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Ian Nairn / February 11, 2025

Recommendation Letter for Tutor Doctor

To Whom It May Concern:

We had an amazing experience with Yousuf and Saif at Tutor Doctor. We first contacted the owner, Yousuf, who separates himself from other tutoring providers by taking the necessary time during the assessment phase to determine the specific needs of the student.

Yousuf tailored a custom program for our son that met his needs by pairing him with a tutor that Yousuf personally hand picked. Saif is our son’s tutor and we’ve seen great results and improvement in our son’s studies. Saif is very patient and uses creative ideas to keep our son engaged during each tutoring session. We highly recommend both Yousuf and Saif to anyone looking for help with their child’s learning journey.

Yours truly,

Michael Baznick
Schooley Mitchell

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Ian Nairn / February 3, 2025

Featured In South Huntsville Neighbors: Meet Jason Fish & Family

Original Post: South Huntsville Neighbors
Author: Jason & Courtney Fish as told to Bob Druckman, Publisher, South Huntsville Neighbors

Meet Jason Fish & Family

Tell us about your background, where you are both from originally? How long were you in the Army? When did you retire? What type of work does your wife do?
My wife and I are both originally from Vincennes; IN. Courtney is a geologist currently seeking employment, a stay-at-home mom, and an avid reader. I spent 21 years serving in the U.S. Army, primarily in the Infantry branch, before retiring on September 1, 2022.

I have always been a finance enthusiast and a meticulous planner. My passion for organization and strategy was reinforced through my education, earning an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. These achievements sharpened my analytical mindset and strengthened my ability to communicate strategically.

Further enhancing these skills, I earned multiple project management certifications, bringing my capabilities full circle. Combined with the leadership experience I gained in the military, this foundation created the perfect environment for me to transition into business ownership—an endeavor I take great pride in.

Where did you and your wife meet?
I was her paperboy in the early ’90s when we were just kids. She had a crush on me even then. But with a four-year age gap between us, and her attending the private school in town while I went to the public school, I didn’t even know she existed. In 2006, my brother was getting married, and during a night out at the hometown bar, I noticed Courtney. That’s when we reintroduced ourselves to one another. We went on a couple of dates before I had to return to Fort Benning, GA, where I was stationed at the time. This led to a long-distance relationship – luckily, her job at the time offered the flexibility for her to take time off to visit. Eventually, Courtney moved to Fort Benning, and not long after, we tied the knot in true military fashion at the local courthouse.

Tell us about your children and their extra-curricular activities.
We are incredibly blessed with two bright and talented boys, each with their own uniquely wonderful personality. Our older son, Dalton, tends to be a bit shy around new people. He has a passion for Legos, Transformers, and Minecraft video games. In contrast, our younger son, Corbin, is outgoing and loves talking to just about anyone. He has a particular love for reading and Super Mario Brothers video games. They are both actively involved in the local Cub Scout Pack 7223.

You and your family are active in Scouting. How did that come about?
When we moved here, Dalton made a friend at school who helped out at the Cub Scout recruiting booth. Courtney spoke with the friend’s parents to learn about the wonderful experiences their family was having with scouting. Dalton asked if he could join, and a year later after seeing the fun his brother was having, Corbin asked if he could join too. Scouting became a family adventure. Courtney and I are proud to be part of the leadership committee, while the boys thrive in their respective Dens. It’s been incredibly rewarding for all of us!

How did your Schooley Mitchell journey begin?
In September 2022, my retirement date came and went. Uncertain about what I truly wanted to do with this new chapter in life after spending 20 years in a vastly different career field, like many newly retired service members, I took a government contracting job that didn’t align with my expectations or aspirations. After some deep conversations with trusted individuals, I realized a change was necessary, and I eventually submitted my resignation. The moment I did, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. But now what?

The answer came unexpectedly: I would become a stay-at-home dad and supportive husband. During this period, my wife was completing her second bachelor’s degree. It was my turn to support her dreams, and she graduated in November 2023 from Southern New Hampshire University with a stellar 4.0 GPA in Geosciences, with a concentration in Data Analytics.

By December, I felt I had taken a meaningful sabbatical and knew it was time to move forward. I craved autonomy and the ability to control my day. I considered becoming an entrepreneur or a business owner, because I have always had a passion for saving money and connecting with people. I participated in a webinar with Vetrepreneur.com, a non-profit organization that helps veterans transition into franchise ownership. I graduated from their program and ultimately purchased a franchise through Schooley Mitchell.

How did your Army career prepare you for Schooley Mitchell?
Before joining, I struggled with self-confidence and often avoided engaging with others. However, serving in leadership roles allowed me to confront these insecurities, significantly enhancing my communication skills and ability to build meaningful connections.

Another major influence has been my focus on planning and analytical questioning. Military service ingrained in me the importance of thorough preparation and considering all angles, ensuring I approach tasks with confidence and readiness. I believe nothing is worse than failing due to laziness or lack of preparation — principles I carry into every aspect of my life.

How does Schooley Mitchell help businesses?
Our mission is simple: to help businesses reduce unnecessary costs and increase profitability. Think of us as your “profit keepers” and vendor “watchdogs.” By analyzing your expenses across numerous categories, we determine if you’re overspending and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Once we present our findings, if you decide to move forward, we take care of the rest. We’ll handle implementation and remain your single point of contact for ongoing monitoring, analysis, and support. Our independent and objective recommendations are always made with one goal in mind: your best interests.

My vision for the business is to become a trusted resource for all businesses in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. Simply put, every business can benefit from our cost-reduction services. Why? Because we bring the time, technology, and expertise needed to thoroughly analyze and optimize your expenses. By partnering with us, you gain peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what truly matters—your core business strategy.

If your family could invite 3 people to dinner, who would they be?
For this one, we decided to break it down, letting the boys each choose someone while Courtney and I also made our picks. The boys selected Mark Rober, who happens to be their favorite person on YouTube. A former NASA engineer, Rober has a remarkable ability to inspire a love of science in children through his fun and engaging activities. Beyond his engineering expertise and creativity, he comes across as a genuinely decent person who is committed to spreading positivity and doing good in the world.

I chose Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., as my guest of choice. Through my own journey of healing from PTSD, I have gained a deeper understanding of the brain and its incredible capacity for adaptation and recovery. This experience has sparked my fascination with how our emotions, both past and present, shape our lives. Dr. Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford School of Medicine, has made remarkable contributions to the study of brain development, function, and neural plasticity. Additionally, he hosts the acclaimed Huberman Lab podcast, often ranked #1 in Science, Education, and Health & Fitness. His ability to bridge cutting-edge neuroscience with practical applications makes him an inspiring figure, and I would value the opportunity to learn from him.

Courtney ultimately decided she would invite Guy Fieri to join her. Best known as a chef and television host, Fieri has built a career around his love for bold, flavorful food. As someone who loves to cook, Courtney admires his passion and would relish the opportunity to gain tips from a professional who shares her enthusiasm for similar cuisines. Beyond his culinary expertise, Fieri has also raised two sons, which could provide Courtney with valuable parenting insights.

What would you like the readers of South Huntsville Neighbors to know about the Fish family?
We are an easygoing family that values quality time together. Our focus is on raising two well-rounded boys who treat others with kindness and respect. In a world dominated by digital distractions, we are strong proponents of analog learning and genuine engagement.

As a family, we prioritize open communication, thoughtful discussions, and avoiding emotionally charged decisions. Courtney and I believe that these principles are key to building a successful and fulfilling life together.

Ian Nairn / January 23, 2025

Featured in Wood River Weekly: Continuous Improvement


Originally Posted On: Wood River Weekly

By Mike McKenna

It’s pretty easy to get apathetic about almost anything in life, especially things like our daily duties for work. That’s why most of us follow the simple motto: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—even if it isn’t running very smoothly or cost-efficiently.”

That’s where the continuous improvement theory comes in handy. It’s a process of regularly evaluating your business or nonprofit to find ways to improve and reduce wasted effort, resources and, most importantly, money.

“If you don’t continuously try to improve, any process will start to degrade,” John Rumasuglia said, and he should know.

John spent his career as a consultant in the manufacturing and supply-chain industry, helping improve efficiency and costs.

“I have a passion for any process-type stuff. I really enjoy making things streamlined, taking out waste in a good way,” he said.

John grew up in Boston. After serving in the Navy, he spent 30 years working in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area.

One year, John and his wife, Pauline, came to Hailey to visit a friend and instantly connected with the place. They soon came back for another visit and Idaho really got ahold of them, so they bought a cabin at Smiley Creek that they owned for nearly 20 years.

When it came time to retire, John and Pauline began traveling around the Mountain West looking for a new place to call home. But nothing they visited compared to their feelings for Idaho.

“Nothing beats Sun Valley, “ John said.

So they decided to build a home in Hailey, but retirement didn’t really sit well with John. He wanted to do more and become active in our community. That’s what led him to Schooley Mitchell.

Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost-reduction consulting firm in North America. It’s basically a company that helps other companies of all sizes focus on continuous improvement. It was just up John’s alley.

“I like working, but wanted to do something different, something that can help me be part of the community and make a difference,” John said.

The Schooley Mitchell system is pretty simple. Basically, they come in and assess and track all the costs of doing business (like telecom, software, waste, shipping, processing fees, etc.) and figure out where they can save money. There are no up-front costs; Schooley Mitchell only takes a percentage of the savings they find and create. And those saving can be large. Most businesses or nonprofits can reduce costs by an average of 28%, or more than $10,000 or more in benefits annually.

“People don’t even realize they’re being overcharged or that there are other options. That’s where we can help,” John said. “We can help them save money that usually goes out of our town and keep it here in our community.”

By helping locals focus on continuous improvement, John can fulfill his goal.
“I want to make a difference for small businesses and nonprofits in the Wood River Valley,” John said. When asked what the “catch” was, he simply replied, “I get to feel good about how I helped our community.”

Find out more by contacting John at (208) 266-5252 or [email protected].

Ian Nairn / January 20, 2025

Beyond Rockets Podcast Feature

Clark Dunn started the Beyond Rockets podcast in 2019 as a way to meet and interview local small business owners and share their stories.

Since August of 2023, Clark has rebranded Beyond Rockets as a Podcast Management Company. He works with a variety of industries here in Huntsville to help them launch, manage, and promote their podcast within their organization.

Ian Nairn / January 16, 2025

Blue Boxer Plumbing, Loyal as your best friend

Blue Boxer Plumbing is a family-owned business that started with founder Keith Owens’ service-industry background. Working in different contracting fields from the age of 16, Keith gravitated towards plumbing because of the joy it brings him. The company has grown to include several highly-skilled plumbers with a combined experience of over 70 years. Aside from the great workmanship and skill, what differentiates Blue Boxer from other companies, is their customer service.

In plumbing, a high-quality job doesn’t just come down to the skill of the worker, but also the quality of the materials, and Blue Boxer carefully choses the best materials and tools and for each client and job. However, as in all trades, sometimes an issue may arise, and this is where the team at Blue Boxer truly proves their commitment to their customers’ satisfaction. “When somebody calls, it’s addressed immediately,” says Keith. “Every concern is a major concern. We don’t categorize them into minor problems and larger problems. If it’s a customer’s issue, it’s going to be addressed.”
Because of this mindset, Blue Boxer often gets compliments from customers about how courteous their staff members are. From putting down drop-cloths in homes to removing shoes or wearing booties, they take pride in the way they treat their customers with respect. And no job is done until the work area has been thoroughly cleaned.

This high-level of customer service starts with the very first interaction the customer has with Blue Boxer. Keith’s wife Kathleen, the Office Manager and co-owner, is the first person a customer speaks to when they call the office. She enjoys getting to know their customers, identifying their issue, and assigning the project to a staff member in the field. Even if a call or email comes in after hours, the request is addressed promptly. Keith’s cell phone number is listed on the Blue Boxer website so that customers can contact him directly in emergency situations.

Emergencies tend to occur pretty frequently in the world of plumbing. The way Blue Boxer handles those situations, especially when something goes wrong (even if it’s out of their control) is what really sets them apart. Keith told a story about a brand-new water heater that went out on New Year’s Eve, one day after it was installed “the supplier and distributor were giving me a hard time about the unit, so I went out and purchased another water heater and installed it. Any other company would have just left it and let the customer just not have hot water. Whatever it takes, we make it right.”

Keith and Kathleen enjoy their work because they get to interact with people, learn about their backgrounds, share common interests, and hear stories. With that kind of desire to develop relationships with their customers, coupled with impeccable work and customer service, it’s no wonder that Blue Boxer Plumbing is one of the most sought-after plumbing companies in Central New Jersey and continues to grow.

Blue Boxer Plumbing Website

Blue Boxer Plumbing Facebook

Ian Nairn / January 14, 2025

Testimonial Letter from Milestone Realty

To whom it may concern,

I would like to take this opportunity to share my outstanding experience working with Shannon Mischler of Schooley Mitchell. We engaged Shannon to audit our waste disposal, phone, internet, software licenses, and facility supply expenses. What initially appealed to us was the no-risk opportunity to find savings, and we were more than happy to sign a service agreement.

As a realtor, property management company owner, and the founder of Skyline Recovery—a nonprofit organization that assists people in their transition to their full potential by offering safe housing and a supportive environment—reducing operating costs is paramount to my work. Shannon’s expertise and dedication to cost reduction played a crucial role in our success.

Shannon is a stellar client relations specialist who goes above and beyond to find cost reduction solutions. Her team’s innovative approach and meticulous analysis of our expenses allowed us to uncover savings we hadn’t even considered. I was thrilled when Shannon came back to me with a detailed report, revealing that Schooley Mitchell had identified savings in our waste disposal, phone, and internet services. This newfound budget flexibility will greatly benefit our organization.

Shannon’s unwavering commitment didn’t stop there. She continued to go the extra mile, conducting a thorough review of our software licenses and facility supply setup. Schooley Mitchell confirmed that these expenses were already fully optimized, providing us with confidence and peace of mind that our budget is allocated to what truly matters.

Overall, my experience with Shannon’s services was extremely positive. Shannon’s dedication, professionalism, and passion for her work ensure that clients receive top-notch service and meaningful savings. I highly recommend any business or organization utilize their services, as Shannon’s ability to go above and beyond is truly remarkable.

Sincerely,
Myles Mazzanti
Owner, Milestone Realty & Founder, Skyline Recovery

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