In February, atFishers.com will launch its first publication. The publisher of this community magazine represents a woman of interesting pizazz as she brainstorms new ideas for her business venture. Meet Laurie Quinn, stay-at-home mom and mastermind behind this exciting new publication.
Although Laurie is a self-motivated woman, she finds strength and reliance in her husband, Matt Quinn. She admits that together they have a support system in the way they raise their two children and live their lives together in Fishers.
How Did They Meet?
Laurie used to be a bartender in Cincinnati when one day Matt came in for a drink with his friends. When he first met her he tried to hit on her, but she wasn’t interested because she wasn’t sure about dating the clientele. A week later, when Matt came into see her, he asked her out once again. This time she couldn’t resist his charm. Hence, they’ve been together ever since.
After getting married, Laurie became a licensed nursing home administrator. She served as an activities director for a nursing home even before bartending. Essentially, she has always had a nurturing desire to help others.
“I felt I was helping someone’s grandma, like I was paying it forward,” she says. Every Monday, she would take her dog, Mika, to visit the residents of the nursing home. Everybody loved Mika. Laurie still recalls, “The residents suffering from dementia would always ask me, ‘Where’s your brown dog?’ They never seemed to remember me or my name but they never could forget Mika.” Laurie and Matt found Mika, a mutt, at a home that couldn’t take care of her.
Making Fishers Their New Home
Matt used to manage sports complexes in Cincinnati. With the help of a former boss and close friend, he was introduced to the owners of a sports facility here in Indy, formerly called Sports of All Sorts. He became the general manager, and together he and Laurie began a new life in Fishers. In his new position, Matt helped to transform this ordinary sports place to include family entertainment and so much more, in what is now known as Incrediplex, the largest indoor sports facility in Indiana with games, sports, fitness, food, and fun for families, athletes, teams, and businesses (www.incredi-plex.com). Matt enjoys giving back to the community when he can. Recently, he started volunteering with the Geist Half Marathon (www.geisthalf.com).
Laurie and Matt share a special family. Together, they have a 6-year-old daughter, Kennedy, who attends Fall Creek Elementary and a 2-year-old son, Kai, who attends preschool at New Hope Presbyterian. Yes, Laurie and Matt still have their dog, Mika, who is now 10 years old.
“Mika is very much a part of our family,” says Laurie. “She sleeps with the kids and watches over them when they are sick.” Laurie remembers how Mika knew she was pregnant before anyone else! “When Matt and I would watch TV, Mika would intentionally scoot in between us and snarl at Matt and put her feet on my lap. After about six weeks of this behavior, we learned that I was pregnant. Somehow she knew. She behaved this way when I was pregnant with both kids.”
Mini-Incrediplex within the Neighborhood
Laurie and Matt seemed to be drawn to a sense of community. Their backyard is a gathering spot for many neighbors including kids and adults. In the back of their home, there is a poured patio with a fire pit that is called the “Adult Circle.” The adults mingle and enjoy adult beverages. Then, there is a section of concrete which is designated for the kids. This is called the “Bike Circle,” where kids can ride their bikes and not go near the street. Laurie laughs as she admits, “We have neighbors who will drop off their favorite beer on our front doorstep so that we will keep it chilled for them for the next time they come over.”
Time for Mom to Spread Her Wings and Fly
Laurie was a stay-at-home mom for seven years. She also was on bed rest during both pregnancies. She is ready to begin cultivating connections within the community.
“I want to help grow businesses. I also would like to help promote charities and other organizations. I hope to bring a mom’s perspective to the magazine.” So far, Laurie has enjoyed the convenience of being with her kids while she talks business with clients. She says, “So far, it’s been great. I can be curled up snuggling with Kai during quiet time and still be using my phone to communicate at the same time.”
