By JIM ECKSTROM | Dec 11, 2024
OLEAN — The five small businesses in the 2024 cohort of the Laine Business
Accelerator are all unique, yet the founders each shared similar visions that led
them to turn their passions into business enterprises that continue to evolve and
grow.
The five businesses — Gardner Chiropractic owned by Emily and Sam Gardner,
Alexander’s Quality Transport owned by Arnim Alexander, Janae Kosciol’s Olean’s
Wellness Store, Dylan Spencer’s Solemates Sneakers & Vintage and Jean Smith’s
Rusty Rooster Farm & Vintage — were celebrated Tuesday evening in this year’s
Laine Business Accelerator (LBA) Showcase in the Cutco Theater on the
Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus.
Each business owner shared their individual stories with the audience, and they
then received $5,000 checks presented by James E. Stitt, chairman of Cutco, and
Marianne Laine, widow of Erick Laine, namesake of the Business Accelerator
program who was the former CEO and chairman of Cutco. Mr. Laine, who passed
away in December 2020 at the age of 87, is remembered for his business
leadership and philanthropy in the Greater Olean area.
The evening was hosted by Tom Cullen, co-founder and director of the LBA who is
also director of St. Bonaventure University’s Innovation Center. The LBA is a
collaboration between SBU and JCC and it’s the signature program of the Olean
Business Development Corp., which is led by its president and executive director,
Bob Forness.
“All over, people are coming and talking to us and asking us what we’re doing, how
we’re doing it, and they’re even offering us some of their funds” for the LBA,
Cullen said, noting the recognition the program is receiving.
Forness noted the LBA has now guided 30 total small businesses in four years —
businesses that have created some 150 jobs, occupied seven previously empty
storefronts and increased revenues approximately 2½ times since they took part in
the accelerator.
“Now we can’t necessarily take all the credit for that,” he said, “but I think it’s
clear we’ve been able to help.”
GARDNER CHIROPRACTIC
After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa, Sam and Emily
Gardner started their chiropractic business at 2420 Constitution Ave., offering a
wide variety of services in addition to standard techniques, including pediatric
adjustments. On stage Tuesday evening, they shared stories of being able to help a
6-month-old baby who cried out in pain each time she was placed in a car seat, as
well as other successful treatments of pediatric patients.
“Our goal ... is to cultivate a healthier you,” the Gardner’s say. “We want to help
facilitate your ability to move and function throughout your day.”
The Gardner’s were also the recipients of the James E. Stitt Community Builder of
the Year Award, which was voted on by the other members of the 2024 cohort.
ALEXANDER’S QUALITY TRANSPORT
What started out as a side hustle for Arnim Alexander turned into a growing non-
emergency medical transportation business that addresses a need in Olean and
Cattaraugus County. AQT assists medical patients by giving them safe, reliable
transportation to and from their appointments.
AQT is Medicaid certified and has contracts with Total Senior Care, the
Cattaraugus County Department of Aging, Interfaith Caregivers and other
organizations. Alexander has plans to add more vehicles and drivers to his service
to serve more clients in the Greater Olean area.
OLEAN’S WELLNESS STORE
Janae Kosciol became the new owner of OWS after working for the former owner,
Vic Vena Jr., for 10 years. Vena had approached her about taking over the business
in 2023 and she took on the challenge, moving it to a more advantageous location
and expanding product offerings designed to enhance an individual’s health.
She noted a top-selling product line in the store, 1st Phorm, which includes
everything from protein powders and post-workout drinks to energy drinks and
vitamin supplements, served herself well in a personal journey to lose more than
100 pounds.
SOLEMATES SNEAKERS & VINTAGE
Dylan Spencer said a passion for sneakers and vintage sports and casual wear,
which he shares with his brother Adam, led to starting the business, located on
Main Street in Allegany. After some initial sales, almost as a hobby, a trip to
Sneaker Con in Cleveland showed just how big the market is for exclusive, hard to
find and vintage athletic footwear as well as branded sportswear, t-shirts, hats and
other apparel.
The Spencer’s opened their retail location in February 2024 after years of selling
through trade shows and online marketplaces.
THE RUSTY ROOSTER FARM & VINTAGE
What began as the purchase of a building in Portville to allow Jean Smith to mode
her online business — the sale of vintage goods along with rough cut wood slabs
out of her home — evolved into the large retail space that is located at 484
Highland Terrace. Smooth recently added The Chocolate Roost, specializing in
gourmet chocolates, candies and seasonal favorites, coffees and popcorn.
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