Behind the Business with the Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright sits down with Angie Kidd, Executive Director of Common Grace Ministries, to explore how the organization is creating meaningful change in our Kendallville community.

Angie shares the story behind Common Grace Ministries—how it started, how it has evolved, and the heart behind its mission to serve others with dignity and purpose. Listeners will learn about the organization’s impactful programs including their food pantry, the Getting Started program, and an innovative car repair initiative that helps individuals overcome transportation barriers.

The conversation also dives into the philosophy of “Helping Without Hurting” and how asset-based community development empowers people to build on their strengths rather than focusing on deficits. Angie also discusses the challenges along the way, the successes that continue to inspire their work, and the exciting future ahead for Common Grace Ministries.

If you’re passionate about community collaboration, compassion-driven leadership, and creative solutions to local challenges, this episode offers an inspiring look at how small communities can make a big impact.

In this episode of Behind the Business, Nikole Albright sits down with Chris Hall, President of Noble County Events, to talk about building a new organization dedicated to bringing the community together.

Chris shares the story behind the launch of Noble County Events, the inspiration that sparked the idea, and the behind-the-scenes realities of organizing community-driven events. From coordinating logistics to building partnerships, he explains what it takes to create experiences that connect people while supporting important local causes.

They also discuss how collaboration with local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders plays a key role in making these events successful—and how Noble County Events plans to continue growing its impact through future events that benefit charities and strengthen community relationships.

If you’re passionate about community, collaboration, and making a difference locally, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright sits down with Jayce Riegling of Destination 814 to talk about family legacy, leadership, and the realities of running a restaurant in today’s world. As a second-generation restaurateur, Jayce shares the journey of growing Destination 814 over the past four years, the challenges of staffing in a high-turnover industry, and the dedication it takes to maintain exceptional food and service.

From innovative menu creations and craft cocktails to exciting plans for a new menu release, Jayce gives listeners an inside look at what sets Destination 814 apart — and how he’s leading the business into a more digital future while staying rooted in community. If you love supporting local and hearing the real stories behind successful businesses, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright sits down with Tanaya Gorski, General Manager of Scooter's Coffee in Kendallville, to talk about resilience, growth, and community impact.

Tanaya shares her three-year journey in the coffee industry and the early challenges the store faced—including a flooding incident shortly after opening. Despite setbacks, Scooter’s Coffee has experienced remarkable growth and is now aiming for an impressive $2 million in sales.

More than just a coffee shop, Tanaya explains how community involvement is at the heart of their mission. From adopting families at Christmas and supporting local veterans to participating in parades and community events, her team is committed to making a difference. She also discusses the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture, building strong customer relationships, and leveraging social media to expand engagement.

Listeners will hear about exciting future plans, including new product launches, continued digital growth, and how Tanaya’s love for Christmas shapes the culture inside the store. Plus, she shares how chamber members can enjoy exclusive discounts—another way Scooter’s Coffee stays connected to the local business community.

This episode is a heartwarming look at how strong leadership, community spirit, and a passion for people can turn challenges into thriving success.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright sits down with Sarah Baldwin, CEO and co-founder of Story House, a counseling ministry built on the belief that every story has hope. Launched in February 2020—just before the world shut down—Story House has grown into a trusted resource, and is now in the Kendallville community, meeting an overwhelming demand for mental health support.

Sarah shares the heart behind Story House’s mission, the challenges of keeping up with the need for counseling services, and the importance of creating a safe, supportive space for both clients and counselors. With a focus on helping individuals truly thrive—not just reduce symptoms—Story House offers unique services like story groups that deepen the healing process.

From strong community support to future plans for a counseling retreat, this conversation highlights the power of local pride, trusted leadership, and a simple but meaningful promise: Your story is safe here.

In this episode, we sit down with Margarita White, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Noble County, for an inspiring conversation about philanthropy, leadership, and the power of local impact. Margarita shares her personal journey into philanthropy, the challenges and celebrations that have shaped her work, and how the foundation connects generous donors with causes that truly matter. From supporting local nonprofits to fostering a culture of giving back, Margarita offers insight into how community engagement can transform lives—and what’s ahead for Noble County’s future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making a difference where they live.

In this episode of "Behind the Business," host Nikole Albright sits down with Tim Walz, the principal of St. John Lutheran School, to discuss the school's rich history and its role in the Kendallville community. Tim shares insights into his 15-year tenure at the school, highlighting its reopening in 1981 after a brief closure and the significant growth it has experienced since then. He emphasizes the school's commitment to providing a faith-focused education that meets the needs of families from various backgrounds, making it a vital part of the community's educational landscape.

Tim also reflects on the school's recent achievements, including a successful building project that expanded their facilities and eliminated debt, showcasing the strong support from the community. The conversation touches on the school's unique offerings, such as a robust music program and various extracurricular activities, which allow students to explore their interests. Tim concludes by inviting the community to upcoming events, including an open house and student showcases, reinforcing the school's dedication to fostering connections within Kendallville.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright
interviews Amber Collins, owner of JBS Consulting. Amber shares her journey of starting her own business, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community support. She discusses her unique approach to bookkeeping and financial consulting, emphasizing personalized
service for small businesses.

Amber also shares her future aspirations for growth and her commitment to empowering her clients. She doesn't just solve bookkeeping problems for her clients, she loves deciphering numbers for them and helping them understand the numbers and providing advisory support and financial consulting.

Her family's love of numbers runs deep! Get to know this talented, but introverted entrepreneur who is making a difference for her clients with her motto of 'balanced books and focused service.

In this conversation, Dr. Meleah Shull shares her journey of taking over Jansen Family Chiropractic, a legacy practice in Kendallville. Indiana. She discusses the challenges and celebrations of maintaining the practice's long-standing reputation while introducing new services. Dr. Schall emphasizes the importance of community engagement, her unique offerings like craniosacral therapy and acupuncture, and her plans for future events to foster community connections.

Personal insights about her family and interests add a relatable touch to her professional narrative. Take a listen to learn more about this community asset and the services they offer, building on 75 years of chiropractic care in Kendallville.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright speaks with David Dressler, a commercial loan officer at Midwest America Federal Credit Union. David shares his journey from being a fifth-generation farmer to a banking professional, discussing the challenges and achievements he has faced in the banking sector. He emphasizes the importance of community support and engagement, detailing various initiatives that Midwest America participates in to give back to Kendallville. David also highlights unique offerings of the credit union, his personal ties to the community, and his involvement in the Young Professional Network. The conversation wraps up with fun facts about David's interests and how listeners can connect with him.