Krystal Kleen is a residential and commercial cleaning service specializing in air duct cleaning, water and flood restoration, fire and smoke restoration, carpet cleaning, upholstery and fine fabric cleaning, moisture control, mold remediation and removal, spot removal, high pressure steam cleaning, air scrubbing and odor removal and control. Indoor air quality is a concern for Krystal Kleen’s Chris Raak. “The majority of the public doesn’t realize that the air in their homes can contribute to health problems. Homeowners should be sure their cleaning company knows what they’re doing.” Krystal Kleen is state licensed, fully insured and a registrant in good standing with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The company is also a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association, Inc. Learn more at michiganairduct.com.

The Martin J. Nolan Agency is a local, independent business working with friends and neighbors for over 45 years. “The most important consideration when you buy insurance is choosing an agent with the knowledge and experience to offer you the best coverage at a fair and reasonable cost,” said owner Bob Nolan (above), who started at the agency in 1976 and bought the company from his father in 1983. Bob insures life, car, home and business insurance only through the most highly rated companies, including Auto-Owners Insurance Group, among the largest in the nation. Auto-Owners enjoys the highest possible ratings assigned by nationally recognized independent rating authorities and has issued, and renewed, over 4.1 milllion personal, commercial and life policies.

Quigley Draperies is in its 80th year helping homeowners decorate, keeping up with trends in fashion and technology and pleasing generations of customers. Greg Kroeze and his sister, Carol Beatty (above), assumed ownership of Quigley Draperies and the showroom building in downtown Roosevelt Park from their parents in 1992. The showroom was newly renovated just last year. It’s an exciting time to be making window treatments for people, said Carol. “There are such a variety of things that people are interested in today. They want their homes to reflect their personal styles and interests, and be their own, special place.” Quigley Draperies, on Broadway in downtown Roosevelt Park, offers details that make their window coverings unique: a local, custom workroom, a consistent staff that has devoted their lives to decorating, and experienced decorating and installing from the owners themselves.

Dale and Paul Vanderwall at Vanderwall Brothers Concrete Products are third generation owners. The company has been steadily growing and expanding since Bill Vanderwall started the company in 1949. When his two sons Bill Jr. and Jerry came into the business, Bill branched off to Ludington and Manistee. Meanwhile, Jerry continued to grow the Spring Lake business. Bill moved back, bought brother Jerry out and Bill’s sons, Dale and Paul, own the business today. An expansive showroom is part of a long-term modernization plan that began when Dale and Paul took over in 1999. Making the store more comfortable and accessible to customers was a priority. “Where we stand apart from other stores,” said Paul, “is we can direct customers and help them narrow down their choices for their house so they’re leaving with something they’re happy with and excited about.”

When Louise Hopson began Art Cats Gallery at 1845 Lakeshore Drive in 1999, the Lakeside area was beginning to take shape as a unique shopping community, with a real downtown to encourage walking customers. Opened as a showroom for Louise’s fanciful, bright clay pieces, Art Cats has grown to include the work of over 45 talented artists, with an ever-changing selection of jewelry, pottery, blown and kiln fired glass, sculpture, furniture, works on paper and accessories. The gallery has been nominated repeatedly by Niche magazine as one of the year’s top 100 retailers of American Craft. “My studio space is small…and I work unassisted,” wrote Louise in her Artist’s Statement. “Mine is NOT a production studio. Each piece, from the smallest tile to the largest mosaic, is handmade. Retaining my artistic integrity is important to me. I want each piece I make to be unique and to carry my artistic handprint.”

Northshore Dental Associates has been a North Muskegon business for 12 years. During that time, Dr. Monica Lakatos and Dr. Michelle Matheson have expanded the staff to include five hygienists, four dental assistants, two administrative assistants and a lab tech. Each has an integral role in the success of the office and patient service. The mission of Northshore Dental Associates is to provide optimal care in a relaxed setting. The recent addition of a massaging dental chair and television in all the operatories help patients relax. Dr. Monica explained that a nervous patient has the option of using nitrous oxide along with headphones to help them through their dental visit. Not-so-nervous patients also like the option of watching the Food Network, Sports Center or Nickelodeon while they are visiting the office.

Karen Kayes, Senior Council (above, middle) and her team at Warner, Norcross and Judd provide a full range of estate and tax planning services for individuals and families, including business owners, professionals and executives. Paralegal Cindy Thielman and Karen had been working together for 15 years when they joined Warner, Norcross and Judd and Paralegal Paula Hanks was added to the team. Together they assist clients with the design, implementation and administration of estate plans. Snowbirds should note that they are licensed in Florida to handle estate administration for Michigan and Florida residents. Karen is a published author, frequent lecturer on various estate and tax planning topics and member of the Muskegon Rotary Club. She can be reached at 400 Terrace Plaza, Muskegon, kkayes@wnj.com and (231) 727-2619.

Dale and Jodi Clock are part of a family that has taken care of Muskegon families’ funeral needs for over 115 years. In 1897, Tiede Clock operated a store on Jefferson St. across from the Muskegon City Hall that sold paint, wallpaper and artists’ supplies. His uncle, Del Clark, a police officer, asked Tiede if he would be interested in becoming an undertaker. With $125 and youthful enthusiasm, Tiede established what was to become Clock Funeral Home. In 1920, a building designed specifically for funeral service was erected at the corner of Sanford St. and Grand Avenue – its present location. Today, Clock Life Story Funeral Homes offers personalized funeral and cremation services.“We believe that people, in a time of loss, should talk about the life lived and share stories, not focus so much on cost, etiquette or what we think you should do,” said Jodi. “Its all about what’s right for your family!”

Lana Carson, BS Exercise Science, owns and operates the Omni Fitness Club. “I love helping people become physically active because it literally changes their lives! We have a unique opportunity to help our community by promoting exercise as a way to improve healthy lifestyle choices. (Exercise) has become a factor in overall health care and disease prevention – it is no longer considered just a luxury for people to join a fitness center.” The Omni Club offers a variety of exercise options for members and non-members alike. “Members enjoy the quality and quantity of our equipment. We literally have something for everybody.” Non-members can participate in select classes for only one dollar per visit. “Our Senior Energize class is extremely popular. We also offer exercise classes for Diabetes, Weight Loss and Kids Fitness.” Information about exercise and the Omni is online at omnifitnessclub.com.

Dr. James R. Donley is a 1967 graduate of the University of Detroit School of Dentistry. He is a native of Muskegon, and returned home after graduation to begin his dental practice. He firmly believes in the practice of preventive dentistry and tries to educate his patients so that they will have no cavities. Dr. Donley has long been an advocate of stressing techniques to prevent gum disease and with his hygienists have attended seminars to develop his “People Without Perio” program. His three children are good examples of his teachings, as not one of them have ever had any cavities and they are now adults. He enjoys the high tech side of his profession and loves to create great smiles. He and his staff maintain an informative website at drdonley.com and they can be found at 166 N. Causeway in North Muskegon, (231) 744-6661.

Ann Welbes, CURN, BSN, through her Continence Clinic at West Shore Urology, uses behavioral therapy, diet modification and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to help customers regain control without surgery or medication. Ann is concerned urinary incontinence sufferers aren’t talking to their family physicians, and when the problem is addressed, it’s treated with medications with side effects, or with surgery patients don’t understand they can avoid. Embarrassed patients come to feel comfortable in Ann’s care – she was born with a birth defect and, early on, had to deal with incontinence. “Everyone progresses at a different rate. But we always have options we can help them along with. And that’s what I’m there for, to give them hope that they can do something about it, that they can be in control.” More information at (231) 739-9492, westshoreurology.com and awelbes@westshoreurology.com.

Sytsema Funeral Home was founded in Muskegon in 1929 by John Sytsema after previously practicing his profession in Jenison and McBain, Michigan. After John’s death in 1940, three major additions were built onto the original house at 737 Apple Ave. with additional land acquisitions under the direction of Martin Sytsema. The funeral home further expanded in 1976 by merging with Max Walburn of the Walburn Funeral Home to combine efforts in serving families from yet another location. In 2003 the Sytsema family purchased the Lee Funeral Home, founded in 1920 by Lewis B. Lee, and another building project, completed in 2007, established the new Lee Chapel in Norton Shores. Today, 80 years later, Sytsema’s, under the direction of third generation owner, John M. Sytsema, and his sons, Scott, Todd, and Craig, fourth generation funeral directors, are committed to serving families in the same family tradition. Over the years their philosophy has remained the same, “To serve people as friends, personally and efficiently.”

Sherry Albertie Becker became a client of Waddell and Reed in 1980, when she taught at Muskegon Public Schools. She was interested in saving for her retirement during her 28 years as a teacher. She continued to work closely with her financial advisor towards that goal. She met with her Waddell and Reed financial advisor in 1995 to see if it would be feasible to retire from teaching. He suggested Sherry consider a second career as a financial advisor. "I have been able to use my teaching skills and my love for learning to succeed in this career for 13 years," said Sherry. "This is what I love, helping people attain their financial goals." Locally, Waddell and Reed chose to be a part of the rebirth of the city of Muskegon and when the business outgrew its former location, moved downtown into the new Hines Building at Third and Western. "There was no question as to where we wanted to be," said Sherry. "As a company and as individual financial advisors, we all chose to be a part of the new Muskegon." Sherry encourages the community to stop by to see Muskegon's new space for Waddell and Reed. For more information call (231) 727-8176.

"Moving from one's home is not only physically challenging, but usually emotionally challenging as well," said Sue Wilson, Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist at Compassionate Moves, LLC. "We're here to make the transition as smooth as possible." Families considering a move for their senior members can contact Sue and Denise Forbes, Move Coordinator. They become "project managers" for the move, available to handle the entire move or services clients select. After an in-home consultation, they develop a move plan and timetable and function as point of contact for all services. They sort belongings, pack, assist in hiring a moving company, transfer or disconnect utilities and other services and develop a customized floor plan. "We can supervise a cleaning company and communicate your address change to acquaintances and businesses," Sue explained. Compassionate Moves can attend to personal needs, meet and direct movers, unpack and organize, stock the refrigerator, connect electronics and even make the beds. Setting the new home up like the old is also a service. "Personal touch," said Sue, "is what we're all about." Members of the National Association of Move Managers, Compassionate Moves can be contacted at (231) 730-1221 and compassionatemoves.com.

Henry Street Midas Owner Tresha Kidder purchased the former Tom's Tire building on Apple and Terrace in downtown Muskegon in December, 2007. After interior renovations were completed and new, state of the art equipment was installed, she opened her second, full service Midas outlet. Manager John Cain at the downtown Midas location has over 20 years and Henry Street Manager Brian Fisher boasts over 25 years experience. All technicians are state certified in many areas. Both locations offer a full list of services, including alignment, brakes, exhaust, oil changes, tuneups, shocks/struts/suspension, air conditioning service, belts, hoses, wipers, tires, batteries and more. Many parts come with a lifetime guarantee. "We are here to be your full service auto repair and maintenance experts with technicians known for their work and their word," said Tresha. Midas also works with local businesses maintaining fleet vehicles.

Nearly seven years ago Tina (above) and Chris Butler took over Comfort Keepers of Muskegon, a business focused on helping elderly people live at home longer. When those clients need to move into assisted living, Tina and Chris' Choice Connections, a free placement service affiliated with about 50 area homes, helps with the transition. Tina has over 20 years of healthcare experience and has worked in all levels of care and housing. "Life is good when your work becomes your passion," she said. "I am energized by what I do every day. Nothing could be more gratifying than being able to help families understand all of their options so they can feel confident they are making the right choices."

Sanctuary at the Park, a rehabilitation and skilled-nursing facility, is a not for profit, faith based, mission driven facility that dates back to the founding Sisters of Mercy in 1831. At 570 South Harvey Street between Apple Avenue and Marquette Street in Muskegon, Sanctuary at the Park’s multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team creates individualized care programs for post-stroke, hip and knee replacement, orthopedic rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, wound care, splinting and orthotic intervention, pre-discharge home assessments, specialized home exercise, cognitive perceptual retraining, and swallowing/dysphagia precautions. Learn more about Sanctuary at the Park at www.TrinitySeniorSanctuary.org or call (231) 672-2202.

Lange Flooring Center Owners Scott and Sonia Gilbert took the business' reputation for helpful expertise and experienced installation and moved it to a large, customer-friendly showroom and value center in 2006. Scott, who had worked for previous owner Joe Strandberg since he was 14, bought the business 10 years previous to the move. Joe himself worked as an installer when he purchased the business from founder Bob Lange over 25 years ago. Lange Flooring Center's huge value center features in-stock inventory. The 5,000 square foot showroom is a comfortable, well lighted design area with a selection of carpet, laminate, vinyl and popular designs of tile installed on walls and floors. "That helps customers visualize what can be done." said Sonia.