Page 6 Brandon Chamber Small Business of the Year Special Edition 2011/2012

Anniversary

30TH

Minority & Women-Owned

Minority & Women-Owned

Campbells Dairyland Continues Family Dream For Family-Friendly Treats

By Alissa Bridges

Leonards Academy of Dance And Arts Provides Opportunities For Dancers

By Josh Massaro

THE OWNERS OF CAMPBELLS DAIRYLAND, JAY AND JILL PAULES AND LEESA AND JAMES LEE.

Photos By Huth & Booth

Since first opening its doors 26 years ago, Campbells Dairyland, Inc. has provided the Brandon area with its own hidden treasure, supplying citizens with comfortfood munchies and delicious desserts. The family-friendly restaurant and ice cream shop provides patrons with madeto-order food that can be eaten at leisure in their indoor or outdoor seating or whisked back home after a quick run through their drive-thru. Original owners Boyd and Pam Campbell first opened the doors to Campbells Dairy Isle in 1985. Boyd and Pam had such a desire to make a restaurant that families could come and enjoy both their time together and great food, said Jill Paules, co-owner of Campbells Dairyland with her sister Leesa Lee. From the very beginning they worked tirelessly to make a success of the restaurant. Before retiring and selling Campbells,

Boyd trained Jay Paules and James Lee to run the business as he had and instilled a great sense of pride in his baby. He taught us that quality of product would win with customers, said Jill Paules. Boyd and Pam sold the business to Jill and Leesa in 1998 and the two couples have run the restaurant ever since. In 2002, a fire closed the restaurant for 8 months, but it was rebuilt to the original specs and reopened in 2003. We had learned so much from Boyd and Pam. We all share a great desire to continue the Campbells legacy that we have been blessed with, said Jill Paules. Each time we meet customers that come in as children, who now bring their own children, we are extremely moved. Seeing Boyd and Pams dream realized has become and continues to be our inspiration. Campbells Dairyland is located at 200 S. Parsons Ave. near Oakfield Dr. and near Brandon Regional Hospital. With comfortable outdoor patio, a small play area and indoor seating, it is a great place for a family meal or worth the trip for a sweet ice cream treat. Campbells is open Mon -Thurs from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 685-1189, visit its Facebook page or find the menu on www.couponclipper.com.

LEONARDS ACADEMY OWNER LEONARD MARDIS

Photos By Huth & Booth

Leonards Academy of Dance and Centre for the Arts is owned and operated by Leonard Mardis. Mardis, who was a member of the United States army for 21 years, has dedicated his life to teaching the art of dance to people in a unique way. He strives to integrate technical training and multi-cultural themes to his dance instruction. Dance crosses borders, said Mardis. The language of dance is the same everywhere. Mardis, who has traveled the world due to dance and the military, has been impacted by many cultures and believes it is important for all dancers to experience. Mardis was inspired by dance for the first time at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in Germany while in the military.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was my first inspiration after seeing their performance in Frankfurt, Germany in 1991 and today my brother, who dances, and the children and adults I now teach continue to keep that inspiration alive, said Mardis. Leonards Academy of Dance and Centre for the Arts is open to students ages three and up. Mardis and his professional dance instructors provide instruction in any type of dance. This year, Leonards Academy of Dance and Centre for the Arts was chosen to be a Small Business of the Year finalist by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Im completely thrilled to be recognized by the community after only being in business for five years. In spite of uncertain economy, we are still growing and this pays tribute to God, the community, and the great people at the academy, said Mardis. Right now, Mardis has about 100 students, but the academy is growing rapidly. Mardis is looking to grow the academy by adding a after school program, drama program, and satellite locations. For more information about Leonards Academy of Dance and Centre for the Arts call (813) 653-0400 or visit www.LADBRANDON.com. The studio is located at 302 W. Robertson St. Brandon.

Our business continues to grow thanks to your kind referrals of friends and family members. Have them call today so they can enjoy state-of-the-art dental care in a warm, relaxing environment just like you do! Thank You! From All of Us at Sip Signature Dentistry.

CONGRATULATIONS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NOMINEES AND FINALISTS! 813.447.9909 WWW.HBPHOTO.COM

Michael A. Sip,D.M.D
Office (813) 689-9623

2011

TO ALL