ASHLAND — Angela Ringler bought Advantage Marketing, Inc. in 2017, picking up where the previous owner, Kim Spreng, left off.
Ringler had worked there since 2010 before buying it. She told a crowd Tuesday afternoon that her ownership of Advantage came about quietly.
But for its 30th anniversary, she wanted to celebrate.
The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting Tuesday in honor of the milestone.
Advantage Marketing received recognition from the city, a proclamation from Secretary of State Frank LaRose and from the Chamber.
“We’re so excited that you’re a young professional who’s settled with your family here in Ashland, Ohio,” said Amy Daubenspeck, the chamber president.
All about customer service
Amanda Booth, Advantage’s marketing coordinator, has worked there for 17 years. She started as an intern while at Ashland University and never left.
“I always just felt at home here,” Booth said.
After 17 years, she said much of the staff has remained the same. And, she added, it’s been a seamless transition from Spreng’s ownership to Ringler’s.
Kimberlee Oberholtzer, a 20+ year employee at Advantage, agreed with Booth. Oberholtzer said the growth the business has seen over the years has been exciting.
Booth said it all comes back to the importance of community and customer service. Spreng, the original owner, placed those values in high regard. Booth said Ringler has continued both traditions.
Ringler said it’s important to her that Advantage’s customer service is strong. From pens to promotional clothing items, her business works hard to compete with larger companies, she said.
That means Advantage can continue to support and boost the local economy.
“We live here, shop here, play here,” Ringler said. “We’ve started our families here, and I’m so excited the community has supported and sustained us for so long.”