Will and Andrea Hollister at their Holly Woodworking store in Old Forge. Marianne Christy photo
Holly Woodworking of Old Forge will be one of 23 small businesses from throughout the state that will be recognized at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 14th Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel in Syracuse on Friday, May 4th.
Holly Woodworking owners Andrea and Will Hollister were nominated for the award by Nicole Wright, Director of Lending Services for the Adirondack Economic Development Corporation in Saranac Lake, due to their exemplification as a small business.
Businesses were selected for the honor based on their longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment, ability to overcome adversity, and community contributions.
In Wright’s profile of the Hollister’s business, she wrote:“Will and Andrea Hollister strive to offer high-quality products unique to the Adirondacks at competitive prices. Some of their products include Vera Bradley handbags and accessories, authentic turquoise jewelry, Native American herbal teas and remedies, and US made Lucchese cowboy boots.
Customers enjoy the hometown feel and the uniqueness of their products when shopping their stores.”
Holly Woodworking has been family-owned and operated since 1957. Founded by Will’s aunt and uncle, Gretchen and Keith Hollister, Will and Andrea purchased the business on the outskirts of the Old Forge village in 2004. They have since added a second location near the center of the village.
