In this year’s special edition of Frederick Top 50x2, we are recognizing Frederick County’s most resilient businesses that have been serving our community for 20 years or more. Each week we will be highlighting businesses and organizations that were selected for the publication. These are the companies that prove that Frederick County is a great place to do business.
6408 Mt. Phillip Road | Frederick
www.bjcda.com
Established: 1960
Founder: Bettie Jane Bryant
When you dance at BJCDA, you will feel like you're with family. BJCDA is a happy place giving quality dance education in an environment that is energetic and inspirational. We hope to build confidence along with developing technique and talent in Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Irish. We also pass on the generous spirit of giving back to our community through our Annual Benefit Dance Recitals.
Why is Frederick County a great place to do business?
I was born and raised in Frederick County, graduated from Frederick High School and given the Distinguished Alumni Award. I began my business as a teenager with the support of parents and friends, and as my business grew so did the support from the community. My studio has donated over $200,000 to many local organizations and charities with a focus on Cystic Fibrosis over the last 60 years with ALL local businesses and friends support.
What is a significant event in your company’s history?
In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery, chemo and radiation, the love from my students and their families, as well as my own family was over whelming. My staff and students held our first walk for Cancer, raising $10,000. Thru this walk, the Bettie Jane Cancer Foundation was founded and became a 501(c) 3 in 2011. My foundation has helped over 200 cancer patients through the generosity of our community businesses and friends. We have held 12 successful walks to this date. My foundation has also donated $100,000 to Frederick Health Hospital with focus to the James M. Stockman Cancer Institute.
What advice would you give a young company?
Love what you do and you will never have to work a day of your life!!!! It is very difficult to do something you do not enjoy for 60 years. Grow your business through dedicated personal service. As an example, many of my students dance through high school, college, and are now working full time jobs, but they continue to dance or teach at BJCDA. I am currently teaching 3rd generation due to customer loyalty and satisfaction.
8302 Ramsburg Road | Thurmont
www.brookfieldpumpkins.com
Established: 1996
Founder: Sam & Mary Jane Roop
We open our farm in the fall to pick your own pumpkins, gourds, and squash. It gives us the opportunity to help families enjoy local agriculture at its best!
Why is Frederick County a great place to do business?
Our customers in Frederick County are very loyal to our farm. We have families that have been coming back for over 20 years, and are now bringing the next generation.
What is a significant event in your company’s history?
In 2005 Mary Jane Roop was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. We decided to include a "Corn Maze for the Cause" with 50% of the proceeds going to breast cancer awareness and research. A few years later, we decided there were many charities we wanted to support. We decided to change it to "Corn Maze for the Cause." 100% of the proceeds are donated to 5 different charities each year, and our customers decide which one they want their admission to support.
What is your advice to a young company?
Listen to your customers. What do they like about your operation? Why do they keep coming back? What do they desire to be changed? We also believe in finding strong successful mentors to use as resources.
295 Bucheimer Rd, Suite B | Frederick
www.bmcaccounting.com
Established: 1982
Founder: Peter Hess
Business Management Company, Inc., a full-service accounting firm has been serving the Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and D.C. area for more than 30 years. BMC offers a full range of accounting services, including monthly books, payroll, accounts payable, professional income tax preparation, business and financial consulting and business management services.
Why is Frederick County a great place to do business?
The thing I love most about Frederick County is the people, especially the people in the business community. The Frederick business community really feels like a family to me. Folks are helpful, encouraging and everyone seems to know everyone.
What is your advice to a young company?
I would advise any aspiring business owner to treat their clients, employees and vendors the way they would want to be treated, with honesty and integrity. One more thing: Think long term, build cash in your business, it will be the key to your success.
Frederick County is very fortunate to have an amazing business community, especially those that have been in business for over 20 years. We understand that there are more than 100 legacy businesses in Frederick County, but unfortunately, we were not able to include all these businesses in the Top 50x2. The businesses included were selected from responses submitted to a business survey. OED staff verified the responses and then selected the businesses on a first come first serve basis. If your business would like to be included in future opportunities, please email info@discoverfrederickmd.com.
Some photographs included in the publication were taken pre-COVID. OED encourages everyone to follow precautionary guidelines set forth by the Frederick County Health Department.