Andy Zimmerman sells a lot of speakers in 14½ hours a week. He’s kept Saturday Audio Exchange, his Lakeview high-fidelity equipment shop, open no more than three short days a week for 31 years. “The strange hours are very simple … Continue reading
In 1967, there were 91 bowling alleys in the city of Chicago, according to the United States Bowling Congress. Now, as rising property values squeeze renters and owners alike, only 15 remain. Bob Kuhn’s Timber Lanes Bowling Alley, located at … Continue reading
At work, Rowan Richards — a former minor league baseball player turned Chicago commodities trader — was surrounded by millionaires. From his apartment, he stared out at a community ravaged by crime and poverty. That wasn’t working. So Richards left … Continue reading
Kathryn Minshew quit her job at McKinsey to launch a website that would help professional women find the right companies to work for. The project failed, but she rebuilt the idea into The Muse: a site that lets job seekers … Continue reading
Each week, Grid does a deep dive on the economics of everyday, brick-and-mortar businesses, from a tattoo parlor to a dog-walker. This week, we examine how a stationery store makes money. Getting started: Chandra Greer worked two jobs while her husband was establishing his … Continue reading
Each week, Grid does a deep dive on the economics of everyday, brick-and-mortar businesses, from a tattoo parlor to a dog-walker. This week, we examine how an auto repair shop makes money. Start-up: In 2009, Jayne Ciasto and Gil Valdez … Continue reading
Twenty years ago, Arlington Heights native Tony Magee founded Lagunitas Brewing in Lagunitas, Calif. This summer, Magee comes home in a big way, as his company will open a 300,000-square-foot brewery with a 1.7 million barrel capacity in Chicago’s Douglas … Continue reading
Getting Started: Kevin Starai opened A+ in the spring of 2008. Before striking out on his own, Starai had worked for 12 years as an artist in other shops around town. To get A+ off the ground, Starai spent less … Continue reading
Gina Charlton is drawing a blank. “This is the way the world ends!” she reads. “Not with a bang but with… ” Charlton shuffles through her options. Keanu Reeves? Autocannibalism? A gassy antelope? “Oh my god,” she cries. “Do I … Continue reading
Michelle Blakely, a former professional dancer, founded personal training company Blakely FIT 10 years ago. Last year, she was voted the city’s best personal trainer by the Chicago Reader. Blakely specializes in strength training for women. Rita Polevoy started RediSetFit … Continue reading