Clearly Kosciusko

Winona Lake residents and husband and wife, Jason and Liz Dewart, join us on the podcast to share their origin stories, why they chose Kosciusko County over the big city, and insights on their favorite places to explore, things to do, and ways to connect in K-County!

Show Notes

• Husband and wife, Jason and Liz Dewart met in college at Purdue University (Boiler Up!). After living in Chicago for a number of years and welcoming their son, Maddox, The Dewart Family felt a calling to head back to Jason’s hometown in Milford, Indiana.

Long-time volunteer Merri Bottorff, and Robin Fosnaugh with Warsaw Community Public Library, share stories about why they returned to the area, and what's special about one of our local libraries. We're certain you'll learn things about the library you didn't know before! 

Show Notes

• Robin Fosnaugh is a native of Warsaw and serves as administrative assistant at Warsaw Community Public Library (WCPL). Although Robin and her family ventured to South Carolina for a time, they moved back to Warsaw because they knew it was home.

As a New York City native, who later lived in Massachusetts when she started her career, for 20 years now Marlene and her family have called Warsaw, Indiana home. 

Show Notes

Moving to the Hoosier State was a change of pace for Marlene Betances. Marlene is a New York City native, but also spent some time in rural New York during her college years at Cornell University. Marlene said her time at Cornell in Ithaca, NY gave her a bit of flavor for rural living– –not knowing she’d live in Indiana years later.

Marlene and her family later lived in Massachusetts while she worked as a quality engineer for Johnson & Johnson, which is when the opportunity to journey to Warsaw, Indiana was presented to her. After Johnson & Johnson acquired DePuy, Marlene was offered a job opportunity in Warsaw.

Marlene said at the time, the leadership [Johnson & Johnson] team encouraged her to consider it, and reminded her that the move didn’t have to be permanent. But 20 years later, Marlene and her family are still living and loving life in Warsaw. Marlene and her husband will celebrate their 30th anniversary this summer.

After planting roots in Kosciusko County, Marlene started a new chapter as co-founder and CEO of medical device operations support company, EnPak, LLC. The Warsaw-based company is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

As a local entrepreneur, Marlene praised the support she’s received and continues to receive from local mentors, KEDCO, SCORE, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and OrthoWorx.

“I prize our sense of community. If you haven’t experienced that it’s because you haven’t plugged in,” said Marlene.

Marlene said what makes her proud of being here is that community leaders and people aren’t complacent, we’re always trying to improve. For being a small town, she appreciates offerings like being able to pick up Spanish and Indian groceries from local stores, the variety and quality of local restaurants, and offerings the local education system continues to provide, expand and improve.

David Grant spent his childhood in Michigan but headed south to the Hoosier State to attend Grace College. Hear about David's story and how he chooses to be intentionally connected in the K-County community!

Show Notes

David Grant grew up in Michigan, and choose to make the move after high school to Winona Lake to attend Grace College, where he studied music, ministry & religious studies.

Although David didn’t necessarily have plans to stay in the area, during his time at Grace he met is now wife, and they chose to stay. He and his wife currently reside in Warsaw.

David serves as a digital marketing specialist at Creative Technology Solutions, a technology company uniquely equipped to manage IT needs of the long-term care industry. Creative Technology Solutions is located on the second floor above the Boathouse Restaurant in the Village at Winona.

When asked what has kept David in the area he said finding your home and your people makes all the difference. David enjoys playing guitar and co-leading worship with his wife at their local church. And he and his wife enjoy working out and connecting with others as CrossFit Haymaker Gym. David also mentioned One Warsaw, and emphasized the opportunities to get connected with people if you choose to.

Being centrally located in Warsaw has been a huge asset for business for Creative Technology Solutions.

If you’re looking for a local spot to eat, David highly recommends Biryani Kitchen and Rua.

Well known and hidden gems mentioned: Village at Winona, great retreat spaces in the community, The Garden at Cerulean and The Barbee Hotel & Restaurant.

Anna Haldewang, a local Syracuse native, is the founder of startup InsightTRAC™. And she's changing the game for almond growers in California and Australia.

Show Notes

Anna Haldewang is a native of Syracuse––home of Lake Wawasee––in Kosciusko County.

Although she grew up and resides in Kosciusko County now, Anna spent time in Savannah, Georgia during her college years and even spent some time in Fort Lauderdale for a couple years in the yachting industry.

While studying industrial design/product design in Savannah, Anna was tasked with designing a self-sufficient object that could stimulate the growth of plants. That’s when Anna began exploring pollination, and designed a pollinating drone.

After completing the design she was approached by CNN for a highlight, and Forbes to participate in the Forbes AgTech Summit. Anna knew she was on to something when she journeyed to California for the Summit with her makeshift prototype she’d put together––and people loved it. They were eager for the product release.

Anna returned home to pursue her business, Plan Bee. While partnering with Purdue Foundry in doing market research, she identified her target markets––almond growers/orchards in California and Australia. She learned about challenges facing almond growers with rotten almonds or “Mummies” and the Navel Orangeworms that hibernate in the almonds, causing damage to the next crop. InsightTRAC is born. InsightTRAC is a robotic “Mummy” removal system. Anna has completed some beta trials with the prototype, and plans to go to market with the product later this year.

When asked why Anna is still here and not living on the west coast she said her family lives here, she loves the area, the lakes and the small-town feel. She said, “As an entrepreneur here, everyone wants to help you, not just in Kosciusko County but at the State level there’s a lot of support for entrepreneurs.”

Anna recommends checking out local spots: Village at Winona, Port Winona Wine + Market, 110 Craft Meatery, and Anthology Whiskey.

It's deeply fulfilling when you pursue something larger than yourself. This local entrepreneur found a way to overcome the identity crisis he experienced when suffering from an injury while playing baseball in college. With faith, curiosity and hard work he's been able to help other people.

Show Notes

Wes Gensch grew up in Pierceton and found his way further west when he enrolled at Grace College to study business and sports management, and play baseball. After suffering from a baseball injury, he couldn’t have predicted it would lead him on an entrepreneurial journey.

While pitching on the baseball team, Wes suffered from an elbow injury that led him to apply ice at least six times daily. Not only was it difficult to accomplish what he desired throughout the day, the ice didn’t last long and he wasn’t finding the compression he needed. Wes hacked a temporary solution by making a gel sleeve with supplies from the local grocery store.

After testing the concept with the pure desire to help another teammate through an injury, Wes realized he could help more people than just himself. That was exhilarating for him.

Shortly after winning a business plan competition at Grace College, Wes launched his business CoolCorp, Inc., which offers personal cryotherapy products.

Part of what kept Wes here was the community of people who wrapped around him to support him on his entrepreneurial journey, and the opportunities in Warsaw as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

Wes mentioned that as a business owner, it’s a good thing to recognize that you don’t need to know everything. He recognized several mentors who have helped him along the way, and shared that you [business owners] learn to lean on other people who have the expertise you need, like neighboring business in the medical device industry, EnPak, LLC, which has provided manufacturing and distribution support for CoolCorp.

When asked about the best spots to eat, Wes said he’s been described as a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy, but he loves Oak and Alley and Mi Lindo Acapulco.

Wes still enjoys playing in a baseball league, and you may also find Wes playing “Spike Ball” during the summer months at Center Lake. He’s also gotten connected with a group of friends that regularly participates in outings and Bible studies together. He emphasized that the sense of community you get in Kosciusko County is irreplaceable.

Local resident and entrepreneur Jim Katris shares his story about journeying from Chicago to Warsaw, and how life unfolded as an entrepreneur in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Show Notes

As a CPA from the Chicago area, now local resident and owner of American Table Restaurant, Jim Katris couldn’t have predicted that he would end up in Kosciusko County, but he’s sure glad he did.

Jim journeyed to the area when his dad and brother asked him to come on board and join them in the restaurant industry after they’d opened the American Table Restaurant in the late 1980s. In 2000, Jim and his brother started the well-known Boathouse Restaurant at Winona Lake then later sold to a partner in 2010.

Jim later met his wife, Amber and they started a family, and now have four children. Jim shared that he’s observed that when people come to the area they don’t want to leave. He expressed that it’s a great place to raise a family, and he’s gained many friendships here.

What are ‘best kept secrets’ in Kosciusko County? Jim said the trail system is excellent, and he enjoys mountain biking on the trails. He also recognized the variety and caliber of independent restaurants, owned by local people––good people.

You can easily pursue your interests and hobbies or explore a new passion here. As a competitive wrestler for many years, Jim now enjoys doing Jiu Jitsu and teaching classes in the area.

Jim also shared his perspective regarding local service providers here versus the support you receive in larger cities. “You build relationships with these people,” he said. He shared an example of getting HVAC work done and how you can trust the person to come to your house when you’re not even home.

Jim recommends checking out Stonehenge Golf Course, and co-host Alan also mentioned the ice rink project in the works at the Village at Winona.

In addition to his leadership in the local restaurant and hospitality industry, Jim is also involved in local commercial real estate with his company Agora Investments LLC.

Brittany Lyon has many talents to say the least. Hear how her drive and resiliency has taken her down a variety of paths to serving others. From home care and hospice to the police academy, Brittany is anything but ordinary!

Show Notes

Brittany grew up in Vermont just across the Canadian border––Brittany could literally throw a stone into Canada.

As a child, she and her siblings lived part of the year in Indiana with aunt and cousins, which is how she came to know and love the area. Brittany said, “I love this community. When I came here as a kid I knew this was going to be home.”

After finishing high school, Brittany enrolled at Grace College, packed everything she owned, and journeyed from the east coast to plant permanent roots in Indiana.

With interests in different areas, Brittany has worked in the nonprofit sector, and also has a background in criminal justice. She currently serves as a business development associate for Kosciusko Home & Hospice, and is also a reserve officer for Winona Lake Police Department.

When asked what Brittany enjoys doing in the wintertime, she admitted she loves to cozy up with a book, but still enjoys staying active at the gym and/or on the trails. She also noted that Kosciusko County has plenty of great restaurants to visit. One thing Brittany would love to see come to life in the community is a rock climbing gym!

As someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, Brittany recommended checking out CrossFit Haymaker, Get Fit 24, Giverny Fitness Studio and the Kosciusko Community YMCA.

Brittany recommends checking out the Beyer Farm Greenway Trailhead and the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a must-go if you haven’t been!

Co-hosts Alan and Jody chat with local resident, Tony Metzinger about his story as a Hoosier, what brought him to Warsaw, and the blessings this community has given him and his family.

Show Notes

Tony grew up as a Hoosier in in Lafayette, Indiana. Tony was first exposed to machining in his dad’s machine shop. Tony spent several years learning machining and welding, and when his dad sold his business, Tony headed in a different direction and enrolled at nearby Purdue to pursue a degree in engineering.

Fast forward, Tony had heard about a company called DePuy in Warsaw, Indiana. Not knowing what to expect and with little experience in orthopedics, Tony headed in the door at DePuy for his first interview. After landing a job with DePuy, he and his family journeyed to Warsaw. Tony worked several years for both DePuy and Zimmer Biomet.

About a year ago, Tony was approached by a recruiter to join the team at OrthoPediatrics. He now serves as the VP of Engineering, Trauma and Deformity Corrections at OrthoPediatrics.

Tony said, “There’s a lot of amazing talent and businesses that you would not expect to see in a town this size. From the restaurants all the way up through the supply chains for orthopedic companies.” Tony referenced 110 Craft Meatery, Cerulean, Noa Noa and Rua. “The quality of restaurants and the entrepreneurs we have here...it’s such a blessing to have,” Tony said.

Tony shared that the friendships he and his family have made have been invaluable. Tony, Alan and Jody all agreed that even if you don’t live on the lake, you can still spend time at one of the lakes. You can always find a friend who has a boat.J

Tony’s kids have had ample opportunities to learn and grow here. From learning opportunities through Warsaw Area Career Center––where his oldest son received his private pilot license as a high schooler––to extracurricular and athletic opportunities.

One “well-kept secret” that shouldn’t be a secret, is local robotics programming. Both Warsaw and Wawasee Schools have top-rated robotics programs.

Tony highlighted another gem in the community––Stonehenge Golf Club in Winona Lake. Tony said we’re blessed to have a course of that caliber in our own backyard, AND it’s affordable.

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Chris Plack of 24/7 Cars. He shares incredible details about where life has taken him, and how he arrived in the Hoosier State––3,500 miles later. 

Show Notes

Although a Hoosier now, Chris Plack has lived many places around the world.

Chris was born in Frankfurt, Germany, while is parents were overseas serving in the U.S. Army. After living in Frankfurt for the first nine days of his life, his family was transferred to Boston. At six years old, his family then headed to Anchorage, Alaska, where Chris was hopeful he would live in an igloo

Although living in a subdivision instead of the igloo may not have been what Chris had hoped, after several years in Anchorage, he became more connected to the Hoosier State through CompuServe––or what we now just refer to as “online.”

Chris connected with a gal from Warsaw, Indiana online, and he couldn’t have predicted the adventure that unfolded ahead of him which led him to his wife, Jamie.

With a journey of many twists and turns, and many would say, “fate,” Chris moved to Warsaw, and he and Jamie were married. Chris, Jamie and their children have remained in Warsaw because he emphasized it was the perfect place for them to be.

Chris said, “As an ‘adopted son’ of Kosciusko County, I have such a love and appreciation for this community. It’s a special place. And I couldn’t be happier for my children to grow up in a community like Warsaw, Indiana.”

Chris emphasized that it’s not just about the ample opportunities here in K-County, it’s the ethos of the community. He’s built many invaluable relationships here, and a trusted relationship with a best friend is how Chris got started as co-owner of 24/7 Cars.

As a community which more than 60% of residents are not natives, Chris feels so many people choose to be in Kosciusko County. And there are unique and dynamic voices that need to be heard.

Chris encourages people to get involved, whether it’s running for office or starting a business. He said, “Let’s help fuel peoples’ passions.”

Like many residents and visitors, Chris raved about the restaurant scene in Kosciusko County. Some of his favorites are 110 Craft Meatery, Cerulean, and The Buzz on Buffalo.

With a passion for the K-County community, Chris said, “I’ve seen other places, I’ve lived in other places, and we are so blessed to live here.”