Local couple opens business complex
Staff reporter
When entrepreneurs David and Laura Yates of rural Marion, see an opportunity, they seize it and try to make the most of it.
Just a few years ago, they opened Mid-America Marble in Marion Business Park, a company that specializes in marble products for the home and office, because they knew specialty marble companies were not in this area.
Their current venture is a "strip mall" concept with building that eventually will house three businesses in the business park.
Superior Wine and Liquor and The Hair Company, 1240 Commercial Drive, now are open for business with plans for a convenience store still in the works.
The beauty salon, operated by Laura, was located in downtown Marion. The couple decided it made sense to have the salon under the same roof as their other retail businesses, so the business was relocated six weeks ago to the new location.
Superior Wine and Liquor opened Old Settlers' Day, Sept. 30.
The couple prides itself on providing personal service and a full-line of alcoholic beverages.
"We can special order just about anything," David said, at no extra charge to the customer.
The business owners particularly pride themselves on selling ice cold beer.
Maintaining his full-time job, David worked nights at Boeing and days and weekends at the marble shop.
When Boeing was sold to Spirit, David, after 21 years with the company, was among 888 40-something employees who lost their jobs. He took the retirement option that was offered to him and now spends all of his time at the marble shop, liquor store, and works on the construction of the convenience store.
Son Michael Yates also assists his father with the marble business.
The complex is located west of Trace of Copper with the liquor store on the far west end of the building, the convenience store will be in the middle, and the hair salon on the east side.
In addition to a typical convenience store with fountain, bottled, and canned drinks, prepared sandwiches, snacks, and cigarettes, two tanning beds also will be available.
"The purpose of putting all of these businesses under one roof is so the businesses can work together, hand-in-hand," he said.
Laura is excited about the possibilities.
"Whenever the convenience store is open, the tanning beds will be available," she said.
No opening date has been announced regarding the convenience store but the couple hope to have the tanning beds in operation by the end of February.
Since Laura has moved her salon to the highway, she said she lost a few clients but also gained some.
"It's so much easier for my clients to get to," she said, particularly for those who are elderly or handicapped because the new facility meets ADA (American Disabilities Act) requirements.
David believes there is a bright future for businesses in the business and industrial parks.
"It's just a matter of time before this area really takes off," he said, indicating he and Laura had more ideas that may come to light.
