Jim Hess
Jim Hess has been owner and publisher of the Morgan County Business Leader since 2011 and owner and publisher of the Town Planner Community Calendar since 2008. In both businesses Jim aspires to connect, promote and support the local small business community. As a successful small business owner himself, he knows the challenges entrepreneurs face, the thrill of achievements reached, and the appreciation felt for support and encouragement. That understanding, along with his mission of building relationships, is reflected in the purpose and pages of his publications. Jim’s success began when he graduated from Olivet Nazarene University and embarked on a career with Northwest Airlines. While there, he received numerous awards for his work including the 2003 President’s Award for Employee Support and Inspiration. Several years later, he accepted a position in the manufacturing industry where he was tasked to manage corporate relationships with many different entities ranging from the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. to employee relations. Jim continually strives to contribute to the business community through his participation in civic organizations such as the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce where he has served as both vice president and president. Jim can be reached at jim@morgancountybusinessleader.com.
Elaine Whitesides
Elaine Whitesides brings a unique perspective to her position as writer for the Morgan County Business Leader. With an extensive background in real estate finance and the restaurant industries, she understands the corporate and business perspective of small business owners and entrepreneurs. As an elementary school educator, she has the skills to take the complex and make it simple and clear. As a writer, she loves nothing more than to tie all the information about an enterprise up into a story that reflects not only the business, but the business owner as well. Elaine held management positions for First Financial Savings and Loan and Inland Mortgage Corporation, a division of Inland Real Estate, before obtaining her teaching credentials. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from National Louis University. After leaving the education field in 2003, Elaine pursued her interest in writing. It evolved into a business, Whitesides Words, LLC, which she has owned and operated since 2009.
Heart and Pride at Home in Mooresville
Morgan County residents may know that Miller’s Merry Manor has been in Mooresville for the last 30 years, but they may be surprised to learn a few things about the business.
In 1964, Wallace and Connie Miller purchased a former County Home. Their original vision was to provide long-term healthcare for the aging. That vision blossomed and in 1982, the Millers purchased the Country Nursing Home in Mooresville renaming it Miller’s Merry Manor…
Dental Carefor those close to home and U.S. soldiers everywhere
Kirk Yegerlehner grew up on the south side of Indy. With his office in Waverly at S.R. 144 and S.R. 37, you might think Kirk only moved a few miles from home. In fact, he’s been all over the world.”I graduated from Perry Meridian High School,” Dr. Yegerlehner recalled, “and since 988 my family and I have lived on a farm a couple miles from the office — roughly six miles from where I grew up.”
Staying Fluid
Rocks and water were at the center of Frank Olin’s professional life. Not exactly mountains and beaches all the time, but he was riding a wave of success that was pushing his business, AQUAPro Systems, LLC, higher and higher up the hill. Then the real estate market collapse brought his customers to their knees – and some of them were not able to rise again. His wave of success slowed to a trickle.
The Grass Was Greener
Parks Outdoor Maintenance in Monrovia has been built on faith, family and diversification. With a surname of Parks, it would seem that lawn care and outdoor maintenance would be a given occupation. It wasn’t quite that simple for Rodney Parks, but it was definitely what was meant to be.