Fishers Magazine July 2021

MAGAZINE

JULY 2021

THE MAN WITH A PLAN

EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR KENNITH MEEKS HAS A CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH

OUTSIDE THE BOX

MINDSET Showroom Helps Clients Think Beyond the Traditional

THE COOLEST TREAT

Nicey Treat Celebrates Grand Opening at Fishers District

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If you’ve been longing for a change of scenery, the wide-open spaces of Hamilton County, Indiana, are waiting for you! This is a place where you can experience the great outdoors, either through a quiet moment or an exciting adventure.

Our waterways, trails and green spaces are oh so … open and ready to be explored.

Plan your outdoor getaway at4 VisitHamiltonCounty.com / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

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I N THI S I SS UE

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TOM BR I TT

TOM@TOWNEPOST.COM

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ASS O C I ATE P U BLISHER

ROBE RT TUR K

ROB@TOWNEPOST.COM

317.810.0011 TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT JOSH BROWN CREATIVE/SOCIAL TEAM TONI EADS VAL HACKER GRAPHIC DESIGNER ROBBY BERRY

8 12 14 18 20 22 26 29 32 36

JU LY 2021

Shake it Up: Shake Shack Opens in Fishers Wild Blackberry Farms to Host Inaugural Blackberry Festival July 24 Family-Owned Kincaid’s Meat Market Brings Legacy of Excellence to Fishers Business Spotlight: Purse Strings Fishers Maker Playground Encourages Serious Tinkering The Man With a Plan: Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kennith Meeks Has a Client-First Approach In the Bag: Shop Fishers Summer Series Returns July 16-23 Outside the Box: MINDSET Showroom Helps Clients Think Beyond the Traditional The Coolest Treat: Nicey Treat Celebrates Grand Opening at Fishers District Fly Away: Conner Prairie to Host Balloon Festival

COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS JENNY ELIG

REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

PROUD MEMBER

Publisher's Omission: Last month, we inadvertently left out a Class of 2021 congratulatory message for Fishers High graduate Jocelyn Mercado. "I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! Love, Mom"

K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS AMY PAYNE / CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING / ELI BEAVERSON MATT KEATING / RENEE LARR / ROBBY BERRY

Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

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Back to Work with Spring Construction Road work is now underway in the State Road 37 corridor at the 146th and 131st Street Interchanges. Remember to drive safely and cautiously through the construction zone. Stay informed of all construction updates, detour routes and more at 37thrives.com.

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SHAKE IT UP

SHAKE SHACK OPENS IN FISHERS

“We’re a modern-day burger stand, selling fresh, high-quality food that’s served in a fun, lively atmosphere,” says Hannah Yoffa, midwest regional marketing manager.

Recently, Shake Shack opened their first Indiana location in Fishers, across from IKEA and Topgolf.

Guests appreciate the made-to-order style, and Shake Shack takes the time to get he best ingredients for all menu items.

“We are culinary driven and offer seasonal items,” Yoffa says.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

The first Shake Shack opened in 2004 in New York’s Madison Square Park, selling burgers, chicken sandwiches, beef dogs, frozen custard and crinkle-cut fries.

Popularity quickly grew, and through the past 17 years the company has expanded to more than 300 locations in 27 states, as well as more than 100 international locations including London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Philippines, Singapore and Mexico.

8 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

For instance, right now they offer the Avocado Bacon Burger and Mango Passionade lemonade. Featured seasonal shakes include the Strawberry Rhubarb and Chocolate Pudding shakes. Many guests don’t realize they sell a variety of beer and wine as well.

“We select local beers that are tailored to each location,” Yoffa says. “We also have red,

white and rosé wine.”

The Fishers location uses the Shack Track app-thru lane, which enables guests to preorder meals from their smartphone and select a pick-up option for inside or at the window. Users then receive a text alert when their order is ready.

“It’s super convenient,” Yoffa says. “You don’t even have to get out of your car, which is especially nice in the climate of COVID. Even when we’re not in a pandemic, though, guests appreciate the convenience of these awesome digital elements.”

To ensure they can take care of both digital and walk-in orders, the company limits app orders per day, so it’s wise to place your order on the app early in the day.

“As we get a good flow and understand our peak times, we’ll open up more time slots,” Yoffa says.

At the recent grand opening, local musician Jeffrey Bowen entertained the crowd by

General Manager Stuart McLaren

playing piano and singing. Indy Balloons did a balloon installation above the doorway and Shack Track app-thru pickup window.

Team members gave out fun swag bags filled with bubbles and Shake Shack-branded disposable masks.

“It was so much fun,” Yoffa says. “We had our first guest in line before 9 a.m., and by the time we opened at 11 a.m. we had a line of 50 to 75 people. That’s how the entire day went.”

At the grand opening of every Shake Shack,

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plan to begin participating in community events again.

“Our team members love getting out into the community for custard scoopings and golf tournaments, and just mingling with people,” Yoffa says. “That kind of mentality is so ingrained in our culture.”

Each Shake Shack design is unique to its community. The Fishers location features distinctive tile work and interior lighting, as well as a dog-friendly covered patio. They offer “pet parking” for guests who want to pick up their food and leave their pooches outside with a dog bowl and biscuits. Down the road, they may add fun programs like “Yappy Hour” during which patrons can hang out with their canines on the patio to enjoy happy-hour specials.

“The patio space lends itself to so many fun types of programming,” Yoffa says. the restaurant has historically partnered with a local charity to donate a portion of proceeds from a menu item. The company shifted and slimmed down their menu during COVID-19, and now at openings they have a meal match program. Locally they worked with Fishers Youth Assistance Program, and for every meal that was purchased on opening day, they donated a meal to the organization.

vendors, hiring the right people, taking care of their teams or taking care of guests.

“We’re excited to continue to find ways to work with the community,” says Yoffa, noting that as the pandemic abates, they

The next Shake Shack to open locally is a downtown Indy location, later in 2021.

Shake Shack is located at 9701 East 116th Street in Fishers. For more information, call 463-215-6946 or visit shakeshack.com.

In addition, for the Fishers grand opening the franchise donated $1 from every meal to the survivors fund resulting from the FedEx shooting that took place on April 15 on the west side of Indianapolis. In 2020 alone, Shake Shack has donated more than 5,000 meals from their grand openings.

“Our motto is to stand for something good, so we’re always looking for ways to help our communities,” Yoffa says.

This approach extends to every aspect of the business, whether that’s working with

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WILD BLACKBERRY FARMS TO HOST INAUGURAL BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL JULY 24 FORTVILLE’S WILD BLACKBERRY FARMS WILL HOST ITS INAUGURAL BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, JULY 24 FROM 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. Enjoy live music, food trucks from FoxGardin and Three Dolls Bakery, local wine from Daniels’ Vineyard and sours from Upland Brewery, including varieties made from Wild Blackberry Farm’s very own blackberries, a flower bar for creating an amazing bouquet for your own farm table at home, Kona Ice, various kids’ activities, lawn games, pony rides (weather permitting), petting zoo and, of course, U-PICK BLACKBERRIES! U-Pick at Wild Blackberry Farms is a summer tradition you and your family won’t want to miss! Remember the days of catching fireflies in your grandma’s mason jars? The sound of cicadas high in the trees? July’s sun and a warm breeze in your face while you rode your bike all day long until mom finally hollered blackberries for picking and animals on the roam for your for you to come in before dark? These are the days of summer enjoyment throughout the entire months of July and August! all of us will always remember and your kids will, too.

So, whether you make it to the festival or not, be sure you make it to the farm sometime this year. There is always huge, delicious

You can purchase your family’s ticket to the inaugural Blackberry Festival by visiting wildblackberryfarms.ticketleap.com.

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ALLEN WILLIAMS, BROKER | 317.339.2256 FISHERSLUXURYHOMES.COM | GEISTLUXURYHOMES.COM All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Data from MIBOR BLC from 1/1/2019 through 12/31/2019 for Allen Williams and members of the Allen Williams Realty Group. % of list price rounded to nearest whole number. ©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks Columbia Insurance JULYof 2021 / 13 Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Jonathan Dugdale

FAMILY-OWNED KINCAID’S MEAT MARKET BRINGS LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE TO FISHERS Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Eli Beaverson

Jonathan Dugdale, owner of the new Kincaid’s Meat Market at Fishers District, 11547 Yard Street, Fishers, couldn’t be more pleased with the location.

“The Kincaid's in Fishers adds to the legacy of excellence by broadening our footprint in the area, as well as extending how many people that we can get our product to,” Dugdale says. “We sell the highest grade and quality of meat available in the country.

There is no one around here that comes close to the quality that we sell, so we are very happy to up the level of product available to the people in Fishers.”

Kincaid's has a strong reputation for 14 / JULY 2021

excellence and is family-owned.

“Kincaid’s is owned by myself, my brother, Joseph, my father, Joseph, and my mother Kathy,” Dugdale says. “Our family has a long history in the meat business, starting back to when my grandfather worked in the Chicago stockyards. Then my grandfather went to work for Stark and Wentzel here in Indianapolis. In 1975, he started Dugdale Beef Company. My father went to work for Dugdale Beef Company in 1975 as well.”

Dugdale continued on until 2014 when it was sold.

“My father still runs Dugdale for the current owner,” Dugdale says. “I started working at Kincaid's in 2002 when I was 18. My

brother started at Kincaid's in 2005.”

L.E. Kincaid & Sons opens its doors in 1921 and has been on the north side of Indianapolis for more than nine decades. The Indianapolis store is at 5605 N. Illinois Street. It was started

by L.E. Kincaid and passed through the generations to his grandson, David Rollins. It was sold to the Kincaid family in 2015.

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“(Going) back to my grandfather, my family started supplying Kincaid's with its meat about 70 years ago,” Dugdale says.

EXCELLENT PRODUCT Dugdale believes their high-quality product has kept them in business for so long.

“If we had to pick one thing that sets us apart from other stores it is our beef,” Dugdale says. “Our beef is unmatched.

Period. No one sells what we sell, cuts the way we cut, trims the way we trim, or offers the variety of cuts that we do. That is what has made Kincaid's so successful.

“There was a time before the Dugdale family had ownership that Kincaid's was not doing the greatest,” he adds.

“Competition was strong. We all know if you are not willing to adapt to change, then you are destined for failure, and that is where we came in and rescued Kincaid's. We have raised the quality of product to where it is today and have put Kincaid's back on the path of greatness.”

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE AMENITIES AND SERVICES OF OUR COMMUNITY WHILE ENJOYING YOUR RETIREMENT YEARS. • 3 meals a day, restaurantstyle • Keep your independence but have assisted living support & care when needed • Pet-friendly • Exciting and fulfilling life enrichment activities and outings

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FISHERS LOCATION Dugdale has high hopes for the Fishers location.

“We could not be more excited to be in the Fishers District,” Dugdale says. “We have always wanted to expand, and this just seemed like the perfect spot. With the supporting cast of amazing restaurants around us and permanent residences above us, we feel there is not a better fit anywhere else in the state. The number of top-quality restaurants is astonishing. You have the 1933 Lounge

by St. Elmo, that brings only the best customers to the Fishers District. You have Sangiovese, which has the best Italian food around. There is Havana Cigar Lounge, which is going to bring the highest quality cigars and spirits imaginable. This is just to name a few. It is the perfect combination of places to bring a recipe for success.”

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Dugdale and Kincaid’s staff have seen a great turnout so far at the newest location.

“The customers have loved that we now have a fresh fish case, as well as a selection of more than 60 different, unique wines,” Dugdale says. “Beef is always what really draws people in I think, but everything else just adds to their excitement. We love it here and are pleased to be on board with all of the other tenants.”

MORE INFORMATION

Kincaid’s Meat Market at the Fishers District is located at 11547 Yard Street, Suite 870 in Fishers. For more information, call 317-537-2207 or visit them online at kincaidsmeatmarket.com.

SHANE WELKER

Milestone Home Lending Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer 317.496.2782 / swelker@Milestonehl.com Milestonehl.com 16 / JULY 2021

Changing Lives one Smile at a time Have a great and safe 4th of July!

-The Sadler Team

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PURSE STRINGS

13185 Harrell Parkway, Suite #400 Noblesville, IN

317-678-8956

pursestrings.shop

CONNECT Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

For 12 years, Paul Braun perfected the art of customer service at Nordstrom where he rose through the ranks to become a

buyer in the Women’s Shoe Department.

In 1999, he set out to learn the wholesale business and sold Brighton Accessories and shoes to specialty stores across the Midwest and Northeast. He eventually became the National Sales Manager for My Saint My Hero based in California. In 2018, the owners of Purse Strings announced their retirement and would be closing their stores. This led to an opportunity Braun could not refuse. With a blended family of six kids and the opportunity to be home, Paul was ready to fulfill his dream of having his own retail store. In September 2018, Braun re-opened Purse Strings at Clay Terrace. His stores offer the latest trends in fashion accessories to both women and men in Hamilton County.

“I changed some of the lines to what I believed the Carmel and Westfield area could appreciate,” says Braun, noting that he wanted to offer options for everyone. Purse Strings sells 12 different handbag lines ranging from $29-$600.

In November 2019, Braun opened a second Purse Strings location at the Fashion Mall at Keystone. This past April, he opened a third store at Hamilton Town Center — allowing him to be even closer to home as he and his wife, Heather, reside in the Geist area.

18 / JULY 2021

“Purse Strings carries an array of items that are fresh and on-trend,” Braun says. “We sell handbags, jewelry, home accessories and even offer the latest selection of quality men’s products.”

With kids heading back to school, Purse Strings now offers Fjallraven Backpacks and accessories. Braun is excited to have this hottest trend for students at all three locations!

One can find the latest Instagram favorites, Hammitt Handbags, Hobo, Consuela, Carla Mancini, BedStu, Sherpani, Beside U and Vera Bradley in stores, too. Given Hammitt’s limited distribution, Braun is proud to have the largest selection of Hammitt products in the Midwest.

Additional jewelry lines include Uno de 50, eNewton, Brighton, My Saint My Hero, Ghirelli, Katie Loxton, Pura Vida and more.

Purse Strings also includes home décor with Mud Pie and Demdaco. They offer an exceptional gift-giving opportunity for house-warming gifts, weddings, birthdays and special occasions.

Braun is passionate about offering and supporting unique Indiana Brands such as BruMate, UnPlug Soy Candles, Vera Bradley, Reissued Books, Peepers Reading Glasses and DD Bird Handbags.

Back to School shopping with

“I’ve always loved retail and the everchanging environment it brings,” Braun adds. “Trends come and go, what drives me is the ability to offer micro-trends as well as core brands to my customers.”

Thankfully, the tide has turned with the pandemic and people are out shopping again. Now is the perfect time to check out the new Purse Strings location at Hamilton Town Center.

As the youngest of 12 children, his core values of faith, family and community are vitally important to Braun. Having a stepson with special needs, Braun has supported many organizations such as Down Syndrome Indiana, Best Buddies, Riley Dance Marathon and Special Olympics.

“I love having the opportunity to support many local schools, charities and churches with special shopping events throughout the year,” Braun says. “Connecting with the community and supporting those who support us is what truly drives Purse Strings!”

When shopping for that perfect gift for a loved one or yourself, Purse Strings is the perfect destination! All three stores offer an ever-changing selection of many unique options. Shop in-store or online at Pursestrings.shop and follow them on Instagram at @purse__strings or Facebook at @PurseStingsCarmel.

Clay Terrace Mall Fashion Mall at Keystone Hamilton Town Center 317-846-8372 463-210-8167 317-678-8956 Email: customerservice@pursestrings.info JULY 2021 / 19

FISHERS MAKER PLAYGROUND ENCOURAGES SERIOUS TINKERING to work with their hands, tinker and be creative.”

Writer / Renee Larr Photography Provided by the City of Fishers

With the growing responsibilities of adulthood, some people lose their sense of whimsy and wonder. Fishers Parks and Recreation wants to spark that interest again with the creation of the Fishers Maker Playground. Located in the Hub & Spoke building, the playground offers tools and machines to let individuals aged 16 and older create without limits.

“The idea began with the inception of the Hub & Spoke building,” says Sarah Sandquist, Director of Parks and Recreation at the City of Fishers. “The Fishers Parks Department is now based out of the building as well. We're thrilled that our space now happens to have both offices and ample classroom space to offer, rentals to the community, programming for the community, and the maker playground. which is full of all kinds of things to encourage people

The 15,000-square-foot space includes a community workshop, metal shop, 3D printing space, welding, CNC routers, a laser cutter and classrooms.

“CNC stands for computerized numerical control,” Sandquist says.

“It’s a manufacturing process in which you pre-program software.

You would first use computer software to layout your project. Then the CNC machine executes your project.”

The four classrooms are designed for STEAM — that is, science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — learning, experiential learning and collaboration spaces.

“The classrooms will be utilized to teach, train and inspire makers to craft their next project,” Sandquist says. “It will all be based on

20 / JULY 2021

science, technology, engineering, math and art. We want kids to come in and work with their hands for ideation.”

The Fishers High School robotics team will start using the classroom spaces for their meetings in the fall.

“The classrooms will be used for curriculum during the day and then we will have special events in the evenings and weekends,” Sandquist says.

“We would like to expand on people getting familiar with the tools we have in the space.

That means teaching them the proper usage of a hammer, all the way to operating the CNC machine.”

The Maker Playground isn’t the first of its kind but is unique because a city parks department is operating it.

“Maker spaces are popping up all over the country, but most of the other maker spaces are either private ventures or through libraries,” Sandquist says. “Ignite at Hamilton East Public Library is a great partner of ours. We look forward to collaborating with them. We like to think that Ignite is a great space for an entry point into the world of making. Then our maker playground is the next step. If you're ready to expand and utilize some more advanced equipment, then you'd come to the maker playground, as well.”

Guests can purchase daily passes or memberships. The memberships are open to individuals aged 16 and up and are based on a tiered structure. The Maker Playground is located at 8100 E. 106th St. in West Fishers, near the intersection of 106th Street and Nickel Plate Trail.

For more information, visit fishersmpg.com/490/Fishers-MakerPlayground.

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THE MAN WITH A PLAN EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR KENNITH MEEKS HAS A CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH

22 / JULY 2021

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

This former linebacker at Ball State University imagined pathways into the NFL or coaching football.

However, when Kennith Meeks enrolled in a finance class at Ball State University, he had no idea that it would define the trajectory of his life in coaching others.

"I grew up considering finance an unspoken language. It wasn't something to discuss with family, friends or a financial professional."

It was certainly true in his own family. One day when he was sharing with his beloved grandfather what he had learned in class, his grandfather revealed emotions Kennith had never seen before.

“It was the first time I witnessed the most uplifting person I knew come to tears,” Meeks says. “He simply wished there was someone that could help him navigate his journey with money. That’s when I first discovered a light in coaching people through difficult financial decisions."

After a decade of experience, the light his grandfather provided him continues to shine each time he is provided an

expect to speak with the Financial Advisor that both understands and is responsible in helping you implement your financial Today, Meeks is a certified financial planner plan. I simply think of being that one person (CFP) with Edward Jones, primarily serving people aren’t afraid of talking to about those in the Geist and Fishers communities. money within our community. opportunity to connect the dots of a client's priorities, purpose and actions.

“However, I wanted to be “Every day I think about being more than the person my the resource for people grandfather could my grandfather wishes discuss his goals he had,” Meeks says. and money with,” “Each time I sit Meeks adds. down with "I SIMPLY HOPE "I wanted to someone I THAT MY STORY be someone think about contributing held to one CAN MAKE THAT to the story of the highest DREAM A REALITY of their life education, FOR OTHERS." the way my experience —KENNITH MEEKS grandfather and ethical wishes someone standards within could have our industry. contributed to his.

So, I decided to become a CFP I think about being Professional. As a CFP, I can the person being inspired help people navigate some of the more by his values, priorities most complex financial decisions of their and purpose than his statements. This is lifetime.” what led me to opening an Edward Jones office in our community. When someone calls or stops by an Edward Jones office they The childhood dreams of being seen on television tackling or coaching in the NFL aren’t speaking with countless robots and representatives disconnected from their full have been replaced with the reality of financial plan. At Edward Jones, you can struggling to tackle and gain the attention JULY 2021 / 23

Kennith Meeks and his wife Carrie

span of coaching his three sons in baseball, football and basketball locally.

“However, the delayed odds and dreams of me making an impact on the financial wellbeing of those in my community are much bigger,” Meeks says. “I simply hope that my story can make that dream a reality for others. That’s one of the things I love about Edward Jones.”

When people seek help with their physical health there is an 85% chance their doctor is certified by an accredited board. However, when it comes to people seeking help with their financial health there is a less than 20% chance the financial professional they work with are certified by the CFP Board.

“You can have a heart surgeon who is knowledgeable and understands all of the nuances of the heart, but if they can’t relate that information to you when you’re navigating your options, the results may not be what’s in your best interest,” Meeks says.

When clients first come to see him to discuss their financial needs, he starts by asking them to share their story.

“The story of a person usually reveals more than the story of the commas on a statement,” Meeks says.

Sometimes people are anxious about going to see Mason (3), Douglas (6) and Kayden (7) a financial planner because they don’t know where to start someone to get the data needed to drive a or perhaps they don’t feel confident about more robust retirement plan,” he says. what questions to ask. Meeks likens the experience to finding a new doctor. Is this Meeks and his wife Carrie have been person qualified? However, the answer to married for eight years, reside in the Fishers those questions will not be discovered until community and have three sons—Kayden we take the action to find out.

(7), Douglas (6), and Mason (3) — who are actively involved in sports in HSE The questions Meeks most often hears from Schools. Meeks, a former linebacker at Ball clients include, “Am I going to be okay?” and State University, coaches baseball, football “What is it that I can be doing differently?” and any sport his boys play.

He fields inquiries about taxes, insurance, inflation, politics, interest rates, estate planning and college planning, as well as more nuanced relationship-based questions. For instance, parents want to know how they can help their children with their finances but not put themselves in a position where their children will have to help them down the road.

Financial planning can be a complex process, but Meeks helps simplify the process by bringing it down to the simplest terms, asking his clients, “What do you own? What do you owe? What do you spend? What do you save?”

“When you start asking these questions in those simplistic terms, it’s easier for 24 / JULY 2021

“I’m passionate about coaching because I had a lot of great coaches when I played football in high school and college,” Meeks adds. “I like lending the things they taught me and the ability to impact the lives of younger men.”

He also excels at financial coaching, so give him a call today.

Edward Jones is located at 10142 Brooks School Rd Suite 207 in Fishers.

To contact Kennith Meeks, call 317516-5109 or email kennith.meeks@ edwardjones.com.

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IN THE BAG

L to R: Brianna Tappendorf, Schoolhouse 7 Café, Roz Harris, Fit Chicks!, Mackenzie BakerRobinson, Fishers Flower Farm, Kayti Robinson, Fishers Flower Farm, Angela Castelli, Roman & Leo, and Gina Glaros, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Relations for the City of Fishers. “Last SHOP FISHERS year, we launched the SUMMER SERIES RETURNS summer series, and we held it every Wednesday JULY 16-23 throughout August. This year, we’re doing to summer series again but revamping it. It will be a week-long event in July.”

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

The Shop Fishers Summer Series is back July 16-23. The event showcases local restaurants and businesses while also offering shoppers discounts and specials throughout the week.

“This event started a few years ago as an additional event to Small Business Saturday,” says Stephanie Perry, Assistant Director of Community and Public

The event includes 50 to 60 local businesses highlighting their products and services.

“Obviously, we want to support local businesses year-round,” Perry says. “The holiday season is a natural time to do that with small business Saturday and giving Tuesday.

We wanted to offer our community a way to rally around local businesses during a different time of year. July tends to be a slower month with people traveling and busy with summer plans. So, we thought it was a great opportunity to showcase local businesses and what they have to offer.”

Each business will offer a different special or deal during the week.

“We wanted to give residents an incentive to support them so each participating business will offer a promotional discount or special that the city can then promote,” Perry says.

Many businesses participate in the Shop Fishers Series year after year.

“We have a lot of local businesses that participate each year, and in both events,” Perry adds. “They find it a fun way to get new eyes on their business.”

“The summer series includes an array of different businesses,” Perry says. “There are restaurants, retail stores, gyms, spas and Roman and Leo, the only all-boys clothing medical centers. We want to highlight all the boutique in the Midwest, participates each different types of businesses Fishers has to year. offer.”

Offering an event in the summer and small business Saturday is essential to the city and its leaders.

26 / JULY 2021

“We cater to little boys from baby to about ages 7-8,” says owner Angela Castelli. “It’s fun, unique, modern and trendy clothing

for boys. When my boys were little, everywhere we went, people would ask me where I found their clothes. I just had the idea I wanted to shop where moms could be excited about dressing little boys. That’s where the idea started.”

Castelli thought it was important to join the Shop Fishers Series when she realized the uniqueness of the program.

“I’m in a group with other boutique owners around the country,” she says. “They thought it was amazing how much our city gets behind its local businesses. I think residents don’t realize how many different local shops we have here.”

Roz Harris, owner of Fit Chicks!, is participating for the first time.

“Fit Chicks! is a complete weight loss and fitness program that works,” Harris says.

“We offer personal training, nutrition counseling, and well-being consultations designed for women. I see Fit Chicks! as a place of community where women want to come together to live healthy, happy and strong.”

do it at Fit Chicks!” Harris says. “I think when we share our stories with others, they realize they can try something new and succeed.”

Fit Chicks! is offering a promotional special on personal training sessions.

“This year is our ninth anniversary, so we wanted to do something special,” Harris says. “For the Shop Fishers Summer Series, if a client buys one personal training session, they get three free. We want people to have the opportunity to come in and try it out for a few weeks. They can fill out a form on the website, call us, or stop by. All a person needs to do is tell us they want the deal.”

The city knows road closures can affect businesses located in the Nickel Plate District.

Harris wants to show Fishers residents that they can find a sense of belonging in her business.

“We know people may be intimidated to get out while 116th St. is closed or to visit the businesses in the area,” Perry says.

“We’ve created a business access map on our website to show residents how to get to a particular business affected by the road closure. This event supports all Fishers businesses, but we wanted to make sure those in the Nickel Plate District are supported even more during the road closure.”

“You may think that you don't fit in, but you

Perry encourages Fishers residents to utilize

social media to see what each business is offering.

“We will have an app again for guests to see a complete list of all the businesses participating,” Perry says. “We’ll be doing a ton of social media such as Instagram lives with businesses. We’ll be doing giveaways on our networks. We encourage everyone to follow the city of Fishers and hashtag Shop Fishers to learn more about the event.”

For more information, visit thisisfishers.com/ shop-fishers.

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OUTSIDE THE BOX MINDSET SHOWROOM HELPS CLIENTS THINK BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL TownePost.com / JULY 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 29

office concepts, and shift the mindset of those planning their spaces.

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Robby Berry

Sometimes a change in mindset is all it takes for creativity to happen - at least according to Mary Beth Oakes.

The leaders at Business Furniture + Choreo opened the 4,000-square-foot MINDSET showroom in Fishers in March.

Oakes is the CEO and owner of Business Furniture, as well as the CEO and co-owner of sister company Choreo with Patty Clark.

“Business Furniture has been around for almost 100 years,” Oakes says. “We’re passionate about creating spaces that help people to do their best work, no matter what it is. That’s what we believe in doing.”

In 2008 Oakes and Clark started Choreo.

“Choreo is all about workplace strategy,” Oakes says. “It’s a companion to Business Furniture. We recently merged the two brands even though they’re separate companies.”

Oakes created MINDSET to help people think beyond traditional

“We had a client that, after some basic planning, realized they had plenty of workstations and cubicles but no places where a group could come together and make innovation happen,” Oakes says.

“It got me thinking, ‘What if we started thinking about those group areas first?’ We wanted to focus on areas where people could collaborate and then shift back to the individual workstations.”

Oakes chose Fishers for the showroom because of the booming business industry.

“We chose Fishers because we just feel like Fishers is a hotbed of great activity right now,” Oakes says. “Small, medium and large companies that are forward-thinking are all coming to Fishers. We wanted to be a part of that, and we believe so much in Fishers.”

With shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic causing many people to work from home, Oakes had to shift her mindset once again.

“We started thinking about what it’s going to look like when employees finally do go back to an office,” Oakes says. “We wanted to figure out how we give people a more comforting experience,

30 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

similar to working at home. It’s designed to be a space to get people to think outside the box, not necessarily to emulate identically. We want people to use it as a space where they can brainstorm and think about what makes the most sense for their space, and how they can help their employees to have the very best experience when they come back.”

The showroom serves not only as an inspiration for creating spaces, but also a community resource.

“We wanted the space to be a place where creativity comes to life,” Oakes says. “We intentionally added an 8’ round table in the center of the space where groups can have roundtable discussions.

We want to share the space with the Fishers business community.

You’re trying to think outside the box - it helps if you can be in a different environment to help you to shift your mindset.”

MINDSET is located at 11634 Maple Street, Suite 100 in Fishers. For more information, visit businessfurniture.net.

MORE INFORMATION TownePost.com / JULY 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 31

THE COOLEST TREAT

NICEY TREAT CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING AT FISHERS DISTRICT

32 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

same nostalgia for a frozen confection.

Writer / Renee Larr Photographer / Amy Payne

As a child during those hot summer days, Jeff Patrick would always check his grandparent’s freezer for a cool, frozen treat.

“My grandfather was a dairy man who worked for Quality Check in Seymour,” Patrick says. “When we would visit, we would always run to the freezer because it was always stocked with frozen novelties.”

During a trip to Mexico, Patrick relived the

“About a decade later, we were in Mexico, and paletas (Spanish for Popsicles) were everywhere,” Patrick says. “They’re pretty much a cultural phenomenon. It seemed like they were on every street corner, and they were so fresh tasting.”

When he returned, Patrick searched, but no one in the United States replicated paletas or the accompanying feeling. After training in Florida, Nicey Treat was born. Patrick

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Fishers District.

“The space was built with us in mind,” Patrick says. “It was important for The Yard to be filled with local businesses.” is now on his third location in The Yard at Fishers District.

Even though Nicey Treat has only been open for a brief time, the community response has already been great.

“We started at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market,” Patrick says. “That was our big incubator. We got our name out there and started selling our products. We ended up with a loyal following before we even had a brick-and-mortar location.”

“We’ve been doing well in the Fishers location,” Patrick says. “Surprisingly, no one in the Fishers area really knows about us.

So, it’s been like starting over, which is fun in a way. We’re making a lot of great first impressions. It makes us stay on top of our game.”

Products include frozen pops with fresh flavors like pineapple basil, mango ginger, avocado, toasted coconut, pink lemonade, Thai coffee and strawberry mint.

“We’re big into health and fitness,” Patrick says. “We wanted to offer treats that didn’t have a lot of added sugar. We offer vegan flavors, and many are dairy-free, so there isn’t a high-fat content. We use a lot of fruit puree. So, you’re looking at an 80-calorie dessert that will satisfy those sweet cravings.”

small batches of local Indiana ingredients like a strawberry rhubarb sorbet.”

Nicey Treat also offers frozen icebox pies.

“We’re very particular about what goes into our products,” he says.

“Right now, we have a peanut butter icebox pie with a chocolate graham cracker crust,” Patrick says. “We’re also going to do some

Patrick had a lease on the Fishers space before ground even broke at The Yard at

Josh Schrock

Quality is a crucial ingredient to Patrick’s confections.

A big part of Patrick’s business is events, which took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“About 35% of our business just went away,” Patrick says. “We were really grateful for the government’s help. We’re hoping to see our event business pick back up this year.”

Nicey Treat Fishers is located at 11547 Yard St., Suite 840. For more information, call 317-712-3908 or visit niceytreat.com.

MORE INFORMATION

34 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

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FLY AWAY CONNER PRAIRIE TO HOST BALLOON FESTIVAL

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Conner Prairie

“Jesse’s magic touch made it all come together,” says Christine DeJoy, director of public affairs for Conner Prairie.

In 1859, a crowd gathered in Lafayette, Indiana, to watch the Jupiter balloon take its inaugural flight. Piloted by inventor John Wise, the Jupiter provided the first successful airmail delivery in the U.S. For years Conner Prairie has invited guests to enjoy an 1859 Balloon Voyage on the 105’ balloon, which is as tall as an eight-story building.

The brand-new balloon will reflect the colors of the new branding.

As an unveiling of sorts, Conner Prairie is hosting the Conner Prairie Balloon Festival from July 15 to 18. Admission to the festival requires a separate ticket unless you are a member, in which case you get in for free.

The actual balloon itself is referred to as a balloon envelope, constructed from long nylon sections called gores. These envelopes need to be replaced every seven to eight years. It was recently time to replace the one at Conner Prairie, which happened to coincide with the rebranding of Conner Prairie as well as the receipt of a grant that enabled them to reimagine the entire exhibit. Jesse Kramer, director of exhibits, came up with design and content ideas.

The festival kicks off on the evening of July 15 when, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., they will have the balloon glow, which will feature between 15 and 20 hot-air balloons.

“It’s after-hours in the evening,” DeJoy says. “Like a typical balloon festival that takes place out west in places like Arizona, the glow is at night after the sun has set. We will light the balloons, fill them up,

36 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

and everyone will get to walk around to see the pilots and check out lighter-than-air history from the 19th century to today. the balloons up close.”

Conner Prairie will offer aeronautical programming so that visitors To add to the festival atmosphere, they will have a music stage, food may soak in the knowledge. It’ll include games, learning tools and trucks, games and other activities. picture opportunities. The spot where guests used to buy tickets to get on the balloon now offers a little something extra - it will On July 16 they will hold the Hare and Hounds race, which kicks include information on the future of flight. The exhibit includes a off bright and early at 6:30 a.m. in the south field and ends one hour new component with monitors that show what the weather is like, later. For those unfamiliar with this race, all balloons launch from as well as the air quality - all shown in real time. the same location. The Hare balloon takes off first, followed by the other balloons called the Hounds, which “chase” the Hare. Because “It’s great because with this new reimagined exhibit, visitors can still learn about the balloon and experience it even if it’s unable to the event is being held so early, anyone can come watch it at no fly due to weather,” DeJoy says. “Now it’s more of a multipurpose charge. exhibit as opposed to, ‘Oh, look at all this stuff ’ just as you’re getting on the balloon. Before, if the balloon wasn’t flying, people wouldn’t The new balloon exhibit, which opens July 1, includes a video, an interactive station that describes lighter-than-air technologies, and a go look at all of that.”

TownePost.com / JULY 2021 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / 37

By the time of the Balloon Festival, the new balloon envelope will have been installed, test runs will have been completed, and if the weather allows, it’ll be flying.

“People can go on our balloon once again,” says DeJoy, who is sure guests will appreciate the fact that balloon enthusiasts from all over the state have come to be a part of this festival.

“The balloon culture is great,” DeJoy says. “You have all these men and women who all know one another. As soon as the call went out asking for balloons to participate in this festival, we got all these offers.”

DeJoy anticipates positive reviews and reactions from guests, as well as a great crowd for the event, not only because it’ll be fun and educational, but also because after a year of disappointments and cancellations, the community is eager to get out and have fun again.

And because Conner Prairie is so vast, it can accommodate a large crowd without a feeling of congestion.

“With the pandemic finally ending, everyone is wanting to get outside, do something fun and different, and not be locked in their houses anymore,” DeJoy says. “We are happy to be providing something new that we’ve never done before, and something that is so visually stimulating.”

Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. For more information, call 317-776-6000 or visit connerprairie.org.

MORE INFORMATION 38 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com

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