Garrison’s Mattress Gallery
Moves to Ashland

When Brian Garrison got a call from his dad in 2005 to move up to southern Oregon and help with his furniture store, he was a little reluctant.
"I was working as a controller of a construction company in southern California and really enjoyed learning the financial side of the business and doing quite well professionally," Brian said. "I was in my mid 20s and living the dream in beautiful San Diego. I thought it was a crazy idea, which is exactly the reaction my dad knew I would have. But he's a smart guy, and all he wanted to do was plant a seed. A year later I called him and made a deal."

The deal was to work with his dad for one year and then reevaluate. "It didn't take long to fall in love with the Rogue Valley," he said. "I knew I could call this wonderful place home, but could I be happy running a furniture store? No, but I could definitely be happy as the owner, so I made another deal with my dad. I would stay, buy him out and start my own store."

Thus was born Garrison's Home Furnishings and its sister store, Garrison's Mattress Gallery, which recently opened a store in Ashland at 1522 Siskiyou Boulevard (at Walker Avenue). That was 2007, when the economy was thriving. A year later the Great Recession hit.

"Good timing, huh?" Brian said. "As tough as those times were, we were a company that excelled in customer service. It is something that my employees and I are proud of. Because of that, we have seen great growth. We started with nine employees and now have 35. We are always listening, learning and improving. Plus constantly trying to get better keeps it fun for us."

At the Mattress Gallery, the accent is on sleep.

"Our motto is, 'We Got Your Back,'" Brian said. "Not only is a good mattress good for your back, but we also take care of you before, during and after the sale. A new mattress can change your life, and we spend a lot of time selecting the right mix of product. We want to give our customers the best value for their money. More importantly, our salespeople, or Sleep Specialists, train and study and really understand how to properly fit a person to a mattress."
Brian sees his job as guiding people through the confusion so that they can find the perfect mattress. "It's hard to describe how we do that, but I invite people to come in and experience it," he said. "In the Ashland store, Pete or Jason will give you a better understanding of what you need to do to get a better night's sleep." For more info, the phone number is 541-708-6126.

Upscale Children's Resale at Kid to Kid

It's kind of funny how kids grow up so quickly. One minute they're barely scooting across the living room floor; the next minute they're at the DMV taking their driving test. Along the way, they outgrow clothes and toys so fast, it's hard to keep up.

At Kid to Kid, an upscale children's resale store at 2324 Poplar Drive in Medford, they've solved that problem for you. Owners Kori and Michael Forney, who moved to the Rogue Valley from San Jose in 1997, bought the franchise in 2011 as soon as they heard it was for sale.

"We were motivated by the timing and the opportunity," Kori said. "We realized that everything we bought our kids was used, almost like a way of life, so buying Kid to Kid was perfect. We buy and sell everything from clothing to shoes, motocross wear, maternity clothing, toys, bikes, and equipment of all kinds (high chairs, strollers, and beds)."

Kid to Kid offers cash or 20% more if the customer chooses store credit.

"Store credit is easy and convenient for customers to use," Kori said. "They can expect to have a rewarding experience at a locally-owned business where community and family matter. We feel that service is the backbone of a successful business and therefore we make every effort to provide that level of service."

Kori also strives to stock the store with products that fit ages 0-14 and maternity. "Whether customers are looking for great gift ideas or everyday items like shoes and clothing, we make sure they can find something that fits their needs," she said. "We are also expanding our new inventory as we continue to listen to what customers are asking for. We sell new dance wear, hair accessories, toys (both wooden and plastic), shoes, clothing, cloth diapers, jewelry, safety products, role play costumes, kitchen accessories, and a lot more."

In an attempt to serve their customers better, Kid to Kid is now buying all seasons all the time. "In the past, we would only buy in season, but we found in order to offer customers the best selection and service at all times, buying year-round would meet their needs better."

The store also offers drop services for customers who don't want to wait, and they have extended their hours to better serve people with jobs. The hours are 9:30am to 8pm Monday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm Sundays. The buying hours are Mon-Sat 9:30am to 7pm, and Sunday from 11-4.
For more information, the phone number is 541-779-3884, and you can check them out on Facebook or at www.kidtokid.com/medford/

Quality Construction with Jeff Hamlett

Local General Contractor Jeff Hamlett got his career start early in life, moving from a custom woodwork class in high school in southern California to an apprenticeship with a German contractor who specialized in custom home construction and remodels.

"After several years as a finish carpenter and project manager, I realized I wanted to be more involved in all aspects of the building process," Jeff said. "That included more interactions with clients, architects and sub-contractors. I continue to look forward to 'what's next' because every job brings new opportunities."

Jeff and his wife moved their young family to Ashland in 1993 to "get out of the grind of L.A. Schooling, work, family and friendship helped make the transition a decision we never regretted," he said.

Starting as a newcomer, it took several years to get Hamlett Construction established.
"I was amazed at the number of highly skilled artisans that this small community has to offer," Jeff said. "I am grateful for the many working relationships and friendships that have developed through respect and shared visions."

Jeff got his start restoring and renovating historic homes in the hills of L.A. He has transferred that knowledge to the homes of Ashland and the farmhouses of the Rogue Valley.
"My scope of building projects ranges from modest renovations to total restorations, from new homes to small commercial projects," he said. "I build with the philosophy that with a thoughtful plan, precise execution, and the proper craftsmen, you can achieve the desired outcome for any client."

Some habits are hard to get rid of, and woodworking and furniture making continue to be a great passion for Jeff.

"I create personal gifts for friends and family, and occasionally get commissioned to build a piece of furniture for a client," he said. "Homes create environments for raising families and enjoying friends. I have been extremely fortunate to be able to create and build with my hands, giving my clients a chance to unwind and enjoy their unique surroundings."

For more info, call Jeff at 541-944-8480 or visit his website at www.hamlettbuilt.com.

The Beat Goes on at Branson's Chocolates

Back in the day when the Ashland Fudge Co. was all the rage on the Plaza, Deena Branson was the rock that held it together. "I worked there for ten years for all three owners," Deena said. "I stepped away for a couple of years but realized that chocolate was my passion. When the opportunity came to purchase the production equipment and recipes from the owners of Ashland Fudge, my husband Kevin and I jumped at it."
In December 2005 they opened Branson's Chocolates, which is now located at 1662 Siskiyou.
Both Kevin and Deena grew up in the Rogue Valley. Kevin graduated from Crater High School and has worked in the Ashland area for 26 years with ALSCO (American Linen), while Deena was born and raised here, growing up on middle Clay Street.
"My father, Rex Bounds, has the oldest U-Haul business in Ashland, and I started doing his payroll 22 years ago and still do it to this day," Deena said. "But it's chocolate that is my primary focus. We are a chocolate shop that believes in using the highest quality products and local products in small batches. We believe in pricing our products in a way that you can have the 'everyday indulgence' instead of the occasional piece."
Branson's Chocolates is definitely a family business, as everyone but one employee is family. "When you walk in the shop, you will immediately smell the chocolate we're working with," Deena said. "You'll also see all the production and packaging happen right out front."
They also custom label for several business around the Rogue Valley, along with places in other states.
"That means you may have had our products without realizing it," Kevin said. "Grange Co-op's 'Rogue' Chocolate Bars, Paddington Station's chocolate bars, and Tudor Guild's chocolate bars are just a few of the places where you can find our custom labeled products."
For more info, call 541-488-7493 or go to bransonschocolates.com.