Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Salvaged Designs

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Salvaged Designs of Mahaska County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Transforming the old into the extraordinary, Salvaged Designs breathes new life into forgotten treasures," said Ranking Member Ernst. “By repurposing old furniture, instruments, and other miscellaneous items, Jen has created a perfect balance between sustainability and style in the Oskaloosa community.”

Throughout Jennifer Thomas-Maxwell’s childhood, she worked at her family’s waste management business, sparking a lifelong passion for sustainability. In college, she studied graphic design. As a mother, Jen crafted homemade gifts and Halloween costumes that gained popularity among classmates and parents in the neighborhood. Her unique, repurposed creations turned into Salvaged Designs and in 2016, Jen opened the doors of her first store. In 2020, Jen moved her business to Oskaloosa's Main Street. Today, Salvaged Designs sells repurposed furniture, band instruments, and a variety of Iowa and Midwest-made products that focus on sustainability. This year, Salvaged Designs will celebrate its eighth anniversary. 

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

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