Kokomo Magazine August 2021 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2021

Get Jacked

JACKRABBITS BASEBALL PROVIDES FUN FOR ALL RUNNING SMOOTHLY: ACE

AUTOMOTIVE NEARING 20 YEARS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

KOKOMO MEN IN BUSINESS

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Running Smoothly: Ace Automotive Nearing 20 Years of Customer Service Mower Than Meets the Eye: North Central Outdoor Power Cuts Through the Competition

Get Jacked: Jackrabbits Baseball Provides Fun for All

Kokomo August Events

Kokomo Men in Business

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Tipton Events

New Ownership, Big Dreams, Same Small-Town Values: Ace Hardware Celebrates One Year With New Owners

Tipton Men in Business

New QB in Town: Getting to Know Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Carson Wentz K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS

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It’s time to celebrate the new $43 million Kokomo Campus Transformation! You’re invited to join us for our community open house. Please save the date and make plans to attend. See you on campus! Saturday, September 18, 2021 | 1 - 4 p.m. Community Open House Kokomo Campus, 1815 E. Morgan St.

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RUNNING SMOOTHLY ACE AUTOMOTIVE NEARING 20 YEARS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE

Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Jason Graves

things the right way, and who also have a passion to satisfy our customers,” Mast says.

Brian Mast, owner of Ace Automotive, says making sure his customers are completely satisfied with the work done on their cars is the key to his success.

High-quality service and outstanding levels of expertise have been a trademark at Ace Automotive since it began, according to Mast. The technicians have a combined 70plus years of experience, and know how to do things right.

He says he also has a trusted and valuable staff that ensures high-quality repair work. “I have knowledgeable technicians that do

(765) 454-0689 | Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

201 W. Morgan | Kokomo, IN 46901 TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 7

“Ace Automotive Service was started in

2002 by Joe Trotter, a technician I worked with at McGonigal’s,” Mast says. “In 2006 we incorporated, and bought our existing building. I joined him as a minority partner. In 2009 I left, and started Adams Auto Group service center. In July 2015, I took Ace back over when the bank called me, as the business was in financial distress.” Mast notes that he worked at McGonigal’s for 23 years. It helped him learn about how to run a business. Today, Mast says he and his staff offer full automotive service, with the exception of exhaust and internal transmission repairs. Mast notes that Ace Automotive’s work includes 4x4 services, brake work, car and truck care, suspension, differential, electrical repair and alignments, as well as engine repair and maintenance. Ace also offers general services, heating and cooling services, work on imported cars and trucks, tire service and more.

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Mast credits his staff with keeping operations running smoothly at the business. “My great employees include Lance Willis, Chuck Adams and Andrew Tomaszewski,” Mast says. Mast also offers valuable car maintenance tips for his customers. “First and foremost, change your oil,” Mast says. “Today’s variable-timing engines are very oil-reliant. Keep up with recommended maintenance. Pay attention to what your car is telling you by observing gauges, leaks and noises.”

Mast also notes that many auto problems come from neglected maintenance on a vehicle. Overheating is a common problem that can be easily avoided with regular maintenance. Under-inflated tires can also cause problems. Mast says he thoroughly enjoys his business.

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“My business philosophy has always been living by the golden rule,” Mast says. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and everything else will take care of itself.” Mast is eternally grateful for all of the support he has received from his longtime customers. “I would just like to thank my customers for their patronage,” Mast says. “They have supported me through my many years of being in the car industry.” To schedule your next appointment at Ace Automotive, located at 201 West Morgan Street in Kokomo, call 765454-0689, or check out their website at aceautomotivekokomo.com.

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MOWER THAN MEETS THE EYE NORTH CENTRAL OUTDOOR POWER CUTS THROUGH THE COMPETITION Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Jason Graves

Brad Zeck, co-owner of North Central Outdoor Power, says his growing outdoor equipment business started out of his tool shed.

“This has been a great spot for us where we have really been able to grow,” Zeck says. “After we moved, we were able to have a lot more new lines of high-quality equipment. I have always been able to achieve more, and grow the business, by offering more equipment. We have the latest and best in outdoor equipment. We have the right mower or compact tractor for both your home and business outdoor needs.”

“We started this whole business as just a side deal,” Zeck says. “It was something else we wanted to do to make money. In 2009 we started off selling Dixie Chopper lawn mowers out of that tool shed. Zeck notes that customers will likely find what they are looking for. I started off small, built the business and just kept going.” In 2016 Zeck moved the business, which he co-owns with his wife DeDe, to a new location on Elizabeth Street.

“Customer satisfaction is everything to us,” Zeck says. “We not only have the great Dixie Chopper mowers, but we also have Kioti compact tractors, and our other lines that include Ferris, Cub Cadet, ECHO and Altoz. We have a wide selection. You will be able

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northcentraloutdoorpower.com 1947 S. Elizabeth St. Kokomo 765.457.1633 10 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com

to find just what you need.” Zeck, who previously worked at General Motors, says he is glad he decided to go into business for himself. “The best part of this business is just taking care of people the right way,” he says. “Do a good, high-quality job, and people will recommend you to their family and friends. We have a lot of repeat business.” Zeck enjoys having a family business. “DeDe is the manager and my son Mitch is the service manager,” he says. “They do a great job. We also have an outstanding staff.” Zeck and his staff make sure customers know their products will be taken care of for years. “Our service department is incredible,” Zeck says. “The best way to keep a product going is to make sure it gets taken care of for the long run.” Zeck says some of the best ways to keep your lawn mower going at peak efficiency include mowing with a sharp blade, and mowing in the early morning or early evening, to avoid putting a stress on your grass. This also helps to prevent the person cutting the grass from suffering heat-related problems. “It also helps to get an oil change and keep away from wet grass that clogs your mower blades,” he says. Zeck notes that North Central Outdoor Power also offers pickup and delivery when a piece of equipment is being worked on. “We also offer winter service specials, and storage for equipment that is being used during the cold weather months,” Zeck says. North Central Outdoor Power is located at 1947 South Elizabeth Street in Kokomo. For more info, call 765-457-1633 or visit northcentraloutdoorpower.com.

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Get Jacked

JACKRABBITS BASEBALL PROVIDES FUN FOR ALL Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Jason Graves

As a young boy, Michael Lieberman played Little League baseball. “I got one hit all season long and decided it was time to retire,” Lieberman says. He didn’t, however, move on from the sport altogether - quite the contrary. He calls himself one of the lucky ones who knew just what he wanted to study in college, and the career he wanted to pursue - to become a baseball general manager. He started in the industry in 1993 as an intern, and has been a general manager for a total of 15 years in 12 different states. Now the general manager of the Kokomo Jackrabbits, a team for college players, this marks his 13th season as a general manager in summer collegiate ball.

Some of the best players in the country come to Kokomo when their college seasons have ended, to play for the Jackrabbits in a professional environment. The Northwoods League plays the longest season in summer college baseball with a total of 72 games (36 at home and 36 on the road) stretched across 10.5 weeks, between the end of May and the middle of August. Then it’s the playoffs, before the players head back to campus.

the players, the sponsors and everyone come together as they wrap their arms around that experience,” he says.

“It’s very much like a professional environment, which helps prepare those players who are looking for a pro career to see what it’s really like to live the professional life,” says Lieberman, who says he relishes game days.

This is not to say that one must be riveted to every play of each game to work in the industry. In fact, Lieberman notes that he’s been in meetings with potential sponsors who almost apologetically whisper that they don’t even like baseball. His answer is, “Fantastic, then you won’t get distracted by what happens on the field.”

“I love that feeling after working for days, weeks and months towards an event, and getting to open the gates and see the fans,

He tells his interns every year, “If you open the gates, see the look on people’s faces, feel the energy, and watch everything that’s going on and that doesn’t do it for you, it might be time to reevaluate what you’re doing, because if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.”

The game experience surpasses the mere bat

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and ball. There are giveaways at the gate, promotions, contests, music, great food, and of course the mascot, Jax. “If somewhere between parking your car and watching the fireworks after the game, you see something in baseball that you enjoy - whether it’s a guy who throws the ball hard or hits the ball hard or happens to look cute in tight pants - then maybe we’ll make a baseball fan out of you yet,” Lieberman says. “Honestly, we want people to come for the experience. We’re here to let you leave the rest of the world behind for three hours. If the team wins, that’s icing on the cake, but win or lose, we want to make sure you’re having a blast.” Lieberman maintains that the best thing he could hear from an attendee is that they went to work the next day and raved to a co-worker about the fun they had the night before. If their co-worker asks if the Jackrabbits won and the person telling the story says, “I’ll be honest with you, I can’t even remember,” Lieberman says that’s a win in his mind. “That’s the experience we’re hoping for,” he says.

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Fans love the fireworks shows, each of which comes with its own unique soundtrack. For instance, one week was set to the music of Queen, and another week to “Star Wars.” The season typically ends with a show featuring highlights from the year. “Fireworks are a blast,” Lieberman says. “Pardon the pun.” During a couple of games per season, the team will wear a unique jersey made just for that game. At the conclusion of the game they give away some jerseys with a drawing, then auction off the remainder to benefit a cause. One such jersey celebrated the 50th anniversary of the original “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” film. “Fans can get a game jersey right off the field worn by someone who may

become a big leaguer or maybe a dentist,” Lieberman says. “Who knows? Either way, it’s your own unique piece of memorabilia.” During every inning there’s something going on in the stands or on the field, whether it’s bringing fans down to do the Dizzy Bat race, or races with the mascot. After each game, fans are invited to come down to the field and run around the bases or request autographs. “I don’t know who is more excited about the autographs, the kids or the players,” says Lieberman, who notes that sometimes baseball gets a bad reputation as being a regimented, slow-paced sport, but feels that in many ways it’s the most social sport. “The pace of the game is different from basketball or football where you sit there on the edge of your seat, not wanting to talk to those around you for fear of missing something,” Lieberman says. “In baseball you have a conversation, you pause for a moment to see the pitch, you wait for the play to end, and then you go back to your conversation. It’s a very engaging sport in that way.” The team’s longtime hashtag has been #getjacked. This year they added a new one: #letshavefunagain.

Family. Tradition. Pride.

“That’s our goal,” Lieberman says. “If we can help people leave the rest of the world outside and just come in and have some fun, then we’ve done our job. For three hours, come eat, drink and cheer.”

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KOKOMO AUGUST EVENTS AUG 6 / FIRST FRIDAY: THE GREAT KOKOMO TREASURE HUNT

Downtown Kokomo; Free, arts-based open house of the Downtown District; 5:309:00 p.m.; Hunt for geo-caches and find hidden treasures at downtown businesses during this fun community treasure hunt; For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ FirstFridayKokomo.

AUG 7, 14, 21, 28 / KOKOMO DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

AUG 14 / KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FIREFIGHTERS/ Downtown Kokomo at the corner of JEEP RALLY FEATURING Washington & Mulberry Streets; Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Outdoor market open NASHVILLE’S FINEST every Saturday through Sep. 25; Visit www.kokomofarmersmarket.com.

AUG 7 / WARBIRDS CRUISE-IN

Grissom Air Museum; Car show, food, vendors & museum tours; Call 765-689-8011.

AUG 7 & 28 / RIVERWALK CONCERT SERIES FEATURING HUCKLEBERRY FUNK

Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park; Free admission; Visit www.kokomosummerseries.com.

AUG 19-22 / WINDING CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Wildcat Valley in western Howard County; America’s best bluegrass bands in an outdoor, wooded setting; Plenty of shade; Visit www.windingcreekbluegrass.com.

AUG 21 / SOLIDARITY’S Riverwalk stage in downtown Kokomo; 6-10 ANNUAL CAR, TRUCK & p.m.; Live music, local art, local food &; beer; BIKE SHOW Free admission; Hosted by The Coterie.

Solidarity’s parking lot at 201 Southway Blvd., Kokomo; 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.;

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Registration 9-11 a.m.; Registration fee to participate $10; For details, visit www.solfcu.org/event/solidaritys-annualcar-truck-bike-show-id-20.

AUG 21 / KOKOMO SYMPHONY CONCERT IN THE PARK

Featuring My Sinatra with Cary Hoffman and the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra; Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park; Free admission; Visit www.kokomosummerseries.com or www.kokomosyphony.net.

AUG 28-29 / GUS MACKER 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Downtown Kokomo; For info, call 765-456-7275; To register, visit www.macker.com/local/kokomo-in

KOKOMO

Men in Business

JAX, KOKOMO JACKRABBITS My favorite thing about being the lead cheerleader for this team is sharing the excitement and enthusiasm that I have for Jackrabbits baseball with everybody who is here. I think of Bobby, Kokomo’s BobKats basketball mascot, more as a sibling than a friend. Like all siblings, at the heart of everything we have love for each other, but sometimes we might not see eye to eye. We’ll always be competitive, but when it’s all said and done, we’re family. We’ve both got busy schedules, but from time to time we’ll show up at each other’s place and cheer for each other. We’ll rib each other a bit, too. We definitely have a competitive spirit between the two of us. This is sports, after all!

BOBBY, KOKOMO BOBKATS I love getting the crowd fired up at the games. I love to see the smiles on kids’ faces, and seeing how much their parents enjoy getting their pictures taken with me and their kids. I enjoy representing a wonderful a wonderful organization. People are always happy and in a good mood when they see me. Their faces light up! Jax is wonderful for the baseball crowd! If it ever works out, I would love to race him on his team’s outfield. I thin the fans and kids would love that.

MARK JANSEN, JANSEN ASPHALT AND JANSEN TAX SERVICE I’ve learned from the best when it comes to running two businesses. Both the businesses I own were started by my father, Tony. His nickname is ‘T. Love’. He stays busy. I’m one of five of his kids and he’s always helping me or one of my siblings. He’s just great. We handle tax returns from January until mid-April and the asphalt work from the first of May until the end of October. We’ve been serving Kokomo and the surrounding area for 51 years. I love the Kokomo community and love working for people I’ve known for a long time!

MAYOR TYLER MOORE When one thinks of Kokomo, you’re immediately drawn to our automotive heritage and the accomplishments of entrepreneurs like Elwood Haynes and the Apperson Brothers. But almost equally renowned is Kokomo’s rich sports heritage. From the likes of Jimmy Rayl, Jim “Goose” Ligon, Pat and Tom Underwood, Joe Thatcher, Nolan Sanburn and Bradon Wood, Kokomo has had its share of both basketball and baseball greats through the years. Because our community has always celebrated our athletes and has made it our “business” to rally behind our teams, it’s exciting to see representatives from our newest additions to our sports history featured in this month’s edition: Bobby the BobKat and Jax the Jackrabbit! The TBL Kokomo BobKats and Northwoods League Kokomo Jackrabbits have brought an amazing amount of energy to our sports and hospitality industry, and the citizens of Kokomo have embraced these athletes as their own each season and appreciate them calling Kokomo “home.” And just like Bobby and Jax have helped earn the respect of their teams’ fan base, so too have the Kokomo businessmen featured this month earned the respect and admiration of the companies for which they work and the customers and clients for whom they serve. Kokomo has always historically possessed a great “team” of businessmen making our city great--and those joining Bobby and Jax this month are City of Kokomo stars just the same!

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KOKOMO

Men in Business

KEVIN GASAWAY, GAFFNEY INSURANCE AGENCY I enjoy the personal connection that we have with each of our customers. On top of not only being a local and family-owned business, I like how insurance is also a way to help protect local families. It is great to work with my son, Michael Gasaway, who is now the third generation to be a part of Gaffney Insurance Agency. Gaffney Insurance has always supported its customers, and other local businesses. Kokomo has been the home of Gaffney Insurance Agency (GIA) since 1965, when Richard Gaffney started the agency. Because of the support from other small, locally-owned businesses, GIA has been able to thrive and grow each year. We can’t thank our customers, and the Kokomo community for all their support throughout the last fifty-six years.

MITCHELL RIGSBY, CLOSING MANAGER AND ASSOCIATE BROKER, THE HARDIE GROUP This is a family run business and I work with my wonderful in-laws. We get along great and it’s nice to work at a place that has been around for so long. People really know and trust us here and that helps tremendously. I really like helping people list and sell their homes. It’s a really good feeling to help first time homebuyers. I enjoy this business. There is never a dull moment. Things are always changing, and you have to adapt with the environment.

BILL CONE, CONE AND DAUGHTERS LANDSCAPING We have been a professional lawn care, landscaping and snow removal company since 1998, and we love the way our customers’ yards look when the jobs are finished. We put a lot of care into our work. We take pride in the way the product turns out. We make sure the job is done to our customer’s satisfaction every time.

RAY BASS, CUSTOM BUILT BARNS If you treat people right, they will take care of you as well. My son, Johnny, builds the barns on location, and does repair and releveling work. My sister, Renee McGinnis, does the sales and scheduling. I do a lot of delivering and hauling as well as overseeing the business. We’ve been in business since 1975 and what I like most is taking care of our customers and making them happy. We get along with people because we are very truthful with them. We just try to do things on time and be honest with everyone.

JONATHON MALIN, COMMERCIAL LENDER AND VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY FIRST BANK Building solid relationships with clients has made a huge difference. We have great technology, but it still means a lot to meet people face to face. I have enjoyed seeing customers grow their businesses. We have exceptional banking products and outstanding customer service. We really put an emphasis on knowing our customers. We help people achieve their dreams and we also do a lot to encourage local non-profits. The people here really now how to better serve their community, and we are so proud to be a part of that.

LES FELTON JR., MOTORWISE OF KOKOMO Motorwise is a family business fully owned and operated by military veterans. I served in the Army and Navy from 1983 to 1993. I love hearing people tell us they enjoy going to a business operated by military veterans. That means a lot to me. We’ve had the same loyal customers since we opened. We meet a very diverse group of people who have become like friends to us. We have the best people who work for us. Having great employees just really makes a big difference. We also have the best coffee! Our customers and staff just love our coffee!

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KOKOMO

Men in Business

DIRK WEBSTER, SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, RUOFF MORTGAGE

BRETT ELLISON, MCCOOL’S FLOORING

I’ve been here since October, 2019, and I love the team I’m on. The late Amy Romero, branch manager and vice president, did an outstanding job of building a great business, and I’m proud to be part of it. The great community here rallied around our office after she died. We are the number one purchase lender in the United States. The big difference is our attention to detail and communication. We also have a lot of cool technology that helps us work with clients and quick turn-around times. We really work with people to help them get the homes they want.

I have worked at McCool’s for 27 years as of May 2021. My past work experience was in department store management. Our first son was born in 1994 and the hours of working are much better. No nights or Sundays. Also, it is nice to work for a family-owned business. My family had owned a Farm Machinery retail business when I was growing up so it was kind of like returning to my roots. We offer premium flooring products at a great value for the residential replacement segment of the retail market while living our values of Faith, Family, Flooring.

BUD DECLEENE, DECLEENE OPTOMETRY My wife, Kate, and I opened our business in February, 1994, with the goal of being able to juggle work and home life. We met our goal. We were really thinking about the future, and what we wanted it to look like. We wanted control over both our work and family. We have four kids, and didn’t want our business and lives to have a corporate feeling. We wanted to have a family-owned business. We’ve had a lot of generations of family members who have been our patients for a very long time. We have wonderful patients. We have grown our practice with the goal of providing life-long eye care for the good people of the Kokomo area.

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HOME • AUTO • LIFE • BUSINESS TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 19

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Kokomo Magazine August 2021

Articles inside

Get Jacked: Jackrabbits Baseball Provides Fun for All

New QB in Town: Getting to Know Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Carson Wentz

Kokomo Men in Business

Kokomo August Events

Mower Than Meets the Eye: North Central Outdoor Power Cuts Through the Competition

Running Smoothly: Ace Automotive Nearing 20 Years of Customer Service