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If you spend any time in downtown Elburn, you’ve no doubt seen Pound 4 Pound Fitness on the corner of North and Main. This local gym has been a staple in our business community since 2012. And after speaking with the owners recently, we came to understand several reasons for its longevity.

Co-owners Ryan Darby and Danny DeKing forged a friendship years ago when Ryan was a boxing client of Danny’s at another gym. They hit it off and talked often about the appeal of owning a business in the fitness industry. Not long after that, when the opportunity arose to purchase an available site in downtown Elburn, the two leapt at the opportunity, and in January 2012, Pound 4 Pound Fitness opened its doors.

Danny, a high school athlete and college pole vaulter, eventually went on to develop a passion for boxing. He trained throughout his subsequent years of service in the Navy, solidifying his intent to pursue a career in fitness. Ryan, for his part, has a professional background in commercial print and marketing. Like Danny, Ryan is a proud, self-proclaimed “gym rat” who truly enjoys working out and helping others reach their fitness goals.

When asked about the factors that have contributed to P4P’s longevity, the owners cited three: First, a wealth of experience and knowledge. Between the two of them, Ryan and Danny have more than 40 combined years of experience in training and fitness. Secondly, Danny underscored the fact that the business and space if occupies are privately owned, and the result is a uniquely modern and energetic feeling space that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Finally, it was mentioned that Pound 4 Pound is more than just a place to work out. With a chiropractor, a massage therapist and Dr. Ryan Deniz with Partners in Health on staff in addition to its physical trainers, it’s clear that this business excels at meeting the needs of the whole person.

Ryan went on to share the perks of owning a business located in Elburn.  “It’s the best of both worlds: It has that small town feel I love, but it’s been great to see all of the progress that has taken place in this community…and signs of things to come.  Danny agreed:”Downtown, especially during the holidays, is like a Hallmark movie.”

We at the Chamber couldn’t agree more. Located in the heart of downtown Elburn, Pound 4 Pound plays an integral role in many Chamber initiatives. Whether it be sponsoring a hole at our spring Golf Outing or opening their doors to host other businesses at the Christmas Stroll, P4P understands the value of community…and we are grateful for that.

Time flies…most would probably agree with that statement.

Just ask the folks at Creative Beginnings Preschool. For more than two decades they’ve been providing learning opportunities for the youngest members of the Elburn community from their homey little schoolhouse on the far north end of town. Approximately 100 children, from toddlers through Pre-Kindergarten, attend the preschool, which offers exclusively half-day programs. The school has a staff of eight, including owner Kristy Williams, ensuring a low student-to-teacher ratio that allows for individualized attention. Bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed, the school encourages hands-on, tech-free learning. While most students are grouped by age, a multi-age classroom option is also available. Enrichment programs, literacy extensions, and summer camps round out the school’s educational offerings.

Creative Beginnings was established in the mid-1990s and was originally housed in the Elburn Countryside Community Center. In 2019, Kristy, the school’s third and current owner, purchased the business and relocated it to its current home on Valley Drive. Through years of growth and a change in location, this preschool has earned the trust and loyalty of generations of Elburn families. Voted One of the Best of the Fox among all the preschools in Kane County for the past seven consecutive years, Creative Beginnings continues to nurture big strides in learning for children ages 2 to 6.

When asked what makes Creative Beginnings unique, “Ms. Kristy’s” response was immediate. “Our blended approach of learning through play really helps prepare children for kindergarten,” she said. “That’s our goal: for every child to receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the next step.” School readiness is at the heart of everything Creative Beginnings does. While the staff is deeply committed to providing a strong educational foundation, they never lose sight of the importance of fun, curiosity, and play in helping young children learn and grow.

At the Chamber, we appreciate Creative Beginnings for its generous and consistent support of community events, of all kinds. From the Christmas Stroll in December to Elburn Days at the close of summer, Kristy and her team demonstrate the value of collaboration and community involvement. Their investment in Elburn extends far beyond the classroom, making Creative Beginnings a valued partner and an important part of what makes our community so special.

There are many beloved businesses up and down Main Street in Elburn, and the one featured this week has a 23 year history here. Paisano’s Pizza and Grill has been a go-to for locals for decades, and there are several solid reasons why.

Paisano’s opened its doors in 2003, taking over the space that had housed a grocery store. Jesus Dorado was hired at that time by the owners of the new establishment to round out their staff. An enthusiastic cook, he quickly learned the family’s well-loved recipes and the ins and outs of running a restaurant. Not long into his tenure at Paisano’s, he was instrumental in helping to bring his brother Antonio on board. The two then separated for a time when Antonio was tapped to manage the Sugar Grove location while Jesus managed the Elburn one. Then an opportunity presented itself in 2022 when the original owners asked the Dorados if they were interested in purchasing the Elburn location. The brothers leapt at the opportunity, and the restaurant has been theirs since.

That said, Jesus and Antonio maintain close ties with the ownership in Sugar Grove, consistently offering the same impressive menu of homemade Italian pizzas, dishes and desserts that they have for years…and locals love it. “Why would we want to change something that people already like and ask for?” Jesus pointed out. Another commonality between the two locations is their commitment to giving…and giving generously. Grateful for the opportunities they have been afforded, Jesus and Antonio are quick with a yes when asked to support community-wide initiatives. They famously serve up hundreds of slices of free pizza…720 this past year, to be exact…at the annual Elburn Christmas Stroll. In sum, giving is an integral part of their business model.

Another point of pride for the Dorados is their loyal and dedicated staff. This is a true family owned and run business as both the brothers’ wives and sons help out with whatever needs to be done. Jesus spoke of families that each have had multiple children employed by Paisano’s. “The oldest in a family would work for us from age 16-18, go off to college…and the next one would come along ready to work,” he explained with a smile. “That’s happened a few times, and it feels good. Like we’re doing something right.”

And, we daresay that Elburn would agree…Paisano’s is, indeed, doing a thing or two right.

Life is anything but simple. 

There are twists and turns, highs and lows that can bring us to our knees. In fact, sometimes life can be downright hard. And in those times, we often lean on those who we know care about us.

But what if we need more? What to do? To whom do we turn next?

Blackberry Counseling Center in downtown Elburn wants the community to know that they are ready to walk alongside us, no matter what kind of path we may be on, with respect, empathy and compassion. To be a consistent source of support when it is most needed. In sum, they want to help.

Owner Brittany Pagan-Male explained that this has been her mission ever since working at her first practice in Aurora over 10 years ago. Several years later, after starting a family and post COVID, an opportunity arose for her to start a new practice here in Elburn. “I came from a close-knit community,” Brittany explained, “And I knew that I wanted to work in a similar kind of community.” With that in mind, renovations on the property at 21 South Main Street began, and  Blackberry Counseling opened its doors in 2021. At that time the center had four clinicians. In 2024, an acquisition of the space next door allowed her to bring three more on board to provide counseling services for couples and children. “I now feel like we’re hitting all the bases and truly meeting the needs of the Elburn community,” she added with pride.

Brittany also spoke of the valued ties that the practice has formed with other local businesses. From mindfulness classes for kids at the library…to collaborating with Beautiful U to provide pro-bono services for moms…to being the Elburn Police Department’s source for annual officer wellness checks…Blackberry values the relationships that are formed in each of these scenarios. Within the framework of the Chamber of Commerce, they enjoy annual involvement in our Christmas Stroll as well as during Elburn Days. Cleary, Blackberry Counseling Center is thriving…and our small town is better for it.

Whether your fitness goals are to better your health, lose weight, rehabilitate from an injury, or simply wake up feeling stronger and more energized, you’ve got to take the first step and find a gym to kickstart your journey. Anytime Fitness of Elburn wants to be that gym that helps you meet your goals – whatever they may be.

Upon entering Anytime Elburn, people quickly realize that its professionals operate the business with a full-body approach to wellness. Not only can they create fitness routines you’ll enjoy and learn to excel at, but they also have extensive knowledge in nutrition and recovery. Anytime has the tools and support you need to build healthy, sustainable lifestyles.

The owner and operator, Nathan Sowers, began his path to ownership after discovering a passion for health and fitness. He worked as a personal trainer and manager at another Anytime Fitness location before officially opening the Elburn location in 2024. Nathan has lived all over the United States and even spent some time abroad, but for him, Elburn always felt like home. Since a lot of his family is from the Elburn area, deciding to open up a business here was an easy decision.

Nathan noted that one of the things that makes him most proud is the consistent five-star reviews that the gym receives from their members. “Our members appreciate that it is calm, welcoming, safe, and family-friendly. They also emphasize the cleanliness of our space,” he says. “Plus, 24/7 access 365 days a year is a major benefit for our members!”

Though Anytime Fitness Elburn has only been a part of the Elburn community for less than two years, they are already starting to leave their mark. Anytime Fitness sponsors many Chamber events and truly values building relationships with their clients. Not only will they create personalized fitness plans for you and your family, but they also aim to provide one-on-one support to ensure you are growing at a healthy pace. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or looking to take your training to the next level, Anytime Fitness Elburn is committed to helping every member achieve lasting results in a supportive and welcoming environment.

When it comes to our families, there’s little we wouldn’t do to ensure their health and well-being. And, for most of us, that kind of concern extends to our pets as well. Don’t we all want to be sure that our furry friends are being cared for in the best of possible ways?

One way those of us with pets do this is by selecting a veterinarian in whom we can put our trust…one that treats our beloved family members as their own…one who you can count on for all of your pet’s life…and for all the pets that we may have in a lifetime.

Just how does one find a vet like that?

For those in and around Elburn, there’s great potential for finding that vet at Ashton Animal Clinic. There are two locations: One in Kaneville and one in Ashton, IL. Both are owned by Dr. Lynda Gould, and we were able to spend a few minutes chatting with her recently about the Kaneville location in particular. When she speaks of the clinic, she is quick to mention the “…talented, compassionate, devoted vets and staff who are here and ready to help.” One of Dr. Gould’s objectives as a practicing owner is to forge relationships with her clients that will last for years, and quality animal care is a means to that end.

Dr. Gould’s professional career began when she graduated with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2009. She accepted a position at Ashton Veterinary Clinic working on all domestic species. In 2012, just three years after Dr. Gould earned her veterinary degree, the practicing owner retired, and she bought the practice from him. He continued to be a valuable sounding board for her during her early years of taking the reins.

In 2019, Kaneville Veterinary Clinic became available for purchase, and Dr. Gould saw another opportunity for growth near her hometown. She acquired the practice, and, in so doing, opened up opportunities for expanded services. The business grew from what was originally a one doctor practice, into one with two locations and four veterinarians and a greatly expanded professional staff.

A native of Kaneville and graduate of Kaneland High School, Dr. Gould lives in the area with her young family and assortment of pets and livestock. They are active within Kaneland School District and as well as Kaneland area sports and cheer. You’ll also find the family at 4-H events, church events, and supporting the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District, where Dr. Gould’s husband Austin Shingledecker is a firefighter. Clearly, they love this small town…and all the living creatures that call it home.

Spring is making its return to Elburn—bringing warmer temperatures, neighbors back out for walks along Main Street, and the first signs of new growth and color across the community. One of the surest signs of the season is the return of flowers in bloom—and few places capture that feeling quite like Countryside Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center.Located on the south side of Route 38, Countryside has become a destination for gardeners and plant lovers alike. During a recent visit, we had the opportunity to connect with members of the team and learn more about the care, creativity, and expertise behind the business.

Longtime residents may remember the location as Shady Hill Gardens, a beloved spot known for its Geraniums. Today, the property continues that legacy—while growing into something even more expansive. Countryside is owned by Melissa and JP Pieterse, who have built the business into a full-service garden center, nursery, and flower shop serving both Crystal Lake and Elburn. With a focus on homegrown plants, exceptional service, and community connection, Countryside has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. Over the past several years, the business has expanded its offerings significantly. In addition to a wide selection of annuals, customers can now find perennials, trees, shrubs, houseplants, and seasonal décor throughout the year. What was once a seasonal operation has grown into a year-round destination, offering everything from spring planting inspiration to holiday greenery and gifts.

Countryside is also known for its interactive and community-focused programs. Their Customer Container Program is a seasonal favorite, where customers bring in their own planters and receive hands-on help creating custom arrangements. The planted containers are then cared for in Countryside’s greenhouse until the weather is right to bring them home.
Workshops, weekend demonstrations, and seasonal events—like their annual Christmas Open House—continue to bring the community together and inspire gardeners of all levels.

At the heart of Countryside is a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for every customer. From the knowledgeable staff to the quality of their homegrown plants, every detail reflects a passion for helping people grow…as spring unfolds, Countryside invites the Elburn community to stop in, explore, and be inspired by everything the season has to offer.

Question for the community: What do coins and shooting sports have in common?

Answer: More than you might think. Truly!

This we know first-hand after taking some time to talk with Addam Gonzales, owner of Kane County Coins and Shooting Sports in downtown Elburn. Addam and his wife Samantha have co-owned the business since 2016. “At the time that we bought it, the name was Tri County Coins, and that’s all they bought and sold,” Addam explained. They immediately changed the name to Kane County Coins as a proprietary measure.

Things changed after the Gonzalezes took the reins. Not long after doing so, it became clear to Addam and Samantha that they would need to diversify their offerings beyond coins if they wanted the business to flourish the way they hoped it could. Addam had always had a keen interest in shooting sports, and he saw an opportunity. Expansion ensued, and in 2017, Kane County Coins and Shooting Sports was born. “You’d be surprised how many people come here who are interested in both,” said Addam. He went on to explain that he also enjoys buying and selling gold and silver as well as other valuables and collectables at the shop. The additional space has allowed them to offer it all…right down to the meeting room they built for private business consultations.

When asked what his favorite thing about Elburn is, Addam’s reply was immediate and to the point: “The sense of community here.” He smiled while describing interactions with customers who have become friends, and he mentioned the annual Christmas Stroll as his one of his favorite parts of being a Chamber member. During the Stroll, he truly enjoys welcoming Elburn residents into his shop and offering coin giveaways for younger visitors, much like the Gonzales’ enjoy welcoming new customers during business hours throughout the year. Stop by and see them sometime…you might be surprised at the treasures you’ll find.

And to revisit the initial question: What *do* coins and shooting sports have in common?

The answer is still not entirely clear…but one can be certain that they’ll find both at Kane County Coins and Shooting Sports.

“True to You Photography.”

That phrase appears on Laura Gampfer’s professional website, and it’s a phrase by which she lives and works. Peruse the site a bit more and you’ll find that it’s evident in the photography featured there. Displayed are images with high school and college seniors, families, pets, farm animals, and nature…all in various, carefully selected locations across northern Illinois. And while the location and subject matter are constantly changing, her work is consistently creative, artistic, and unique.

Elburn serves as the hub of Laura’s business, as Laura and her husband are 23 year residents of our village. After careers in the veterinary and environmental fields, Laura wanted to nurture the creative side that she’s always had…and Laura Gampfer Photography was born. She has clients that have been with her from the days of starting the business 13 years ago, a testament to her personalized approach and customer service. To genuinely capture real moments and connections, she truly wants her subjects – whether human or animal – to feel comfortable and relaxed.  

Within the Elburn community, Laura enjoys her Chamber membership, and our organization has benefitted from her time and talents, whether it be attending committee meetings or photographing one of our annual events. “I feel comfortable at Chamber events,” Laura reflected. “People in this group know me personally, and they’re all honest, supportive and helpful.”

We at the Chamber could say the same about Laura, as like often attracts like. Head to https://www.lauragampfterphotography.com, check out her work, and consider her for your photography needs…you’ll be glad you did.

Please meet the Siwy Homes Team, casually known as Steve, Annette, and Hannah. These three man the family-owned Siwy Real Estate office located on Main Street in downtown Elburn, where they enjoy helping their clients make their dreams of home ownership a reality. Since the birth of the business almost 12 years ago…and well before that even…the team has been an integral part of the Elburn business community.

Annette, a native of Elburn, actually spent a portion of her work career in law enforcement. After pivoting to real estate, she started the business on her own. Steve, on the other hand, was and still is a firefighter/paramedic, starting with the Elburn & Countryside Fire Protection District and currently with the St Charles Fire Department. Steve joined Annette in the business in 2019; a unique opportunity to be both partners in marriage and in business! A year later, they brought Hannah on board to round out the management team. Beyond that, there are three additional agents who work under the Siwy Real Estate umbrella. Their business territory spans across the northern part of the state, but central command is most definitely in Elburn. The team works well together, and they clearly have fun doing what they do. “We’re like three pieces to a puzzle,” Steve stated. “Each one of us brings a different skill set to the table and we complement one another.”

When asked what really drives their business, the response was quick. “I love guiding people through the home buying process,” explained Annette. “We take what can often be a stressful event and work to make it an enjoyable process for our clients.” As both Annette and Steve have prior house flipping experience, they know what it takes to make a house truly shine and appeal to buyers.

Steve and Hannah were quick to add that serving other people is really what drives them, and that commitment to service is evident in everything that they do. The Siwys are very active within the Chamber of Commerce, where they serve on the Christmas Stroll and Golf outing planning committees. They are more than generous with their time and resources in relation to the Lions Club, Elburn Youth Baseball and Kaneland Youth Softball Little League, and the Kaneland Sports Boosters as well. Their commitment to this community is genuine and largely due to Annette’s Marquardt family history here. The family still owns a farm in the area, and there’s even a photograph of Annette’s grandparents in front of the farm near the office entrance. You’ll also find a small business card display at the entrance that highlights fellow Elburn businesses that may also prove helpful to their clients. Need an electrician? They can point you to a great one. A bank? Try the one two doors down; they’re friends. This is how Siwy Real Estate does it…and they do it well.