Tipton Men in Business – Q&As

Story and Photography Provided

Kent Clouser, Owner of Ace Hardware Tipton

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from?

I was born and raised in Tipton County and graduated from Tipton High School.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I was involved in student government, FFA and National Honor Society.

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

Charlie Wolf was my agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, and was full of insight and guidance every day. Allan Brown was the industrial arts teacher and the student council sponsor at the time, and was always there to help you work through any obstacles we encountered.

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

I enjoy the Tipton park and the different dining options we have available in Tipton.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

I am a Tipton Blue Devils fan, as well as the Indianapolis Colts, the Indianapolis 500 race and the Purdue Boilermakers.

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Kevin McCormack, Owner of McCormack Printing

Did you grow up in Tipton?

Yes.

If so, which school did you graduate from?

Tipton High School, 1978.

What activities did you participate in during school?

Band/percussion.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

No place practical, just with friends and family.

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

Mr. Hinkle and Mr. Dollens. I did not see myself as a very good student, but during my sophomore year everything began to click, and I truly believe it was due to my band instructors and their patience with me.

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

I really love sailing. I have owned two sailboats in years past. But I must say just being with my wife, Sherry, and then my two sons, Joshua and Caleb, and my daughter-in-law, Katie – life does not get any better. Another very important part of my life is my faith in Christ and my church family.

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

Pizza King and Los Portales.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

My family, and helping my sons detail their cars.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

I’m not much of a sports fan, but during the finals I can be found watching.

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Levi and Nathan Rutledge of Rutledge Well Drilling and Pump Service

Levi Rutledge

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from? 

I grew up in Tipton and went to Tipton High School.

What activities did you participate in during school? Where did you hang out as a teenager?

During school I participated in wrestling year-round, so I spent most of my time in wrestling rooms or helping out around our farm and family business. I was also a 10-year member at the Tipton County 4-H horse club and a two-year member of the Business Professionals of America for Tipton High School.

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

Throughout my wrestling career, Coach Calvin Warner, Coach Tom Knotts, my brother, Nathan, and my dad, Mike, were staples to my success. Off the wrestling mat and outside of my clubs, I got along with all my teachers, which helped with my future college endeavors as a student at Indiana University Bloomington.

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

I enjoy going to the Diana movie theater, Suburban Lanes bowling alley, the 4-H Fair and the Pork Festival because they are so nostalgic, but I also enjoy eating at local places.

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

One of my favorite places in the world is our family farm. We like to have family dinners, go horseback riding, have bonfires and practice target shooting.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

I always enjoyed wrestling and have recently started helping coach my nephew, Braden, so that he can start learning this very tough sport that requires tremendous discipline. I also love traveling, which originally started from a German friendship exchange program in high school that allowed me to host a German student and then travel to Germany for my first time, where I eventually moved for 15 months after college. I continue to enjoy worldwide traveling as time permits.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

I like watching IU basketball, along with college and Olympic wrestling.

Nathan Rutledge

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from? 

I grew up in Tipton County out in the country and attended Tipton schools.

What activities did you participate in during school? 

I was a three-sport letterman in football, wrestling and track while at Tipton High School.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

Being active in athletics, I was typically found at the school training for sports or supporting my fellow students and friends in their activities.

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

As a student in Tipton, my favorite teachers were Mrs. Balser, for taking the extra time to introduce me to more complicated math problems and sticking with me until I thoroughly understood the concept and was able to master it, Mr. Makosky, for being one of the most relatable teachers I have ever met, and who was not only an educator to his students but truly a friend, and Mr. White, for always turning almost every lesson into a relatable activity that could be carried out and applied in our daily lives.

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

Tipton has been a wonderful place to grow up, live, relax and conduct business. I enjoy riding our horses around the county roads and being active in Tipton’s Freemason lodge, which allows me to be involved and give back to the community while keeping me informed on the fun activities our town puts on for the public.

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

Special occasions are normally filled up by friends and family across Tipton. I love nothing more than supporting the local farmers and markets by gathering farm-to-fork goodies and feeding my loved ones.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

In my spare time I can usually be found riding our horses in the backwoods of Brown County or attending concerts of my favorite artists at venues across the state of Indiana.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

As an adult I have little time to follow professional sports, but as a Hoosier native I cannot deny that the Colts and Pacers will have my support above any others. IU basketball and Purdue football are always worth cheering for, and even decades after graduation I still find myself at Tipton’s wrestling meets and football games. Go Blue Devils!

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Steve Cook of Hope Jewelers

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from?

Tipton High School.

 What activities did you participate in during school?

Industrial arts club and cheer block. 

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

As a teenager, I hung out at family events and part-time jobs.

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

A teacher/coach that stood out was Mr. Brown, because he knew his business.

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

Hope Jewelers at work.

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

Jim Dandy. 

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

Working at home, church and biking.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

Marian University, Indianapolis teams.

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Dan DeLong, Owner of DeLong Auto Care and DeLong Auto Group

Did you grow up in Tipton?  

I grew up just east of Windfall in the country.

If so, which school did you graduate from?

I graduated from Tri-Central Community Schools.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I participated in basketball, baseball, football, and was a member of our local FFA chapter.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

I hung out at sporting events, the fair and on the farm.

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

Mr. Grimme was my middle school science teacher. He was a great teacher and friend, and has inspired me to be a better person throughout my life.

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

I enjoy going to the county fair and the Pork Festival, and any events going on downtown.

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

I go to the Diana Theatre and Los Portales. I also like Provisions for lunch.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

My favorite pastime is spending time at the lake with my family.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

I do not watch professional sports – too many personal agendas. I like any Indiana college teams. If I had to pick one, it would be Purdue!

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Bob Nichols, Owner of Young-Nichols Funeral Home

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from? 

I am a lifelong Tipton County resident and graduated from Tipton High School in 1979.

What activities did you participate in during school?

While in school I played football and wrestled, as well as participated in FFA, Science Club and National Honor Society.

Where did you hang out as a teenager? 

When I was in high school, everyone cruised around Tipton taking laps from Jim Dandy to Carter’s Mall and back again. And again and again!

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

There were several teachers and coaches who stood out. My favorite coach was Phil Arnold in wrestling, and teachers have to be a tie between Fred Calhoun and Bill White. Mr. Calhoun and Mr. White were also in charge of the Science Club so I got to spend more time with them during the Science Club events.

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

I enjoy going to the Tipton County 4-H Fair and all three of my sons were 10-year members. I have attended many sporting events both at Tipton High School and Tri-Central, and that is always a good way to spend your time. The Tipton County Pork Festival can be fun too.

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

Many of these events are celebrated at home with family, but occasionally we get away for an anniversary weekend.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

My wife and I enjoy camping – just sitting around a campfire relaxing with friends. We also enjoy traveling, especially to Colorado to visit family.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

High school sports are really fun to watch. I have attended several Indianapolis 500 races, which are always exciting, and enjoy the occasional Indianapolis Indians game.

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Brad Nichols, Owner of Young-Nichols Funeral Home       

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from?   

I did grow up in Tipton. I enjoyed graduating from Tipton High School.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I was involved in sports. I was a member of the National Honor Society, FCA, Science Club and student council.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

All the high school kids ran “the strip.” A lot of time and gasoline was used on the weekend as the cars cruised on Jefferson Street. Often I would sit at the NAPA lot with my friends.

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

Steve Chisman was a favorite of mine. He was an assistant football coach and focused on our defense. He pushed us to be our best. As a teacher he taught biology. Later I earned my BA in biology, possibly sparked from his early teachings. 

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

I enjoy visiting with others, listening to stories and learning about events, current happenings and families. My career lends itself to interacting with others.  I am a member of the Tipton Elks Lodge. Being involved with the Elks activities is rewarding.

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

Tipton offers a lot of locations for celebrations. The Tipton park is a wonderful spot to gather for family celebrations and milestones.

What’s your favorite pastime in general? 

I enjoy riding my bicycle. The side streets in town are very inviting in the evening. My wife and I also ride on the Monon Trail and like the amenities that come with it. We also have a pool in the backyard that is fast becoming the place to be with the grandsons.

 What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?  

I like the local teams – Indianapolis Colts and Pacers. College football is my favorite sport to watch.

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Steve Swan, Owner of The Floor Store

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from?

I did not have the opportunity to grow up in Tipton. I graduated from Frankton High school with a similar small-town experience.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I was involved in basketball, student council, music and theater.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

I hung out at basketball courts most of the time and also at home. I grew up with five siblings so I spent a lot of time with family and friends from school and church.

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

My fourth-grade teacher is my favorite memory. She just celebrated her 100th birthday.

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

Going to grandkids’ sporting events and school activities. We have nine grandkids so it keeps us very busy.

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

Usually out to eat at various local restaurants, and the Tipton golf course.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending church, playing golf and fishing.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

Tipton Blue Devils, hands down!

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Tim Richards, Owner of Tim’s 1

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from?

I have lived in Tipton all of my life. I went to Tipton High School.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I quit school to join the U.S. Navy when I was 17. At school I ran cross-country and track and field.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

At the age of 16 I owned and operated my own arcade, so that is where I hung out at.

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

Mr. Wolf.  He was my cross-country coach and track-and-field coach. Also, he was my study-hall teacher. He helped me a lot in school and inspired me in a lot of ways.

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

I am at my store, Tim’s 1, where I enjoy seeing my customers, and I love spending time with my wife and daughter.

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

We used to go to Pizza Shack for birthday parties, and now we go to the Tipton park or my mother’s house.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

Being with, and doing things with, my family.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

To be honest, I don’t have much time to keep up with sports.

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Brock Rutledge, Owner of BAR Stables

Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, which school did you graduate from?

I graduated from Tipton High School in 2004.

What activities did you participate in during school?

While in school I played basketball and I enjoyed weightlifting after class. I was a 10-year member of 4-H Horse and Pony, and now have two kids participating in the same club. Outside of school I showed on the Morgan and Saddlebred “A” circuit. Showing horses opened many doors and experiences for me. After 30 years of showing, I finally have opened a horse lesson and training business of my own, BAR Stables LLC.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

I feel like I was like most Tipton kids. I enjoyed hanging out at my friends’ houses, enjoyed laughs and victories at Suburban Lanes, the endless pizza from Pizza Shack, and date nights at the Diana.

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

There were so many teachers that have touched my life. Some pushed us, others encouraged us, and those that challenged us. I could tell you about Mrs. Christman, Mrs. Tragesser, and Mrs. Niece, who had more faith in me than I had in myself on some days. Mr. Holland’s shop class was getting your hands dirty and his guidance was freeing. Those that had Mr. White and Mr. Wood know they could explain it so well you felt like an expert when done.

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

I enjoy taking the family to the Diana Theatre. We also try to get out of the house for some friendly bowling at Suburban Lanes. The kids have been in the Pork Festival parade the last few years, which brought back so many fond memories of my past. My daughter was a Mini 4-H princess last year and my son showed horses.

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

When it comes to celebrating, we mostly get an ice cream cake from DQ or ice cream from South Pole, and take it to my parents’ house. The kids have had a few birthdays at Suburban Lanes, though. I know what you are thinking, and yes, we are some real party animals – ha ha.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

For fun you can generally find me around the horses. When I want to get away from work, I take the horses trail riding. It is very different from work. Being out in the woods soaking in the trees and environment around you takes you to a different place. Feeling the horse move under you is calming. It’s an experience like no other, and I love to share with my family.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

When it comes to sports, I would say I am a big Colts fan. My kids are in many activities. I try to be their biggest fan, but I am a distant second to my amazing wife, Laura. I am primarily the one throwing baseballs and being the tackling dummy for football and wrestling. Laura is the glue that holds it all in perfect order. Oh, and she does the gymnastic hair. I’m not very good at human hair.

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Tom Phifer, State Farm Agent

Did you grow up in Tipton?

Yes.

If so, which school did you graduate from?

Tipton High School

What activities did you participate in during school?

All sports.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

Pool hall

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

Jake Weger, football coach, and Charles Edwards, teacher.

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

Playing golf and working out at Phifer’s fitness center.

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

Mexican restaurant.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

Bass fishing and playing golf.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

Tipton and Tri-Central sports.

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D.K. DeLong of DeLong Auto Care and DeLong Auto Group

Did you grow up in Tipton?

I grew up in the country close to Windfall.

If so, which school did you graduate from?

Tri-Central Trojans, 2010.

What activities did you participate in during school?

Student council, basketball and golf.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

Golf course and a lot of time with friends in the Sharpsville area.

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

My mom, Mrs. Delong. Her passion for teaching and her kids was inspiring

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

I love to spend time at the golf course.

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

Mexican restaurant.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

Love going to the lake and surfing, hanging out with friends, golfing, and rec-league basketball.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

Huge Purdue basketball fan.

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Kegan Schmicker, Executive Director, Tipton County Chamber of Commerce

Did you grow up in Tipton?

I grew up in a small community in northern Indiana called Winamac.

What activities did you participate in during school?

I like to joke with people that I was a completely average athlete, so I tried them all – football, cross-country, basketball, wrestling, track and golf. In addition, I was involved in student government and served as my class president.

Where did you hang out as a teenager?

I had a friend who lived on several acres with a woods and pond, where I spent most of my time. Winamac is situated along the Tippecanoe River, so another popular place to hang out was on the river where we would canoe, float and fish.

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

A few teachers stood out, but I remember Mr. Bailey. He was originally my fourth-grade teacher, then became a basketball coach, and then a teacher in the middle school. Mr. Bailey had a passion for his students, which is why I still recall his classroom and some of the lessons. The impact a teacher has on us is incredible because I have been removed from fourth grade for 25 years but I can still vividly remember specific lessons and engagements in his classroom.

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

Given my line of work, my favorite activity is brainstorming ways to help our community get better. These times of inspiration sometimes happen by accident, but I’ll find myself an hour or two later having researched ideas and/or grants, and some directive on the next steps. Additionally, because of the work I have been doing for the last seven years, I enjoy going out and visiting the businesses and organizations in town to learn from them and offer my assistance.

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

This could vary wildly, including Tipton Municipal Golf Course, downtown retailer Urban Homestead or visiting one of Tipton’s new eateries. As a golfer, Tipton Municipal Golf Course is a safe choice to spend time with my wife and daughter.

What’s your favorite pastime in general?

I would love to say golf because it is something I enjoy, but the real answer, based on my investment of time, is working on my home. I am blessed and cursed with a lot of construction know-how, and so I am always creating projects to help improve our home. For example, I am currently replacing the flat roof on our second-story balcony and just finished tearing off seven layers of material (rubber membrane, plywood, rolled roofing, torch down roofing, plywood, seamed metal roofing and 3/4” planking) to address the decades of decay and water intrusion. I like doing things the right way and in many cases, I have learned that means starting over and building back.

What’s your favorite sport and team (local, college or professional)?

In truth, I really do not have a favorite sports team. Though I stay current on each league and major news, I do not actively watch any sport. I will say that I am eager to see the development of the Indianapolis Colts with the latest draft. It would be great to see Indianapolis become a Super Bowl contender again.