2023 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Daniel Tyrrell

1st Prize Winner

Tyrrell Martial Arts

Maureen Brasier

2nd Prize Winner

Jitter Bean Coffee Lakeport

Eric & Krystal Purkhiser

3rd Prize Winner

Eric’s Oil Change and Repairs

Denisse Herrera & Jesus Mendez

4th Prize Winner

La Chilanguita Mexican Restaurant

Joshua Seifert

5th Prize Winner

Saw Shop Public House Weston

Start-up Business Category

Claire and Michael Zimmerman

1st Prize Winner

BiZi Bees Preschool

Lynda Steely

2nd Prize Winner

Lake County Signs & Banners

Cinamon Vann

3rd Prize Winner

Wine in the Willows

2022 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Melinda Robin Price

1st Prize Winner

Peace And Plenty Farm

Angela Nicole Hughes

2nd Prize Winner

Angela’s Anytime Rides

Nicole B Gentry

3rd Prize Winner

Grillagan’s Island

Ben Guenther

4th Prize Winner

Upper Lake Grocery

Curtis Cook

5th Prize Winner

Land Escape

Start-up Business Category

Baylee Ann Grove

1st Prize Winner

Rock n’ Rolled Ice-cream

Karen Kress

2nd Prize Winner

The Bee’s Knees

Robin Marie Marsolek

3rd Prize Winner

Stitch Envy

2021 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Catherine Ann Reese

1st Prize Winner

Reese Ranch Retreat

Valeri Ann Stallings

2nd Prize Winner

Send Rover on Over Doggie

Anahi Silva

3rd Prize Winner

Party Ideas

Jennifer Marie Gayda

4th Prize Winner

Bottlerock Candle Studio

Ashley Ruth Garrigus

5th Prize Winner

Wild Hope Bakery

2020 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Nick and Myra Lam

1st Prize Winner

LAM Printing

Lisa Wilson

2nd Prize Winner

Clear Lake Boat Rental

David Brown

3rd Prize Winner

Susie Q’s Donuts & Espresso

Stacie Jusdon

4th Prize Winner

Wild Bee Creations

Lam Printing

Name: Nic and Mayra Lam
Location: Clearlake
Placement: 1st Prize Winner ($15,000)

Mayra and Nic’s success in the printing industry and their first-place win in the 2020 Hands Up Lake County Business Competition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and expertise in their craft. With over 15 years of experience, they have undoubtedly learned the ins and outs of the industry and have developed the necessary skills to run a successful business.

Clear Lake Boat Rental

Name: Lisa Wilson
Location: Clearlake
Placement: 2nd Prize Winner ($5,000)

Lisa’s drive and determination came from her passion for meeting her community’s outdoor recreational needs and filling a market gap.

Susie Q’s Donuts & Espresso

Name: David Brown
Location: Lakeport
Placement: 3rd Prize Winner ($3,000)

David won third place and a $3,000 cash prize. He used the prize money to finance the expansion project of his business to a new location at 501 South Main.

Wild Bee Creations

Name: Stacie Judson
Location: Cobb
Placement: 4th Prize Winner ($1,500)

Since starting Wild Bee Creations in 2011, Stacie has been dedicated to creating customized skincare products that cater to the specific needs of her clients. She recognized the importance of using natural ingredients and wanted to help others achieve healthy and glowing skin without the use of harsh chemicals.

The Ripe Choice Farm and Catering

Name: Mark Lipps
Location: Lakeport
Placement: Best Business Award ($2,500)

The Ripe Choice is a full-service catering experience that offers a variety of dishes, all with a focus on using fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.

Reese Ranch Retreat

Name: Catherine Reese
Location: Witter Springs
Placement: 1st Prize Winner ($20,000)

Catherine’s entrepreneurial spirit has taken her to new heights since winning the $20,000 first prize in the Hands Up Lake County 2021. Catherine has invested her winnings in purchasing new equipment to take her retreat on the road, making it accessible to people in different locations in Lake County. “All you have to do is provide an empty space in your house or on your property,” she says, “And I’ll provide everything else.”

Send Rover On Over

Name: Valeri Stallings
Location: Lakeport
Placement: 2nd Prize Winner ($12,000)
Fan Favorite Award ($1,000)

Valerie is a seasoned professional in the canine services industry. With nearly two decades of experience, she has devoted her career to providing exceptional animal care and strengthening the relationship between pets and their owners. It’s no surprise that her hard work and dedication have earned her the Second Prize in the 2021 Hands Up Lake County.

Party Ideas

Name: Anahi Silva
Location: Clearlake
Placement: 3rd Prize Winner ($8,000)

Anahi has a keen eye for detail and a talent for transforming any space into a vibrant and festive atmosphere. With her extensive selection of party supplies and exceptional service, she can help you create an unforgettable event that will be remembered for years to come.

Bottlerock Candle Studio

Name: Jennifer Gayda
Location: Cobb
Placement: 4th Prize Winner ($6,000)

Jennifer’s specialty is creating beautiful candles and home accessories using repurposed wood from previous fires, natural waxes, resins, and carcinogen-free fragrant oils. Her commitment to using eco-friendly materials ensures that her products are not only beautiful but also sustainable and safe for the environment.

Wild Hope Bakery

Name: Ashley Garrigus
Location: Middletown
Placement: 5th Prize Winner ($4,000)

Ashley is a highly skilled pastry chef who has honed her craft through years of education and training at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco and Santa Rosa Junior College. After gaining experience in various jobs, she followed her passion and opened Wild Hope Bakery.

Red Feather Leather

Name: Brianna Thomas
Location: Lakeport
Placement: Founder’s Award ($1,000)

Brianna believes that the experience of competing was valuable in itself, giving her a chance to showcase her skills and connect with other entrepreneurs. Her determination to keep pushing forward is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. She’s a shining example of the kind of grit and determination that it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Peace & Plenty Farm

Name: Melinda Price
Location: Kelseyville
Placement: 1st Prize Winner ($25,000)

Melinda’s passion for locally grown produce has become a thriving business venture. Along with her husband, Simon, she started planting saffron corms in the fall of 2017, and since then, their business has grown in leaps and bounds.

Angela’s Anytime Rides

Name: Angela Hughes
Location: Lakeport
Placement: 2nd Prize Winner ($20,000)

Angela is an inspiring example of a local entrepreneur who saw a need in her community and decided to take action. Despite facing a setback with a back injury that prevented her from doing physical labor, Angela remained determined to make a difference in her community. The result was an innovative on-demand ride service that has become a valuable asset to the community.

Grillagan’s Island

Name: Nicole Gentry
Location: Lucerne
Placement: 3rd Prize Winner ($15,000)
Fan Favorite Award ($1,000)

Nicole is a shining example of an entrepreneur who understands the importance of combining passion with business knowledge. She knows that cooking is only half the battle and that managing a successful business requires a unique set of skills. Recognizing the need for business acumen, Nicole and her husband took courses in business management. This dedication to learning and growth has undoubtedly contributed to their success.

Upper Lake Grocery

Name: Ben Guenther
Location: Upper Lake
Placement: 4th Prize Winner ($10,000)

Ben’s story is a testament to the importance of recognizing opportunities and seizing them when they arise. When he saw the opportunity to take over the town’s only grocery store, he recognized it as a chance to transition from the hospitality industry to grocery ownership and serve his new community. Ben has worked hard to provide the local community with essential goods and services.

Land Escape

Name: Curtis Cook
Location: Clearlake
Placement: 5th Prize Winner ($5,000)

Curtis’ passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces for his clients has been the driving force behind his business, Land Escape. He takes pride in his work and is committed to providing the best service possible to his clients. He understands the importance of creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere in outdoor spaces, and his designs reflect this commitment.

Rock N’ Rolled Ice-Cream

Name: Baylee Grove
Location: Hidden Valley Lake
Placement: 1st Prize Winner ($10,000)

Inspired by her love for rolled ice cream, Baylee started her own business to bring this unique dessert to the Lake County community. Along with her family members, she founded Rock N’ Rolled Ice-Cream.

The Bee’s Knees

Name: Karen Kress
Location: Clearlake
Placement: 2nd Prize Winner ($5,000)

Karen is a highly skilled and experienced cosmetologist who specializes in depilatory and other cosmetic treatments. Her passion for the field of cosmetology has led her to pursue a long-term goal of opening her own cosmetology school.

Stitch Envy

Name: Robin Marsolek
Location: Upper Lake
Placement: 3rd Prize Winner ($3,000)

Robin founded Stitch Envy to meet the need for high-quality tailoring services in Lake County. She prides herself on delivering exceptional work that meet her clients’ expectations. One of the unique aspects of her business is her commitment to reducing waste by helping customers to repurpose and continue wearing their existing clothing items. With her skills and passion for fashion, Robin aims to help her clients look and feel their best.

Tyrrell Martial Arts

Name: Daniel Tyrrell
Location: Middletown
Placement: 1st Prize Winner ($30,000)
Fan Favorite Award ($1,000)

Daniel, a martial arts instructor with over 30 years of experience, has dedicated his life to teaching and spreading the benefits of martial arts to his community. His journey began when he was inspired by the original Karate Kid movie at 8, leading his entire family to take martial arts classes together. While other kids pursued sports like baseball or soccer, Daniel immersed himself in the world of martial arts.

Jitter Bean Coffee Lakeport

Name: Maureen Brasier
Location: Lakeport
Placement: 2nd Prize Winner ($24,000)

Maureen’s commitment to community engagement and providing a gathering space that enhances social connections sets her apart. She has created an inviting environment where people can come together, savor delicious coffee, indulge in snacks, and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues.

Eric’s Oil Change and Repairs

Name: Eric and Krystal Purkhiser
Location: Nice
Placement: 3rd Prize Winner ($18,000)

Eric’s journey in the automotive industry began in Santa Rosa, his hometown, immediately after graduating from high school. Over the past two decades, he has honed his expertise and knowledge by working at various automotive shops and acquiring ASE certifications along the way. However, when the pandemic struck, Eric’s job ended as his previous employer sold the shop he was working at. This turning point led him to embark on a new venture, opening his own shop in Lake County after relocating to Kelseyville in 2020.

La Chilanguita Mexican Restaurant

Name: Denisse Herrera and Jesus Mendez
Location: Clearlake
Placement: 4th Prize Winner ($12,000)

Denisse and her mother have harbored a dream of opening a restaurant for a long time, but the initial costs can be overwhelming. Denisse’s mother, renowned for her cooking skills within the local Latino community, has always generously shared her culinary creations with others. From providing meals to friends and family during large gatherings to offering free meals to those affected by unfortunate events such as fires in Lake County, she exemplifies the spirit of hospitality.

Saw Shop Public House

Name: Weston Seifert
Location: Kelseyville
Placement: 5th Prize Winner ($6,000)

Weston’s passion for the food service industry and Lake County shines through his work. He firmly believes that a thriving hospitality industry contributes to the overall prosperity of a community. Weston has cultivated a deep understanding of the industry with over 30 years of experience in various roles within the food service industry, ranging from server and bartender to management and restaurant ownership.

BiZi Bees Preschool

Name: Claire and Michael Zimmerman
Location: Kelseyville
Placement: 1st Prize Winner ($12,000)

Working with children has always been Claire’s passion. She discovered her love for teaching at 15 when she started working at a daycare center. The experience profoundly impacted her, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in education. Over the years, Claire has honed her teaching skills by instructing dance to children of the same age group. The combination of her experience, dedication, and love for teaching led her to the realization that opening her own preschool was the perfect path for her.

Lake County Signs & Banners

Name: Lynda Steely
Location: Lakeport
Placement: 2nd Prize Winner ($8,000)

Lynda is a talented professional with a passion for visual communication and a vision to meet Lake County, California’s growing demand for printing services. Recognizing the need for effective signage, event materials, and other visual displays, Lynda has embarked on a new venture to establish a business specializing in full-color printing and related services.

Wine in the Willows

Name: Cinamon Vann
Location: Lakeport
Placement: 3rd Prize Winner ($5,000)

Cinamon and her partner Scott are the visionary behind Wine in the Willows, a charming and convivial wine bar nestled in the heart of Lakeport’s historic Library Park. Cinamon recognized the untapped potential of showcasing Lake County’s award-winning wines and local artistic talent, which led her to acquire the business in late 2022.

2023 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Daniel Tyrrell

Maureen Brasier

Eric & Krystal Purkhiser

Denisse Herrera & Jesus Mendez

Joshua Seifert

Start-up Business Category

Claire and Michael Zimmerman

Lynda Steely

Cinamon Vann

2022 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Melinda Robin Price

Angela Nicole Hughes

Nicole B Gentry

Ben Guenther

Curtis Cook

Start-up Business Category

Baylee Ann Grove

Karen Kress

Robin Marie Marsolek

2021 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Catherine Ann Reese

Valeri Ann Stallings

Anahi Silva

Jennifer Marie Gayda

Ashley Ruth Garrigus

2020 WINNERS

Established Business Category

Nick and Myra Lam

Lisa Wilson

David Brown

Stacie Jusdon

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