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, according to a news release from KLA. Several of these businesses were created through franchise agreements. 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 also has created new organizations, including Fellowship Missions. 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. Deeter, self-described serial entrepreneur, shared his background in businesses and ventures. Several well-known area businesses were created by Deeter, including OrthoPediatrics, Café Mod, Leesburg Mill and Nextremities. Deeter’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.
