Each year during Small Business Week, the Baldwin County SCORE Chapter recognizes one of their clients for outstanding business accomplishments. For 2007, there was a tie and SCORE awarded Adrenaline Surf & Skate, and Wendy Pierce P.C., both of Fairhope, as SCORE Clients of the Year.

Adrenaline Surf & Skate

Owners Laura Anne Shaw and Nina McBride met through their sons’ local club soccer team. During a trip to a tournament, they discussed the idea of having their own business. Shaw noted that downtown Fairhope lacked shopping for young people. She suggested a Surf and Skate store. With the help of SCORE and First Gulf Bank, they opened March 2004 for Arts and Crafts Festival.

“Customer Service is most important,” says McBride. “We strive to meet customer needs by educating and assisting shoppers. Satisfied customers are our best form of advertising. Our goal is to be helpful and honest with customers and carry only quality brands at affordable prices,” she added.

Adrenaline Surf and Skate carries clothing, swimwear and accessories for juniors, girls, boys, men and women, sunglasses, flip-flops, skate shoes as well as skateboards, long boards, skimboards, surfboards, portable skate ramps and a full line of parts and accessories.

Customers can view and purchase Adrenaline Surf and Skate products online at www.downtownfairhope.com/Fairhope/Specialty_Shops/Adrenaline_Surf_&_Skate/. The store is located on Fairhope Avenue in downtown Fairhope. Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they stay open late for First Friday ArtWalk.

Wendy Pierce P.C.

Wendy Pierce has centered her practice on Elder Law and Social Security Disability and frequently speaks to groups, comprised of both attorneys and laymen, on the many issues involved in these areas of practice. She has served as the president of the Alabama Elder Law Section (2002-03), and remains involved, at the state level, in elder law issues. Over the eight-year period, Pierce has served over 1,500 clients, most of whom have come to her through referrals from other clients.

Pierce first met with SCORE several months before opening her law practice in 1999.

“Richard Huff, Glenn Boom and John Carden helped me get set up and have helped me throughout the years,” Pierce stated. “While I knew the practice of law, I did not know how to run a business. Through questioning and several sessions, the SCORE counselors helped me establish a business plan, which proved to be my blueprint for months, even after I opened my office. I was showered with encouragement from Mr. Boom, and SCORE counselors frequently stopped by my office to check in on me,” she added.

Pierce has also served her community when asked. She served as president of the Rotary Club of Fairhope in 2003-04 and serves in various capacities at her church and on various community boards.

“I have had the time of my life running my own business! I will always be grateful for the assistance provided so freely and fully by SCORE,” Pierce added.

The Baldwin County SCORE chapter is one of 389 chapters nationwide. SCORE counselors are all business people (retired and working) from various disciplines who donate their time and talent to assist entrepreneurs with free and confidential advice.

The chapter is available for any small business needing assistance. Call any Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce office to arrange an appointment.