For Bruce Blumentritt, tone isn’t just a technical detail. It’s personal. A lifelong gigging guitarist, Bruce spent years chasing the perfect amp sound. No matter how many he played, none of them felt just right. That is, until he decided to build one himself.

After a decade at Kellogg, Jimmy Sorrells found himself at a crossroads. Laid off in 2019, he made a decision that would reshape not only his career, but the way businesses connect across his community.

In 1971, Dave McLaren set out to build more than just an HVAC company. He built a reputation. Known throughout Park Forest as a contractor who was honest, dependable, and hands-on, Dave handled service calls while his wife, Willa, managed the office. As word of their integrity spread, so did their reach. And as the business grew, their son Gary grew with it.

Jordan Funchess launched Funchess Bookkeeping with a clear goal: to serve small business owners and bring peace of mind through dependable financial support. After feeling undervalued in past jobs, he saw bookkeeping as a way to make a difference while building something meaningful for his family. With a growing need in the community, it became the perfect opportunity to combine service with sustainability.

W Forrest Sealing and Painting is more than a business. For William Forrest, it is a family legacy. As a third-generation craftsman, William carries on the trade with his sons, who represent the fourth generation. Their work is deeply rooted in pride, precision, and the promise to leave every project looking better than when they found it. It is a tradition that lives on through family hands and local trust.

For Darren Cappa, starting Cappa Electric was never about chasing a business opportunity. It started with helping friends and family who needed electrical work. Over time, he realized how much he enjoyed solving their problems and making things work again. With over 15 years in the trade and a desire to build something with his hands, Darren turned that passion into a company of his own.