How to Nominate a Vintage Business for a Spotlight

Some of the best features we publish start with a tip from a customer, a neighbor, or a fellow dealer who simply thinks a business deserves recognition. Nominating someone for a spotlight takes only a few minutes, and you do not have to own the business to do it. Here is exactly how to give a deserving shop its moment.

Step 1: Pick the Business and the Angle

Start by naming the shop, dealer, or maker and the town they call home. Then think about the angle. What makes this business worth a spotlight rather than just a listing? A main-street revival, a remarkable origin story, a niche nobody else fills, or a generous owner who mentors newcomers all make for a compelling feature.

Step 2: Gather the Details We Need

• The business name, town, and a way to reach the owner.
• One or two sentences on why they deserve a spotlight.
• Any photos you are happy for us to use, or who to ask for them.
• Whether you are the owner, a customer, or a fellow dealer.

You do not need professional photos or a polished pitch. A clear, honest paragraph tells us far more than a press release ever could.

Step 3: Submit and Let Us Take It From Here

Send your nomination through the share-your-story form on the community site. We read every submission, including anonymous nominations made on a business's behalf, and we reach out to the owner before any feature runs. Nominating someone never commits them to anything.

Step 4: Help the Story Travel

If your nominee is featured, the most generous thing you can do is share it. Tag the business, tell their regulars, and help the spotlight reach the people who will love it. A feature is a gift; sharing it doubles the value.

Ready to put a deserving business in the spotlight? It only takes a minute to start.