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 spending 17 years in the corporate world, Pamala Flugence made a bold move. She stepped away from the familiar and launched Let’s Create, combining her passion for creativity with her love for thoughtful gift-giving. What started as a leap of faith quickly became a purpose-driven business that brings people together and builds something lasting.

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.

Christophær Alexander never set out to be a stylist. In fact, his path to fashion began in a gym during the pandemic. Someone complimented his outfit, asked if he was a stylist, and sparked a fire in him that would change everything. That simple moment of encouragement lit a new passion and gave Christophær the clarity to pursue more than what he had settled for. In November 2023, Christophar Divo Atelier was born. It was a leap of faith, a declaration of purpose, and a new chapter rooted in self-expression and transformation.

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.

For Katrina Hobley, cleaning is more than a task. It is a way to bring order, safety, and peace of mind into people’s lives. She founded East & West Coast Cleaning after recognizing the need for dependable, detail-focused service in high-traffic spaces like medical offices and short-term rentals. Her commitment to doing meaningful work and building something of her own has become the foundation for a business that reflects her values, her work ethic, and her heart for helping others.