enFocus specializes in uniting community partners and developing solutions that will serve our region for years to come. When you partner with enFocus to solve a problem, our dedicated team is ready to help you convert challenges to solutions. Whether you are a manufacturer, nonprofit, school corporation, governmental agency, or entrepreneur, enFocus will build a unique team with the skills and capabilities to address your specific challenges, uncover opportunities, launch your product, service or program, and take your organization to the next level. Our work across Civic, Industry, and RDE (Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship) demonstrates that each solution we create is as unique as its sponsor organization, and we look forward to developing Sponsor relationships that put our creative problem solving skills to the test!
Our Fellows dedicate their work to transform organizational challenges into solutions. The discover, design, and implement process provides a framework to identify obstacles and opportunities, while navigating a path towards progress. Some examples of services offered by portfolio include:
| Civic Innovation | Industry Innovation | Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|---|
| Data Collection and Analysis | Market Strategy and Development | New Product De-Risking (SBIR/STTR) |
| Strategic and Business Planning | Manufacturing Process Improvement | Applied Research and Grant Development |
| Program Development | Supply Chain Optimization | Startup Co-Founder Program |
| Technology Implementation | Product and Service development | Social Impact Initiative Support |
Fellows generally complete RDE work while also working on projects in either the Civic or Industry portfolios. Fellow Trish Connelly’s work bridges the Civic and RDE portfolios. The Civic Portfolio works alongside other nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and local municipalities and spans over 70+ projects a year. In addition to these efforts, the RDE portfolio specializes in the development of local businesses, startups, novel social initiatives, and product development. Trish’s background in public health and interest in entrepreneurship has prepared her to work with Walker Resources, a local business specializing in caring for senior citizens.
Trish, who recently completed her first year of the enFocus Fellowship, worked with Walker Resources to prepare them for a transition of ownership. Leveraging the discover, design, and implement process, Trish discovered challenges storing client information, designed a plan to digitize Walker Resources’ paper system and expand their marketing strategy, and implemented a customer relationship management system to expand services for Michiana and neighboring communities.
Sherry Grimm, the now former Vice President of Walker Resources elaborates on her personal experience working with an enFocus Fellow. She says, “Working with enFocus has been a benefit to Walker Resources, LLC. Our organization has gained knowledge about business planning, our target audience, and regional networking opportunities. The expertise from enFocus team members has been invaluable."
On the Industry side, Senior Fellow Akash Praharaj optimized a pontoon production line which increased throughput for Smoker Craft. He says, “Completing the Material Optimization Project with Smoker Craft was a valuable experience that deepened my grasp of Lean methodology and effective cross-departmental communication. The improvements made not only enhanced Smoker Craft's processes but also contributed to my growth as a more skilled engineer.” Getting hands-on experience with a local manufacturer like Smoker Craft provides Akash the opportunity to apply his learned knowledge and simultaneously provide a service that benefits a local business.
Josh Drudge, Vice President of Operations of Smoker Craft, Inc. describes enFocus’ services provided, “The enFocus team’s work on our material optimization project not only saved us valuable resources, but also improved the overall efficiency of our production process.”
In partnership with sponsor organizations, Fellows help deliver solutions that thoroughly address the challenges faced by sponsor organizations while also contributing to the economic development of the entire South Bend-Elkhart region. Whatever the challenge, enFocus is ready to match a Fellow equipped with the skills to tackle it.
Make an inquiry on our services page to learn more about our creative solutions.