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New Member Business Spotlight

Please welcome new members to the Howell Chamber of Commerce.

New members can download the Business Spotlight form and submit it to the chamber.

Name: Joanne Messinger

Position: Owner

Business Name: Payroll Vault

Address: 7 Tulip Court

City: Jackson

Phone: 732-290-4030

Website: https://www.payrollvault.com/218

 

How did you come to be in this line of work?

I’ve spent my career in HR and payroll services, supporting businesses of all sizes, from

start-ups to large-scale operations. After years of helping others streamline their back-

office functions, I decided to launch my own business - JRCM X-Celerate, doing business

as Payroll Vault. It was the perfect way to combine my passion for people, processes,

and small business success.


What makes you different from others in this field?

We’re not a call center. Our clients get a dedicated payroll specialist who knows their

business, understands their needs, and provides personalized, timely support. With

Payroll Vault, small businesses get big-service feel with boutique-level attention and the

flexibility to scale with growth.


Who would use your services or product?

Small business owners, particularly those with 1–50 employees, who are tired of

managing payroll on their own or frustrated with impersonal, hard-to-reach providers.

We also support accounting firms that want to refer or outsource payroll services for

their clients.


What do you regard as your greatest achievement in business to date?

Launching my own company has been the most rewarding leap. Turning my years of

expertise into a business built to help others succeed has been a proud and fulfilling

milestone.


What do you hope to get out of your chamber membership?

I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with fellow business owners,

learning from others, supporting local growth, and giving back to the community.


What committees would you be interested in participating in?

I’d be happy to get involved in Small Business, Events, or Membership committees

where I can collaborate, contribute ideas, and help create value for members.

Tell us something others may find of interest about you.


I have three boys, and between them all, I’ve spent many weekends on the sidelines

cheering them on through years of Travel soccer. It’s been a big part of our family life

and kept us on our toes!


What is your favorite activity or hobby?

Baking is one of my favorite creative outlets, and I also love to travel—exploring new

places, cultures, and foods whenever I get the chance.


What is your life motto(s)?

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” It’s a reminder that

progress matters more than perfection—and that resourcefulness and persistence go a long way.


Name: Jade Platzer

Position: Owner

Business Name: A Chimney Woman (DBA) A Chimney Man

City: Howell, NJ

Phone: 732-367-8988

Website:  www.achimneyman.com


How did you come to be in this line of work?

Chimney work has been in our family since 1998, when the business was founded by my parents, Fred and Michelle. After we lost our father in 2012 due to injuries sustained while clearing storm-damaged trees from Superstorm Sandy on our property in Howell, my sisters and mother carried on the business in his honor. Today, it’s proudly family- and female-owned and operated.


What makes you different from others in this field? 

We’re a family-run, female-led business that truly cares about our customers’ safety and comfort. We take pride in our work, pay close attention to detail, and believe in honest, fair pricing. We’re also committed to continuing education and are active members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.


Who would use your services or product?

Any homeowner or business with a fireplace, wood stove, or chimney — as well as those needing dryer vent service, basic masonry repair, or gutter cleaning.


What do you regard as your greatest achievement in business to date?

Our greatest achievement is continuing the business after the loss of our patriarch, honoring his legacy by maintaining the quality, integrity, and care he instilled in us.


What do you hope to get out of your chamber membership?

We hope to build strong relationships with other local businesses, earn trust in the community, and offer our expertise where needed. We’re also happy to provide Chamber members with $25 off services over $100 and free local consultations.


What committees would you be interested in participating in?

As we get to know the Chamber and its mission, we’ll be happy to explore committee opportunities where our skills and experience can be most helpful.


Tell us something others may find of interest about you.

This job can be messy — I often come home covered head to toe in soot! But my dad always said, “Dirty chicks by day, hot chicks by night,” and it stuck. We clean up well!


What is your favorite activity or hobby?

I love learning how to fix things on my own. Taking something broken or forgotten and making it beautiful again — that’s what inspires me.


What is your life motto(s)?

Everything happens for a reason, even when it doesn’t make sense. Stay in the boat… unless you can walk on water.



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