Historic E.L.Wright School
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Johnson, Exec. Director of Communications
Phone: 906-487-7348, E-mail: karen.johnson@finlandia.edu
Date: October 28, 2010
Jutila Center Congratulates a Different Kind of Graduate
HANCOCK, MI – Three Finlandia University graduates of a different kind have recently ventured out into the world.
The small business incubator at Finlandia’s Jutila Center for Global Design and Business congratulates these companies, each led by respected professional artists, as they launch their “incubated” businesses into the larger Hancock, Michigan, business community.
“It’s the best possible outcome of their time at the Jutila Center,” says director Bonnie Holland of Adam Johnson, Andrea Puzakulich, and Joyce Koskenmaki. “They grew, they graduated, and they have moved into the wider Hancock business community.”
Finlandia’s Jutila Center small business incubator provides an atmosphere in which entrepreneurs can learn and practice essential business skills, such as how to manage cash flow and taxes, hiring assistants, and attracting new customers.
“Knowing these skills can make the difference between just getting by as a business, or success in establishing a long-term professional career,” Holland explains.
For example, Adam Johnson, owner of brockit inc., a photography studio, moved into his Jutila Center suite in 2003. For two years previously his studio was incubating in the SmartZone on the fourth floor the Jutila Center.
Right away, Johnson took advantage of Jutila Center free business counseling with Roger Woods, which is sponsored by the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia. He also contracted the services of market researchers in the building.
And as an incubator tenant, Johnson was required to prepare annual business and financial plans, which he says was helpful, as well.
“My business grew steadily during my time at the Jutila Center,” Johnson says. “It was only six months before I had grown enough to hire somebody to help manage the operation. Not too long after, I started interviewing for interns and assistants.”
The biggest advantage for us was the foot traffic,” Johnson adds. “The café, access to students, copy machines, and mail boxes really helped us. I was very satisfied with Jutila Center services, including maintenance, security, and high speed internet.”
When Johnson struck out on his own this May, there were four additional people on his payroll, two of them full-time – a studio manager, a second photographer, a graphic designer, and a set location specialist.
Johnson also took on several interns to help grow his business, some of them students in Finlandia’s Art & Design program. Johnson says he loved interacting with the art students at the Jutila Center, shooting student work, and speaking in classes
Since May of this year, brockit inc. is located in the E.L. Wright Building at 801 N. Lincoln Dr. (U.S. 41 North) in Hancock. Johnson specializes in wedding, portrait, commercial, and fine art photography. Visit the brockit inc. website at www.brockit.com.
“I think there is a lot of room for growth in Hancock,” Johnson says. “Ties with Finlandia, the Community Arts Center … there’s lot more room for expanding on these things. Art, creativity, and design have a special niche in Hancock.”
Johnson notes that recent Jutila Center tenants Andrea Puzakulich, owner of wearable and fiber art company Distant Drum, and artist Joyce Koskenmaki also stayed in Hancock and are now located in the E.L. Wright building.
Puzakulich was one of the first small business owners to sign a contract with the Jutila Center incubator. She used her four-and-one-half years there to create new product lines and change her selling and distribution strategies. She moved to her new location in January 2010.
“It was like a family in a way, especially getting in on the ground floor,” Puzakulich says of the Jutila Center. “I got to see it in its old state and new state, and my opinions on how to make it a better incubator were valued.”
Puzakulich started Distant Drum 23 years ago and worked from home for 19 years. During those years she built her customer base primarily from traveling the Midwest art fair circuit.
“When I wasn’t at art fairs, I was hidden away at my home studio. The Jutila Center gave me new exposure which inspired me to work year-round,” she says.
“My time at the Jutila Center increased my confidence and cast me in a more professional role. I felt that I achieved much greater visibility and acceptance among other business professionals,” Puzakulich says. “It’s good for me to be more independent. Now I feel like a better-defined business. I’m launched. I have a sales studio with signage on a major area highway.”
“The Jutila Center is a great idea. At some point a small business owner may want to kick it up a notch and take on that greater responsibility. When you’re a part of something—part of a group—people are watching and that is motivating.”
“And of course, there’s the whole notion of affordability,” she adds. “I felt Jutila Center made it very lucrative for me to start a business, in particular the incremental lease rate.”
Puzakulich met with business counselor Roger Woods several times and attended other Jutila Center-sponsored small business workshops and seminars. “It only takes a few nuggets to help,” she notes. “Plus it was an opportunity to gather the other businesses in one spot to share ideas and challenges.”
“I miss the association with students,” she concludes. “I felt the students appreciated a good role model and I encouraged them to stop in.”
Puzakulich recently launched a new e-commerce website at www.distantdrum.com.
Artist Joyce Koskenmaki moved her studio to the Jutila Center in 2006. An emeritus Finlandia University faculty member, Koskenmaki says she appreciated the opportunity to show her work in the building, as well as her contact with students, both informally and in the classroom. She believes she increased her public exposure and name recognition while at the Jutila Center. Visit Koskenmaki’s website at www.joycekoskenmaki.com.
“We miss having the students walking up and down the hall,” Koskenmaki says, referring to herself, Johnson, and Puzakulich. “We invite people to come and visit us at the E.L. Wright building.”
“It’s always hard to bid farewell to the successful business owners that help make up the creative, entrepreneurial ambiance of the building,” Holland concludes “But it opens up opportunities for other creative professionals who are ready to build the business infrastructure they need to begin a long career.”
Current businesses at the Jutila Center include photography, design, health and wellness consulting, pavement engineering, orthotics, educational consulting, sewing alterations, energy risk assessment, digital cataloging, accounting, catering, and a restaurant.
Business entrepreneurs are invited to submit applications to join the Jutila Center small business incubator. Studio, office, and light manufacturing spaces can be viewed by contacting Bonnie Holland at 906-487-7344 or bonnie.holland@finlandia.edu.
