An international network and a virtual vision captured Michelle Vernon’s attention in college. Fueled with only ambition, she realized a plan to help manufacturers in Charlotte with business overseas.

Michelle first focused on French when she created Choice Translating. In the professional firm’s seventeen years, it has expanded as a language services provider to help companies maximize global opportunities and to communicate with non-English speaking staff.

Her husband, Vernon Menard, invested in the company in the late 1990’s when he expressed an interest to become an entrepreneur with Choice Translating.

“I thought it was a diamond in the rough and very future oriented,” Vernon said. “I think that businesses in general have to be globally interested and globally outfitted to survive. The structure Michelle already had in the business was a virtual structure.”

After they married, Michelle and Vernon teamed together to increase their business and create Long Term Relationships in Charlotte, the United States, and the world. They have hired virtual staff, including contractors, and local employees. Choice Translating has worked in 176 languages.

The couple needed a place where Choice Translating exuded a professional image, showed the company’s long term goals, and felt like home.

“We really wanted to let our potential clients know we are a professional company,” Michelle said. “I was drawn to downtown Charlotte … There is so much energy and activity.”

The Trade and Tryon office location was not another space. At Tryon Plaza, Vernon and Michelle saw expansion, future leadership, and long term relationships. The husband and wife co-owners bought two office spaces at Tryon Plaza, an Uptown office condominium.

Vernon and Michelle worked with an architect to bring to life everything they envisioned. Michelle made use of the natural light with the excellent views of the office windows.

“We took advantage of it so as much of the natural light carried through the space,” Michelle said.

Vernon wanted to incorporate expansion into every part of the design. Rooms with dry erase markers have allowed employees to write and share ideas. They collaborate or hold meetings.

In order to create a space where employees enjoyed their work, the Menards understood the importance of content workers. They added a kitchen space, and employees have the option to walk outside during their breaks.

The opportunity for business owners to expand in a work space of their own gives the Menards an edge. Choice Translating has found a home and a way to give people jobs.

By Rebecca T. Dickinson for Tryon Plaza