Whenever Lauren Hauser Grant gets a wild hair, her family knows to just go with it. She is super creative, very crafty, with a vision for a fun project that is clearer than Miss Cleo's. Her latest spark of an idea struck while she was waiting at the city surplus auction on a mission for her dad, John Hauser. He has owned local family business, First Impressions for over 40 years.

Lauren (AKA Lala) said, "It was a hot day in May when my dad asked me for a simple favor… in fact 20 days before my birthday. “La, can you go by the city auction and bid on a finish mower that I have my eye on?… “ my thought get out of the office and shop… ummmm I’m in! So he set the budget and sent me on my way (with a check) to my very first auction!"
As you might have guessed, things did not go according to plan. They went even better because something caught Lauren's eye. " I was eagerly waiting for the finish mower to come up as I had my auction number in hand. After some awesome lunch made by Mike Henshaw it was my time to shine. And the bid starts at…. In LALA land at the exact moment of the bidding OMG there are school buses over there…. I bet you could make a school bus super cute  …..OH CRAP I missed the bidding."
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After that, Lauren's conversation with her dad went a little like this:
Dad: “Um Lala, why did you just buy a bus? I told you I wanted the finish mower."
Lauren: “Dad, the finish mower was WAY TOO EXPENSIVE! I didn’t want to come home empty handed so I decided to get me, Tiff and Madeline (Lauren's sisters) something all of our friends and family can make memories in…."
Dad: "A bus!?!?"
Lauren: "No dad it’s a COOL Bus!”
Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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After shaking his head with a hand on his forehead, he smirked and got to work to make his Lala's vision for their fun fam come to life.  It took a whole team of friends and family working for about a month and a half.  Sister Tiffany Hauser Hoffman helped Lauren with the design. Cody Hudson and Madeline Hauser helped John with the building. In fact, a lot of the First Impressions crew chipped in too. Megan Greenwell Mischel, Caleb McCarthy, Will Booth, Jake Grant, Cloey Hoffman, Carpet One and more.
Gotta give a big ole shoutout to Lauren's Dad for being the best sport ever. "He is the most hardworking man you'll ever meet and anyone around will confirm that. He ALWAYS wants to help any and everyone," she said. Most of all, he sure does love his family. Supporting them in any endeavor.  It pays off in memories made for sure. "Thus far the rides are epic and the memories are even better! Moral of the story you don’t need a finish mower to have fun!"
Here's some awesome pictures of the transformation and what it looks like inside!
Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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Lauren Hauser Grant
Lauren Hauser Grant
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LOOK: 20 Outside-the-Box Uses for Vacant Big-Box Stores

When a big-box store shuts down, its closure can significantly affect the local community and its economy. In numerous instances, the emphasis has shifted from traditional retail to more experiential opportunities. Let's explore 20 innovative businesses and services that can make the most of these adaptable spaces.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz