Best of business 2004.

• Author: Jensen, Leah
• Position: On the Cover - Cover Story

What constitutes the best in business? This question lends itself to an almost infinite number of possibilities. For this year's Best of Business, we highlight 21 innovative companies meeting and driving market demand in Utah, emphasizing the experience they create for consumers through their distinctive blends of products and services. The 2004 Best of Business features improbable and inspiring success stories, some of which began life in a father's spare bedroom or in the proverbial garage. From a bed & breakfast once used as a polygamist hideout, to a company innovating municipal waste disposal, this year's winners combine passion with productivity to enrich Utah consumers and the state's economy.

Best Corner Grocer

EMIGRATION MARKET

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. Well don't think of "Cheers"--think of Emigration Market on the corner of 1300 S. and 1700 East in Salt Lake City. Ever been lost in an enormous grocery store? The neighborhood grocer has a decidedly small-town-market feel that makes shopping simple and easy, and has found its niche in the fickle grocer's market J.T. and Kimberly Martin bought the market five years ago, and have used J.T's experience in marketing to benefit the neighborhood they love, offering a wealth of locally-grown and -produced foods.

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Best Digital Marina

IBOATS

It may surprise you to know that the largest boating Website in the world started in a bedroom in Draper. That's right. Bruno Vassel IV and his father Bruno Vassel III have created a Web leader in this $36 billion marine industry, selling everything from boating accessories and engine parts to motors and components. They also offer visitors a Web forum to post their questions, and to build Websites and applications for local and national dealers. iBoats' unique business plan has taken the boating community by storm. The company now has over 700 water-sports-related domains, 40 employees and 11 fulltime programmers. Needless to say, this powerhouse company is no longer operated out of a bedroom.

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Best B & B With a Past

SEVEN WIVES INN

Looking for a place to stay with history, luxury and a little je ne'cest quoi? The cozy set of houses that make up the Seven Wives Inn in St George is just the ticket. The bigger of the two houses was bought by Judge and merchant Edwin G. Woolley in 1873. Although not a polygamist himself, he was a sympathizer and began harboring polygamists in his attic, via a secret passage in 1882 when polygamy became outlawed. One of these was Benjamin F. Johnson, who did indeed have seven wives. This charming bed & breakfast was started in 1981 by Jay Curtis and later bought and refurnished by Shellee Griffin, the current owner.

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Best One-Man Show

MARIO'S PROFESSIONAL TAILORING

Step inside this unassuming shop and you'll be met by rows of clothing ready for the skilled hand of 70-year-old Mario Caligiuri, who has been running his own tailoring shop in Salt Lake City since he emigrated from Calabria, Italy, in 1961. Mario does alterations (no tailor-made items) and he does them well, a skill he learned in the "old country" as an apprentice. The tailor enjoys the brisk business from a regular clientele as well as from a steady stream of new word-of-mouth customers. Not only do his patrons count on quality alterations but...