From campgrounds to cybersecurity, these 4 York County founders leaned on CGA Law Firm to launch their ventures

Rebecca Stover started Midtown Hair Company 10 years ago after watching her father build his own career as an entrepreneur. She started her career in Manhattan, where she worked as a lead stylist creative director for two very successful salons before she decided it was time to do something for herself.

“I was confident I had the knowledge to do the same here in York — without the investors and partners,” Rebecca says. “I was excited to bring my passion and knowledge to York and create the ‘gold standard’ locally.”

Her salon’s success brought with it the challenges many growing businesses see and Rebecca soon found herself navigating being an employer and hunting down a location she could purchase rather than lease. She turned to the same law firm her dad used his entire career: CGA Law Firm.

Not only did CGA help her with the initial filings and paperwork to get started, but they represented Midtown Hair Company for the purchase of the newest location, 2200 S. Queen Street.

With her business continuing to see success — and a wait list of clients hoping to snag a seat with one of her stylists — Rebecca is focused on continuing to build that growth. Her salon team is completing a one-year business program from Pip University, and she is excited to invest in the best trainings available.

Montez Parker launched Parker International two years ago after serving in the Air Force, which included a tour in Iraq, and later working as a police officer. “It was my goal to continue safeguarding my nation by creating a security firm with discipline and excellence,” he says.

Parker International focuses on both physical security services and cyber security reinforcements. He gained traction in 2021 for his work with Better York to complete a feasibility study for a camera security system in the City of York.

Montez saw a way to do things better for his community, and he was excited to bring his skillset and expertise to a variety of businesses and organizations in York. He worked with CGA Law Firm to organize and establish his business.

CGA also helped him draft contracts that ensured the best legal agreements between his organization and the clients he serves. “I hope to become a staple security firm in Central Pennsylvania, and a leader in cyber defense,” he says.

It was August 2021 when Campground Island went on the market, and the Thomas family saw the potential in the property. It was formerly known as Conewago Isle Campground. And before that, Flo-De-On.

Jess Thomas is the president of company, with her husband, Ryan, and his parents, Greg and Trich, coming alongside as business partners. “We love the idea of taking something run down and bringing it back to life again,” Jess says. “We saw a distressed business in a growing industry and just went for it.

Ryan has worked with CGA Law Firm for legal advice for his growing Coldwell Banker Real Estate business, and he helped continue that relationship when the family wanted to purchase Campground Island. “They are thorough in their research and reliable in their knowledge and expertise,” Ryan added.

The Thomas family has wasted no time in getting to work to make upgrades to the camp property. Upgraded electrical systems and renovations to the site’s buildings started almost right away.

They’ll be adding lighting and a community fire pit, as well as improving the playground. With about 80 percent of the campsites alongside the water, the family hopes campers find a unique, nature experience when they visit.

Donna Kratz had her own preconceived notions about fitness. Always a runner and tennis player, she often wondered why she wasn’t sculpted like other athletes. When she tore her shoulder and started strength training, someone suggested she consider body building.

“I always thought body builders were huge,” she admits. “But I was ready for something different, I was up for the challenge.” In September 2020, Donna launched DKFIT LLC. With the help of CGA Law Firm, she made sure she had the right legal filings in place to start her business.

She left her job as a fitness trainer at a local gym, right when the pandemic made it challenging for many folks to get to a gym to workout. “There was an opportunity here for me to offer something different for people,” she says.

Whether it’s via Zoom, at someone’s home, or even at her own home, Donna has been building her book of clients and helping people take small steps and make daily commitments to their health.

“I had a lot of preconceived notions about fitness when I started,” she says. “I hope I can show women especially that what they thought about strength training and nutrition probably just isn’t true.”