If You Build It in Linton, Wathen Knew They Will Come!

It certainly didn’t start as a “Field of Dreams,” but rather as a blighted, very overgrown property up for tax sale. But Linton, Indiana native Christopher M. Wathen had a dream of his own: a garage. So, he built it

The “it” became known as “Railside,” which was aptly named because the property is literally situated adjacent to the railroad tracks south of town on 2nd Street Southwest. And Railside was more than just one garage, but rather the plural — garages. “If I needed a garage for projects now-and-then, probably so do others,” Wathen reasoned.

The Railside bays offer radiant floor heat in colder months, several electrical receptacles, a garage door opener, and even a toilet and utility sink, making them perfect for housing racing sports, woodworking equipment, an auto restoration project, or even a small business.  "We've had a couple auto repair businesses, as well as a couple internet businesses, so the applications for garage bays run the gamut" Wathen said.  Wathen went on to say, "In fact, the garages have become more than just storage space, housing those technology start-ups, an auto tinting business, and even a fish farm for a while." “

When the garage door was open late at night, having a huge pool in the two-car bay drew a lot of attention from passersby,” Wathen recalls with a chuckle. "That experiment is over," the Linton native said.

If you’re in need of a garage or not, one thing is for certain and that’s the property looks far better than it did for years previous. "The neighbors agree, "Wathen said.

To follow the happenings around the garages, or for leasing information, Railside can be found on Facebook here.

Linton: Much The Same, Really

Nearly 14 years ago, the Linton Comprehensive Plan was published, and it's interesting to go back and read this again.  For instance, most all of the community issues listed as concerns among survey results remain, as shown below:

Based on 881 returned community surveys, community leader interviews and input from the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the top 15 issues facing Linton are: 

• Lack of employment opportunities, 
• Decayed and blighted properties, 
• Keeping the “best and brightest” young people in the community, 
• Vacant buildings, 
• Communications between all parties involved in economic development in Greene County, 
• Storm water drainage facilities, 
• A shared vision for the future of Linton, 
• Sidewalks for the handicapped, 
• Encouraging new home building, 
• Visual appearance, 
• Affordable housing, 
• Needs of the aging population, 
• Additional recreation facilities, 
• Housing for the elderly, and 
• Lack of capital and business support systems to foster entrepreneurship/small businesses in Linton. 

Looking for an Ideal Linton, Indiana Consultant? Then Try Christopher M. Wathen.

Are you a resident of Linton, Indiana? Do you happen to be a business owner -- or a managerial employee -- that’s worried about their businesses’ financial future?

If so, then you need a consultant that listens to your interests and concerns. You need a small business consultant that’s aware of your financial needs, and what it takes to stay afloat and in good financial condition during these trying financial times.

That representation is what you’ll find in Christopher M. Wathen. Few locally-available consultants share his conscientious track record when it comes to career accomplishments.

His CV is an impressive list of experience on all levels of business, ranging from everyday operations, to managerial experience, to founding a business, and also organizing large events!

The Makings of Christopher M. Wathen.

Mr. Wathen is someone that believes in the value of hard work and good qualifications. And he reflects that belief in his track record and career choices.

His decision to become a consultant for Indiana’s small towns didn’t happen overnight. His decision is backed by over 20 years of experience managing finances for all kinds of organizations.

In essence, consider Mr. Wathen the ideal small business consultant – with true awareness of the small business owner’s true needs.

More on Christopher M. Wathen’s Financial Experience.

Mr. Wathen’s career began with a commercial lending position. Throughout his early years in that position, he would review and approve loans for businesses of up to $3 million.

Next, he would go on to hold a position at Bloomfield State Bank. For about 7 years, he operated in various capacities and leaving this organization as Vice President, Credit Risk Management.

His financial expertise also extends to his own business. Mr. Wathen is a one of the original three founders of Linton Community Development Corporation, dealing with the financial and legal side of operations for the organization, including taxes, insurance and risk mitigation, accounting, and budgeting.

Christopher Wathen: A Business Owner and More.

The Linton Community Development Corporation (LCDC) reflects Mr. Wathen’s mission towards helping his hometown: Linton, Indiana.

The corporation’s goal was to organize events that serve Linton’s public life. LCDC sponsors local entertainment events, live-streaming sporting events, the annual Linton Musical Festival, and other large scale community activities.

But beyond being a business owner, Mr. Wathen is a supporter of business owners.

He currently serves as a Managing Member of Railside Property Partners. It’s a firm that offers affordable spaces to serious hobbyists, and to businesses seeking an office/affordable storage spaces, for example.

Need an Effective Linton, Indiana Small Business Consultant?

Then look no further. Christopher M. Wathen provides what Indiana’s small-town community needs, making him a fit choice for most any small business consulting position.

Why Railside? We'll Tell You!

Reading, Writing, and Not So Much Arithmetic

During my time off from this blog, I wrote a few books, which are now available on Amazon, including:

So You Want to Be A Landlord... A Practical Look at Landlording

Where Do Unmatched Socks Go?: THE ADVENTURE OF JACIE THE WONDERER TO THE LAND OF FAIRYSTOCKINGS

Finding Angela

Or, they can also be found by simply searching for “Christopher M Wathen” on Amazon.

The three books couldn't be more different, as one is obviously more of a practical how-to guide, another is a children's story, and the last one is a racy romance.

If you are so inclined to read any of the three, I would be most appreciative of your support!