After a mandatory fuel stop at Luka Popcorn, a family vendor out of Blue Mound, I came across Big Dog Construction. The company, based in Carlinville, works throughout central Illinois. I was instantly drawn in when I saw owner Chris Hartsook standing atop a model deck, towering over a display of windows and siding.
After 14 years in construction management, Hartsook said he "made the leap" and started his own business, "committed to providing high-quality service" to central Illinois homeowners for their home remodeling, windows and doors. Hartsook especially likes working on window projects and is a local contractor through Window Depot USA. Currently, the biggest push in the world of windows is toward energy-efficiency. Hartsook said that 25-30% of all home heating and cooling costs come from energy lost through inefficiently designed or installed windows. I felt even more assured that I need to replace the rattly, cold, single-pane windows in my own home.
Hartsook also showed me how a colorful front door, a trend many homeowners have started embracing, adds a pop of color to the facade of your home. Beyond a fancy pastel paint, however, Hartsook's doors are also perfectly fitted and designed to seal in the frame and eliminate any drafts.
Later, I strolled past the beautiful garden decor and furniture designs by Garden Iron. Specializing in custom-built metal lawn ornaments, this homegrown company from Springfield showcases all manner of hanging baskets, glass orbs, painted lawn animals and handmade benches - all designed to endure the elements.
I better get my lawn in order before I start decorating it, so I continued on to LevelUp Seed and Garden Supply. Sporting a colorful logo straight out of Super Mario Bros, I naturally gravitated toward the stand and spoke with owners Steve and Ashley Epley about how to fill in patches of my lawn. The couple originally opened a Springfield storefront catering to cannabis growers but also knew that the area needed a knowledgeable resource on general gardening info. Applying tactful botany and horticulture expertise, Steve walked me through all my questions on grass types, how to utilize the shady areas in my garden and natural tips for keeping pests away from my fruits.
I then walked through a checkerboard of grills and smokers, where I learned that the newest technology in electric, pellet-fired appliances ensures perfect temperature management even when overnight smoking tough cuts of meat. Next, I stopped by the Cutco booth. Although the Cutco business model is controversial due to its recruiting schemes, I wanted to give it a chance and was greeted with exceptional friendliness and top-tier knowledge on everything knife-related. I was in the market for a new chef's knife, and learned a lot about different knife sizes/uses. I also got some excellent advice on how to sharpen my cooking knives (and the different way I should be sharpening my pocketknives). I was initially hesitant, but my time spent with the brand rep, Greg, left me with a much better feeling and a new all-purpose knife sure to glide through my next steak (even if I can't afford to cook it in a Bluetooth-enabled Big Green Egg...yet.)
Throughout the expo, I learned a lot about hidden sources of stagnant water and how it fosters mosquitoes from Sonny Adams Pest Control and then how to remedy one of these problems from the technicians at Springfield Gutters. It was a very diverse day – I got a quote on renting a log-splitter from Noonan Rental and also spoke with Paula Melchert at Birdy Bakery who designs hanging bird treats intended to attract particular species of birds. Cardinals like safflower while finches like thistle good to know.
As the morning went on, I stopped by one last booth to admire the work done by Artisan Stone, a Springfield-based landscaping company dedicated to elevating both home and garden with natural elements. I was particularly intrigued by the fire pits and fireplaces. As the smokeless outdoor stove trend grows (with brands such as Solo, Breeo and Prism on display at the expo), Artisan Stone designs custom stone pits to house the otherwise "plain-looking fire cans," as owner Ted Galassi aptly called them. I left with several great concepts on some pits that I could build with stone from its supply, but Artisan Stone will also build custom fireplaces or landscaping for homeowners who might not be so DIY-inclined.
All in all, I left with a tote bag full of pamphlets and a head overflowing with ideas for the warmer months ahead. If I stay focused, I may even get around to tackling half of the projects I have in mind.
After three years working as a professional guide and ornithologist in Alaska and Antarctica, Chris Crown has returned to his hometown, Springfield, to reposition before a new adventure in graduate school. Over the last 10 years, he has worked as a divemaster, DJ, baker, personal trainer, motorcycle mechanic and many other pursuits.
