13 questions with Chicago's Smita Sahoo, owner of āśaya | DESIGN
"I’m inspired by nature and the constant evolution of design. Design that is in sync with nature is always timeless and sophisticated. I believe it’s important to know the history and background influencing design so that we can continue to push forward in developing new styles that challenge convention while also encouraging an inviting atmosphere for users. My creations present a considerate blend of design innovations of the west paired with timeless elements of the east."
15 questions with Scott Kunes, CEO of Kunes Auto Group
"We serve every community we have a location in. For example, at our annual Trade-In Hunger event, employees at each location package meal kits for food banks in their area. We also have a global reach with building orphanages in India and supporting mission work in every corner of the globe."
10 questions with Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear
"An excellent form of irrigation is a drip irrigation system. These are very efficient systems that use less water, are run by timer, and thus save money. The absolute ideal would be to have a home greywater recycling system, which takes water from places like kitchen sinks and showers, cleans it, and can then repurpose it for some types of irrigation. Very cool little systems!"
9 questions with Cilio Technologies of Wisconsin
"The most interesting thing about the Cilio platform is that for a company managing installation or field service jobs, it significantly impacts the profitability of clients. Whether the client is a large retailer or manufacturer, or small installer or contractor, Cilio allows them to grow. We love being a part of a growing company focused on process improvements through automation and communications. By leveraging digital technology, Cilio clients are able to do more, with less, and that’s exciting!"
39 questions with Chalice Premium of Wisconsin
"We make home mixology convenient by delivering quality farm-to-table ingredients and supplies to your doorstep, along with step-by-step video tutorials from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ instructors. Our at-home kits have everything you need - simply select an experience & create your masterpiece! Engage in the perfect activity for individuals, date night, family and friend gatherings, virtual parties, and corporate events.If you desire a delicious cocktail just add the mixologist's suggested spirits. If a mouthwatering mocktail is what you want, just consume it without liquor for a zero-alcohol experience. Either way, you are in for a captivating delight. You can choose to purchase one time or sign up for our monthly subscription, THE SPEAKEASY for VIP perks."
14 questions with Chillntub - Hot Tub Rentals of Illinois
"We were talking at one point and I said why don’t you start a business. He said that sounds like a good idea but what? After a few months, I heard a podcast of a school teacher in Long Island renting hot tubs and had a really good business so I went to Brandon and said how about renting hot tubs, he said that sounds like a fun business and that is where it started."
58 questions with Stoned Art Studio and Gallery of Iowa
"As an Artist, I’m inspired delivering visual emotion to viewers of my art and photography. The more impactful and powerful the viewer response, the more inspiring."
21 questions with Sold Out of Minnesota
"A music-based drama about a female talent scout who takes a down-on-his luck construction worker under her wing and helps him rise to his potential as a singer/songwriter"
26 questions with Iowa Makers of Iowa
"Iowa Makers, located in Dundee, IA, is a specialty gift shop carrying ALL handmade products by local artisans from Iowa. We offer everything from pottery & candles made on~site, wood crafts, paintings, wine and more. Our mission is to partner with as many local artists in Iowa to showcase their incredible talents and provide an opportunity for our community to support local makers while finding unique gifts for the whole family. We also have a wine tasting bar!"
20 questions with Preservation of Indiana
"I started Preservation in 2012. My mom was teaching me to make fruit preserves and we started experimenting with different flavors. I am a chef by trade and was working as a pastry assistant at the time for a catering company and was wanting to start a business of my own. Our friends and family started asking to buy them and Preservation was born."
10 questions with GRNE Solar of Illinois
"On average, it takes 5-8 years for a system to have paid for itself. In addition to financial benefits, home and business owners that implement a solar solution are making major environmental impacts. The annual production of the average residential solar system is equivalent to reducing 6 tons of carbon dioxide."
15 questions with Good Courage Handmade of Wisconsin
"I design, build, and paint 'barn quilts,' which are quilt block designs painted on wood panels and mounted outdoors on buildings. Originally they were meant to display on barns, but barn quilts aren’t just for barns anymore!. The barn quilt movement started in 2001 in Ohio and has spread throughout rural America and Canada. I do mostly smaller pieces intended for garages or garden sheds, or as indoor wall hangings."