Brian Bear has a heart for his hometown of Tipton. Although he lives in Cicero with his wife, Lisa Bear, and their golden retriever, Jake, Bear continues to support Tipton through event sponsorships and donations to nonprofit organizations. He also gives back by mentoring area athletes.
Bear is in his 50s, yet he is an avid athlete. In 2022 he qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon. The famous race is arguably the hardest United States marathon to qualify for. He continues to participate in sprint triathlons and Half IRONMAN competitions, while placing within his age group to go on to local meets. Brian is still a top runner in the area at age 54.
Several Tipton residents influenced him after he began running at age 13. His Parents, Ray and Shirly Bear, were both runners, and the family attended many running events. At Tipton High School his coaches, Brian Shortridge and the late Jay Whelchel, were mentors. The late Joe Bear, his uncle, and former Tipton High School counselor, was also an inspiration. Bear received a cross-country scholarship to Vincennes University.
Bear gives back by encouraging other runners and IRONMAN athletes. He is glad to share advice on training, diet, and what shoes to wear. A triathlon consists of three parts: swimming, biking and running. Bear has encouraged individuals training for the swimming portion by kayaking alongside them as they swim. In addition, he has helped organize several 5K runs in nearby communities.
“Brian loved being on the cross-country team at Tipton High School,” says Lisa Bear. “He graduated in 1987 From Tipton. I have heard of many pranks and shenanigans that went on with the team and the team having a great time. Brian stays in contact with many of the Tipton Team members such as Tom Powell, Craig Baumgartner, Scott Davis, Matt Dean, Jody Mitchell, Steve Watley, Craig McCormack, Scott Seward and others.
The couple stays connected with the business community of Tipton. As owner and mortgage broker at Main Street Mortgage in Cicero, he continues networking and building business relationships.
His wife Lisa has been a Real Estate agent for 25 years at Century 21, and currently has listings in Tipton.
“Brian has owned his business for 23 years,” she says. “He is very experienced. He works well with all buyers, especially first-time ones. He is always available on evenings and the weekend.”
Bear continues to volunteer, fundraise and support Tipton. Among other endeavors, he is always sponsoring many Tipton events like the Tipton County Pork Festival and Tipton on Tap. As a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, he will give out free hamburgers and hot dogs during tailgating at this year’s Tipton High School football games.
“Brian does a lot for the community of Tipton,” says Lisa Bear. “He’s an all-American guy. He’s very giving.”
Main Street Mortgage is located at 269 West Jackson Street in Cicero. Call 317-420-5192 or go to loanswithbrianbear.com to learn more.
For more info on Lisa Stokes-Bear’s Century 21 listings, visit lstokes.agent.c21scheetz.com or call 317-513-4086.
