Born in Lafayette, Ind. and raised in North Judson, Ind., Lewis Matzat now volunteers and works at the Valparaiso Fire Department Station 1 and has been there for seven years.
Matzat began his journey in 2014 as a volunteer.
“I did it because I noticed there was a need in small-town communities where I live, and I wanted to provide for and assist my community,” Matzat said.
With hard work and determination, Matzat was hired a year later as a full-time fireman at the department. During this time, he realized making positive impacts and providing safety was in his blood.
“I’d been working in emergency medical services (EMS) for a few years when I noticed my great-grandfather's name, Authur Wobith, on the wall. I found out he was a pretty big part of the fire service in North Judson, It made me want to help build my community even more,” said Matzat.
When he isn’t averaging 56 hours a week at the firehouse responding to emergency calls, attending meetings, and volunteering, Matzat spends his free time with his family on his farm. His family is comprised of his wife, Joellen, and their two small sons, ages three and one.
In addition to his work helping others, Matzat is also a businessman. This began when he embarked on a hobby that ultimately turned into a successful family business, Lewellen Blooms. Matzat always enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, and his attention grew toward his flower farm while brainstorming on how to encourage and uplift his community during the pandemic.
“My family was originally all farmers until my father slowed down, but now we're getting back into it while involving our two boys. They're very active and love the outdoors,” said Matzat.
Matzat decided that it would only make sense to begin gathering flowers from his garden, making floral arrangements, handing them to their family, friends, and even dropping bouquets on their neighbor's porch. Matzat noticed how this simple gesture brought them a sense of enjoyment, which inspired him to continue to grow more flowers and create a profitable business while doing so.
“During my two full days at home with my family, I spend most of the time in the garden. Lewellen Blooms has been up and running for three years, so we decided that we would try to grow flowers to make money and fulfill that joy in people's lives,” he said.
Matzat balances both careers by including his family.
“At the firehouse, we love to get together, especially here in North Judson. Whether it's date night with our wives, game night, fundraising events, or preparing for our upcoming Christmas party, I love North Judson. I don't plan on going anywhere," he said.
For more information about Lewellen Blooms, check out the business's Facebook or Instagram account.