Usually, this space is filled with a story about a local business.
Today, we’re doing something a bit different by taking a look back at some of companies and stores I’ve profiled over the past five years.
This is the 250th Down to Business column I’ve written for the Naperville Sun.
It began in August 2018 after Sun Editor Karen Sorensen, whom I’ve known since we worked together at the Daily Southtown, called me about needing someone to write Down to Business stories.
Each business must be based in Naperville, she said. How do I find them? “That’s on you, my friend,” Karen replied.
I’m glad Karen called.
This is the most fun I’ve had in my 41-year career next to reviewing concerts, covering high school sports and working in the press room at Chicago City Hall.
I find businesses three ways.
First, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce website is a valuable source. Many businesses are listed there.
Second, after each interview I ask, “What business should I visit next?” Usually, the owner has suggestions.
Third — and this is the most fun — I drive around town and look for interesting businesses. I park, walk in and make my pitch.
I’ve had several, like Spokes owner Basil Radi, say, “How about we talk right now?”
Radi, 64, started his bike shop 36 years ago because he loves cycling. “I’m still doing it,” he said Thursday.
Ah, the owners.
I’ve encountered some of the most interesting people I’ve met in a career that began in September 1982 and includes stops in Crystal Lake and Decatur.
What’s really impressed me is how business owners share a love for Naperville and for each other. It’s a tight business community.
A favorite memory is from 2019, when I was in the office of Naperville Auto Recovery interviewing owner Josh Wisch.
The speaker phone rang. A man whose Mercedes broke down on Interstate 88 needed a tow.
Wisch told him he could have a truck there within the hour for $75. There was a pause. Mercedes Man asked, “Can you do it any cheaper?”
Wisch explained how each driver has 10 years or more experience, how each truck is worth more than $100,000 and – oh, by the way – tow truck drivers risk their lives along busy Interstate 88.
The caller hung up. Wisch rolled his eyes.
Some other highlights …
Jeremy Spaccapaniccia, owner of DuPage Fly Fishing Co., told me, “What I learned early on is fly fishing will take you to the most beautiful places in the world.”
The smallest business was Drive Through Cigarettes, where Manoj Shah sells smokes, pop and lottery tickets from a building that is eight feet long and eight feet wide. I don’t know how he doesn’t go stir-crazy.
Did you know there are 240,000 shades of green, and that Jung Family Painting can provide every one of them?
You want to visit Sweet Home Gelato. Trust me. They have so many delicious flavors, I bought some to bring home and for my parents.
Who knew nonalcoholic beers brewed and sold by Go Brewing would taste just like their alcoholic cousins?
I sat in the basement of Sami Alpersetein, who taught herself to sew and began making soft toys and baby accessories for her business, e.z. baby.
And I was wowed walking around Sherman Plastics Corp., seeing enormous machines used by the multimillion-dollar plastics recycling company formerly owned by Anthony Boose.
Need some laughs? Visit Tom Kiecker’s Standard Goods. He sells T-shirts, coffee mugs and greeting cards whose hilarious and colorful messages can’t be printed here.
My prettiest story was at Krishna Fashion House.
Owner Rajashree “Raj” Baso designs beautiful bridal gowns in a rainbow of bright, vibrant colors. It’s worth a visit even if you aren’t getting married.
My first Down to Business was Gotskinds Children’s Shoes & Clothing. The most recent was Stone Illusionz, which sells marble, granite and quartz countertops.
I always ask for funny or favorite stories.
Antoinette Pasqua, manager of Waxing The City, told me about a woman who wanted to surprise her boyfriend on their weekend getaway. The woman got a wax job made popular in Rio de Janeiro. She was 67.
The most uplifting story was told by Brad Jiwani, owner of Solo Liquors.
One day, Jiwani refused to sell a bottle of wine to an inebriated female customer who bought one bottle each day.
“She went to rehab. Everything is fine. She still comes in, not to buy, but to thank me. She says, ‘I’m clean for so many years.’ That makes me happy,” Jiwani said.
It makes me happy to write about local businesses. And I hope to keep doing this for years to come.
If you know of a business you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at metschmsfl@yahoo.com.
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
