Hidden Gems: Meet Ashley Mason of Great Lakes Bay Dining & Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Mason.

Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Going into college at Northwood University I knew I wanted to own my own business one day but was’t sure exactly at that time what that would look like. I worked in Engineering, banking and then the car industry as a business development specialist. I love working with people and developing a connection. I have friends still from each of the industries I worked in and meet for dinner to catch up. Everyone that knows me knows I had spark up conversations with anyone. I often do this when out and about and have met so many great people! It sure is a small world. I had an opportunity to shift into working my own business about a year ago and here we are! I’m loving every second of building my business while giving back to the community. From being in the Great Lakes Bay I have connections with many people. They have all been so supportive. We could’t do what we do in the community without the amazing businesses that are on our program.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel it’s been smooth. Of course I do work longer hours now that I’m not at a 8:30-5 job. Now I wake up through the night with more business ideas. Who I* can add to our program as well as who can we partner with to help. I want to be the best and everything I do. Not only do we give back to the food pantries and rescue missions we also have partnered with schools and organizations to help them raise money for the activities the funds are needed for. Football, dance, wresting and so on.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a family and veteran owned company, we have been “Helping Communities Grow Stronger Together” since 1995 as Smart Card Promotions, helping schools and non-profits raise money for their programs.
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In 2022 we launched Great Lakes Bay Dining & Entertainment LLC, Bringing tremendous value to both our customers and participating establishments while helping our local community in need.
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Our commitment is to provide value in three areas of the community:
Patrons looking to save money on the everyday things they enjoy doing.
Businesses looking for no upfront cost, no risk advertising.
Providing funds to area rescue missions and food pantry’s throughout our communities as well as a fundraising tool for schools and organizations.
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Equally important to the Great Lakes Bay Dining & Entertainment team is supporting veterans.​
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A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to local veterans organizations, food pantries and rescue missions to help our community members in need.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was growing up in the neighborhood with all the kids I grew up with. Our house was always the house every one wanted to hangout at. I’m sure we drove my mom crazy! My brother Aaron and I both hands friend over constantly. Know one wanted to play roller hockey with me. You can ask them all why! From swimming in the pool, riding our bikes all day long around the neighborhood to our daily visits to Kramers Meat Market on the westside for the best beef jerky. I miss that. Just a bunch of kids enjoying like to the fullest. We are all still in touch.

Pricing:

• $30

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glbdining.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QynEaG9Hu/?mibextid=wwXIfr