Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Briann Oostinga

After 12 years coaching club soccer and being involved in the politics, fear, early specialization and toxic environment in youth sports, I wanted to make a change. I wanted a more balanced approach for our young athletes. A space where the focus was more about their character and mindset. A community that felt whole, supportive, fun and mindful. Leading them to express themselves fully in and out of sport. An outlet that fostered their mental health and childhood. I began with hosting a speed and agility session that started with journaling. I quickly realized how much they wanted to be heard and express themselves. Eventually I created a week long camp that focuses on a new topic each day. We practice the topic through journaling, movement, connection to self, nature and community, proper nutrition, creativity and leadership. Read More>>

Amy Centers, Ph.D., PCC

The idea for SmartWorks Lab™ came from a collision of frustration, hope, and a deep belief that work doesn’t have to feel this broken. After two decades in leadership development and organizational change, I kept seeing the same patterns: good people burning out in bad systems, companies investing in talent strategy with zero follow-through, and a growing disconnect between what employees need and how leaders are equipped. Read More>>

Linde Hotchkiss

I have been in awe of my younger brother my whole adult life. He had a non-traditional start getting his GED and then following his passion and excelling at the Culinary Academy. He has always had the most incredible way of ensuring that his dishes have the perfect combination of flavors, textures and colors and hearing him describe each element and how everything fits together was next level. In the late 90’s, I told him that when he was ready to have his own restaurant, I would do everything in my power to help him. Read More>>