Solving a very particular pain point for Alleghenies business owners
By: Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
Somerset’s thriving Business Services by Roz and owner Roz Pugh solve a very particular pain point for Alleghenies entrepreneurs. For those who need a little assistance running their businesses, but don’t want to deal with the headache of hiring an extra employee, Pugh steps in.
So, what exactly does this look like? In short, Pugh says, she helps small businesses grow.
“That could mean marketing, assisting in reducing insurance costs, bookkeeping, scheduling and even brainstorming,” she said, adding that anything that can be delegated is something she can take on.
“For instance, Sam Kendell, who owns Touch Designs in Somerset, reached out to me. He was transitioning from general contracting to window treatments,” she explained, adding that Kendell needed help with marketing, social media, branding, a logo, a website and marketing materials.
Kendell ended up being thrilled with the results enough to write a testimonial for Pugh’s website, where he described her as a “game changer” for his business. “She created an amazing logo and manages all my marketing with great ideas I never thought of. She’s easy to work with and truly opens doors,” he said.
Jodi Brougher, owner of Cascio’s Fruit Market in Somerset is equally as effusive when she describes a project that sat on her desk too long. “I just didn’t have the time or manpower to accomplish it myself, so I called Roz and asked (begged) for her help and was not disappointed,” Brougher said, adding that Pugh got to work with little direction and finished the task. “Paying her for this service was a no-brainer,” she said.
So how did Pugh master the techniques involved in growing a business? “It’s really quite simple. I worked in my family’s manufacturing business doing everything from accounts payable, to human resources and marketing,” she said.
Pugh wears many hats these days, but all coincide well with her work supporting area entrepreneurs.
“I’m also an insurance agent who sells health, life, disability insurance and Medicare options, so when my co-workers saw my abilities, they encouraged me to do more. This inspired me to launch Business Services by Roz,” she said.
She’s also the community manager of Uptown Works, on Main Street in Somerset. “Being part of the co-working community opens doors to meeting people and networking in the business world without leaving the office and is part of the reason why my business is thriving today,” she said.
“I love to see people excited about what they do and then proceed to grow their venture and succeed in doing so.”
Pugh described the Uptown Works building as the heart of the local business community.
“It’s like a gym membership. You can come and go as you please with 24-hour access,” said Pugh, adding that she’s surrounded by supportive people from all walks of life.
Uptown Works currently hosts 60 members, ranging from financial advisors to spa owners, lawyers, travel agents and more. The Uptown Works building is also a hub for Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), a nonprofit economic development organization that supports entrepreneurs and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Pugh not only has a vested interest in the small business community as part of her work, but she also has a passion for helping and watching small businesses grow. “I love to see people excited about what they do and then proceed to grow their venture and succeed in doing so,” she said.
To learn more, visit https://bizbyroz.wixsite.com/business-services-by.
