Called to serve God in business

Name: Bernadine Yoder '63

Business name: Bernadine's Needle Art, Arthur, Ill.; founded in 1987 and incorporated under E.B. Yoder Inc., a group of companies owned by her husband, Elvin Yoder, who for 50 years has started and grown businesses in areas of construction and home improvement, including Horizon Home Centers and Coach House Garages (the latter was franchised).

Business description: Bernadine’s Needle Art sells patterns, kits and supplies as well as instructional materials for a range of three-dimensional embroidery techniques, including Bouillon Rose, Russian punchneedle and silk ribbon embroidery. Bernadine’s original designs are also available. She specializes in miniature rugs, tapestries, chenille bedspreads and other needle art. Sales made through mail-order, from three catalogs produced, as well as on-line purchasing and needlework and quilt show offerings. She also teaches needle art classes in various locations.

On the spirit of entrepreneurship: "It's important to find a niche - products or services that people want - and try to fill it in the best way. You also have to keep abreast of what's going on in your industry, and what's coming next. Several years ago, crazy quilts, embroidery and embellishments (like charms) were becoming more popular, and that was fortunate because the punchneedles are perfect for that and Bernadine's Needle Art is one of two places that does small needles like that; I'm working with a company in China to produce them.

"My husband has strong entrepreneurial gifts - the entrepreneurial spark. He has been successful at putting seed money into ideas and working at partnerships or investments that enhance growth.

"It's also very important to understand how your customers know of you. Once I'm out at a show, people look for me, and some of them have kept my business cards and catalogs for years.Ó