohioeats #cincinnatioh #cincygram #cincinnatiohio #thisiscincy #cincinnatifoodie #bestofcincinnati #cincinnatirestaurants #eatcincinnati #cincinnatifood #yelpcincy #cincyusa #cincyfinds #cincymade #lovecincy #summerincincy (at Tony's Of Cincinnati)

[tsgcincinnati]

Burn Boot Camp Opens Ft. Mitchell Location

We are so excited to announce a NEW location for one of our favorite workouts -- Burn Boot Camp in the Cincinnati/NKY area -- 6,000 square feet of the best gym space in the heart of Fort Mitchell (located at 2505 Dixie Hwy, the redeveloped Remke Plaza)! This now makes MULTIPLE locations around the area where you can challenge your body, build strength and community -- all while having a great time with some of the regions best personal trainers around. 

Head trainers Ashley, Kat and Ryan; Images by Ross Van Pelt

Current locations now: Hyde Park, Mason, Centerville and NEW Ft. Mitchell.

Never tried a Burn Boot Camp before? Don’t fear, they’re the BEST at making everyone feel comfortable, yet challenged, and create a personalized plan for you to reach your goals, regardless of your fitness level. They’re a fun and friendly-style gym that offers trainer-instructed camps (:45 each) that vary each day to ensure no one gets bored and remains challenged. There are between 8-9 camps/day, allowing you to choose the best time for you, between 5:00am to 6:15pm. 

There are multiple ways you can work out at Burn. First, if you’ve never tried it before, you should look for a FREE VIP camp and visit the gym closest to you. After that, most join the unlimited monthly so you can take as many camps as you want. They also have punch cards, should you want to drop into camps when you can. Also, when you’re a member, there’s CHILDCARE! 

Fort Mitchell is having a special in their opening month, $69 for 4 weeks for unlimited camps; sign up here. 

Be sure to tell them Scout sent you, and enjoy meeting some of the best trainers, partners and friends to help you achieve your fitness goals. 

[jiilmatthewsphotography]

#seniorportraits shot at #cincinnatiparks with #cincinnatiseniorportrait #photographer #jillmatthewsphotography #bestofcincinnati #seniorphotographer #cincinnatiseniorphotographer #bestseniorphotos #ohioseniorphotographer #kentuckyphotographer #uniqueseniorpictures #sharonwoodspark #sharonwoodsohio #sharonwoods (at Sharon Woods Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4pT8k_Bf_-/?igshid=1u7w2yfi7zeq6

[jesslamb]

#bestofcincinnati #afterparty #vibes @cincysocial (at Queen City Radio)

[cincyshirts]

We are excited to announce we won Best of Cincinnati in 2 categories this year! We're not worthy! We're not worthy! Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. Today only, save $10 on your order of $50 or more with promo code "thankYou" online or in store! #thankyou #bestofcincinnati #cincylove #cincyshirts

[scottdittgen]

@theframester makes a gurl lewk gøød. . . . #framester #framesterphotobooth #photobooth #cincinnati #cincinnatiohio #bestofcincinnati2017 #bestofcincinnati #citybeat http://ift.tt/2nI4Kxj

[cincinnatiballet]

@citybeatcincy's Best of Cincinnati 2017 readers' poll is open! We'd love a vote from you under "Best Local Dance Group" and "Best Instagram Account"! Also consider giving a vote to Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy or @dancefix_by_hbdc For "Best Dance Classes"! #bestofcincinnati http://ift.tt/2j4vNBs

[cocochanell1]

#BestOfCincinnati 💖 (at The Phoenix)

[tsgcincinnati]

Designing your Dream Home with Jay Takach, of Evolo Design

Navigating the curves through winding roads past some of Cincinnati’s finest estates in Indian Hill, you’ll come to a lot where the newest addition to this beautiful neighborhood is taking shape. Not long ago, a family living in Mason decided to purchase a 5-acre lot located in the heart of Indian Hill. With the expert guidance of Jay Takach, Creative Director at Evolo Design in Montgomery, they are finally building their dream home. This family is excited to embark on such a special project, their fifth working with Evolo. 

Jay Takach and his pup, Dutches, of Evolo Design. Photo by Ross Van Pelt

“We knew we were in great hands with Evolo. They are some of the top designers in the country with contacts all over the world. We love what they’ve done with our other projects, and have no doubt that they will do everything it takes to make our forever home in Cincinnati everything we want for our family,” said one owner.

Takach started by recommending local architect Mike Wentz, who he knew would work well with the owners and had expertise in their type of project. Working hand-in-hand with the architects and the owners, the team at Evolo Design helped the owners review plans to ensure each room was laid out to take best advantage of the property’s views, specified custom millwork on cabinetry, and looked at every detail down to the location of every electrical outlet. The goal was to create a home that looks like it has been part of Indian Hill for decades.

A keen eye for detail and working with top craftsman are important aspects of a project like this. Takach selected top-of-the line Woodmode cabinetry and Artistic Tile to be used throughout the home. Custom ironworks are crafting the railings and other custom details. The project was entrusted to builder Cedar Hill Homes, and will rely on local craftsmen to make the space truly one of a kind.

“We are designing this home to reflect the owners’ personalities while meeting their family’s space needs to accommodate every activity they spend their time doing from work to play.” For the next phase, Takach will be pulling together the interiors based on inspiration from the latest fabrics and designs as well as his knowledge of the couple. “I’m looking at beautiful rugs from Edward Fields and beautiful wall coverings from Gracie Studios for the Dining Room--there’s nothing like having to work at home to make you realize how important it is to surround yourself with colors and accessories that keep you calm, recharged and inspired,” says Takach.

Art on the walls - just in wallpaper from GracieStudio

We here at The Scout Guide Cincinnati hope you’ll join us in watching this premier Cincinnati project come to life, from the first architectural drawings to selecting best-in-class flooring, from coordinating the timing of the cabinet installation and appliance deliveries for the dream kitchen to watching the master bedroom, living room and dining room come together. Stay tuned…

Handmade chandeliers from LA for dining area

Selections for a bathroom from a collaboration between Kelly Weastler Interior Design & Walker Zanger

Blending clean lines and traditional aesthetic with this gorgeous Silver couch from The Bright Group

The current jobsite in Indian Hill, OH

The beginnings of beautiful bathrooms from ArtisticTile & Walker Zanger  

[jesslamb]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jess Lamb (@jesslambband)

#jesslambandthefactory #bestofcincinnati #afterparty #livingmyart #queencityradio @wph @kaseyplaysbass (at Queen City Radio)

[adarkershadeofred]

Found this candid photo of me being a lush at #bestofcincinnati with Snugs. Regrammed from @sguagenti

[cocochanell1]

Last night was a party for sure! So honored to help bring the #bestofcincinnati Celebration to life! Shoutout to all my friends for volunteering & just everyone for being so stellar! I’m so into these gifs courtesy of @photospherecincy! (at The Phoenix)

[tsgcincinnati]

Some Valuable Learnings from our Last TSG Member Mingle

We had a great time last week meeting with the business owners of some of Cincinnati’s best local businesses at our Member Mingle. We value relationships here at TSG, and really work hard TOGETHER to build our community.  One of the best aspects of being a part of The Scout Guide is how we have built a true community of business owners and we learn from one another.

Beautiful setting @ Rug Gallery Cincinnati, Food by CWC The Restaurant, Music by Kyle English, Bartending by First Call Bartending

As the Editor and Owner of TSG Cincinnati, I hear repeatedly similar questions about how to run our businesses, how to overcome common challenges and how to make the most out of being a part of TSG. Thus, I work tirelessly to play ‘match-maker’ and ‘connector’ between my clients/members of our community. As such, I hosted a “Member Mingle” (think networking event with music, food and drinks) where I asked a few members to sit on a panel and help facilitate a great dialogue about how we all run our businesses. The Owners of The Rug Gallery, My Flower Service and Nest Home Staging all helped me with this great panel discussion that covered a variety of topics. Read below to see some of the topics we discussed and their insightful recommendations.

Sam Presnell, Arlene Presnell, Beau Presnell, Barbie Presnell, Shannon Adams, Christine Masur and McKenna Brooks

McKenna: You are transitioning ownership of The Rug Gallery from one generation to the next (Sam Presnell to his son, Beau Presnell). How are you managing this transition within the family, and what guidance do you have for those looking to transfer a business?

Sam Presnell, Founder/Owner, The Rug Gallery: “While it appears we are transitioning ownership within the family, we have started to look at it more like a sale of the business to a buyer, who happens to be family. Not until we started looking at this transition in this way, did we really understand all that is going into making this a successful transition. We have a clear step plan and it’s far more detailed and complex than we originally anticipated, but we are making great progress!”

Beau Presnell, Owner, The Rug Gallery: “We have loved working with the Goering Center at UC – and we are lucky to have this tremendous resource in our back yard, here in Cincinnati. They have guided us through a multi-step, multi-month process to ensure a smooth transition. We recommend to anyone seeking to sell a business here locally to leverage their resources.”

McKenna: You have really increased your presence of The Rug Gallery on social media and using events to drive traffic to the showroom. Tell us more about how you go about executing all of this work?

Barbie Presnell, Marketing Director, The Rug Gallery:  “I am lucky to be married to the owner(s) of The Rug Gallery, and we meet weekly to discuss all that’s going on in the business. I am a teacher (for my main job), but I love being involved in the family business. I have a passion for connecting people and have found that hosting events in the space is enjoyable to people who come, and it’s resulting in sales from those who come meet us and see the high-quality of support we offer our clients. “Regarding social media, when we meet weekly, I listen to what strategic focus areas there are for Sam and Beau. I then work back with the sales people and installers to help me get images and stories from rugs, carpets and flooring that have been installed in customer’s homes. I then tell the stories of these happy clients in Instagram posts and stories. That’s what our followers want to see – they want to be inspired by our work and be able to show examples of homes when they come in, and know we can give them the flooring to bring their vision to life. The key to successful social media for a small business (in my opinion) is to be authentic and tell stories and inspire the follower. They’ll take action with you if you do this right!”

Shannon Adams, Jessica of My Flower Service

McKenna: Shannon, you have been a part of TSG Cincinnati now for almost 5 years (as long as it’s been in Cincinnati). What advice do you have for small business owners who are either in TSG today, or contemplating joining this community?

Shannon Adams, Owner, My Flower Service: “TSG is the only spending on advertising I do. I believe that the quality and network of businesses in TSG are the ‘best of the best’ and I want my brand to be associated with these other brands and business owners. I hear all the time that readers know a few other companies in the Guide, and thus assume that ‘if My Flower Service is in here with a few of my other favorite businesses, they must be the best in the business’. So for me, it’s a lot of brand positioning. But, I also really value the connections I’ve made with other business owners in the Guide. For example, I have just met with a couple other owners to do their flowers out front of their stores because I’ve met them at these sorts of events. We all should support one another first and foremost, and continue to grow our community by having a very high-quality product and service across categories!”

McKenna: Christine, you’re partnering with other businesses in TSG in unique ways. Can you tell us about what you’re doing to help ‘get your brand out there’ and what advice you’d give to us if we want to do the same?

Christine Masur, Co-owner Nest Home Staging: “I have really embraced this community of great people, and leveraged the networking opportunities that being a part of TSG Cincinnati has enabled me. I always want to share my passion for design and staging with those around me, and however I can do that, I’m open and eager to get involved! For example, I have worked with Megan Stacey for 2 years now to co-host a “Color and design” party where we invite clients (of both of ours) to enjoy some wine, food and I talk about design trends I’m seeing in homes today. It’s nothing hard to pull together, but it’s so fun to see a group of 25 women talking (and laughing) about little changes they can make to their homes to ‘freshen things up’ without breaking the bank. I also worked with you, McKenna, to design the backdrop for a TSG event, Holly & Headshots, in December. I love designing ‘photo walls’ and this was an easy way for me to help in an event, and organically get the Nest brand out there.

“The best advice I can give about getting involved in your network is to be creative in how you partner with people, don’t be afraid to try something new and know that every person is a valuable impression, and they will grow your business over time.”

After we went through these specific topics, there was a lot of great dialogue around how to build up social media following, how to best partner (and ideas!) and how we all can really team up with one another on a regular basis to build up the local business community in Cincinnati. If you’re interested in learning more about WHO is a part of TSG, you can see them here (scroll down to see them listed alphabetically).

Delicious food was provided by CWC The Restaurant, Tables and decor by All Occasions Event Rental, Music by Kyle English.

A few common threads amongst all of us business owners in TSG, are that we believe in following our dreams, we work tirelessly to meet the needs of our customers and we are incredibly appreciative of the support we receive from you as our community. We want to hear from you on how we can all improve and appreciate your support of all-things-local!

Until the next event!

~McKenna L. Brooks Editor/Owner, TSG Cincinnati