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What is Small Business Saturday? It is an annual promotion and recognition of small businesses that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was first observed in 2010 as a way to encourage consumers during the Recession by American Express. The day has since gained popularity and has become an important part of the holiday shopping tradition to go out, shop local, and get the deals in your community that the stores have to offer before Christmas Day! Here are some of the reasons small businesses are important in your local community One of the main reasons why Small Business Saturday is so important is because of the economic impact it has on local communities. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the United States. By supporting these businesses, consumers are directly contributing to job creation and economic growth in their own neighborhoods. This leads us to the second reason, more capital going into our city. When customers start shopping locally, more tax money goes back into the local economy, because of city tax that gets withheld from every purchase. The taxes being withheld will give the city a bigger spending budget which the city can use to keep the city clean, safe, and a thriving environment! In addition to the local economic benefits, shopping at small businesses also offers a more personalized and unique experience that is shaped around the community. Local stores often carry products that are not available in larger retail chains, making it a great opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones and to show others what your city offers. Small business owners are also more likely to provide personalized customer service and build relationships with their customers, creating a sense of community and loyalty. Small Business Saturday is not just a one-day event; it serves as a reminder to support local businesses throughout the year. By choosing to shop at small businesses, consumers can make a big difference in their communities. Whether it's buying a cup of coffee from a local café or purchasing gifts from a neighborhood boutique, every purchase helps to sustain and grow small businesses. We want to make sure that Small Business Saturday is an important initiative that encourages consumers to support local businesses. By shopping at small businesses, consumers contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the unique character of their communities. This holiday season, remember the impact we can have when choosing to shop local at small businesses and make a difference in our neighborhoods. If you’re unable to shop at a small business this weekend, remember there are other ways to support your favorite local spots. Simply sharing their social media posts, engaging with their content, or telling your friends about your favorite small businesses helps those businesses grow and spread their name to a broader audience.

Unsure of what to do this weekend? Don't worry we have everything you need to know to ensure you have the best time during this extended weekend for the holiday! Jurassic Quest: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Festival of Gingerbread: 302 E Berry Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Holly Shopping: Downtown Fort Wayne Snack with Santa: 5601 Coldwater Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 If you enjoy seeing what's happening in Fort Wayne, Indiana every weekend, follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you're always in the loop!

Big Ice, a specialty cocktail ice maker, completed the acquisition of Cubeicle Ice LLC, a specialty ice producer located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This strategic move will greatly enhance Big Ice's production capabilities and support its rapid expansion across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The company is now able to distribute its products to major cities such as Indianapolis, Columbus, Fort Wayne, and Louisville. To meet the growing demand, Big Ice will also be relocating to a larger facility in Blue Ash by the end of the year. With this acquisition, Big Ice has gained over 40 new hospitality partners, further strengthening its already impressive portfolio of top restaurants, hotels, bars, and event venues in the region. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for BIG ICE as it continues to establish itself as a leading provider of specialty ice in the area. ABOUT BIG ICE: Big Ice is a Cincinnati-based specialty ice company producing crystal clear, handcrafted, cocktail ice. Founded by James Ferguson in 2021, Big Ice has earned a reputation for excellence in providing high-quality ice solutions to elevate the craft cocktail experience. With a commitment to innovation, Big Ice continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of specialty ice. Today, Big Ice is the largest specialty ice producer in the mid-west region and can be found in over 100 bars, restaurants, hotels, and venues across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The company boasts over 250 club members and is available in 6 specialty retailers in the Cincinnati area. For more information about Big Ice, please visit: https://drinkbigice.com/ Have any New Business information or Happenings in Fort Wayne, Indiana? Email us at info@businessjournalfw.com

When you’re starting out as an entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to dream big and get excited over the first steps of creating your business. This is exciting because it is the creative process of how your company looks to a customer, operates as a business, and how the world will perceive you and your brand.  As an entrepreneur, this can also be scary, especially if this is your first business, so make sure you weigh the pros and cons, this can genuinely prove if you're ready to make the jump. If you have not taken the leap, it's alright, you are not alone. Just ensure you are financially stable, and start small if you have to. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so stay focused. For more information on starting a business, look into a DBA or assumed business name, LLC or other business structures, and insurance. Depending on the industry and state you live in, you may also need to look into licenses or permits. Check out your local government business page for more information to ensure you’re compliant with your current laws and regulations. Now that your business is set up, you are ready to find customers and build your brand. Depending on how much cash you have to operate the company, you can hire employees or work with other companies that are experienced in areas you need more professional help in.  Marketing your business can seem tricky, but make sure you or your team are creating relationships with potential clients and spreading awareness of your brand every day. The next challenge, in the beginning stages of your business, is generating ONE sale, lead, or potential customer. You don't have to start with millions of sales, views, and followers, but you do have to find the right metrics that best suit your company. Lastly, one of the most essential parts of being an entrepreneur and building a successful business is staying curious and learning. In these ever-changing times, whether it is learning the digital age, staying up to date with current industry trends, or simply building a business, staying curious and learning will help you stay relevant and ahead as an entrepreneur and business owner. At the Fort Wayne Business Journal, we believe you do not have to know everything at once, but you DO need to find your starting point, do diligence, and build on the foundation of why you started the business in the first place. This is one of the best ways an entrepreneur can grow a successful business in today's age. If you are an entrepreneur, check back regularly to see top topics on business, entrepreneurship, and industry trends. If you have any business or entrepreneur topics you would like published, email us at info@businessjournalfw.com

As the weekend quickly approaches in Fort Wayne, IN we have all the fun events ready for you just in time to plan your weekend accordingly! We have events that'll be fun for all ages, so whether you're looking for something fun to do with friends or with the whole family, we have what you're looking for! Check below for more details on events in Fort Wayne, IN. Paper Boat Playtime: 1301 Broadway Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Photos with Santa: 4201 Coldwater Road Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Opening Day at the Ice Rink: 269 Duck Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Fort Wayne Reptile Expo: 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Picture Your Pet With Santa: 1160 Coldwater Road Fort Wayne, IN 46845 Kids DIY-U Workshop Thanksgiving Turkey Photo Holder: 6931 Lima Road Fort Wayne, IN 46818 A Bohemian Holiday Market: 200 6th Street Fort Wayne, IN 46808 If you enjoy seeing what's happening in Fort Wayne every weekend, follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you're always in the loop!

A fresh addition, "The Hive Coffee House," is emerging on the corner of Highway 24 and Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN, 46814, catching the attention of those driving by. As the end of 2023 draws near, this coffee house prepares to take the stage in the Fort Wayne Coffee and Beverage market. "The Hive" is gearing up as the go-to spot for Fort Wayne locals to unwind, connect, and enjoy their favorite handcrafted beverages. Tucked away at 7120 Homestead Road, 46814, this soon-to-be hotspot is warming up! Whether it's a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a soothing tea blend, a delicious shake, or an energy drink, "The Hive" promises to deliver a delightful experience. They offer a wide range of food items by partnering with local vendors like Wild & Free Gluten Free, The Bread Guy, and Utopian Roastery. By sourcing their menu from local suppliers, The Hive reflects their dedication to supporting and promoting local businesses and talents. The Hive Coffee House is truly bound to live up to their saying, "We are more than coffee. We are a community." With a profound commitment to customer satisfaction, The Hive aspires to create an inclusive space where individuals can not only relish in various food and drinks but also engage in a range of fun activities. They provide a kid’s play area to entertain children while adults can work or socialize, offer friendly yard games, and most of all, a warm and inviting space to do anything from remote work to simply relaxing. As the anticipation for The Hive's grand opening builds their thoughtful approach to beverages and food, their commitment to sourcing locally, and their dedication to supporting the local economy, it's clear that this upcoming coffee house is more than just a place to grab your morning pick-me-up. Plan your visit today and be part of the buzz that's set to make The Hive a cherished local favorite.

As the holidays are quickly approaching the weekends will be filling up with all types of holiday cheer and we're here to ensure you know all about the events happening around Fort Wayne! Fort Wayne Village Marketplace: 3946 Ice Way Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Restaurant Week on the Landing: 116 West Columbia Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Christkindlmarkt 2023: 3355 Elmhurst Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46809 Holiday Craft Show: 11521 US Highway 27 South Fort Wayne, IN 46816 If you like being in the loop of everything happening in Fort Wayne every weekend and beyond, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, so you're always in the loop with everything happening at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

As you drive down West Jefferson Boulevard, heading towards or away from downtown Fort Wayne, IN, you can't help but notice Sweetcars, located at 2404 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN; a luxury car dealership formed in 2010. For those who have grown up in Fort Wayne, IN, or have been here for many years, you may remember Westwood Lanes bowling alley. The bowling alley was located directly behind Sweetcars and has been around since 1962. In 2017, Westwood closed their doors indefinitely and put the building up for sale. If you’ve passed this area recently, you will notice the outside of this 30,000-square-foot building is now painted to match the Sweetcars building and proudly displays a Sweetcars sign in place of the old bowling alley display. If this building were bought, it would provide Sweetcars with a conjoined parking lot, allowing significantly more parking, extra lot space, and adding value to the company as a whole. We reached out to the team to learn more about what their hopes are for the building, but we have not received a response at this time. Once we know more information, we will keep you updated!

In a world where mass-produced furniture dominates the market, some artisans defy convention and embrace the art of custom furniture making. These individuals have a greater understanding of woodworking techniques and an excellent eye for design that allows them to create beautifully crafted pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Many start these projects out of a need for a piece of furniture that doesn't exist elsewhere, so they use their imagination and raw materials to create the items themselves. Some only commit to completing a few pieces for their homes, and others choose to use their unique abilities and turn their custom furniture making into a business, creating pieces for clients nationwide. This holds true for Fort Wayne entrepreneur Lee Hoffmeier, owner of Fort Wayne Industrial Revolution. When he described what his business is today, he said, "I started out working with black iron pipe. I had an apartment that had black iron pipe shelving and concrete countertops, so to keep the theme, I added additional shelves with a similar black iron pipe, and then I made a black iron pipe coffee table, end table, and lamp. I liked doing that and challenging myself, and the more I got into it, it started moving to more of a modern style. Over time, I kept growing and growing to the point I was making 30-foot tables and working with multiple restaurants at a time. What it is today isn't what it was intended to be. It wasn't supposed to be a business; it was just a purpose to fulfill my free time and challenge myself, but now I'm sought after. I've had the opportunity to work with celebrities and many people across the country." Lee Hoffmeier grew up roughly 15 miles south of Fort Wayne in Ossian, Indiana. When we started talking about his childhood, Lee explained that the way he grew up was really unique. He spoke about how his grandfather started a private airport on farmland, and when they decided to sell the property, Lee's parents bought it. So he grew up in an environment surrounded by airplanes, not only by those who chose to land at their airport, but because his grandpa, uncle, and dad were all pilots as well, so their family flew all the time. Outside of the airport, his father owned his own company. Lee said, "Growing up, my dad also was a business owner; he built custom homes, so we grew up working with him. We knew all about how to use tools; we knew how to work with fractions and decimals way before other kids learned any of that stuff. My childhood was much different than my friends. We would work all day and then come home, and because of the airport, we would have obligations there, like mowing the 13 acres of grass on the runways. We were always busy." We asked Lee if the airport was still in his family today, and he said the land and airport are still on their property, but after 9/11, Fort Wayne Airport was expanding its airspace to the point that it was interfering with their ability to run their airport. He said that between the airspace restrictions, flying expenses, and increase in fuel prices, they decided to shut it down. After Hoffmeier graduated from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and left for basic training. In 2002, he moved to Fort Wayne to go to IPFW and has been a resident of the area ever since. We asked Lee if he ever thought he would own a company, and he said, "I don't recall. I always wanted to be a pilot, but I never thought of things being this way. I just stumbled across this by pure accident. I couldn't find the things I wanted online, so I decided to make it myself, and it just kept growing." He went on to say that the way the business was formed was really due to the influx in income he was receiving from all the people coming to him to make them a piece of furniture for their home or business. He wanted to ensure he was doing everything properly since this was initially intended to be a hobby. Still, it quickly became a custom furniture building for other people business. We asked Hoffmeier what the most significant challenges were at the beginning of Fort Wayne Industrial Revolution, and he said, "One was space because I was doing it out of my apartment. In the beginning, I wasn't just doing tables; I was doing industrial-style lamps where I would take some big metal fans from the 50s and rewire them and do clusters inside the cage with long bulbs, and it would look like a fan blade. I've taken old airplane RC parts and taken the propeller out, put a different light cluster in there with long light bulbs, and it would look like a propeller. So that was all in my apartment. Now we have a house, and I wanted to make a dining room table for us, so I had this space in my garage that I used. Once I did the whole Hoppy Gnome restaurant, that turned into a space nightmare. I also did a 30-foot table, and that was a nightmare. Sometimes, you need a brick-and-mortar place, but I use my three-car garage, and thankfully, my wife is really understanding. At one point, tools were also an issue because I didn't have all the right stuff, but as you grow in a business, you're working to invest in the business, and then once you get all the investing in or paid off, you can start making a good income." He went on to say that it's also been challenging to find good sources for materials. He's experienced many contacts who say they have a quality piece of lumber, but it turns out it's not as good as described. Lee is an expert in his field and only wants to provide his clients with the best, so ensuring he has good sources is essential. Today, Fort Wayne Industrial Revolution offers a variety of custom products, including cutting boards, uniquely designed clever-shaped charcuterie boards, clocks, and a variety of tables. These items include beautiful finishes or rivers of epoxy that come in various colors that pair nicely with whatever color theme you choose. Lee is open to many ideas his clients have, and he enjoys trying new things, but he also knows what his strengths are, so if a project goes beyond his means, he isn't afraid to turn it down. Lee's primary mission is to create beautifully crafted functional pieces of art for his clients and to ensure they get exactly what they're looking for. Lee is in constant communication with them from the day of sketching the design through delivery. When we went over what the process is for a client who is inquiring about one of his pieces, he said, "It varies a lot, but in short, when a client contacts me, we talk about their basic needs; for example a table, Okay what's the shape you're looking for, what's the measurements you need, do you have inspiration from something I've done or that you have seen on Etsy? If so, send me pictures so I can work with you better. Most times, people don't know the different types of wood, so through photos, I can see and work with you to get the right type. We talk about all the things, including the legs. It can be overwhelming, but I have a checklist I run through. If the client wants to come with me to my supplier and pick out what they want and pay the supplier directly, that's great. I don't upcharge materials. I want them to be a part of the process and experience." Swipe right to see the full gallery. After all the materials have been selected, Lee begins the project. He explained that every piece requires a lot of work to get it down to a raw slab. Once the slab is ready, he prepares everything for epoxy if the client chooses to have any epoxy rivers or finishes to their piece. Once the epoxy is poured, he waits ten days for it to cure to the wood completely. Once this step is finished, he can sand everything down, which typically takes several hours, and add the finishing oils to the piece. This final step takes an additional seven days to cure. When all the steps are completed and the piece is ready to be delivered, it takes about a month from the time the item was started through completion. Although everything Lee creates holds a special place in his heart, his current favorite piece was created for the owners of the ObiCai Restaurant Group. It was a table made out of a beautiful slab of wood from Pennsylvania, and Lee was asked to be as creative as he could be with it. He said that after he posted pictures of the table to his social media account, many doors started opening for his business. He was contacted by a designer in Chicago, a famous heavy metal musician, and several others from the surrounding areas after they saw his work. Since the conception of Fort Wayne Industrial Revolution, Lee has been steadily growing. He is the only person who works for the business, and he has a full-time job at L3Harris, so there are times he has projects booked months out. He says if there is ever a time he needs an extra hand, his wife is always willing to help. He doesn't have any intentions of hiring anyone into the company, but he has allowed others to come to see what he does and teach them about all the steps that are required in creating custom pieces of furniture. As for the company's future, he said, "I like what I do full time, and I don't see myself quitting that, so as for the business, I look at it as something I can retire into and maybe learn new things like cabinetry. I was asked to quote out the Bradley hotel, but space was an issue, so if I could get more space one day, I would like to try new things and keep evolving." Lee is an excellent example of a person who not only loves what they do full-time but also finds great fulfillment in the freedom and creativity that entrepreneurship offers. While his primary occupation brings him joy and satisfaction, Lee recognizes the unique opportunities of being an entrepreneur. He embraces the chance to explore his passions, pursue innovative ideas, and create a unique business of his own. To finish our conversation, we asked Lee what his advice would be for other entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business, and he said, "First, follow your instincts and intuitions and have a business plan. It doesn't have to be formal, but you must know your objective. I've always had this objective of, hey, people are asking me to do something; It's my responsibility to give them the best product. Whereas I've met others who I've offered services to let them come watch and learn from me, and they only ask about how much things are. It felt like they just wanted to do it for a dollar, and that's fine; you never want to lose out on anything, but when I'm giving out really solid advice and telling them some mistakes I've made so they don't do the same it's still just about how much can they make. So, I always caution people who are going into an industry like this that you can make great money, but if you are doing it for the wrong reasons and you speed up turnaround times to get to the next project, you're going to fail. This stuff takes time. You have to be patient and accept the process. So for anyone starting out, whatever that may be, just make sure the business model aligns with what your real passions and intentions are." We want to send a huge thank you to Lee Hoffmeier for taking the time to speak with us about his journey through life and entrepreneurship. His story was so fun to learn about, and hearing the passion in his voice as he spoke about the projects he's completed, you can tell he has great admiration for the industry that he is in. If you are in need of some beautifully crafted furniture pieces, contact Fort Wayne Industrial Revolution. Lee will take great care of you and your project. Thank you to Nikeshia with Creative Roots Media for taking all of these photos displayed throughout the article. If you enjoy reading these stories about entrepreneurs shaping Fort Wayne, one business at a time, subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss anything happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Now that Halloween has passed are you finding yourself unsure of what to do this weekend? Do not worry we have everything you need to know to fill your weekend with activities. Science Central Mixology Monster Mash: 1950 N Clinton St Fort Wayne IN 46805 Pumkin Compost Fest: 924 Ewing St Fort Wayne IN 46802 Grain and Berry Grand Opening: 9821 Lima Road Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Wood Carving Class: 2449 Broadway Fort Wayne IN 46807 If you like being in the loop of everything happening in Fort Wayne every weekend and beyond, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, so you're always in the loop with everything happening at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.