PAST TO PRESENT
Zionsville’s business roots run deep
celebrates 90 years of service
a
Kern Bros. Shoes a family affair
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson
Cobblestone
www.zionsville-in.gov/specialevents
ZIONSVILLE
FROM MAYOR STEHR: Recognizing the vital role of Zionsville businesses THE CHAMBER’S COMMITMENT: Supporting Zionsville businesses, for all the right reasons
One hundred years ago, President Calvin Coolidge famously said, “The business of America is business.” At that time, Zionsville was just 73 years old, and our business community was already thriving. The red-brick Main Street was home to a hotel, restaurants, taverns and general stores. Residents could even purchase appliances, lumber, and fabric brought in by train from across the country.
Over the years, modern businesses have moved into the historic buildings that have stood the test of time. While the charm of our town remains at its core, Zionsville has expanded to 67 square miles, making it one of the largest municipalities in the state. Yet, despite our impressive size, we continue to embrace our small-town identity. One thing that hasn’t changed is Zionsville’s reputation as a welcoming place for both neighbors and visitors. “Hoosier Hospitality” may not have been invented here, but we like to think we’ve perfected it.
What holds true on Main Street is true throughout our entire business community. From the shops and services along 106th Street and Oak Street to Appaloosa Crossing and Michigan Road, Zionsville’s businesses are at the heart of what makes our town special. Our local business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees work hard every day to create a vibrant, welcoming community, and we are grateful for all that they do.
Our town motto, “Zionsville: For All the Right Reasons,” is more than just words – we live by it. Whether you’re visiting a local boutique, dining at one of our restaurants, or stopping by a professional office or coffee shop, you’ll be met with a warm welcome. Here in Zionsville, we treat you like family because, in our community, a stranger never stays a stranger for long.
To all of our business owners, employees, and entrepreneurs – thank you. Your dedication and passion make Zionsville a truly exceptional place to live, work, and visit. We celebrate you, and we look forward to supporting you for years to come.
John Stehr Mayor of Zionsville
Dear Zionsville Business Community,
It is our honor to celebrate the remarkable businesses that make our town truly exceptional. From longstanding establishments like Kern Bros. Shoes that have served generations to innovative ventures like Intelligent Living Solutions bringing fresh energy to our community, each of you plays an essential role in shaping Zionsville’s identity, economy and quality of life.
Our local businesses are the heart and soul of our town. They sponsor youth sports teams, support school fundraisers and step up in times of need. They create jobs, welcome visitors and make Zionsville a place people are proud to call home. Whether it’s Our Place Coffee that knows your order by heart, Fivethirty Home that curates just the right gift, or Control Tech Heating & Air that goes the extra mile, your dedication does not go unnoticed.
This past year, we’ve seen incredible examples of perseverance, collaboration and growth. Many Zionsville businesses have expanded teams, renovated spaces, launched new services and given back generously to our local community. Through events like Brick Street Market, First Tuesday Networking, Street Dance and our new Young Professionals programs, we’ve seen the strength of our business community on full display.
We also recognize the challenges that come with running a business, and we’re here to stand with you. Through advocacy, promotion, networking, and education, the Zionsville Chamber is committed to supporting your success and helping your business thrive in a changing world.
To every business owner, manager, employee and entrepreneur — thank you. Thank you for choosing Zionsville. Thank you for investing your time, energy, and talent into making this community stronger. Your work matters, and your impact is lasting.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue partnering with you to grow, adapt, and lead. Together, we will keep Zionsville a vibrant town where business and community go hand in hand.
With sincere appreciation,
Mike Hanlon, Executive Director Zionsville Chamber of Commerce
Mark Wallis, Board President Zionsville Chamber of Commerce
At The Agency Indy, our mission is to redefine the luxury real estate experience through a foundation of unparalleled collaboration, meticulous attention to detail, exceptional service and profound expertise Our team of dedicated professionals leverages their in-depth market knowledge and vast industry network to unlock exclusive opportunities, offering our clients a portfolio of the most coveted properties. We believe that true luxury is found in the perfection of the process, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that every interaction adds value and sophistication to the lives of those we serve. At The Agency Indy, your vision is our blueprint for success, transforming dreams into addresses
Let us roll out the red carpet for you.
The Loft By EvanTodd elevates the salon experience
news@currentzionsville.com
The Loft By EvanTodd, 640 S. Main St., Suite 400 in downtown Zionsville, is a premier salon and spa poised to elevate the standard for luxury beauty and wellness locally.
Founded by Todd Leuck, a second-generation stylist trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, the studio offers premium scalp and hair care, advanced skincare by trained estheticians and skincare specialists and more within a beautiful environment enhanced by carefully curated fine art through an association with the prestigious Long-Sharp Gallery. The space is enriched by rotating exhibitions of fine art, including works by local and Indiana artists.
“We at The Loft By EvanTodd want each person who walks in our studio to have a truly special experience,” Leuck stated. “It’s about them leaving here feeling fantastic and excited to share their experience with others.”
Services and products include premium makeup solutions from Jane Iredale and Ultraceuticals skincare line.
For hair and scalp care, The Loft By EvanTodd incorporates Aveda’s Scalp Solutions and therapeutic scalp massages with treatments that stimulate circulation, remove buildup and create an optimal environment for hair growth. The studio exclusively uses Aveda’s
plant-powered, toxin-free products for their hair services to ensure the health and vitality of both hair and scalp.
Each salon experience includes:
• Expert consultation to better understand goals and curate the service.
• Stress-relieving aromatherapy scalp massage.
• Luxury shampoo at top-of-the-line Teknowash Chromeotherapy shampoo stations with Japanese shiatsu massage.
• Hot aroma-infused face towel then rejuvenating mini facial.
• Hot aroma-infused hand towel then hand and arm massage using Aveda’s Hand Relief.
Signature Style Sessions are private, one-on-one styling and luxury makeover experiences that offer stylistic expertise and guidance for how to look and dress for adapting to current or changing lifestyles, finding the perfect style for any season or special event or a lifestyle transformation.
“This Signature Style Session is all about creating a truly personalized look for each client,” Leuck stated. “It’s an opportunity to delve deeper into their individual style aspirations and provide a transformative journey that aligns perfectly with their unique lifestyle.”
Learn more and book appointments at theloftbyevantodd.com.
The interior of The Loft By EvanTodd in Zionsville, a salon and spa focusing on luxury beauty and wellness. (Photos courtesy of The Loft by EvanTodd)
PAST TO PRESENT
Zionsville’s business roots run deep
By Marney Simon marney@currentzionsville.com
Before the original plat of Zionsville was drawn in 1852, the first known business opened in Eagle Township in 1824 — Sheets Grist Mill on Little Eagle Creek. At that time, the bulk of activity was in Eagle village on Michigan Road.
When the original 65 lots were recorded by William Zion forming the Town of Zionsville in 1852 — with boundaries of present-day Sycamore, Elm and Oak streets — the first dry-goods store was opened. By the next year a post office was granted to the town, and a depot was built for the railroad that traveled through town on what is now First Street. Present-day Main Street was created in 1855.
Since then, Zionsville has been home to thousands of businesses, according to statistics and information gathered and collated by the Zionsville Historical Society and SullivanMunce Cultural Center/PH Sullivan Museum.
In 1858, Cropper’s Furniture Store opened on Main Street. The store also operated as the local undertaking establishment for several years. The town also had
From left, James W. Brendel and Marcus D. Harvey with a row corn planter in front of Metzger Lumber at the corner of Main and Pine streets in the late 1800s. The original building was later razed and became what is known today as Bender’s Square.
a sawmill, a gristmill and more than a half-dozen saloons, as well as Liebhardt’s — a widely known woolen mill famous for dyeing capabilities.
As the town grew and more land was recorded, more businesses opened. By 1884, there were five dry-goods stores; four shoe stores; nine grocers; two hardware stores; one furniture store; two livery stables;
three blacksmiths; one hotel; three barber shops; and one bakery and restaurant. The town also attracted professionals, including doctors and dentists.
Interesting business ventures over the years include a lease that was signed in 1907 between the town and Omer Stultz and Edgar Byers to operate a roller-skating rink at Zionsville Town Hall.
By the 1930s, Zionsville was considered “self-sufficient” because of its array of agriculture, mills, shops, services and position on the interurban electric rail line connecting the town to Indianapolis.
One of the town’s most famous employers was Pittman-Moore, a manufacturer of animal health products known locally as “the piggery.” Pittman-Moore operated in Zionsville from 1915 to 1954 before being acquired by the Dow Chemical Co. It became the largest employer of local labor in 1939.
More than 170 years since its founding, Zionsville businesses continue to thrive.
Downtown Zionsville’s brick Main Street was a busy business district in the 1950s. (Vintage photos courtesy of SullivanMunce Cultural Center/PH Sullivan Museum)
Commercial businesses line up for new development
By Les Morris news@currentzionsville.com
An old farmhouse on the north side of the Holliday Farms development off U.S. 421 in Zionsville had always grabbed Traci Garontakos’s attention. She dreamed of having her office there. Garontakos is the managing partner of The Agency, a thriving international residential real estate firm with a local office in Zionsville. But the building wasn’t for sale.
And then one day, it was.
Brad Henke, partner at Henke Development Group, Holliday Farms’ developer, called Garontakos to tell her the farmhouse was available.
Garontakos and her husband Mike immediately purchased the building at 3650 S. U.S. 421 in March 2023. Less than a year later, the couple bought a second parcel at the same site.
Now, they have plans to redevelop the property and add commercial tenants. When finished, the development will be 27,000 square feet in three barn-inspired buildings and will house nine to 10 tenants, all with local connections.
“My vision is I wanted something true to Zionsville but that also allowed for modern day amenities,” Traci Garontakos said. “It was an opportunity to give back to the community.”
One of the hallmarks of the new development will be a courtyard in the middle of the three buildings suitable for a small communal space.
“We really designed it to have a central courtyard for community gatherings. I didn’t want it to feel like every commercial development out there,” Garontakos said. “I wanted to make it special and unique.”
Three businesses have already signed leases with tentative plans to open this year. The dental practice of Dr. Frank Miller will locate to the new space.
A new MOOV health and wellness location providing beauty, performance and recovery and longevity services has also signed a lease.
“There are so many qualities that this site possesses that had made all of us at MOOV so excited for our new location,” said Dr. Emily Luerssen, MOOV’s medical director. “I am from Zionsville as well as a member at Holliday Farms. To have MOOV so close to home and situated in such a close-knit and supportive community is more than ideal. The vision for the site is stunning.”
The third tenant, Bunny Hive, offering interactive classes and social events for adults and their children, will occupy the old farmhouse, and The Agency will move to one of the new buildings.
The Agency continues to grow with a staff of 14 agents. The luxury boutique real estate firm, which opened in 2023, has plans to open a second Indianapolis-area office this year.
Garontakos credits the success to a collaborative culture and the care and compassion for the client experience.
“Luxury is an experience, not a price point,” Garontakos said. “And everyone deserves that experience when buying or selling a home.”
Rendering of three commercial buildings planned for 3650 S. U.S. 421. (Image courtesy of Traci Garontakos)
Garontakos
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson celebrates 90 years of service
By Marney Simon marney@currentzionsville.com
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson mortuary in Zionsville offers a special touch for its customers — something its staff takes seriously as they offer assistance during one of the hardest times a person can face.
The business celebrates 90 years serving the Indianapolis-area in 2025. It provides traditional funeral services, cremation, green burial services and unveiling services.
The funeral home was started in 1935 by Meyer Aaron and Irving Ruben at 19th Street and Meridian. In 1952, Max Nelson went to work for the business. He purchased the funeral home in 1964. ARN moved to its Zionsville location on Michigan Road in 2009. Max Nelson died in 2019.
ARN President Jennifer Nelson Williams is Max Nelson’s daughter. She said the businesses’ longevity can be credited to its caring foundation.
“My dad loved the Indianapolis community so much,” she said. “As we were growing up watching him, you could just see the love he had for people and the community. He always felt that this was the greatest job. He constantly said that he just was so grateful that this is what he stumbled into. We would be out for dinner when we were
little and people would come to the table and thank him, and you could just see that connection people felt to him. And that was certainly because of his personality.”
Williams said one thing that sets ARN apart is its ability to adhere to customs and rituals of families from a wide variety of backgrounds — providing services catered to serve various religious, spiritual or multicultural needs.
“A funeral doesn’t necessarily mean burial, but it means that service. It is memorializing the person who has died,” she said. “My dad just loved learning about the different traditions and definitely passed on that joy to me. That’s emblematic of the type of business that he always wanted to have, that we just say yes. We’re all honoring people because we love the person. It’s just that the expression is slightly different between every tradition.”
Williams said statistically, people experience a death in the family every seven years. That means funerals are actually infrequent. ARN staff assist those in mourning navigate that difficult time.
“We have a really highly trained, hand-picked staff that really work very
Continued on Page 13
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson mortuary and crematorium is at 11411 N. Michigan Rd. in Zionsville.
(Photo courtesy of ARN)
Continued from Page 12
hard to honor each family’s individual traditions,” she said. “Because we’re family-owned and smaller, we have the ability to really go above and beyond what maybe is the norm.”
The services include an on-site crematory, which is unusual, Williams said.
“We’re the only funeral home in Carmel and Zionsville that actually has a crematory right here,” she said. “When somebody comes into our care, they stay under our supervision because somebody lives here, which is also a little bit of an old-fashioned practice, but we have an apartment here. Someone lives here and so someone is always here.”
Williams said it’s not unusual for the funeral business to be a family affair.
“It’s not something that people typically know about,” she said. “The investment to start one is extremely expensive because of the land — funeral homes are built as residential quality, not like a corporate office. So, that investment is very expensive and typically they get passed down. It’s something somebody grows up in and sees, yes, I could do that.”
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N. Michigan Rd. in Zionsville, can be reached 24 hours a day at 317873-4776. Learn more at arnmortuary. com.
Saturday, August 23, 2025 •
ARN owner Max Nelson, who died in 2019, and his daughter, ARN President Jennifer Nelson Williams. (Photo courtesy of ARN)
news@currentzionsville.com
brates 25 years in 2025.
at 160 S. Main St., in 2000. Originally named Cob blestone Grill, it was rechristened Cobblestone Zionsville in 2017 after an interior renovation.
ing featuring an American farm-to-table menu of steaks, salmon, salads, unique sandwiches and appetizers; adult bar area; family-friendly din ing room; private space for events; craft brews; extensive wine and bourbon lists; brick-lined, dog-friendly outdoor patio; and live music on weekends.
Cobblestone Grill opened,” Zionsville resident Steve Russo said. “They are outstanding and in volved members of the Zionsville community, both as long-time restaurant owners and residents. From the Boone County Humane Society to the Zionsville Street Dance, they have devoted their time, experience and their restaurant location to our town.”
CELEBRATING
50YEARS!
In 1974, newlyweds Bill and Linda Kern chose to carry on a family tradition that began in 1924 with Bill’s grandfather by opening the second location of Kern Bros. Shoes in the newly constructed Boone Village Shopping Center. Over the past 50 years, they have witnessed the evolution of footwear styles and brands, all while enjoying & embracing the opportunity to live in and raise their family in the vibrant community of Zionsville.
Thanks to the dedication of numerous outstanding employees throughout the years, Kern Bros. Shoes has remained committed to providing customers with high-quality footwear and, since the 1990s, a selection of Zionsville spiritwear. The continued support and enthusiasm of local families have been vital to the success of this independent, locally owned, small business. They are proud to be your hometown shoe store.
TriCo Regional Sewer Utility
