Muncie Magazine September 2023

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MEET TONI PRICE Muncie Magazine’s Director of Sales and Marketing

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THE OLD WASHINGTON STREET FESTIVAL

An East Central Neighborhood Mainstay

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PASSION FOR THE PROGRAM Coach Mike Neu Hopes for Sustained Success for the Cardinals Football Team

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CITY HALL EMPLOYEES CONTINUE IRONMAN TRADITION Local dignitaries challenge themselves with grueling workouts to prepare for the prestigious swim, bike and foot race

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IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT Catching Up With Steve Gaddis, Owner of Gaddis Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram

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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MUNCIE DURING SEPTEMBER

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ALI KLINE

27 KEEPING IT CLEAN

Customers Can Count on Johnson Pet Waste Removal

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

AIMEE MACARTHUR / CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING DAVID FENNIG / ASHLEY LOGAN / RENEE LARR

Meet Toni Price

Muncie Magazine’s Director of Sales and Marketing

Writer

Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Toni Price, director of sales and marketing for Muncie Magazine, has lived in Muncie for close to 30 years. While she remains a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan, she could not love Muncie more.

/ Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

“I never run out of things to do here, from the concerts to the parks to the festivals - all free, by the way!” says Price. “There are times that I have to choose from a half a dozen activities that are going on in the community.”

Price, who sold radio ads for 15 years, was

retired for one day before she accepted this job.

“I love this magazine and the fact that we share things about people and events in Delaware County,” Price says. “This community deserves a good magazine with beautiful stories about businesses

and people.”

Price is all about spreading positivity every chance she gets. This is why, when people ask her how she’s doing, her answer is always, “I’m good!”

“That’s what I choose,” she says. “Sure, there are challenges, but challenges don’t make for a bad day. They just make for a bad moment. It doesn’t affect my mood.”

During the pandemic-related lockdowns, her perspective came sharply into focus and she established several mantras that she now lives by. They include: “Always do the next right thing. Give a smile to someone who needs it. Open doors. Say please. Call your parents. Invite a friend to lunch. And never expect too much.”

Working in the field of marketing, Price has enjoyed watching businesses grow and flourish. She has also attended many conferences and seminars, where she has been captivated by a number of motivational speakers including Colin Powell, Zig Ziglar, Christopher Reeve, Barbara Bush and Tony Robbins. Still, she claims the best life lessons have come from Mr. Rogers and Dolly Parton.

Price, who has two adult children and three grandchildren (ages 16, 13 and 10), loves to garden, hike, learn about birds, plant flowers and spend time outdoors. She also enjoys hanging out with her family, going to concerts, doing water classes at the YMCA, and attending plays at the Muncie Civic Theatre. She has a 30-pound rescue dog named Buddy. Prior

to the pandemic, the two used to visit assisted-living facilities. During COVID when the world went virtual, the pair participated in an online reading program with several grade schools.

“Buddy would sit in front of the computer while the children read to him,” Price says. “Then, when restrictions were lifted, we were able to mask up and go to the schools in person. Buddy’s a rock star.”

Price is a rock star in her own right, as the people of Muncie know her well and have come to trust her.

“My favorite quote is, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,’” Price says. “I hope the clients I work with know I have their best interest in mind.”

THE OLD WASHINGTON STREET FESTIVAL

Every third weekend in September, the East Central Neighborhood in Muncie opens its doors to visitors from around the state. It’s an elegant and stately neighborhood with many noteworthy historic houses and tree lined streets that offer both shade and whimsy in the fall.

Once per year, Washington Street is closed from Cornerstone on Madison to the East Washington Academy, and is lined with vendors, artisans and entertainers. This is the Old Washington Street Festival, which is now in its 46th year, and it is an invitation to the community at large to come see the architecture of this historic part of town.

“Last year we had about 75 vendors,” says Kim Miller, chairman of the East Central Neighborhood Association. “We try to get a lot of different entertainers to come in. This year we are trying to make Saturday more like a big family day. We’re making a superlow-cost, one-day-only vendor area for kids, and one of the stages will be kid

Writer & Photographer / David Fennig

entertainers all day.”

The festival typically draws in between 8,000 to 10,000 visitors throughout the weekend, according to Miller. The festival itself is free, but aside from the vendors and entertainment, the main draw is a tour of historic homes and other buildings. “We normally have four to five of the old historic homes open,” says Miller. “It’s a $10 ticket and you get to walk through those and see the architecture.”

The East Central Neighborhood Association formed 46 years ago, with the goal of encouraging homeownership of older houses that had fallen into disrepair. The majority of the homes in the neighborhood had been built between 1880 and 1890, and needed rescue and restoration. “This is the whole reason the festival started,” says Miller. “It was to educate people about the history of this part of town, to get people to come back, to want to live in these houses and not see that history lost.”

The association started the festival as an opportunity for prospective homeowners to tour homes with unique architecture and become familiar with the neighborhood. Now the association works with professors from Ball State University to help record the history of the homes and other historic buildings in the neighborhood. The tour of historic homes is a great opportunity for locals to learn more about their neighborhood.

“One of the professors has some of his architecture students come in,” says Miller. “Some of them will talk a little about the history of each home.”

Many of the homes have been restored to their former glory, and are full of interesting features that arise from bygone eras of architecture. This year the festival falls on September 16 and 17. More information can be found on Facebook or Instagram, and at oldwashingtonstreetfestival.org. The festival is run by volunteers, and anyone interested in volunteering can do so through the website.

Passion for the Program

COACH MIKE NEU HOPES FOR SUSTAINED SUCCESS FOR THE CARDINALS FOOTBALL TEAM

Mike Neu, Ball State University (BSU) head football coach, lives and breathes football. For college football fans, you want your team’s head coach to be someone like Neu, who played the game from childhood, through high school and college, and in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League, and who also worked for the New Orleans Saints.

Neu is devoted to football, and has a deep respect for the players, staff, officials and fans. He is clearly the heart and soul of the Cardinals. Being an NCAA Division I head football coach is becoming more competitive and complicated, with issues like roster management, name, image and likeness, and the day-to-day responsibilities and stressors of being a head coach in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Despite the changes and challenges, as BSU’s head football coach since 2016, Neu handles it all with ease and positivity.

Neu’s players describe him as down-toearth, energetic, genuine and passionate. As fans know, Neu is a proud Ball State alum who had a successful football career as a quarterback with the Cardinals. “I was fortunate enough when I was here as a student-athlete to be part of two championship teams, which was awesome,” Neu says. “To be a part of that, those

memories are special, and they get better every year.”

Coach Neu loves what he does and he does not take it for granted that, although it may be difficult at times, he knows he has a dream job.

“Nowadays, especially in college, there are so many challenges and they’re continuing to grow every single year with the transfer portal, with name, image, likeness,” he says. “There are a lot of things that go into it now, and obviously mental health is front and center more than it’s ever been, and rightfully so. There’s a lot that goes into it off the field. It’s not just about coaching. You’ve got to love it to continue to do it, because it’s continuing to get more and more challenging.”

Although there were some disappointments last season, Neu is laser focused on the upcoming 2023 season. He feels optimistic and knows what the team needs to do for a winning season.

“I feel like we have a chance to have a really good football team here,” he says. “Some of the things that caused us to lose some of those games a year ago, I know we can fix those. It comes down to turning the ball over. It comes down to scoring touchdowns in the red zone on offense and then being better in two-minute situations at the end of games. That happens in our conference

almost every week. We played seven onepossession games in our conference last year. It’s very competitive. It’s certainly a very unpredictable conference, if you will. Just trying to focus on getting better at the things we need to improve on.”

Neu encourages his players to move on quickly after any loss or setback, and focus on what’s ahead.

“There’s nothing you can do to change what’s already happened,” he says. “The only thing you can control is what’s going to happen next. Just having a next-play mentality - you’ve got to move on, whether it’s good or whether it’s bad. How you respond to adversity really kind of defines who you are and what we are as a team. I just try to preach that.”

Neu is excited about the 2023 roster, including a new addition, running back Marquez Cooper, who joins an already impressive group of top-tier studentathletes. Neu is routinely asked about quarterbacks Layne Hatcher and Kiael Kelly, regarding who will be the starting quarterback. He is also asked if there is a scenario where both quarterbacks can be on the field together. Neu is open to many possibilities, and fans will have to wait and see how the final lineup looks.

The Cardinals welcomed two new coaches in January of 2023 including Adam Morris,

Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photographer / Ashley Logan

defensive line coach, and Cedric Cormier, wide receiver coach. Morris is a Ball State alum and was the head football coach at Muncie Central High School a few years ago. Most recently he coached at Eastern Illinois. Cormier spent the past few years at Houston Christian University.

Neu says both Morris and Cormier are excellent coaches who have mentored toptier players, and are terrific additions to the talented coaching staff. Neu is also thrilled about the Cardinals’ indoor facility, which has been open now for about two years. He thinks the indoor facility is a win for the team and helps the team’s recruiting efforts. In addition to the indoor facility, the complex at the stadium was recently freshened up with paint and graphics, and newly renovated meeting rooms.

The MAC is a highly competitive conference, and Neu is often asked what separates BSU’s football program from other MAC programs. For Neu, BSU’s program is all about family and mentoring young student-athletes.

“I think the biggest thing that separates us, that makes me proud, is we are a big family,” he says. “I’m the youngest of eight kids. In the recruiting process with families and young men, we’re just trying to make sure their family knows, when they drop them off here at Ball State, they’re going to be in good hands. We’re going to raise them,

and by the time they graduate from Ball State they’ll be better men than when they entered. We’re just trying to educate them and tell them there’s more that goes into it than just football and academics. I’m just trying to make sure that’s what we’re all about as a program.”

Coach Neu and the Cardinals are ready for a successful and thrilling season.

“We start out with a really challenging schedule to begin the season, being on the road at Kentucky and being on the road at Georgia, which has won back-toback national championships, so those are awesome opportunities for our guys,” Neu says. “If you look also at our schedule, this is the first time in several years that we’re playing Indiana State. When I was here as a student-athlete, we played Indiana State every year as a trophy game. It’s exciting to have Indiana State back on our schedule. None of our guys who are in our program would have ever had that experience yet, so I think that’s awesome to be able to have that game on the schedule again.”

Neu works hard to mentor players, whether sharing stories about his time as a player or drawing from the all-star coaches who mentored him. He says former BSU head football coaches Paul Schudel and Bill Lynch, and former New Orleans Saints head football coach Sean Payton, were all coaching mentors who left lasting

impressions on him. Neu says he adopted certain approaches from each coach and incorporated them into his own unique coaching style.

Neu is happy to have his extended family nearby and loves that they can attend Cardinals home games. Ball State feels like home to him, and he believes these special memories will last a lifetime.

“I love it here,” he says. “It just hits different when you have a chance to be a head football coach at your alma mater. I want to see Ball State sustain success. I think our university has so much to offer from an academic standpoint. I just want to have a football program that everybody can be proud of. I want to compete for championships year in, year out. I just love it here. It’s like home. I don’t know if I see myself being anywhere else. Obviously you’ve got to have success in order to be able to continue to have your job. I understand that. I certainly love it here at Ball State and haven’t really thought about anything else but being here.”

Get ready - the season begins Saturday, September 2 with the Cardinals playing at the University of Kentucky. The Cardinals will also play at the University of Georgia on Saturday, September 9. For information including the game schedule, ticket details, merchandise, the latest news and more, visit ballstatesports.com/sports/football.

CITY HALL EMPLOYEES CONTINUE IRONMAN TRADITION

LOCAL DIGNITARIES CHALLENGE THEMSELVES WITH GRUELING WORKOUTS TO PREPARE FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS SWIM, BIKE AND FOOT RACE

The triathlon was born in the mid-70s, with athletes combining swimming, biking, and running to test their endurance and multisport fitness. The first IRONMAN was held in Hawaii in 1978. It was designed as a combination of three existing races: a 2.4mile swim, a 115-mile bike ride, and a full marathon. The bike ride was shortened by 3 miles to connect to the beginning of the run course, and the legendary 140.6-mile race

Full and half-distance races sprung up all around the country in the years following. Muncie launched its own Endurathon, a 70.3 distance triathlon, in 1980, and has hosted one every year since, making it the longest running 70.3 triathlon event in the world. The event has since joined the IRONMAN brand, drawing thousands of athletes and spectators every year to Prairie Creek Reservoir.

Mayor Dan Ridenour first competed in

marathon, but he had to train extensively for the 1.2-mile swim and the 56-mile bike. The following year, Mayor Ridenour pulled together a relay team from City Hall for the race: Prairie Creek Superintendent Dustin Clark completing the swim and City Controller Craig Wright on the bike. Wright volunteered at the Ironman the year before he competed.

“I took it on as a personal challenge,” Wright says, who was 62 at the time of the race. He

Story & Photos Provided

even though he is not competing.

“It made me focus on my personal health and fitness – I feel better than I have in 30 years,” he says.

This year, Deputy Controller Matt Wagley is training for the bike portion of the relay. Wagley has a history of biking and has been working hard to get into racing shape. Cyclists have about four-and-a-half hours to complete the 56-mile ride, which translates to about 13 miles per hour.

Communications Director Michele Owen is a triathlete as well, having completed the 2021 race and a full distance IRONMAN in 2022. She did not participate in the 2022 Muncie race, as she had just completed IRONMAN Maryland a few weeks prior, but will be racing in 2023 with one goal: To try to beat the relay team.

“I don’t think I’ve got a chance,” Owen says. “But I’ll give it my best shot.”

Less than 1 in 1,000 Americans compete in IRONMAN. So why are there five in City Hall? The grueling endurance race has a reputation for attracting CEOs, industry leaders, and other highly motivated people.

Training for the race is a huge commitment, and successful competitors must have excellent pacing, personal awareness, mental fortitude and drive. It is no real surprise that people with these characteristics are drawn to public service, and vice versa.

The race is on September 30th, and volunteers are still needed to man aid stations and cheer on athletes. Last year, Muncie’s race was voted the best participant experience out of all 70.3 distance races in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The race happens to fall on the same day as the Mayor’s Arts Awards, which celebrates local artists with an awards ceremony and full evening of events.

“I asked the Mayor if we could schedule the event on the same day as IRONMAN, and he wasn’t even phased,” Owen says. “He just has the most incredible work ethic.”

In the Driver’s Seat

CATCHING UP WITH STEVE GADDIS, OWNER OF GADDIS CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM

Steve Gaddis knows a thing or two about hard work and operating a family-owned business. Gaddis owns Muncie-based Gaddis Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram, located at 1717 North Wheeling Avenue. His father, Bill Gaddis, opened the dealership in his name in 1977. Gaddis jokes

that he’s been involved with the business since birth, but says he started working with his father at 12, cleaning toilets, mopping floors and performing other chores no one else wanted to do.

“After I graduated from high school I was set to go to college, and I decided I didn’t want to go,” Gaddis says. “I started selling cars in

1981 and running the dealership in 1991.”

Gaddis says he feels lucky to have worked with his recently deceased father. He says it’s an experience most people never get to have. Gaddis says they were fortunate it worked out so well for both of them.

“We didn’t necessarily agree on everything

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Ashley Logan

every single day, but when those times came up, we sat down and hashed it out until we came to a consensus,” he says. “I wouldn’t change those times for anything.”

He says an exceptionally high level of customer service is paramount to the business’s success. He says Muncie is a small town, and he wants to be able to go out to eat at local restaurants and see his customers knowing they’re happy with his business and the service they receive.

“Great customer service isn’t hard,” Gaddis says. “It’s just something we do. Every customer is greeted the moment they walk in. They’re escorted just about everywhere but into the restroom. It’s mostly about doing the right thing every day with every customer. Our biggest goal is to make sure we treat people correctly.”

As a lifelong member of the Muncie community, Gaddis knows small-town values are essential to Muncie residents. He says his dealership has been successful after all these years because of attention to detail and hard work. Many of his 40 employees are longterm hires.

“Even during the shutdown due to COVID-19, as an essential business we were only closed for four days, and then we were back to work like nothing changed,” Gaddis says. “Some of our employees have been with us for 25-plus years or have even retired. If our employees are good people who work hard, they make my job easier. All of the people who work here are great people.”

So, what’s next for the dealership and Gaddis himself? That’s a question he isn’t sure he can answer. Or, more to the point, it depends on the day.

“I guess at some point I’m going to want to retire, but I don’t know when,” he says. “If you ask me later this afternoon, I might want to retire now. I don’t know. I’m just taking it day by day. For now, it’s business as usual.”

If you’re looking for a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram, visit billgaddischrysler.com.

What’s Happening IN MUNCIE DURING SEPTEMBER

Every Friday

Yorktown Farm & Artisan Market

The Yorktown Farm and Artisan Market is a year-round farm, food, and artisan market in Yorktown’s Morrow’s Meadow Park. 4:30-7:30 p.m. 1901 S Tiger Drive, Yorktown

Every Saturday

Farmers Market at Minnetrista

Discover fresh and healthy food, produce, and more from local vendors. 9 a.m.-Noon. www.minnetrista.net

Through Sept. 17

Girlhood: It’s Complicated

Explore the diversity of girls’ experiences and how girls have changed American history in this enlightening exhibit. Girls are made of strong stuff and they’ve been on the front lines of change throughout American history - don’t’ miss this groundbreaking exhibit! Tickets. www.minnetrista.net

Sept. 2

Don McLean American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour

The American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour will take the stage at the new Brown Family Amphitheater in the heart of Ball State University. Presented by the City of Muncie, McLean will offer a night of storytelling to honor a legendary career and the album “American Pie.” 7 p.m. Free.

Sept. 7

First Thursday

Join your friends in downtown Muncie on the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. Explore exhibits at local galleries, browse street vendors and more. This month’s First Thursday includes a Muncie Mystery. A pretend crime has been committed and we need your help finding the culprit (with clues available at downtown businesses). Free. www.downtownmuncie.org

Sept. 8-24

“Charlotte’s Web”

Muncie Civic Theatre presents “Charlotte’s Web,” the first show in the Mainstage Season, which will be presented off-site in the Casazza Family Studio Theatre while the theater undergoes renovations. Based on the beloved children’s book by E.B. White. Tickets. www.munciecivic.org

Sept. 8

“Moons: Worlds of Mystery” Planetarium Show

Take a journey through our solar system and explore the remarkable diversity—and surprising might—of moons! From volcanoes and geysers to ice-covered oceans and methane rain, these natural satellites have some spectacular features, and many even exert a surprising influence on their planetary partners. Learn what these celestial bodies reveal about the history and workings of our solar system. 6:30 p.m. Free. www.bsu.edu

Sept. 9

Delvon Zamar Organ Trio

The critically acclaimed soul-jazz Delvon Zamar Organ Trio will close out the 2023 Muncie Three Trails season at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. The group’s music is best described as “feel good music,” conjuring the smoky 1960s jazz and soul stylings of Jimmy

Smith, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, The Meters, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Charles Earland. The Ball State Jazz Ensemble will open the show. Free. www.munciethreetrails.org

Pollinator Party

What’s the buzz? Could it be bees, bats, butterflies, or even birds? Find out at the Pollinator Party at the BSU Nature Lab, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, and Christy Woods. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. www.bsu.edu

“Magic Treehouse: Space Mission” Planetarium Show

Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle they discover in a written note signed “–M.” Peek into the treehouse and follow Jack and Annie on an exciting adventure as they meet a helpful astronomer and an astronaut. 3 p.m. Free. www.bsu. edu

“Eclipse: The Sun Revealed” Planetarium Show

There will be a total solar eclipse visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, and a partial solar eclipse visible from Muncie on October 14, 2023. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. 5 p.m. Free. www.bsu.edu

Sept. 16

Ball State Athletics - Football - Family Weekend

Come see the Ball State Football team in action against Indiana State University. Support the Cardinals! Chirp! Chirp! www.ballstatesports. com

“Magical Music: Harry Potter & More”

Concert led by Joel Smirnoff, Principal Guest Conductor. 7:30 p.m., Emens Auditorium, Ball State University. Tickets. www.orchestraindiana.org

Sept. 16-17

2023 Old Washington Street Festival

The annual festival includes vendors, craft demonstrations, live entertainment, food and more. Free. www.oldwashingtonstreetfestival.org

Sept. 21

Muncie’s Bridge Dinner

Meet your friends and neighbors on the Washington Street Bridge for food, music and more. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www.muncieneighhborhoods.org

Sept. 23

Ball State Athletics - Football

Watch the Ball State Cardinals in action against Georgia Southern University at Scheumann Stadium. Chirp! Chirp! Game time TBA. Tickets. www.ballstatesports.com.

Sept. 30

Ironman 70.3

The annual test of endurance returns to Muncie. www.ironman.com

CALENDAR PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF COMNMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

Following high school graduation in 2011, Ali Kline did what a lot of students do - she went on to college. She attended Ivy Tech in Lawrenceburg, taking general studies classes but thinking that she might want to study elementary education. However, after doing an in-class observation of a

ALI KLINE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

third-grade classroom, she began to have second thoughts about a career working with children.

“The teacher looked so stressed out, and in that moment I felt terrified and totally overwhelmed,” Kline recalls. “I left that class thinking, ‘No way am I going to do this.’”

Ultimately she dropped out of school. In 2014 her best friend was moving to Muncie and looking for a roommate, so Kline joined her. At this point in life, Kline had a young child so her schedule was full, but once she started working part time at her son’s day care, the spark to work with kids was ignited once again.

“The first time I was at Ivy Tech, I was 19

years old,” Kline says. “The second time, I was a mom and had a better understanding of children, and life in general.”

She gave birth to a second son in 2020. After that, she decided to take a second shot at college and began attending Ivy Tech in Muncie to get her associate’s degree in elementary education. She graduated with that in May 2023.

“I was selected as most outstanding student in my field of study, so I got to lead my class through graduation,” Kline says.

She couldn’t be more thrilled with her experience at Ivy Tech. She was a single mother of two who opened her own small business while going to school. Through it all,

SPONSORED BY:

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

the professors were very understanding.

“Ivy Tech goes above and beyond for their students,” says Kline, who recalls the time she got COVID and had to do a big presentation via Zoom.

“I had my little kid on my lap and remained as professional as I could, but they were so accommodating,” Kline says. “Not everyone has the same academic path, and they work hard to ensure their students experience success.”

Kline appreciated Ivy Tech’s small class sizes. The greatest number of students in her class was 16, and one class only had four.

“The idea of having 100 classmates seemed so daunting,” Kline says. “With classes this size, I felt like an actual person and it allowed me to develop more interpersonal skills.”

Kline is now 30 and her kids are 6 and 3. This fall she will be back in her hometown working as a teacher’s aide to gain some hands-on classroom experience.

When she thinks back to that third-grade classroom she observed that overwhelmed her, she finds it funny because she so adored all of her education courses.

“It was incredible to be around fellow future educators because we’re all creative and have a passion for children,” Kline says. “We all motivated one another. I loved the melding of everyone’s minds. I learned so much academically and socially. People learn when they are having fun.”

KEEPING IT CLEAN Customers Can Count on Johnson Pet Waste Removal

Writer & Photographer / David Fennig

It’s a necessary part of going for a walk that any dog owner is familiar with. At some point our furry friends will have to deposit their doo-doo, which will need to be scooped.

Many pet owners own a yard where they can let their pup out to potty, without the need for a leash and cleanup bag, but that creates a landscape of stinky landmines. That’s where Dave Johnson, owner of Johnson Pet Waste Removal, comes to the rescue.

“I got the idea from a good friend of mine,” says Johnson. “We were passing around business ideas and he said I could make a million dollars picking up dog poop.”

After some research into the market and seeing the need for residential pet waste removal, Johnson decided to take the plunge into self-employment in January of 2022. He was able to build his business to the point where he quit his full-time job in October of

2022, and has been growing steadily since.

It’s a simple and effective business model that he runs predominantly with a truck and a cell phone. His brightly wrapped truck conveys the light-hearted attitude that Johnson brings to his serious business, featuring cartoon puppies and slogans like “They poop, we scoop.”

Indiana ranks sixth in the nation for dog ownership according to the American Veterinary Medical Association Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, with a whopping 49.4% of households owning a dog, and households that do own dogs owning an average of 1.6. With 2.6 million households in Indiana, according to the latest census data, there are roughly two million dogs pooping every single day in Indiana. That’s a lot of scooping to be done.

Though still a one-man operation, Johnson has aspirations to add

in staff as he grows his client base. “The summer is the worst time for business, but during the fall and the spring I can’t even keep up with all the calls I get,” he says.

Single-family residences are the majority of his clientele currently, though he is looking to expand into apartment complexes, dog parks and city parks. Cleanliness is important in public spaces where dogs are likely to converge, because of the risk for animals to pass diseases to each other (and to humans) through their fecal matter. While pet waste removal isn’t a highly regulated industry, Johnson takes the well-being of his clients’ pets seriously and puts safety first.

“I bleach all my tools after every time I clean someone’s yard,” he says.

More information as well as scheduling info can be found on Facebook or at johnsonpetwasteremoval.com.

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3riversfcu.org/locations

3riversfcu.org | 800.825.3641

*Limited time offer beginning 08/01/2023 and running through 10/31/2023. Qualifying offer for new members only. Offer only applies to postsecondary students who are either a current resident of Indiana and Ohio OR actively enrolled in a postsecondary educational program based in Indiana or Ohio and meet the qualifications for membership at 3Rivers. To earn initial $150 payout, new member must 1.) open an eligible checking account and 2.) complete five (5) or more debit card purchased transactions that result in an aggregated total of at least $50 within 45 days of account opening. Eligible checking accounts include Cash Back Dividends+, Reward, Livin’ Free, Standard, and Onward. Business accounts are not eligible for this promotion. An additional $150 bonus payout can be earned by completing a financial wellness conversation with a 3Rivers team member over the phone or in a branch. New member MUST meet qualifications for the initial $150 payout in order to be eligible to receive additional $150 bonus payout. Switched relationships during the promotional period will receive $150-$300 within 30 days after all qualifying requirements are met. 3Rivers reserves the right to withdraw or hold promotional payout if qualifications are not met and/or member changes checking account to an ineligible checking account within 120 days after payout is paid. Promo code “STUDENT23” must be utilized upon account opening and when scheduling a financial wellness appointment. Offer void for persons who have had any existing 3Rivers checking account open within the last 6 months and/or employees of 3Rivers Federal Credit Union. Payout may be considered interest and, as such, 3Rivers will provide an IRS form 1099-INT. Please consult your tax advisor for any tax-related questions. This promotion may be discontinued at any time.

Federally insured by the NCUA.

GADDIS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE A MAJOR OVERHAUL TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT

We can’t wait for you to come in and meet Clint King our new Service Manager.

Clint has lots of automotive experience and is great to work with.

We are also happy to have two really great service writers that work beside Clint.

With added certified technicians and lube techs you can look for shorter wait times to get into service.

You will love our improved service department. Call today and give us the opportunity to serve you better.

Come See Why Its Different At Gaddis!