For the past 13 years, David DeJong has worked in finance and accounting, focusing on financial analysis and model building. While he was successful in his field, DeJong found that it was not enough.

"I found myself feeling somewhat unfulfilled by my business life and wanted to find a way to feel like I was making a difference," DeJong said. "I wanted to do something beside baby-sit millionaires' money."

DeJong had always enjoyed teaching, from PC applications to math tutoring, and began exploring ways to get into that field. However, in programs that provided credit for undergraduate degrees, DeJong discovered he would likely be limited to teaching accounting, not math, where his interest lie.

He began researching Mathnasium, a company he heard about through a radio ad. DeJong and his wife then traveled to Los Angeles to meet with the founders of the company and the author of the curriculum and teaching methods.

"We were so impressed by the commitment of the company to developing and delivering math education solutions that addressed the problems plaguing math education across the country that we decided we wanted to bring this program home to Northwest Indiana," DeJong said. "I also felt it would be a good fit for me."

Mathnasium has been franchising for five years and has about 150 locations in the U.S. and in 14 other countries. The author of the curriculum and teaching method is Larry Martinek, an educator with over 30 years of experience who has also served as an educational consultant and trainer at public, private and parochial schools.

Aimed at students from second grade through SAT level, the Mathnasium Method is designed to address the individual needs of children of all ages and skill levels, and includes enrichment as well as remedial curriculum.

"It's a back to basics, old school math program," DeJong said. "We don't use computers and there is very little use of calculators, it's mostly pen and paper. We're a friendly, encouraging environments."

DeJong sent up shop in Schererville, near his home and convenient to parents in the Dyer, Schererville and St. John area.

"I might have overestimated the visibility here," he said. "It's a busy street, but traveling at 50 mph limits the opportunity to see businesses in the center. It's been a little slower than I hoped, but it's building and I just love what I am doing."

Mathnasium of Schererville

Location: 220 W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville

Phone: (219) 865-8852

Owner: David DeJong

Type of business: Math learning center

Number of employees: Two

When opened: February