Lafayette Magazine A-List (August 2010)

2010 Some people stand out in a crowd when it comes to making things happen.

They are the risk takers — individuals with the initiative and talent to establish a business and see it through to success.

Our A-list spotlights people you’ll want to get to know, all living right here in Greater Lafayette, where the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well.

COMPILED BY JENNIFER STREISAND

PHOTOS BY ED LAUSCH PHOTOGRAPHY LAFAYETTE MAGAZINE 49

Jay

Andrew s president and owner of two companies, Henry Poor Lumber Co. and Home Works, Jim Andrew works closely with his sons Jay and Tom to supply building materials and services to a wide range of customers “our customers from are friends professional of ours. We builders those get to know to remodeling them on a long- their own term basis.” homes. A - Jim Andrew Lafayette fixture

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Jim

Andrew since the early 20th century, Henry Poor Lumber has always sought to expand its product offering and meet the changing needs of its customers. Andrew bought the business in 1983 and opened Home Works in 1987.

Home Works carries all of the items necessary for interior remodeling and new construction, which Andrew says is strong in Greater Lafayette. “We do a lot of carpet and a lot of floor covering, ceramic tile, hardwood, countertops, back splashes, kitchens, bathrooms, just a myriad of interior products,” says Andrew.

Tom

Andrew The staff at Henry Poor can design and create custom woodwork with its on-site milling operations. “We can take raw lumber and turn it into molding, furniture, cabinets, windows, doors to match whatever the customer wants,” he says.

Henry Poor also offers siding, windows, doors, fireplaces and a full line of premium building materials. Andrew notes, “The most enjoyable part of my job is working with our customers and staff. Most of our customers are friends of ours. We get to know them on a long-term basis.”

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Christine

Bowman

C

hristine Bowman and Randy Bellinger say it’s the variety of the outdoors that makes them so passionate about running their businesses, Bellinger’s Professional Grounds Maintenance, Inc. and “We both love Bellinger’s Lafayette.” Tree Care - Christine Bowman LLC. The two founded Bellinger’s Professional Grounds Maintenance in 1978 as recent graduates of Purdue University: Bowman with a major in forestry and Bellinger in turf science.

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Randy

Bellinger “We both love Lafayette,” says Bowman. “Lafayette was home as soon as we stepped foot on campus, for both of us.”

Their first business, Bellinger’s Professional Grounds Maintenance, Inc. helps its clients with the important task of maintaining and beautifying their lawn and landscapes. In 2004 they founded a second business: Bellinger’s Tree Care. The companies have two large nurseries—a 32-acre property on 350 South and Old Romney Road, and a 50-acre property on State Road 25 West, where they

grow 20,000 trees.

“We have a big fall tree sale every year,” says Bellinger.

“People come right to the field where there are 20,000 trees from which to choose.”

As co-owners of their staff of 15, they never ask anyone to do a job they haven’t done themselves, and the growth of their businesses hasn’t just meant revenue. They have been able to branch out to attend to the nuances of outdoor life, often to take a piece of land that is an eyesore, and make it beautiful.

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Eva & John

Christodoulakis

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E

va and John Christodoulakis love traveling. Inevitably they find a restaurant or a street vendor with a different perspective on food. The goal is to recreate that experience in their Lafayette restaurant, RedSeven Bar & Grill, which opened downtown in 2008.

“When we travel, “...the we think about, restaurant ‘How do we apply becomes an this, how do we these flavors extension of bring to Lafayette,’” our home.” says John.

- John Christodoulakis Every part of their life is reflected in the restaurant, says Eva. When they designed RedSeven, they combined the trendy atmosphere of a bigger city restaurant with Midwestern hospitality. Operating the restaurant is also a collaboration between the two of them. John oversees the atmosphere and design, and Eva, the food and the menu, which is seasonal with additions every four or five months. She calls the menu “American eclectic,” including gourmet sandwiches, angus steaks, salads, and seafood.

“America is a melting pot, so we have a variety of Asian dishes,” she says. “American standards and some Latin influences. To me that is American—something from every culture.”

While the two spend their vacation time traveling to try different cuisines, most of the year they are in the restaurant.

“It is pleasurable for us because we get to know our customers,” says John. “And as they get to know us, the restaurant becomes an extension of our home.”

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Walter

Cornelius

W

hen Walter Cornelius opened Roof Recovery Complete Exterior in 2008, he was concerned about starting a business in the middle of an economic downturn, but “That comes his business back to doing venture has thrived. the job right As owner and really of the going above company, and beyond Cornelius for the attributes its

homeowner.”

- Walter Cornelius

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success to unmatched workmanship and attention to detail.

“We did start in the midst of all of these tough times, and we are doing well,” he says. “That comes back to doing the job right and really going above and beyond for the homeowner.”

Roof Recovery Complete Exterior specializes in installation of new roofs and roof repairs, in addition to siding, gutters, and shingle stain removal.

“I enjoy working with homeowners and making it easy for

them because when it comes to your home, it is such a big investment,” he says. He has the privilege of making his living in his hometown as a lifelong resident of Lafayette.

Cornelius is proud of his staff, which are with him all year long, and he is proud of his family.

Everyone has contributed to the success of the business, he says.

“So doing all of this, raising a family and watching everything grow, it’s my heart, and that’s my biggest achievement.”

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Rick

Davis

R

Gary

Henriott

ick Davis and Gary Henriott say the new logo and tagline for the Henriott Group, “Client Focused, Results Driven,” was the result of a company-wide effort to describe the values and approach of Henriott, whether it’s with a business and their risk management, “We use a employee process-driven benefit or approach to needs, with indievaluate a viduals and client’s needs.” families to address - Rick Davis

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wealth management and insurance issues.

“Every client is different,” says Davis, president of the company.

“We use a process-driven approach to evaluate a client’s needs, and then put an action plan together to deliver the results they want.”

Henriott Group Inc., was founded in 1963 by Charles Henriott, Gary’s father. Gary joined the company in 1972, and as CEO, led the company from its roots as a small personal insurance agency into a leading independent broker employing 30 professionals in Lafayette and Indianapolis.

Henriott will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2013.

“The desire to help individuals and businesses solve problems is what attracted me to the company initially, and still motivates me today,” says Henriott.

Rick, Gary, and many members of the staff are also very involved with community service projects.

Rick and Gary both cherish family time. Rick and his wife, Jennifer, have a 5-year-old daughter, Madeleine. Gary and his wife, Shelly, have three grown children—David, Carrie, and their daughter, Kelley, who is vice president of operations at Henriott.

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Connie

Fleming

C

onnie Fleming knew she wanted to be in the bridal business from the time she was a little girl in South Dakota when she attended an aunt’s wedding and was infatuated with her beautiful dress.

“Every year “I have on our birthalways day, my grandloved pretty father bought dresses.” us a new dress, and so I have - Connie Fleming always loved pretty dresses,” she says.

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She attended the Dallas Fashion Merchandising College, and then worked in retail for many years before she and her husband, Earl Fleming, opened Chiffon Formal and Bridal Wear in August 2001.

The store carries a full line of wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, prom dresses, and tuxedos. This year they added 3,000 square feet to the store to give customers an even greater selection. The top designers sold are Maggie Sottero, Allure Bridals, and Casablanca.

“You don’t have to go to

Chicago or Indianapolis to buy a really special dress,” notes Fleming. “It’s right here in Lafayette. When we go to market, we buy dresses that are truly special.” In fact, the reverse is true: Many brides from Indianapolis and Chicago come to Chiffon to choose their dress.

Perhaps it is her love of weddings that inspires her to spend her free time in the garden surrounded by flowers, and she also enjoys reading.

“I like quiet things,” she says.

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Patrick

Johnson

C

ooking shows and recipes have become more varied than ever before, so Tad Ritchie and Patrick Johnson of D&R Market in Lafayette are helping people feed their “inner gourmet.” They like to interact “We are directly with the constantly customers and working to help them find what bring in exactly they need to all of the make a new big unique recipe or dish— items...” or perhaps find

- Patrick Johnson

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Tad

Ritchie what customers regularly like at the store.

“We are constantly working to bring in all of the big unique items that you might see in a larger city like Indianapolis or Chicago and to keep current with the newest techniques in cooking,” says Johnson.

Johnson and Ritchie took over operations of D&R when the previous owners, Dave and Ron Shoemaker, retired from the business in 2006. Since then they have maintained the great reputation of the original D&R,

and they have expanded the business with the opening of a catering and barbecue section, D&R II, which is located in the same plaza.

The market sells a large quantity of locally grown produce, which is a natural draw for shoppers, says Ritchie.

“It’s comforting for customers to come into the store and be able to speak to anyone on the staff and get excellent service, which they know results in a better cooking and dining experience at home,” says Ritchie.

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Trent

Johnson

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T

rent Johnson began his career with State Farm Insurance as an auto insurance underwriter, and he thought he might leave one day to become a teacher and a coach.

But he enjoyed the opportunity at State Farm, and stayed.

After working at the State Farm Operations Center for six years, Trent decided it “I love was time to try what to become a State Agent, and I do” Farm since then, his - Trent Johnson office has been recognized for its achievements.

It won the prestigious Chairman’s Circle Award at State Farm six times, an award given to the company’s top performers. Trent and his team of eight staff members sell auto, home, life, health and business insurance, and he says being located in West Lafayette couldn’t be more beneficial to his business.

“We think we have one of the best locations in Tippecanoe County,” he says. “We are conveniently located to all sides of the county and we’re close to Purdue University.”

The unpredictable nature of life makes each day different for Trent and his staff, but his customers can always count on him being there.

“I am usually in my office every day by 7:30, and I’m here until 5.

I love what I do. I am an active and involved agent who enjoys giving back to this great community.”

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Carolyn

Kanehe

W

hen Carolyn Kanehe and Diane Boener decided to go into business for themselves, they knew a few things—first, it had to be a great product and second, it needed to have integrity. They came up with Merle Norman Cosmetics— an industry-leading cosmetic company that is still family-owned “We love to and made in help women the USA. “Not compalook and feel many nies can say their best.” still say that!”

- Diane Boener Kanehe says with pride.

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Diane

Boener On April 1, 1998, the duo began their business as motherdaughter co-owners of Merle Norman Cosmetics in Lafayette.

A few years later, in 2004, the team opened their second studio on the Westside. Boener attributes the success of both stores to their amazing staff of seven, including her sister, Debbie Schneider.

Customers often ask if the entire staff is family because of the familiar, warm environment at the studios.

The beauty consultants at Merle Norman strive to be the best.

The entire staff is professionally

-trained by world- renowned makeup artists. “We love to help women look and feel their best.

And with our training, the women of Lafayette and West Lafayette can feel confident that we are on point when it comes to the latest skincare and makeup tips!” says Boener.

About being in business with her mom, Boener says it’s easy because they complement each other. They feel a great sense of accomplishment in having a successful business for over 12 years. “We have maintained a good business that’s fun AND rewarding,” says mom Kanehe.

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Michael

Kaplan

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fter leaving his hometown to earn a master’s in social work, Michael Kaplan returned to Lafayette to take over the furniture business his father, George Kaplan, started in 1957. In 1985, he opened Michael’s Furniture Galleries, which he ran until 2003. His dad’s store was renamed Kaplan’s Furniture, and he ran both until his “Business dad’s retirement is about in 1992.

In 2003 Kaplan listening,” and his wife, Ellie, - Michael Kaplan built the La-ZBoy Furniture Galleries store.

“La-Z-Boy is a great company to work with and they are known for comfort and durability. La-Z-Boy makes a great product and the most comfortable furniture,” he says.

Surprisingly, he finds that his background in social work is the perfect fit for customer and staff relations: “Business is about listening, which is one of the skills that you learn in social work training, and it’s about understanding and filling people’s needs.”

In 2008, Michael started Strategic Solutions Coaching, LLC as a way to help other businesses increase their effectiveness. With his Masters of Social Work, over 30 years of successful business experience, and training at the Coaches Training Institute, Kaplan enjoys working with startup and existing businesses.

“My approach would best be classified as a ‘Business-Life coach.’ I take a holistic approach, working on business systems, strategies, leadership and relationships as well as how it relates to the owner’s overall life goals.”

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Duke

Karns

C

reating an enthusiastic team atmosphere where “no one works for anyone else,” is one of the things that makes Duke Karns proud to be the owner of Carpetland USA in Lafayette. His managers—Theresa Hershberger, controller, “If it goes on Steve Fleming, the floor, store manager, we most Tom Treece, likely sell it.” assistant retail manager, John - Duke Karns Hodges, commercial manag-

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er, and Kevin Hyatt office/warehouse liaison—have all been with the store for more than 10 years, and some for over 30 years.

Duke began as a sales person with Carpetland in 1976 and quickly received several promotions, becoming the store manager in 1980 and the owner in 1996. He says his favorite part of the job is working with his staff of 10, and the customers.

“If it goes on the floor, we most likely sell it,” says Duke about the wide selection of carpet and flooring products,

including ceramic tile, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and all of the newest technology on the market.

Carpetland in Lafayette has been named Retailer of the Year

by Alliance Flooring, a buying group, and has been awarded the Journal & Courier Reader’s Choice Award for favorite flooring store.

Although he has little free time, when he’s not at the store, Duke is spending time with his six grown children and four grandchildren, and he loves to sail the waters of Lake Michigan.

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Ed

Lausch

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S

ince 1990, Ed Lausch has been able to live the dream of being able to turn his favorite hobby into a profitable business. Before 1990 Lausch was a pig farmer in Kokomo on a family farm. After several life-changing experiences, Ed moved his home and his business to Lafayette in 1998.

During his photography “For me, this isn’t career, Lausch has a long work, it’s a received and distinguished passion,” list of awards. His - Ed Lausch images have also been published by such major corporations as Kodak, Fuji, and Intel.

Lausch earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in visual communications with a minor in art in 1975, and continues his education by taking classes annually to keep current with the industry.

“When I’m not photographing weddings and other slices of life, I love to travel and take pictures,” comments Lausch.

He’s traveled to Thailand and Mexico and backpacked through China, receiving recognition for his international photography by the Professional Photographers of Indiana and the Professional Photographers of America.

Lausch realizes how lucky he is to be able to make a living at America’s number one hobby.

He looks forward to the daily challenge of creating new ideas and having a job where creativity is encouraged. “For me, this isn’t work, it’s a passion,” says Lausch.

“I love to photograph weddings and other events and turn them into memories that will be with a family for a lifetime.”

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Jerry & Janet

Lecy

G

reat Harvest Bread Co. is becoming a popular stop for Greater Lafayette residents. And, why not; with handmade breads such as Momma’s Apple Swirl, High Five Fiber, “We want to Asiago Pesto, be known and San Francisco for offering Sourdough – whole grains 24 varieties and being in all.

The bakery, involved in which has this great been owned

community.”

- Janet Lecy

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by Jerry and Janet and their six children since 2007, also offers an assortment of breakfast items and a full line of deli sandwiches. Each day, wheat is ground and used in their breads and other baked goods.

“We want to be known for offering whole grains and being involved in this great community,” says Janet. Bread that does not sell after 36 hours is donated to charity.

Jerry points out that, “Scones are one of our biggest sellers.”

You can find such flavors as

blueberry, cherry chocolate chip, and butterscotch almond.

It is their breakfast and lunch catering that has helped in doubling the business. But, ultimately, they attribute their success to faith in God. Stop in sometime for a cup of coffee and muffin – while you’re there, pick up a loaf of Cinnamon Explosion Bread!

Great Harvest Bread Co. is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Great Harvest is closed Sunday.

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Todd & Cindy

Leuck

T

odd and Cindy Leuck have dedicated their adult lives to building two successful AVEDA Salon and Day Spas: Samson & Delilah’s in Lafayette and Evan Todd in West Lafayette. From “WOW, the beginning, that was the Leucks have maintained amazing!” AVEDA stan- Todd Leuck dards of using hair, skin and body products made from natural materials with no pesticides or chemicals.

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Todd and Cindy have a knack and passion for style! Todd has created hairstyles at New York Fashion Weeks for stars such as Paris Hilton, super models Gisel and Karolina Kurkova, and designers Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, and Diesel.

Being in the industry for over 25 years, Todd and Cindy have been featured in several publications. Marie Claire placed them in the list of top ten designers in the nation. Salon Today has recognized Samson & Delilah’s in the top 200 salons in America for the last six years. After only

being open for nine months, the Aveda Corporation listed Evan Todd in the top 20 Lifestyle Salons!

They attribute the success of their salons to their educated staff and excellent customer service. “Many come into the salon expecting to just have a haircutting experience. Upon leaving, the comment we hear the most is ‘WOW, that was amazing!’” says Todd Leuck.

The growth of the business has enabled them to support non-profit agencies through fashion shows and fundraisers for Heartford House and numerous charities.

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David

Lewis

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t Lewis Motor Sales Inc., you will find a family-like atmosphere, and it so happens that several of the staff members are, family: David and Mary Ann Lewis, owners, and their children, Casey Lewis, sales associate, Abby Brown, office manager, and Cory Lewis, buyer.

“We do interact all of the time and work “They all together well,” grew up says David in the Lewis. “They grew up in business.” all the business.”

- David Lewis Casey, now 29, was in kindergarten when the family opened the business in 1987. Cory was in fourth grade and Abby in second grade. Sales manager, Rick Tyrie, has been with the company since opening day.

The business sells a complete inventory of pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, notes Lewis, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, a good variety of imported cars.

After working at another dealership for 15 years—as a sales associate and used-car manager— Lewis says he wanted to go into business for himself.

“With Lafayette being a fastgrowing community, I felt there was a market for a strong independent dealer for pre-owned vehicles,” says Lewis. Over the years, Lewis Motor Sales has established a great reputation in Lafayette, with many of its customers returning again and again to purchase their cars. “We work hard for our customers and make sure the purchase they make is a good investment.”

The Lewis family believes an important part of business is staying involved in the community and helping people.

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Stephen

McCauley

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fter teaching high school psychology for 10 years, a friend and mentor encouraged Stephen McCauley to make a career change to insurance and financial services, and for the past 23 years, he has been helping families, business owners, and retirees plan for their futures.

Losing his first wife to cancer after almost “So being 20 years of in this business marriage ilthe hit home for luminated importance me personally.” of planning - Stephen McCauley for the unimaginable moments that everyone faces in life.

“So being in this business hit home for me personally,” he says.

Steve joined New York Life Insurance Co. as an agent in West Lafayette in 2002 after living in Brooklyn and South Florida. He loves the community spirit in Greater Lafayette. And he feels blessed to have finally been given a chance to have a family with his wife, Bonnie, and his two sons, Nathan and Anthony.

Part of what Steve likes most about his position is talking with people.

“If someone just calls or comes in, and wants some recommendations, I talk with everybody.”

For each of the eight years he has been with New York Life, Steve has achieved membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, which admits only a select group of insurance professionals based on outstanding performance. He has also achieved Council status every year with New York Life for being one of the top producers in the company.

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Todd

McGraw

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M

cGraws Steak, Chop & Fish House is known as one of a kind for fine dining in Greater Lafayette. Guests at the restaurant are served certified angus beef, which ensures exceptional quality and tenderness, while surrounded by a bucolic view of the Wabash River.

In 2009, McGraw’s was honored with the Journal & “We have Courier’s Reader’s to do Choice Award for fine dining, everything best and has received right.” the Award of - Todd McGraw Excellence seven times from the international magazine, the Wine Spectator.

“We have to do everything right,” says Todd McGraw. “If a customer works all week and they go out to dinner, or they choose us to celebrate their birthday, anniversary or special occasion, they want to have a great dining experience.”

McGraw and family remodeled the historic restaurant — in business since 1945 under the name of Stineys — when he bought it in 2000. Growing up on a large farm in Fountain County, McGraw has always had an interest in cattle, and he continued the interest through college, receiving an agricultural economics degree from Purdue University and then working in the nutraceutical industry for 16 years.

Aside from the restaurant, one of McGraw’s most recent projects is working with John Doherty — former executive chef at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City—to bring a food and wine festival to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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Patsy & Mike

Molter

M

ike and Patsy Molter are not only husband and wife of 30 years but also have the rare opportunity to be co-owners of a business, Twin City Collision Repair, Inc. The two went to “It was high school togeththe best er in Kentland and were married while thing Mike was attending we ever Purdue University. did.”

In 1992 Mike opened Twin City - Mike Molter Collision Repair, Inc., believing he could provide a bet-

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ter customer service experience.

The business grew rapidly and by 1995 Patsy joined the company.

“It was the best thing we ever did,” explains Mike. “Patsy’s accounting and organizational skills have been instrumental in the growth and success of our business.”

Both of them train and supervise over 35 employees and help clients through the process of getting their car repaired after an accident.

“What I enjoy most is that we’re all like family, and it’s a positive place to be,” says Patsy.

Twin City Collision has been distinguished in the industry for excellence numerous times, but Mike and Patsy are most proud and humbled by the National Pride Award from the National Autobody Council. They received the award for outstanding customer service and for their fundraising efforts to help build a children’s oncology camp and on-site medical facility called Camp Make-A-Dream, located in Montana.

Mike and Patsy live in Lafayette with their sons Zachary and Nicholas.

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Dr. Trevor

Murray

A

t Allure Dental the focus is treating and educating entire families for all of their dental needs.

“Although Allure is a cosmetic dentistry office, we are very much a family “It’s amazing dental to have the practice,” says Dr. chance to Christian make patients Mazur. feel better They take and change pride in their lives.” making sure clients are - Trevor Murray treated with

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Dr. Christian

Mazur

respect and care, says Dr. Trevor Murray. “Clients are also fully educated on the services they are receiving,” he adds.

Murray was inspired to become a dentist because he had a great dentist growing up, and Mazur comes from an artistic family, and has carried on the family tradition by choosing cosmetic dentistry to create beauty.

They apply cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry to everything they do.

“It’s amazing to have the chance to make patients feel better and to change their lives,” says Murray.

The office also handles more advanced cases, such as adults who want to enhance their smile, as well as treatment for clients who suffer daily from debilitating migraines and TMJ. “It can completely change how someone interacts with others,” says Mazur They want people to know their practice is not a large corporation, but is a single practice that has been in existence for over 30 years. Their primary attention has always been how well they take care of their clients while offering the most current treatments and personal care.

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KJ

Nutt

O

pening her business when she was just 23, KJ Nutt has seen many changes in Lafayette over the years. While the location of the business on 4th Street is now surrounded “Not your by other thriving ordinary shops, it wasn’t way when salon.” that she first opened - KJ Nutt in 1977 when the area was industrial. Nutt says she has also enjoyed seeing the evolu-

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tion of women-owned businesses since then.

KJ Nutt & Friends Hair Salon and Day Spa offers the traditional services of a salon and spa, including an esthetician, who is her son, Sage Harrington. Nutt is also proud of her talented staff. One of them has even been with her for over 25 years, Omar Delak.

Consistent with the tagline“Not your ordinary salon”-each stylist has a semi-private room, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The salon is filled with lots of pictures and other deco-

rations cherished by each of the four stylists.

“I like to create an eclectic feel like an artist’s workshop,” she says. And customers like the experience they have at her salon because she has been awarded the Journal & Courier Reader’s Choice Award for favorite women’s hairstylist.

“I want people to hear of our work and say, ‘I want to go there because I have seen those haircuts,’ or somebody has talked about our kindness and how they are treated.”

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Dr. Lynn

Pestle

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D

r. Lynn Pestle decided that he wanted to practice a specific kind of dentistry and become a prosthodontist after serving in the U.S. Navy to receive his residency training at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif. Among his patients were soldiers who were wounded in Vietnam, and officers at the base.

“I had some really good men“I have the tors and was satisfaction exposed to some of being able other specialists to restore the in that area. They quality of life certainly gave me for many of encouragement to my patients.” pursue the field,” says Dr. Pestle.

- Dr. Lynn Pestle After his residency in the Navy, he completed two more years of training at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. The training to become a prosthodontist involves learning procedures to rehabilitate the bite, including cosmetic dentistry, he explains.

The procedures can also include implants, bridges, and partial or full dentures.

In 1977, he opened his practice in Lafayette in a small office on State Street, and in 1982, because the practice had grown, he and his staff of six moved to their present location on Elmwood Avenue.

“I have the satisfaction of being able to restore the quality of life for many of my patients, and I can also help them with self-esteem, and how they relate to friends and family through a renewed confidence in themselves,” says Dr. Pestle.

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Donna

Pridemore

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lthough she is a wellknown presence in Greater Lafayette, Donna Pridemore knows she has to work hard every day to maintain the trust she has earned over the years with the community.

“We bring a sense of balance when things are completely out of balance, and that is why we offer so many “We bring different a sense of avenues to balance when help families.” president things are ofAs Hippencompletely steel Funeral out of Service and balance.” Crematory, Pridemore - Donna Pridemore oversees many of the day-to-day happenings at the funeral home, and she spends time with families and friends.

“It means walking side by side with someone going through a very difficult time in their life,” she says.

Pridemore has initiated different services and programs to reach out to families during times of crisis including Sniffles Place, a grief center for children, Trails of Hope camp for children, and the Tribute Center—a place where families can gather before or after a funeral and the service can be held there as well. She also began a cremation service at Hippensteel for pets called Pets Remembered.

Pridemore relies on her staff of 15 to connect with the community.

“We try to see what is happening in our industry, stay current with it, and find a way to bring that knowledge back to the community to help our families.”

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Dr. Dan

Ritchie

D

r. Dan Ritchie is putting his education and expertise to use every day at Miracles Fitness in West Lafayette. Ritchie earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University in health and kinesiolo“Whatever gy. He became your goal passionate helping is, there is a about seniors and systematic boomers with way to get health and fityou there.” ness when an older athlete - Dan Ritchie

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came to him and said, “‘You know, I can play golf very well, and I want to every day for my retirement, but I just can’t tie my own shoes anymore.’”

Now as the owner of Miracles Fitness, he says that his goal is to help people achieve results. He believes the best way to get results is by working with a qualified trainer, and at Miracles Fitness, all of the trainers have exercise degrees.

“A client signs up to work with a trainer two to four times a week,

depending on the program, and will also be able to use the facility during all operating hours,” he says.

Ritchie explains that with exercise, results are critical because otherwise, frustration quickly sets in, and then there is the tendency to give up entirely. Working with a trainer gives the client a method for the workout and a better chance for results.

“We sit down with people and say, ‘Whatever your goal is, there is a systematic way to get you there.’”

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Michelle & Andy

Schwindler

LAFAYETTE MAGAZINE 96

T

he joy of entertaining out in the open air, cooking and relaxing with friends, is one of life’s great pleasures. Michelle and Andy Schwindler, owners of Outdoor Roomscapes in Monticello, help their clients enjoy resort-style living right in their own backyards.

Andy’s career in landscape design and “Each project creating outdoor becomes living spaces in Indianapolis very personal the area is the for us.” foundation of the - Andy Schwindler business.

“Each project becomes very personal for us,” says Andy.

“I’m spending time with our clients, getting to know their lifestyles, and really understanding the style of their homes.” The outdoor rooms are virtually designed, so clients can see a replica of what the room will look like even before the construction begins.

Michelle and Andy introduce clients to their products and designs at their outdoor showroom alongside the calming waters of Lake Freeman. The rise in popularity of outdoor kitchens has helped expand their business, notes Michelle. People want a vacation-like setting that they can use anytime.

“The outdoor room is becoming everyone’s favorite room in the house,” she says. The business also sells outdoor kitchen products and utensils, including the Big Green Egg, which is a grill, an oven, and a smoker, all in one.

During the season, the couple loves to try new recipes on the grill, entertain outdoors, and they enjoy traveling.

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