KYLE HARRIS
BUSINESS: Maryland Property Renovations (MPR)
MILITARY SERVICE: Army - Human Resources and Combat Engineering
WHY DID YOU START MARYLAND PROPERTY RENOVATIONS?
I opened MPR in 2017, to help repair and maintain comfortable spaces for people in and around their homes.
WHAT CHARACTER TRAIT DO YOU MOST ATTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Communication
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I genuinely care and work hard to provide quality service that people will want to recommend to friends and family.
MPRreno.com
RUDY MARSH
BUSINESS: Lytebox Photography
MILITARY SERVICE: Army - Communication Tech Control Specialist/ Crypto Maintenance Tech
WHY DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I had always dreamed of being a photographer. This desire started when, at age 13, my mom bought me a camera. The seed grew from there and I started Lytebox Photography in 2011.
WHAT CHARACTER TRAIT DO YOU MOST ATTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS AND WHY?
Curiosity—I love people and their life experiences. This is why I like working with athletes. I tell stories through the images I take...my curious nature helps me to capture an image that can tell you something without saying a word.
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I love my family and community. And, I believe in community support of homeless and misplaced families, especially Veterans.
LyteboxPhotography.com
CRYSTAL MAGUIRE
BUSINESS: Winsupply Frederick
MILITARY SERVICE: Army - Logistics Captain
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO SERVE?
The military was an incredible learning experience for me...My military career pushed me in ways that I could never have imagined. I got VERY comfortable being uncomfortable...that is what prepared me for owning a business.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
When I left the Army, I assumed that nothing would fill the space that being a solider filled...especially as a civilian. I found a fantastic entrepreneur training program that teaches transitioning military officers how to run a Winsupply company from the ground up...I was their first female recruit. I opened Winsupply of Frederick in 2018, and it's the perfect fit for me!
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN FREDERICK?
I absolutely LOVE networking in Frederick. This town is all about relationships, community and seeing others succeed.
Lighting.WinsupplyOfFrederick.com
JOE VOLPE
BUSINESS: Lights Camera Local
MILITARY SERVICE: Navy - Master-At-Arms
WHY DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
I officially started Lights Camera Local in 2019 because of my passion for being creative. However, I have been a freelance photographer/videographer for over ten years. I love the process of capturing special or unique moments of time and telling a story with my cameras.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FREDERICK FAVORITES?
I am infatuated with Downtown Frederick. It doesn't matter what time or day or year, I always find something to point my camera at.
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I refuse to use the phrase "I can't." If I do not know how to do something, I am willing to learn.
LightsCameraLocal.com
DENNIS THOMAS
BUSINESS: Urbana Dryer Vent Cleaning
MILITARY SERVICE: Navy - Nuclear Trained Submarine Mechanic
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MILITARY?
I lost my father when I was young and my grandfather helped raise me. He taught me the value of hard work and how to fix things. He was an enlisted mechanic on the destroyer, USS Saufley, for the duration of WWII. One reason I joined the Navy was to honor his legacy. It was one of the best choices I ever made.
WHAT CHARACTER TRAIT DO YOU MOST ATTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Expertise and honesty...I've seen it all when it comes to dryer vents and I understand how fires start. I also treat my customers like family.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN FREDERICK?
My kids and I love going to Spinners pinball arcade. It's cool to see young kids playing old games that I grew up with.
UrbanaDryerVentCleaning.com
