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How a Rockville Grocery Store Shined During the Pandemic

When Covid-19 arrived in the United States back in March, grocery stores across the nation went into a panic as they ran out of necessities such as bread, milk, and toilet paper. Meanwhile, at Dawson’s Market in Rockville, they didn’t need to worry about running out of supplies. We spoke to Bart Yablonsky, the owner of Dawson’s, about how they were able to stay stocked at the onset of the pandemic. “We’re a small independent store and so we have lots of connections with regional and local distributors” said Bart. Being able to establish and count on these relationships in chaotic times helped Dawson’s keep selling the items that most large grocery stores had run out of. 

In addition, Dawson’s staff was quick to think outside-the-box and create a website where customers were able to order their groceries online and pick them up curbside on the same day. As a result of this, Dawson’s was able to reach a wider market beyond their usual customers and create more business in the area. 

As Dawson’s thrived, they were also able to help the local businesses they get their products from. Because Dawson’s gets a lot and certainly supports more local vendors then any other store in the area with food and drinks from local farms, butchers, and breweries. Their success means that these local businesses are also able to thrive. Dawson’s commitment to bettering the community is just one great example of the importance of local businesses.

Published by Timothy Fahey; and written by Eric Schwartz a freelance writer and public relations and political science major. Timothy Fahey is branding and design professional, designer, professor, blogger, videographer and owner of Dirigo Agency Inc., a company focused on helping business owners use branding, design, and content to market their business. He has worked in the agency business since 1986 and served both local and global brands. His passion is to collaborate with others to create content more strategically so they get the recognition and results they desire through content marketing efforts.

How a Local Gift-Giving Shop Spreads Positivity during the Pandemic

Rockville local Becky Briggs has a knack for giving gifts. That’s why in 2000 she started Our Gift Biz, a business that specializes in creating custom gifts for professionals to send to their clients. Becky collaborates with artists and other small businesses to build the perfect corporate gift basket that she guarantees will put a smile on the face of anyone’s clients. 

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has become increasingly difficult for companies to stay in touch with their clients and maintain relationships. Becky has helped numerous businesses create gift baskets to send their clients as a token of appreciation during these tough times. In the gift-giving process, Becky is also helping other small businesses by using their products in her baskets. Recently, Becky bought maple syrup from a small Wisconsin business and paired it with pancake mix from another small Wisconsin business in a basket for one of her clients. “It’s a real win-win for people” said Becky. 

From supporting small businesses to creating the perfect gift basket for clients, Our Gift Biz has been spreading kindness across the country. Becky spoke on the importance of staying positive and helping others during these unsettling times. “That’s what it’s all about today, trying to find some joy at home”.

Visit ourgiftbiz.com for help creating the perfect gift for your business’s clients. 

Published by Timothy Fahey; and written by Eric Schwartz a freelance writer and public relations and political science major. Timothy Fahey is branding and design professional, designer, professor, blogger, videographer and owner of Dirigo Agency Inc., a company focused on helping business owners use branding, design, and content to market their business. He has worked in the agency business since 1986 and served both local and global brands. His passion is to collaborate with others to create content more strategically so they get the recognition and results they desire through content marketing efforts.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of us—directly or indirectly—and it’s a moment in time we will all likely remember. As the saying goes, it will be one for the history books. What is not yet clear is the long-term impact of the pandemic and how it will ultimately impact our lives—both globally and locally. However, one thing is certain: businesses will have to find new ways to survive.

And that’s just what small businesses across Rockville are doing as they explore new possibilities and opportunities to adapt to these trying times.

The Cottage Monet in Rockville Town Center is a perfect example. Initially, the shop shut its doors due to COVID-19. But CEO, Caya Cagri found a way to keep her store going strong by adapting her business to meet the needs of her customers during the pandemic. Fitting with the store’s No. 1 goal to accommodate its customers, Cagri began offering drop-offs and storefront pickups for customers. The store also offers contactless checkout and disinfectant throughout the store for those who still prefer to shop in the store. As a result, the Cottage Monet is confidently moving into the fall season.

Cottage Monet offers ceramics made in Italy and has been a fixture in Rockville Town Center.. Cagri says the store offers customers “a little bit of fun and hope” and provides them with a sense of normalcy.

“That’s what we do best—provide a sense of personal attachment because in this hour of COVID and isolation, you need to reach out on a more personal level,” says Cagri. Although Cagri is upbeat, she notes that she has encountered several challenges learning to operate in this new normal. For example, due to states policies on COVID, the store had to reduce its store hours and follow new COVID protocols for shopping.

Yet, Cottage Monet is a Rockville success story as it remains open and accessible for all customers—whether they prefer to shop online or on-site. Check out Cottage Monet for Italian ceramics, wedding items, candles and many other projects by visiting the store located at 36 Maryland Avenue #H, Rockville Md, or online .

As Cottage Monet has shown, the pandemic doesn’t mean the end of business in Rockville Town Center.

Published by Timothy Fahey; and written by Wyatt Karem a freelance writer and videographer. Timothy Fahey is branding and design professional, designer, professor, blogger, videographer and owner of Dirigo Agency Inc., a company focused on helping business owners use branding, design, and content to market their business. He has worked in the agency business since 1986 and served both local and global brands. His passion is to collaborate with others to create content more strategically so they get the recognition and results they desire through content marketing efforts.

The Pandemic is Providing Unlikely Hope for Business Solutions Companies

As the Covid Pandemic first started making waves in the U.S., many local businesses were stuck worrying about their financial stability and the future of their company. Luckily, Rockville-based company, Intelligent Office was around to help alleviate some of these concerns. Intelligent Office provides business and office solutions to dozens of local businesses in the DMV. We spoke to managing partner Leslie Keenan about how they have been able to help businesses during COVID. 

One of Intelligent Office’s services is that they provide workspaces for companies to work or hold meetings. Thankfully, Intelligent Office was deemed essential, so they were able to remain open throughout the pandemic. Leslie explained that Intelligent Office sanitizes each workspace between uses, enforces mask wearing, and relandscaped the office for social distancing in order to make sure their clients stay safe. Numerous clients have taken advantage of this and come in to work while their offices are closed.

Leslie also discussed how Intelligent Office has been helping businesses with administrative work while they might be busy elsewhere. Intelligent Office has employees that complete administrative tasks such as sending out mail, cashing checks, and answering phones. This has helped take a lot of the load off of small businesses that may have had to downsize during the pandemic and were being spread thin. Leslie also helps companies with their marketing needs by facilitating virtual networking events between clients. 

Leslie believes that rentable, small workspaces are the future for businesses, since many are beginning to phase out their long-term leases as a result of the pandemic. “I’m not gonna sugarcoat it” says Leslie. “This is a tough time for us small businesses, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Published by Timothy Fahey; and written by Eric Schwartz a freelance writer and public relations and political science major. Timothy Fahey is branding and design professional, designer, professor, blogger, videographer and owner of Dirigo Agency Inc., a company focused on helping business owners use branding, design, and content to market their business. He has worked in the agency business since 1986 and served both local and global brands. His passion is to collaborate with others to create content more strategically so they get the recognition and results they desire through content marketing efforts.

Fisher Lumber’s History of Helping Rockville Locals

If you live in the Rockville area and have ever needed any woodworking done, chances are you’ve heard of Fisher Lumber. Founded in 1894 and operating under the same ownership since 1947, Fisher Lumber has become a staple of the Rockville community, selling lumber and offering their woodworking services. We were recently able to talk with Tim Allen, Fisher Lumber’s General Manager about how they give back to the community. 

Fisher Lumber is typically approached by groups such as Boy Scouts and local church schools asking for assistance with their woodworking needs. “There’s no shortage of people asking for help in the community,” said Tim. Fisher Lumber’s most recent project was with a group of students from St. Raphael Church in Rockville, helping them to build a bridge from scratch. After the students approached Tim asking for materials, he said he would help them if they presented the project to them. “One of the reasons I did that is I feel like it helps these young kids develop a sense of responsibility” explained Tim. 

Fisher Lumber also does their part internally to help the community. There are currently seven Fisher Lumber employees who were previously incarcerated and are working as part of a pre-release program to transition back to civilian life. Tim said that a number of these employees that started at Fisher Lumber have moved onto bigger and better things, becoming fully integrated in the community. 

As one of the oldest members of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce, Fisher Lumber sets a great example of how local businesses give back and help our community flourish. 

Published by Timothy Fahey and written by Eric Schwartz, a freelance writer and public relations and political science major. Timothy Fahey is branding and design professional, designer, professor, blogger, videographer and owner of Dirigo Agency Inc., a company focused on helping business owners use branding, design, and content to market their business. He has worked in the agency business since 1986 and served both local and global brands. His passion is to collaborate with others to create content more strategically so they get the recognition and results they desire through content marketing efforts.