by Kristen Kucharski
FEATURING RESIDENTS WHO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAY
Each year Glancer Magazine features a distinct group of residents who are doing extraordinary things, making a difference in the lives of others by giving them hope, guidance or inspiration. Each is so talented and has persevered through all that COVID-19 has presented this past year. Their stories will touch your heart and awaken your spirit. Here are Glancer Magazine's 15 Fascinating Faces of 2020.
Jeremie Bacon
LEMONT–The Forge: Lemont Quarries represents all the things co-owner, Jeremie loves in life – Exhilarating activities, Educational opportunities, and Entertaining events. It’s an adventure park, a concert and outdoor movie venue, a grab-and-go eatery, and a group outing/training/learning facility. However, navigating a worldwide pandemic while opening a new 300-acre playground was a journey he did not anticipate when they began dreaming up the idea back in 2014; bought land in 2016; broke ground in 2019; and targeted a late-May 2020 opening.
Jeremie thoroughly enjoys the challenge of entrepreneurship. After all, he is also the founder of KonvergAR, an augmented reality design studio, Board Director or Strategic Advisor to a number of for-profit and non-profit companies like 1871, i.c. stars, DMI, Dynamo Software, Tradespoon, and Goodpix among others. He also enjoys working with and investing in young companies that are making strides to change their industries. A few of his favorites include Ocient, Tradespoon, Songfinch, and Brainchase.
He feels beyond fortunate that they were able to open The Forge: Lemont Quarries on July 17, 2020, shortly after their original target date. Although COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of The Forge’s business model, they were able to respond in real-time to the rapidly evolving circumstances impacting their operation; and as people continue looking for COVID-friendly ways to get outside – even in the cold – things like Forgefire Globe Dining, a high-end outdoor dining experience, has been an unexpected offering that has been a big hit and that will remain as part of the lineup for years to come.
Jeremie personifies the words of Dave Grohl, “If there’s one thing I’m good at, it's gathering people together to do something fun.”
Work is very exciting for him because he loves the challenge of thinking outside-the-box. With four active kids and an incredible wife, he enjoys being very busy; but, also appreciates time to sit and read a good book, sing his favorite songs, volunteer in the community, and compete in triathlons and adventure races.
Nothing seems to slow Jeremie down. For him, life is all about finding the possible in impossible!
Photos by Mike Catuara
