Welcome to the Heffinger family! John “Fritz” Heffinger and his wife, Holly, along with their two kids, Maron and John “Four”, have called Glen Ellyn home for the past two years. After living in Chicago from 2010 to 2022, they were drawn to the area’s quiet charm, perfect for their adventurous spirit and love of nature.

Maron is 11 years old and recently transitioned from Ben Franklin Elementary to Hadley. Her younger brother, nicknamed Four because he's John Heffinger IV, is 9 years old and attends Ben Franklin. Both kids are active in sports; Maron plays softball, basketball, and dances, while Four is a multi-sport athlete, involved in football, basketball, and baseball.

The Heffingers also have a couple of furry family members. Layney, a Bernedoodle, and Pancakes, a Sheepadoodle, keep them on their toes, along with their adopted cat, Kitty.

Fritz, originally from Wheaton, and Holly, who grew up in Kansas City, met at the University of Kansas. After college, they moved to Chicago, where they launched their business, OutCold, an advertising agency known for creating unforgettable brand experiences. With Fritz’s passion for collecting vintage cars, they often incorporated classic vehicles into their marketing events, adding a unique flair. In 2022, they sold the business to a private equity firm, and while Fritz stayed on as a Senior Executive, Holly turned her attention to launching Heffinger Interiors, an interior design business based right in Glen Ellyn.

The Heffingers love to travel and keep family traditions alive. Each summer and holiday season, they head up to their cabin in the North Woods of Wisconsin, a special spot where Fritz spent summers growing up. Adventure is in their blood; Holly, who comes from a military family, has passed down a love of travel to her children. Their most recent trip? The Galápagos Islands, where the family, alongside Holly’s parents, explored the beauty of the islands and Quito, Ecuador.

Back home, life is just as adventurous. The Heffingers live on a property backing up to Churchill Woods Forest Preserve, which they’ve dubbed their "in-town country oasis." Whether it’s the kids riding their snowmobile in the yard or Fritz towing them in a wagon behind the lawnmower, there’s always something happening. They’re also a big music-loving family, with Fritz recently taking Four to his first Phish concert.

When it comes to local favorites, Fire and Wine tops the family’s list. Their kids love to share jokes with the servers. They also enjoy trips to Kai’s, where the petting zoo is a hit. The family is excited about a new restaurant concept they’re involved in, set to open in Glen Ellyn in the spring.

For fun, the Heffingers enjoy walking around Lake Ellyn, exploring Churchill Woods, and biking with the kids to grab candy or catch a movie at The Glen. They also appreciate the newly added sidewalks on Crescent Boulevard, making it even easier to enjoy their neighborhood.

Despite having only lived in Glen Ellyn for two years, the Heffingers have already built deep connections. They’ve made many friends and feel fortunate that their children have been warmly welcomed into local school and sports communities. The family also supports several causes, including Cal’s Angels, Paws Chicago, and CharityWater, all near and dear to their hearts.

In Fritz’s words, “It’s an amazing suburb with a small-town feel but huge capabilities.” They love the balance of peaceful living, surrounded by wildlife, and the convenience of downtown Glen Ellyn just minutes away.

Finally, if you ever want to know how Fritz and Holly met, it’s a story with a memorable start. The couple’s love story began when Fritz helped Holly’s mom parallel park in front of his house at the University of Kansas. That act of kindness turned into a first date, and the rest, as they say, is history. Holly’s mom still takes credit for sparking the romance that eventually brought them together!

Welcome to the Heffinger family—a wonderful addition to the Glen Ellyn community!

Photos courtesy of Christi Lee Photography