The Lory Theater is an establishment in Highland that keeps going with special thanks to Justin and Hillary McLaughlin. The Lory Theater has been around for decades, but life was breathed back into it in 2012 and still operating today. Justin greeted students with plenty of enthusiasm and popcorn, while providing a quick tour of the history of this gem in Highland. Justin shared very candidly with students of the highs, lows and challenges that come with owning a movie theater in 2025 in small town America. It was important for students to understand how industries can control some aspects of business, and its up to the entrepreneur to navigate how to make that work for their businesses. With so much control on the movie side of business, Justin and Hillary are making investments in their other property at Mac Family Fun Time! More to come on this later this year! Three key points for every entrepreneur that Justin shared -
1. Always make friends with an Accountant. They are a key part of your team and will be essential to making your numbers work.
2. Have a Mastermind Group - this group journeys with you in the process of your decisions - whether financial, marketing, casting vision for future, etc. These are you people that stand with you and share your celebrations! And sometimes the tough places as a small business owner.
3. The only way to have success --- MUST include ENTHUSIASM! This can be the difference in whether or not you make it.

Thank you so much Justin for sharing your passion for serving the community so well through the Lory Theater!