A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Jane Gayheart

Jane-GayheartSitting down to coffee with this week’s LITS, I instantly understood how Jane Gayheart came to be a recipient of one of this year’s twelve R.O.S.E. awards. R.O.S.E. Awards are given to employees in the Indiana South Shore region who go above and beyond to provide guests and customers with excellent service. Only twelve are awarded each year. With her bubbly and welcoming personality, it is no wonder Jane was a recipient this year for her amazing work behind the tasting bar at Shady Creek Winery.

As she grew up in Chesterton, Jane has her roots in La Porte County. She has since moved to Michigan City and still calls the area home. For twenty years, Jane sold carpeting and flooring. When the last store she worked for went out of business Jane decided to get out of the carpeting and flooring industry and take some time for herself. However, after being out of work for only two weeks she happened to run into Tim Anderson, the owner of Shady Creek Winery. Jane helped pour wine at the winery that night and has worked her “dream job” at Shady Creek ever since.

“It was perfect timing,” Jane said, “It felt so natural. I already knew everyone in town – had been in half of their homes installing carpet as it was. I just love to talk and have fun and Shady Creek has such an inviting atmosphere.” Jane started at Shady Creek Winery in March of 2011 and still loves her work and the people she has the pleasure of working with and serving just as much as the day she started.

“Being there in general makes my day. The owners and my coworkers are like my family,” she smiled.

Jane explained how Shady Creek is just a fun place to be.

“The customers have fun. We’re having fun. Even doing the dishes is fun there.” Of course, working in a winery does have its perks. “Quality controlling is a great perk,” Jane laughed.

A typical day at the winery, according to Jane, “is like going to a party – a family party. The owners welcome people to their home for a good time. I’m so blessed to have that in a workplace.”

It’s plain to see that Jane adores her job with the winery and that her warm and cheerful personality makes her a perfect fit for it.

“I hope to always be behind the tasting bar working with people,” she said. Working with people is her passion, that much is clear.

It’s that passion for people that has led Jane to receive her R.O.S.E. award, an award she was very honored to receive.

“In February the Shady Creek Staff as a whole won the R.O.S.E. award and everyone there is so deserving. To win one personally after that felt pretty great and I’m honored to work at Shady Creek with such an awesome staff,” Jane said in response to being asked her feelings about being a recipient of the award.

Being raised by a father who “never let anything bring him down” certainly had a positive impact on Jane and is a large part of what she attributes her happiness and success to in life.

“You make your day what it is,” she explained. “Being raised with that attitude, I never have a bad day,” she added.

Jane also finds inspiration in the rest of her family, especially the younger generation of her nieces and nephews.

“Seeing them strive makes me want to do better, too,” she said.

Jane’s husband inspires her as well, and the two of them fill their free time camping “not glamping,” she chuckled.

“He’s my soul mate,” Jane smiled while speaking of him.

Together they take bike rides, explore the beaches, and have even gone eagle hunting to find a family of nesting eagles in Gary.

“Our area is so unique in its beaches and what it has to offer. It’s really just beautiful and we’re lucky to have it,” she said.

Of course, Jane also enjoys unwinding with good wine during her free time.

With such a wonderful support system and her vivacity and zest for life, it’s easy to see how Jane has come to work her dream job and positively connect with so many people through her work. This week’s LITS is truly a gem and a wonderful member of the community making a hugely positive impact just by being herself.