Kokomo Magazine July 2023

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BRUSH WITH GREATNESS

BRAD PLANTENGA DOES HELMET ARTWORK FOR MANY ATHLETES INCLUDING INDY 500 DRIVERS

Ask Kokomo native Brad Plantenga if he has always been creative, and you’ll be met with an “I guess so.” And he’d be right. Plantenga won an art contest when he was 6 years old for a bicycling magazine, and first got paid to paint something when he was 16.

“I was always drawing motorcycles and cars, and painting numbers and flames on my Hot Wheels cars,” Plantenga says. “That developed into sign painting. I had a sign-painting job in Indy, and would rush home to letter and number race cars. My first paid job was a number plate for a friend’s BMX bike.”

Now, almost 30 years later, Plantenga can say he turned his creative hobby into a longstanding career through his business, Bullseye Visual. Bullseye is in reference to Bullseye Cycle, a favorite company of his that makes BMX parts. After officially opening for business, he initially painted signs, numbers and letters on race cars, but he focuses solely on helmets now. In fact, you’ve likely heard of some of his most prominent clients.

Writer / Natalie Platt Photography Provided

“I would have never dreamed that painting my own motorcycle helmet when I was 11 years old would lead to working with guys like Ed Carpenter, Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart,” he says. “This all took off when a local driver, Tony Elliott, hooked me up with Simpson Helmets when they were in Indy in the early ‘90s.”

Simpson Helmets, at that time, was sending paint orders to California and Wisconsin. That is, until Plantenga told the company they could send the orders to him.

Carpenter, a driver in the 2023 Indianapolis 500, wore a helmet painted by Plantenga, and Gil de Ferran, winner of the 2003 race, did too. His longestrunning client is Davey Hamilton, who started working with Plantenga in 1994 and has driven in several Indy 500 races.

Other notable customers for Plantenga include Donny Schatz, Cruz Pedregon, Alex Zanardi, Michael Waltrip and Sammy Swindell.

“I’m really blessed to work with a lot of great drivers and heroes of mine during my 30-year career,” he says.

Outside of race car drivers, Plantenga has painted helmets for Olympic ski racers, as well as BMX and other athletes. He’s also painted a few aviation and skydiving helmets along with sprint car drivers, all in a large, two-story garage behind his home while sitting on a simple black and silver stool. It’s an

unassuming space for someone providing artwork for big-time athletes.

At one time Plantenga thought about moving his business to Indianapolis, but decided to stay local.

“I was born here in Kokomo and went to Haworth High School,” he says. “When I was young, I couldn’t wait to get out of here. I’m really excited about the growth in Kokomo. It has so much to offer.” Plantenga says he still skateboards and rides BMX bikes, and praises the city for having three skate parks.

Plantenga’s family also played a role in his decision to stay in Kokomo. Plantenga’s father was a racer, and rode anything from cars to motorcycles and eventually bicycles. He eventually built custom bicycles, giving the younger Plantenga his first experience at spray painting.

“My brother also worked with me for about seven years and really helped grow the business,” Plantenga says.

And his favorite part of the business he’s grown through the last three decades? Taking a passion and turning it into a career - one that he is proud of, yet thinking about stepping away from. He notes, however, that as long as a few of his longtime clients need his work, he’ll be there for them.

“Being able to turn a childhood talent and interest into an actual living and seeing my helmets in action at the track, those are the best parts of my career,” he says. “I’m most proud of staying in business for nearly 30 years at a job that sounds, to most people, like a hobby.”

KICKING INTO HIGH GEAR

INDIANA MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS CHANGES LIVES

Terry Gruel, who owns Indiana Martial Arts and Fitness along with his wife, Carrie Gruel, has seen firsthand the benefits of the facility’s classes. It has a menu of options, from Pee Wee and Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to adult instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA, Karate, final-option tactics that go beyond what typically is found in such a setting - even handgun classes taught by Gruel, who is an National Rifle Associationcertified instructor. Students not only become more physically fit, but they can also get relief from stress and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Gruels share their many years of experience and training with their students. Both are black belts of various degrees over several

disciplines. The couple has won state and national championships, and both have the distinction of being threetime United States Karate Alliance world champions.

“I was basically a skinny kid,” Terry Gruel says. “I loved martial arts but I couldn’t talk my parents into lessons. I started training formally in 1981 with Rick Strong in Tipton. I just have good instructors - Mark Campbell, Eddie Bethea, Hock Hochheim, Mark Slane and Luigi Mondelli.”

In 1990 Gruel and a partner opened a school. By 1994 he went on his own to open Terry Gruel Karate Studio in Tipton. In 2000 he moved to Greentown. Along the way his studios have produced 50 national champions and 17 world champions.

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

“I attribute my success to my wife, Carrie,” Gruel says. “She shared me and allowed me to be away from the family. I couldn’t do it without her support.”

In recent years it has come to light that martial arts and physical training programs can enhance mental health. Deep breathing and mindfulness can train participants to be calm, focused and alert. The practice can also reduce stress and anxiety. Endorphins released while exercising can boost moods. As goals are met and levels are mastered, participants can gain confidence and the ability to keep persevering, even with temporary setbacks.

“In my over-30-some years teaching, I have seen so much evidence of how martial arts is good for mental health,” Gruel says. “Students I coached have gone to college and had their own families. They have come up to me and said how much taking lessons impacted them and helped them be successful. The lessons learned transfer. It has been a big savior for me. Many years ago I went through a difficult period. The practice of martial arts kept me focused on my goals, and not letting other things such as my emotions get in the way of achieving what I wanted to do. It teaches you to set goals and use small steps to accomplish a large step. You don’t focus on events going on outside. It helps you forget the day’s stress.”

Gruel has seen other examples of how individuals facing physical challenges gained courage and confidence to improve their fitness. A middle-aged student with

what he did. Within two years, he could walk without a cane. After five and a half years he became a black belt. Today I am still amazed.”

Indiana Martial Arts and Fitness offers a wide variety of programs. Gruel has developed a course called Final Option Tactics, which focuses on realistic self-defense for those who don’t have years to train in a traditional martial arts system. Other classes include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga, for youth to senior-aged individuals. Some are specifically geared for adults, such as Weapons and an Elite Warrior class comprised of students in their mid-60s.

Parkinson’s disease initially needed two people to help him get up from the floor. Three years later, he can now get up and down on his own, and is able to do many things he couldn’t do when he first started the Elite Warrior class.

“One young man who was bringing his daughter to the Pee Wee class flipped his car and broke his back,” Gruel says. “He wanted to take mixed martial arts class. He could barely walk with a cane and I was terrified he would get hurt. It was incredible to watch

“There is a fitness class that is held Tuesday and Thursday mornings attended by adults that cannot make our evening classes,” Gruel says. “The list of classes is on our website, but the best way to see if we have what you are looking for is to call us or come in and talk. We want you to be happy. If we don’t have the class you need, we can tell you where to find it.”

“I continue to train,” he adds. “I’m grateful for the instructors I have trained under. The biggest reward for me is the lasting relationships and friendships that have developed over the years.”

Indiana Martial Arts and Fitness is located at 411 Arnold Court in Kokomo. Visit gruelmartialarts.com or call 765-236-0632 for more info, and also view them on Facebook.

“It teaches you to set goals and use small steps to accomplish a large step. You don’t focus on events going on outside. It helps you forget the day’s stress.”

WHEEL NICE

KOKOMO BICYCLE GARAGE OPENS WITH COMMUNITY IN MIND

Writer / Natalie Platt

Photography Provided

For Jimmy Rose, Kokomo is home. It’s where he was born, where he went to high school (Western), and where he has seen the community ride their bikes along the trail, now more than ever.

Rose opened a new business to serve a growing need in the community. Kokomo Bicycle Garage opened on May 15 on West Boulevard.

“The growing demand for a new bicycle shop here in Kokomo is what made me ultimately open the shop,” Rose says.

Rose’s path towards owning a bicycle shop started while he was growing up during the same time that BMX was exploding onto the scene. He took a passionate interest in cycling, and while in college, he rode the same bike he received when he was 13 years old.

“My parents got me a great road bike for Christmas,” he says. “It was a Centurion

12-speed, I think. It was yellow and white. I remember we drove to Indy to get it at Mathews Bikes on the east side of town. I did some road races on that bike, then started doing triathlons and realized I had an advantage, being a good swimmer. A couple years later I sold the Centurion and got a Cannondale.”

Rose is thankful for the support of his parents and additional family members, and says he couldn’t have opened his business without them.

Kokomo Bicycle Garage offers new and pre-owned bicycles, and is also a full-service bicycle shop. There is a weekly group ride for serious road riders, and the shop will soon start Saturday night family rides from Kokomo Beach to the music pavilion at Foster Park. Rose’s vision is for kids to play on the playground and skatepark while the adults unwind after the bike ride with live music. There’s also a monthly “pub roll” ride, which takes advantage of the bicycle

path that’s dotted with great little eateries through town.

“I offer a free clinic on flat repairs, and this winter we will have service specials and weekly bicycle maintenance classes,” Rose says. “I also offer after-hours roadside assistance.”

His hope is to host local events supporting multiple areas of cycling, while taking advantage of the new pump track and park facilities. He’d also like to start a nonprofit that supports healthy living in the Kokomo community. Down the road, Rose envisions hiring a welder to start experimenting with bicycle frame building.

For now, Rose just wants to operate a bike shop that is involved with the community.

“I want to be the bike shop who the community knows and loves, from great customer service and repairs to putting on great events,” he says. “I want to help push a culture that drives community members to shop small.”

Kokomo Bicycle Garage is located at 1708 West Boulevard in Kokomo. You can visit their website at kokomobicyclegarage.com or email the store at kokomobicyclegarage@gmail.com.

“I OFFER A FREE CLINIC ON FLAT REPAIRS, AND THIS WINTER WE WILL HAVE SERVICE SPECIALS AND WEEKLY BICYCLE MAINTENANCE CLASSES. I ALSO OFFER AFTER-HOURS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.”

BRADY CALLIE AND CHLOEE

KARLY

MONICA ELAINE

PENNY

RAVEN

REESE RUBY

Kokomo Men in Business

GREG HOCHSTEDLER OWNER/PARTNER, HOCHSTEDLER FLOORING

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

If so, which school did you graduate from?

I grew up in Kokomo until eighth grade when we moved to Michigan. I attended Western until fifth grade and Northwestern for sixth-seventh grade. Temple Baptist for eighth grade.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I played basketball, football and also baseball at Russiaville Little League.

What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo?

I have worked in the Kokomo area since 1988. I enjoy going to my grandchildren’s sporting events. They play for Tipton Youth Soccer Club and Eastern Elementary.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo?

My favorite restaurant is Half Moon.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

I really enjoy grilling and riding my bike.

LES FELTON OWNER, MOTOR WISE OF KOKOMO

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

If so, which school did you graduate from? Western High School.

Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager? The strip - Maple Crest. Who was a teacher/coach who stood out to you, and how?

Duane Keisling for auto shop and Sally Hanscom for choir. They were just great examples. Mr. Keisling is still a wonderful human being.

What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo?

Playing golf, veterans’ reunions, flying with American Huey 369 helicopter units, car shows.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo?

Ned’s Corner Pub - it’s a birthday tradition at this point.

JOSH TAYLOR OWNER, TAYLORED PC’S

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

If so, which school did you graduate from?

Yes, Kokomo High School.

What activities did you participate in during school? Baseball and bowling.

Who was a teacher/coach that stood out to you, and how?

Mr. Richardson (German teacher at Kokomo). His teaching was fun and I loved his class. John and Lynda Lucas for coaches - they were very great to be around, and taught us sportsmanship and many other things dealing with bowling.

Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager? Spring and summer - baseball diamond. Fall and winter - bowling center.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo? Outback Steakhouse or Hacienda.

BRIAN MAST OWNER, ACE AUTOMOTIVE

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

I grew up in Howard county. I have lived here my whole life. I actually live just a half mile from where I grew up.

If so, which school did you graduate from?

I went to, and graduated from, Eastern.

What activities did you participate in during school?

Played baseball and basketball through freshman year. We played a lot of pickup games wherever we found a basketball goal to play on.

Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager?

We cruised the strip a lot (Maple Crest Plaza/Burger King). There again, I spent a lot of time around basketball goals playing pickup games.

Who was a teacher/coach who stood out to you, and how?

I guess the teacher that stood out to me was my algebra teacher, Mrs. Waymire. She taught it well and put up with me never turning in my daily homework. She only graded on the Friday tests, so I never turned in the daily homework. I guess since I aced the tests, she left me alone.

What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo?

That would probably be eating. My wife Jane and I both enjoy sprint-car races, so Kokomo Speedway is probably our favorite place to go. We follow the USAC sprint-car racing and it is hard to beat the racing here in Kokomo.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo?

Taku is probably our special-occasion, go-to restaurant.

MAYOR TYLER MOORE

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

Yes, but I was born in Huntington. We moved to Kokomo when I was 1 year old, so Kokomo has been home.

If so, which school did you graduate from?

Kokomo High School, class of 1989. What activities did you participate in?

I played football and basketball, ran track, performed in swing choir, was a member of student council, Boys Legion, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a “mount man” for the cheerleading squad (which led to my time as a Notre Dame cheerleader in college).

Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager? Spent a lot of time in Foster Park playing volleyball, in Noble Roman’s in Northwest Plaza, and hanging out with friends filming movies for fun.

Who was a teacher/coach who stood out to you, and how?

Ms. Kitty Bell was my eighth-grade English teacher and did an amazing job making sure my grammar and composition skills were top-notch!

What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo?

I love concerts in Foster Park, Jackrabbits games in Municipal Stadium and movies at AMC theater.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo? More times than not, we typically celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at home or at mom’s. Otherwise, we make our way around to a number of restaurants in town. It just depends on the mood we’re in and the food we desire.

JIM ROSE

OWNER, KOKOMO BICYCLE GARAGE

Did you grow up in Kokomo? Yes, near Alto.

What activities did you participate in during school? Art/industrial arts, football, swimming, weightlifting club.

Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager? I hung out at Brad Smith’s house and Heather Delrymple’s house. Other than that, I think we cruised the strip. Movies at the dollar theater. I can’t really remember hanging out anywhere in public. We didn’t have money and there wasn’t anywhere to hang out then without money.

Who was a teacher/coach that stood out to you, and how?

Mr. Hoppes and Mrs. Bryan (swim coach).

What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo? Riding bikes on the new pump track or skate parks with my two daughters, who love our new pump track and the skate parks. We also like going to Foster Park concerts on Saturday nights. We are also big fans of Oscar’s Pizza and the new Kokomo YMCA. We spend a lot of time in the pool there.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo? The Filling Station is my favorite and only bar I go to in Kokomo. I have gained several customers from there (employees and customers).

BRAD ZECK OWNER, NORTH CENTRAL OUTDOOR POWER

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

I grew up in western Howard County, five miles west of Northwestern.

If so, which school did you graduate from? Northwestern.

What activities did you participate in?

Band, cross-country and track. Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager? The strip.

Who was a teacher/coach that stood out to you, and how?

Coach Barnes, my track and cross-country coach. What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo? We like to go out to eat.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo? Texas Roadhouse or Half Moon.

TERRY TRACY OWNER, ALL-PRO PLUMBING

Were you born in Kokomo? Did you raise a family here? What were they involved in?

I was born and raised in San Bernardino, California, but moved to Kokomo in 1995 with my wife, Kim, because we wanted to start a family. Our two kids, Kristina and Joshua, were born in Kokomo and graduated from Kokomo High School. We had them in all kinds of activities like soccer, flag football, YMCA’s Camp Tycony, Super Explorers camp and the summer classes offered through the parks department, programs offered by the libraries, and got heavily involved in Curtain Call and in some of the kids shows through Kokomo Civic Theatre. There’s a lot going on in Kokomo!

What activities do you enjoy in Kokomo?

We love food, so when Kim and I get out or if we’re celebrating, we tend to check out First Friday events or head to any of the local spots with great food. We like to make our rounds to all of them. If there’s a new pop-up or a small business, we love to get in and give it a try. We know how challenging starting and owning a business can be, and we want to see them succeed. And we love food, so it’s a great reason to try new places.

How do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not working at or on All-Pro, I’m usually doing something with Kim, cooking on the grill, gardening, canoeing, hiking, antiquing or checking out new places. We like to travel and try new activities - skydiving, cave tours, anything I haven’t tried before. As our kids are getting older, Kim and I are doing more with just the two of us, but it’s great to have Kristina and Joshua (and usually several of their friends) join when they can, and it’s always fun to head back a second time to share it with the kids!

DIRK WEBSTER BRANCH MANAGER, RUOFF MORTGAGE

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

Yes. I’ve lived in Kokomo my entire life, minus the four years I spent in Bloomington for college. If so, which school did you graduate from? Kokomo High School, class of 1989.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I was on the swim team (state runners-up, 1988) and played three years of American Legion Baseball.

Where did you hang out in Kokomo as a teenager?

My core group of friends spent most of our time at my buddy Jared’s house.

Who was a teacher/coach who stood out to you, and how?

Mrs. Kitty Bell was one of my favorite teachers in high school. She expected a lot from her students, which taught me that shortcuts don’t really get you anywhere. The person/coach who had the biggest influence on me was my grandpa, Bob Ronk. He coached Legion baseball in Kokomo for over 30 years, and I was fortunate to play for him for three years. I think of him almost daily and the life lessons he taught me are too numerous to count.

What’s your favorite way to spend time in Kokomo? Jackrabbits games, hanging out with friends at Sun King, and chilling at home by the fire pit.

If you’re celebrating something like a birthday or anniversary, where do you tend to go in Kokomo? Marble The Steakhouse is our go-to restaurant for dinner celebrations, and Sun King is our favorite gathering place for birthdays and other special occasions.

JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Sponsored By:

SIMETRIA FALL PREVENTION CENTER

DOWN

1. Embargoes

2. Soon, to a bard

3. Elvis was known for them

4. Windshield

1. Bellhop’s burden

4. Big stinger

8. Fancy

12. “___ questions?”

13. Bird in hieroglyphics

14. Jot

15. Neighbor of Swed.

16. Hardly Herculean

17. Santa checks it twice

18. Gets game

20. Camp sight

22. Deli allowance

23. Locked, in a way

27. Does some PR work

29. One who cries foul?

30. Girl or boy of song

31. Had an effect

so

speak

44. ___ rags

47. Sign in a store window 49. “___ and the City” 50. Fix, as fences

51. Asian staple

52. ___ kwon do

53. Like Felix Unger

54. Do-gooder’s doing

55. Text, briefly