Nancy Wagner
Owner, Wagner Law, LLC
Now in her 25th year of law practice, Nancy Wagner is the owner of Mason-based Wagner Law, which provides estate law, elder law and probate services.
“Our focus is on what we call compassionate representation,” says Nancy. “Everyone we work with is treated with care and kindness. We help people in times of crisis or people preparing for times of crisis.”
Nancy has long held a special place in her heart for helping senior citizens. Growing up in the Finneytown area, she worked at a local pharmacy where she often assisted elderly customers.
After graduating from the UC College of Law, she worked in Washington D.C. before moving back to Ohio to work with GE Aviation. She then took time away to care for her twins, Royce and Julia, and launched Wagner Law in 2012. At first, she thought she would focus on small business law, but a family need brought her back to her original passion.
“My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and I ended up doing his estate planning. It made me realize how important this area of law is for the community,” says Nancy.
Living and working in her community has also allowed her to integrate her work and family life. “I love the people here, and I love how the business community comes together. I can live and work authentically in my neighborhood,” she says.
Wagner Law continues to evolve by finding ways to meet their clients where they are, whether that’s in their home, nursing facility, over the phone or a video conference. “One of the things we do here is go to our clients if they can’t make it into the office,” says Nancy. “Working with families directly and hearing their stories is my favorite part of what I do.”
Janet Nelson
Owner, Manor House
Janet and David Nelson made their dream of working for themselves a reality after a conversation with their best friends, Bill and Kathy Kinane.
“We were on vacation together and it came up that they would like to sell their Manor House business so they could retire,” says Janet.
David was looking for a business to purchase and Janet had long been involved in nonprofits and helping with fundraisers for groups such as Mason Kiwanis, The Dragonfly Foundation and Countryside YMCA.
“Nine months later, we purchased the business,” shares Janet. “It was the Kinane’s dream to sell to another mom and pop who would take care of the business and the people.”
It was the perfect fit, and they’re happy they took the risk.
“It’s been great for us. We love working for ourselves and I love being responsible for what we are building for our employees and growing that relationship with them,” says Janet.
Their efforts to expand the business, by redeveloping their website, menus and brochures, as well as doing more bridal shows to cultivate leads, have paid off.
“Our business has grown. At the beginning of this year we were up by 25% for events. Weddings increased from 22 in 2018, to 40 in the first two months of this year. We expect to do about 150 total,” explains Janet.
They do a total of about 500 events in a year, including corporate events and fundraisers.
“The most important thing for me is that there are no complaints, that our food is fresh and tasty, and that our staff is always there to do what is needed for the client,” says Janet. “I never ask my employees to do anything I wouldn’t do. I will go out and serve guests, clean tables, whatever is needed.”
Sandy Trebour
Owner, Frutta Bowls and Diamond Quality Clean
FruttaBowls.com; DiamondQualityClean.com
Sandy Trebour and her husband Mike moved from New Jersey to Loveland in 2010, after falling in love with the area over years of visiting her sister in Mason.
At the time, Sandy was working in the trucking industry organizing fleets for large companies, requiring frequent travel. Her desire to change careers led her to start Diamond Quality Clean in 2011. They started with three employees and 28 clients. They now have more than 450 clients and 20 employees.
“It’s a very personal business, catering to each individual, family and budget,” says Sandy. “You have to build trust and be committed to consistency, quality and dependability. We built our business through word of mouth and referrals and we grew on that premise.”
Next on the horizon was Frutta Bowls, a franchise that they became familiar with when they visited their family back in New Jersey.
Frutta Bowls is the brainchild of Brooke Gagliano, a personal trainer who wanted to start a business based around a fresh, healthy menu including smoothies, bowls and toasts.
“What impressed us the most was her commitment to the highest quality ingredients and her personalized menu. My husband and I believed that people in Mason and the wider area would love it,” explains Sandy.
They opened Frutta Bowls in Deerfield Towne Center in September of 2018, and the community has embraced the concept.
“We have repeat and new customers come in every day. Men and women, people who have food allergies or food sensitivities, need to eat gluten free, vegans, they all have a place they can come to get healthy food customized for them,” says Sandy.
She is grateful for the support of Mason and Deerfield Chamber as well as Deerfield Towne Center.
“I can’t say enough about the MADE Chamber. I’m overwhelmed by the efforts they put forth to bring business owners together. We’re proud to be part of the Mason community,” Sandy shares.
Jackie Quigley
Owner, The Quigley Team-Real Estate
Jackie Quigley began her current career, as an awarded real estate agent with Comey & Shepherd and leader of The Quigley Team, because she saw an opportunity to do things differently in the community she loves.
In 2010, her family moved across the country for her husband Patrick’s job, but within a year they moved back.
“We sold our home in Mason, moved to Seattle and bought a house, got transferred back, rented a house and built a home in a two year period,” shares Jackie. “I decided to audit a real estate class because the process felt so complex. The more I learned, I realized that I could bring a different level of service to guide people through the experience.”
She got her real estate license and started her business in 2013.
“What I thought was going to be a part time gig turned into a full time team because I enjoy it so much. I’m passionate about helping people,” says Jackie.
She started her working life as an elementary school teacher, and continues to see herself as an educator. Now, it’s in the service of her team, and the buyers and sellers she works with.
“I love being a team leader and a mentor, because at heart I’m a teacher,” explains Jackie. “My job is also to educate our buyers and sellers so they can make a clear decision that is best for their family,” she says.
In the end, the best decision for Jackie’s family was returning to Mason. She feels supported by the community and lends her support right back, whether that’s being part of the Mason Schools Foundation, Mason Kiwanis or donating a portion of her closings to the Common Ground Playground.
“Mason is where we found our community, our people and our home,” shares Jackie. “I think that’s why I’ve had such success here in my business, because it’s easy to talk about my town that I love so much.”