Small businesses often accomplish what they set out to do. Small businesses are defined by their ambition, creativity, and tenacity. All of these qualities make them great examples for small business owners.
It’s small but mighty in the state of Virginia. From startups to giants, these 5 thriving Norfolk, Virginia businesses have something for everyone!
Hatch
Owner: Zack Miller
Founded: 2012
Location: 111 Granby St., Norfolk
Hatch is a marketing and communications agency that specializes in helping other enterprises develop, grow, and thrive. Consider them a gym for entrepreneurs in which they create the climate for individuals to start and develop their business. Hatch provides its clients with knowledge about what they’ve learnt in business and what they continue to learn.
What roadblocks did you encounter when you first started your company? How did you overcome them?
It was difficult to create something that had never really been done locally because you’re attempting to explain it to others while they have one concept in their head or say, “Oh, this sector doesn’t require it.” So much of “nos” and just persevering through the “nos” and converting them into “yesses.”
A. Dodson’s
Owner: Alison Dodson Anderson
Founded: 2003
Location: Suffolk, Norfolk and Virginia Beach
A. Dodson’s is a one-of-a-kind boutique with an exquisite collection of apparel and accessories, distinctive home accents and handcrafted gifts. Alison Dodson Anderson and her staff put a lot of effort into purchasing and merchandising decisions. “We pay attention to our clients and crunch a lot of data every week—month to see what our customers really want.”
What are the qualities of a good leader, and how can you develop them? Another critical step in ensuring A. Dodson’s best experience is for each employee to consider four questions:
1. Why do you want to accomplish it?
2. What purpose does it serve?
3. Is it sustainable?
And the most essential question —
4. Are we having fun?
Integrated Virtual Solutions
Owners: Dr. Steven and Karen Richter
Founded: 2009
Location(s): Offices in Williamsburg and Norfolk
Integrated Virtual Solutions’ educational simulation technology, which may help children with autism spectrum disorder in the classroom, was inspired by the millions of youngsters diagnosed with ASD in the United States and around the world. Dr. Steven Richter, one of IVS’s founders and co-owners, created T.H.I.S., a tool that combines photographs taken using a 3-D camera with haptic (sense of touch) technology to create a three-dimensional tactile interactive simulator (TDI).
The purpose of the device, originally designed to educate young surgeons on operating on a human body, was discovered by Dr. Richter when he observed that children with autism could use it to explore the world through their fingertips. The system includes a 40-inch 3D television and an articulated arm with a stylus at the end that sends sensations to correspond with the picture on the screen. So when someone views a 3D image of an apple, he or she will be able to feel its smoothness using the stylus.
The company’s development of T.H.I.S. and Dr. Richter’s expectations for the future of the product are discussed in this section.
Axis Global Enterprises, Inc.
Owners: Ross D. Vierra, president; Joshua C. Canada, vice president; Earl W. Walker IV, partner
Founded: 2009
Axis was formed in 2009 as a road marking business and has since expanded into a design-build, contractor, and security technology firm with revenue that rose by 204 percent from 2013 to ’14. Its solutions cover everything from full-service general contracting and development in the construction sector to providing integrated security and fire technology solutions through the ASI Security division.
Axis (as ASI Security) has become a lead dealer for Active Shooter Detection Systems, a life-saving technology that is revolutionizing the way public and private institutions across the country respond to active shooter situations. The next projects include Back Bay Brewing’s new production facility in Dorchester, as well as a brewing facility near Virginia Tech. They were hired for $6 million on a firm-fixed price contract to renovate 43,000 square feet of new laboratories at NASA Langley Research Center beginning in March.
Cookie Text
Owner: Jeanne Fiocca
Founded: 2011
Location: Home-based in Yorktown
In most cases, automobiles and lawn equipment are stored in garages. Jeanne Fiocca has ovens. nFiocca, the founder and owner of Cookie Text, crafts unique sweets in her garage, which is now a tiny cookie-making station after being remodeled. Customers may include their own message or design to make these cakes ideal presents for business customers, college students, or anybody who likes a sweet treat.
When Fiocca started making and decorating cakes for her children, she discovered a creative side that she hadn’t been able to nurture in her previous job as an occupational therapist. She loved interacting with others, so she decided to start a business selling sweet items. The notion for the company came to her while she was sleeping, and she’s never stopped thinking up new ways to improve it since.Fiocca discusses difficulties she’s had, what has worked best for her company, and why being the cookie lady is the most pleasurable profession imaginable.