Fondy Famous

Not all vacuums are created equal, and the folks at Cutter Vac & Home Center will be the first to tell you why. 💚

We spent time at their Main Street shop learning what makes this local business so different. They carry only the best quality, best value vacuums out there, names like Simplicity, Miele, Royal, Sebo, Element, Beam, Dyson, and Hoover. These are machines that last longer, clean better, filter more, and are just plain easier to use than what you find on a big box shelf.

But here's what a lot of people do not realize. Cutter Vac does far more than vacuums. They also handle:

💚 Central vacuum systems

💚 Air duct cleaning

💚 Dryer vent cleaning

💚 Radon mitigation and abatement systems

That last one matters more than most Wisconsin homeowners know. Radon is invisible, odorless, and common in our basements, and Cutter Vac can take care of it for you.

Their whole goal is making your house a more comfortable, healthier home. Stop down and see these products in person. You'll get honest answers and real expertise, which is exactly what you want from a local shop.

This feature is made possible by our Founding Fondy Famous Partner, Steve Wirtz Builders. Thanks to their sponsorship, this comes at no cost to the business featured. We can't do what we do without businesses like you. 💚

Watch the full interview, link in the comments!

📍 32 N. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI

📞 (920) 922-3360

#FondyFamous #CutterVac #FondduLac #ShopLocal #HealthyHome

This week's Fondy Famous Feature is proof that great style does not have to come with a great price tag. 👗💚

We sat down with Autumn Kastein, Owner of Autumn's Closet — Fond du Lac's go-to upscale resale boutique for brand name clothing, accessories, shoes, and jewelry for teens, misses, and women!

Autumn's Closet is not your average thrift store. This is a curated, boutique shopping experience where you can buy AND sell your brand name pieces. Whether you are refreshing your wardrobe or clearing out your closet, Autumn and her team make it easy, fun, and absolutely worth the stop.

Here is what they specialize in:

👗 Brand name clothing for every style and season

👠 Shoes that turn heads without emptying your wallet

💍 Accessories and jewelry to complete any look

💰 Buying AND selling — bring in your gently loved pieces and walk out with something new

They stay on top of current trends and styles so you do not have to. If it is in fashion, you will find it at Autumn's Closet.

This is sustainable shopping. This is smart shopping. And honestly? This is just really fun shopping.

📍 516 North Rolling Meadows Drive, Fond du Lac, WI

📞 (920) 926-3313

This week's Fondy Famous Feature is proudly sponsored by Steve Wirtz Builders. Just like Autumn curates pieces built to last, Steve Wirtz Builds homes built to last. Thank you, Steve, for supporting local businesses and the stories that make this community shine!

#FondyFamous #FondduLac #AutumnsCloset #ShopLocal #SteveWirtzBuilders

This week's Fondy Famous Nonprofit Spotlight features a name you know and a mission you believe in. 💚

We sat down with Amber Kilawee, Executive Director of Fond du Lac County United Way, to talk about the incredible work happening right here in our community.

Amber has been with United Way since 2007, working her way from intern all the way to Executive Director. And her passion for this community? It shows in everything she does.

Fond du Lac County United Way is on a mission to unite individuals and organizations to foster the health, education, and financial stability of our community. From their Diaper Bank and Period Products program to free tax filing, mental health resources, Ride United transportation, and so much more, they are meeting people where they are and helping break cycles that hold families back.

This is what community looks like. This is what showing up for each other looks like.

Edited by: Famous Brands Media

📍 74 S Main St, Suite 201, Fond du Lac, W

📞 (920) 921-7010

#FondyFamous #NonprofitSpotlight #FondduLacCountyUnitedWay #UnitedIsTheWay #FondduLac #Wisconsin #GiveLocal #CommunityStrong #LocalLove #ShopLocal

This week's Fondy Famous Feature is one for the riders. We sat down with Matt Chiappetta to talk all things Open Road Harley-Davidson the community chapter sponsored by Open Road Harley-Davidson right here in Fond du Lac!

Open Road Harley-Davidson has been a staple at their location on Rolling Meadows Drive since the early 2000s. In 2022, the store found new ownership and kept doing what they do best selling and servicing Harley-Davidsons, stocking parts, accessories, clothing, and collectibles, and living by a mission that is hard to argue with:

To Ride & Have Fun.

Whether you're shopping for a new Road Glide®, a used Softail®, a Trike, or just need your touring bike serviced they've got you covered. And they're conveniently located for riders coming in from Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Door County, and everywhere in between.

The Open Road Harley-Davidson is the community heartbeat behind the brand and if you ride, this is your people.

24 S Rolling Meadows Dr, Fond du Lac, WI

Stop in and see what Open Road is all about!

This feature is proudly sponsored by Steve Wirtz Builders, Inc. because just like a great build starts with a solid foundation, so does a life well lived. Steve Wirtz knows what it means to invest in something built to last. Thank you for supporting local and celebrating this community!

Edited by: Sparkchaser Studio

#FondyFamous #FondduLac #OpenRoadHarleyDavidson #HarleyDavidson #RideAndHaveFun #FondyLocal #ShopLocal #LocalLove #Wisconsin #HarleyLife

THIS WEEK’S FONDY FAMOUS FEATURE: TNT Fitness

Did you know that most people spend hours in the gym every week without ever seeing real results? 🤯 It’s not for lack of trying it’s usually because they’re missing the science behind the sweat.

This week for Fondy Famous, I’m sitting down with Steven Knuth, the owner of TNT Fitness. Steven isn’t just running a gym, he and his team are building a roadmap for a better lifestyle.

What sets them apart? Their coaches aren't just enthusiasts they all hold Exercise Science degrees and pro-level certifications. They focus on safe, efficient performance so you get results without wasting hours or being so sore you can't function!

📍 W5695 Hamilton Road, Fond du Lac, WI

🏆 Sponsored by Steve Wirtz Builders. Steve knows that a solid foundation is everything whether in a home or your health. Thank you for supporting local fitness!

And the following who helped us with the studio to record in:

ERW Insurance

Odyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 with Premium Format Auditorium

Lake Literary Center

Silica For Your Home

11:11 Burgers & Beignets

Black Market Ink

Engraving For You

The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac

Mike's Music and Sound

Edited by: Sparkchaser Studio

#FondyFamous #TNTFitness #FondDuLacWI #SteveWirtzBuilders #PerformanceTraining

THIS WEEK’S FONDY FAMOUS FEATURE: Dreamcatcher’s Corner

Did you know there's enough clothing on our planet right now to dress the next six generations?That reality is exactly what sparked Chalsey L. Jenkins to open Dreamcatcher's Corner in downtown Fond du Lac.

What started as a small clothing revamp project in 2020 has grown into a treasure trove at 167 S. Main St. where vintage pieces, handmade creations from local makers, band tees, home decor, and one-of-a-kind finds all get a second chance at life.Chalsey sources, repairs, and rescues garments destined for landfills and gives them new stories. New items hit the floor daily at prices that won't break the bank, and there's even another room opening soon with more goodies to explore.Need help putting together a look? Chalsey loves offering styling advice to help you show up in the world as YOU.Stop in and find your next favorite piece. Your closet (and the planet) will thank you. 167 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935A special thank you to our Fondy Famous partners for making this feature possible!Steve Wirtz Builders, Inc. who sponsors each feature and is the reason we can continue this. And the following who helped us with the studio to record in:ERW InsuranceOdyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 with Premium Format AuditoriumLake Literary Center Silica For Your Home 11:11 Burgers & Beignets Black Market Ink  Engraving For You The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac Mike's Music and SoundEdited by: Sparkchaser Studio #FondyFamous #DreamcatchersCorner #FondDuLac #ShopLocal #SustainableFashion #VintageFinds

THIS WEEK’S FONDY FAMOUS FEATURE: Holy Family Warming Shelter

What happens when a community comes together with compassion at its core?

In November 2023, the Holy Family Warming Shelter opened its doors in Fond du Lac, offering warmth, safety, and dignity to adults experiencing homelessness during the winter months. In just one season, 164 individuals were served, 1,000+ meals were donated, and 159 volunteers stepped up to make a difference.

We sat down with Sarah Razner, Director of Communications & Marketing, to share the powerful story behind the shelter how it began, how the community rallied, and what’s next as renovations expand care and capacity.

This is a story of hope, humanity, and what’s possible when people show up for one another.

Listen the full interview to see how Fond du Lac made this happen.

A special thank you to our Fondy Famous partners for making this feature possible!

Steve Wirtz Builders, Inc.

ERW Insurance

Odyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 with Premium Format Auditorium

Lake Literary Center

Silica For Your Home

11:11 Burgers & Beignets

Black Market Ink

Engraving For You

The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac

Mike's Music And Sound

Photographed and Edited by: Sparkchaser Studio

#FondyFamous #HolyFamilyWarmingShelter #FondduLacWI #CommunityInAction #CompassionMatters #WeGrowBetterByGrowingTogether #DowntownFondduLacWI #SupportLocal #LocalStories #SupportLocalNonprofit

THIS WEEK’S FONDY FAMOUS FEATURE: Mike’s Music and Sound

Imagine stepping into a place where music has been alive for over 50+ years. What started in 1974 as a tiny guitar repair shop in downtown Fond du Lac has grown into a full-service music haven, supporting everyone from first-time students to professional musicians.

In this feature, meet Andrew Johnson, co-owner, who shares the story of how Mike Soffa built a legacy, how the Gilgenbach family nurtured it, and how Andrew and Jeremy Helbling continue to carry the torch today. Every guitar, every instrument, every lesson has a story and walking through this shop feels like stepping into the heart of Wisconsin’s music community.

Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or just curious about local legends, this is a story that will amaze you. Hit play and experience the passion, the history, and the soul of Mike’s Music & Sound.

289 N Main St Fond Du Lac, WI

(920)923-1925

A special thank you to our Fondy Famous partners for making this feature possible!

Steve Wirtz Builders, Inc.

ERW Insurance

Odyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 with Premium Format Auditorium

Lake Literary Center

Silica For Your Home

11:11 Burgers & Beignets

Black Market Ink

Engraving For You

The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac

Mike Music & Sound

Photographed and Edited by: Sparkchaser Studio

#FondyFamous #MikesMusicAndSound #FondduLacWI #LocalMusic #WisconsinMusic #SupportLocal #FullFeature #MusicJourney

THIS WEEK’S FONDY FAMOUS FEATURE: ADVOCAP!Led by Executive Director Tanya Marcoe, ADVOCAP is a powerhouse of support for families across Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties. As our region’s Community Action Agency, they’ve been helping neighbors overcome poverty and build long-term stability since 1966.From housing support and energy assistance to early childhood education, senior nutrition, transportation, workforce development, and volunteer programs ADVOCAP is all about creating opportunities and empowering people to move forward.A few highlights worth knowing:🏡 The Opportunity Center in Fond du Lac, connecting low-income neighbors with the resources they need to reach stability.🍎 Head Start Programs for kiddos ages 3–4, offering high-quality early learning in Fond du Lac & Green Lake Counties.📊 Community Needs Insights, helping dispel myths about poverty and guide programs that reflect real local challenges.If you’ve ever wondered who’s working behind the scenes to uplift our community, ADVOCAP is one of the organizations making a real difference every single day.💬 Have you or someone you know benefited from a community action program? Comment below!A special thank you to our Fondy Famous partners for making this feature possible!Steve Wirtz Builders, Inc.ERW InsuranceOdyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 with Premium Format AuditoriumLake Literary CenterSilica For Your Home11:11 Burgers & BeignetsBlack Market InkEngraving For YouThe Salvation Army of Fond du LacMike Music & SoundPhotography and Edited by: Sparkchaser Studio#FondyFamous #ADVOCAP #FondduLacWI #SupportLocal #CommunityAction #LocalFeature #WeGrowBetterByGrowingTogether

THIS WEEK’S FONDY FAMOUS FEATURE: Lake Literary Center! 

Founded by Erica Floyd, Lake Literary Center is a creative home for writers and readers across South-Central and Southeastern Wisconsin. From writing workshops and book clubs to author readings and literary-themed events, Lake Lit brings people together through the power of story.Whether you're looking to write, read, or simply connect with others who love words this is a local gem worth knowing.

📍 W3910 McCabe Rd, Unit B Malone, WI

Have you ever joined a writing workshop or book club? Comment below!

A special thank you to our Fondy Famous partners for making this feature possible!

Steve Wirtz Builders, Inc. 

ERW Insurance Odyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 with Premium Format Auditorium

Lake Literary Center 

Silica For Your Home 

11:11 Burgers & Beignets 

Black Market Ink 

Engraving For You 

The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac 

Mike Music & Sound

#FondyFamous #LakeLiteraryCenter #FondduLacWI #SupportLocal #WritersOfWisconsin #ReadersCommunity #LocalFeature #WeGrowBetterByGrowingTogether