The Lakes of Kosciusko September 2020

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

MAGAZINE

Family-Owned Cargo Plus Offers Trailers, Mini Pontoons, Paddle Boats and More

VARIETY IN STORE

Local Items Abound at Dutch Country Market ONE CALL WATER Syracuse Company Provides Multiple Water Products and Solutions

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Midwest Farm & Pet, LLC Do you want a Golf Course Quality looking yard?

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When you need plenty of storage and character matters, you’ll find the Cross Lake Live Edge chest sits and balances a room quite handsomely.

DGE COLLECTION

POND CHEMICALS IN STOCK

Cross Lake Live Edge 5-Drawer Chest Item # 5652

• 42”l x 23½”d x 56”h • Shown In Hickory with Asbury Brown Stain

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Celebrating

25Years

PHONE: 260-593-2421 • FAX: 260-593-0705

3351 W 1200 N | LIGONIER, IN 46767 ©2020 Hilltop Hickory Furniture, LLC

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NORTHERN INDIANA’S FLEET SPECIALISTS ALL MAKES AND MODELS • SERVICES INCLUDE FOREIGN & DOMESTIC CARS & TRUCK

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS!

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCK REPAIR OIL CHANGES

WE CAN TAKE CARE OF ALL OF YOUR ALIGNMENT NEEDS, FROM HEAVY TRUCKS AND BUSES, TO YOUR EVERYDAY AUTOMOBILES!

We install Jasper Engines & Transmissions

FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FRIENDLY SERVICE ADVISORS

CALL TODAY OR CONVENIENTLY SCHEDULE ONLINE AT

TIRES & WHEELS

WWW.MASTSERVICECENTER.NET

BRAKE SERVICE PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS

(574) 907-0040

8608 North State Road 19 Etna Green, IN 46524 Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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UPGRADE AND RENEW YOUR PONTOON New and Pre-owned Sales Outdoor Power Equpiment Sales & Service Complete Small Engine Repair Trade-Ins Accepted | Pickup & Delivery

Custom made Saw Chains

1000’s of Parts in Stock!

MILLER BOAT RESTORATION Most restorations completed in less than 30 days!

Complete Restoration Including Electrical from the Pontoons Up Free Pick up and Delivery | We also Sell LIVE Bait

11400 N. 350 W. Ligonier, IN 46767

Jonas Yoder, Owner Mon-Fri 7:00-4:00 VM: 250-593-2792 Fx:260-593-2791 Sat 7:00-11:30

574.642.9928 x 2 62220 CR 35 Goshen, IN 46528

LEAVE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL BEHIND! SINCE 2006!

YOUR LOCAL FULL LINE GROCERY STORE Spices • Grilling Items Backing Supplies Yoder’s Meat & Cheese

Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • RV Ask about our lithium batteries!

OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Solar Systems for Residential, Commercial & Agriculture Batteries Inverters & Inverter Service Center Excellent Customer Support!

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8015 W 1350 N, Suite A Nappanee, IN 46550

Ready Made and Special Order Bakery items (574) 642-4399 doublergrocery.com 65730 State Road 13 Millersburg, IN Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30 | Saturday 8:00-1:00 Closed Sunday

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

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SEPTEM BE R 2020

Var ie ty In Store : Local Ite ms Ab ou n d at Dutch Cou n tr y Mar ke t Pre ciou s Carg o: Family-O wn e d Carg o P l us O ffe r s Traile r s, Min i Pon toon s, Pad d le Boats an d More Pre cision E n g in e S e r vice : Local S h op S p e cialize s in E n g in e B u ild s an d Re b ui l ds From Fath e r to S on : Th e Canvas S h op Con tin u e s to Th r ive In S h ip sh ewan a S ou n d s Pe r fe ct: Dr. B ran d y We ave r Ta l ks Au d iolog y Practice E le p h an t ’s Tr u n k: New In d oor Fle a Ma rket O p e n s in Ply mou th Cu stom Comfor t: Top e ka-B ase d Fu r n iture Comp any Ke e p s Cu stome r s S atisfie d Cr ystal Valley U p h olste r y : O wn e r of Lo cal Comp any E n joys a Ch alle n g e Tri County Heating and Energy: Local Company Specializes in Plumbing and Heating Services Need for Feed: Local Business Specializes in Feed Products and Services One Call Water: Syracuse Company Provides Multiple Water Products and Solutions

E D I TO R

JON S HOU LD ER S R E AC HI N G M OR E T H A N

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COMBINED PRINT + DIGITAL + SOCIAL REACH FOR THE MONTH OF JULY, 2020. VISIT THELAKESMAG. COM FOR REAL-TIME ANALYTICS.

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VA R I E T Y IN STORE

LOCAL ITEMS ABOUND AT DUTCH COUNTRY MARKET Writer / Tracey Ruckman Photography Provided

There aren’t many shops that produce, package and sell products onsite anymore, but Dutch Country Market is an exception.

The quaint Middlebury market specializes in homemade and locally-sourced products.

Norman Lehman, his wife Katie, and their six children have all had a part in making the store what it is today. For 15 years, Dutch Country Market has provided the community with unique eats, gifts and treats.

“We have been extremely blessed to have this opportunity to serve both the locals and tourists with quality, unique food and gift items from the community,” Owner Norman Lehman says.

The towns that make up Elkhart and LaGrange counties are where the majority of the store’s products come from. However, Katie’s Homemade Noodles, Katie’s peanut butter spread and Dutch Country Honey are all made onsite at the store, and are offered as retail or wholesale items.

Fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, homemade breads, cookies and pastry delights greet customers as they enter the market. Colorful jars of spices, vinaigrettes, dressings and marinades line the shelves and provide a sure-fire way to enhance any recipe. Customers rave about Pappy’s Grilling Spray, a distinctive spray that can be used on both veggies and meat during grilling.

A variety of candy, nuts, fudge, bridge mixes and peanut butter spreads are available to soothe the

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sweet tooth, and locally-made salsas and jams in every flavor imaginable will broaden flavor palates for months.

Crystal Springs Creamery provides an abundance of plain and flavored milk, yogurt, cheese curds and heavy cream. Locally-sourced summer sausage, brown eggs, Walnut Creek cheeses and roll butter can also be found in the coolers.

Katie’s Homemade Noodles are a standout product at Dutch Country Market. Customers love the allnatural, award-winning noodles. They contain no preservatives and come in a variety of cuts.

Made in the market for everyone to see, customers can watch the noodle-making process from start to finish from behind a glass wall. A large mixer combines the ingredients to create the dough, which is then kneaded by hand and placed in a pasta-rolling machine that flattens it into thin sheets. From there, the dough is placed on racks. It is then cut to size, dried and packaged for purchase.

Locally Made Food & Gifts

DUTCH COUNTRY MARKET

11351 County Rd. 16, Middlebury, IN 46540

574-825-3594

Katie’s Homemade Noodles Local Honey, Syrup, Fresh Baked Cinnamon Rolls, Cookies, Bread, Pickles, Beets, Jam’s & Jellies, Local Meats, Local Milk & Dairy Products.

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Customers can buy ready-made noodle dinners that include Katie’s Homemade Noodles, packaged broth, a soup base, and a protein choice of either chicken, beef or turkey, as well as a recipe and instructions.

Another unique feature at Dutch Country Market is its honey. It’s not just the selection of flavors or the wide variety of honey products, which includes raw, unfiltered, never-been-heated honey, spun honey, bee pollen, and tapered candles made from 100% pure bee wax. It’s also the experience.

place through a glass-enclosed beehive.

The bees can come and go as they please through an enclosed exit that leads outside.

The pollinators travel to and fro, and can even be seen making a stop at the petunia and begonia quilt garden that welcomes customers as they enter the parking lot. The

garden is in bloom from June 1 through September 15, and is part of the Elkhart County Quilt Garden Tour.

The market is also home to a selection of inspirational signs, home decor, woven rugs, travel bags and wood crafts. Customers will find locally-crafted wooden cutting boards, trivets and lazy Susan tabletop organizers for any kitchen.

Dutch Country Market provides a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with local food products, seasonal produce, gifts and more. The market is located at 11351 County Road 16 in Middlebury. Hours of operation are Mon. through Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m.

For more information, call 574825-3594 and visit facebook. com/DutchCountryMarketIN.

Dutch Country Market is home to a beehive that resides in the shop.

Customers can have a honey of an experience while getting educated about bees and honey production as they watch it all take

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.

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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

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Whether you are looking for a dinette, a sofa or patio furniture, JB’s Furniture has what you’re looking for in a variety of options from a wide spectrum of wood finishes and 10,000 fabric options.

(574) 267-6800

2101 E Center St | Warsaw

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MULLET BATTERY INC. Automotive • Commercial • Farm Marine/RV• Deep Cycle • AGM

Serving Michiana Since 1986

Retail & Wholesale

Garden Tractor • Motorcycle/ATV Golf Car • Scrubber • Industrial Cordless/Cell Phone • Alkaline Emergency Lighting • Back UPS Full Line Chargers & Accessories

1513 E Lincoln Ave Goshen, IN (574) 534-4665 www.mulletbattery.com 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 10 / THE LAKES / SEPTEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

Live Life Outdoors

Family Restaurant

Paver Patios | Pool Decks | Walkways | Fire Pits Retaining Walls | Outdoor Kitchens Decorative Concrete Curbing

(574) 528-5000 1009 S Huntington St | Syracuse

574.370.4002

FRI & SAT Broasted Chicken

FRIDAY Prime Rib

• Homemade Potato Salad & Pasta salad

THURSDAY Ribs

• Homemade Soups • Fresh Made Pies Daily • Ice cream Mon - Thur 6am to 7pm Fri & Sat 6am to 8pm

(260) 593-2988 414 E LAKE ST | TOPEKA, IN 46571

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Family-Owned Cargo Plus Offers Trailers, Mini Pontoons, Paddle Boats and More Writer / Jon Shoulders Photography Provided

The reasons Cargo Plus Sales and Service has remained a successful business for 20-plus years are crystal clear to Steve Riegsecker, the company’s owner.

“I’ve adapted with the times, which is what you have to do in business,” he says. “We’ve done well because of that. When things change, I change.”

Before launching his current Middlebury-based business, which specializes in a wide variety of trailers as well as a few specialty items like golf carts and mini pontoon boats, Riegsecker, a Northern

Locally Made

Indiana native, ran a garden supply store. When competing stores began to crop up around him, he figured the time was right to switch professional gears and focus on trailers.

“When some of the big-box stores came around here, I was doing the garden center for a while and figured it was time to change it up, so I got into the trailer business,” he says.

If it’s a trailer you need, you’ll likely be able to find it at Cargo Plus — the company carries landscape, pontoon, utility, livestock, construction and enclosed trailers, as well as towing accessories like ball mounts, brake controls, wiring harnesses and much more. The business offers delivery of trailers for customers as well.

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

Enclosed - Carhauler - Landscape - Dump Construction - Trailer Accessories Utility & Pontoon Trailer

511 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN 574-825-0900 | www.cargo-plus.com Like us on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram.

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“WE GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR OUR CUSTOMERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY GET EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT.” -STEVE RIEGSECKER “We sell most any kind of trailer you need, other than RVs - we don’t carry those anymore,” Riegsecker adds. “I’d say our focus is more on special trailers you might need for certain things. ”

Manufactured Home, Residential Supplies & Hardware 42,000 Sq. Ft. Full Line All Retail Hardware Store.

Sliding Patio Doors for Mobile Homes ∙ Showers Sinks ∙ Bathtubs Windows ∙ Doors ∙ Mattresses ∙ Plumbing ∙ Faucets ∙Bulk Screws Bolts & Fasteners ∙ Well Tanks ∙ Flooring ∙ Furances ∙ Air Conditioners Finished & Unfinished Trim ∙ Full Line Appliances *Frigidaire Dealer Water Heaters ∙ Modular & Mobile Home Hardware & Skirting Cabot Stain ∙ Valspar Paint

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

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One major challenge Riegsecker has seen during his years in the trailer industry is staying ahead of sales trends with each passing year and knowing the types of products that the majority of customers will lean toward.

“The market changes a lot from year to year,” he says. “Right now, people are more price-conscious than I’ve seen in a while.”

The Cargo Plus location in Northern Indiana, and its proximity to the factories from which the company sources many of its products, has been an asset for the company according to Riegsecker.

“We’re in the trailer capital of the world around here, so you have a lot of places to buy from,” he says. “Freight is a big issue in the trailer business. Most of my suppliers are within 15 or 20 minutes of me, so that’s big for customer service and warranties — it’s all right here, close by. People tend to drive to this area to get a better deal because everything is so close together here for the trailer business.”

Riegsecker says utility trailers and pontoon trailers have been his big sellers in recent months, and despite the coronavirus pandemic, he says business is better than ever.

“We’ve had record sales. We can’t keep the pontoon and utility trailers in stock, and it’s been that way over the last few months,”

he says. “I think since everybody’s been staying home and doing little jobs around the house, they’re buying a little utility trailer or a pontoon to go to the lake that they like.

The only problem we have now is that we can’t get product in stock because things are selling so quickly.”

Riegsecker sells small pontoons ranging from approximately 13’ to 15’, and customers who need both a pontoon, and a trailer for hauling it around, can come to Cargo Plus for a one-stop shopping experience.

“Since we sell the little specialty items like the mini pontoons, that’s where the ‘Plus’ in the name comes from - it’s ‘Cargo’ for the trailers and ‘Plus’ for a little something else,” Riegsecker says.

You won’t find a large staff at Cargo Plus - the business is operated solely by Riegsecker and his grandson Aaron, who came on board in early 2019.

Riegsecker feels that his focus on customer service through the years, as a family-owned company, has been a major factor in his success from the beginning.

“Aaron has been helping me since he was a little tyke - ever since he could walk almost,” Riegsecker says. “We’re a familyowned business and it’s just my grandson and I, so we offer a personalized service.

We get to know people on a personal basis.

We’re doing more than $2M in sales now, as a small business. Bigger isn’t always better.”

that they get exactly what they want,” he says. “It’s been fun working here, doing everything from picking up trailers from factories to seeing customers’ faces when they see they’ve got good quality and are happy.”

Cargo Plus Sales and Service is located at 511 South Main Street in Middlebury. For more information call 574-825-0900 or visit cargo-plus.com.

Aaron agrees, reiterating Cargo Plus’s strong focus on serving each customer that walks in the door.

“We go above and beyond for our customers to make sure

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American Fusion Menu Domestic & Craft Beer Carryout & Delivery Open Wed- Sunday www.hoplore.com 574-453-0496 100 South Old St Rd 15, Leesburg, IN 46538 16 / THE LAKES / SEPTEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

62104 CR 37, Goshen, IN 574-304-4174

precisionengineservice@gmail.com

Turbo Rebuilds, Injectors, Carbderators, Outboard Motors, Truck Engines, Engine Control Box with wire harness.

(No Small Engine Repair) Specializing in rebuilding or custom building diesel gas engines and components.

Local Shop Specializes in Engine Builds and Rebuilds Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Brian Borkholder, the sole owner of Precision Engine Service LLC in Goshen, is glad he pursued his dreams.

“I had a dream in the back of my head for a while to someday have my own engine shop,” Borkholder says. “I was doing some engine builds after [work] hours for a few friends, and maybe a few other people that found out about me through word of mouth.”

Word spread that he did a good job, and that he was reliable.

“I worked for M.W. Repair and Sales in Millersburg rebuilding engines before I started out on my own,” Borkholder explains. “I think I probably had the [business] idea in my head for more than a year, and one day I finally got enough courage to go talk to my boss about my idea.”

Borkholder knew he had learned enough to start his own business, and he was ready to pursue his dream.

“My idea was that if I would quit to go out on my own full time, my boss would send his engines that needed a rebuild to my shop,” Borkholder says. “He agreed to it because he could have used my space for something else anyway. With knowing that, I had one big shop that would send me a bunch of engines. I decided to take the big step and set out on my own. Without all the help and support from my old boss, I could have never done it as soon as I did.”

Borkholder says Precision Engine Service LLC was founded in 2009.

“Some of the specialty services I offer are diesel and gas engine rebuilding, and diesel injector rebuilding,” he says.

Repair work is also offered at Precision Engine.

“For the most part, the repair work we do is diesel and gas engine rebuilding, diesel injector rebuilding, and turbocharger rebuilding,” Borkholder says. “We don’t work on small engines like lawn and garden engines. Most of the engines we do are three cylinder and bigger. I think around 80% of the engines I build are industrial and ag engines. The other 20% are automotive, truck and marine engines. All our engines, injectors and turbos that we build have a warranty, except high-performance engines.”

Borkholder’s business also offers products for sale.

“We have many makes and models of engine rebuild kits and parts available,” he says. “We don’t stock very many, as it varies so much.

We can ship the parts, or you can stop in and pick them up. We

also have access to different makes and models of rebuildable core engines, where we can get them in and build it to the customer’s wants and needs. I also make up some wire harnesses to control engines.”

Borkholder is proud of his business, and has good customers.

“I have some local shops that are loyal customers,” Borkholder says.

“I have not had a very long time yet to build a big customer base, but as far as I know I’m on good terms with the customers I’ve had

• Hardscaping

• Mowing

• Retaining walls

• Bush/Tree Trimming

• Paver Patios/ Walkways • Landscaping • Ponds/Water Features • Putting Greens • Mulch • Sod

• Outdoor Lighting • Leaf Removal • Snow Removal • Garland & Christmas Lights

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953 W. 3rd St | Rochester 574.223.7515 Office 574.835.1999 Cell THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

so far, and I want to keep it that way.”

Borkholder appreciates Goshen and its residents. The community has been supportive of him ever since he started the business.

“One thing I like about Goshen is there are a lot of businesses in the area, and there are a lot of people in the area,” he says. “This is a good place for opportunities to grow, and build a better business.

We serve Elkhart County, Kosciusko County, LaGrange County, Noble County and the surrounding counties.”

Borkholder has plans to expand his business in the future.

“Some time this fall or summer, I plan to add an injection pump test bench,” he says. “That way, I can also rebuild and calibrate injection pumps. For now, however, I’ll be happy with what I have.”

Visit Precision Engine Service LLC at 62104 County Road 37 in Goshen. For more info, give them a call at 574-304-4174, or go to precisionengineservicein.com.

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 THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Specializing in Interior & Exterior Concrete Pole Barns • Additions • Metal Roofing Remodeling • Commercial Roofing

514 W. Mill St. Culver, IN 46511 574-842-5000

www.culversportsidemarina.com

574-382-0162 www.dlhconcreteconstruction.com

LET US DO YOUR SHOPPING FOR YOU.

We will deliver locally or ship anything in our store to your door.

Call us today, let us be your personal shopper.

• FACE MASKS • HAND SANITIZER • • IMMUNE BOOSTING VITAMINS • • KIDS TOYS, GAMES AND PUZZLES • • GIFTS AND JEWELRY • • QUALITY CBD OIL • 574-223-2216 • ROCHESTER 574-893-4413 • AKRON 260-982-1000 • N. MANCHESTER THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

The Canvas Shop Continues to Thrive In Shipshewana Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

Michael Troyer, the owner of The Canvas Shop in Shipshewana, says he knows he is more fortunate than other small business owners. He stepped into a business already in place and one that has been growing steadily for more than four decades.

It is the longevity of the business that has been the key to its success, Troyer explains, as well as the element that sets The Canvas Shop above its closest competitors.

“It’s tough to start a business from scratch,” Troyer says. “To me it’s my customer base that gives me the [edge].”

There have been four owners of The Canvas Shop since its beginnings in the late 1970s.

Most recently, Troyer took over the business from his father, Danny, who purchased it in 2006. Michael has been the owner for the last three years, leaving a job in the Recreational Vehicle industry at Forest River to take on a new role as the boss.

“Dad still gives me advice,” he adds.

Troyer worked for his father for several years include marine and boating, some RV work, before leaving to work in a factory. agriculture and miscellaneous products.

Marine products has been among the The Canvas Shop manufactures canvas fastest-growing segment for at least the last covers for boats, awnings and canopies for decade. a mix of commercial and private clients.

The industries served by the business Troyer is Amish and uses only the telephone

and fax machine in communicating with potential customers.

“I don’t mess with technology,” he says.

“People will call in the measurements for what they need, and we draw it by hand.”

Mixed in this is a run-through on the

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

production with his employees.

So far, that has worked well for the company, which employs seven people, “who know as much about this business as I do,” he says.

Troyer says he listens to the advice and ideas he gets from his father and his staff.

It’s “not my way” to run a workplace that does not encourage sharing of ideas, he says. It also helps to develop the quality products Troyer is proud of.

“Having good employees is worth more than anything,” he adds.

In this global marketplace of a world, Troyer still relies on word of mouth to bring in customers. Recently, his team completed an order for an outdoor grill cover for a customer in Maine. That referral came from a local company that sold the customer his grill. This is one recent example, but the company has completed projects for customers throughout the region and the United States.

Balancing his business with family time is a challenge for the father of three.

He and his wife Corrina have three children. Their oldest is his daughter Kaylee at almost eight years old.

Troyer’s son Zachary is six and Matthew is two and a half years old.

But now that he owns his own business, Troyer says it is easier to spend time with his children.

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“We are rearranging some things to do this,” he says.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Working for himself is one advantage Troyer enjoys. Although the hours worked in a week are not necessarily better – his day starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. – it is important to “put the energy you have” into balancing the work and family life dynamic, he says.

Another advantage to having the business in a place like Shipshewana is the relationship that builds between other business owners. Some of his customers are those who also work in the community, such as the wood carving shop that needed divider curtains to keep wood dust to a minimum, or the farmers who need their trailer side curtains patched or fabricated.

“Local businesses support each other, and we get products we need from local businesses,” he says. “We are blessed.”

Troyer says he has not changed much

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

about the business since he took over three years ago. That doesn’t mean it is not improving operations or coming up with new products. Much of that is dictated by customer request.

picture. To him, 100% is miscellaneous, meaning each order has a custom feel and customer-driven requirement, so attention to detail and finishing in a timely manner is paramount.

When categorizing his business into percentages, marine covers and related canvas products are a little more than half of his business, with the agriculturerelated products second. But Troyer has a different way of looking at the overall

“The main thing is to get the product out in a satisfactory timeframe,” Troyer says.

“If something sits around here for more than a few weeks, I start to get worried.”

support and help, but he also has thanks for a higher power.

“God has been good to us,” he says.

The Canvas Shop is located at 850 N. Taylor Drive in Shipshewana. Contact Michael Troyer at 260-768-7755 or you can view a selection of products and additional information at shipshecanvas.com.

Troyer appreciates the community for their

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DR. BRANDY WEAVER TALKS AUDIOLOGY PRACTICE

Writer and Photographer / Angela Cornell

According to standard hearing examinations, one in eight people in the U.S. over 12 years of age have hearing loss in both ears. For those people, the terrifying reality is that if the loss progresses, they face a future where there is no sound. No music. No children’s laughter. No dripping rain or blustering wind. No ability to hear a friend calling their name. No way to hear warnings or danger signals. No way to enjoy silence as a calming, embracing absence of sound.

Audiologist Dr. Brandy Weaver helps people avoid the discomfiture of hearing loss, and can even help reverse the effects of hearing loss in some cases.

“People can have sudden hearing loss,” says Weaver, who has two offices, Dr. Engelberth’s Hearing Center in Warsaw and Hometown Hearing & Audiology in North Manchester. “If they do, and go in for treatment for that outside of me, their ear, throat and nose doctor will want a hearing test to determine if the doctor treatment helped the patient’s hearing recover.”

These issues can sometimes be early indicators for health problems like heart disease, dementia and balance disorders.

“Having a baseline is pretty important,” Weaver says. “That way, you can know how you are hearing and indicate possible problems later on.”

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For that reason, and because some hearing loss is difficult to notice, she believes people can benefit by having audiology checkups about once every year or two.

“It’s kind of like getting your eyes checked,” Weaver says.

Weaver’s journey to becoming an audiologist began at Purdue University Fort Wayne, and continued as she obtained her doctorate at Ball State.

“I was originally going to school to become a speech language pathologist,” she says.

“During that program, I decided I liked audiology better.”

Switching fields was a good fit for Weaver, who finds gratification in seeing quick results in her patients.

like tinnitus evaluation and management, live speech mapping, and ear wax removal.

Offering such a wide range of options ensures that Weaver never has a dull moment.

Her services range from hearing evaluations for all ages to selling and servicing hearing aids - even those purchased from other providers. She offers other services as well,

“I do a lot of everything every day,” she says.

“It depends on the day, but most of the time there’s a variety.”

Weaver says her highest satisfaction comes from helping her patients - something that stems from her Christian beliefs.

“I don’t hide it, but I’m not like a drill sergeant,” she says. “I’ve given everything to God and everything is in his hands. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”

Her caring spirit is something that her

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customers deeply appreciate.

“You get a family when you get us,” she explains. “When they schedule with me, that’s who they get. I think patients tend to like that they’re not going to be handed off to somebody else. I don’t turn down the tougher situations. I don’t give up real easily.”

Along with her deeply-rooted faith, Weaver also appreciates the role that her family - especially her husband Mark and her mother Kitty - has played in her life. She also appreciates that she can bring in her children, Delilah and Daphne, into the office where her patients enjoy visiting with them.

Weaver also feels indebted to her mentors.

One is Dr. Suzanne Ginter, an audiologist with offices in Bremen and Goshen who is responsible for establishing Weaver in North Manchester.

“She taught me how to run an office, and supported the office to get it going,” Weaver says. “I’m thankful for that.”

Weaver’s other mentor is Dr. Sandy Engelberth, for whom the Warsaw office is named.

“I have no intention of changing the business name,” Weaver says. “Dr. Engelberth worked with me for a year and was a great colleague. She trusted me with

her patients and her business enough to sell the clinic to me.”

Dr. Engelberth’s Hearing Center is located at 1610 East Center Street in Warsaw. For more info or to schedule an appointment, visit besthearingcare.com or call 574-2695828.

Hometown Hearing & Audiology is located at 225 East Main Street in North Manchester. Visit them online at hometownhearingnm.com, or schedule an appointment by calling 260-306-3444.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

New Indoor Flea Market Opens in Plymouth Writer and Photographer / Angela Cornell

Elephant’s Trunk is a new indoor flea market located west of Plymouth. The vendors offer an incredible array of collectibles for treasure hunters and curiosity seekers.

However, the flow of the place is so seamless that customers might have a hard time determining where one vendor’s booth ends and another begins.

“Our image is upper-scale antiques and collectibles,” says owner Pam Rospopo. “We sell a little bit of everything hoping to please our customers, but it’s a nice everything. All my vendors have worked with me to achieve our goal of having an awesome look when you walk through the doors. We are all proud of the store and each of our booths.”

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

decades, she has enjoyed hunting for antiques and collectibles. In fact, the name of her business is a nod to one of her favorite flea markets in Connecticut.

Rospopo recalls the first time she visited the market.

“When we got there, I looked up and there’s a big sign saying Elephant’s Trunk,” she says. “That was the name of it. I said, ‘Oh that’s so neat! I love that name!’”

An avid collector and shopper, Rospopo has also served in roles on the other side of the counter. Thirty years ago she owned a small craft and gift shop in Argos, but sold it so she could devote more time to her young family. After many years, she decided to become a vendor at Boonee’s Primitives in downtown Plymouth.

When Boonee’s closed this spring, Rospopo began looking into options for opening a shop.

“I was thinking, ‘Well, I would like to open one,’ and I knew this building was empty,” she says. “I talked to the owner of this building and checked into renting it.

It grew from there.”

Many of Boonee’s vendors, including the owner, now have a booth at Elephant’s Trunk.

“That’s how we grew and got started,” Rospopo says. “We’re very happy with the response we’ve gotten from the public. It’s been a blessing, and something we hope continues to grow.”

One way that she is trying to spur growth is by hosting events. One such event is an anything-goes flea market in the parking lot, which happens on the first and third Sundays of each month through October 1.

Another event is an annual Fall Craft Bazaar, which is scheduled for September 25 and 26.

“Since we couldn’t enjoy the Blueberry

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Festival this year, we jokingly said among ourselves, ‘We’ll bring a little bit of Blueberry Festival to the area,’” Rospopo says. “We’re going to rent spaces to crafters outside - strictly crafters. We’re hoping to have a real good turnout and a lot of fun for everyone.”

At its heart, Elephant’s Trunk exists to fulfill - or perhaps fuel - a passion for the beautiful items sold there, and this is something that Rospopo and her vendors have in common.

Rospopo has created a family atmosphere with her vendors, and the shop would not be possible without her children and grandchildren - especially her daughter, Angie Lichtsinn.

“She works daily with me,” Rospopo says of her daughter. “If it wasn’t for her, I couldn’t do it alone.”

Rospopo’s entire family has remained steadfastly involved throughout the process.

“They’ve all supported me,” she says.

Even her nine-year-old granddaughter has pledged her support, and comes in to help whenever she can.

“I’ve always loved antiques, especially glassware and furniture,” Rospopo says.

“Everything here is something I’ve always had an interest in.”

“She told me once, ‘When you can’t do this anymore Maw-maw, I’m going to take over,’” Rospopo says.

The shop is a retirement project of sorts for Rospopo.

“It has definitely kept my mind very busy,” she says. “I’m up every day. It feels good to be out with the public again. We’ve met a lot of nice people. It’s just fun.”

Elephant’s Trunk is located at 15147 Lincoln Highway in Plymouth. Those interested in renting booth space at the shop’s bimonthly outdoor flea market or at the Fall Craft Bazaar can call 574-935-4490.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Topeka-Based Furniture Company Keeps Customers Satisfied Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

With many people working from home these days, Vernon Lambright, owner of Comfort Design by Lambright Comfort Chairs, L.L.C. in Topeka, is making sure his customers have comfortable furniture.

“We have seen our business go up 30% since COVID-19 started,” Lambright says. “We have more upholstered furniture orders from coast to coast, which has kept us busy. It has really increased our workload. People are more interested in upholstered furniture than ever before.”

Lambright credits his staff for keeping up with the high demand from loyal customers.

“My sons Jeremiah and Benjamin own 49% of the company now,”

Lambright says. “They do a great job. I love having a family-owned and -operated business. We all make sure our customers are satisfied with the furniture they ordered. It’s been that way since we started.”

Lambright says his business has earned a solid reputation with customers who continue to come back since it was founded back in 1998.

“We first began as a metal fab shop,” he says. “We have made changes over time, and we really feel like we can build anything now. We can make steel frames and glider frames. We started learning more, and grew from there. One of the things we always do is really pay attention to details. We get a lot of repeat customers because they are happy with the furniture we have made for them.”

The company makes everything from recliners to assisted-living furniture.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

“We have high-quality upholstery furniture,” Lambright says. “We create handcrafted furniture that is not only comfortable, but looks really great too.

We get a lot of compliments.”

Lambright says his company carries a Brooklyn line, which includes recliners, love seats and sofas, as well as a Charleston line, which includes chairs, love seats, sofas, and more.

“We also have Classic Cruiser chairs and ottomans,” he says. “Our Hampton and Harrison recliners and love seats are also very high quality.”

Lambright says recreational vehicle (RV) furniture sales have increased recently, with many people looking to hit the road for a vacation.

“I think a lot of people feel better staying in their RVs, rather than staying in motels,” he says. “We have really seen an increase in the purchase of RV furniture, both for work and travel.”

Lambright says his RV products come with a variety of options.

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“Our signature Dutch Boys ship every day,” Lambright says. “We get a lot of orders for those all the time. People really love those.”

For RVs, Dutch Boy Wall Hugger reclining love seats and sofas are just a few of the many options.

Lambright has his own personal favorite piece of furniture.

“You can have a computer table put into almost all of the RV units,” he says. “Our tables can be removed very easily, and they are foldable. All of the chair backs are also easy to remove.”

Lambright believes the trend of getting on the road in an RV with new and comfortable furniture will continue.

“I think this is getting really big with families right now,” Lambright says. “It’s been beneficial for a lot of people, and very good for us.”

Lambright is pleased that both his RV and home furniture have increased in popularity through the years. He says his company’s Dutch Boy chairs are his biggest sellers, both for home and RV use.

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“The Houston theater-style seat is really nice and comfortable,” he says.

“The options are outside levers, electrical control and an inside handle.”

Lambright has nothing but positive words about Topeka.

“People in Topeka are all about their community,” he says. “We have received so much community support since we started. It’s all been great. People in Topeka and the surrounding areas tell their friends about us. This is a wonderful place.”

Comfort Design by Lambright Comfort Chairs, L.L.C. is located at 1150 South 700 West in Topeka. For more info, call 260-768-4820 or visit lambrightcomfortchairllc.com.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

CRYSTAL VALLEY UPHOLSTERY

Owner of Local Company Enjoys a Challenge Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

G

erald Otto, owner of Crystal Valley Upholstery in Middlebury, loves a challenge.

“I’ll take on any job that comes to my door,” Otto says. “There isn’t an upholstery job I can’t do. I look forward to new challenges all the time, and it’s been that way since I started my business four years ago. I love it when I have a new project to work on.”

Boat upholstery is his favorite type of work.

“Working on boat seats are my specialty,” Otto says. “I love it. I enjoy being able to reupholster a boat seat to really make it look nice for the owner.

I put a lot of time into everything I work on. There are a lot of great boats around here that need seat upholstery work.”

Otto developed a strong interest in upholstery projects as a child.

“My grandpa did a lot of wonderful upholstery work, and I took a great interest in it,” Otto says.

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“I loved watching him work. He was so dedicated. I think I was about six or seven years old when I started asking him a lot of questions about the upholstery work he did, and how I could learn how to do it as well.

He was great at it. I discovered that it’s really rewarding work.”

Otto is glad he made the decision to start his own business doing something he loves.

“I got a sewing machine, and my first project was a love seat that turned out great,” Otto says. “Word got out, and people started finding out about me. I’ve been fortunate. Some people around here have recommended me. I have been able to build the business.”

Otto and his wife Doretta, who also works at Crystal Valley Upholstery, are optimistic about the future despite recent challenges.

“The coronavirus pandemic forced a lot of

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businesses to close down for a while, and it was tough on all of us,” Otto says. “We had to shut down for seven weeks, but we have had more people calling us again for new work, and that has worked out very nicely. I think things are slowly turning around. People are getting back to their routines.”

Otto says L & R Marine in Shipshewana has become a regular customer.

“They send me quite a bit of work through the winter months that keeps me busy,” Otto says. “There are a lot of great people there.

I love working on pontoon boats. There are really a lot of great ones around here. They are so popular, and people like to keep them looking nice.”

Otto says he can also work on upholstery for pleasure boats and fishing boats.

“I love keeping busy, and I will help boat owners have comfortable seats for all of their outdoor fun,” he says. “This is a great place to

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be because of all the beautiful lakes in the area.”

Otto has also made a lot of homeowners more comfortable during their increased time at home, due to the coronavirusrelated business shutdowns.

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“I have done good work on Queen Anne chairs and recliner chairs,” he says. “I can also work on couches and sofas. I can work on just about any kind of home furniture.

People want to be able to relax in a nice chair when they get home, or they also might be doing a lot more work from home, and I can fix your chairs up real good.”

Otto says he has samples customers can examine at his shop.

“I have some foam samples and fabrics to look at,” he says. “They come in different colors, and people can see and pick out what they like. I have sample books they can look at. Customers can order whatever they want.”

When Otto isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with Doretta and their five sons.

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“We love the whole area and all of the wonderful lakes around here,” Otto says.

“This is a great place to live and have a family.”

Crystal Valley Upholstery is located at 2185 North 1150 West in Middlebury. For more info, call 574-327-3900.

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TRI COUNTY HEATING AND ENERGY Local Company Specializes in Plumbing and Heating Services Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Some say you should never let your hobby become your vocation.

Others claim that hobbies that blossom into careers make the best jobs. But what if a profession springs from a DIY home improvement project?

That’s exactly how Clayton Eash’s business, Tri County Heating and Energy, began.

“I got started by doing my own house and some people just started asking me if I could help them with theirs or do theirs,” Eash says.

“There were only a couple of different plumbers in the Amish community,” he says. “There was a shortage.”

Although the number of Amish plumbers has increased, Eash still has plenty of work to do, probably because he has earned a reputation among his customers, about 85% of whom are also Amish.

“I want customer satisfaction,” Eash says. “That’s what I strive for - do a good job at a reasonable price.”

Eash also recognizes that each of his clients has different needs, and he tries to accommodate them.

After four years of doing occasional side jobs and learning the basics of plumbing at his day job in an RV factory, Eash went full time in 2018 when his brother-in-law, who co-owns Two Brothers Construction, retained him for a heating and plumbing job.

“I’ve been basically full time ever since,” Eash says.

As a member of the Amish community, Eash has a unique platform for what he does, and this has proven to be a win-win for both Eash and his clients.

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“Every customer is different,” he says.

The business currently offers a few quality services, primarily for Noble, LaGrange and Elkhart counties. However, Eash has been known to take jobs in Kosciusko County and even in Fort Wayne. As time goes on, Eash hopes that he and his staff will be able to take on more jobs.

“I wouldn’t mind if it grew to be able to hire on a couple more guys in the next couple of years or so,” he says.

Although the company does receive requests for maintenance and repair, the vast majority of its jobs are on new homes. As such, the services Eash provides have to be coordinated with a contractor.

“As soon as the foundation is in and they have the grade made, I come in for the floor heat,” he explains.

After that, it’s a waiting game before beginning work on the plumbing.

“I have to wait until they have everything framed up to do the rough plumbing,” Eash says. “Once everything is there, I go in and do a final hook up.”

It can take up to three months for Eash to finish a typical job.

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His favorite type of installation service - and one of his most common services - is radiant heating, an excellent option for houses with concrete floors.

“If you can keep that floor warm, you can oftentimes keep your thermostat set a couple degrees cooler,” Eash explains. “Your floor is warm, your feet are warm and your heat is always rising on that floor. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in a house with that kind of heat, especially if it’s installed right and you don’t have any cold spots.”

Like most plumbers, Eash is a jack of all trades who has done a little bit of everything. He has changed out well pumps, installed pressure tanks, and hooked up water softeners and other appliances including dishwashers. He also enjoys installing manablocs, popular plumbing devices that separate hot and cold water running to faucets in a house.

“That keeps your water pressure at your faucet all the same, versus having a main line going through your house and branching off,” Eash says. “Then, if you have a couple faucets running at the same time, you’re liable to have a pressure loss somewhere. With these manablocs, it distributes the water a lot more evenly.”

Tri County Heating and Energy is located at 9588 North 275 West in Ligonier. For more info or to schedule a time to receive a quote, call 260-761-3670, or call Eash’s work phone at 574-238-7807.

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Local Business Specializes in Feed Products and Services Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Etna Green is a beautiful blink-and-miss-it town, just inside the border of Kosciusko County. One thing that makes it unique is that no other town in the country shares its name. There are several other aspects of this little town that make it special. It has some special landmarks, including Remembrance Park. Another place of interest is a company located near the park Hartzell Farm Feed & Supply LLC. For owners Josh Hartzell and his brothers, this business venture began on their family farm outside of town.

“Me and my brothers decided that we were going to raise hogs,” Hartzell says. “I was just researching an easier, cheaper way to get feed. I was like, ‘What if we buy what we need wholesale, and then sell the excess?’”

The business steadily grew, and when the opportunity arose for the group to buy Etna Elevator (the name most locals and customers still use when referring to the company), they jumped at the chance.

However, the business is not limited to feed for cows, horses, sheep, goats and chickens - the staff also mixes feed for exotic animals like emus and camels. Much of the feed is mixed in-house, but they also sell pre-bagged items like dog and cat food, as well as supplies.

Beyond feed, the company also sells lawn and

garden supplies, and they also have wild bird food, which is made in-house.

Since the staff is able to make feed onsite, the business is able to offer clients a rather unique service.

“We’re one of the few places left where you can come and get custom-made feed,” Hartzell says.

This free service is offered to customers in a variety of ways. If the client already has a feed recipe in mind, Hartzell and his team comprised of his brothers, parents and other longtime employees - can easily fill the order.

However, some orders more complicated and require the expertise of Paul Zahl, a nutrition consultant.

“If someone comes and says, ‘Look, I got some cattle and they’re having this issue,’ we get a hold of the nutritionist and he will come out and take a look at the animals,” Hartzell says. “We have people with show cows who have said that on Paul’s mixes, they’ve gotten the best results that they’ve ever seen.”

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TheLakesMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / THE LAKES / 55

The company also offers a bimonthly delivery service to customers living around Bremen, Milford, Nappanee, Plymouth and Warsaw.

“Of course, if they’re local, we’ll deliver just about any day of the week,” Hartzell adds.

All services are available to any customer, no matter how small their farm is.

“There are quite a few places that service real big operations,” Hartzell says. “We’ve got a couple of decent-sized operations, but for the most part we’re the place that all the smaller guys go to. A lot of places say, ‘We’ll make your feed, but you have to order a minimum of 1,000 pounds.’ A lot of these smaller ones can’t do that because the feed will go bad before they can use it all.”

Despite offering a wide variety of services, the company keeps prices down, rivaling or even beating franchise store prices.

“Most of the feeds that come out of here are things where we buy the ingredients in bulk, and we save a lot by doing that so we pass the savings on to the customer,” Hartzell says.

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Like many small-town businesses, Hartzell and his team are involved in their community. They provide a location for a farmers market, in response to multiple requests from local gardeners.

So far, although the market has remained small, the town has welcomed this activity every Saturday.

“We don’t charge for a space down there,” Hartzell says. “It’s just something that we’re doing so that everybody has something to do on the weekend.”

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For Hartzell, who vividly remembers his great-uncle owning the elevator, Hartzell finds fulfillment in continuing the family legacy.

“When I was a kid, I spent almost all my time here,” he recalls. “This is a big portion of my childhood, and now I get to run it.”

Hartzell Farm Feed & Supply LLC is located at 120 North Walnut Street in Etna Green. Learn more about them online at etnaelevator.com. Anyone who wishes to get on their delivery route can call them at 574-202-6490.

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ONE CALL WATER Syracuse Company Provides Multiple Water Products and Solutions

amount of time interacting with it on a daily basis. We bathe in it, drink it, cook with it, and even Water is one of our most basic find great entertainment playing needs as humans. Our bodies are in it on hot afternoons. In recent made up of approximately 60% years, many health organizations water, and we spend a surprising Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Lana King

have stressed the importance of having cleaner water than municipal water options.

digestion and absorption, higher mental acuity, and effective nutrient transportation.

Two reasons why municipal water can be considered substandard are the existence of aged, rundown water pipes, and the addition of chemicals like fluoride.

Until the early 1990s, Mike Chesnut worked with the Warsaw municipal water department, and he clearly understands water conditions.

After resigning from his position, Chesnut decided to start his own water-treatment company, One Call Water, to serve residential, commercial and industrial areas.

High-quality, pure water does more than underscore the difference between water that has a satisfying taste and the kind that makes you wish you had a soda instead. It means that your water isn’t overloaded with limescale-creating minerals like calcium and magnesium.

The quality of your water also affects your body. The benefits of drinking pure water can include healthier skin, sleep improvement, better food

58 / THE LAKES / SEPTEMBER 2020 / TheLakesMagazine.com

“I started One Call Water because of the quality of the water in this area - hard, rusty water,” Chesnut says. “We want to provide the best quality water for all our customers.”

Initially, Chesnut and his wife Margaret ran the business out of their home. It quickly outgrew that location, so the Chesnuts

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moved the business to a shop in Syracuse and eventually purchased a building a few miles south of that location, near Conklin Bay. It proved to be a beneficial location for all of their services, which include water softener rental as well as delivery of salt and bottled water.

“It has grown from a startup business to selling and renting softeners and drinking-water systems, reverse-osmosis equipment, and iron and sulfur filters,” Chesnut says.

To date, One Call Water has a service-area radius of 100 miles from the company office, encompassing areas like Fort Wayne, Wabash, Plymouth and

everywhere in between.

Chesnut’s desire - and highest satisfaction - comes from making his customers happy.

“My favorite part of the business is our customers,” he says. “We have made a lot of friends over the years.”

Whether they get a call from a

longtime customer or a potential customer looking to improve the quality of their water, the One Call Water staff’s ultimate goal is to provide the best possible service.

“We provide a quick response to each and every customer’s need in a timely manner, and with a competitive price,” Chesnut says.

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7185 N. S.R. 13 North Webster, IN 46555

“MY FAVORITE PART OF THE BUSINESS IS OUR CUSTOMERS.WE HAVE MADE A LOT OF FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS.” - MIKE CHESNUT The company always strives to provide not only the best service, but also the best products.

“We partnered with Hague Quality Water in Columbus, Ohio, for their patented watertreatment systems,” Chesnut says. “While most other companies are assemblers of water softeners, Hague is a

manufacturer from the ground up, and is all American made.

They have a unique system that is not sold by any other supplier.”

Regardless of the issue, the company’s products are made to solve any water problem. Their WaterMax treatment systems can be customized for city or well water. They also have

systems that address specific problems like excess iron, extreme hardness, or dirt and sediment issues. The company can also neutralize acid and sulfur odors.

Depending on the customer’s needs and desires, they can apply filters to a single faucet or to a whole house.

One Call Water is located at 11875 North State Road 13 in Syracuse. Read up on all of their products and services at onecallwater.com. For more information and to schedule a free quote, give them a call at 574-457-5006.

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