By Chris Spangler
A friendly, enthusiastic shop owner who personifies the slogans “buy local” and “love where you live” was recognized by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday evening.
Lisa Tuttle Woods, owner of Tuttle’s Hallmark, was named the 2021 “Small Business Person of the Year” during the chamber’s Fall Open House at The Bridge.
“Each year, the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes a small business person on the basis of growth, staying power, business accomplishments and community involvement,” chamber President Mike Ehlers said in presenting the award.
He noted that having a business during the coronavirus pandemic has not been easy the past year-and-a-half.
“Learning to operate under the new rules of a worldwide pandemic is challenging, to say the least,” he said. “With all the uncertainty and change, it can be difficult to focus your efforts and maintain a sense of normalcy.
“But tonight’s Small Business Person of the Year has managed to make some significant contributions, in keeping with a long and dedicated commitment to the Fort Atkinson business community.”
Ehlers noted that at mkCellular, where he serves as vice president of operations, he has seen how technology is impacting today’s businesses, both good and bad.
“But when you have a business based on relationships, ‘high touch’ can be a bigger pull than ‘high tech,’ and this perspective is the winning philosophy of our 2021 recipient,” he said.
“The joy of small-town retail is knowing your customers and their preferences, and while e-commerce has certainly created some challenges for traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, there is no substitute for a personal touch,” Ehlers continued. “It’s one thing to see your special celebration called out on social media. It’s another to see it in a loved one’s handwritten note in your mailbox.”
So how, he asked, does a card and gift shop like Tuttle’s Hallmark on Main Street in Fort Atkinson continue to flourish?
Ehlers suggested that it might be due to proprietor Tuttle Woods’ investment in other small businesses. Two new chamber members now have space in Lisa’s store, offering locally made products such as Hippychick Penny’s soaps and lotions, and Hymns in My Heart greeting cards.
“Lisa is helping both these businesses expand their markets by providing access to her loyal customers, and in turn offering her customers access to new products,” Ehlers said.
In addition, the store is carrying products from Wood Street Bakery, Mangiami Italiano, and coming soon, Spencer Jelinek Photography.
Tuttle Woods also is known for cross-promoting other small businesses, often partnering with two other longtime Main Street stores, Humphrey Floral & Gift and Krueger Jeweler, on downtown retail promotions.
Ehlers shared comments from several of those retailers.
“Having worked with her on many different committees over the years, Lisa always brings a great attitude, high energy and is fun to work with,” said Paul Krueger of Krueger Jeweler. “Lisa looks for unique ways to promote her business, as well as all small businesses in Fort Atkinson.”
Tuttle’s Hallmark store manager Anne Wesner added, “Working with Lisa is an honor. Customers love when Lisa is at the store. New and old, they adore her. She has a way with people we call ‘Lisa-ism.’ Her love for Fort and people are contagious, just like her laugh.”
Ehlers said Tuttle Woods’ success might also be due to her willingness to jump in and fill a need when she sees one.
“When Lisa’s mother, Trudy, passed away, Lisa and her family created Trudy’s Room, a space at First United Methodist Church dedicated to fostering the well-being of infants and young children by facilitating the donation, collection and distribution of clothing, diapers, furniture and other basic supplies to families while helping them achieve economic independence,” Ehlers said.
Her success also might be due to her “get-it-done” attitude, he pointed out.
“When the Project LEAD Class of 2018 completed their Riverwalk Plaza project, Lisa and her staff jumped in to help organize a riverwalk holiday tree lighting, which has now become a tradition in our downtown district,” the chamber president recalled.
He also shared some remarks by longtime retail partner Tim Humphrey of Humphrey Floral & Gift.
“In the many years I have known Lisa Tuttle Woods, I have never seen her without a smile,” Humphrey said. “Whether working in the Hallmark store, volunteering for a chamber event, selling insurance or just walking to work, Lisa always has a smile and something good to say!
“Retail is in her blood and she’s not lost her enthusiasm for keeping Main Street and Fort Atkinson a vibrant place to shop, work, and live,” he added. “Thank you, Lisa, for being one of the reasons so many people say, ‘We like it here!’”
Ehlers noted that as if she were not busy enough working at Tuttle’s Hallmark and Day Insurance, Tuttle Woods also finds time to be active in the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club, the American Association of University Women and the Unity Project of Fort Atkinson.
“So, with gratitude for her dedication to our downtown and our community overall, and for investing in her own business and other micro businesses, we are honored to have our 2020 award winner, Erin Patterson, present this year’s Small Business Person of the Year award to Lisa Tuttle Woods,” Ehlers said.
Patterson, of Paddy Coughlin’s Pub, was presented the award virtually last year, as the Fall Open House was canceled due to the pandemic.
Ehlers said she was nominated for “her perpetual enthusiasm in cross-promoting other small businesses and her creativity in delivering quality customer service, even while her business was closed.”
Patterson and her husband, Mitch, also opened 10-62 Saloon last year, offering yet another establishment that draws people to the downtown district, Ehlers noted, asking her to join him in recognizing Tuttle Woods “so both can receive your collective appreciation for all they do in our community and beyond.”
A surprised Tuttle Woods expressed her appreciation for the Small Business Person of the Year Award.
“Thank you so much. All the things that were mentioned, I feel so tangential to all of that,” she said. “Trudy’s Room, that was Marianne (Bardenwerper); all the creativity at my store, that was Anne (Wesner). I have a lot of enthusiasm for things; I’m not always so good with follow-through, so I like have people who are also enthusiastic.
“So thank you so much; this was such a surprise. I really appreciate it,” she concluded.
Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce 2021 “Small Business Person of the Year” award recipient Lisa Tuttle Woods, pictured center, is presented with a plaque by last year’s award recipient Erin Patterson, of Paddy Coughlin’s Pub, at left, and chamber President Mike Ehlers. Kim McDarison photo.
Surrounded by family, Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce 2021 Small Business Person of the Year award recipient Lisa Tuttle Woods receives words of congratulations from attendees at the chamber’s Fall Open House held Tuesday at The Bridge in downtown Fort Atkinson. Kim McDarison photo.
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