JB's Health Mart selected Business of the Month for April 2010 by the State of Missouri University - Small Business and Technology Development Center. Read more about ACHS graduate Jane Thomas' business here.
JB’s Health Mart Staff: Dan and Jane Thomas, Bobbie McQuitty and Ginny Henderson (Photo courtesy: West Plains Quill)
"My business has been selected to be the business of the month by the State of Missouri University - Small Business and Technology Development Center. [...] I could not be where I am right now without the excellent education and support that I have received from you [Dorene Petersen], your outstanding instructors, and wonderful staff. [...] Many thanks again." —Jane Thomas
By Tara Horton, SBTDC Training Coordinator
JB’s Health Mart, West Plains, Missouri, was the first small business venture for owners Dan and Jane Thomas. The Thomas’ purchased the business in 2009, with the help of the SBTDC on the Missouri State University-West Plains campus. Counselor Russell Wyrick helped them evaluate the initial asking price and helped the Thomas’ determine the growth potential of the store, a fair market value, and assisted in researching the market potential and competition. Eventually, they reached a purchase agreement and have been working hard in JB’s ever since. The Thomas’ said, “We consulted with Russell Wyrick before and after purchasing our business. His suggestions and advice have been invaluable to us, and by applying them, our business is growing and prospering.”
JB’s Health Mart carries a full line of herbs, vitamins, minerals and bodybuilding supplements in powder, pill, capsule and liquid forms. They also carry a full line of homeopathic remedies and offer advice to customers in holistic health practices. Their grocery department includes gluten free foods, sugar free items, dairy free alternatives, locally raised honey, produce, cheese, beef and elk. They also carry wild caught salmon, chemical free white shrimp and other seasonal seafood. Plus, they offer nitrite free hot dogs, bacon and lunch meats. Bulk spices, herbs, nuts, dried fruit and a wide variety of baking flours and supplies can also be found.
In addition to JB’s food products, they offer monthly workshops on a variety of topics such as women’s health, naturopathy, alternative healing, product making, weight loss, herbalism and more. The staff is happy to help customers with questions about meal planning, nutrition and healthy alternatives to their favorite recipes. The also offer an outstanding resource department of books, pamphlets and brochures. Customers have full access to the store library and can use the reference material and knowledge of the staff to increase their knowledge of healthier ways of living.
According to owner Jane Thomas, “Our number one emphasis is outstanding customer service and personalized attention.” Counselor Russell Wyrick adds, “While working with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas it became clear to me that JB’s Health Mart was more than just a business opportunity to them; they truly care about making a positive impact on the health and well-being of this community. I believe that customers can pick up on that sort of thing. When a business owner is sincere it generates strong customer loyalty.”
The store offers free delivery within the West Plains city limits and provides shipping worldwide. In addition to being a full-service health food store, JB’s offers professional foot and hand reflexology performed by Jane, who is a Certified Ingham Reflexologist. She is also working to become a Master Herbalist, Certified Aromatherapist and completing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Complementary Alternative Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences in Portland, Oregon (this institution is fully accredited through the [Distance Education Training Council (DETC), which is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an accrediting body]).
In 2010, watch for expansion of JB’s, which will include more bulk foods aimed to save the customers money. For more information on JB’s Health Mart, visit their website at www.jbshealthmart.com
Note, this article originally appeared in the April 2010 edition of the Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers newsletter.
