The Owners

John was born in St. Paul, NE to Keith and Julie Wetherington. He spent the first six years of his life there before moving to Aurora, NE in 2001. While in high school, John was active in music, drama, and speech. He also traveled around the Midwest with his comedy magic show "Illusion Confusion." In 2013, John left for Vermillion, SD to study music at the University of South Dakota. After graduating with a BMA in vocal music, he attended an accelerated nursing program in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated with a BSN from South Dakota State University in 2018. 

Full-time, John is currently working as a Nursing Supervisor at Grand Island Regional Hospital in Grand Island, NE. He is also member of the United States Army Reserves and is a Real Estate Salesperson with Gibson & Associates in Aurora, NE. 

Ashton was born in Aurora, NE to Berdon and Vivian Kliewer. She grew up in Stockham, NE and was always fascinated with the history of the town. She attended school in Aurora, NE where she was involved in music, track and golf. Ashton was also very involved with her community church, volunteering as a counselor at Christian Resource Center in Giltner, NE each summer. After high school, Ashton attended Central Community College and graduated with a degree in Business Administration emphasizing in accounting. She worked at the University of South Dakota as the student union's event scheduler while living in Vermillion, SD. 

Ashton currently has her Nebraska Real Estate License and works with Gibson & Associates in Aurora, NE.

John and Ashton first met while attending Aurora High School. They went from high school sweethearts to engaged in 2016 and married in 2017 at Ashton's childhood church. While living in South Dakota, the newlyweds purchased and remodeled a vacant home. Though they both grew up around, and had basic experience with, construction this was the first time either of them had been directly responsible for a large project. None the less, they completed their remodel in just under six months with their sanity (and relationship) still in tact. 

As much fun as the couple had being in South Dakota, Ashton had dreams of moving back home to open a bakery. John had also wanted to turn his hobby of DIYing into a new business adventure. And boom! The Makers - Bakers & Builders was created. 

The Makers- Bakers & Builders is located on the West side of Aurora's historic downtown square.