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One of my favorite quotes that I strive to live by is, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Continuing to learn and grow is key to any profession. In today's rapidly changing world, it's more important than ever for leaders to be committed to continuous learning. The best leaders are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. Leaders understand that learning is a lifelong process. Continuous learning is not just going back to school for a degree. Continuous learning means seeking out ways to expand your knowledge and skill set. Leaders constantly strive to do better, are committed to lifelong learning, and have a willingness to learn and try new things. There are many ways for leaders and educators to engage in continuous learning. Here are a few ideas: Certifications. There are many certification options professionals can choose from. These courses are typically shorter than a degree program and many can be completed online. You can tailor your certifications towards your career goals and advance your knowledge base. Attend conferences and workshops. Conferences and workshops are a great way to learn about new trends and developments in your field. They also provide an opportunity to network with other leaders. Take online courses. There are many online courses available on a variety of topics. Online courses are a convenient way to learn at your own pace. Coursera offers free and paid courses in numerous fields. Join professional organizations. Professional organizations offer a variety of opportunities for learning and development such as webinars, workshops, and conferences. The Reading League is an exceptional organization for teachers. Seek out a mentor. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you learn and grow. LinkedIn is a great resource to find a mentor in your field. Research. Read books, articles, and research reports. There are many great books and articles available on education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and other topics. Make time to read regularly and learn from the experiences of others. There are many benefits to continuous learning for leaders: It helps you stay ahead of the curve. The world is constantly changing, and leaders need to be able to adapt to new challenges. By continuously learning, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field. It makes you a more effective leader. When you have a deep understanding of your field, you're better able to make informed decisions and lead your team effectively. It builds your confidence. When you're constantly learning, you're building your confidence in your abilities. This can help you to become a more assertive and effective leader. Continuous learning is an essential ingredient for successful leaders. By committing to lifelong learning, you can stay ahead of the curve, become a more effective leader in all fields, lead your team, and build your confidence. Learn more about Read with Mrs. A Website at https://www.readwithmrsa.com/ Sources: 4 reasons why the best leaders embrace continuous learning at work. Professional Leadership Institute. (2023, May 11). https://professionalleadershipinstitute.com/resources/continuous-learning/ Hashemi-Pour, C., & Chai, W. (2023, November 14). What is continuous learning and what are its benefits?. WhatIs. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/continuous-learning Skizaa. (2021, November 3). Educating the educators: The importance of continuous learning and professional development of teachers. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/educating-educators-importance-continuous-learning-professional-/

The first weekend of April is set to be a good one with a diverse range of events to cater to every interest. From captivating car shows showcasing unique hot rods and cars to exciting adventures at the zoo, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Join in on the excitement and explore the lineup of activities set to unfold over the weekend, promising fun, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for all who are in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Wild Zoo Spring Preview: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Shipshewana On The Road: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Fort Wayne Rod and Custom Show: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 If you have an event you would like us to share, please email the details to info@businessjournalfw.com

Engaging in acts of kindness and support for our neighbors and community is at the heart of building a compassionate and united society. When we lend a hand, we strengthen the ties that bind us and nurture a sense of togetherness and inclusion. Each act of assistance creates a ripple effect of goodwill, inspiring others to join in and build a culture of generosity and empathy, creating a community that thrives on shared care and support. With the NeighborLink platform, a world of opportunities opens up for everyone to make a difference, from simple tasks like lawn mowing to significant projects like enhancing accessibility for those with disabilities. NeighborLink offers endless avenues for neighbors to unite, creating lasting connections and a web of support. Today, we delve into the inspiring journey of Eric Wood, the Executive Director of NeighborLink, to uncover the story that led him to his current position at this remarkable organization in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eric Wood was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When describing his childhood, he said he grew up like most other kids from the 80s and 90s. He played sports and went to church with his family on Sundays. A significant turning point in his life happened when he was 14 years old on a trip to Darien, Georgia, to help build a ramp for an elderly couple, but before they arrived, the husband passed away. Eric expected the encounter with the widowed wife to be overwhelming because he wasn't sure how to handle loss and suffering at such a young age. To his surprise, when they arrived, the woman opened her door with a large smile and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She shared stories of God's goodness in her life, and Eric was forever changed by the end of that trip. He said his prayer from that day forward was to have that type of joy for the rest of his days and to live a life of ministry, specifically that of a pastor who served others for the rest of his life. After graduating from Homestead High School, Wood went to Huntington University to study Student Ministry. During college, he continued to follow his passion for helping others. He often spent his time helping churches and organizations around the area. He spent a significant amount of time with those struggling with addiction and identity issues. When we asked him about this time in his life, he said, "From the age of 18-27, I was pastoring churches, volunteering at public schools, and going to skate parks to hang out with kids that were isolated or coming from harder situations like addiction or incarceration. All of that was a life I didn't know growing up, but I was serving them and becoming friends with them and failing alongside them in the sense of 'you don't know how to do this, I don't know how to do this, so let's figure it out together.' I don't know if I had a plan other than to show up and be present and to have experiences with them. While they were learning, we were learning." Two weeks before Eric graduated from high school, he met his wife, Mandy, and together, they would have two children within the next few years. When Eric was 27, he started to feel like he needed to do more, but he was unsure what that meant. He enjoyed pastoring at his church but wanted to be more involved in the community, so he began praying for guidance. He said, "I prayed this prayer: 'Kick us out of Fort Wayne or put us in concrete. I'll do whatever you want, but I need you to lead me because I don't know what to do right now.' About 30 days later, I was packing my bags so Mandy and I could take ten kids from Northside High School on a trip. I was convinced this trip would be beautiful, and then I heard in my head, 'I want you to sell everything you own and follow me around the world. Go check your email; your pastor will tell you I'm talking to you.' So I go to my computer and log in, and this is how clear this moment was in my life. I log in and get an email immediately from my pastor that says, 'Hey dude, I haven't slept in three nights. You need to sell everything you own and follow Jesus around the world. Don't worry if everything falls apart; you can start over again.’ Soon after, our roof started leaking, our furnace blew up, and our house fell apart. The next day, someone gave us a brand new furnace, and they didn't even know our furnace blew up. Someone showed up to fix our roof, and after our house was repaired, it sold without a sign in our yard. We packed our two kids and a couple of friends into a van and did 60,000 miles around the country and once around the world. This happened on $600 a month, and every day revealed God's kindness and our dependency." After their trip, they returned home to Fort Wayne to prepare to move to England, but after a series of events, the plan to move was canceled, and they stayed in Indiana for the next five years. Throughout the next decade, Eric experienced extreme burnout while trying to continue pastoring his church and caring for his wife and children. At the age of 34, the Wood family took on another big move to Portland, Maine, where they adopted a son and made it their primary goal to relearn how to love people from the heart of the city with simplicity and proximity. Over the next seven years, Eric became the Director of Transportation for the city of Portland, Co-Owner of an MMA gym, screen printed t-shirts, and spoke at their church on Sundays. Although those years had their hardships, Eric and Mandy were able to experience and do so many things that wouldn't have been possible if they had stayed in the Midwest. Being in a new place where no one knew who they were allowed them to take chances without expectations. Then, the COVID pandemic started, and the desire to be around friends and family for the sake of their children brought them back to Fort Wayne. Two weeks before they planned to move, the Executive Director of NeighborLink resigned, and Eric immediately sent in his resume. The opportunity to work for this organization was something that he could not pass up. Everything NeighborLink stands for embodies how Eric has lived his life: caring for, loving, and serving with and for his neighbors. It took five months before Eric heard back about the position, but in May of 2021, he finally got the call he had eagerly anticipated: he was hired. To better understand what NeighborLink is today, we asked Eric to share with us how NeighborLink was created; he told us the unexpected story behind it all. He said, "In 1997/1998, a lawyer named John Barce, who is still the president of NeighborLink today, was in a leadership cohort, and they were to come up with some ideas. He came up with NeighborLink because there was a lack of connection between the church and their neighbors. He wondered, ‘How do we connect to them based on need, an invitation, and a practical request rather than assumption?’ He formed the idea of NeighborLink, which got second place, and because of that, it was laid down. About three years later, John's dad was kidnapped, ransomed, and murdered. When John got a phone call from his mom, who told him that his dad had been kidnapped and there was a ransom while on the call, outside of anger, one of his thoughts was, 'You're going to forgive this person because I have forgiven you.' At the time he didn’t know who did this to his father yet, but he hears, 'You've been forgiven much, so you're going to forgive much.' The police found the guy and discovered this had been planned for 13 years. He, his wife, and their son planned it over a change in a will. His father was a lawyer. It was a very small transaction - it was just awful - for 13 years, it was planned, and they eventually got him to go where they wanted him to go, and he unfortunately passed away. When they went to court, John had the opportunity to speak, and he spoke right to the man and said, 'I want you to know that you are forgiven. I've been forgiven, and I forgive you.' Around that time, a friend named Doug told John he should start NeighborLink because you never know how much time you have left. So John built the framework of NeighborLink and it's been growing for a little over 20 years ever since. I believe NeighborLink is beautiful and has stayed grassroots because it was created by a man who forgave his worst enemy." Today, NeighborLink is a platform that curates connections between two people. On one side is a neighbor in need, and on the other is a neighbor who wants to help. All of this takes place primarily through neighborlink.org. When you go to their website, you will be greeted with two options: I need help, or I can help. The process for both avenues is similar in the aspect of getting started. For someone needing help, they can either call NeighborLink directly or put in their information on their own through the website. There are no qualifying factors such as age, race, ability, or disability to ask for help; instead, there are three simple questions: Who are you? What is your circumstance? and What do you need? After these three questions are answered, someone from the NeighborLink team will be in contact to ask for any further details about the need being requested, and then the job will be listed on the platform for a neighbor to claim. When it comes to a person who would like to help, they will go through a similar onboarding process before they can help. The process for a neighbor wanting to help is to answer two questions: Who are you? and Why do you want to serve? Once completed, the final step will be a background check to ensure that the person sent to help any neighbors in need has a transparent background. After final approval, the neighbor can search through the list of requests to select the neighbor they want to help first. We asked Eric if it's more challenging to find neighbors in need or neighbors willing to help, and he said, "It definitely takes the margin to love the marginalized, so having volunteers transition into neighbors is the greatest complexity in NeighborLink. We tend to have 300-500 homes needing help on our platform at any time in Fort Wayne. NeighborLink is not the doer, though as a staff, we do work, help, serve, and love folks, but the real invitation is for people to relearn how to neighbor again. Oftentimes, we don't know the people to our left, right, front, or back, so it's a foreign invitation, and we have to relearn how to be present with the people we are surrounded by. We're trying to remove volunteering from our dictionary because volunteering implies a one-time commitment to something, and neighboring is something that is a part of your rhythm and identity." Although many needs listed on the platform do not require a skilled trade, many people still need something that would require someone with special skills. Finding companies or people who can perform these tasks can be difficult, but Eric and his team work hard to find the right organizations and people to help these neighbors. Skilled jobs often requested include roofing, fixing or installing furnaces, and converting rooms in people's homes to be more accessible for those with disabilities. In fact, in the last 60 days, NeighborLink has helped connect neighbors to repair or replace 20 roofs and 20 furnaces alone. We asked Eric who covers the cost of projects, either large or small, and he said, "It's a three-way dance. The homeowner is invited to pay for the cost of materials, and then labor is free, so that's a dance between NeighborLink, the homeowner, and the person or group serving. If the homeowner is on a fixed income, how do we, as NeighborLink and the neighbors serving, come together to figure this out? We broker many different deals to help people play a part in the material costs, so it's not just free, whether in part or all the way, but the work done by neighbors is always free. We also get grants or private donations to help us carry some of those heavier lifts." As we talked through Eric's normal day, he said that although he does ensure their budget is where it needs to be, he doesn't spend his time chasing money but rather finding people. He said, "I think when you're really trying to love and serve folks, there are others out there trying to do the same, and you eventually meet up in the same places and collaborate in the same work. Sometimes I might be a little intrepid by the money stuff, but ultimately, I don't think I'm in charge of the books as people perceive. This position is such a good fit for me because I'm not chasing money and power; I'm just sitting with the least of these and compelling others to join me. I get to speak, sit, and compel, and I don't think there is a better gig in this season for me than that. It wears me down in ways that I don't think people fully understand because I can get worn out doing the usual tasks of an Executive Director. Most people are astonished that I'm out there doing the mission instead of just talking about it. I will tell you for the people who read this: if we are not living the mission, our voice lacks substance and believability. Strangers have become neighbors who have become friends through NeighborLink. The sweet story of NeighborLink is the people I get to become friends with because they asked for help one day." As for the future of NeighborLink, Eric hopes to see the platform utilized across the country and, ultimately, around the world. Today, several cities have joined in on the mission and use the platform to help their neighbors, but the platform has recently been rebuilt. With the new platform, anyone from anywhere at any time can ask for help or offer assistance to their neighbors however they need. Regarding all the ways the community can help support NeighborLink, Eric said there are three main ways to join the mission. The first is if someone needs help, to sign up and ask for help. Although this may seem simple, asking for help is difficult for many people. At some point in our lives, we all will be in a situation where we need help. The most considerable difference is that not all of us will have the resources at our disposal to fulfill our needs. Through NeighborLink, everyone has the ability to get the help they need regardless of their circumstances. The second way to do our part is for everyone to sign up and select projects to help our neighbors, get to know them, and create a lasting relationship. The final way you can help is through donations. Donations allow NeighborLink to help relieve some of the financial burdens of larger projects that require various costly materials. Eric Wood epitomizes the platform's mission of community support and kindness. With a lifelong dedication to helping others, Eric brings a compassionate and selfless approach to his role. His unwavering commitment to serving and loving his neighbors shines through in every project he undertakes. Through his strong faith, Eric navigates life with a deep-seated purpose to support and uplift those around him. NeighborLink could not have found a more caring and dedicated leader than Eric Wood. Eric's example reminds us of the power of empathy, understanding, and love in building a stronger community in a world that often feels divided. We want to thank Eric for his time and for sharing his inspiring journey with us. Throughout our conversation we could hear Eric's passion for our community and the mission of NeighborLink. We also want to thank Nike with Creative Roots Media for capturing the photos you see throughout the article. If you enjoy reading the stories of those helping shape Fort Wayne one business at a time, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter so you're always in the loop about what is happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Cosmos, a beloved breakfast spot, is expanding its reach to the Southwest Side of Fort Wayne, located at 10210 Chestnut Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804. Cosmos is known for its fresh, made-to-order meals, which use the finest local ingredients to ensure top quality. The restaurant prides itself on excellent customer service and aims to provide a comfortable and memorable dining experience. Cosmos revealed the progress of their new location at 10210 Chestnut Plaza Drive (Formerly Hotel Tango). They aim to open in June 2024 and expressed their enthusiasm about expanding to the southwest side of Fort Wayne, Indiana. As Cosmos prepares to open its new location, it's a reflection of the company's ongoing commitment to providing quality dining experiences. With a focus on fresh ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Cosmos has established itself as a cherished part of the Fort Wayne community. Cosmos's commitment to locally sourced ingredients is a key aspect of its success. By partnering with local suppliers like Minnich Poultry, Aunt Millie's, Prairie Farms, Wheeler's Bees, Tim Didier Meats, and Red Gold Tomatoes, Cosmos not only supports the local economy but also ensures that its dishes are made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients. This dedication to local sourcing reflects the restaurant's deep-rooted connection to the Fort Wayne community and its ongoing efforts to contribute positively to the local economy. Cosmos has an existing location at 9807 Lima Road, and this new addition is sure to be a hit with locals and visitors alike.

Exciting Easter Events this Weekend in Fort Wayne, Indiana! Join in for a fun-filled weekend of Easter festivities in Fort Wayne, Indiana! There will be Easter Egg Hunts, Bouncy Ball Drop, and the opportunity to see and visit with live animals. This weekend is sure to provide memorable Easter experiences for the whole family. Bunny Tales in the Garden: 1100 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Easter Egg Hunts: Coventry Meadows Assisted Living:7833 Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Union Street Market: 1620 Broadway Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Headwaters Church: 2000 N Wells St Fort Wayne, IN 46808 YLNI Farmers Market: 1501 E Berry St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Ft. Wayne Farmers Market: 500 E State Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Lakeside Park: 1140 Lake Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Faith United Methodist Church: 2195 S Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46803 Heritage Pointe: 5250 Heritage Pkwy Fort Wayne, IN 46835 The River Church: 1515 Magnavox Way Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Weisser Park: 802 Eckart St Fort Wayne, IN 46806 Bunny Bounce: 5680 YMCA Park Dr Fort Wayne, IN 46835 If you have a Fort Wayne Event that you would like to share, email us: info@businessjournalfw.com

Exciting news for the first weekend of spring! Join us for a weekend full of fun and events to kick off the season in style. From spring fest to Easter egg hunts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on the festivities happening this weekend it's the perfect way to welcome the new season in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Evans Toyota Kids Easter Adventure: 515 W Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Spring Celebration: Birds, Bugs, & Bloom: 202 W Superior St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Spring Fest 2024: 2901 N Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Spring Allen County Fairgrounds Craft Bazaar: 2726 Carroll Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Fort Wayne is gearing up for an exciting weekend filled with St. Patrick's Day celebrations and more! From festive events to lively music performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the city this weekend. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and make the most of the weekend festivities in Fort Wayne. Weekend Saint Patrick’s Day Events (21+): Deer Park Irish Pub: 1530 Leesburg Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46808, Dash Inn: 814 S Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802, Mitchel's Venue: 6179 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804, JK O'Donnells Irish Ale House: 121 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802, Kekionga Craft Company: 7328 Maysville Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46815, 2Toms Brewing Company: 3676 Wells St Fort Wayne, IN 46808, Coyote Creek Bar & Grill: 4935 Hillegas Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Get Green Fest: 900 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Breakfast With the Easter Bunny and Friends: 6033 Maplecrest Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Sober St Patty’s: 1025 Rudisill Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46807 If you have a Fort Wayne Event that you would like to share, email us: info@businessjournalfw.com

Effective instruction is not one-size-fits-all. Students learn in a variety of different ways inside and outside of the classroom. What works for one child may not be the most effective teaching strategy for another. As an educator and/or parent, it is important to understand these different learning strategies to best support childrens’ unique learning styles and their education. There are four common learning styles in education: visual, auditory, reading/writing preference, and kinesthetic. This combination of learning styles is often referred to as the VARK model. Educators and parents can tailor instruction towards these specific learning styles to best suit students’ needs. In doing so, learning, motivation, and even positive behavior can increase. According to a 2014 study, most people are multimodal in their learning preferences, meaning they prefer more than one learning style. Visual Visual learners prefer to see or observe things. They benefit from instruction that includes pictures, images, maps, written directions, infographics, or diagrams. Students who learn through visual aids tend to fall into this category. Graphic organizers and handouts can be extremely useful for visual learners. Whiteboards and smartboards are also an excellent resource. Visual learners may also enjoy incorporating drawings and doodles into their learning. Auditory Auditory learners are those who prefer listening and speaking. They learn better through sound and by hearing instructions out loud rather than through reading written notes or viewing presentations. These types of learners do well in group discussions, listening to lectures and may also enjoy listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Incorporating watching videos, listening to music, and utilizing mnemonic devices can be helpful for auditory learners. Auditory learners enjoy using their own voices and typically are not afraid to speak up and verbalize what they know. Reading/Writing Those with a reading/writing learning preference learn best through reading and writing words. These types of learners prefer to take notes, read articles and books, look up words in the dictionary, and express themselves through writing. The reading/writing learning style shares some characteristics of the visual learning style. Our educational system typically caters to this learning style the most. Kinesthetic Kinesthetic learners are those who prefer working with their hands. They have a tactical learning style and learn through moving, experiencing, doing, and feeling. These students are considered “hands-on” learners who learn best by using their sense of touch. Kinesthetic learners like to move and often enjoy sports and activities that involve movement. Incorporating gross and fine motor activities into instruction may be beneficial for these types of learners. Teachers and parents can also have students act out ideas, play learning games, and get students up out of their seats and moving about while learning. Although some people are critical of the VARK method stating there is limited scientific evidence to support it, studies have shown that people do prefer certain learning styles. These studies have shown that most people have a diverse preference of learning styles that depend on emotional, cognitive and even environmental factors that may change over time. As an educator, it is important to differentiate instruction and use a combination of these learning styles to best meet the needs of diverse learners. Finding out how a child learns best and teaching to this preferred method is a way to individualize instruction and lead to a student-centered approach to education. If you're interested in more information, visit Read With Mrs. A https://www.readwithmrsa.com/ Sources: https://www.gcu.edu/blog/teaching-school-administration/how-recognize-and-support-learning-styles-classroom https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24823519/ Prithishkumar IJ, Michael SA. Understanding your student: using the VARK model. J Postgrad Med. 2014 Apr-Jun;60(2):183-6. doi: 10.4103/0022-3859.132337. PMID: 24823519. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/ https://www.simplimba.com/vark-model-of-learning/

When individuals are confronted with the harsh reality of unemployment, they must make a pivotal choice: to either carve their path as entrepreneurs or seek the security of traditional employment. Katie Hartzog faced this crucial decision when her job closed its doors, presenting her with the same dilemma. Ultimately, Katie opted to take a leap of faith and pursue her passion for interior design by launching her own business, Hartzog Interiors, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. While her business flourishes today, back in 2009, Katie tirelessly laid the foundation for the successful venture it has become. Today, let's delve into the inspiring journey of how Katie's love for homes led her to embrace a career she had always dreamed of. Katie Hartzog was born and raised by her mother in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When describing her childhood, Katie mentioned that she had always been fascinated by homes, and from a young age, she knew she wanted to get into interior design. After graduating from North Side High School, Hartzog followed her dreams and earned her degree in interior design at IPFW. Throughout college, Katie had the privilege of interning with a local home building and design studio, where she would later gain employment after graduation. Over the next few years, Katie expanded her knowledge about the industry while working closely with other designers in the company. Katie had often contemplated starting her own interior design business but had never taken the leap. It wasn't until 2009, when the market crashed in her industry, and the company she worked for went under that she finally decided to take a chance on her dreams. When we spoke with Katie about that time in her life, we asked her if she was scared to go out on her own. She said, "It's always scary to start your own business, but the thing is, you can always go back and be an employee. I was bartending in college while I interned for this company, so when they went under, my initial thought was, okay, I'm going to go back and bartend. Then I thought, I'm coming up on 30, and I always wanted my own business, so it felt like a now or never thing. If it didn't work, I was bartending, so I had to try it to see if it would work. Little by little, I would chip away at getting a client and then another client, and then it got to the point that I couldn't go to the bar at night and work because my schedule was full of clients. So yes, of course, anything like that is scary, but as you go and get into a grove, you realize maybe this is what it is supposed to be, and you are doing what you were supposed to do." Katie launched Hartzog Interiors in 2009 out of her home, where she would stay for ten years. Over that time, she continuously expanded her client base and often asked her husband for help on nights and weekends when he wasn't tending to his lawn care business. In 2012, Katie gave birth to their daughter, Kavi. As Hartzog Interiors grew and the time spent with their daughter became less frequent due to their busy schedules, they decided to sell the lawn business. For the next several years, Katie and her husband were the only ones working for the company, handling customers, managing paperwork, coordinating contractors, and handling their ongoing inventory. It wasn't until Katie was at the hair salon, working on paperwork, that her hairdresser introduced her to someone who could help her manage a lot of the backend paperwork that she branched out and hired someone to help. As the business quickly took over their house, Katie's husband nudged her to start looking for a separate business location. In 2018, she closed on a storefront on the corner of State Boulevard and Kentucky Avenue, but she wouldn't officially move in until 2019. When we asked her why she didn't move in right away, she said, "It took me a while to get on board, to be honest, because with my job, I'm never at home. I'm with clients all day, going from job to job, so it was more of what I was used to, and I was already settled in. All my things were at the house, and I could come home and sneak into my office at night to work on things and the thought of going into an office and not having access to that seemed more difficult to me. Obviously, you adjust as things change, but it was more of my comfort zone than anything." As the new location sat empty, people began to vandalize the property, and Katie realized it was time to occupy the space. With the additional showroom at the front of the new location, Katie decided to open a secondary business called Studio K. She said, "Studio K was a secondary retail business which sprung up when I bought the building. I've always custom-ordered everything for projects as needed, but a lot of people would ask me where I get rugs and art because there's nowhere in town to really go for unique pieces. I like to bring a lot of products that you don't typically see in Fort Wayne to the area to offer to people that's a little more unique, trendy, and funky, so I decided to open up Studio K to give people access to those products who may not want interior design help but want to get a cool piece for themselves or someone else." With her plans in place for the building, she got to work on the construction of the showroom first. She put in new flooring, painted the walls, and did a few other aesthetics to freshen up the space enough to launch the new company and move her current business from her home to the new location. She hired staff to manage Studio K and moved her current Hartzog Interiors employee to the new location. Over time, Katie continued to work on the space and did a complete renovation of the exterior of the building a few years later, bringing the eye-catching mural that we all see today. As we talked through the transition into the new building and the ongoing growth of Hartzog Interiors, we asked Katie if she had encountered any product delays during COVID-19 due to the sourcing challenges affecting other industries. She said the most significant problems she faced were receiving kitchen appliances and flooring. She mentioned that it would take months after kitchen remodels were completed to get the appliances to finish the project. She said that today, receiving flooring materials is still not back to what it used to be. She noted that many of the vendors she uses are overseas because they have the best quality products, but oftentimes, the items she needs for projects get caught up in customs, causing delays in the project. We asked Katie how she handles challenges in this industry, and she said, "Every day's a challenge. It's always random things that will go wrong at jobs, and nothing ever goes according to plan. It's more about managing how you respond to the challenges because every day there will be a lot of things that don't go right. I used to get very elevated and worked up over things, but I think my immunity has grown over the years. I've realized all the fires will be okay; you just have to put them out, and it's not always going to be an emergency situation." Although every project is unique, we asked Katie what the average process looks like for clients once they contact her for interior design help, and she said the first step is always meeting clients at their homes to assess the project she is working on. From there, she will have several design meetings with the client to establish what style the client is looking for and go over all the different material options for the space. After everything is selected, Katie takes all of the chosen pieces back to the home to ensure everything still works well in the area and that the lighting in the room doesn't change the aesthetic. Once all materials are officially selected, Katie's team begins the construction process. The timeline for a project varies greatly depending on what she is working on, but she said the average project from start to finish is anywhere from 6 to 8 months. When we asked Katie what her favorite project to work on was, she had two answers: old homes and brand-new builds that she could design from start to finish. Although the interior design industry can be competitive, Katie said her ability to offer clients the complete package sets her apart from the rest. She has the knowledge and experience to answer clients' questions about anything ranging from the construction process to the final finishings. As we discussed the future of Studio K and Hartzog Interiors, Katie said that she will be shutting Studio K down to the public at the end of March 2024. She plans to change Studio K into a by-appointment-only business so clients can still purchase cool pieces from her, but she needs to transform the current showroom into a functional design studio for her Hartzog Interiors clients. She wants to create a space for her clients to view all their material options in one place, ranging from flooring and paint colors to hardware finishings and accent pieces, so she doesn't have to drag clients all over town to see their options. She hopes that with this new building design, she can create a smoother and less overwhelming process for her clients. Aside from the significant changes happening in the businesses, Katie also hopes to continue taking on large-scale projects to continue challenging herself and evolving as a designer. To finish our conversation, we asked Katie what she would say to other entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses. She said, "Go for it. You have to do it, or else you'll never know. Just try it, and if it's meant to be, it will." We want to thank Katie Hartzog for sharing her story with us and expressing her love for her industry. If you have had the pleasure of seeing any of the projects she has worked on, you know that she pours all she can into every space she works on. We also want to thank Nike with Creative Roots Media for capturing the photos you see throughout the article. If you like reading the stories of entrepreneurs transforming Fort Wayne, one business at a time, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter so you're always in the loop about what is happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

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