Rod Richardson, Down on Main Street Bar and Grill
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it? Fun Loving and Outgoing!
What’s the most random skill you’ve gained from running a business? How to treat people, treat them the way you would want to be treated.
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate? Know Your employees and respect them, and all of your customers.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever had to handle at work? Getting customers into the walk in cooler during a tornado.
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses? Tell people about them, and where and how to find them.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? The people who support us and my associates.
What’s your most impressive skill that has nothing to do with your job? The Gift of Gab, never be left speechless.
What’s one thing you wish you had known about starting a business? That I would still be here 28 years later.
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do? Somewhere warm, and relax.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received? Helping a needy family at Christmas, and watching the little ones smile!
What’s your biggest workplace pet peeve? Someone putting the toilet paper wrong side out, it should roll down on the outside. LoL
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be? Don’t get a business partner, if you can’t do it alone, don’t do it
What is a good men in business question you wish I would’ve asked; and what is your answer? Have You had fun over the years and would You do it again ? YES !!!!!
Rich Lacy, Holly’s Package Store
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it? It is what it is, all we can do is face it courageously.
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days? Treat others with kindness, and try to be a blessing.
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate? The ability to offer a higher level of customer service.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever had to handle at work? When you’re in the alcohol industry, everything is weird.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? It’s been a family business for almost 46 years, and family is more important.
What’s one thing you wish you had known about starting a business? The cost it takes to be able to continue in business.
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do? Some place quiet, and do whatever I decide to do that day.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received? Being able to have the opportunity to help others achieve their goals.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be? Dare to be different!
Dylan Akshar, Ace Exteriors and Restoration
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it? The friend who’s always busy, always thinking, and always willing to help. Big heart, creative mind, a little chaotic, but someone you can count on when it matters.
What’s the most random skill you’ve gained from running a business? How to function with no sleep! LOL
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days? I have too many people and dreams depending on me to quit. Control what you can, let go of what you can’t, and keep moving forward.
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses? Referrals, word-of-mouth, and social media. If someone does great work, I’ll tell people about it. I truly believe a rising tide lifts all ships, and supporting local businesses helps strengthen the entire community.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? It took me a long time to find my path, but when I found it, everything clicked. There’s a different level of passion that comes from believing in what you do and standing behind it wholeheartedly. Not only do I get to build something meaningful for my family, but I also get to help others protect one of their most valuable assets. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and it’s what keeps me excited to show up every day.
What’s one thing you wish you had known about starting a business? I wish I had known how much goes on behind the scenes. It’s one thing to see a successful business from the outside, but once you’re responsible for every decision, every problem, and every outcome, you realize there’s a lot more to it than most people ever see.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received? The greatest recognition I’ve received wasn’t an award—it was the opportunity to give back. This year, we provided a free roof, gutters, fascia, and soffit to a family in need. Seeing the relief on their faces and knowing we were able to lift that burden off their shoulders was more meaningful than any trophy or plaque could ever be.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be? Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect time because it doesn’t exist. Fail often, fail forward, learn from it, and keep going. You’ll figure it out along the way.
Terry Tracy, All Pro Plumbing
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it?
Tenacious. Caring. Loyal. All for one, and one for all. Something between Ned Stark, Batman, and McGyver.
What’s something that locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate?
Care. To care beyond profits, care about the people that work with us, care about our clients and care about the community. Truly caring means doing right on each end of it, for both the client and the person that works here. We can also be more creative, find new ways to solve problems, and develop real relationships with our clients.
If you could give a piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be? Read books. Read books about running a business. Read everything you can. The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz), Atomic Habits (James Clear), Traction (Gino Wickman), and The E-Myth Revisited (Michael E. Gerber). You can also get a mentor. If you can find somebody that will mentor you in business it will be a big help. Another thing is, if you truly love what you do, like a trade, you have to realize that once you start a business, you’re no longer that. You’re no longer a plumber or an electrician. You’re a business owner, and your responsibilities change greatly. So if you want to be a plumber or an electrician or a tradesman, starting a business is the end of that and the beginning of something else. It will be different, so read the books and study business.
Ask yourself why you are going into business. What’s your reason? That’s, to me, the biggest thing. Especially if you’re starting a business on a budget or you’re starting a business with little to no money, you’re going to have to spend a lot of time making up for that. If you’re starting a business, you’ve got to be willing to sacrifice, and that sacrifice comes in the form of hours and days and weeks and months and years. Just know what you’re sacrificing and be ready to do it: the time, the effort, and the energy that it will take. It’s a give and take, honestly. If you have a why, you will sacrifice. That’s the biggest thing. But, if you have your why, it will be worth it. You’ll have a purpose. So pick your why.
Jordan Hopkins, JTH Industries
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it?
Hardworking, dependable, and a little bit perfectionist. We’re the kind of business that shows up, gets dirty, solves the problem, and wants the finished job to look better than expected.
What’s the most random skill you’ve gained from running a business?
Becoming a professional problem-solver in every category — scheduling, weather watching, customer service, repairs, equipment, billing, and somehow knowing way too much about grass, water pressure, and sprinkler heads.
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days?
Remembering that we’re building something bigger than one hard day. Every job, every customer, and every long season is helping build a business and reputation our family can be proud of.
What sports mascot would you want to represent your business?
If we had to pick our own, probably something tough, loyal, and hardworking — like a bulldog with a shovel and sprinkler head.
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses?
Referring them, sharing their posts, using their services, and talking them up whenever we can. Small business owners know how much word-of-mouth matters.
What’s your most impressive skill that has nothing to do with your job?
Being able to juggle about 47 things at once and still somehow remember who needs called back, what job is next, and what part we need to pick up.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received?
The best recognition is when customers trust us, refer us, and call us back year after year. A repeat customer or referral means we did something right.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be?
Take care of your reputation from day one. Do good work, communicate well, be honest, and treat every customer like they matter — because they do.
What is a good “Men in Business” question you wish I would’ve asked; and what is your answer?
Question: What does being a man in business mean to you?
Answer: It means leading with integrity, taking responsibility, working hard even when nobody sees it, and building something that supports your family, your customers, and your community.
Doug Nelson, Midwest Modalities
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it?
It would be the guy who remembers your name, gives good hugs, asks how you’re really doing and somehow makes you laugh while helping you heal.
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days?
When I am feeling drained, I remind myself that there’s a really good chance the next person walking through the door needs exactly what I have to offer and more than likely they will end up giving me exactly what I needed as well.
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate?
Creating real community. Around here, people may walk in as a client but they leave as family.
What keeps you passionate about what you do?
Continually seeing people walk in carrying the weight of the world and their past and leave feeling lighter, seen and e
ven hopeful again.
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do?
I doubt I’ll ever truly retire. For me, slowing down looks more like spending time enjoying the nature in our woods and creating a retreat center on our property where people can come to rest, reconnect and heal. If I can continue helping people while surrounded by nature and the people I love, that is about as close to retirement as I would want.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received?
A heartfelt hug and sincere “thank you”. Seeing someone leave feeling lighter, heard and seen for who they truly are means more to me than any award ever could.
What’s your biggest workplace pet peeve?
When someone comes in carrying the same frustration over and over but isn’t quite ready to take the next step toward change. My favorite part of what I do is helping people move forward, so it’s tough to watch someone keep themselves stuck.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be?
Be patient and be yourself. Success takes time, but people will always remember how genuine you were along the way.
What is the hardest part about being a man in business in your field?
Many of my clients have experienced trauma involving men, so building trust can be the hardest part. Creating a safe space where they feel comfortable enough to lower their guard and be vulnerable is something I take very seriously.
Les Felton, Motorwise
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days? Go to Black Wax Café and sort through albums.
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate? Personalized customer service.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever had to handle at work? Guest with missing snakes in her car.
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses? Depends on the business, but generally shopping/eating there.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? Some of the guests and their families.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received? Small business of the month for Greater Kokomo Howard County Chamber of Commerce and several Manager of the Quarter/Year awards in the industry.
What’s your biggest workplace pet peeve? Tracking things in my office (footprints.)
Nick Byrd, Nick Byrd Medicare
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses? Supporting local businesses. I do my best to support as many local businesses as possible. When we go to restaurants or order take out, we have found that the local places are able to put their own recipes and create their own tastes, where they are not beholden to a corporate menu.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? I get great satisfaction out helpingseniors work through the maze of the phone calls, mails, mailers, commercials, and advice from friends and family when they are approaching 65 and become eligible for Medicare. Some have a good idea of what the process is and what they want. Giving those people the reassurance that they are on the right path and finding the exact plan that fits their needs is satisfying. Then there are some who are just completely overwhelmed with all the information. Helping those people sort through everything and finding them the Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan that would work best for them is also satisfying.
What’s your biggest workplace pet peeve? This is more of an industry pet peeve for me, the Medicare call centers and television commercials that have one purpose, to get seniors on the phone. It’s not possible for a senior to get the best information and find the right plan. Many of these call centers are from one specific company, so they are only presenting plans from their company. I’m an independent broker with plans from all the major carriers and offer many more options.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received?
I’ve gotten recognition from several of the companies I offer plans from. However, the best recognition is a current client referring me to a friend or family member. That tells me that I have done a good job with them, and they trust me to help their friend or family member.
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do?
Where I would like to retire and where I will ultimately retire are two completely different places. I’m no different than most people my age. I always thought I would want to be in a tropical environment, but as I’ve experienced more places, I find myself more attracted to the natural beauty of some places around the country. Places like the Smokey Mountains, Deception Pass in northwest Washington state, or Grand Canyon have me rethinking my plans. However, family ties and financial considerations will likely keep me here. Regardless of where I retire, I will always be doing my business as long as possible.
Todd Jordan, Kokomo Toys and Collectibles
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it?
She’s a Diva, always the center of attention.
What’s the most random skill you’ve gained from running a business?
The ability to convince people to drive 3, 4 sometimes 5 hours just to shop with us.
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days?
I lean into our loyal customers and our 18 years as a store front.
What sports mascot would you want to represent your business?
Since the Creek Chubs took all the good ones, we default to Jar Jar Binks!
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate?
We always donate to your local fundraisers when you ask despite you having never stepped foot in our business before.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever had to handle at work?
I had to guys nearly fist fight over who is worst, Ewoks or Gungans
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses?
We include many of them in our social media posts. Come to the toy store and also grab a bite to eat at The Coterie!
What’s your most impressive skill that has nothing to do with your job?
I can rearrange any retail setting in my head to be the most efficient. If I’m in your store, I’ve already rearranged your displays twice in my head.
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do?
Retire? That’s for quitters! They will find me in the Star Wars aisle with a price labeler in one hand and a coffee in the other.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be?
Follow your dreams but remember you can’t sleep anymore.
What is a good “Men in Business” question you wish I would’ve asked; and what is your answer?
Donate to local charities! Give when nobody is looking. Find a need and use your business to fill it. Make it part of your core business plan. Support your mom & pop locally owned businesses. The money you spend with them directly helps support your community.
Brad Whitman, Whitman Roofing
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it? Family friendly
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days? I listen to a lot of motivational speakers like Steve Harvey.
What sports mascot would you want to represent your business? Boomerang just being boomer
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate? Upgrades. Bigger companies charge them. I don’t.
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses? Usually sponsor events they put on if they have a good event.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? Taking care of clients and installing to of the line products.
What’s your most impressive skill that has nothing to do with your job? Being a people person
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do? I’ll retire right here in Tipton and watch my grandkids grow up.
What’s been the best achievement/award/recognition you’ve received? Best contractor in Hamilton County 3 years in a row.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting a small business tomorrow, what would it be? Start slow and grow slow.
What is a good “Men in Business” question you wish I would’ve asked; and what is your answer? What is your reason for owning your business? Help homeowners navigate their insurance claim.
Kent Clouser, Ace Hardware of Tipton County
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it? Friendly and Outgoing
What’s your go-to motivation on tough days? Customer satisfaction
What’s something locally owned/small business owners do that corporate companies could never replicate? Local knowledge of common uses for products.
What’s your favorite way to support other local businesses? Refer customers to other local businesses when they are looking for a product that is not available to me.
What keeps you passionate about what you do? Helping people complete their projects make you feel really good at the end of the day.
What’s your most impressive skill that has nothing to do with your job? Being able to envision solutions to problems with projects that seem unfixable.
Where do you want to retire and what are you going to do? I plan to continue to work in the business in some capacity for as long as possible.
Patrick Rice, The Tin Plate
How would you describe your business?
The Tin Plate is the little engine that could—small, determined, and always moving forward.
What skills have helped you succeed?
In a small business, you wear a lot of hats. I’ve learned to multitask and do whatever needs done.
What motivates you?
Being my own boss and knowing every day is a new opportunity.
If your business had a mascot, what would it be?
The American Swine—because great tenderloins deserve a great mascot.
What is something people may not know about you?
I’m a professional trumpet player who has performed with world-class drum and bugle corps and professional bands. I’ve also had the honor of playing Taps for hundreds of local veterans’ funeral services.
What does retirement look like for you?
A big boat, my wife, my dogs, and visits from the kids and grandkids.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Winning Madison County’s Top Tenderloin award four years in a row: 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, and in 2026 we also won Best Wings.
