Behind the Business with the Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce

In this conversation, Scott Frick, a CPA with deep roots in the Kendallville community, shares his journey from a young student fascinated by accounting to a successful business owner. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges he faced in establishing his practice, and how he gives back to the community. Scott emphasizes the significance of local support and the personal touch in client relationships, while also sharing his love for the Beatles and his commitment to continuing the legacy of his firm.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright sits down with Kelli Byerley, owner of Crafter's Boutique in Kendallville. Kelli opens up about her journey into the crafting world, the rewarding challenges of entrepreneurship, and the meaningful role her shop plays in the community. She shares insights into the classes she offers, the one-of-a-kind creative experiences available, and her exciting vision for the future of the boutique.

This conversation beautifully captures the charm of small-town business and the genuine connections that grow within it. Tune in to discover why Kelli hopes visitors feel inspired, supported, and right at home at Crafters Boutique!

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright interviews Ron Stanley, owner of R & T Monuments, discussing the services they provide, their community involvement, and the importance of pre-planning funeral arrangements. Ron shares his journey into the business, the challenges faced, and how they support the local community. Ron shares how he and his wife Tracy emphasize the importance of personalized service when helping people navigate the funeral journey.

He also discusses the upcoming funeral pre-planning event and the emotional peace that comes with being prepared.

In this episode of Behind the Business, Gene Belschner from Creating Magic Vacations shares insights into his journey as a vacation planner, discussing the challenges he faced in building his business, the importance of community support, and his unique approach to client service. He highlights his focus on creating memorable experiences for families and his plans for future group travel opportunities, including a trip to Alaska. Whether you are looking for someone to plan your entire vacation, or give you a list of options to choose from, Gene provides custom concierge service that fits every budget and choice of travel!

In this conversation, Teresa Steele shares her journey as a business coach, detailing her entrepreneurial background, the evolution of her coaching practice, and her commitment to community engagement. She discusses the diverse services she offers, including assessments and coaching methodologies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding individual strengths. Teresa also highlights her community initiatives and the unique aspects of her coaching approach, setting her apart from traditional consulting. Looking ahead, she shares her aspirations for the future of Steele Business Coaching, focusing on individual and group coaching. As a business coach for over 13 years, she offers a variety of assessments to help clients understand their strengths. Her coaching services are tailored to meet clients where they are and her approach is distinct from consulting, focusing on empowerment.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright speaks with Wes Smith, Director of Development for Southern Pike Solar, about the challenges and rewards of solar development, the importance of community involvement, and the future plans for solar energy in Kendallville. Wes shares insights into the technology behind solar power, the economic impact of their projects, and his personal journey in the industry.

If you have had questions about how this energy source is impacting our community, this is a great place for informational content and education.

In this episode of Behind the Business, host Nikole Albright interviews Beckitt Lowe, a high school sophomore and co-founder of Grey Wolf Workers, a lawnmowing and lawncare company in Kendallville. Beckitt shares his journey of starting the business at a young age with his good friend Cohen McCreery, the challenges he faced, and the pride he feels in his accomplishments. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the unique aspects of his business, and his future plans for growth.

This episode will restore your confidence in the next generation of employees and leaders as Beckitt shares his perspective on why quality and efficiency are top priorities for Gray Wolf Workers and why he and Cohen encourage employees to help others to build a positive image of their company and be stewards to the community.

In this episode, we sit down with Grace Caswell, CEO of the Noble County Visitors Bureau. She shares her journey to Kendallville, the challenges of running a nonprofit organization, and the unique aspects of the communities within Noble County. She discusses the bureau's support for local events and festivals, as well as future plans for tourism development in the area.

Whether you are new to Noble County, considering a vacation to our lovely town, or have lived here all your life, you are sure to learn about a few hidden gems from the vivacious and knowledgeable Grace Caswell.

In this episode we sit down with the co-owner of Misty Meadow Marketplace, Devon Knox, to hear how he and his partner Tiffany's chance meeting on a rainy day led to the creation of a thriving business.

Devon shares his challenges in starting a business, his love of this community, and his own personal contributions to the store with his product line called Eltropia. We also discuss his philanthropic spirit and the impact it is making on the local community.

Whether you’re a crafter, lover of eclectic art, or just have wondered what Misty Meadow Marketplace is all about, this episode will enlighten and entertain.

In this episode we sit down with the Director of the Community Learning Center (CLC), Julia Tipton, to hear her personal story. Did you know she started as a Kindergarten teacher in the same building she found her way back to all these years later?

Julia shares insights into her role, collaborative efforts and partnerships with local organizations, and the transformation and preservation of the building. We also dive into the future growth and development plans for the Community Learning Center and the upcoming lecture series they are offering.

Whether you’re a local business owner, resident, or just curious about what the Community Learning Center is all about, this episode is a must-listen.