The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Stephanie Byler as the recipient of the 2024 Community Betterment Award. She has been selected to receive this award in recognition of her significant investment in our community through the substantial renovations completed to her property at 465 West Maple Street in Hartville, the current location of French Rooster and Reignn Outfitters.
When Stephanie Byler launched her design and construction business in 2016, she had a five-year plan handwritten on a notepad. It consisted of opening and advertising her Stylehouse retail decor store, and building a client base, along with a few other key items:
-Add additional workforce to handle her client base
-Add an online store for merchandise
-Add more carpenters
-Storefront in Hartville
-Create a brand that will be for my children and generations to come
Per the plan, Stylehouse opened at the HMP as Stephanie assisted in the design of the new South Side MarketPlace, and then FR opened, offering apparel and home decor. A year later she started a faith-based printing and apparel company, Reign Outfitters, for her children, which opened on the South Side across from the FR store.
After Peace Love and Little Donuts moved from HMP, Stephanie expanded the FR into the space and pursued her goal of finding a local property to purchase for all the businesses.
Although Stephanie’s plan outlined above was a five-year plan, she believes that God’s plan was different, and in her words, “This is a true testament to God’s faithfulness… All in God’s timing, not ours. Ecclesiastes 3:11.”
After several offers for the Dorean Leaf building were declined, Stephanie was a bit discouraged and told her staff, “I am going to just put my head down and work and wait on Jesus, and I am so glad that I did! Not only did he give me the retail property at 465 West Maple Street, the main street of Hartville, but he also gave us the Circa House which will eventually be the FR CIRCA AIRBNB, and the Barn—with a total of almost two acres to continue to grow on.”
Stephanie discovered the vacant property when someone from the Lake Chamber of Commerce called her regarding an event. They happened to mention the vacant property and that it might be a good fit for Stephanie. She immediately researched the property on the MLS (She is also a realtor for KIKO COMPANY). She and her husband viewed the property that same day, and submitted an offer the next! The offer was accepted and the rest is history.
They closed on the property in January 2024 and immediately started construction. She and her construction team spent the next 10 months renovating the main building into the new home of French Rooster and Reignn Outfitters, which opened for business on October 18, 2024. She has another five-year plan, which includes more expansion, so keep an eye on this property!
She is grateful to the Chamber for calling her that day. Without that phone call, she might have missed out. The listing on the property was not even finished when Stephanie called to inquire. She gives glory to God, “That is how my God works!”
Well, done, Stephanie and team Byler! We applaud your vision and hard work in bringing your vision to life!