Outlook Magazine - Fall 2019

interior design graduate Jennifer Rentmeester. She has been in the studio for two years but has 22 years of experience in the floral industry. She rents studio space for classes, workshops or special events such as bridal or baby showers and offers pop-up retail sales. “I think Stout is an integral part of downtown Menomonie,” said Rentmeester, who employs UW- Stout students, citing their influence on retail sales and eventually as business owners. A native of Menomonie, Rentmeester believes her education influences her business on a daily basis. “I feel a lot of my courses and what I learned through Stout apply to what I offer people through my work,” she noted, adding she talks with clients to learn their vision and then uses design fundamentals like color and texture to create her art-based floral creations for events. Using sustainably-grown products is another focus for her event work. Rentmeester also is a wedding and special events manager at the historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts downtown. Abbey Schmaling has used much of what she learned as a 2012 industrial design graduate to help remodel the building on Main Street that houses her business, Abbey Pub. “Industrial design is a very broad design,” she said. “The concept is having a particular problem and coming up with a solution or working to make something better. I like to never be bored. I love creating and building things.” The Abbey, which is decorated with old church pews and stained glass, attracts students and other local residents, who like the pulled pork sandwiches with a Cajun horseradish or honey mustard sauce and the pork nachos. POPULAR PUB

Schmaling came to Menomonie from southern Wisconsin to attend UW-Stout and chose to stay. “Menomonie’s got some small- town charm but is also progressive because of the college,” Schmaling said. “They balance each other.” Other businesses in downtown owned by alumni include: • Stitched Up and 7th Bone Tailoring Agency, Erin Hogan-Braker • Mood Boutique, Veronica Smith • Iris Boutique, Leah Ritchie • Brewery Nonic, Ryan Verdon • The Market, Jason and Jeremy Davis • The Arena- Jason and Jeremy Davis • The Gin Mill (opening soon) - Jason and Jeremy Davis • Tabby’s Catfe, Amanda and Karlyn Davis • Waterfront Bar and Grill, Jason Davis • Happy Apple Therapy Center, Rachel Funk Johnson • Silver Dollar Saloon, co-owned by Peter Gruetzmacher • Thread Lab, Lori Krause MORE

MICAH MARAIA

JENNIFER RENTMEESTER

“STOUT HELPS KEEP MENOMONIE CURRENT. WE CAN’T BE STAGNANT.”

ABBEY SCHMALING

Do you own a business? Email alumni@uwstout.edu to get your alumni owned and operated window cling

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