Buying local is more than a trend; it is a way of life. This is true for small businesses around the region and across the product spectrum. Whether you’re in the market for organic salmon, transmission services, or an independent bookseller, everyone wins when you shop local.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, whose mission is “to provide innovative strategies, working models and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development,” explains that “locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.”
One neighborhood partnership involves DKB Restoration, a veteran-owned small business, his church, and their favorite radio station. Dan Baxter started DKB Restoration as an “honest, local, family owned business. We take pride in our ability to bring your carpet back to life. This business was built on integrity, honest business ethics and Christian morals.”
With this in mind, all their services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Whether they’re cleaning carpets, dryer vents, upholstery, or air ducts, Baxter and his team are “dedicated and motivated to provide a level of service that the big companies do not. Our customers matter to us. You are not just another number.”
This same mindset can be seen in the Baxter’s financial support of church and Christian radio. Dan and his family attend Faith Assembly of Lacey, soon to be renamed True Grace Church. “I found out about the church when I was cleaning carpet for a guy who turned out to be one of the assistant pastors. We talked for a while and I checked it out. The very first time I attended a service there it was apparent that God was working in that church and I felt his presence much stronger than other churches I have attended. I also feel like they are having a positive impact on the community. Since then I have invited my employees and one of them now attends regularly with my family.”
They also participate by donating to the church’s building fund and its current remodeling project. Baxter’s wife volunteers in the nursery and they are considering future sponsorship of church activities from a corporate standpoint.
Outside of worship, Baxter and his family also donate to the Christian radio station Air One. Dan likes that “Air One is nationwide and completely listener supported. They do not get money from ads or anything. They stay on the air because people like us donate so that is important to me.” Air One also offers suicide prevention hotline services to listeners across the country.
A recent article in the Houston Chronicle reported that “no longer considered as simply a profit seeking corporation, a business’ investment in the community signals a commitment and concern for its neighbors. Many consumers make purchasing decisions based upon this quality. Residents of a community will often show favor to local businesses. In many cases, they will go out of their way to support companies that support that community.” Dan Baxter embodies both the spirit of charitable giving and resulting community support.
Small, family-run businesses put their name on the line when it comes to customer satisfaction. And for Dan Baxter and the DKB Restoration team, this pays off. Testimonials on their site praise not only the finished product but the strong work ethic and professional pride of the entire company.
As Dan sums up, “most customers think DKB are my initials when in fact it stands for Dan (myself), Kaitlynn (my daughter), and Brice (my son) because I built this business to give them a future.”
DKB Restoration serves the greater Thurston County region, reaching up to DuPont and south to Centralia, Chehalis, Adna and parts of Napavine. No job is too big, small, or complicated and they’ll gladly answer questions and provide free estimates. Give them a call at 360-688-4392 or request a quote at dkbrestoration@gmail.com.
