- Introducing the Vibrant Vendors of Somerville’s Own -

At Somerville Local First, we not only believe in the importance of supporting locally owned businesses, but getting to know the faces behind counter as well. That is why we decided to create a blog series that profiles various SLF members, asking a set of 10 questions that connect readers to the featured business and to the Somerville community as well.

So the fall has started, you just moved into your sweet new apartment, and you love everything about it. Until the day spot it - a mouse. You try putting out traps, but they don’t work, and you think, one little mouse won’t do any harm. In fact, it’s kind of cute. Unfortunately, that one mouse turns into a whole big family of mice, and pretty soon, you’ve got a problem. And then there’s the bedbugs you find all over that “clean” couch you picked up off the side of the road. Sounds like you need to call in a professional. Best Pest Control Services has been solving the pest problems of Somervillians since 1985. Owner Rod Kreimeyer is a man so passionate about his work, he even got his son started in the business. Kreimeyer tells SLF the nitty gritty behind doing what he does.

1. Why did you start your business?

Because I love the work I do, I and wanted to have more independence and the ability to provide a quality service.

2. What brought you to Somerville?

Our largest client and client base is located in and around Somerville. Also, an opportunity to purchase our current location came up in 1992, so we couldn’t pass it up.

3. What is your fondest memory of doing business in Somerville?

Supporting community programs, such as the annual Elderly Picnic and Toys For Local Children, and working with the various mayors and city Aldermen throughout the years to help to make Somerville a better place to live. I also value the diversity of our city (57+ languages spoken) and the community itself.

4.  What gets you really excited about your business?

Solving a client’s pest issues!

5.  Thinking about your business, what keeps you up at night?

Concerns about our employees’ well being, our clients’ tough pest issues, and the weather

6.  If you could have one wish come true for Somerville, what would it be?

For everyone to start doing the right thing and to work towards keeping Somerville a cleaner and safer community.

7.  Favorite motto or quote?

R.I.C. … Rod In Charge!

8.  What’s the most rewarding part of running a small business?

Seeing the business grow, providing a quality service and jobs, and hearing praise from clients. Currently, the transition of management to our son has been both rewarding and exciting.

9.  What’s the most challenging part of running a small business?

The economy, fuel, and HEALTH CARE COSTS!

10. If your business was an animal, what animal would it be and why?

An eagle

If you would like your SLF member business or organization featured in Shades of Somerville, go here to submit your information.

- Introducing the Vibrant Vendors of Somerville’s Own -

At Somerville Local First, we not only believe in the importance of supporting locally owned businesses, but getting to know the faces behind counter as well. That is why we decided to create a blog series that profiles various SLF members, asking a set of 10 questions that connect readers to the featured business and to the Somerville community as well.

Amanda DeBurro and Renée Scott met and discovered their many commonalities one day by chance - and lucky us that they did! As new mothers with a shared passion for photography, Mandy and Renée joined forces to create TwoMamas Photography, a potrait studio specializing in family and pregnancy shoots. If you’re tired of tacky family photos and you’d like to add something to the photo album that will actually capture your personality, let TwoMamas craft you a beautiful image that will make you actually want to remember the day it was taken. Don’t expect to be told to “sit still and stand up straight” - these mamas aren’t afraid of a little fun in their photos! These warm summer days are fading quickly, so email [email protected] to schedule an outdoor shoot today!

1. Why did you start your business?

We both were active amateur photographers, home with our first children. We did a calendar of photos of families in our neighborhood, and it was so much fun that we decided to start our business to give ourselves a creative outlet.

2. What brought you to Somerville?

We both moved to Somerville over ten years ago and decided it was a great place to raise our families. We’re in for the long haul, so it was an obvious choice to base TwoMamas out of Somerville, as well.

3. What is your fondest memory of doing business in Somerville?

There isn’t one particular memory, but in general, we love running into clients around town at the farmers’ market or Christmas tree lighting or other community events. It makes a fairly large city feel like a small town.

4.  What gets you really excited about your business?

We love to give families photos of the great stages in their children’s lives, inexpensively enough that they are able to come back repeatedly, to mark special events like birthdays or new babies, or just because they haven’t had photos done in a few months. It’s so nice to watch the kids grow!

5.  Thinking about your business, what keeps you up at night?

We built TwoMamas around our own families, because it had to feel easy to both be home with our kids and run a business, or it wasn’t worth doing. Luckily, that feeling of ease has remained, so we are happy to say that while we may be up at night, it’s not because of TwoMamas!

6.  If you could have one wish come true for Somerville, what would it be?

We would love for Somerville to hold onto its small town vibe and keep small, independent businesses flourishing. They are what make Somerville its own place, unlike any other.

7.  Favorite motto or quote?

Do we have time for a coffee?

8.  What’s the most rewarding part of running a small business?

Being involved with every aspect of it. We know exactly what it takes to do each part of our business, so if one of us is away or home with a sick child or on maternity leave, the other doesn’t have to think and can just step in to fill the other’s shoes.

9.  What’s the most challenging part of running a small business?

Probably that we are limited by our finances in where we can rent studio space and what amazing equipment we can buy. We have a “dream” space pictured in our heads, which is completely unattainable at this point. However, we have been in a few different imperfect locations and have made them work, which has probably made us better photographers. And, our new space is great. We designed it and have made a perfect space for where we are now as a business.

10. If your business was an animal, what animal would it be and why?

Our favorite animal is a rabbit because except for humans, it’s the only animal we photograph (we do an annual Easter photo shoot with a real bunny!).

If you would like your SLF member business or organization featured in Shades of Somerville, go here to submit your information.