Check Out Jordan McBride’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan McBride.

Hi Jordan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Bellefontaine—back when it was lined with empty storefronts and a trip for great food or shopping meant driving over an hour. I couldn’t wait to leave after graduation, and I found my way to The Ohio State University.

In 2013, I met my husband, and we quickly jumped into family life while living in Columbus. For the first ten years of our kids’ lives, we fully embraced everything the city had to offer—trips to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, days at COSI, and all the energy that comes with raising a family in a vibrant city. I truly never imagined we would leave.

Then in 2020, everything changed. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and shortly after, COVID hit. In that season, we realized how deeply we needed the support of family. God made a path where there didn’t seem to be one, and we followed it—right back to my childhood home in Bellefontaine.

Our kids were, understandably, a little culture-shocked. But in that moment, I saw something bigger: an opportunity. Not just for my kids, but for all the kids in our community—the ones who may never experience the hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration that larger cities offer.

That’s how The LoCo Kids Foundation began—quietly at first, with a simple mission: to bring high-quality, educational, and imaginative experiences—like those found in places such as Boonshoft Museum of Discovery—to rural communities where access is limited by distance and income.

Today, that small idea has grown into something much bigger. We’ve purchased a building, built an incredible board, and are creating real momentum in our community. And in 2027, we will open the doors to our interactive children’s museum—bringing wonder, opportunity, and imagination to the kids who need it most.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is anything ever truly smooth in the nonprofit world?

Coming from a real estate background, stepping into this space pushed me far outside my comfort zone. But at the end of the day, my work has always been about people—and that’s something I know how to do well.

The vision I have is big—especially for a small town—which hasn’t always been easy to communicate. When people can’t quite see it yet, it can feel like you’re asking them to believe in something abstract. And to be fair, commercial architecture and design aren’t in my wheelhouse either, so we’ve had to lean heavily on others for guidance and planning. Thankfully, our city officials, local contractors, and architects have truly stepped up and become incredible partners in bringing this vision to life.

Without a doubt, our biggest hurdle has been fundraising at the scale this project requires. No one wants to be the first to give—but once that initial barrier was broken, momentum started to build. Now, we’re actively pursuing grants, engaging with corporate sponsors, and connecting with individual donors.

The most encouraging part has been our community. Their generosity and willingness to listen, support, and believe in what this space will become has been incredible. Sharing the vision—and helping people understand the lasting impact this will have on future generations—has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a real estate agent by trade, and for the past 10+ years I’ve built my business around serving families—helping them find not just a house, but a place to truly feel at home. One of the biggest blessings of that career has been the flexibility it’s given me to be present with my three kids while still growing a business I’m proud of.

At my core, though, I’ve always been drawn to people, connection, and building something meaningful—and that’s where The LoCo Kids Foundation comes in. What started as an idea has quickly grown into a true passion of mine, and now we’re bringing an interactive children’s museum to our community.

I often joke that I’ve become a real-life Ms. Frizzle—creating opportunities for kids to explore, get curious, and learn through hands-on experiences. That’s what I’m most proud of: taking a leap outside my comfort zone and building something that didn’t exist here before.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just stay in my lane. I’m willing to step into something new, figure it out as I go, and bring people along with me. Whether it’s guiding families through one of the biggest decisions of their lives or helping build something that will impact future generations, I lead with heart, vision, and a deep belief in what’s possible.

Any big plans?
Right now, our main focus is bringing the children’s museum to life and opening our doors in 2027. That’s the big milestone—but what excites me even more is what it becomes after that. We’re not just creating a place to visit; we’re building a space where families gather, kids grow in confidence and curiosity, and opportunities are created that didn’t exist here before.

Beyond opening day, we have a lot of vision behind the scenes. We’re already thinking about how LoCo Kids can expand into other experiences and programs that serve kids and families in our community in new ways. Whether that’s additional programming, events, or even future spaces, we see this as just the beginning.

I’m most looking forward to watching this grow into something that has a lasting, generational impact—something that continues to evolve, reach more kids, and inspire bigger dreams right here in our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.locokids.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.o.c.o.k.i.d.s
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/locokidsfoundation/