IN BUSINESS

IN BUSINESS

At SML Wellness & Fitness, there are no gossiping trainers, powerlifting bodybuilders or gym bunnies. There are only Rob Jordan and Dwight Ward, owners and personal trainers at the facility.

The two previously worked at Gold's Gym in Roanoke, Ward as general manager, Jordan as personal training manager.

"I found that a lot of people who wanted to do personal training didn't want to be in a big box environment," said Jordan, who lives in Goodview. "I started taking clients into a private studio ... and I found myself getting more clients."

The experience was a revelation of sorts for the friends; they opened SML Wellness & Fitness in March. The facility has two rooms, one containing cardio and core-training-equipment and one with strength-training equipment.

"We keep it simple just to prove to everybody that you don't have to be a millionaire," said Jordan, adding that they can help people design home gyms as well.

At the first appointment, Ward, of Roanoke, said they perform a total body composition analysis on the client, taking measurements and assessing risk factors.

"We hear about their goals and give them a questionnaire," he said. "Then Rob and I formulate a workout between the two of us that our client can do."

Training sessions last one hour. During the first month, Ward said they offer unlimited sessions for clients. Beyond that, clients pay per visit ($50) or per month at 12 sessions per month, for one ($500), two ($900) or three ($1,200) months. After that, he said they hope clients will be more comfortable on their own or at a gym.

"We're not looking for commitments," said Jordan. "We're set up for short-term individual goals. We're trying to take the fear of going to a gym away from them."

While the clients are in Jordan and Ward's care, the business partners said they push the clients to succeed, hoping to show them how much fitness can improve not only health, but quality of life.

"What you get out of us is an investment in life," said Ward. "To be able to have a good, healthy lifestyle and to live longer and be more independent is an investment."

SML Wellness & Fitness, Halesford Professional Center, 16575 Moneta Road, Suite 201, Moneta. (540) 296-0770.

Paul Miller is a lake businessman. Since he moved to the lake in 2002, he's started three businesses. Westlake Signs was followed by Lake Mart & Deli. After both were thriving, he sold them to new owners and has now started on what he sees as another lake-area need: irrigation systems.

"I was in it for 25 years in Florida before I moved here," said Miller. "I had the experience in it and I saw the need for it."

Miller said the lake already had one irrigation company, but there were so many people who needed installations and service work that it was common to see Vinton and Roanoke companies traveling to the lake to fill the need. Enter SML Irrigation. Miller's company installs, maintains and services irrigation systems. He said it also services irrigation systems installed by other companies.

To get the business rolling, he brought in an old friend, Scott Cook, an irrigation technician from Florida with more than 25 years experience.

"I've got the best technician around," said Miller.

He said he and his employees strive to provide quick, professional service. Estimates and service work can often be done the same day a call comes in. Normal installation takes four to five days.

Since opening, Miller said business has been good, with customer referrals driving new business. He said once friends and neighbors see what an irrigation system can do, they're often clamoring for their own.

"You have constant color, constant growth," said Miller.

Many people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on their landscaping, but often lose it because of inconsistent rain or inconsistent watering from hoses and sprinklers, he said.

"We do not water sidewalks, driveways or porches. You only water the plants with the amount of water that's needed."

The automatic irrigation systems come with water sensors that turn off the system when the correct amount of water has filtered through the ground. It also measures rain water, so customers don't waste water and money running their irrigation systems when the rain is already watering their lawns.

The consistency in watering, said Miller, not only saves money and keeps grass greener, but there are real estate benefits as well.

"It increases the value of the home," he said. "Not only because they have a system installed, but because they have a nicer looking lawn."

SML Irrigation, 418 Harbor Landing Drive, Moneta. (540) 719-2222.

For 23 years, lake residents have bought high-end indoor furniture at Interiors by Kris. Since April 15, customers have been able to outfit their outdoors with high-end furniture from Kris Willard's new business, Inside Out by Kris.

"We've always carried these outdoor lines [at Interiors by Kris], but we've never been able to show it," she said, adding that a lot of showroom space is needed to display outdoor furniture.

Many of her Interiors by Kris customers have visited the new store and made purchases, said Willard. And being next to Kroger, there are many walk-in shoppers attracted by the furniture display in front of Inside Out.

The store features a variety of outdoor furniture, including sofas, tables and chairs, chaise lounges, cypress Adirondack chairs and umbrellas. It also has outdoor dog beds, dried florals, flower pots, rugs, place mats, Mariposa aluminum serving ware and lighting.

"Outdoor furniture has changed," said Willard. "There are a lot more options."

For example, customers can purchase stone or faux stone tabletops. European vinyl fabric tops also are available, featuring simulated crocodile, snake and lizard skins. And customers can purchase outdoor recliners and swivel chairs.

Inside Out is the exclusive lake dealer for Lane Venture and Brown Jordan. Lane Venture furniture features a patented drain-through upholstery system that allows furniture to dry faster after rains, said Willard.

"I've had people purchase it for indoors," she said. "They see that these fabrics are more durable."

While the showroom floor will change regularly, incorporating seasonal colors and items, including artificial Christmas trees, Willard said the furniture lines always are available.

"They can add to this for a long time to come," she said. "The collection will stay."

And if customers desire a change in fabric over the years, Willard said she can order fabric kits for all Lane Venture and Brown Jordan furniture. Replacement parts also are available.

Showroom purchases feature same-day delivery. All furniture is available in a variety of fabrics and colors. Custom orders are available within four weeks.

Inside Out by Kris, Westlake Towne Center, 84 Westlake Road, Suite 102, Hardy. (540) 719-0112.

A touch of the beach rolled into Smith Mountain Lake this year with the opening of Island Choppers. The shop sells custom-built, island-themed motorcycles. No two are alike. In fact, the only standard feature is the signature palm tree wheels.

Although the shop does not accept orders, the showroom, which features three to four bikes at a time, will be ever-changing. As customers purchase them, motorcycles waiting in the inventory will be moved to the floor.

Island Choppers also carries logoed apparel for men, women and children. Items include T-shirts, fleeces, tank tops, golf shirts, hats and sandals, with prices starting at $10.

The shop is open seven days a week and all forms of payment are accepted.

Island Choppers, Bridgewater Plaza, 16440 Booker T. Washington Highway, Unit 103, Moneta. (540) 721-1117.

IN BUSINESS

IN BUSINESS