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CLAIRE-ANNE AIKMAN PETER BICK DEVON DEAN
MELISSA GIBSON
JAMIE HERGOTT AMY PAYNE
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Writer / Melissa Gibson
Anthony Moulder has been a jeweler for 30 years, but he fell into the job somewhat unintentionally, and fell in love with it as he continued to learn.
“My best friend went to jewelry school when we were 19 and 20,” he said. “I was looking through the newspaper, trying to find a job, and I saw an entry-level position polishing jewelry at a big-name shop.”
The longer he stayed, the more he learned, and eventually Moulder found his passion in creating custom pieces.
He likes taking an idea from scratch and creating something new, or repurposing a piece the client might use on a regular basis after changes have been made.
“Jewelry is sentimental to a lot of people, so being able to repair something old or mangled means something when they see it looking brand new again,” Moulder said.
He didn’t take his first formal training class until 19 years later. By then he’d worked at various jewelry stores across Indianapolis and organically learned the ropes.
In early 2019, an unfortunate closing of the store he was working in at the time led to a blessing in disguise.
“I was out of a job on Friday and I opened my own business on Monday,” Moulder said. “My son was home from college at the time, and we started a website and an Instagram page, and I began working out of my house for the first six months.”
By the fall of 2019, Moulder opened his first shop, a 132-squarefoot space in Brownsburg’s new Elevate building.
Clients bring their ideas and some examples of the type of jewelry they prefer, and Moulder creates images of what the piece would look like with the stones in place. Once approved, he gets to work.
“I think the designing is the best part,” he said. “I love meeting with people and creating something they’ll enjoy. It’s fun to see those guys come in and they look kind of lost, and I try to make the process easy and comfortable. I want to be helpful.”
The pandemic resulted in supply shortages, but Moulder continued going into the shop and creating. Thanks to his determination and love for the job, the business survived, and today Moulder is in a 1,000-square-foot shop on East Main Street in Brownsburg.
He has just a few display cases, describing the space as “not your typical jewelry store.” Nevertheless, there’s plenty of space for consultation, software design, setting, and finishing those one-ofa-kind pieces. The new space means he can do nearly everything in-house rather than outsourcing portions of the work.
“I’m a small jewelry store but we do it all here, which is unique,”
“I’m a small jewelry store but we do it all here, which is unique.”
- Anthony Moulder
he said. “No stone leaves the building. We just added a laser engraver and I want to continue to grow and do everything under this roof.”
Despite not participating in extensive advertising, Moulder said customers are finding him by word of mouth, and dozens of fivestar reviews on Google don’t hurt.
“I’m at the point where I’m figuring out the next step,” he said. “I’m happy where I’m at and I’m never not busy.”
Most of all, he’s thankful for the support he’s received over the years, not only from his customers, but his family and friends too.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without my wife and friends and all the help they gave me,” Moulder said. “My wife said, ‘You’ve always wanted to do this. This is the time.’ My son helps me with all of those time-consuming tasks and my best friend has done the buildouts in both of my shops. I’ve grown from a shop at home to 132 square feet to where I am now. It’s been an exciting journey.”
205 E. Main St., Suite B Brownsburg, IN 317-514-7071 moulderjewelers.com
Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman
Iwas visiting with a friend the other week who is navigating living under one roof with her kids, her mom and her aunt. Three generations. Under one roof. As a normal, day-to-day living arrangement.
I loved the thought of this but had so many questions! I knew this was a family that loves being around each other, but I was curious about what made them decide this was the best plan for everyone. Essentially it came down to several levels of economics (mortgages, utilities, child care and meal planning, to name a few) and a desire to help each other in other areas.
Once they determined this might actually work for them, they needed to determine how much space they truly needed. To do this, they took short vacation trips and stayed in Airbnbs to get a feel for how they would all live in houses of various sizes. Once they determined the needed size, they started to look at homes that matched their needs and budget. When they closed on the new home, one by one they each sold their homes. After each sale, they moved only the items they felt went best with the new home, and sold and donated the rest (this made my heart smile
because you know I love a good cleansing of “things”).
I was amazed, intrigued, and could not wait to hear more. Everyone is loving the new arrangement, especially her kids, who get to hang out with their Mimi and aunt more than ever. With the adults’ work schedules, someone is always home. All adults pitch in with the kids and get them to their activities when needed. A surprising bonus was when my friend was sick; kids were effortlessly brought to school, the house remained in order, and she got her mom’s chicken noodle soup hot off the stove. They are now working on accommodating some health care matters for her mom, and the kids are helping with her recovery care.
I marveled at the level of detail for so many moving parts, and while I was excited for all the possibilities, I was also skeptical for what seems like the obvious concerns of privacy, noise level and other factors. That’s when I was shown the binder.
The binder had all the house rules that everyone signed off on: picking up after yourselves, the designated day for laundry, a rotating chore list for everyone
to participate in (including planning and cooking meals), and how many rooms will have TVs. When is quiet time, so that studying can get done and quiet can be enjoyed? What are the expectations for bedtime and even shower/bath time? There was a section for what the kids could and could not do, so that the parenting was consistent among adults.
Every week the binder gets taken out and a family meeting is conducted. They discuss what went well and what needs to improve, and they take notes; it is almost like a mini business. It was all in there, spelled out, and signed off in agreement. It was a work of art.
I left wondering who I would choose to live with in this manner…more importantly, could I live this way? What about you - is this something you would consider doing? If so, I would love to hear about it!
Claire-Anne is a west side realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or thepointinrealestate@gmail.com
Writer / Devon Dean
Gird your loins, grab your sunblock, antacid, and a few friends and head to the Indiana State Fair August 2-18. While there’s plenty to explore, the food competition is always a huge attraction.
This year, the “Taste of the Fair” offers a literal smorgasbord of food and drinks to try out. Definitely bring an empty stomach and an open mind. Fairgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite new food items by visiting any of the information booths around campus or by scanning the QR code that will be available at the concession stands.
The annual competition is for more than just bragging rights. The winning food stand will receive a $2,500 cash prize, followed by the second place receiving $1,000, and third place receiving $500. In addition, for the first time our partners at the World Food Championships will award the top three winners a Golden Ticket entry to the World Food Championships event taking place in Indianapolis this fall for the first time in history at the State Fairgrounds.
FAIRGOERS CAN HIT UP TO 43 DIFFERENT STOPS ON THEIR TOUR DE EATING. THE EXPANSIVE MENU INCLUDES:
• A Bloody Mary topped with a mini corn on the cob, cheeseburger slider, fried mac and cheese, fried pickles, waffle fries, hotdog slider, and a mini apple pie
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch funnel cake
• Strawberry cheesecake funnel cake
• Pickle-flavored pale ale
• Deep fried golden Oreos
• Amish peanut butter pretzels topped with a peanut butter and marshmallow spread
• Dill pickle Dr. Pepper
• Dill pickle lemon shake-ups
• Peanut butter & jelly chicken wings
• Ultimate steak nachos
Yes, pickles and fried delights once again are playing a large role in this year’s competition.
The State Fair is always held during what is traditionally one of the hottest months of the summer. To offer a respite, the MHS Family Fun Park will include an all-new splash pad for folks of all ages to cool off.
The Olympic Games in Paris are happening at the same time as the State Fair. WTHR will host the Olympic Zone to celebrate the Hoosiers competing for Team USA. This experience promises to capture the spirit of the games even from a continent away.
The Fair is also celebrating a historic moment - 60 years ago, a small group from Liverpool called The Beatles played at Pepsi Coliseum. Fair officials are celebrating the Fab Four’s legendary stop in the Circle City on August 3 with Beatles-themed entertainment all day, including a performance by tribute band A Hard Day’s Night and a celebration of the music of Paul McCartney.
If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck. Not only is $2 Tuesday back on the schedule, but the $5 value menu offers a variety of options for everyone in the family.
Finally, the concert line-up for the fair is a mix of all genres of music. Gladys Knight, Buddy Guy, Bell Biv Devoe, Lita Ford, and Dogstar are just a few of the artists playing the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. If you are not familiar, Dogstar’s bassist is best known for his role as John Wick.
Discounted tickets and the complete schedule are available at IndianaStateFair.com. Don’t forgetthe fair folk need their rest too and are closed on Mondays.
If you hit up the Indiana State Fair, be sure to share your photos on the Towne Post social media Facebook pages.
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Writer / Jamie Hergott
Photographers / Peter Bick & Jason Van Curen
Chad Lunsford’s new book is a call for people to live bigger. But this book doesn’t read like a typical self-help book. It comes from Lunsford’s own life experiences, risks and all. “Made For More” recently hit number one on two Amazon bestseller lists twice.
“This book is really a guidebook to show
what it looks like to have a purpose, to live a great story, and then what to do when you hit obstacles,” Lunsford said. “I don’t just want to inspire them; I want to guide them through those obstacles.”
Lunsford grew up in Indiana and considers himself a Hoosier. He is a pastor by trade, having planted a church on the west side
of Indianapolis. After living on various coasts of the United States, he noticed a stark difference in the cultures of the east and west coasts versus Indiana. He decided he wanted to inspire people, particularly Hoosiers, to live with more purpose.
“People living in places like L.A. or North Carolina have a sense they were made for
more and for going after their dreams,” Lunsford said. “It seems like Hoosiers have an innate sense that we’re supposed to play it safe and dream small, blend in more and settle for less. What I want to do is change those lies we believe.”
But Lunsford isn’t just sharing inspirational quips in his book. He writes from a place of having made major moves in his own life.
In 2008 he and his family were leading a church in Terre Haute. They developed a vision for something new in their lives, and he decided to take a ministry residency in Los Angeles and attend graduate school at the same time. After two years and completing both endeavors, he and his family moved to North Carolina for a post-graduate opportunity at Duke University. After completing the postgrad work at Duke, Lunsford was invited to lead the largest church in Mississippi. While they loved it there, they then felt called to start a new church in Indy and sold their dream home.
The constant reassessing, changing and moving showed Lunsford that there is so much life and growth that comes from embracing new things.
“It was trust beyond comfort,” Lunsford said. “It helped me asked the question, ‘How far are you willing to trust?’ God gave us such good gifts. We said we’d gladly give it back and run after what he had for our lives.”
Lunsford went on to plant a church on the
west side of Indianapolis that eventually merged with Connection Pointe Christian Church to launch the Avon Campus.
Lunsford feels his book stands out among self-help books for a few reasons, one being its accessibility.
“The book comes out of the reality of my own challenges,” Lunsford said. “I grew up in the Midwest, farmlands all around me and the biggest city being Terre Haute. Everything around me screamed play it safe, risk less and dream smaller. But as I followed God, everything in me was saying I was made for a purpose.”
couldn’t relate to people in the Bible. Then I realized I was missing the point. They were imperfect just like me, and God still met them where they were and wrote a great story with their lives. God does the same with each of us.”
The book is also highly story driven. Lunsford truly feels he has walked the walk that he is asking others to do, and he wants people to know they aren’t alone.
“My hope is that people find themselves in the story,” Lunsford said. “I want them to think, ‘Yes, I’ve had those feelings, thoughts, experiences, and I get it.’”
This book isn’t just for people of faith; it’s for all people. Lunsford himself did not grow up in the church, so he understands why some may be hesitant to pick the book up.
“If you feel defeated, like you don’t belong and don’t fit in, welcome to the club,” Lunsford said. “For years I assumed that I
One takeaway Lunsford drives home is to step out of the comparison game. Every single person is different, with unique gifts and dreams. Everyone’s story will take different twists and turns.
“I’m not writing this as someone who has arrived,” Lunsford said. “I’m just a fellow runner, running alongside you. Your purpose isn’t some mystical thing out in the future. If you live your life rightly today, you’re living your purpose. The only way God can build your character is through challenges. If you keep running away from those, you’ll never become who God wants you to be.”
For more information, visit Lunsford’s website at madeformore.life.
Writer / Devon Dean
The Towne Post Network of publications is proud to announce the launch of a new, hyperlocal community events calendaronline.
Using an aggregating software partner, the Towne Post Events Calendar includes information from more than 200 sources across the regions the company serves. This includes LiveNation, VisitIndy.com, various chamber of commerce websites, and a wealth of other community calendars to give a complete rundown of fun things to do in your area.
As a user, you can filter by date, time, city, proximity, and even by event type. If you are hosting a local event, this is a free service with additional paid opportunities for expanded visibility starting at just $2 a day. As the Towne Post Events Calendar expands, an email will go out every Thursday to give subscribers the scoop
on what’s going on around town each weekend.
“Summer is a busy time and it’s hard to keep track of everything that is happening,” says Towne Post CEO and Founder Tom Britt. “Our goal is to create another point of connection between people and the communities they live in by highlighting all the great local events coming up.”
See what’s happening at townepost.com/ calendar. To subscribe for weekly emails, subscribe at TownePost.com and click the “Email Newsletters” button at the top of the website.
Founded in 2004 with a mission to create engaging and relevant publications, Towne Post Network is redefining the magazine industry. With a focus on
hyperlocal content and an integrated print and digital marketing approach, their magazines connect businesses and residents in communities like never before. Towne Post Network’s cloud-based platform offers franchisees flexibility and freedom, allowing them to work from home while benefiting from comprehensive support and services. Their success stems from collaboration with local businesses, providing a platform for them to thrive and engage with their target audience. With an expanding network of hyperlocal publishers, Towne Post Network is actively seeking passionate individuals to bring their community-focused magazines to towns across the country. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model and a support system that handles design, distribution and more. For more information about Towne Post Network, Inc. and franchise opportunities, please visit franchising. townepost.com.
om Patsis of Brownsburg loves the motorsports industry, and he loves art.
While you might not hear of a lot of motorsport artists, Patsis is doing something unique, and both industries have taken notice.
He worked for Don Schumacher Racing for 11 years in welding and fabrication, learning how to think quickly on his feet and use his creativity to fix things on the road.
Those welding skills led him to create car replicas and other artwork in his spare time, often using scrap auto parts in his pieces. He never advertised, but posted his work on social media. Word got around organically and things seemed to take off.
Cold Hard Art was born, and Patsis hasn’t looked back.
“In the beginning it was a side business,” he said. “I was working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Schumacher and then working on my side business from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. I loved
Schumacher’s, the place and the people, and I was absolutely petrified to walk away, but in October of 2015 I started working full time for myself and it was a smart move.”
At least, he knows now it was a smart move, and he’s never lost those connections to the motorsports world.
Anyone can become a welder, according to Patsis. However, it does require skill and expertise. Welding skill on a construction site, for example, matters. It’s the beams holding a large building together. It’s the cage made inside a race car.
Patsis is a tungsten inert gas welder, and that’s where the art comes in. It requires some fine tuning.
“Think of it like a fine-tipped Sharpie and welding very thin metal - no thicker than a credit card,” Patsis said. “I love using race car parts to put together a piece and many people like the junk-art look, but I also work with clean metal.”
Patsis creates trophies and award pieces for
IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA, Monster Jam and other events - something he calls an “accidental blessing.”
“I had honestly never thought about doing trophies, but through word of mouth I’ve been asked to create trophy designs and it’s snowballed from there,” Patsis said.
The Mission Foods-sponsored NHRA Challenge winners received a Cold Hard Art trophy, as did the 2024 Monster Jam winners. The 2023 USAC Championship trophies were Patsis’ work too.
When it comes to creating and building hundreds of trophies, things can get a little daunting at times. There are boundaries there, such as specific colors, brands and marketing requests. However, Patsis said that’s just a different type of challenge.
Stretching his artistic skills, he’s worked with more than just steel. Acrylics allow for some unique artistic features, and he’s even created glow-in-the-dark trophies.
The goal is to always do better than the
project he did before.
“I like restriction because I enjoy pushing the limits,” Patsis said. “I want you to have the best trophy possible. I want to deliver exactly what the client is looking for. It’s also fun that these drivers want to win the trophy I made. It’s fun to see the joy on their face as they hold that trophy over their head.”
It’s led to some amazing requests, and those in the industry know who to call when looking for something unique.
Patsis has had the opportunity to create custom pieces for the likes of Mario Andretti, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Don Schumacher.
Custom pieces typically take 30 to 40 hours to build, but the opportunity is well worth the time and effort.
“Jeff Andretti follows my art and he saw an IndyCar I had made,” Patsis said. “In 1991 Jeff, Michael and Mario were in the Daytona 24 Hours race, and they don’t make a die cast of the car so I was able to make that for
DR. VICKI CRUM
him. It’s the coolest thing I could be asked to do.”
Over the years Patsis made a 7-foot-tall “No. 88” for Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement celebration, commissioned by NBC, and the NHRA to design and build the Lifetime Achievement award for Schumacher in 2022.
He’s made friends with some of his heroes but still has a bucket list to complete.
“I guess as far as people, I want to get a piece of art in Tim Allen’s hands and Jay Leno’s hands,” he said. “I have connections that could get me there, but it’s not about money and it’s not about me giving them something. It’s about them seeing my work and ordering something specifically that will mean something to them.”
It’s a dream job for a guy who loves to weld, create and build things we might never have thought possible.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
A few years ago Patsis was even asked to compete in a welding competition.
He was a contestant on Netflix’s “Metal Shop Masters,” a prime example of how working in motorsports helps a guy, when challenged, to think quickly, follow protocol and create on the fly.
They recognized what set him apart.
“Before they select the contestants, you do a psych evaluation because they don’t want seven of the same type of people,” Patsis said. “The woman asked me if I was really an artist because I was the only one there with a 50/50 mindset. I guess that’s not the statistic - you primarily use one side or the other, but as a race car guy, you have to build by the rules and then you can be creative.”
If you haven’t seen the series, it’s still available on Netflix and there might be some Brownsburg pride involved.
While Patsis called the experience a “highlight” and can’t wait to share some of the stories with his daughter, he said he’s also had enough of the reality-show business. It’s time to move on.
Though Patsis doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon, he has other goals outside of metal art and welding. He also wants to teach his daughter the ropes.
“I want to be around long enough that my daughter can start helping me,” he said. “She’s only 5 now but I want her to see that you can do what you want to do, and there’s a job for that somewhere. I realize it now - to enjoy the moment. I need to stop and enjoy it right now.”
Look for his trophies at the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout from August 28 through September 2 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and the Travis Pastrana Nitrocross series this fall and winter at locations across the country.
For more information on Patsis and his work, visit COLD HARD ART on Facebook.
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