The Lakes of Kosciusko November 2020 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

FREE MONTHLY PRINT MAGAZINE WITH CORRESPONDING MOBILE APP AND SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURING THE PEOPLE, BUSINESSES, AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND KOSCIUSKO, ELKHART, NOBLE & LAGRANGE COUNTY

NOVEMBER 2020

MAGAZINE

Lakeside Chevrolet is All About Customer Satisfaction

WEAR HAUS DESIGNS

Local Design Shop Specializes In Print, Embroidery, Textile Laser Etching & More GOING WITH THE GRAIN Craftsmanship is Key at Hilltop Hickory Furniture

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

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WEAR HAUS DESIGNS Local Design Shop Specializes In Print, Embroidery, Textile Laser Etching & More Writer / Tracey Ruckman Photography Provided

When Amy Jo Miller and her best friend started crafting together, she had no idea her hobby would lead her to a full-time business endeavor. Miller purchased a DIY tabletop screen

printing machine to make matching shirts for her friend’s bridal shower and fell in love with the process. She then began online garage sales for customers in the market and found a supply company where she could get affordable materials. Miller used Google and YouTube to understand how to use the items she 6 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

had. Then, in 2012, she took her first class. “After the first class I was obsessed,” she says. Miller was so inspired, she ended up purchasing everything she needed to start her business. Her dream was about to become a reality. “I was 100% consumed with the new venture I was on,” Miller says. To be able to see the excitement in a customer’s eyes, when they see their idea become a reality, is inspiring to Miller. Screen printing provides a unique way for her customers to express themselves — whether it’s remembering a loved one or making matching shirts for a family event, or a business function, the creativity factor never gets old for Miller and continues to provide daily inspiration for her passion.

The company originally came to be in 1992 and was owned by Rhonda Neff and Ron Yoder. Rhonda owned 51% of the company and Ron owned 49% of the company. In 2002, Rhonda passed away and willed her 51% of the company to Jane Yoder, Ron’s wife. In April of 2019, Miller and her husband, Ben, became the owners of Wear Haus Designs. Miller is 51% owner and Ben is 49% owner.

Why not 50/50?

dreams come true,” she says. “You can do whatever you want. You can be whatever you want. Don’t let your gender stop you.”

The 51% ownership factor qualifies Wear Haus Designs to be a Woman’s Business Enterprise. WBE is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.

Of the 13 employees Wear Haus Designs employs, 12 of them are women. The brick and mortar location has a showroom where customers can see all the services offered which include embroidery, textile laser embroidery,

“It is important to me because I like to show the younger girls in my life that you can be a girl and still make your

The regions premier one stop shop for embroidery, screen printing (over 200 colors to choose from), textile laser embroidery, laser engraving, direct to garment, heat transfer, wide format printing, car, wall & window decals, vehicle wraps, yard signs, banners, and rhinestone designs.

Champion woman owned business

Phone 260-463-7373 | Fax 260-463-4950 4425 W US Highway 20 | LaGrange, Indiana 46761 TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 7

appliques, screen printing, heat transfer, direct to garment, wide format printing, banners, yard signs, decals, laser etching and graphic design. “Our embroidery department consists of 21 embroidery heads each with 15 needles to do the most detailed colorful design your heart desires,” Miller says. “We are also equipped with a laser bridge. This allows us to create appliques right on our embroidery machines. The screen printing department is equipped with an 8/10 automatic press that produces some amazing work. The girls run that department like a well-oiled machine – producing hundreds to thousands of prints a week.” Wear Haus Designs offers many unique possibilities including glow in the dark, metallic and glitter inks, personalization for school spirit wear with a name and player number, company logos and personal photos. Wide-format printing options are great for wall decals, car decals, banners and yard signs. Laser etching is used for personalization of tumblers, coffee mugs, baking pans, cutting boards, wind chimes, pet tags, sports trophies and more. “Graphic design is an endless world of imagination. The possibilities are wide open,,” Miller says.

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When customers are ready to order, the graphic design department creates an artwork proof with a picture of the actual garment and colors being used. Wear Haus Designs specializes in

printing Notre Dame apparel and all area schools. The shop is licensed to use North Face, Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and Patagonia apparel.

polyester, moisture-wicking for active wear or thick cotton blends for cooler weather, Wear Haus has it covered. Clothing options include t-shirts, long sleeves, crewnecks, hoodies, jackets, joggers, shorts, pants and emergency personnel apparel.

There is also a large variety of apparel available to choose from — whether it’s

Contractor Supply Shop

Wear Haus Designs is open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday – Friday and is located at 4425 W. US 20, Suite 1, LaGrange. Visit its Facebook page or online at wearhaus. net or call (260) 463-7373 for more information.

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SEAL OF APPROVAL A I RT I T E I N S U L AT I O N P R I D E S I TS E L F ON QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Throughout the last few decades many people have increased their focus on environmental considerations. People of all walks of life are working hard to make the earth a better place to live - campaigns are underway to clean up the ocean, and energy plants are switching to cleaner, more sustainable forms of fuel. Closer to home, many families are shifting to low- or nowaste lifestyles to do their part to protect the environment. The team at AirTite Insulation in Goshen is doing its best to help people meet their â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? goals. In particular, the staff is eager to help customers improve the energy efficiency in TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 11

their homes and businesses. “AirTite was founded on using quality products and quality procedures,” explains Doug Stuckey, the company’s chief operating officer. AirTite Insulation was originally started by two brothers before it was purchased by Miller’s Building Supply in 2015. “[The original owners] built it using quality products and getting the job done,” Stuckey says. “When they wanted to get out of it, they came to us. It was a good fit. We’re a lumberyard and a family-run business with the same philosophy as AirTite.” Since AirTite was already a successful business with a reputation for quality service and products, the decision was made to keep it as a separate business under the Miller’s umbrella. Part of the company’s quality guarantee includes customer education.

If your home is warm in the summer and cold and/or if you have icicles hanging on your roof in the winter, we can help you! In Business since 1999 serving all of Northern Indiana and lower Michigan! We offer professional sales, installation, and service for new and existing homes as well as commercial buildings.

574.825.5271 • airtite-insulation.com • 2249 Lincoln Way East | Goshen 12 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

“We explain why we feel it is necessary to use the products that we use, or procedures that we use that are higher than code,” Stuckey says. “That being said, we are not the least expensive company out there. You pay for the quality that you’re getting in return.” In the homeownership world, Stuckey says quality products end up paying for themselves. “Insulation is probably one of the most critical areas in your home because it can affect monthly utility expense,” he says. Although insulation is important, it’s one aspect of homebuilding and remodeling that can be overlooked. “It’s kind of out of sight, out of mind,” Stuckey says. According to Stuckey, there are two main forms of insulation - fiberglass and cellulose. AirTite specializes in cellulose.

New and Pre-owned Sales

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VM: 250-593-2792 Fx:260-593-2791 TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 13

“Over the years it’s those relationships that you build, and you gain their trust and vice versa - that’s really what it’s about,” he says. Without that, it’s just another job.” - Doug Stuckey

“When most people think of insulation, they think of fiberglass,” Stuckey says. “We’re not opposed to fiberglass in certain areas, but we do feel that in certain applications, fiberglass can be an inferior product.” What makes cellulose a sensible choice? Stuckey says one consideration is that it tends to be more environmentally friendly than fiberglass. “Cellulose is predominately recycled paper products - magazines, newspapers, that kind of thing,” he says. “We’re not cutting down trees in order to produce it. We also have a product that we use that’s made from recycled blue jeans.”

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Because these products are made into hammered fiber from recycled items, they are extremely dense, which creates an excellent sound barrier and improves the insulation’s energy efficiency. “Most people would interpret that as dollars on your bill, but it comes down to how many therms you use in your gas and how many kilowatts you use in your electric,” Stuckey says. The company also offers customers an energy efficiency guarantee. When a customer chooses to use this service, AirTite uses scientific calculations and thermal imaging to determine how much energy a building will save with improved insulation. “It’s based on which way the house faces, how many windows are in it, and the heating unit you have,” Stuckey says, adding that all of AirTite’s customers who use the service have benefitted from it.

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm 260-593-2769 5995 W. 200 S Topeka, IN 46571 At the 4-way stop in Emma

14 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

Stuckey and the rest of the AirTite staff thoroughly enjoy helping customers improve their homes. At the end of the day, Stuckey’s favorite part of his job is the community that has developed around the business. “Over the years it’s those relationships that you build, and you gain their trust and vice versa that’s really what it’s about,” he says. “Without that, it’s just another job.” AirTite Insulation is located at at 2249 Lincolnway East in Goshen. For more info, visit airtite-insulation.com or call 574-825-5271.

Built to Last

Newbury Carriage Strives for Quality Carriages & Satisfied Customers Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Timothy Hare

cquiring a new buggy is an expensive purchase for many families. It is important that the buggy they buy will last for years, if not decades, before a new one is needed. Nate and Sara Miller, the owners of Newbury Carriage in Topeka, understand this and do all they can to make sure the buggies they build are properly engineered and assembled. They also build each carriage to each customer’s needs. “In the end, you spend a lot on a buggy,” says Nate Miller. “It should be like you want it to be.” Miller meets in person with customers at his shop, where there are usually three buggies being built in various stages. That way the customer can see how the buggies come together and see first-hand the options that are available with each order. Most buggies are built to order but the Millers offer new and used buggies through a second business, Green Meadow Buggy Sales, which started in 2014. Trading in a used buggy for a new one is a common occurrence. The Millers prefer to operate their carriage business focusing on the quality of the buggies they build. Although a short turnaround time for a new carriage order is nice, it is more important to build a carriage that will stand the test of long-term use. It all starts with the running gear. Miller and his crew prep the running gear “rigorously,” he says. Everything is cleaned before the running gear is sanded and then primed with epoxy and urethane paint. Finally, the

TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 15

running gear is finished off with two coats of urethane paint. Miller learned painting techniques at his first job at a finishing shop when he was 16. Not only was it a skill that has come in good use at his carriage building business, but it also is a task he says he enjoys. This experience helps him achieve that mirror-like finish on the carriage. Attention is also paid to the axles. Newbury Carriage takes time to achieve the correct camber, which is a plumb spoke of the wheel and examine the gather, which, if not done correctly, can cause flat spots on rubber tires. This analysis is done in the shop

in the early stages of the carriage build to square up the running gear. These precise measurements add up to a carriage that has less friction and is an easier pull. “Taking a little more time and doing jobs correctly,” is part of what it takes to live up to the company’s business motto – “Committed to quality and customer service,” Miller says. After the running gear is completed, work on the carriage continues with the box. Miller uses a box made of fiberglass with

Committed to Quality & Customer Service • New Sales • Custom Builds • Restorations • Product & Parts Sales Nate & Sara Miller

(260)-768-8055 7040 W 200 S Topeka, IN 46571

11875 N. State Road 13, Syracuse, IN 46567 www.onecallwater.com

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a 3/8 inch foam core. “This is a lightweight box that is extremely durable,” he says. “Truly maintenance-free.” To frame up the interior, various species of wood are used, depending on the choice is then primed application. All areas that will possibly be exposed to moisture are then primed and sealed to prevent damage to the wood. It is just another step that provides assurance that the buggy is built to last. Miller has also given thought to the foam he uses on the seats.

“All foam is not equal,” he says, a lesson he learned while working as an upholsterer at a furniture store. The foam that Newbury Carriage uses is high quality, high-density foam. It makes a difference in areas that get a lot of wear, such as the seat and arm rests. The quality of the carriage is thoroughly inspected on completion. After a few months, the customer will get a call from Miller to make sure everything is working well and meeting the customer’s needs. Whether it is building a new carriage for a customer, selling a

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used carriage or doing carriage repairs such as brake and tire replacement, Miller and his crew put customer service at the forefront.

Nate and Sara wed in 2010. The couple has four children, two sons and two daughters. Daryl is the oldest at 9, Hannah is 7, Leah is 4 and Michael is 2.

“There is a short turn around on repairs,” he says. “And we offer a loaner if we cannot do it right away.”

Owning Newbury Carriage fulfilled Miller’s dream of having a home-based business. He opened the shop in 2016, after working for another carriage maker for nearly two years. The shop is located at 7040 West 200 South in Topeka. It is open 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. To contact Newbury Carriage, call 260-768-8055 extension 2.

Miller credits his team for helping turn out carriages that meet his standards for quality. “The quality depends on the workforce,” he says.

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427 CHEVY WAY WARSAW IN 46582 LAKESIDECHEVY.COM • (574) 269-1666 Hand Cut Steaks, Lobster, BBQ Ribs, Pork Chops, Crab Legs, Craft Made Burgers, Shrimp, Homemade Soups, Salads, Appetizers & Atmosphere. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended. Open 6 days a week (closed Monday) 4pm to 9pm Sun- Thurs ∙ 4pm to 10pm Fri & Sat • Large Dining room & Bar room • Private Party /Banquet room • 2000 + sq ft outdoor Deck overlooking beautiful Bass Lake • Order online or call. • Plenty of vehicle parking front & back • Harbour Pier Parking Available to use for those arriving by watercraft Book your family/business Christmas party ahead of time.

www.harbourhousebasslake.com Follow us on Facebook for announcements For reservations email info@harborhousebasslake.com

(574)404-8900 - 3698 S. County Road 210 - Bass Lake (Knox) 46534 20 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

FIND YOUR RIDE Lakeside Chevrolet is All About Customer Satisfaction

Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Tim Hare

Lakeside Chevrolet, a 175-car lot in northern Warsaw, has served several notable individuals from across the nation. “We’ve had professional basketball players come in to have their vans worked on,” says General Sales Manager Michael Kuhn. “Ben Higgins from ‘The Bachelor’ flew into the airport behind the store, and we loaned him an Explorer van for the day so that he could cruise around while he was on the show.” The five-star business is known around town for providing friendly and excellent service.

General Sales Manager Michael Kuhn THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 21

“Customer service to me means that they’re going to come back,” Kuhn says. “It’s not selling the customer one car, it’s knowing that if we take care of them right on their very first car, then we’ll end up selling them seven or eight cars. Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen multiple customers buy multiple vehicles.” As a lifelong Chevy fan, Kuhn has been working his dream job at the business for the last nine years. “When I took this job, the biggest enticing part of the job was Chevrolet,” he says. “My dad was always a big Chevy guy, and my grandpa was too. Growing up, I’ve owned probably 60 Chevrolets. I love them. The product is great.” Working for a locally owned company is a huge plus, too. “It’s not owned by some big company out of

town,” Kuhn says. “It’s literally from a local guy. It’s always been local - locally owned, locally operated. There’s a good quality product at a good price.” One of the goals of the Lakeside Chevrolet team is to give back to the community, especially to the Warsaw Community High School Tigers basketball team. They also go the extra mile to help deserving individuals - customers in particular - when the opportunity arrives. They often do this by engaging in seemingly small opportunities that have a big impact. “There are a lot of little things that we do throughout the year - any way we can help,” Kuhn says. One way the staff does this is by giving discounts to local heroes including educators, first responders and members of the military. A similar discount is available for college students.

We Make and Sell 2 Full Lines of Home and RV/Smaller Home Furniture Only 4 Miles south Shipshewana! Only of 4 miles south of Shipshewana!

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(574)773-2686 | 2570 Beech Rd • Bremen THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 23

“There are so many different discounts that we can offer,” Kuhn says. “It’s not something Lakeside does, it’s something that Chevrolet does. We put [the discounts] on our website because we want everyone to know up front that we’re trying to get them the best deal possible.” The dealership offers a variety of makes and models. “We have everything in stock, and we can get anything too,” Kuhn says. Everyone at Lakeside Chevrolet tries to go beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking care of customers, whether it’s Vice President of Operations Chad Probst, Owner Tom Schilling, or anyone else on the team. “We want to make Warsaw happy and provide good customer service,” Kuhn says. “We’re pretty well known in the area for the condition of our vehicles.” Safety is their first priority. Before any car goes up for sale, it gets a 172-point inspection

onsite. Anything that doesn’t pass gets sent to auction. “The reconditioning of our used vehicles can be pretty strict, but our customers like that,” Kuhn says. “They like coming onto the lot knowing they won’t look at a car that maybe isn’t in the condition they were expecting.” Each car is kept as clean as it is safe. “All of our used vehicles get sanitized,” Kuhn says. “Also, we install Pulse. It’s a pulsating rear brake light that’s just a safety light. It’s to prevent rear collisions.” From the moment someone walks onto the lot, the sales team is eager to help them find exactly what they’re looking for. “Their main goal is to get the hot spots - what the customer is wanting,” Kuhn says. “If it’s safety, if it’s performance, if it’s convenience, if it’s luxury, we’re tailoring it to whatever the customer wants.”

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Customers can also buy a car from the comfort of their own living room. On the company’s website, a customer can find a car, customize terms and get their credit application approved. “We have what’s called ‘Shop, Click, Drive,’” Kuhn says. “They just e-sign and we can deliver the car right to their house.” One of the Lakeside Chevrolet team’s goals is to keep customers happy and safe, even after they drive off the lot. One way they do this is by offering a lifetime warranty with each car they sell. “Lakeside is giving you the peace of mind that you have the lifetime powertrain warranty,” Kuhn says. The team is also willing to take anything as a trade-in. “The weirdest thing I think we’ve ever taken as a trade-in was a picnic table,” Kuhn says. “If anyone is shopping for a car and they have anything to trade, we’ll take it. We’ll work with them.”

The services offered at the business range from typical oil changes and tire replacement to specialty services. In the collision center, walk-ins are welcome.

great satisfaction.

“We do free estimates in the collision center any time,” Kuhn says. “No appointment is needed - just come right over.”

Lakeside Chevrolet is located at 427 Chevy Way in Warsaw. View their local lender options or shop online at lakesidechevy.com. To speak to a salesperson, call 574- 306-0495. Schedule an appointment to get your vehicle serviced by calling 574-306-0504.

Kuhn’s primary objective is to treat each person who walks onto the lot as though they are the company’s most valuable customer. Meeting a client in town always gives him

“That’s pretty awesome,” he says. “I know they’re in a safe, reliable vehicle.”

THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 25

POLE POSITION

Topeka Craftsman Customizes Fishing Rods for Local Anglers Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

Many people who enjoy the outdoors claim to feel closer to God when taking part in activities that involve nature. Eugene Knepp combined a Bible phrase from Matthew 4:19 with his passion for fishing to create a name for his business. This Bible passage mentions “fishers of men.” Knepp’s business, Fishers of the

World, is a custom-made fishing rod business that operates out of a workshop at Knepp’s Topeka home. “I do custom-built fishing rods,” Knepp says, “It can be personalized to their favorite colors or their favorite thread design.” Fishing rods are easy to find in the area, but one that reflects the personality and style of the angler is unique. Knepp’s

customers can personalize the rod any way they want, from the color to the thread and thread design. “This isn’t your simple rod out of the store,” he says.

26 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Knepp visited a friend who was doing the same thing in Michigan, and was intrigued. “I asked him to teach me how and get me started,” he says. As far as Knepp knows, he is the only tradesman providing these products locally. “It’s a new idea - a new product for the area,” he explains. “I’ve been doing this for two years and it is just now slowly taking hold.” The rods he makes range from those suited for ocean fishing to ice fishing and everything in between. “I do them all,” Knepp says. Different types of fishing require different rod lengths and specialized equipment. A fly fishing rod can be 15

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Eugene Knepp 2570 W 700 S - Topeka, IN 46571 260-593-0856

feet long, while an ice fishing rod may be only 2 feet. The customization process involves sitting down with the customer to determine their needs. From that initial conversation, Knepp orders the parts he needs and begins the production process. It takes about five to six hours to craft a custom fishing rod, plus an additional six to 10 hours for the sealant to cure. Knepp is a longtime fisherman. As a small boy he would fish with his father, using an inexpensive rod purchased somewhere convenient. Now he realizes the difference that can be made by using a rod of higher quality. His rods are typically stronger than the standard variety found at chain stores. The rods also feature additional guides, which provides better stability when handling a big fish. The bright thread wraps and designs means an angler can spot their rod easily. A variety of thread colors are used to make the wrap, and this is one of the features that distinguish Knepp’s rods from many that are mass manufactured.

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“I love the artwork that goes into each rod,” Knepp says. He recalls using his artist’s eye to complete a rod that a husband was purchasing for his wife. The challenge was to find the right thread color combination to coordinate with a yellow rod. Knepp’s choice was a charcoal color with gold accents. Knepp specializes in three thread wrap styles - olive leaf, letter wrap, and tiger wrap. The olive leaf style involves any two-color combination in which one thread is manipulated to resemble a leaf pattern. Letter wrap involves weaving a letter pattern into the base color, and takes about six hours. Tiger wrap begins with a black base and is personalized with

28 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

a color of the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice. It is wrapped loosely and then manipulated to create a one-of-a-kind design. A custom fishing rod ranges from approximately $100 to $200. The price depends on the materials and the time it takes to complete the custom design. Knepp also replaces guides and can handle other types of rod repairs. By day, Knepp works in an RV factory. He devotes his afternoon and evening hours, as well as weekend days, to the rod business. Knepp and his wife Ruth, who live on 11 acres with horses and dairy goats, have three children - Danelle Janean, 16, Lily Grace, 13, and Kylan Eric, 7. Fishers of the World is located at 2570 West 700 South in Topeka. For more info, call 260-593-0856.

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32 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

HEARTLAND ENTERPRISE

INSULATION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME FOR ROCHESTER COMPANY

winterizing their properties. After all that work is done, it will be time to turn on the heat for the first time. If everything works as it is supposed to, that’s great, but the real test comes when the first heating bill arrives.

Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Although the colors of autumn are beginning to dim into the grays and browns of winter, many homeowners are still

value). The higher the R-value in insulation, the more energy efficient a building is. When used as a roofing material, the foam can typically be sprayed on top of shingles or metal roofing. Even on flat commercial roofs, only 1.5 to 5 inches of foam can be applied.

Heartland Enterprise, owned by Paul Burkholder of Rochester since 2014, exists to help people increase their home energy efficiency. However, the company goes one Burkholder, his wife Nancy, and their step further than using the typical insulation employee Kolton Hartle begin by applying found in most home improvement stores. a gray silicone base coat directly on the roof, followed by a white wet coating. Before the Their primary product is spray foam, which white coat has dried completely, they spread has a 6.9-per-inch R-value (air resistance shingle granules. While drying, this forms a

BENEFITS OF SPRAY FOAM ROOFING • Suitable for a wide range of low slope commercial, agricultural, and industrial roofs. • Spray foam roofs significantly enhances wind uplift resistance. • Energy conservation/lower heating and cooling costs. • Repair vs. replace existing roofs and eliminate the need for extra construction costs. • Eliminate seams and joints. • Build proper drainage. • Spray foam roofing and coating systems meet or exceed all natural building code requirements.

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protective covering for the building. “It makes a seamless, rock-solid roof structure,” Burkholder says.

During that process, Burkholder will take a thermal energy picture of the wall to make sure the insulation is properly filling the wall.

When used as injection foam insulation, the material is injected straight into walls.

Spray foam works especially well with old farmhouses.

“It stays liquid as it falls down into the wall cavity,” Burkholder says. “That puddle stays there for about five or 10 seconds, then it starts to froth and bubble up, and fill the wall cavity.”

“Old farmhouses have a lot of 2”x4” stud walls, and they’re all crooked and uneven,” Burkholder says. “To put in any other kind of insulation is a challenge. Spray foam goes into all those crooked and uneven spaces,

and fills everything out.” The team at Heartland Enterprise has worked on a wide range of buildings. About half of their clients are commercial, with jobs ranging from roofing and interior insulation to restaurant and butcher shop cooler insulation. Heartland Enterprise’s commercial and residential roofs typically come with a 15-year extendable warranty, and a five-year maintenance contract. “Within that five-year contractable

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warranty, I like to walk the roof at least once a year and make sure that everything is good enough to last a long time, and to make sure we don’t have any workmanship defects,” Burkholder says. “If there are, we want to address them as soon as possible.”

a call from a new client, Burkholder first determines the type of project, whether it’s a remodel, addition, new construction or otherwise. When a job is scheduled it takes around two to seven workdays for Heartland Enterprise to complete the job, depending on the size of the job, whether the work is inside or out, and the weather.

“We meet a lot of good people through this. Ultimately, we’re here to give you, the customer, a comfortable feeling in the wintertime. We’re here to take care of you for the lifetime of your dwelling. It’s a wonderful investment. That’s what makes me happy, and that’s what makes you happy. It’s a win-win.”

One of the best parts of the job for Burkholder is being able to work with customers.

Heartland Enterprise is ready to help you prepare your buildings for winter. Contact them for a free quote by calling 574-8354419, or by emailing Paul Burkholder at heartlandenterprise@emypeople.net.

“I enjoy the people that we meet,” he says.

When the Heartland Enterprise team gets

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YODER’S LOG & TIMBER PROS Nappanee-Based Company Has Mastered the Art of Log Home Building reputation for themselves based on good craftsmanship.

Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

There is something so cozy about a well-built log cabin. Its warm, homespun atmosphere lends a certain life-giving nature to a building that is unparalleled in the construction world. They are also uncannily sturdy, having the ability to withstand hurricane winds and other natural disasters. According to Orva Yoder, the owner of Yoder’s Log & Timber Pro’s, log cabins make the best homes. “I think everybody should have a log home,” he says with a chuckle. “I think there’s a good country feeling in it.” This family business has built a

“It’s me and my three sons,” Yoder says. “We all take pride in what we do. That’s part of us — craftsmanship that’s good.” They also build other kinds of buildings as well, like pole barns, sheds, barns and more. Many of the logs that Yoder’s company uses for its building projects are up-cycled from dead standing trees out west. “When a forest fire goes through, it kills the tree, but it doesn’t harm the wood,” he says. “They get cut down and taken out of the way. It helps. If the old trees are taken away, the new growth can come up.”

38 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Since the homes that Yoder and his sons build are made from whole logs, unless otherwise specified by a customer, the cabins are extremely energy efficient. In the insulation, that is measured by Resistance, or R-Value. The higher the R-Value number, the better the house blocks out unwanted airflow. “We use larger logs, so it’s an R-38 in the roof,” Yoder says. No two log homes built by Yoder’s crew are exactly the same. “It’s a custom-built home,” he says. At the beginning of the building project, Yoder, the client, and an architect work together to draw out the details of the dream home. Once the client is happy, the plans get sent to Mill Canyon Log Homes in Idaho or Wilderness Retreat Log Homes in Wisconsin. “They’re both so busy,” Yoder says. “It’s exactly the same thing, as far as how they put them together and how they’re cut and everything.” Once the timber mill has the order — or kit — filled, it’s sent back to Yoder Log & Timber Pro’s and the work begins. As the house goes up, the customer doesn’t have to worry about

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finding subcontractors. “We get the heating and plumbing guys,” Yoder says. “We finish the homes, too. We put the roof on, we finish the inside, do all the trim work, the hardwood floors and the staining. We don’t have someone sub out this or sub out that. It’s just me and my boys. Once we’re done, they can move in.”

Unfortunately, thanks to poor workmanship by other companies, log cabins have a bad reputation for being difficult to maintain. According to Yoder, that doesn’t have to be the case if the home is built right. “Our homes are built with bigger overhangs and they’re protected

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more than a lot of other homes are,” he adds. To give their customers peace of mind, Yoder and his crew offer maintenance contracts after the building is done. That includes replacing rotten logs, re-roofing, stripping and restraining and other restoration and maintenance jobs. “We don’t come in, build them, leave and never return,” Yoder says. “We’re there to re-stain them, maintain them for our customers.” They also offer these services to those whose homes were built by other contractors. “It doesn’t have to be ours,” he adds. The maintenance contracts are hassle-free for homeowners. He keeps

track of what work the house needs and when it’s required. When that time comes, Yoder contacts the customer and schedules a time to get it done. The contract can also include routine inspections, if the homeowner prefers. “I tell them that we’ll be back in a couple of years, just look at it, and if there’s a problem, we take care of it,” he says. “It isn’t like they’re paying us a lot of money for it. If they keep it up like that, they save. We’re here for the customers.” Yoder’s Log and Timber Pro’s is an Amish business based in Nappanee since 1995. Call them at (574) 356-6059 or send them a message on their website, yoderslogandtimberpros.com. Their hours are Monday through Friday 7 AM to 3 PM.

THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 41

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THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS LASAGNA ACTIVE TIME 10 Mins Total Time 35 Mins Yield Serves 9 (serving size: 1 square) INGREDIENTS • 3 cups leftover cornbread stuffing, divided 1 (14-oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce, divided 1 1/4 pounds cooked turkey breast, sliced into 1/4-in. slices, divided 3 cups cooked mashed potatoes, divided 6 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), divided Turkey gravy, for serving

grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray.

HOW TO MAKE IT Step 1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly

Step 3 Remove from oven, and let stand

Step 2 Spread half of the stuffing in an even layer in bottom of prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cranberry sauce in an even layer over stuffing. Layer half of turkey slices on top of cranberry sauce, then spread half of the mashed potatoes on top of turkey slices. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of potatoes. Repeat layers once. Bake in preheated oven until lasagna is warmed through, about 20 minutes. Increase heat to broil, and broil until cheese is golden, about 2 minutes.

5 minutes before cutting into 9 squares. Spoon gravy over each square to serve.

MAGAZINE

here is two monthly “The Lakes” Magazines that we mail for Free 12 times a year. There is the edition that gets mailed to Marshall, Fulton, Starke & Pulaski County. The other edition gets mailed to Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble & Elkhart County.

The Lakes Magazine is a local content publication that is a valuable resource in each area we serve. Our True Local Regional Content magazine has greatly increased in readership while phone books, coupon-based publications, newspapers, auto and real estate circulars have drastically shrunk in readership. In addition to our printed magazines, we have a strong presence through social media, and our magazines are also available for free online and through our mobile app which is available for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Here at The Lakes Magazine we take pride in promoting positive, current and even historical content. Many of the advertisers that have reached out to us have been in business many years but have never advertised before. Today, we have a nice collective gathering of the region’s best wordof-mouth businesses. The Lakes Magazine reaches over 69,000 people that read this magazine for businesses and services to patronize locally. We cannot accept all new advertisement requests, but we do have openings for certain types of trades and businesses. John Lewandowski Publisher: The Lakes Magazine (574)249-9217 John@townepost.com

TALK OF THE TOWN Visitors Can Find Plenty to Explore in Rentown Writer & Photographer / Angela Cornell

There are many Amish settlements in Northern Indiana, including Shipshewana, Bremen, Goshen, Nappanee, and Rochester. In many respects they’re similar, but each one is a unique community. Take Rentown, for instance. This small community, halfway between Bremen and Nappanee, doesn’t even have its own zip code. What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in good old-fashioned flavor.

joking in Pennsylvania Dutch about their habit of rum renna, which, in English, means “gadding about.” Playing off the word renna, Manas said, “We better be careful or they’re going to call this Rentown.”

Joking aside, the name stuck. In 1966 the Rentown Country Store opened, and it has been in the family ever since. As one of the largest Amish groceries in the area, the store carries a wide variety of products, from groceries, pantry items, cookware and kitchenware to specialty items like games and toys for younger The heart of Rentown centers around the country store. The shoppers. They are especially well known for their meats, community’s name is closely tied to the owner’s grandfather, cheeses, and bulk foods like spices, flours and candies. On top of Dan Hochstetler, who lived in what is now Rentown. In the early all that, there is also an in-store bakery. The Rentown Country 1950s Hochstetler and a friend of his, Manas Hochstetler, were Store is located at 1530 3rd Road in Bremen. They can be reached at 574-546-9010.

44 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

For those who enjoy Amish cooking, Dutchmaid Eatery & Gifts is the place to go. Open for breakfast and lunch, this restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious American favorites like biscuits and gravy, skillets, pancakes and crepes, as well as a variety of sandwiches and salads. For dessert, don’t forget to try a slice of homemade pie or the specialty dessert of the day. There is also a small gift shop with mugs, house jams and jellies, inspirational plaques and more. They are located at 1535 3rd Road in Bremen. Call them at 574-546-2192.

A visit to the Rentown area is always enhanced by a trip to Kuhns Orchard. The store offers a delicious array of jams, jellies, salsas, honey products and maple syrup year-round. They also sell apple cider, pressed onsite. In season, apple fritters and fresh apples are available as well. The store is located at 3421 Beech Road in Bremen. Call them at 574-773-0501. It seems like no Amish community is complete without a furniture store, and the Rentown area is no exception. Located directly across the street from the country store, Homestyle

Custom-Built Cabinets & Furniture “There is No Simple Solutions... Only Intelligent Choices”

Kitchen Cabinets Bedroom Suites • China Hutches Bathroom Vanities • Curios & Custom Built Furniture 65438 SR 13 | Millersburg Ph. 574-642-9940 Fax 574-642-3602 THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 45

Furniture Shoppe, LLC sells a variety of handcrafted, solid-wood furniture for dining and living areas. Not only do they have beautiful tables, chairs, benches and end tables, but they also have softer furniture like sofas and recliners. They are located at 1533 3rd Road in Bremen. Call them at 574-773-3685 or check them out online at homestylefurnitureshoppe.com. Birch Road Greenhouse has been around for more than a decade, and the staff takes pride in providing an assortment of vegetables, flowers, perennials, trees, seeds and hanging baskets, for green-thumbed visitors to Rentown. Their customers also appreciate the selection of tools and fertilizers available on the shelves. They also have many non-plant embellishments for gardens including fairy garden decorations. Birch Road Greenhouse is located at 3050 Birch Road in Bremen. Call

574-248-1610 for more info, and check them out online at birchroadgreenhouse.com to see a full list of their products. Although niche shops are common in Amish country, Mint City Millwork is quite unique. Several types of timepieces are available there, including some that are handcrafted in-house. The shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inventory has everything from standard wall clocks to decorative items like grandfather and melody clocks. Also available are weather stations, and parts for those interested in repairing their own clocks at home. Visit them at 3121 Birch Road in Bremen. For more info, call 574-209-1351 or visit mintcitymillwork.com. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, or just want to visit a corner of the region that is a bit different than the norm, a trip to the Rentown area is a perfect option.

46 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

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THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 47

hometownhearingnm.com 225 E. Main St. North Manchester, IN

P.J. Gilsinger & Co. A Place to Visit! P.J. Gilsinger family museum will explain the history of the oldest John Deere Dealer in the world at it’s original store location. Since 1899 The Gilsinger family has served farmers in our area.

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• Farm equipment • Local school memorabilia • WWII artifacts • Early household and farming tools • Several unusual exhibits

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Turbo Rebuilds, Injectors, Carbderators, Outboard Motors, Truck Engines, Engine Control Box with wire harness. (No Small Engine Repair)

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48 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Co-Owner Jesse Jordan

STAYING POWER Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Jesse Jordan and Nick Davis grew up in Knox. When it was time to choose a name for their service business, the choice was obvious Hometown Power Wash, Inc. “We grew up here together as kids,” Jordan says. “Now our kids are being raised up in this community too. This is the town that we want to give back to.” The two friends, and now business partners, became acquainted because their parents were friends. They grew up, went to school together and maintained a friendship that continues. Both are behind the success of their business, which provides a service to homeowners and businesses in the region. This is year two for Hometown Power Wash. The first year was focused on getting their name out. “It started as a side business,” Jordan says. “Now it has taken off so much so that I am doing it full time.” The company provides a service to homeowners and commercial clients by bringing power washing equipment, appropriate detergent and personal expertise to job sites. The company’s service area runs from Bass Lake and Valparaiso to Warsaw and Columbia City - anything within 75 to 90 miles from home, according to Jordan. Power washing is a method used to clean mildew, dirt and debris from exterior walls, decks, patios and other surfaces using a pressurized stream of water.

THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 49

The method has been around for decades. In fact, Jordan worked with his uncle about 20 years ago doing what he is doing now. “I liked the aspect of helping someone’s property look like what it was when it was new,” Jordan says. “With all the construction business out there, there was nothing in our area that covered cleaning homes like we are doing.” Jordan says he still enjoys the satisfaction of restoring something that has been neglected, whether it is a home or a business. Recent commercial jobs included the exterior of a chain restaurant, a convenience store and gas station, and structures at a country club. Hometown Power Wash is advantageous for property owners because of the quality of the cleaning, according to Jordan. The approach can save time and effort, because the cleaning does not have to be done as often.

CALL OR TEXT JESSE JORDAN 574-806-1540

Located at 6146 W 1350 N • Nappanee, IN Open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday.

(574)773-4826 • www.weaverfurniturebarn.com 50 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

“We cover everything and if not, we come back and we pick up anything that we missed. We want to be in this for the long haul. We want your business years from now. That is us holding up our end of the bargain.” - Jesse Jordan

New technology provides better options for clearing grime and debris from homes and businesses. New products help to limit damage and bring about a better result. One of these industry improvements was the development of the soft wash system. This uses more cleaning products more effectively than simply using the powerful pressure of water, and Jordan says it is less damaging. For example, it eliminates the chance of blowing siding off of a structure or ruining a deck because of highlypressurized water. Jordan, Davis and their crew can determine which technique, which pieces of equipment, and the proper approach for each job. The heavyduty machine used by the crew is more effective than non-commercialgrade washers. “There is a lot of education that we had to do for ourselves to learn,” Jordan says. “The last thing we want to do is show up to a project and be ignorant and do

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THETHE LAKES MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER LAKES MAGAZINE / OCTOBER2020 2020/ /thelakesmagazine.com thelakesmagazine.com/ 51

“That worked out really well,” he says. Hometown Power Wash also provides deck restoration services. For this, the company can strip a finish, prepare it for resurfacing and stain it. Additional services include gutter cleaning, vinyl fence washing, and concrete and patio cleaning. some damage to the property.” The crew can reach high places while standing on the ground, washing the peaks of houses and even a church bell tower without using ladders. This means there is little risk of damage to the building from using a ladder. Power washing is also effective in cleaning graffiti, Jordan says. He took care of some cleanup at a local park this year. Jordan partnered with the mayor, suggesting a chemical that could remove the graffiti. He then donated his time to apply the chemical and power wash the vandalism away.

Customer service is important to the business. Jordan says the company offers a one-year guarantee.

Hometown Power Wash crew arrives is to remove any deck furniture or objects of sentimental value that could be damaged in the cleaning process. Customers are charged by the square foot, and a $200 minimum charge applies. For more information, call Hometown Power Wash, Inc. at 574-806-1540 or send an email to Jordan at jesse_jordan@yahoo.com.

“We cover everything and if not, we come back and we pick up anything that we missed,” he says. “We want to be in this for the long haul. We want your business years from now. That is us holding up our end of the bargain.” The only measure homeowners need to take before the

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SIGNATURE DESIGNS

Local Company Turns Out Quality Wood Products Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

For several years, word of mouth has spread about the products made at Signature Designs in Ligonier. Known for quality cabinets, desks and custom bookcases, the company recently acquired a business that constructs wood fireplaces. The fireplace cabinets are sold wholesale to distributors throughout the United States. Owner Lee Eash opened Signature Designs almost four years ago after accumulating several years of experience. Soon after Eash had completed his schooling, a neighbor came to speak with his father. The man had a woodworking shop around the corner and specialized in constructing roll-top desks. “The neighbor was in need of a worker,” Eash says. “I liked the work. I enjoyed creating something out of wood. That’s the reason I stayed with it. I ended up working for him for 13 years. He supported me to go out on my own. At first I only did part time until the business built up. At times we still work with each other. When one of us gets busy, we help each other out.” Starting the business prompted Eash to move his family from Topeka to Ligonier. He and his wife of 10 years, Carolyn, were able to purchase a property that included empty outbuildings that once served as part of a cabinet business. Even though the structures had not been used for close to 12 years, they were perfect for the growing business. “One thing I enjoy about the business is that I’m essentially working from home,” says Eash, adding that the couple has three daughters Dena, 8, Julie, 5, and Lynette, 2. “I get to send Dena off to school every day.”

TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 53

“We all strive for quality and customer satisfaction. We take people’s ideas and put them into the final product. I’m very thankful to live in a community where everyone helps each other out.” - Lee Eash

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Signature Designs specializes in handbuilding custom products. They have offerings for most rooms in a typical house, including cabinets for a kitchen or bath, or bookcases for a study. Eash also continues to produce desks for office rooms. After customers describe their needs and ideas, Eash sits down and works with them to develop a plan. The company helps with design, builds the custom cabinetry or woodwork, and installs 90% of the products. Styles range from modern to farmhouse.

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“I have seen changes over the years,” Eash says. “Back when I first started, all the kitchens had stained cabinets. Now there are more painted kitchens, and white is very popular. Recently, customers want a variety of two-toned cabinets. For instance, the island might be painted and the cabinets are stained, or the other way around.”

Lee & Carolyn Eash 4922 W 1100 N | Ligonier, IN 46767 Ph: 260.593.0883 | Fax: 260.593.0884

Signature Designs began building fireplaces in June after purchasing an existing business located in Topeka. The diversification is proving to be beneficial

54 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

to the company. Wood cabinets are built around the glass front of an electrical insert. The surrounding hardwood is stained by hand. Fabricated logs burn behind the glass. “Most of the hardwood we use comes from Wible Lumber in South Milford,” Eash says. “Occasionally customers supply their own wood. One time we had someone bring in wood from an old chicken barn that he had torn down. He asked us to build a jewelry box out of the wood as a keepsake.” The company offers 18 different fireplace models. Most are classical designs, and one is modern. Each fireplace has five flame speeds with five different colors. It’s all remote controlled - the user simply pushes a button. Signature Designs sells the fireplaces wholesale to a network of buyers that includes companies in Shipshewana, North Dakota, Texas and Michigan.

It could be the

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“Most of the customers for our custom work come from right here in our local community, but we will go within 40 to 60 miles outside Ligonier,” Eash says. “After a couple slow months when COVID began, we have picked up again. We have been really busy the last four months. Right now we have three employees working in the business. They are my uncle and his daughter, plus an 18-year-old neighbor boy.” Eash says most of his business thus far has been from word of mouth. “We all strive for quality and customer satisfaction,” he adds. “We take people’s ideas and put them into the final product. I’m very thankful to live in a community where everyone helps each other out.” Signature Designs is located at 4922 West 1100 North in Ligonier. For more info, call 260-593-0883.

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56 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

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Wayne Fry, co-owner of Hilltop Hickory Furniture in Ligonier, loves the area he lives in. He says there are many strong business opportunities near the lakes. “I love it - we are busy making new furniture all the time,” Fry says. “This is a very unique area, and the demand for rustic

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58 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

furniture has really increased.” Fry and his employees at the company produce rustic furniture and a range of specialty products. “We started in 1995, and we really specialize in a full line of furniture,” Fry says. “We make a lot of dining and bedroom furniture, as well as our Hickory Rocker rocking chairs. A lot of our items are bought by people getting furniture for their second homes or lake houses. That’s where we do really well. People want to add on to their homes, and need more furniture.” Fry runs the business with his nephew Lavern, and he says their goal is to make furniture that will look good anywhere.

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“We always strive to do the best work possible, and we pass that on to our employees,” he says. “We want all of our customers to be very happy with their furniture. We also offer a lot of good prices.” Fry says his dining room tables with leaf extensions are popular with customers. “We really do a lot of wholesale business, so that keeps us busy year-round,” Fry says. “We also sell a lot of furniture for bedrooms - beds, dressers and nightstands. We have a lot of different styles to choose from, which has also helped us. We also make desks, game tables and islands.”

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Gary Borkholder (574)773-2228 x 4 11582 N 900 W ∙ Nappanee IN 46550 TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 59

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Fry says hickory products in particular have contributed to the company’s popularity. “Hickory is really solid and strong,” he says. “It can be tough to cut, carve and drill, but if the hickory’s cut and shaped the right way, it can really look good. We have heard a lot of people tell us they love the look and the craftsmanship. That’s a nice compliment. It makes us want to continue to get better all the time.” Fry believes the hickory products he offers remind people of simpler times. “The hickory relaxes people.” he says. “I think it reminds them of visiting at their grandparents’ house. They remember sitting on the porch relaxing in a comfortable rocking chair, or at their grandparents’ hickory kitchen table. People wish they could return to that time in their lives.” The rustic look of Hilltop Hickory’s furniture has also increased the popularity of the business. “Rustic furniture looks really good in the lake houses,” Fry says. “I also think there were a lot of people that spent more time at their lake houses last summer because of COVID-19. They needed new

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60 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

or more furniture to go with their second homes. It helped us.” Orders on bedroom furniture, such as beds, dressers and nightstands, have also been steady for Fry and his team.

in Ligonier. For more information on products, contact them at 260-593-2421.

“Our kitchen tables get ordered a lot because families were looking to get away more last summer and take a break,” Fry says. “I think a lot of people will continue to order our furniture through the cold months because they want to plan ahead for next summer.” Fry says he and Lavern strive to provide a nice place for their employees to work. “They really do an excellent job, and they make sure all of our furniture looks great,” Fry says of his staff members. “They also help us keep up with the demand for our wholesale business. We do a lot of shipping for customers out of Indiana. We ship furniture to Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and California. We ship furniture out every week, which keeps us busy.” Hilltop Hickory Furniture is located at 3351 West 1200 North

102 S. Main St, Middlebury, IN 46540 574-849-6955

Mini Pontoons & Paddle Boats 511 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN 574-825-0900 | www.cargo-plus.com

• Fall & Winter outerware in stock. • USA made softshell jackets & coats for ladies, men and boys. • Plain community clothing.

Like us on Facebook. TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 61

Goshen-Based Business Helps You Turn HoneyDo Projects to Honey-Done Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Owning a home can be a huge blessing. The property can be an asset to the investment portfolio and on tax records. It’s an excellent way to build credit, and mortgage payments are cheaper than renting. Plus, you can make any changes you want, whether that is repainting the living room or knocking down a wall to expand a bedroom. There are a few “cons,” though. For instance, the honey-do list — cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, interior decorating — never seems to end. Fortunately, Checkerberry Rentals, a Goshenbased business, exists to help turn the honeydos into a honey-done projects. Lyndon Yoder, the owner of Checkerberry Rentals, has a wide variety of equipment in his shop. “I like to have stuff that people can’t borrow from their neighbors,” he says. Most of the items he rents appeals to the country homeowner. “The type I went after is the homeowner who lives on three to five acres,” Yoder says. “He wants to take down that big tree. He doesn’t

have a chainsaw, so he comes to me and rents mine.” He also has machines like a log splitter a driveway grader, a concrete saw, a tractor and more.

have the equipment to do that,” he adds. “That is definitely my main product.” Another frequently rented item is a walkbehind garden tiller that comes with three attachments. One of those is a plow.

“That works good for raised beds, so many people have called me for that,” he says. “Or just generally plowing the garden.” Yoder also has a sickle bar mower attachment “If someone puts up a new house or a barn or for it, which is perfect for mowing large whatever, and they want to put in a new lawn, I pastures. One of his most popular set of products is lawn laying equipment.

62 / THE LAKES / NOVEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

Not only does Yoder have machines to get jobs done on the back forty, but he also has equipment for around-the-house projects. “I have a power washer if the house is dirty or you want to power wash the deck,” he says. “I also have an attachment for the power washer to clean out the gutters.” Inside the house, he has tools for cutting and installing decorative trimming. As his business grows, Yoder buys machines that are requested by his customers. “Slowly, my rental is growing. As I rent stuff out, I can purchase more items,” he says. “People call and they say, ‘Hey, do you have so-and-so?’ and it gives me an idea about what to purchase next.” Often, Yoder will purchase brand new equipment, something his customers appreciate.

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TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 63

“There are no mechanical issues for the most part,” he says. “They get it, it works, and they can do what they need to and get it back again.” When Yoder gets a call from a customer, his first question is about scheduling. “People will call me and tell me kind of when they want to use an item, then I’ll check my schedule and see if they can have it,” Yoder says. Even when a customer needs equipment in a matter of days, Yoder does his best to accommodate. Occasionally, Yoder’s schedule won’t permit him to deliver the machines the day his client requested it, so he will drop it off the day before it’s needed. “Then they can start using it whenever works best for them,” Yoder says.

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Even though Checkerberry Rentals has only been open for a little over a year, Yoder’s service area has expanded to fill a 23-mile radius. “Most of [my business] is within 10 miles, but I do have some that’s outside that range,” he says. “I deliver anywhere, whatever they want.” For Yoder, Checkerberry Rentals gives him an opportunity to develop relationships, whether that’s with customers or with his family. “I like the interactions with different people. Sometimes I’ll go out and help deliver and we get to know each other,” he says. “Another thing I like is that I can be at home. I can do my mechanical work at home, and I can be at home with my family.” Checkerberry Rentals is located at 62644 County Rd. 37, Goshen. For a full list of equipment at competitive prices, call this Amish business at (574) 642-0236.

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Four Woods Shades & Blinds Graber & Rollese Roller Shades & Shutters Larry & Wilbur Yoder Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm M-F Saturday By Appointment 8430 W. 500 S., Topeka, IN 46571 260-593-2553 x1

TheLakesMagazine.com / NOVEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 65

Evergreen Log Sawing Has Established a Strong Local Reputation Heatwole enjoys his work, and says he has felt that way since he and his father Allen started the business in 2015.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Tim Heatwole, co-owner of Evergreen Log Sawing in Milford, says he is inspired by his work every day. “Every log and board I work with is different,” he says. “I love seeing how all of my work is unique, and what I will be doing each day. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Before we started, we spent some time thinking about how we would run a place like this, and then we started looking into it more,” Heatwole says. “We both eventually decided we will try this, and make it work. It takes a lot of hard work, but it has been worth it.”

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Heatwole says Evergreen Law Sawing has earned a strong reputation as a reliable business to work with throughout the last five years. “We do a lot of custom sawing for our customers,” he says. “We also do kiln drying. It’s used in wood production mills. It brings lumber moisture levels down to a more workable range for work projects. Kilns control the humidity, temperature and the steam levels on wood for a while. It helps you dry the wood to the right moisture. Our customers like that for their work projects.”

Heatwole says the business also offers lumber for sale. “Our shop isn’t big, but our specialty product is good lumber, especially for work projects and the cold weather heading our way this fall and winter,” he says.

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Heatwole says he makes sure the logs at Evergreen Log Sawing are of high quality for customers. “Some people buy them for furniture projects they are working on, and they like our logs,” he says. “We have logs that are ready to use. We also cut a lot of landscape timbers.” Heatwole says he likes seeing people return to his shop for their many work projects. “We have quite a few repeat customers,” he says. “One of the other best parts of the job is meeting new people. I really enjoy that. Our customers have told us they have heard good things about us from their friends. A lot of people use our lumber. They know we have a

high-quality product.” Heatwole also does cabinetry work, which he says he enjoys. “I like being able to build something with my hands,” he says. Heatwole also enjoys getting help from family members. “My 10-year-old son Justin helps me with the wood chopping,” he says. “I run the wood loader, and he takes logs off of the wood piles and then brings them to me. Justin is a very good worker. He helps me all the time, and does a great job.”

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outdoors here. It’s wide-open country. I also enjoy the change of seasons we have in Indiana. You can’t get that everywhere, and that is something to be really grateful for.” Heatwole says so far, his business has not been negatively impacted by coronavirus pandemic. “I think a lot of people have been spending more time working on their boats and home work projects,” Heatwole says. “It’s helped us tremendously.” Visit Evergreen Log Sawing at 72679 County Road 19 in Milford. For more information, call 574-536-9523. Heatwole says he is glad Evergreen Log Sawing is located near several lakes. “I get a lot of business from people working on their boats,” he says. “They like to use our wood for the trailer decks on their boats. There are so many people working on boats around here that we keep very busy providing them with wood. We can cut any project log that people bring us. We get a great variety of jobs, and I enjoy the different things I do. I love sawing, and I also love this area.” Heatwole believes Milford is a great place to live and have a family. “People here in Milford are so nice and friendly all the time,” he says. “It’s such a beautiful place, and you can really enjoy being

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The Lakes of Kosciusko November 2020

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Log On: Evergreen Log Sawing Has Established a Strong Local Reputation

Signature Designs: Local Company Turns Out Quality Wood Products

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Talk of the Town: Visitors Can Find Plenty to Explore in Rentown

Yoder’s Log & Timber Pro’s: Nappanee-Based Company Has Mastered the Art of Log Home Building

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Heartland Enterprise: Insulation is the Name of the Game for Rochester Company

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Service Minded: Lakeside Chevrolet is All About Customer Satisfaction

Wear Haus Designs: Local Design Shop Specializes In Print, Embroidery, Textile Laser Etching & More