The 1812 Shoppe in Marathon Named Cortland County Small Business of the Year

The North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has announced The 1812 Shoppe located in Marathon, is the 2025 Cortland County Small Business of the Year. The SBDC says this award recognizes their outstanding craftsmanship, community focus, and business growth.

“Craig began working with Dan Hickman at Jamestown Community College’s SBDC center as he was planning and starting his business while living in Chautauqua County. He worked with Dan to develop his business plan and learn enough web fundamentals to create his own business web page using Wix. He has continued to leverage SBDC resources and transitioned to the North Central SBDC center as he relocated his home and business down to Marathon NY and has worked here with advisor Michele Baran to continue improving his website and refine his business strategy.” The SDBC said in a release.

The 1812 Shoppe is located in the basement of Craig’s home in Marathon, where he runs a shop and studio in addition to creating unique wood products for his clients. Originally beginning as a part-time job, Craig made the decision to make it his primary business just last year due to the ongoing success. He has a background in forestry, which aided his knowledge of specific northeastern woods, the SDBC says. His primary woods include: northeast maple, charry, walnut, oak, birch, and ash.

“I have been working with the SBDC for several years. Their guidance with start up, to draft a business plan, and launch a website was invaluable. Now they are providing much needed guidance on marketing and training to help my business grow. Starting and growing a business would have been much harder without the SBDC.” Craig said reflecting on working with the North Central SBDC.

You can visit his website to learn more about his craft, see images of recent work, and inquire at The1812Shoppe.com.