3 York County female entrepreneurs taking their dreams to the bank
- Launching a business is a big endeavor. When it came to financing their dream, these three businesses in York County turned to PeoplesBank.
From entrepreneurs just starting their first small business to companies passed on from generation to generation, PeoplesBank‘s business banking professionals have helped York County businesses every step of the way.
Here are just a few stories of businesses that have worked with PeoplesBank.
Amy’s Custom Cakery, Dover
Amy Wasser’s first job was working in a bakery. She would admire the cake decorator’s work and later try doing it herself. During her last semester studying baking and pastry arts at Pennsylvania College of Technology, her dad found the perfect building for sale in Dover for what became Amy’s Custom Cakery.
“We are known as a custom cake shop, but we have a storefront where you can walk in and purchase small goodies out of our shop,” she says. “We have cupcakes, cakeballs, cream cheese pies, cakes and assorted chocolate-dipped goodies made daily for your pleasure.”
One of Amy’s early struggles was accepting help and escaping the mindset that she needed to do everything herself. When she got pregnant with twins a year into business, she didn’t have a choice but to hire an employee. "I've been very blessed to have such a great team work beside me everyday,” she says today.
When it came to financing her business, Amy wanted a local bank who was close and personal. “As a business owner, you visit the bank quite frequently to make deposits, and having the same smiling faces every day makes it a happy and comforting experience.”
“PeoplesBank was very professional, accommodating and prompt with all forms of communication,” Amy says. “They really try to help small businesses get their name out there as much as they can as a thank you for using them, and I really think that shows a lot about them as a company.”
amyscustomcakery.com
717-292-0880
83 W Canal St, Dover, PA 17315
Treasured Motorcars, New Freedom
Allison Griffiths’ parents, Geoffrey and Barbara Griffiths, started Treasured Motorcars in 1980. Allison never intended to be part of the business, but in 2007, when her dad’s health began to go downhill, she retired early from law enforcement and returned to take over the company.
Restoring antique cars is a sentimental journey for Allison’s clients. Whether they’re reliving a childhood or college dream or the car has been handed down through the family, it often becomes a part of their personalities. “The cars and the people create a special story and a special memory for each car,” she says.
Being a female in a male dominated industry, Allison had to establish herself as a businesswoman, accomplished and capable. Part of that process was hiring and surrounding herself with the right people. “All together, we can make more wonderful things come to life,” she says.
In 2019, Allison was looking to expand the business and move to Southern York County. In the process, she connected with PeoplesBank, who she met a few years earlier. "They were so supportive and thorough, and they educated and guided me,” Allison says. “They were personal with professionalism.”
treasuredmotorcars.com
717-227-6787
917 E. Tolna Rd. New Freedom, PA 17349
Above and Beyond Christian Child Care Center, Hanover
Janice Bortner, founder of Above and Beyond Christian Child Care Center, worked at another daycare for nearly a decade but saw that there was a greater need for childcare than they were meeting. Janice and her husband decided to step out and launch a center of ther own.
"We truly care about the staff and families we serve,” Janice says. “I am not some distant owner who is leaving the decisions to others and just collecting the money. We put a lot of the money back into the business to make it a better place for the children. Our staff have to love children to work here.”
When it came time to launch the childcare center, Janice turned to the familiar faces at PeoplesBank. She has been working with them for over a decade for personal banking and appreciated how helpful and friendly the staff had always been to her.
“Owning a business is not easy,” Janice says today. “To be successful takes a lot of work, dedication, and determination. If you love what you do, it’s all worth it, and I sure love knowing the children at my center are loved and well cared for.”
aboveandbeyondcccc.org
717-634-3222
701 Black Rock Rd, Hanover, PA 17331
Contact PeoplesBank today
For 158 years, businesses have trusted PeoplesBank not just with their money but also with their goal setting and achievements. Contact them today to learn how they can help you in any stage of your business.