MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2020
Plainfield Equipment Celebrates 45-Year History
TRUE BLUE
Indianapolis Colts Mascot Trey Mock Shares History & Life of Blue
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Elite Pro Painting
PlainfieldMag.com
INSPIRED BY THE PEOPLE WHO FILL OUR HEARTS. And the amazing valves and vessels that make our hearts go. At Franciscan Health, we’re inspired by heart care that keeps you doing what you love, with who you love. To discover more about our inspired approach to heart care, visit FranciscanHealth.org/HeartCare.
2 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PlainfieldMag.com
We Can Fix It Fast For A Lot Less Money NOW HIRING LEAD ELECTRICIANS The ideal candidate will have 5 year minimum experience in Residential and Commercial work. Everyone who applies will be considered. Generators
Outdoor Receptacles
220 Circuits
Lightning Strike Repairs
Security Lighting
Landscape Lighting
Hot Tubs
Electrical Repairs
Outlets and Switches
Home Inspection Lists
GFCIs
Ceiling Lights/Fans
and Much More!
24 HOUR SERVICE FryeElectricInc.com /FryeElectric
FREE QUOTES 317-271-1099 @FryeElectric
A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION
For advertising information, contact:
I N THI S I SS UE
SEPTEM B ER 2020
PUBLISHER
DA RRE N BOSTON
DARREN@TOWNEPOST.COM
317.716.8812
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. F O U N D E R /C EO
TOM BRITT
TOM@TOWNEPOST.COM
317.496.3599 PRESIDENT
JE A N N E BR I TT
JEANNE@TOWNEPOST.COM
317.810.0011 ASS O C I AT E P U B LISHE R
ROBE RT TU R K
ROB@TOWNEPOST.COM
317.810.0011 D I R EC TO R O F D I G I TA L E N G AGEME N T
JOSH BROWN
6 10
Tr u e B lu e : In d ian ap olis Colts Mascot Trey Mock S h are s H istor y & Life of B lu e
17
B u sin e ss S p otlig h t: E lite Pro Pain tin g
Shawls That Speak Love: Prayer Shawl Program Brings Comfort to IU Health Patients and Their Families
20
We ll-O ile d Mach in e : Plain fie ld Eq u ip ment Ce le b rate s 45-Ye ar H istor y
24
B lu e Lig h t: H ow It ’s Affe ctin g You an d How You Can Preve n t Damag e
26
Tr u e Color s: Local Pain tin g Prod ig y E mbraces an Ar tistic Life
C R E ATI V E /S O C IAL T E AM
AUSTIN VAN C E CATHE RIN E S H EA VAL RAN DA LL E D I TO R
K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS ABIGAIL HAKE / AMY PAYNE / CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING JAMIE HERGOTT / KEVIN SWAN / SHAWN STOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
JON S HOULD ER S R EAC HI N G M OR E T H A N
90, 22 1
Combined print + digital + social reach for the month of July 2020 for Avon, Brownsburg, and Plainfield Magazines. Visit TownePost.com for real-time analytics.
# S POTL I GH TI NGLOCAL
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.
8800 North Street, Suite 117 | Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011
FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
1 D AY O N LY S E P T 1 7 TH
STOP IN FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY SALE
ALL DAY SALE: 11AM - 8 PM (317) 839-3202
|
ONE DAY ONLY: THURSDAY, SEPT 17TH 11-8PM
1 8 2 2 E. M A I N S T.
|
PLAINFIELD
ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?
Need a Medicare plan for 2020? Local sales agents are ready to help you! Call your local, licensed sales agent for a free consultation* Paula Webber
317-358-6354 (TTY: 711)
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Y0040_GHHHXDFEN_20_C 458953_GHHHXDFEN_Ad_7.125x4.75_4C.indd 1
*No obligation to enroll. PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 5
` FILE PREPARED BY HUMANA’S INTERNAL CREATIVE SERVICES | FINAL PRINT READY PDF FILE FOR JOB: 458953_GHHHXDFEN_Ad_7.125x4.75_4C
8/5/20 11:59 AM
SHAWLS THAT SPEAK LOVE PRAYER SHAWL PROGRAM BRINGS COMFORT TO IU HEALTH PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
In 2009, Nancy Murray took up crochet as a hobby and began delivering crocheted shawls to local cancer centers in Florida, where she was living at the time. Murray’s daughter Genina Miller, a clinical education coordinator at IU Health West Hospital, was busy creating end-of-life education content and assembling bereavement packets. “One day I was talking to mom on the phone and she said, ‘I’ll send you some prayer shawls to give to your patients,’” Miller says. From then on, Murray began sending a box of shawls to Hendricks County every month, and the prayer shawl program at IU Health West was born. Six years ago, Murray moved back to Indiana to be close to family. “She crocheted her little heart out,” says Miller, who describes her mother as a kind and loving soul - someone who never forgot a birthday, and who people sought out for advice. “She always was doing stuff to help people, whether it was taking groceries to them when they were sick, or volunteering at church.” Since IU Health West is interfaith and 6 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PlainfieldMag.com
nondenominational, it supports all faith traditions including those who don’t subscribe to a particular religion. As such, Miller worked to create an appropriate prayer message to attach to each shawl. Each shawl’s card reads, “May this shawl be encircling, warming and comforting. May this mantle be a safe haven, a place of security and well-being, sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones. May the one who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.” Each shawl is delivered in a purple bag, and chaplains and nurses read the
accompanying card as they place the shawl on a patient or present it to a family member. Michael Gilbert, chaplain at IU Health West, is a primary deliverer of prayer shawls to patients. The hospital staff began by giving shawls to patients having a particularly difficult day. Perhaps they received bad news, were feeling poorly, or experiencing pain. The staff also began giving shawls to those nearing the end of their life. Though sometimes such patients are not alert, the gesture means a great deal to friends and families.
“It’s a small but special gift of warmth and comfort - a tangible way to say we care about you,” says Miller, who admits that when the hospital started the program, she wondered if it would make a difference. “It truly does.” Miller, who served as a critical care nurse for 15 years, initially became interested in end-of-life care because she dealt with it so frequently. “As a critical care nurse, I believe that patients can hear even when they have progressed to a coma,” Miller says.
PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 7
“There were times when I took care of a patient in a coma, and they would wake up several days later and tell me that they remembered my voice. We really think that your loved ones can hear you, so when we lay these shawls on them, even if they are unconscious, we believe they can feel the love.” Bedside nurses have shared stories with Miller about how much the prayer shawls mean to families. For example, a critical care nurse gave one to her patient, and the patient’s husband expressed his gratitude. A few days later when the patient began running a fever, the nurse removed the shawl to keep her cool. Right away the husband asked, “Where’s the prayer shawl? We need to put it back on her.” “It’s hard to articulate how it makes people feel,” Miller says. “The best way to describe
it is an act of love, kindness and caring.” According to Miller, families sometimes keep the shawls as a memento once their loved one has passed. Others place it in the casket. Murray worked full time as an executive secretary until she was 72 years old. After retiring, she remained active and energetic as a barista at the Warm Glow Candle Outlet off of Interstate 70, where she was beloved by coworkers and patrons. In July of 2019 she suddenly fell ill at work, and was rushed to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She quickly went downhill and lapsed into a coma. A few days later, critical care doctors delivered the devastating news that Murray wasn’t going to make it. “After hearing that, I walked down the hall and as I was passing the elevator, the doors opened and Michael stepped off with a purple bag,” Miller says. “The timing could not have been better.” Gilbert placed the shawl on Murray, and it was a powerful moment
of love as Murray’s prayer shawl outreach had come full circle. “My mom had lovingly made shawls for so many people through the years and now it was her turn to get one,” Miller says. Murray passed away two hours later. “Getting that shawl from Michael was such a kind blessing for all of us,” says Miller, who finally understood what the gesture felt like as a shawl recipient. “It’s like getting a hug, having this shawl wrapped around you.” Murray was the biggest contributor to the prayer shawl program at IU Health West. However, members of local churches have also donated, as have staff members from several area hospitals. “An ER physician from Methodist drove all the way here to deliver four of the most beautiful shawls I’ve ever seen,” Miller says. “She told me she crochets to relax after work.” Genina Miller is actively seeking volunteers who knit, crochet or sew. If you would like to donate a shawl to IU Health West Hospital, email Miller at gmiller1@iuhealth.org.
8 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PlainfieldMag.com
31 YEARS
OF SERVING THE
COMMUNITY
317.271.5400 fiteplumbing.com
10% OFF Any Plumbing Repair With Fite Club Membership
317.271.5400
fiteplumbing.com NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER EXPIRES 10/31/20 LICENSE# CO19400024
SEPTEMBER 2020
I N D I A N A P O L I S C O LT S M A S C O T TREY MOCK SHARES HISTORY & LIFE OF BLUE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Amy Payne & the Indianapolis Colts
hen Trey Mock attended freshman orientation at Auburn University, his eyes immediately gravitated to Aubie the Tiger, the university’s mascot who was both athletic and entertaining. “He was hilarious, and I thought that looked like fun so I set out to learn how mascoting works,” says Mock, who, his sophomore year, auditioned and landed one of four student slots who shared the costume. “I learned a lot about how to become a mascot and performer while at Auburn,” says Mock, who, in 2003, won the Collegiate Nationals Mascot championship. Since Auburn’s rule only allows a student to act as mascot for a two-year term, when he finished his second year, he didn’t want to quit. “I felt like I had more in the tank,” he says. A number of former Aubies had gone on to become professional mascots so he followed in their footsteps and became the Atlanta Falcon’s mascot in 2004 and the Buffalo Bill’s mascot in 2005. Neither felt like the right fit for him, however, so he moved back home to Marietta, Georgia, and was considering going back to school when the phone rang in March 2006. The Indianapolis Colts had plans to launch their own mascot and encouraged him to apply SEPTEMBER 2020
Trey Mock
for the position. Mock was flattered but uninterested and declined the offer. They told him that if he changed his mind to submit his resume by a certain date. That night, he found himself sketching out Blue on a legal pad, and over the next few days, he felt conflicted. “The night before the application due date, I had this overwhelming dread wash over me that I had made a mistake,” Mock says. He shared his regret with his dad, who told him to get his resume together. He then drove his son to the Atlanta airport so he could ensure his package made it on a FedEx plane to arrive in Indy the next day. “That’s a small ounce of the support my parents have given me through the years,” Mock adds. Reviewing resumes and highlight tapes, the Colts narrowed the field down to 58 people, then from there cut it to 12. They flew in their top five to perform a two-minute skit and impromptu session, followed by an interview. The next day, they offered him the position.
Nation leading heart care, right here at home Ascension St. Vincent Cardiovascular At Ascension St. Vincent, we know the most important heart to you is yours. That’s why we get to know you, so we can deliver the heart and vascular care that’s right for you. Whether your need is big or small, you can have confidence in our trusted cardiovascular doctors and care teams, backed by leading-edge technology, right here in Indiana.
Find the heart care that’s right for you at ascension.org/stvincentheart
Mock shared his sketch of Blue with the organization and explained the type of character he envisioned. “They initially wanted a rough, tough, mean mascot because that’s football, but I
© Ascension 2020. All rights reserved.
SEPTEMBER 2020
got them on board with my vision of Blue,” Mock says. That vision was an approachable anthropomorphic horse with blue fur and big eyeballs. Blue was first introduced on September 17, 2006, in the Colts’ first home regular-season game. People may assume Mock has little to do in the off-season, but the truth is he stays plenty busy. “This is a 365-day-a-year business,” he says. “We work on content creation and new promotions, not to mention community day events and schools shows.” Through the years, Blue has presented shows about anti-bullying, energy conservation, literacy and authenticity. By next year, Mock will have performed 2,000 school shows in the state of Indiana.
He cultivates each show to be meaningful for children while still interesting to adults. “I go for that Pixar movie vibe where there is something for everyone,” Mock says. “People mistakenly assume my demographic only serves kids but really my demographic is the kid in all of us.” In 2016, he published “Blue’s Road Trip Through Indiana,” a story that shares all the hidden gems in the state that many people may not be aware exist such as Amish Acres in Nappanee or the Grissom Air Museum near Peru. He’s now working on his second children’s book about Blue, an anti-bullying story scheduled to be released in 2021. Over the past 14 years, Mock has earned a number of accomplishments, including winning the NFL Mascot of the Year in 2016 and 2019. In addition, Blue was scheduled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in June SEPTEMBER 2020
of this year. Nevertheless, Mock maintains that it’s not these accolades that mean the most to him. In fact, he recalls how years ago, he was always chasing a thrill that seemed to elude him. “I loved interacting with fans and throwing footballs from the upper deck and all of that, but after the game was over, I’d feel empty inside,” he says. "It’s like I was creating joy but not finding true fulfillment.” Then in 2010, a Make-a-Wish appearance changed his entire outlook on life. Karen’s wish was to have access to the Colts field so her family could play on it. She added, “If Blue could come down to the field and take a picture with us, that would be the icing on the cake!” Mock still recalls running through the tunnel of Lucas Oil Stadium and seeing a mom, dad and twins and wondering which of the kids was Karen. He then learned Karen was the mom.
SEPTEMBER 2020
“Her one wish was to create the perfect day for her family,” says Mock, who spent two hours dancing and throwing the football with the family. “When I waved goodbye, I had the most amazing feeling wash over me, and that feeling stayed with me for weeks after.”
including his career and his wife Ali, a former Colts cheerleader. Now their family has grown to include two children: Tegan (4) and Gunnar (7). He’s eternally grateful to represent the
Several months later, while at a Colts game, a policeman told Mock that there was a woman in the stands who was begging to see him. Though he usually doesn’t venture into the stands for fear of creating pandemonium, something told him he should go. When he approached the lady, she threw her arms around him and started crying, then said, “You don’t know me, but you met my daughter Karen. I wanted you to know that she lost her battle with cancer, but Blue, I’ll never be able to thank you for what you did for my family that day.” Mock says that, at that moment, the thousands of fans around them melted away. “I don’t remember if we won or lost that game, but I remember the light switch that flipped in my head when I realized that my purpose in life was not to get laughs or applause from fans but to give them my time and my love,” Mock says. He cites renowned psychologist Karl Menninger, who had stated that the best way to overcome depression is to find someone in need and do something for them. “I get to do that every single day through a silly blue horse, and it’s not lost on me that that is a massive blessing and responsibility,” Mock says. Mock, 39, says he’d like to continue playing Blue for as long as possible, though he admits that the wear and tear on his body is not inconsequential. “I’ve had four surgeries due to Blue — both knees, shoulder, a staph infection in my right hand,” Mock says. But he feels he owes so much to Blue, SEPTEMBER 2020
Colts as a goodwill ambassador. “I love impacting other’s lives in a positive way,” Mock says. “It’s been a great life.”
er Webst que i Techn ied Certif
WE Accept most all Insurance including Medicare and Medicaid
ChiropracticChiropractic Cold & Flue Season is already In full force and
CareCold can help Fighting & with FluCare can help with
has been for a few months. Try these immune boosters at the 1st sign of illness or if already sick, to decrease the duration of the sickness.
Aches and pains during Achespregnancy! and pains during pregnancy!
Helps with:
er Webst que i Techn ied Certif
WE Accept most all Insurance including Medicare and Medicaid
Helps with: • Rib PainElderberry • Rib Pain • Round LigamentWEpain Accept most all • RoundWESafe Ligament pain Accept most all for kids even as as 1! • Hormone induced headaches Insurance including Insurance including •young Hormone induced • Sciatica Great for upper respiratory colds and theheadaches flu • Sciatica Medicare and Medicaid Chiropractic Medicare and Medicaid Chiropractic • Upper back pain and more • Upper back pain and more • Low back pain • Low back pain Care can help withCare can help with Echinacea Aches and pains during pregnancy! Proper alignment helppelvic to put Helpscan to reduce days ofalignment illness whencan taken at the Aches andpelvic pains during pregnancy! Proper help to put
Helps with:
• Round Ligament pain • Sciatica • Low back pain
firstbirthing sign. Baby in the most optimal position Baby in the most optimal birthing position
Helps • Rib Pain with: • Rib Pain • Round pain • HormoneLigament induced headaches • Hormone induced headaches • Sciatica Andrographis • Upper back pain and more • Upper back pain and more • Low back pain Another good herb for colds and flu
The Only
Proper pelvic alignment can helppelvic to putalignment can help to put Proper Baby in the most optimal birthing position Baby in the most optimalAstragalus birthing position
The Only
The Only
Female Strengthens Chiropractic andFemale regulates theChiropractic immunize system The Only Helps with colds, respiratory viruses, and
Office in Office in Office in Office in Dr. VickiHendricks Danis Dr. Vicki Danis Hendricks Co.Hendricks Hendricks Co. Co. Co. Female Chiropractic allergies Female Chiropractic
Dr. Vicki Danis
Dr. Danis & Dr. Van Matre
Dr. Vicki Danis
*Always consult your PCP before taking herbs with current medication. Dr.your Danis & Dr. Van Matre
Dr. Danis & Dr. Van Matre
US Hwy 36 • Avon, 7651 IN 46123 CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988 E. US| Hwy 36 • Avon, IN 46123 | CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988
wy 36 • Avon, 7651 IN 46123 CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988 E. US| Hwy 36 • Avon, IN 46123 | CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988
Need a New Roof?
Rick’s ROOFING
Local Company • 30 Years Experience Roofing • Siding • Gutters Licensed, Insured and Bonded
FREE ESTIMATES (317) 223-3972 • (765) 993-0377 RICKSROOFINGAVON.COM rick@ricksroofingavon.com SEPTEMBER 2020
in step Medicare plan that’s plan in stepthat’s with your life? with your life? fusing. plan that’s in step with your life?
right dget.
I Can Help!
I Can Help! I Can Help! I Can Help! Choosing the right Medicare plan that’s in step with your life? plan that’s in step with your life? plan that’s in step with your life? coverage can be confusing. Choosing the right Medicare Choosing the right Medicare Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. coverage can be confusing. I Can Help! IICan Help! Can Help!
coverage can be confusing.
Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget.
Medicare plan that’s right for you and your budget. Medicare plan that’s right
t 317-430-7094 317-430-7094 nalized service today!
Medicare plan that’s rightfor you and your budget. Choosing the right Medicare Choosing the right Medicare for you and your budget. Choosing the right Medicare coverage can be confusing. coverage can be confusing. Call me at coverage Callcan mebe at confusing. Call me at 317-430-7094 for personalized service today!service for personalized service today! for personalized Medicare plan that’s Medicare plan that’s right right nce Agency Insurance Agency Call me at HealthMarkets HealthMarkets Insurance Agency HealthMarkets Insurance Agency forand youplan and your budget. for you your budget. Medicare that’s right Medicare | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental
for you and your budget.
Green
.com
317-430-7094
Medicare | Healthtoday! | Small Group | Life | Supplemental for personalized service
Medicare | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental | Life | Supplemental
ce Agent
317-430-7
Insurance Agency Danna HealthMarkets Green
Danna Green
Green at 317-430-7094 Danna CallCall me me at 317-430-7094 Licensed Insurance Agent 317-430-7094 personalized service today! 317-430-7094 dgreen@healthmarkets.com for for personalized service today! Licensed Insurance Agent
Licensed Insurance Agent
Medicare | Health | Small Group | Life | Supplemental
Call me at 317-430-7094 317-430-7094 Danna Green HealthMarkets Insurance Agency HealthMarkets Insurance Agency dgreen@healthmarkets.com for Small personalized service today! | Small|Group | Life | Supplemental MedicareMedicare | Health||Health Group Life | Supplemental dgreen@healthmarkets.com
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Licensed Insurance Agent Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency 317-430-7094
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 sta Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availab
Danna Green Danna Green
icensed as an insurance in all|50 states and the District of Medicareagency | Health Small Group | Life | Supplemental dgreen@healthmarkets.com sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. Insurance Agent HMIA000556 LicensedLicensed Insurance Agent Insurance HealthMarkets Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556
317-430-7094 Danna Green 317-430-7094
Windows - Siding - Doors & More
Licensed Insurance Agent dgreen@healthmarkets.com dgreen@healthmarkets.com Industries Strongest Limited Lifetime - District Including Glass Breakage HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in Warranty all 50 states and the of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556 HMIA000556
317-430-7094 Call Today For a Free Virtual Estimate dgreen@healthmarkets.com
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by State. HMIA000556
Buy Today, Take Time To Pay *Special 0% Financing Available
Rated #1 in Price! — 2019 Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power More Times than Any Other Window and Patio Door Retailer.
Window World received the highest score among Retailers in the J.D. Power 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019 Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study of customers’ satisfaction with their windows and/ or patio doors purchase. Visit jdpower.com/awards Color Palette
CMYK: 0, 100, 36, 37
317-209-0008 | WindowWorld.com
CMYK: 0, 8, 22, 56
RGB: 147, 22, 56
PANTONE® 1955 C
SEPTEMBER 2020
Hex #: 931638
RGB: 140, 127, 112
PANTONE®
Warm Grey 9 C
Hex #: 8C7F70
ELITE PRO PAINTING 383 Williams Court Avon, IN 317-668-0210 www.EliteProPainting.com
From left to right: Production Manager Logan Williams, Sales Manager Joel Sackett, General Manager John Francis and Owner Andy Danforth Writer / Jamie Hergott Photographer / Amy Payne
Andy Danforth, owner of Elite Pro Painting in Avon, started his business in 2008 with family members and friends, and says he and his staff will soon paint their tenthousandth home.
which he learned a few valuable lessons, Danforth worked for his dad at a pallet company. He founded Elite Pro Painting twelve years ago as a local, family-owned, professional painting company that offers interior and exterior painting in the central Indiana area.
Over the course of his year in the pallet shop, Danforth spoke with his longtime best friend, who had worked at the same job for fifteen years. Once he heard what Danforth was doing, he dropped everything to help, and he’s now Elite Pro’s Danforth says the truth of how his business general manager. started is actually somewhat embarrassing. “We’re really proud of that,” Danforth says. “If you look at our company overall online, the reviews are great. When it’s hard to find the bad, that says a lot.”
“I actually worked for a competitor for a while, and I learned what not to do when it comes to running a painting company,” he says. “I saw something that could be improved upon, so we started a paint company to do just that.” After leaving the painting company at
“Our first year was really hard,” Danforth says. “In fact, the first eight years we didn’t see our families much. We just poured everything into it. I would change that a little bit if I could go back, but at the same time, I think that’s why we’re here today.” As a business owner, Danforth’s business philosophy has shifted over time. At the SEPTEMBER 2020
start, his focus was heavily on financial gains. “The focus was always that we wanted that boat, we wanted that pool, or whatever it was,” Danforth says. “We never got those things, but five years ago we changed our focus. We began to understand the servant attitude. If we make people’s lives better, it’s more beneficial for everyone. And that’s
literally how we wake up every day and look at this.” Danforth insists that this servant attitude not only sets his company apart from others, but has also been the reason behind much of the company’s success. Anytime the staff has experienced hardship, they’ve fallen back on serving the community while waiting for business to get back on track. They also focus day-to-day business operations on making customers are 100% happy.
Andy & wife Kathy
“We offer supervision on jobs,” Danforth says. “Most companies don’t have project managers, but we dictate that process because we have a vision of quality for our customers. If it’s not something I’d do in my own house, I don’t allow them to paint.” In fact, Danforth’s customers don’t pay a dime until the job is done and the customer is 100% satisfied. “It’s more expensive to do it that way, but it’s the right thing to do,” he says. Danforth also says his warranties are different than most painting companies, and cover nearly anything that would need to be fixed. “We’ve changed the way warranties work in the painting industry in Indianapolis,” Danforth says. “If you tell us you’re not happy, we’ll come fix it. I’ve never denied a warranty claim, and I’ll continue to do that. But if we do things right on the front end, which is why our supervision is there, then it shouldn’t happen at all.” In addition to serving customers wholeheartedly, Danforth and his family believe in serving the community as well, and 10% of what Elite Pro makes on any job goes toward Gift Kindness, a ministry that helps to feed those in need throughout the community. When the coronavirus pandemic shut the doors of many businesses this past March, SEPTEMBER 2020
Danforth found a creative way to lend a helping hand to those in need. “Painting was the last thing on everyone’s mind,” Danforth says of the coronavirusrelated shutdown period this year. “No one wanted us in their house, so we shifted our focus again and decided to deliver meals to the community. We delivered a few thousand meals to local people who were laid off or lost their jobs. Our theory was, when the smoke settles, we want everyone to know we’ve got their backs and we’re part of this community.” The experience was extremely eye-opening for Danforth, and he has continued to look for opportunities to give, donating to the Avon Education Foundation and sponsoring events for Misty Eyes Animal Center. These acts of service continue to impact
Danforth and connect him to others in the community. During the winter, Danforth often provides free painting services for local churches, business and charities. One particular winter, his staff painted the senior services building in Danville, and simply seeing what this local organization was doing has stuck with Danforth for years.
has our best interest in mind, and not everyone’s family is that way. They’ve been amazing.”
“That was a turning point,” Danforth says. “I didn’t realize what those people were doing. It’s just awesome seeing their heart out there in the community and how they’re helping others.”
The Elite Pro staff offers no-touch, noappointment quotes, and uses Zoom calls to discuss quotes and work that needs to be done.
Danforth owns Elite Pro along with his family, and works with his wife, mom, dad, nephew, his cousin’s husband, and others. “A lot of people try to separate themselves from family in their work,” Danforth says. “It’s been an amazing blessing. Everyone
Three years ago, Danforth added commercial painting to Elite Pro’s list of services. He is looking forward to getting started on painting The Barlow, a mixed-use development in Plainfield.
“You have to pivot, or you’re done,” Danforth adds. “We are willing to work to literally give you anything you want, and we love our community. I really do think people want good things around here. We really want to be a part of keeping it that way.”
SEE WHY OUR NEIGHBORS LOVE US - AND TRUST US!
EXTERIOR PAINTING | INTERIOR PAINTING | CABINET PAINTING WOOD REPAIR | POWER WASHING | COMMERCIAL PAINTING
$250 OFF
(317) 668-0210
www.EliteProPainting.com SEPTEMBER 2020
OF ANY PROJECT PRICED AT $1000 OR MORE * In addition, 10% of profit will go to Gift Kindness for meals delivered to our community.
Writer / Jamie Hergott Photographer / Amy Payne
Rex Roseboom II has been in the equipment industry since he was a toddler. As co-owner of Plainfield Equipment with his father, Rex senior, Roseboom’s earliest memories include coming to the shop after school, and on The family-owned business has been through many changes Saturdays when his dad would make him sweep floors, wash equipment, take out the trash, and do other odds through the years. Roseboom’s grandfather Russell was a farmer in the Pittsboro, Indiana, area more than forty years ago. He eventually and ends for the family business. recognized a need for quality farm equipment in his community, “I’ve always worked here,” Roseboom says. “It’s kind of in my blood. and started Roseboom Farm Supply in 1975. He offered farm supplies and equipment for local farmers. I’ve worked here since I was big enough to hold a broom, and it’s always been what I wanted to do.” In the early 1980s, Russell sold his business to his son, Rex senior, who had worked there with his three brothers throughout the Plainfield Equipment offers a wide variety of outdoor power equipment. Customers can find push mowers, handheld equipment, years. At that point the business name officially became Plainfield Equipment. agriculture products and construction machinery. The largest machines available are full-size backhoes and 300-horsepower The shop branched out into the lawn-and-garden sector, selling tractors. lawnmowers, chainsaws and trimmers. Roseboom always had plans to join the business, and brought his innovative and entrepreneurial These outdoor power products help customers with simple yard spirit with him when he did. He studied accounting and finance at work, the federal government with road projects and farmers with crops, among other tasks. The Plainfield Equipment staff has found IUPUI, and became co-owner with his dad in 2002. itself contributing to multiple industries including landscaping, “I’ve always had ideas to grow the business,” Roseboom says. “Some agriculture and construction. of those ideas allowed us to branch out to other brands and other SEPTEMBER 2020
markets as far as machinery goes, like ag machinery, construction machinery, commercial products, landscaping machinery, and other high-dollar items to fit the contractor, the farmer or the landscape contractor.” Roseboom and his dad are involved with orders and deal with customers daily, and Roseboom wouldn’t have it any other way. He says it’s what makes their business different than others in the industry. “We are hands-on and involved as owners,” Roseboom says. “When you come in, you could get us at the parts counter or selling machines. We don’t step out of the scenes - we’re always involved.” One of the best parts of the job for Roseboom is working with his dad. “We typically have lunch together, even though we never leave and are always busy,” he says. “I have lots of memories here with him as a kid.” The company has been through three generations, and Roseboom continues the tradition by exposing his three-yearold son Silas to the fun of the family business. While Silas loves tractors and everything on the Plainfield Equipment lot, Roseboom plans to support his son on whatever career path he chooses. “He wants to drive everything,” Roseboom says with a laugh. “He loves when grandpa drives him around in anything he desires. He knows the names of all the equipment. He loves getting in the excavators and the skid steers, and he loves the enclosed cabs. We just want him to be happy and follow his dreams. If this business is what he wants as a career, then we will fully support him.” Roseboom is proud of Plainfield Equipment’s high-quality customer service. He and his dad put the customer’s needs first and try to be as accessible as possible, even beyond closing time. “We don’t leave until the last person stops coming in,” Roseboom says. “I think that’s the success of this place, us just being here every day. It’s about fulfilling promises. If we tell someone we’ll do it, we’ll do it.” The coronavirus pandemic, which has disrupted many American businesses, has hardly affected the daily operations at Plainfield Equipment. If anything, business has picked up, bringing new challenges. “The biggest challenge has been keeping up with business in the past four months,” Roseboom says. Because of booming business, the Plainfield Equipment staff has never closed the company’s doors, working in the store SEPTEMBER 2020
and offering curbside pickup as well as delivery of equipment as small as chainsaws and handheld items. “Even a pandemic won’t stop us from supporting our clients and customers,” Roseboom says. “We were deemed essential by the Department of Agriculture for the state of Indiana. We had to help keep these farms going, keep the roads open and keep the infrastructure operational.” Plainfield Equipment sees a wide variety of clients, from farming to construction to the federal government, and Roseboom partially attributes this to the company’s location. He feels that Plainfield’s proximity to rural communities and large property owners, as well as its accessibility to the city, have contributed to his diverse clientele. “We can service anyone, no matter what size project you have,” Roseboom says. “We want you to feel comfortable and confident buying from us, and that you’ll have our support down the road.”
While day-to-day life and business are forever changing, Roseboom appreciates many of the familiar faces that he deals with. His staff’s strong work ethic has carried the company through one of its most challenging seasons. He attributes Plainfield Equipment’s success to the hard work and dedication of his staff members, and values the staff’s commitment to the company. “I’ve been very pleased,” Roseboom says. “We couldn’t do it without them. We told them during the pandemic, ‘If you don’t want to work, don’t work.’ Everybody wanted to work. They adapted but we never closed. We are friendly and easy to do business with. If you ever have a problem, we’ll take care of you.” Plainfield Equipment is located at 716 West Main Street in Plainfield. For more info, call 317-839-2448 and visit plainfieldequipment.com.
26 / AVON MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / AvonMagazine.com
AMERICA’S
BRAND
NOW THRU SEPT. 3, 2018 FREE FREE
See DELIVERY Dealer For Details & Qualifications DELIVERY AVAILABLE AVAILABLE
0 48 %
ASK US ABOUT ASK US ABOUT
for
From 36 inch to 72 inch commercial-grade models, we have the mower for every ne FINANCING FINANCING
PRICE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE .
Stop in today and check out the full line-up of “Simply the Best” zero-turn mowers.
SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.
CallCall Today to to Schedule Your Service Today Schedule Your Service
We Are 716 West Main Street (317) (317) 839-2448 839-2448 GOLD LEVEL SCAG CE Plainfield, IN 46168 317-839-2448 716W. W.Main MainSt. St. 716
www.plainfieldequipment.com Plainfield, IN 46168 Plainfield, IN 46168
MON-FRI: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • SAT: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • SUN: Closed AvonMagazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / AVON MAGAZINE / 27
In
Sales & Servic
How It’s Affecting You and How You Can Prevent Damage Writer / Shawn Stout
We are using cell phones and computers now more than ever, so it is imperative to remember the damage that these devices can cause to our eyes. This damage occurs because of blue light, which is found on all digital screens from computers to tablets to gaming systems. Shawn Stout, a physician assistant at IU Health West Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center, shares tips for preventing damage to your eyes. Signs of Damage Due to Blue Light Oftentimes we spend too much time on our screens throughout the day and force our eyes to work extra hard to cope with the blue light, which can cause eye strain. When our eyes are constantly tracking and looking at a screen projecting blue light, the stress on the eyes can lead to headaches or migraines. If you are already sensitive to light, be extra cautious when using screens for extended periods of time. Blue light can also disrupt sleeping patterns because it interferes with our circadian rhythm, the natural release of melatonin that makes us tired. The blue light tricks our brain into thinking it is daytime, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Disruption of circadian rhythms can lead to increases in obesity, depression and poor overall health. Over time, continued exposure to blue light can also lead to damaged retinal cells, which can cause long-term vision problems.
Tips for Preventing Blue Light Damage • Your risk of blue light damage decreases if you are proactive about prevention: • Decrease screen time, especially at night when you are going to bed. • Wear blue light glasses. They have yellow-tinted lenses that block blue light. • Download a blue light filter smartphone application to help reduce glare and eye fatigue. • Take a break from screens. Even when it’s a busy day, take frequent breaks to give your eyes rest. • Blink more often. When staring at a digital screen, blink more times to keep your eyes moist and refreshed.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Ready to move or set roots. We’re here to make it happen. LEARNING THROUGH PLAY NOW ENROLLING IS NOTHING TO LAUGH AT. LEARNING THROUGH PLAY IS
Tour your local Goddard School and experience NOTHING TO LAUGH AT. why it’s the best preparation for social and academic success. Goddard Tour your localInc.’s Goddard School and experience why it’s Systems, program is AdvancED Accredited. the best preparation for social and academic success. Goddard Systems, Inc.’s program is AdvancED Accredited.
Melissa Sheets REALTOR®/BROKER
317.417.9042
John Dininger REALTOR®/BROKER
317.727.5536
Jill Martin REALTOR®/BROKER
317.414.4668
REALTORS
F. C . T U CK ER COMPAN Y, I N C.
Now Enrolling for August Classes AVON • 8547 E. US Highway 36 •317-272-1337 GoddardSchool.com
****
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2016
CHICAGO QUALITY PIZZA RIGHT HERE IN PLAINFIELD
Ask about our OUT party room for your next team club meetingby or work event. CARRY Available & banquet, DELIVERY 317-837-1717 | CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT 2230 STAFFORD RD. AT THE CORNER OF 267 | CHICAGOSPIZZA.COM
$5.00 OFF
$3.00 OFF
Valid Lunch Buffet. ValidatatPlainfield Plainfieldonly. only.Not NotValid ValidWith With Lunch Buffet. Plainfield Expires 10-31-20 PlainfieldMagazine. Magazine. Expires 5-31-20
Valid only.Plainfield PlainfieldMagazine. Magazine.Expires Expires10-31-20 5-31-20 Valid at Plainfield only.
Any Purchase of $25 or More
Any Large Pizza
PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 25
Valid at Plainfield only. Plainfield Magazine. Expires 9-30-19
LOCAL PAINTING PRODIGY EMBRACES AN ARTISTIC LIFE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Kevin Swan
26 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PlainfieldMag.com
s children, we often form an identity in one way or another. For example, we are known perhaps as the athlete, the animal lover or the reader. Stephanie Paige Thomson, a Brownsburg native, was deemed the artist in her family.
NEED HELP DESIGNING YOUR SPACE?
“I was always drawing as a kid,” says Thomson, one of five girls. “My sisters all had their own thing, but mine was art.” Though she began painting master copies of Van Gogh and Monet at age 14, it wasn’t until she graduated from high school in 2015 after being home schooled that she realized she still had a lot to learn. Though she longed for formal training, she didn’t necessarily want to attend a traditional art school where she would have to study a variety of mediums. She wanted to focus solely on painting. Therefore, she sought out workshops and local master artists such as C.W. Mundy. “I’ll never forget walking into my first class,” Thomson says. “I showed up, 17 years old, the youngest one there. Everyone else was a professional painter or had been doing it a while.” She describes feeling overwhelmed with all the information thrown at her during the seven-hour class, without a clue as to the various techniques to which she was being introduced.
Specializing in:
Home Additions Kitchens Bathrooms Basements Contemporary & Historic Renovations
Providing High Quality Remodeling Services BGWConstructionllc.com Call for a Free Consultation: (317) 268-4487 172 Williams Trace – Plainfield
PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 27
“It leveled any ego I had,” recalls Thomson, who was on the verge of tears by the end of the day. However, the experience didn’t deter her. “I told my mom, ‘I don’t know anything about painting, but I’m going to figure this out,” Thomson says. “It was a huge blessing to start what would become my career in that mindset.” Over the course of the next year, Thomson enrolled in six intense, five-day workshops in various parts of the country. “For the next four years I took classes and workshops, treating it like my college education because that’s what it was,” says Thomson, who loves to paint people first and foremost, followed by landscapes and still-life images. In April of 2016 Thomson received a scholarship to attend a Portrait Society of America conference, which attracts huge names in the art world from all over the country. “I was 17 sitting in this demonstration hall watching living masters paint up on stage,” Thomson says. “I turned to my mom and whispered, ‘I’m going to be up there one day.’” Through the years Thomson, 22, has entered several local art competitions, winning awards along the way. The first time she was accepted into the Hoosier Art Salon show, Indiana’s most prestigious art show, was in August of 2016, and she has been accepted every year since then. In August of 2019 she received Best of Show and third-place honors for her two entries in the annual show. Thomson broke into her first national show in 2017, at the American Impressionist Society’s national show hosted at Montgomery-Lee Fine Art in Park City, Utah. She was thrilled to compete against a bigger pool of talent. “There are no bad paintings in a national show, so this opened my eyes to what’s out there,” says Thomson, who in March of
2020 was notified that her painting “Maine Man” had been accepted into her first international show - the Portrait Society of America’s 22nd annual International Portrait Competition. At the international show, 24 finalists are chosen from 3,000 applicants. Thomson received a certificate of excellence for her work.
Though Thomson paints Monday through Friday, the number of hours she spends on her craft varies widely. Some days it might only be a few hours, and on other days she’ll look at the clock and realize she’s been at it for nine hours straight. The length of time it takes to complete a painting also differs. She has spent as long as six months on a single work, and as little as three hours on another.
“A master artist once said, ‘Some paintings are haikus, some are poems and some are novels,’” Thomson says. One reality every artist has to learn to face is the fear of messing up. “It’s sort of a plague of creative people, but you can’t begin creating something if you have a feeling of fear,” Thomson says. “My vision for what I want my painting to be is
always several steps ahead of what my skill level will allow me to do, which is good. Otherwise, I’d probably plateau. It’s a good thing to want more, but it can plague you if you can’t appreciate what you can do currently.” Unfortunately, like the rest of the world, Thomson suffered some disappointments due to the coronavirus pandemic,
Avon
(317) 271-7760 10791 E. US Hwy 36 Chick--l-A.com/Avon
including a cancellation of a trip to Italy in June. She has, however, found a silver lining in a difficult situation. “Being forced to slow down was not such a bad thing, as I was wildly over-scheduled before,” Thomson says. “The shutdown allowed me to spend more time on paintings and ideas that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Plainneld
(317) 839-4886 2687 E. Main St. Chick--l-A.com/Plain-eld
PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 29
Though she sometimes suffers from painter’s block, mostly in the month of January, she also finds the craft to be so consuming that it occasionally fills her subconscious mind. “I’ll go to sleep and dream about how to finish a painting,” Thomson says. “It’s crazy and so interesting. I have way more paintings in my mind than I could ever paint.”
During the coronavirus-related shutdowns, Thomson was grateful to be able to offer something she feels is vital to the health of society. “People looked to movies, dance, paintings, music, books and all kinds of art as a way to calm their anxiety, and cope with all that was happening,” says Thomson, who recently began teaching portrait workshops at the urging of her artist friends. “Someday I hope to teach
workshops all over the world. To teach in Italy is my dream.” Her long-term goals are both simple and beautiful - to completely support herself on painting alone. “I’d love to be teaching and painting, because looking at the world in a visual way is a really beautiful way to live.” Check out Thomson’s work at stephaniepaigethomson.com.
30 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PlainfieldMag.com
PURCHASE OF $20 OR MORE Taking care Taking careofofwhat what matters matters most to you since 1987. most to you since 1987. It’s important to build a relationship you It’s important to build a relationshipwith withaalocal local agent agent you can trust andand at the Merritt Hall Insurance can trust at the Merritt Hall InsuranceAgency, Agency, that’s that’s exactly what you’ll get. Whether you’retrying trying to to reach reach aa small exactly what you’ll get. Whether you’re small business or get protection fora anew newcar, car, we we offer offer tailorbusiness goalgoal or get protection for tailormade coverages at the right price. made coverages at the right price.
Danny Crum
Danny Crum 317-247-7737 317-247-7737 www.merritthallins.com DANNY CRUM www.merritthallins.com
317-247-7737 WWW.MERRITTHALLINS.COM BUSINESS || HOME HOME| AUTO | AUTO BUSINESS BUSINESS | HOME | AUTO
Expires 10-31-20. Valid with Plainfield Magazine coupon only.
Plainfield’s Hometown Diner (317) 837-7777 405 W. Main St. Plainfield oasisdiner.com
Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Life insurance is issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company or Products underwritten Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Nationwide Life andby Annuity Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, Nationwide Is On Your Office:Side, Columbus, OH 43215. NLife is issued by ofNationwide Insurance and the Nationwide andinsurance Eagle are service marks Nationwide Life Mutual InsuranceCompany Company. or Nationwide and Annuity Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, Nationwide Is On Your ©2018Life Nationwide CPC-0435AO (09/17) 7234377
Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2018 Nationwide CPC-0435AO (09/17) 7234377
5 OFF
$
Any Order of $25 or more.
Not valid with any other offer. Plainfield Magazine Expires 10-31-20
Carry Out Available! Look for our Daily Specials on our website: www.thecoachmanrestaurant.com
Like us on (317) 839-4545 | 6112 Cambridge Way – Plainfield
FREE DESSERT With the purchase of any 2 lunch or dinner entrees at regular price.
PlainfieldMag.com / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 31
Not valid with any other offer. Plainfield Magazine Expires 10-31-20
SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS 1. Spanish fleet 5. Draw in (air) 7. Stale 8. Dingy 9. In the area of 10. Volley of bullets 11. Crowd brawls 13. Have (to) 14. Caught in the act 18. Entangle 21. Unnatural sleep 22. Library user 24. Actress, ... Kelly 25. Bully 26. Take nap 27. Happening 28. Electricity supply network 29. Moves furtively
DOWN 1. Stomach 2. Leisurely walk 3. Accumulate 4. Set apart 5. Like-meaning word 6. Meteor impact holes 12. Before (poetic) 15. One good turn deserves ... 16. Crowed 17. Formal arguments 19. Maiden name indicator 20. Horse restrainer 22. Hires out 23. Contributed
Solutions
ASSISTED LIVING REHABILITATION LONG TERM CARE MEMORY SUPPORT
community F I N D YO U R
At Cumberland Trace, I have found where I belong. A community of family taking care of family.
www.CumberlandTrace.us
Take our free assessment at cardon.us/plainfieldmag 32 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020 / PlainfieldMag.com