About Plain Places

In today's world, many products are made to be cheap and wear out long before they should. They're often replaced rather than repaired or treasured. But across America, particularly in Amish and Mennonites communities, traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive.

These people create furniture built to last for generations, prepare foods so delicious they draw tourists across state lines, and provide services with exceptional work ethic and attention to detail. While these businesses exist, they often operate with limited visibility, making it hard for people outside their local areas to find them.

From Bedroom Websites to Building Bridges

I'm Lavern Gingerich, founder of Plain Places and Bonflare. My journey began over 20 years ago when I started building websites from my bedroom in my parent's house. What started as curiosity quickly grew into passion and eventually became my mission.

Throughout my career in digital marketing, I've worked primarily with businesses owned by "plain" people. I've witnessed firsthand both the exceptional quality these businesses offer and their challenges in connecting with customers who truly value their work—all while navigating technology in ways that respect their community values.

Plain Places grew from this experience—combining my digital marketing expertise with deep respect for these communities and their traditions. It's more than a business directory—it's a thoughtful bridge between worlds that I've spent two decades helping to connect.

How We're Different

Unlike typical business directories, Plain Places was created with respect for plain community values:

• Accessible to All: Businesses can join whether they have internet access, email-only, or just a fax machine
• Clean, Focused Listings: No distracting advertisements—just clear information about the business and their offerings
• Meaningful Connections: We help customers who appreciate traditional craftsmanship find businesses that uphold these standards
• Respect for Community Guidelines: Our platform honors the varying levels of technology use within different plain communities

If you're a business from a plain community, Plain Places offers a way to increase your visibility while staying true to your values. From free basic listings to custom websites, we provide options that respect your community's guidelines while helping your quality work reach appreciative customers.

For those searching for products and services of lasting quality, Plain Places is your guide to discovering businesses from Amish, Mennonite, and other plain communities. Here you'll find woodworkers crafting heirloom furniture, farms offering fresh produce, reliable tradespeople, and unique handmade items that stand apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Making a Better World

Our work is inspired by Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

When skilled people make things with care and attention, they don't just make products—they make things that bring joy, function reliably, and often become treasured heirlooms.

Plain Places exists to highlight this kind of work, not only connecting you with quality products and services today, but also supporting a vision of a world where things are made to last, where craftsmanship matters, and where we value the connection of human touch behind the things we use every day.

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Lavern Gingerich
Founder, Plain Places