Geigers, Pflieger share entrepreneurial stories

Game On!, the new Virtual Sports Lounge at 141 S. High Street, Roanoke, was the location of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce’s second entrepreneurial gathering ‘Meet & Greet.’ The event was held in partnership with the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce on November 27 with over 50 entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs attending.

Steve Kimmel, executive director of the Chamber, began the evening by explaining the Entrepreneurial Leadership Council under the direction of the Chamber.

Kimmel said “The goal of the Council is to grow entrepreneurial wealth, and encourage more entrepreneurs to open businesses or to attract more businesses to open in our county. It is also a way for entrepreneurs to get to know other like-minded individuals and together encourage and support each other.”

Kimmel then introduced John Niederman, director of the Fortitude Fund. The Council was formed from a conversation between Kimmel and Niederman. Niederman explained, “We have helped 270 entrepreneurs with $1,000 grants, and we like to connect people. There are entrepreneurs we have helped in the room tonight.” To learn more or apply visit fortitudefund.com.

Jay and Jodie Geiger, owners of Game On! and other businesses in Roanoke, spoke next about their many ventures. Jodie welcomed those in attendance and thanked everyone for coming. The couple opened Game On! in August of 2022. Jodie began by explaining that Geiger Excavating began in 1996, and that Jay has a lot of experience in business. She purchased the Roanoke Village Inn in 2006 and made a capital investment in the business.

With their marriage, they began working together in the development of their businesses. Jodie said that with Jay’s “book of ideas” they have come up with many of the things involved with their restaurants.

Together they continued their investments by purchasing the old Rusty Pan building. Jodie explained, “We had a vision for outdoor seating and did research about it.” The resulting restaurant is The Patio: Pizza and BBQ at 170 N. High Street, Roanoke.

The next investment made in Roanoke according to Jodie was Moose and Mollies, 171 2nd Street, in 2021. The couple renovated the inside and made a coffee-shop room. Moose and Mollies offers Gelato, a scratch lunch, dinner, pastries, beverages and more.

Jodie said, “The next thing was this building, it used to be Hoosier Foods.” She said that Game On! offers 130 different interactive sports and games, and the facility can be rented for birthday and corporate parties along with ordinary use. They cater from all different restaurants. She continued, “You can find entertainment, drink and food all in one spot.” See gameonroanoke.com or call (260) 676-2259.

Lock 4 was the Geiger’s next venture. It has been transformed into The Local Saloon, 4162 E. Station Road, a unique place with a western atmosphere for ages 21-plus. Jodie said, “We had a lot of fun with the names of food and beer.”

Jodie explained that the couple has 50 years of entrepreneurial experience between them. They work together and have researched, “How do you connect being entrepreneurs and marriage?” They went on to talk about their findings.

Jay said, “You have to have a passion in life for what you’re going into. If you love what you do, you will be successful.”

Jodie said, “You have to have self-discipline especially in speech and behavior.”

“Building and nurturing relationships is important,” according to Jay. He continued, “When you get a customer, retain that customer and spend time with them.”

Jodie said, “Understand your finances. Businesses fail due to poor cash management. Hire a good accountant, and find someone you can trust. Also have a good bank.”

“Trust your gut. Don’t let people say you can’t do it – don’t let anyone try to cloud your vision,” Jay said.

“Have perseverance to get through the tough times,” Jodie concluded.

They went on to talk about the pitfalls – things that did not work for them, and Jay said, “You have to be willing to change and it’s very important to have key people with you.”

Dr. Janelle Pflieger followed and spoke about the entrepreneurial partnership between she and husband Dr. Matt Pflieger. The couple began Cardinal Family Medicine in 2016, a primary care office in Huntington, which offers direct primary care. Janelle then opened Indiana Skin Care in Roanoke in 2020.

She said that the business was “born out of circumstances when I turned 40, and skin care became essential.”

Janelle looked at the current space at 212 N. Main Street, Suite 2C, Roanoke, and decided that the 1,000 square foot area was just what was needed for the work planned. She began by learning and inventing, and said, “Equipment was the biggest expense,” and continued, “Aesthetics are a higher end sort of business; she had to find their lane.”

Indiana Skin Care was established as a boutique practice according to Janelle, she said she learned to, “Work smarter, not harder.”

The business is now open Monday through Saturday, and the staff are educators to patients about products and procedures related to their skin. Indiana Skin Care provides complimentary consultations and offers Radio Frequency (RF) microneedling, MOXI – laser, BBL, laser hair removal, hydrafacial, VI Peel, dermaplaning, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), custom facials and peels, neurotoxin, dermal fillers and more. They also offer a membership plan.

Janelle concluded that family and friends have been great, and it enables them to give better care. Indiana Skin Care can be reached at (260) 676-0330, email hello@indianaskincare.com or indianaskincare.com.

The next Entrepreneurial ‘Meet and Greet’ is scheduled for Monday, February 26 in Warren. Further information will be shared as it is received.