I first met John Wechsler during 2012, early in local Fishers news blogging journey.  He partnered with the then Town Manager Scott Fadness to start a co-working space called Launch Fishers.  It received funding from the Fishers Town Council to start operations in the lower level of the local library (now the Ignite space).

Launch eventually outgrew the library and moved to a building that had been vacated by a private firm on Technology Drive.

Launch Fishers began as a way to provide support to a start-up business not quite ready to lease an office but growing to the point the kitchen table is no long sufficient.  You buy a membership that provides space, a very fast internet connection and, most importantly, a chance to interact with others starting up their own business operations.

Many co-working spaces come and go, but Launch Fishers has just celebrated its 10th anniversary.  Many experts credit the leadership provided by John Wechsler as the reason Launch Fishers succeeds where many others have failed.

John has been involved in more operations than Launch.  He was instrumental in convincing the State of Indiana to locate its Internet of Things (IOT) Lab near Launch Fishers.  The Test Kitchen at the Fishers District was an idea Mr. Wechsler was able to bring to fruition.

I recorded a podcast with Wechsler and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness about three months ago when John announced his intention to move on from running Launch.  You can listen to that podcast at this link.

When Launch Fishers celebrated its 10th anniversary, Mayor Fadness was there to award John Wechsler the Key To The City.

John Wechsler is moving on to a new challenge in the private sector, but has left a leadership team in place to keep Launch Fishers the vibrant place he helped create.  John will continue to serve on the board of director of Launch Fishers, a nonprofit organization.

Congratulations to John Wechsler as he moves on the new adventures, something he always encouraged others to pursue.