Clayton Lyczynski II makes connections in the Three Rivers community, seeking to make his hometown a better place for residents and businesses. His connection with Glen Oaks Community College helped start him on that path.
When graduating from Three Rivers High School in 1998, Lyczynski considered two options in his pursuit of further education in drafting and design: ITT Tech and Glen Oaks.
ITT Tech cost $40,000 and Glen Oaks offered two half-tuition scholarships for academics and merit. He also had earned, from a third party, a $500 per semester scholarship for three semesters to cover any additional expenses, for pursuing the field of Computer Aided Drafting & Design.
Making the logical choice to stay local, he earned his degree in applied science and technology with a certificate in computer aided drafting and design—all while working at the engineering department at the Johnson Corporation in Three Rivers.
“Glen Oaks made the transition from high school to higher education very smooth,” he said.
While doing CAD drawings, he came to realize that he liked the architectural side of the work—a shift that steered him into real estate.
The change was short-lived, however, as he had three strikes against him: no capital, no clients, and the looks of a 14-year-old.
“Most people aren’t comfortable making the largest purchase of their life with a little kid,” he said.
Though his degree did not directly connect to his subsequent career path in insurance, it demonstrated to his employer a willingness to continue to grow and learn. He took a job at Preferred Insurance in 2003, stayed there nine years, then returned three-and-a-half years ago after a six-and-a-half year hiatus which included work in business development.
“The thing I like most about insurance is the community piece,” he said. “I’ve lived in St. Joseph County more than 40 years—I went to elementary, middle school, high school and college here. Being in insurance with a flexible schedule allows me to invest in my community, build relationships with my community, and help people to save money.”
Always looking for new fun and creative ways to participate in the community, he has done everything from launching a podcast to heading a Guys Who Give chapter to serving as a city commissioner.
As a commissioner, he began a Facebook page where he shared city information and community activities; after he stepped away from the post, he rebranded his page as “Clayton Lyczynski II—Community Connector” and continues to share news and events of local interest.
His role as a Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, however, has afforded the most opportunity to be involved in the community. He participates on its “Surprise Patrol”; attends and serves at political updates, specialty training and community-oriented training sessions; and organizes and volunteers at events hosted by the Chamber while promoting local businesses.
The Chamber has recognized his efforts with the Ambassador of the Year Award and the Chamber Participation Award. He has also received the David M. Armstrong Memorial Award, for demonstrating the values espoused by the late CEO of a prominent Three Rivers-based manufacturing company.
One of Lyczynski’s newest ventures is Airfield EATS, a family-friendly community event at the Three Rivers Airport. Food and booth vendors, music, and a free kids’ zone (with inflatable) are all on the menu for the festivities, held on the last Saturdays of April, May, June and July.
Lyczynski and his wife Kathie, a hairstylist who owns Beauty by Kathie, are the proud parents of two daughters. Sophia graduated from Three Rivers High School this year and is looking at enrolling at Glen Oaks as early as this fall with an eye toward a career helping young people. Gwen, a rising senior at TRHS, played the lead role in the school’s recent production of “Emma: A Pop Musical” and serves as section leader for the bass in the band.