We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

David Seay, Ccim, Bic, Cips, Redm, Realtor | Real Estate and Business Brokerage Firm Owner

Experience. We have completed any type of transaction possible in the residential and commercial real estate industry as well as business brokerage. And with a combined experience between John and myself of over 50 years, we navigate other people’s goals very well. We have worn many hats over the years from tenant to landlord to developer and investor so when people work with us, they are getting a multi-faceted perspective that allows us to see solutions from all sides and help clients weigh the pros and the cons. That also comes with our contacts so if they need a specialist from plumber to engineer to even a lender, we can provide many reputable resources. Read more>>

Bonnie Brunt | owner and creative director

Personally, I think it is quality. Quality and generosity…. and leading with kindness. We are a small custom cake shop. We operate out of a commercial kitchen that has developed in the basement of my farm house in the middle of the woods in Calhoun County. Not much more remote than us. ALWAYS, quality of product, quality of customer service…ingredients… quality of people working here… quality of our level of determination to produce quality cakes! We focus on the end product and want that quality to be exceptional. Also, we are generous in our efforts to care for and service our customers…and everything relating to our customers is handled with kindness. We are nothing if we cannot be kind. Read more>>

Abbey Mueller | Life Coach & Artist

My success has come from my faith, discipline, policy and procedures, and showing up prepared. I have run several businesses over the years and consistency with payments, uniform, email communications, style, and customer service are integral. Supply and demand is what gets people to you, but how you serve them is why they stay. Read more>>