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New Fun City Adventure Park prepares to make its mark in Fort Wayne, IN. The sign for Fun City Adventure Park has officially gone up at 6325 W Jefferson Blvd, signaling the start of what is sure to be a thrilling new attraction for locals and visitors alike. Construction is underway to transform the interior of this building at The Village at Times Corners. Fun City is starting with remodeling and a demo to begin the process for eight party rooms and a trampoline park to get started on this project in South West Fort Wayne! While an exact timeline for the project's completion has not been announced, Fort Wayne is ready for more change and more things to do! As the Fun City adventure park sign proudly stands at 6325 W Jefferson Blvd, residents of Fort Wayne can look forward to a new destination for fun, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this exciting new addition to the Fort Wayne city entertainment landscape.

The holiday season is a busy and exciting time for entrepreneurs, as it presents a great opportunity to increase sales, attract new customers, and to start marketing your business. The holiday season is quickly approaching with Halloween only a few short weeks away. As an entrepreneur you want to be prepared before the holiday’s come and go before you have the time to plan. Today we will discuss a few tips to help entrepreneurs prepare for the holidays as an entrepreneur. If your goal is to increase customers at your storefront or adding more clients to your service business then the holiday’s present a great opportunity for you. Starting by creating a marketing plan and telling everyone about your business is a great way to get people excited and thinking about your product or service as they start creating to-do and gift lists. An idea to include in your marketing plan could be to message people about your business.  During this time of year many people can be overwhelmed with to-do lists and Christmas shopping so if you see a potential client requesting help or seeking a specific product on social media, reach out to them to discuss how what you have to offer could be of use to them. Simply by bringing awareness to your service or product can lead to a new customer. Another way to get your name out into the community is by collaborating with other local businesses and entrepreneurs. You can do this by presenting a giveaway, offering a free collaborative service, or coordinating an event. Working with other local businesses that have similar audiences helps both of you get your brand in front of new and potential customers.  Collaborations can go a long way and create lasting relationships with other like minded entrepreneurs. You can find people to team up with on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn or other social platforms.  Another way to bring customer awareness for your brand during the holidays is to create a post for social media by designing a graphic and/or creating a blog post. When starting the creative process to create a social post, think to yourself  ‘how can I make this holiday post different and meaningful to my customers and my business?’ Simply wishing people a happy holiday is a great start to showing others that your business is alive and open for business. If you’re not sure how to create content for your business try using the apps Adobe Express or Canva. Both platforms offer free services along with a variety of templates to help inspire and get you started. As you become more familiar with creating content for your business you will have the resources to help you stand out among your competition.  Planning for the holidays months or weeks in advance will not only bring you peace of mind but will allow you to focus primarily on your clients and boosting sales. You can start today by creating a holiday marketing plan, setting sales targets, stocking up on inventory, and preparing to hire and train additional staff if you need the extra hands during this busy season. If you’re having a hard time getting in the holiday mindset, decorate early  in your storefront, office, or home to help remind you to stay on track for the upcoming season! By following a few of these tips, you can successfully prepare yourself and your business for the holidays as an entrepreneur and make the most of this busy and profitable time of year.

This weekend is jam-packed with magical events that you won't want to miss. First up, grab your wands and head to O'Donnell's for Harry Potter night featuring the talented Fort Wayne Philharmonic Freimann Quartet. It's going to be a night of enchanting music and spellbinding fun! Then on Saturday spruce up your garden at Ambrosia's Fort Wayne Garden Party Swap and Shop. Trade plants, purchase décor, and gardening tips with fellow green thumbs for a bloomin' good time. Then for those looking to learn more about keeping their families safe, don't miss the Allen County Safety Fair. Learn important safety tips and meet local first responders who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. And last but certainly not least, unleash your inner paleontologist at Dino Days at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Explore the prehistoric past, it's sure to be a roaring good time for the whole family!Don't miss out on these amazing events happening in Fort Wayne this weekend. Get ready for a weekend full of fun, music, shopping, safety, and dinosaurs! Harry Potter Night Featuring FW Philharmonic Freimann Quartet: 121 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Ambrosia’s Fort Wayne Garden Party Swap & Shop: 14025 US-27 Fort Wayne, IN 46745 Allen County Safety Fair: 7602 Patriot Xing Fort Wayne, IN 46816 Dino Days at Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Get ready for an EPIC weekend in Fort Wayne! Starting with the Pathway Community Church block party where you can meet and greet with THREE princesses - Rapunzel, Elsa, and Ariel! Also on Saturday West Central Neighborhood is hosting their annual home and garden tour AND Artfest, showcasing the incredible talent of local artists. But wait, there's more! The Brewed in Fort Wayne craft beer festival is back for its 25th year, featuring the best brews from Indiana’s talented craft beer makers. And don't forget about the Monarch festival on Sunday, where you can marvel and learn more about the beauty of these majestic butterflies. Lastly for all you adventure seekers, the Be a Tourist in Your Hometown event is happening this Sunday, giving you the chance to experience Fort Wayne like a tourist and visit 25 of our most famous attractions! This weekend is jam-packed with fun and excitement, so grab your friends and family and come join in the festivities! PCC Block Party: 1010 Carroll Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 West Central Home & Garden Tour: West Central Neighborhood (W. Wayne & Union 1001 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802) West Central ArtsFest: West Central Neighborhood (W. Wayne & Union 1001 W Wayne St Fort Wayne, IN 46802) Brewed In The Fort Craft Beer Festival: 333 S Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Monarch Festival: 6801 Engle Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Be A Tourist In Your Own Hometown: Throughout Fort Wayne Tourist Passport: https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/fortwayne/BAT24_2_PagePassport_ZFold_v4_906dfe1c-c7f1-4581-b444-6d96d313ad76.pdf

Exciting weekend ahead in Fort Wayne! Come out for the grand opening of Cinnaholic Fort Wayne, the ultimate destination for gourmet cinnamon rolls! Indulge in delicious flavors and toppings on Friday. On Sunday enjoy a live concert from *NSYNC's Chris Kirkpatrick, at Pop 2000 at Sweetwater Performance Pavillion! It's going to be a weekend full of sweet treats and nostalgic tunes – don't miss out! $2 Cinnamon Rolls - Fort Wayne Grand Opening Celebration: 407 W Coliseum Blvd Suite 109 Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Pop 2000 Tour: 5501 US 30 Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Fort Wayne? Check out Rock & Road at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, a 21+ event featuring live music, specialty menu items, drinks, and a stroll through portions of the zoo. Plus, enjoy free rides on Crocodile Creek, Z.O.&O! And don't miss the Taste of the Art Festival, showcasing the arts and culture of northeast Indiana with live performances, kids activities, visual art, and food and drinks from local restaurants. It's going to be a weekend full of fun and entertainment! Rock & Roar- Sweetwater All Stars: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 Taste of the Arts Festival: 300 E Main St Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Exciting weekend ahead in Fort Wayne! Get inked at the Fort Wayne Tattoo Festival, where top artists from around the world will be showcasing their skills. Sip and browse at the Boozy Book Fair, a book fair for adults with wine. Bring the whole family to the free carnival at The Ridge Church for a day of fun and games. Check out the classic cars at the Old Fort VW Car Show and admire the vintage beauties on display. Lace up your sneakers or hop on your bike for Open Streets on Calhoun Street, where you can safely roam the streets and enjoy activities throughout the event. There's something for everyone this weekend in Fort Wayne! Which event are you most excited to attend? Fort Wayne Tattoo Festival: 120 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Boozy Book Fair: 4494 Provision Parkway Fort Wayne, IN 46845 Free Carnival: 6424 St. Joe Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 23rd Annual Old Fort VW Show & Swap Meet: 6401 Saint Joe Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 Open Streets: Calhoun Street Corridor

Looking for something fun to do in Fort Wayne this weekend? Check out Fiesta Fort Wayne for delicious food and lively music, swing by the small business fair to support local entrepreneurs, and don't miss the Wags and Wiggles Rescue Fundraiser to help furry friends in need! There's something for everyone to enjoy in our city this weekend. Fiesta Fort Wayne 2024: 156 S Clinton St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Georgetown Small Business Fair: 6310 E State Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 Wags and Wiggles Rescue Fundraiser: 1010 Carroll Road Fort Wayne, IN 46845

In the heart of Fort Wayne lies a thriving skateboarding community, and at its center stands Rise Skateboarding Shop, a beloved local institution. Recently, this iconic shop has seen a change in leadership as Eric, a lifelong skateboarder and dedicated customer of Rise, has taken the role of the new owner. From his early days on the board in third grade to now living his dream of owning a skate shop, Eric's journey is a testament to his unwavering passion for skateboarding and his commitment to the local skateboarding community. Join us as we delve into Eric's story of perseverance, dedication, and the exciting new chapter he is embarking on as the proud owner of Rise Skateboarding Shop. Eric Holloway was born in Detroit, Michigan, and had a wonderful childhood. He described it as "awesome," mentioning that he mostly grew up with his mom as his dad lived in Texas, and they didn't see each other much. Despite being in the middle of his father's five children, Eric enjoyed the unique experience of being his mom's only child and having siblings with his dad. He emphasized that his mom always made him feel like they had everything they needed, even though they didn't have much money. During Eric's third-grade year, his mom received a job opportunity with the Red Cross in Fort Wayne, leading to their relocation in March of 2000. It was around this time that Eric's interest in skateboarding was ignited. The Christmas before their big move, he received his first skateboard. He still remembers the thrill of unwrapping it that morning, and with the help of his mother, he learned to ride it in the basement of his childhood home. The experience on that Christmas morning ignited his lifelong passion for skateboarding. We asked Eric what life was like after he moved to Fort Wayne, and he said, "I went to Northwood Middle School and then Northside High School. So, with my mom working at the Red Cross and me going to school at Northwood, it put me in the perfect spot for skateboarding. At that time, the only skate shop was Get Wet Surf and Skate in that plaza with Jungle Georges, so every day after school, I would skate to Get Wet, and then my mom would pick me up from there because it was a block away from Red Cross. I did that from sixth through eighth grade, so every day, I was in the skate shop, and all the guys there took me under their wing. By the time I was in seventh grade I was basically working there. I was behind the counter, helping customers and gripping skateboards. I was a full-fledged employee without getting paid, but they would give me free stuff. They knew my mom was a single mom, so whenever there were shoes on sale, they would give me a pair, or if a board came in defective, they would just give it to me so I could keep skating because it is an expensive hobby. Then Northside was awesome because by that time, Lawton Skatepark was here, and Northside was just down the river from the skatepark, so I would skate to Rise every day after school and hang out with Nick and then proceed to the skatepark where my mom would pick me up." In high school, Eric met his now wife Grayce Holloway, owner of Icing for Izaac, and just before graduation, they welcomed their first baby girl, MaKenzie, into the world. After Eric graduated from Northside High School, he started working in the restaurant industry until he was 19, and a friend of his mom's offered him a position to work for Kendall Electric, where he stayed for the next 11 years. While at Kendall Electric, Eric started a T-shirt and money giveaway business called Skate Money Gang. The business concept was for skateboarders to upload videos of themselves doing tricks onto the internet and tag Eric in the video. Then Eric would review the videos, pick the ones he liked the best, and send them a T-shirt or money. Anyone who wanted to represent the brand could also purchase his shirts through his website. We asked Eric what his goal was for business during this time. He said "My goal was to build the Skate Money Gang brand up to where I could get my own skatepark facility. I didn't want it to be open to the public, though. Instead, it would be a brand-owned, word-of-mouth kind of thing. If you know of the brand, you're welcome to come. It would be a hidden gem in skateboarding. So, my goal was to stay with Kendall Electric until I could purchase my facility. That was until upper management didn't like how I spoke out about certain things, and they started treating me unfairly and making my life difficult, so I had to have a moment and think about my life and the way I wanted things to go. At that time, Grayce stayed home with the kids and went to the shared kitchen for Icing for Izaac from 4:30 p.m. until about midnight. So I started thinking about how I have enough money to float all summer and then go back and get a job when the kids return to school, so I told Grayce to go full speed with her business and see what she could do. That first week she went full speed at the bakery was the happiest I've ever seen her. She was able to come home at five and be around the kids, and we still had money, and her business thrived. Then, three weeks after I quit my job and she went full speed she found her current location and asked me how I would feel about her buying that location. I told her to take every dime we had and buy that building because there was no way that was not going to work. After that, we jumped head first into the bakery, which allowed me to buy the skate shop." Since Rise opened its doors in 2005, Eric has been a loyal customer. His close relationship with Nick, the founder, has grown over the years, and Eric made it clear to Nick that he was interested in purchasing the business if Nick ever decided to sell. That conversation continued for several years until one day, during a routine visit to the shop to buy a skateboard, Nick asked Eric if he was serious about buying the shop. Without hesitation, Eric replied, "When do you need the check, and how much do you want for it?" After six months of working with lawyers and accounts to get the logistics of the deal in order, on May 31st, 2024, Eric officially took ownership of Rise Skateboard Shop. We asked Eric if he had faced any challenges since taking over the company. He mentioned that his main difficulty has been adapting to the business's operations and working with various brands and vendors. While most vendors quickly transitioned under the new ownership, a few companies were hesitant to place orders, prompting Eric to seek alternative suppliers. Despite the initial disappointment, Eric found empowerment in problem-solving and seamlessly establishing new relationships with other brands. Although Nick is no longer running the business, he continues mentoring Eric and providing assistance when needed. Regarding store design, Eric has already introduced a gaming station equipped with a TV and XBOX for customer enjoyment and intends to repaint and reorganize the shop to give it a fresh look within the coming weeks. Additionally, he plans to install a fingerboard skatepark and a section for purchasing fingerboards as well. Since taking over, Eric has received positive feedback from customers who have welcomed the changes. He shared, "I've been around the Fort Wayne skate scene since 2005, so everyone knows me from the skatepark, and everyone is excited. I love it when people tell me they didn't see it coming but they couldn't think of anyone better for Nick to sell the shop to other than me." Regarding the future of Rise, Eric is currently working on forming a local skate team to represent the brand. His plan includes producing a video featuring the team over the next year, with a premiere scheduled at the downtown theater next fall, similar to what Nick did in 2006 when Rise first came to Fort Wayne. As for long-term goals, Eric aims to enhance the online presence of the Rise brand by offering a wider range of Rise-branded attire, boards, and other merchandise through their website. He envisions expanding the website's offerings beyond what is available in the physical shop. Eric is committed to digging deeper into the Rise brand and continuing to strengthen its legacy in Fort Wayne. Eric's journey from a passionate skateboarder to the proud owner of Rise Skateboarding Shop is a true testament to his dedication and love for the sport. His story showcases perseverance and commitment, from his early days on a skateboard in his basement to becoming a vital part of the skateboarding community in Fort Wayne. Despite the challenges that come with taking over a business, Eric's determination and problem-solving skills have allowed him to navigate the transition successfully. With a clear vision for the future, Eric is focused on expanding the Rise brand by forming a local skate team, creating engaging content, and enhancing the online presence of the shop. As he continues to build upon the legacy of Rise, Eric remains deeply rooted in the skateboarding community, driven by his passion for the sport and his desire to provide a hub for skateboarders in Fort Wayne. The future looks bright for Rise Skateboarding Shop under Eric's leadership, and we are excited to see the shop thrive and grow in the years to come. To finish our conversation we asked Eric what he would say to other entrepreneurs hoping to start a business someday. He said, "I would say that it's definitely possible even if you have to wait your turn. Don't give up the hope for your dream; you have to keep fighting for it. Similar to how I was chipping away at Nick over the years, asking him to sell Rise to me. Don't give up that hope. Don't give up that fight. Don't give up that desire. Just keep that fire lit." We want to send a huge thank you to Eric for sharing his story with us. We are excited to see how he continues to build on the Rise brand and skateboarding community. We also want to thank Nike with Creative Roots Media for capturing all the photos you see throughout the article. If you enjoy reading the stories of the entrepreneurs helping shape our city, one business at a time, subscribe to our free newsletter so you are always in the loop about what is happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Exciting weekend ahead in Fort Wayne! Don't miss out on the dragon boat races, back to school block party, hop spot crew car show, and art in the skatepark art auction featuring unique pieces made from skateboards. Who's ready for a fun-filled weekend? Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races: 908 Cass St Fort Wayne, IN 46808 FWCS 2024 Back-To-School Block Party: 1200 S Barr St, Fort Wayne, IN 46806 6th Annual Hop Spot Crew Car Show: 1807 E California Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46816 7th Annual Art in the Skatepark: 1412 S Anthony Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46803