Forging their Futures
Edited by Brian Yoder Schlabach ’07
Young GC alumni and entrepreneurs are innovating, taking risks and building their own businesses from the ground up.
Armed with a great idea, an entrepreneurial spirit and a liberal arts education, our young alumni are finding ways to make a living doing what they love. Some studied business or earned one of GC’s entrepreneurship grants right out of college. Others crowdsourced startup capital or started small and grew their business. But no matter how these creative professionals got started or what they studied, they all have a few things in common — strong critical thinking skills, a global perspective, a desire to serve and real-world experience based in a Goshen College education.
From technology to photography, handmade furniture to homegrown flowers, these alumni are not just running their own businesses, they’re improving the world and impacting lives, all while adding their own personal touch to their products or services.
Meet a few of these builders, innovators and risk-takers.
Anthony Showalter ’99
Psychology major
Montclair, New Jersey
Pear Deck (peardeck.com)
A software platform for teachers that’s used in thousands of K-12 schools, Pear Deck creates powerful learning moments for every learner, every day.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“I had a lot of great entrepreneurial experiences at GC… I just didn’t always recognize it at the time. I helped start a Film Club and held a variety of campus jobs in the IT department. I learned HTML with Paul Meyer Reimer ’83 and Marvin Bartel.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“My recommendation is to go for it! Starting a business in college or just after graduation is an incredible life experience. It’s also great to do it with your friends!”
Cristina Hernandez ’00
Art major
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Coquette’s Armoire (facebook.com/coquettesarmoirehonduras)
Coquette’s Armoire is a fair trade business promoting women-made, handmade jewelry, accessories and home decor from Latin America, Africa and Asia.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“It laid the foundation for me to have clarity on what kind of business I wanted to have, and how to tell our story.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Don’t plan so much, start with what you have and grow with the experience of running a day-to-day business. Network as much as you can, surround yourself by people that inspire you and help you grow your business.”
Jesse Sensenig ’01
Social work major
Goshen Brewing Company (goshenbrewing.com)
Goshen Brewing Company is a family-friendly brewpub featuring farm-to-table food and craft beer.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“GC instilled the importance of community. We integrate the values of service and stewardship, collaborating with other local businesses and artists. We practice sustainability in our food sourcing, using local and organic products whenever possible.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“It’s important to do what you’re passionate about, and to treat each other well. Paying attention to relationships in all aspects of your business can go a long way.”
Phoebe A. Brubaker ’03
History and theater double major
Goshen
Flowers By Phoebe (flowersbyphoebe.com)
Flowers By Phoebe creates floral designs to honor the sensory richness of every season using specialty blooms that she grows herself or sources from local sustainable farms.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“Studying theater taught me about designing on a large scale. I also learned how to direct a creative team in a way that encourages collaboration and dedication. My history degree taught me how to conduct quality research.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“If you are an art or theater student, take a business class if you can. Much of life after college is about finding a way to pay the bills and creative types need to know solid business practices in order to make a living.”
Seth Yoder ’05
Psychology major
Middlebury, Indiana
Atlas IT and Crystal Valley Computers (atlasit.org)
Atlas IT provides technology solutions to residents and organizations in the community.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“I improved my critical thinking skills while in college, which helps me every single day in business.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Prioritization is key. You have time for the things you make time for.”
Aubrey Helmuth Miller ’06
Music major
Canton, Ohio
REDBUDSUDS (redbudsuds.com)
REDBUDSUDS makes and sells outdoor-inspired body and shampoo bars for eco-conscious adventurers who want simple and uncluttered lives.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“The Camping Inquiry Program hooked me on guiding wilderness trips in the first place. Creating soap/shampoo is a way for me to help others simplify, inspiring thoughtfully clean choices every day. I also lean daily on my skills as an educator and the discipline I gained in the music program. Most of all, the friends I made at GC have become lifelong supports.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Take time to reflect on what really matters, what drives you. Let that be a part of your everyday reality, whether that’s through work, hobbies or community involvement. But be patient. Most big things are accomplished in very small steps.”
Stephanie Honderich ’06
Interdisciplinary major (ASL, TESOL, sociology)
Goshen (Pictured with spouse Mike Honderich ’08)
Giving Tree Massage, GoDance Studio (givingtreemassage.com)
Giving Tree Massage is a holistic massage and bodywork studio in downtown Goshen. GoDance Studio offers quality instruction for a variety of partnered and solo dance styles for both adults and kids.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“As students we were encouraged to think critically, pursue experiences off the beaten path and to interact collaboratively with a wide range of people.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Find something you’re passionate about and dive in. If planning to start a business and you don’t deeply care about your work, it won’t be worthwhile and will be less likely to succeed. Also, invest in your community and they will invest in you.”
Chika Sunoto ’06
Accounting major
Goshen
Chika Sunoto Photography (chikasunoto.com)
Chika Sunoto Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, baby, child and family photography.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“[My] Goshen College education provided me the knowledge of managing my business and entrepreneurial thinking, and gave me all the tools to be successful in this business.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“To live out your dreams. It may take awhile but take it one step at a time and you will get there. There is no such thing as impossible.”
Chet Franklin ’09
Art major
Portland, Oregon
Spectrum Acupuncture LLC (SpectrumAcupunctureclinic.com)
Spectrum Acupuncture is a specialty acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic treating the unique health needs of transgender communities and allies in the Portland and surrounding areas.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“While at GC, I never expected to open and run my own business, and I didn’t take any business classes there. [But] GC provided me with the experience, knowledge and drive to research and forge ahead in doing something I’m passionate about.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Always keep learning, pay off your student loans early and be afraid to take risks, but take them anyway.”
Piper Voge ’10 | Gina Rambow ’09 | Jessica Bubp ’10
Communication major | Theater and business double major | Interdisciplinary major
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Bindy Agency (thebindyagency.com)
The Bindy Agency is a full service marketing, design and event firm that helps businesses get noticed through events, websites, graphic design, branding and marketing.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“Deanne Binde, our friend and GC classmate who died in 2008 [while in college], is our company’s namesake. We are committed to running a business that practices servant leadership, a value that Deanne exemplified. We strive to incorporate giving back in all of our projects.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“The relationships you make at GC follow and shelter you both professionally and personally long after you graduate, nurture them. Start your business now! Our first office was our college apartment. It let us get our feet wet with a safety net.”
Ashley Swartzendruber ’10
Communication major
Goshen
Three Ferns (threefernsco.com)
Three Ferns creates fiber art pieces, mostly macrame wall hangings and plant hangers that sell online at Etsy, at local art markets and in shops in downtown Goshen.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“My experiences at GC taught me to never limit myself. I started off doing photography right out of college and still do that today, but GC really inspired me to remember how diverse we can be as a community and as individuals.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“When you find something that inspires you, chase after it. Don’t feel like you have to do one job for the rest of your life. Our minds and our spirits are always changing, so don’t let the fear of trying something new hold you back.”
Jonathan Savage ’11
Computer science and business information systems double major
Goshen
Studio Ace of Spade (studioaceofspade.com)
Studio Ace of Spade is a web design and development firm that started with the help of a GC Business Department grant in 2010. Since then, they’ve grown to a four-person studio that’s finally entering its growth phase this year.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“We received the business grant, which assisted us in purchasing devices for development. Aside from that, the computer science program assisted in attaining the necessary programming skills. The business program helped prepare me to lead a team.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Hard work overcomes just about anything. If you’re passionate and willing to put in the time and dedication, you can learn to do just about anything.”
Matt Thomas ’12
Art major
Goshen/Chicago
Elko Hardwoods (elkohardwoods.com)
Elko Hardwoods is a contemporary furniture company specializing in one-of-a kind, live edge designs crafted from locally salvaged hardwoods.
How did your GC experience help you in your business?
“GC’s liberal arts environment allowed me to explore interests in art, business and sustainability before deciding on a focus. I had the opportunity to learn from established artists and came away with a well-rounded skill set to draw on in business.”
What advice would you have for GC graduates?
“Experience is never wasted. Take every opportunity that comes your way. Once you find something you love, find a way to do that and stick with it. Also, connections are crucial and don’t be afraid to use them.”