Biz Buzz: Dance studio opens in Dubuque; electronic repair business opens; marina gets new owners

Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from around the tri-state area. This week, we highlight developments in Dubuque and Marquette, Iowa.

For the past four years, Dubuque native Mallorey Leibold has majored in enterprise leadership and minored in dance at the University of Iowa.

She graduated from the university May 12 and immediately put her education to use.

Leibold opened Vibe Dance Co. at 3430 Dodge St. last week. The studio specializes in acrobatics, jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and lyrical dance.

Leibold brings a wealth of dancing experience to the table. She began dancing at the age of 9 and was on the dance team all four years at Wahlert Catholic High School. She also earned a spot on the dance team at the University of Iowa, an experience that motivated her to open a studio of her own.

“That experience really advanced by knowledge and my background,” she said. “I think it took me to a new level.”

The studio is offering a pair of summer sessions for recreational dancers from age 3 through 18. The first session is from June 11 through 28, and the second stretches from July 9 through 26. Dancers can register at VibeDanceCo.com.

Dancers can schedule private lessons by visiting the website or calling 563-590-6417.

Vibe Dance Co. also will field a competitive dance team called “Vibe Tribe,” which will compete in events across the Midwest.

Leibold believes her approach to teaching will help mold young dancers.

“I am a firm believer in providing a positive atmosphere and encouraging students to push them past what they are capable of,” she said. “I definitely like to challenge them, but along the way, let them know that they are doing great.”

MARINA CHANGES HANDS

The operators of a popular riverboat have taken ownership of the marina in Marquette, Iowa.

Robert and Deb Vavra completed the purchase of the marina last week, according to Deb. She said her husband has owned the Maiden Voyage riverboat since 2005.

The 49-passenger riverboat, which provides tours along the Mississippi River, formerly was docked in McGregor, Iowa. It now will dock and pick up passengers in Marquette, Deb said.

She said other changes at the marina are forthcoming.

“Right now we have 22 boat slips that come with the marina,” Deb said. “We are in the process of redoing the docks and we plan to add about five or six more slips in the future.”

She said they hope to extend the hours during which boaters can access fuel in the marina. Beginning next month, the marina will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Customers can learn more about the times for Maiden Voyage tours or book a trip by visiting MaidenVoyageTours.com or calling 563-586-2123.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR EYES DUBUQUE

A young entrepreneur is bringing his growing electronics repair business to Dubuque.

St. Ansgar, Iowa-native Adam Haynes, 21, recently opened his third Quick Phix location at 806 Wacker Drive, Suite 129.

The business conducts “any kind of repairs” on phones tablets, computers and a wide range of other devices, Haynes said. The store also sells used phones and accessories.

Haynes launched his first Quick Phix location in Cedar Falls in April 2017. He opened a second location in Waterloo in January 2018.

Haynes said he began doing phone repairs when he was in high school. He attended college at the University of Northern Iowa for more than one year, but ultimately decided to start his own business.

Dubuque seemed a logical next step for the business’s growth.

“We offer a wide range of repairs services, and when I looked at the Dubuque market, I thought this was something people here needed,” he said.

Quick Phix is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The business can be reached at 563-562-2900.

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