On Sept. 15, Beloit became a meeting place for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members during EntreCon Midwest 2026. The two-day conference focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and community, with speakers and workshops centered around how businesses and individuals can create impact in the places where they live.
One of the speakers was Konya Hendricks-Schuh, known for “Betting on Beloit,” an A&E series that follows her work renovating homes in Beloit. “Betting on Beloit” follows Hendricks-Schuh as she takes on old homes around the city — which are mostly historical properties — and completely renovates them. Her projects involve everything from insulation and plumbing to electrical work, flooring, and heating and cooling systems. The goal is bigger than renovating one house at a time. Hendricks-Schuh described the idea as transforming neighborhoods “block by block” and creating momentum for more homeowners and remodelers to invest in the area.
Hendricks-Schuh has a background in marketing and real estate, and has spent much of her career working in Beloit. She comes from a family with a major connection to the city through her mother, Diane Hendricks, owner and chair of ABC Supply, who also appears on the show. Peter Woodkey works as a project manager and has around 20 years of experience in Beloit.
The two had noticeably different speaking styles during the conversation. Hendricks-Schuh sometimes spoke with a lot of “ums” and repeated her points, but her confidence and personality were clear. Woodkey was more conversational and often helped move the discussion from one topic to another. He would connect what Hendricks-Schuh had just said to his next question, making the conversation feel more natural, rather than like two separate speeches. There was also plenty of humor between the two. Their relationship seemed comfortable, with Woodkey joking about their dynamic and Hendricks-Schuh talking about her family and the experience of working together.
One of the more interesting parts of the discussion was when Hendricks-Schuh addressed people who are not happy with the show or her approach to renovating Beloit. She acknowledged that the projects can be controversial, especially because the homes being renovated are not presented as affordable housing. She explained that affordable housing is still an important part of her family’s work, but that it is not the premise of the television show.
Despite the criticism, Hendricks-Schuh appears determined to continue “Betting on Beloit.” She talked about the city’s older homes, their architecture, and the importance of preserving its history. Her message throughout the conversation was less about whether every project would immediately make money and more about committing to the bigger vision.
With “Betting on Beloit” already continuing into its second season, it begs the question: how many more Beloit College buildings, specifically special interest houses, could eventually become part of Hendricks-Schuh’s next renovation project?
Featured image: Beloit College
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