Our Meet a Member series returns! This month, for International Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Peace of Mind Professional Organizing, LLC, owned by M. Colleen Klimczak, CPO.

Many of us are challenged by juggling our time and responsibilities to our community, our family, and our businesses. The good news is you’re not alone and we have a professional organizer in our community to help pull us out of the swamp and live more productive and fulfilled life. And the best part is, Colleen Klimczak is a beaming example of how you can manage it all.

Colleen was born in Ohio and grew up in Kalamazoo, where she met her husband, a southside native, in college at the University of Dayton. They have three adult sons who attended D124 schools and Brother Rice High School.

As a Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Peace of Mind Professional Organizing, LLC, Colleen has helped thousands get a handle on their space, stuff, paper, and time, finding Peace of Mind in their personal and professional lives. She offers in-home, in-office, virtual organizing consultations, organizational coaching, and presentations.

Colleen added professional speaking to her business model early on and has taught organizing and productivity at Moraine Valley Community College, South Suburban College, and Kankakee Community College. Recently, she even presented at our own Evergreen Park Public Library regarding productivity with our smartphones. Last Fall, she gave a presentation to Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce members on Stress Management!

To catch a glimpse of the resources that Colleen provides her clients, check out her weekly organizing blog and newsletter to bolster organizing skills and motivation or her weekly podcast, “Your Organized Life with Colleen Klimczak,” produced by fellow chamber member Broadcast Basement, Inc. 

“In my 20 years in business, I have had the privilege of working with Evergreen Park residents and businesses with residential and small business organizing services,” said Colleen Klimczak. “Evergreen Park has been a great place to live, raise a family, and have a business! Through my involvement in our community and through the Chamber, I’ve sponsored and been a part of school and community events to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much.”

Colleen currently serves our community as a member of the Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 School Board and is involved in ministry at Most Holy Redeemer Parish and Queen of Martyr and St. Bernadette Parish as a catechist and professional musician. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, reading and making music.

Our May Meet a Member is Porter Cullens Irish Pub & Restaurant, at 3541 W. 99th St.. A charming pub with delicious food, Porter Cullens opened in 2014 when two Evergreen Park families saw the need for a local place to gather, socialize, and create their own memories. 

Co-owner Anne Doorhy said that Porter Cullens is like the bar from “Cheers,” because “all are welcome and each time you come in, you will probably meet up with a neighbor or old friend you haven’t seen in a while.”

She and her husband Jerry opened Porter Cullens with neighbors Mike and Jill McGrath, and they succeeded in building a business that compliments the family feeling of Evergreen Park.

Porter Cullens is a comfortable space known for offering traditional Irish food, including corned beef, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. They have an expansive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, a seasonal food menu, and they are  also popular for catering.

Monique Jones, left, the owner of SmallCakes Cupcakery and Creamery, enjoys a visit with Chamber President Sara Klein.

As a global pandemic was raging and crippling many businesses, Monique Jones (left) took a big risk. She opened the doors at Smallcakes Cupakery and Creamery at 9605 S. Pulaski Ave. in October of 2020, and hasn’t looked back.

“I’m loving every minute of it, especially running a company from start to finish,” she said. It was her first experience managing all aspects of an organization, and her first business investment, too.

“Made fresh daily” is Jones’ slogan. Every day at 6:00 am, her team of bakers gets to work, handcrafting and frosting 18 delectable flavors of cupcakes. They also offer a rotating selection of specialty flavors that changes daily, so there is no chance of ever getting tired of their offerings. Their menu includes gluten-free and vegan cupcakes, as well as larger cakes. And don’t forget the ice cream: SmallCakes offers more than 10 signature flavors that you can get in a cone, scoop, shake, or a hybrid cupcake shake.

Jones credits picking the right location as a huge part of her success. “Evergreen Park was the right location; it’s in a family-oriented community where families love to support their local businesses,” she said.

SmallCakes is open six days a week, on Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm, and Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. View their online menu for details on their offerings.

AAA of Evergreen Park

We’re delighted to introduce Sara Klein of AAA as the new President of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce! Sara is a Retail Sales Leader for AAA, where she has worked for more than 10 years. She manages four branches, including the Evergreen Park AAA Car Care branch at 91^st and Western. Sara has lived in the Evergreen Park Community for almost 10 years, and her kids attend the amazing D124 schools.

 Sara loves being a part of the local community and has been a longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce. In 2021, Sara served on the Chamber Board as a Director and supported local businesses by leading seminars on growing your social media presence, building your network, and supporting fellow business owners.

As president, Sara will continue finding ways to help our local businesses thrive. Shop local promotions will remain a priority, as well as using social media and other marketing platforms to highlight our members throughout the year. She also wants to focus on business-to-business partnerships in which members promote one another, refer those we serve to each other, grow together, volunteer in the community together, and stay EP Proud.

Would YOU like to be featured in our Meet a Member segment? Please send an email to Kelly Moroney, and she’ll be in touch to gather your information.