Adams County CEO

Make sure you check out the Quincy Makers Market on 6th street this weekend and support 2026 Adams County CEO students Kyle and Sadie as well as all the other amazing vendors! Scentwell Co. Flora Lane Flowers

Of course the Makers Market is all about supporting our local artisans, but check out these two HIGH SCHOOL entrepreneurs who will be sharing their goods with you! They are part of the Adams County CEO program--which fosters business development in our local high schools. Find them in spot 43 near One Event Venue (see map at quincymakersmarket.com).

Today, for our final official class day, we had a business tour double feature thanks to Shortridge Construction Co., Inc and Craftsmen Utility Trailer of Quincy.

We started with Shortridge Construction, where Melanie walked us through an active job site for a business that is relocating. Getting to see an industrial steel-framed project in progress gave the class a real, firsthand look at what goes into large-scale construction and the coordination required to bring a vision to life.

From there, we walked just down the road to see the finished side of that work at Craftsmen Trailers, a newer business in our community. Lou, Tony, and Gabby gave us a full tour of their facility and shared insight into their operations, highlighting everything involved in the sales and service of commercial trailers.

Seeing both the process and the final product back-to-back helped connect the dots in a way that you just can’t replicate in a classroom.

A strong finish to our final class day as we head into our class breakfast tomorrow.

Today, Payne Schoen from Payne Schoen Consulting spoke to the class and led an exercise focused on identifying their most tightly held values.

As students defined those values, he facilitated a conversation around how they chose them and how they actually live them out in both life and business.

This was an important step as we conclude the class this week and launch the 2026 group into what comes next. Knowing your values and understanding your why creates clarity, direction, and a stronger foundation for every decision moving forward.

A strong reminder that success is not just built on what you do, but on what drives you to do it.

With only a few days left in class we are still learning from local business owners. Yesterday, the class toured Krazy Town Trampoline Park with owner Kasey Schuster.

Students got a firsthand look at what it takes to operate a high energy, experience driven business. From safety and staffing to customer experience, every detail matters when your product is the environment you create.

Kasey also walked through the complexity behind the scenes, including insurance, marketing, ongoing maintenance, and the added challenge of running a restaurant within the facility. He shared how each piece has to work together to create a consistent experience.

The addition of golf simulators at Amen Corner adds another layer to the business, expanding what they offer and how they serve different groups within the community.

A strong example of how ex*****on, adaptability, and attention to detail drive success in a multi faceted business.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Adams County CEO class of 2026 at their Trade Show today.

The turnout was incredible, and it was evident how much this community believes in its next generation of entrepreneurs.

These students have spent months building their businesses from the ground up, and today they had the opportunity to share that work with all of you. Your support, your conversations, and your willingness to show up matter more than you know.

This program does not exist without a community that is willing to invest in its students, and today was a great example of that in action.

We are grateful, and we are proud of what these students have accomplished.

Only a few days out from the Trade Show and we are still learning from local businesses!

Today, the class toured Aspire Cosmetology and Spa Institute with Mallory Ramey.

Aspire is a cosmetology and spa school focused on hands on learning and preparing students for real careers in the beauty and wellness industry.

Throughout the tour, students saw what it takes to build a school and business centered on developing people. From cosmetology to esthetics and beyond, Aspire is designed to give students practical experience and a clear path into their profession.

One of the most impactful takeaways was that students begin building their own client base while still in school. By the time they graduate, they are not starting from zero. They are stepping into their careers with relationships already established and a foundation for immediate success.

A major theme throughout the visit was relationships. In an industry built on trust and repeat clients, the ability to connect with people and serve them well is everything.

Mallory also shared the reality of building something from the ground up. Creating opportunities for others, investing in people, and staying committed to a long term vision.

A strong example of how a business can be built to develop people and strengthen a community.