Jennifer Ousley is always up for a new challenge; she loves learning new things. It’s not really surprising, Jennifer has spent half of her career teaching and coaching youth. “I have a huge heart for kids,” she shares. “No matter their circumstances, every child should have the opportunity to thrive.”
Entrepreneur Jennifer Ousley inside Dockside Lake Resort
TAKING THE PLUNGE
Today, Jennifer’s interactions with youth look a bit different. She’s their boss, teaching them customer service and work ethic through the three businesses she operates in Monticello, Indiana. “I have a passion for mentoring youth,” shares the mom of two young adults. Though she wants her boys, Jadden (22) and Jamison (18), to find their own passions, both have worked alongside her for many years and are always willing to jump in and help.
Jennifer first became a business owner back in 2005 when she leased Luigi’s Italian Beef, inside Indiana Beach. The northwest Indiana native had been in Monticello for a few years and was looking for a challenge. Five years later she would add the Funnel Cake Factory. Jennifer sold the businesses to return to the classroom, but eventually released the Funnel Cake Factory and added a Shaved Ice stand. While running her own businesses, Jennifer has also worked as the Vendor Manager at Indiana Beach for several years now.
A NEW CHALLENGE
In the spring of 2023, Jennifer decided it was time for a new challenge. She set her sights on purchasing Dockside Lake Resort, an 11-unit property just outside the gates to Indiana Beach. Always pushing herself, Jennifer really wanted to close on the property just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, but now appreciates she took ownership shortly after on June 1, 2023. The purchase process only took three weeks; Jennifer credits Alliance Bank Commercial Banker Andy Rummel for the key role he played in her new business venture.
“My hometown bank was able to turn the loan around quickly. Alliance Bank is part of my team,” says Jennifer. “I’m successful because of it.” Jennifer has been an Alliance Bank client since 2000, when she moved to Monticello. She remains a loyal client because of Alliance’s services, friendly staff, and locations that have always been convenient for her. “I feel protected with Alliance Bank. They are real people, with roots in the community, and they care about me.”
Purchasing Dockside Lake Resort was only the beginning of Jennifer’s newest challenge. With tremendous support from her parents, John and Linda Komacko, they all got to work on improvements to the Resort.
“My dad does most of my maintenance and mom and dad both open up my stands in the park. We work sun up to sun down to ensure our guests enjoy their stay. Our motto is ‘come as guests, leave as friends’,” shares Jennifer. Over the past year, Jennifer and her staff have remodeled all of the rental units and put in a new pool. “My staff is second to none,” boasts Jennifer.
THE REWARD
While running the Resort and two food stands is a lot of work, Jennifer loves connecting with people. She’s fueled by seeing her guests come back, many for generations, to slow down and enjoy quality time with their friends and family. In addition to the pool and upgraded units, guests enjoy fishing on Lake Shafer, grilling near the fire pit gathering area, and playing on the playground with little ones.
Jennifer’s passion for her community and appreciation for her family become evident as she shares her story. Jennifer played a key role in the formation of the Boys & Girls Club of White County. She continued to coach at Twin Lakes long after she left the classroom. Though she jokingly fears there are times she overworks her parents, Jennifer cherishes the quality time she is able to spend working alongside them each day.
