Hobbico, which began in 1971 as Tower Hobbies, has grown to become one of the world's largest model hobby companies. For pilots who would rather fly their planes from the ground, Hobbico (dba Great Planes) makes and sells radio-controlled model aircraft -- as well as boats, cars, gliders, and related accessories. The company is the world's largest retail and wholesale distributor of radio-controlled hobby products. Hobbico makes some of its products and buys the rest from other manufacturers. It sells its fully-assembled models and kits in hobby stores throughout North America and some 45 countries worldwide. It also sells directly to hobbyists through its Web site and catalog.

Dijon Limited was started in 1973 in a bedroom and garage by company director Diane Kirkness; she runs it with her two daughters. Dijon Limited, also known as The Original Dolls House Company, offers everything, including kitchen sinks, for the hobbyist to outfit dollhouses and miniature shops - even pubs - to the teeth. Its 1/12th-, 1/24th-, and 1/48th scaled items include handmade books that can be read with a magnifying glass, melted snowmen, kits for constructing dollhouses and miniature conservatories, electric wiring kits, and garden tools, along with play families and pets. Dijon Limited distributes to retailers throughout the UK, as well as by mail order and through the company's Web site.

Findlay Automotive also sells RVs at its Las Vegas location. In addition, the company provides auto parts, services, and financing. Established in 1959 by the late Pete Findlay, today Findlay Automotive is owned by his son president Cliff Findlay.High rollers can find their wheels at Findlay Automotive. Findlay Automotive Group sells a variety of new and used cars at about a dozen dealerships in the Las Vegas area, but also in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah. Findlay's auto brands include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, GMC, Saab, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Guaranty Chevrolet sells new and used cars and trucks from a handful of locations in Oregon and California. Its six RV showrooms offer new and used RVs, as well as repair and maintenance services. With more than 60 brands, Guaranty RV is one of the largest motorhome dealers on the West Coast and its boasts some 500 new and used vehicles in stock. It also has operations in Arizona. In addition to motorhomes, trailers, and vans, the company also offers a travelers club for those who enjoy the RV lifestyle. Guaranty was founded in 1966 by GM and owner Shannon Nil's father Herb Nil.

The Booksource Inc. company sells new hardcover and paperback books to school libraries and classrooms across the US. It's part of a growing trend to place small libraries in classrooms to encourage kids to pick up a book and read. Booksource also owns San Val, which operates two binderies that turn paperback books into hardcovers for use in schools and public libraries. Its Peaceable Kingdom Press makes cards, calendars, posters, and other paper products for kids that are sold in book and toy stores worldwide. The firm is owned by founder Sandy Jaffe and his children Neil (president), Gary (COO), and Donna (head of Peaceable Kingdom).

Color Me Mine Enterprises brings out the Picasso in you. The company has some 150 franchise locations open or under development in about two dozen US states, as well as in Australia, France, Kuwait, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. Customers can choose from more than 400 pieces of pottery and paint it on site, either solo or as part of a party package for birthdays, bridal showers, and other events. Color Me Mine To Go brings the pottery and paint to the party when you can't make it to the store. Some locations also offer workshops catering to students in kindergarten through sixth grades and home-school art certification.

KaBloom was founded in 1997 by David Hartstein and former Staples CEO Thomas Sternberg. KaBloom.com can be found daisy chaining across the country and cyberspace. The floral chain owns or franchises about 30 retail shops that sell bouquets, cut flowers, and plants primarily in Massachusetts, and is test-marketing selling flowers through kiosks. It also offers national floral delivery through its toll-free number and Web site. Its business flower program arranges flower deliveries to office buildings with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly schedules available. From about a dozen stores in the Boston area, KaBloom has spread its roots to about a dozen other states and the District of Columbia.

Connolly Music Company, Inc. imports and distributes strings for basses, cellos, guitars, mandolins, violas, and violins. It is the only US importer of Austria-made Thomastik-Infeld strings and rosin. Products include specialty strings for electric, acoustic, classical, and jazz guitars; acoustic and jazz basses; and custom sets as well as various cored strings for orchestral instruments. The company supports the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of America, and the Perlman Music Program. Connolly Music was founded in 1970 by John Connolly. His son Jake is president and owner.

Amscan Holdings caters to the party animal in all of us. The company makes party goods (such as balloons, invitations, pinatas, stationery, and tableware) and supplies party superstores and other retailers worldwide. It operates production and distribution facilities in North America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region. Amscan also markets its products through about 850 company-owned and franchised stores in the US, Puerto Rico, and the United Arab Emirates. Shops operate under the banners of Party City, Party America, Factory Card & Party Outlet, Halloween USA, and Party Factory. Amscan is a subsidiary of AAH Holdings, which is controlled by Berkshire Partners, Advent International, and Weston Presidio.

Lakeshore Equipment Company aims to make learning fun. Through about 50 Lakeshore Learning Stores in two dozen states, Lakeshore Equipment company sells educational toys and classroom tools, including art supplies, games, learning kits, textbooks, and teacher resource packets. It also offers products that address multicultural learning environments and special needs children, as well as in-store teacher workshops. In addition to its store network, Lakeshore Equipment markets learning materials via its two mail-order catalogs and website. Ethelyn Kaplan founded Lakeshore Equipment company in 1954. Today it is run by her son Michael (chairman) and grandsons Bo (president and CEO) and Josh (VP of Merchandising).

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