Pictured discussing Kosciusko County entrepreneurship, in front from left, are KLA Cadet Taylor Garrison, Helvey & Associates; KLA Cadet Vicky Decker, Re Max Realtors; Carolyn Shanklin, Rocket Fizz. In back are Nick Deeter, Wishbone Medical; KLA Moderator Allyn Decker, Ivy Tech Community College; Eric Lane, Fellowship Missions; and KLA Board President Jeff Fawcett, Grace College.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Kosciusko Leadership Academy met at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center for a session on Entrepreneurship.  Guest speakers included Carolyn Shanklin, Rocket Fizz; Eric Lane, Fellowship Missions; and Nick Deeter, Wishbone Medical. 

Kosciusko County is home to a multitude of industries and opportunities, many of which were started by entrepreneurs.  Several of these businesses were created through franchise agreements.  Carolyn Shanklin, Rocket Fizz, spoke to managing a business in retail and as part of a franchise agreement.  Rocket Fizz offers a wide variety of soda and countless types of candy. 

The not for profit sector has also created new organizations, including Fellowship Missions.  Eric Lane, Executive Director, shared the calling he felt to help those that found themselves homeless and without hope.  The shelter provides a clean, safe environment, meals, and assistance in learning to become independent again.  Hope is reborn at Fellowship Missions.

Nick Deeter, self-described serial entrepreneur, shared his background in businesses and ventures.  Several well-known area businesses were created by Nick, including Orthopediatrics, Café Mod, Leesburg Mill, and Nextremities.  Nick’s newest venture is Wishbone Medical, providing innovation to pediatric orthopedics.   

KLA is a not for profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.