Sachem Ave.

Columbia Tusculum Business Reviews

It’s never been more important to support our local businesses.  To help you make choices on patronizing Columbia  Tusculum businesses, we are adding Business Reviews.  These are short recommendations based on the experience of you and your neighbors. 

What has your experience been with a local  business?  Send that to website@columbiatusculum.org.

Del Apgar Florists
3755 Eastern Ave

It was 2 days before Valentine’s Day and a source we had been counting on fell through.  We had volunteers showing up to do something nice for the community, and nothing nice to do.  I thought of our new local florist and stopped in at Del Apgar on Eastern Ave to see if they could help.  Despite being one of the busiest flower weekends of the year, the staff was extremely helpful in getting us a big bundle of beautiful flowers at the right price to distribute on Valentine’s Day.  When I buy flowers for my wife, they’re coming from Del Apgar.

- George Frank, Parkside Christian Church

Mike’s Body Shop
3924 Kellogg

I’m a good driver.  Last time I hit anything, I was still on my learner’s permit.  So, imagine how ticked off I was when I backed into something and creased my front door and scaped up the back door.  After being mad, I asked my neighbor if he knew of a good body shop.  He said he liked Mike’s on Kellogg. I went down and ten minutes later had a detailed estimate in writing itemizing every task to be done, part needed and the cost.  Fully transparent.  Mike works with Enterprise car rental at Lunken, so I could pick up my rental car right at the body shop when I left my car.  Mike did battle with my claims adjuster who wanted to substitute a cheaper part & he insisted on the right one.  When it ended up taking another day, he called Enterprise and extended my car rental before I had a chance to.   The final job was perfect.   I felt my lousy situation turned into a good experience.   So, my advice – when you need body work, go to Mike’s.

 -  Arlene Golembiewski

PC Design
  www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

 I’ll be honest.  My initial thoughts of interior designers  are overpriced, pretentious, artsy folks who really don’t care what you want but would rather tell you what they “know” will work in your space.   We were looking to paint several rooms in our house and wanted to go a little bolder but keep within our style.

Paige blew all my misperceptions out of the water.  She came prepared and asked questions really trying to get a feel for what we wanted.  She walked us through the process of picking colors without rushing through it.  She found us a great painter and even managed the relationship and setting up the appointments for both the bid and the actual work.  Most importantly, I got great professional advice that was affordable.  And I don’t mean affordable in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.  I mean affordable in that when I heard how much her services were, I said “really..that’s it”.  We highly recommend PC Design and Paige and can’t wait to work with her in the future should the need arise.

     -  Barry Kirschner
Paige was my first experience working with an interior designer, and she was amazing. She really took the time to get to know me and my tastes, which made me feel as if the work was going to be a reflection of my style. I had Paige work on my living room, and when people walk in now; they are love the room. Everyone wants the color that Paige chose for my room. They love it. I bought a house and Paige helped to give me a home. I can’t wait to do more projects with her. She is professional, creative, and has great design & problem-solving skills. All of the things that anyone should look for in a designer.

      – Nik Green/East Walnut Hills

R K C Increte Systems
3560 Eastern Ave.

My husband and I needed our front walkway replaced and on a whim we went down to RKC not knowing that they do residential projects, too.  We had them pull out our existing, cracked concrete and install  stamped concrete. They worked with us on the layout and helped us pick the right color and stamp. We absolutely love it. It makes a huge difference for our curb appeal. It’s been almost 4 years and it still looks brand new.

   -  Beth & Jim Fiore

Tarvin’s Plumbing
3749 Eastern Ave.

My husband and I had Tarvin come out last Fall to replace our hot water heater. They were very reasonably priced, quick and did a great job. The guys were very professional and knowledgeable. They were also very patient when working in our tight utility room. We highly recommend them.

   -  Beth &  Jim Fiore

Tom’s Tires
333 Stanley Ave.

I had a Cincinnati auto shop put 4 new tires on my Dodge Durango about 1 year ago.  New tires, but they always seemed to need air; and it kept getting worse.   I was gone for 3 nights and the left rear tire was flat when I returned.   After I used a bike tire pump to inflate the tire, I finally made the decision to correct the issue properly.  Tom at Tom’s Tires got me in right away; the same day I stopped by.  He told me the rims had not been properly cleaned before the new tires were put on.  Tom took the tires off, cleaned the rims, and the cost was unreasonably CHEAP.  They have held air ever since.  Thanks to Tom – a neighborhood fixture for over 20 years.  ph# 871-8690

    – Matt Ackermann

Yogosana Studios
511 Tusculum Ave.

I love the summertime living in Columbia Tusculum because of Yogasana’s yoga class at Alm’s Park on Sunday mornings. It is so nice to meet neighbors and enjoy the beautiful park right around the  corner. It is the best kept secret in the neighborhood.

    -  Beth  Fiore

BeneFIT Studios
3567 Columbia Pkwy

Happy BeneFIT customers:   
VALERIE’S Client – VICKI HERSHBERGER – Since starting her training in February Vicki has lost 50 lbs! She has completely changed her lifestyle and is seeing the results.  
JOHN’S Client – LESELIE BAILEY - Leslie has been putting in the hours and it shows! Her weekly hour sessions have sculpted those summer arms that we all want, as well as helped that backhand on the tennis court. 
EMILY’S Client - STACY SAYRE  – Stacy came in for the first time this month for a cut and color. She looked awesome when she left and LOVED her hair!  She called the Studio and left the sweetest message telling me how beautiful her husband said she looked and how she enjoyed her experience! 
RACHEL’S Client - JODI MAHON  Jodi has been a client of the studio for a long time now, training with John on a regular basis. She now is getting the full benefits from coming to the Studio by receiving regular hair cuts from Rachel!