Ohio's first rain barrel store opens in Westlake

I built my first rain barrel in January 2010 to use on my small vegetable garden. After searching local stores and the internet for months, I had discovered that the only way to get the perfect rain barrel was to build it myself!

I soon began building rain barrels for my friends and family and, as interest grew, I decided to start a business. In February of this year I was invited to appear at the Great Big Home & Garden Show, where I sold 176 barrels in eight days.

The overwhelming response prompted me to begin searching for a location to open the first rain barrel store in Ohio.

I choose a building at the intersection of Center Ridge and Bradley roads because of its convenient location and began a three-month-long renovation of the 1960s gas station.  

The community welcomed me with open arms; passersby stopped in to say hello and local business owners came by and shook my hand. Neighbors dropped in, letting me know where they lived, and told me if I ever needed anything to call them, giving me their names and phone numbers. The police and city officials stopped in to see my progress and also welcome me to their city.
 
I opened my doors on Sept. 10, 2011, and have been busy everyday. I am extremely grateful for the warm welcome I have received and look forward to educating customers on the many ways a rain barrel will save them time and money.

Thank you Westlake, I am proud to be a business owner in your community!

Rain Barrels N' More is located at 30791 Center Ridge Rd. in Westlake; 440-808-8383, rainbarrelsnmore.com.

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Volume 3, Issue 19, Posted 2:54 PM, 09.20.2011