Whiteman's Machine shop fire

"The Shop" as we all called it- a ~30 year family business, went up in flames last night.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. We do know, that a lightning storm came through, moments before the first bit of flames were reported. The Whiteman family is left with a complete loss, and an unknown future; Jeff Whiteman, founder and well known community member, lost everything.

Whiteman's Machine Shop was/is the epitome of the American dream. It was Jeff's retirement plan. And now, it's gone... We need your help. Unfortunately, the shop was not insured, your donation will help fund the cost of demolition, clean up, rebuild - and assist our family with other unknown associated expenses.

The power to the building is shut off while investigation is underway. Our tenants- Rusty Spoke Bike Shop (non-profit) and the Wolf Howl Honey Salon will be out of business until further notice. Additionally, Eleven10 Garage motorcycle shop, tenants to the property, was badly damaged in the fire and will be down until further notice.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this tremulous time.

History:

Whiteman's machine started with a young man, motivated to make a living for his growing family.

Jeff Whiteman, a self established entrepreneur worked for a corporate machining business for years, before he decided to take what he knew - and grow a business of his own. 

He purchased everything in that building, piece by piece- working 24/7 to build relationships, earning the trust of his clients through his steadfast work ethic and heart of gold.

Over the years, the property that once stood tall, had been much more than just a business, it started as one of the first local grocery stores prior to the Whiteman purchase; an iconic piece of history in the roosevelt triangle. "The Shop" was a haven for the Whiteman family and is where Jeff taught his 4 children a myrad of skills that have carried them through life - growing strong entrepreneurs. Additionally, Jeff's heart of gold opened his shop as a place to learn for local under privileged community members. 

He always chose to support the underdog, he housed those who needed shelter in times of need, he simply used what he had, to provide for those who didn't.

Whiteman's Machine Shop, the foundation for the Whiteman family, gone in an instant.

The details of professional businesses, like building insurance, were overlooked by this hardworking underdog - your support will help the Whiteman Family (Jeff, Abby, David, AJ, Cindy & Jeff's grand children Kinder, Wyatt, Ela, Copper & baby Ava on the way) to rebuild what has been lost, to help re-establish a retirement for Jeff.

We appreciate your support, and ask that you direct any offers for help or questions to Jeff’s children.