Kokomo Magazine July 2025 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

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PUBLISHER KIM SENKUS kim@townepost.com (317) 501-1743

CONTRIBUTORS RAMSEY BALTZ STEPHANIE DUNCAN NATALIE PLATT EMILY WHITCOMB

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

AUSTIN TONI EADS

MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

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HEALING THROUGH FREQUENCY

MIDWEST MODALITIES OFFERS PERSONALIZED ENERGY THERAPIES

Writer / Natalie Platt

Doug Nelson knew he needed to find peace. At 19, he suffered a head injury and lost three days of time before the accident and while in the hospital — and always wondered what happened in those three days.

“There were conflicting stories about those few days in the hospital and most people just said ‘you’re alive — it doesn’t matter,’” Nelson says. “But it did matter to me — it bothered me.” So, one day while cleaning his garage, Nelson listened to a podcast where the guest spoke about life after death, which resonated with him.

“I looked up the guest who was on the podcast and found someone local who specializes in the same kind of healing therapy,” he says. “I had an amazing experience using QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique) that transformed my view on life and made me realize I wanted to offer this to the community.”

Now, Midwest Modalities has been open for a year at 400 West Superior Street in Kokomo.

“We use a personalized approach to all of our healing sessions, tailoring every session to each individual’s unique needs,” Nelson says. “Our certified and experienced practitioners use proven techniques to help people achieve fulfillment and wellness through tested and proven modalities.”

If you’re looking for a holistic approach for your physical and mental health — while seeking self-reflection and deeper selfdiscovery — Nelson encourages the Kokomo community to

book an appointment for one of their services offered. Midwest Modalities offers several holistic healing services, like QHHT, Reiki, Healy Reharmonizing and the Harmonic Egg Ellipse.

A QHHT session is a four- to six-hour session broken up into several parts. The first part is the interview where the practitioner gets to know you and learns the reasons you are visiting. The patient is then put into the Harmonic Egg to relax, and the final part is the session where you are guided to connect with your higher self to answer the questions you have as well as help you heal yourself.

Reiki involves a Reiki practitioner serving as a bridge, connecting you to the healing power of energy. Through their hands, energy is directed toward you, focusing especially on areas that need rejuvenation. This process aims to balance your energy once again, leaving you feeling relaxed and replenished.

RAISING KOKOMO’S FREQUENCY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME

• QHHT SESSION

• REIKI SESSION • HEALY ENERGY HARMONIZING • HARMONIC EGG ELLIPSE • ZARARITY

Healy Reharmonizing begins with a thorough one-hour consultation session with a skilled practitioner. During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your wellness goals, health history and any specific concerns you may have. Following the consultation, you’ll experience the transformative power of the Healy Frequency Device during a one-hour session.

Midwest Modalities’ most notable service is the Egg. During your Harmonic Egg Ellipse session, you will recline comfortably within the egg-shaped chamber as gentle vibrations and harmonious frequencies envelop your body and mind. As you surrender to the immersive experience, you will be guided through a journey

of self-discovery and healing, emerging refreshed, revitalized and reconnected.

Looking ahead, Nelson’s vision for the future is building a community of individuals that have experienced healing and want to help others the same way he does. He wants people to know what it feels like to let go of their burdens from their past and experience life in a whole new way — a life that is full of meaningful connections and positive experiences and a life that makes you wake up looking forward to what the universe has in store for you.

“Everything that is done here is done with love — that’s what this business is based on,” Nelson says. “I want to raise the frequency in Kokomo — we all have things we’re going through and we can help through calming and relaxation practices.”

Midwest Modalities is located at 400 West Superior Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. Hours are by appointment and can be made by calling 765-513-4711. You can find additional information, including all services offered, at midwest-modalities.com or by visiting their Facebook @Midwest Modalities and Instagram @ midwestmodalities.

JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DOWN

1. Reclining casually

2. Zoo inmate

3. Tropical root vegetables

4. Rectangular courtyard

5. Uncomfortable (situation)

6. Scrapes by, ... out a living

10. Stupid

11. Twitch

13. Undressed

14. Mosquito-borne fever

16. Middle-age spread

18. Wisecrack

19. Flying toy

20. Ballroom dance, ... doble

ACROSS

1. Nearby 4. Tremble

7. Predicament

8. Ups & ... 9. Expressions of pain

Beseeched 15. Small grains

Nastier 18. Duck’s call

Envision 22. Stage of development 23. Fruit tree grove

Kokomo Antique Mall

7,000 SQ. FT. OF ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, ARTISAN & MORE! Located at 121 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901 / Open Tuesday-Sunday llam-6pm

RAISING THE ROOF WITH PURPOSE

ACE EXTERIORS AND RESTORATION BUILDS TRUST AND COMMUNITY

Writer / Natalie Platt

When asked how Ace Exteriors and Restoration — and owners Dylan and Tori Akshar — built such a strong reputation for being extremely client-focused, Dylan Akshar paused.

“You know … that’s a tough question to answer,” he says. “It’s just how we are and how we always have been throughout life, especially with me coming from a service (food and auto sales) background. I love interacting with our customers, and being a small company, we can really take care of them.”

Located in Kokomo and serving the greater

Greentown, Tipton, Logansport, Peru, Cicero, Noblesville, Carmel and Westfield markets, Ace Exteriors and Restoration specializes in roofing (new roof installation and repairs), siding (vinyl, engineered wood, fiber cement), gutters and guards, flat roofing, metal roofing and general repairs.

Co-owned with his wife, Tori, the couple grew up in Kokomo and learned early on the value of trust, integrity and the importance of doing right by others — lessons that would later become the foundation of their business. In 2021, Akshar found his true calling in the roofing industry. He wasn’t just drawn to the trade itself — he

was drawn to the impact it could have on people’s lives. Helping homeowners protect and improve their biggest investment felt purposeful to him.

“I committed to learning everything I could, not just about roofing, but about what really matters to homeowners: honesty, reliability and high-quality work that doesn’t break the bank,” he says.

Together, they’ve created more than a roofing company — they’ve created a family-first business grounded in faith, community and purpose. Ace Exteriors exists to serve Kokomo with honesty,

exceptional craftsmanship and a heart for giving back. Whether it’s through free inspections, helping families save money or providing roofs for those in need, their mission is simple: take care of people the right way.

“Kokomo isn’t just where we live. It’s where I met my wife, where we’re raising our son and where we’re building something we hope will stand the test of time,” Akshar says. “With every roof, every family and every handshake — we’re putting our name, our values and our heart into it. Because at Ace Exteriors, we believe it’s not just about roofing. It’s about home.”

What sets Ace Exteriors and Restoration apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. Every project, from storm damage repair to new siding, is approached with the same meticulous attention to detail. Their team of skilled professionals brings years of hands-on experience to the job site, blending technical expertise with a

personalized approach that ensures each client’s vision is realized — and often exceeded.

“We know you have options — and we just want the community to know we’re family-focused and want the best for our customers. We care about you and the job we do, and we don’t waver from that — we’ll always take care of our customers.”

For homeowners in Kokomo and surrounding areas, Ace Exteriors and Restoration is more than a contractor; they’re a trusted partner. With a reputation built on trust and superior workmanship, the family-owned business continues to keep quality and satisfaction at the forefront of their company.

You can reach Ace Exteriors and Restoration by calling 765-223-1050 or visiting aceexteriors.com. Hours are by appointment only.

August is dedicated to helping our 55+ readers navigate their changing lives. If you are a business that would like to reach this demographic, contact Kim Senkus. This issue will include a special supplemental magazine that will be distributed throughout Kokomo and Tipton as well!

ROOTED IN WELLNESS

MIDWEST FARM ROOTS, MEDITERRANEAN WELLNESS

Writer / Natalie Platt

For Wildbranch Olive Oil co-founder Mallory Gidwitz, there is truth to the saying, “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” When the Chicago resident felt stuck in early 2021—searching for a direction and passion beyond her career in finance—she thought about her interests. The 2005 Lewis Cass High School graduate and 2009 Butler University alum loves cooking with clean and organic ingredients, fresh produce, natural wines, learning various ways to improve her overall health and wellness, and shopping the local weekly farmers markets for the bulk of her groceries.

She thought about home.

“I grew up on a farm and I have such vivid memories of having fresh produce right outside our door or walking down to a neighbor’s house to get corn,” Gidwitz says. “I love going to the farmers market every week and getting fresh, organic produce—I really believe that food can be medicine.”

Thinking about her roots—and a years-long friendship with a former coworker where the topics of conversation typically ranged from health and wellness to motherhood—Gidwitz co-founded Wildbranch, a drinking oil that comes from a family-run farm near Sparta, Greece. And the owner of the farm? Labros Vlachos, father of

ASHLEY CURELLA

Gidwitz’s friend, former coworker and now co-founder, Niki McNeill.

Labros Vlachos has been farming the land organically since 1999, and what started as 1,500 trees in 1970 has grown to 12,000 meticulously cared-for trees on more than 400 acres. His passion for high-quality oil runs deep, and his farm has been producing award-winning high-phenolic olive oil since 2017. The awardwinning, single-grove, organic, high-phenolic olives produce a drinking oil where you can taste the love, passion and friendship infused in each spoonful.

Polyphenols are an essential part of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and harnessing their power can be simple and pure. A daily spoonful of Wildbranch provides 10 times the polyphenols of regular olive oil, and Wildbranch is significantly higher in polyphenol compounds— specifically oleocanthal and oleacein—which are known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits such as antiinflammation and heart and neuro health. This high concentration of polyphenols gives the oil a peppery punch, and consuming by the spoonful is an efficient way to reap the benefits.

“The benefits of their simple daily ritual are abundant—but most importantly, it’s a natural, pure way of being good to yourself so you can share that good with others,” Gidwitz says. “It’s a ritual the entire family can love … getting your kids started with healthy habits early is critical, and with Wildbranch, they can do it right alongside you.”

Cultivating the highest-phenolic olives for Wildbranch is Vlachos’ priority. He ensures that the polyphenols remain as high as possible by cold-pressing and bottling only a few miles away from the farm. You can taste the potency in the peppery bite of the oil—that daily dose is not just a mindful step toward a healthier lifestyle but also a cheers to the local farmers working hard to share their culture and passion with the world.

You can also cook with Wildbranch olive oil due to its high quality. It’s not refined, not mixed with other oils, and is extra virgin, so the compounds are better protected during the heating process. Highquality, extra-virgin olive oils are stable at up to 400 degrees and are much healthier than alternative cooking oils or butter. However, to capture the most health benefits from your Wildbranch daily drinking oil, it’s best to take it in its raw form by the spoonful.

“We really believe—and know—that one ingredient can give a lifetime of benefits,” Gidwitz says. “Committing to your own ritual by setting aside a moment each day to savor the benefits of Wildbranch is a simple way to cultivate healthiness and mindfulness from within.”

Wildbranch is available in select retail shops in Chicago, with the goal of expanding into the Indiana market this year. You can buy Wildbranch daily drinking oil at welcometowildbranch.com and follow along on Instagram at @welcometowildbranch.

MEN IN BUSINESS Q&A

Across Kokomo and Tipton, men in business are shaping their communities through innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to local growth. We caught up with a few of these amazing local leaders to hear their insights on entrepreneurship, community impact, and what is in their headphones these days.

NICK BYRD, NICK BYRD MEDICARE

WHAT IS ONE WORD YOUR EMPLOYEES WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Passionate. I am very passionate about making sure my staff and residents at Silver Birch are taken care of to the best of my ability. I’m confident my current clients, whom I have helped with their Medicare, would concur, as I have helped many of them contact their insurance companies or communicate with the Social Security Administration.

WHAT WOULD BE MY WALK-UP SONG?

There is a little-known song by Kid Rock titled “Stand the Pain”. It’s a song about perseverance when things aren’t going well. It goes along with my passions.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO WORK BUT DID NOT NEED THE MONEY?

I would bartend at a place that was heavily populated by passionate baseball fans who wanted to talk about baseball. When I was in college, I bartended at a restaurant in Kentucky, where the entire state was passionate about college basketball. That was an enjoyable experience.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR LONGEST EMPLOYEE BEEN WITH YOU?

I’ve been a rehab manager at two different assisted-living facilities in Kokomo over the past eight years. I’ve had the same staff at both places. There are some aspects of being a rehab manager that are beyond my control, but you can treat your employees with respect all the time. As far as my health insurance business goes, that is currently a one-man operation.

NICK BYRD MEDICARE

Kokomo’s Medicare Expert & Market Place Agent

TURNING 65 THIS YEAR?

OVERWHELMED WITH PHONE CALLS, COMMERCIALS, AND MAILERS?

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS TOO EXPENSIVE?

HEALTH INSURANCE TO BRIDGE THE GAP FROM RETIREMENT TO MEDICARE

Nick Byrd

LES FELTON, MOTORWISE

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO PLAY WHEN YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

The song would be anything by Van Halen because I love Van Halen. They are the first album I bought with my own money, on 8-track!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM’S SONG?

“Go Cubs Go” because it means the Cubs win!

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DO YOU WISH WOULD COME TO KOKOMO/TIPTON?

I would love a Costco or a great Turkish restaurant like the Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe in Indy.

WHAT IS ONE LOCAL BUSINESS (NOT YOURS) YOU WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND WHY?

I highly recommend Artie’s Tenderloin and Ned’s Corner Pub. They are both 100% locally owned and the food is great. People don’t realize Artie’s serves breakfast and lunch. They are not just a “tenderloin” joint. Ned’s has the best steaks and onion rings in town, hands down.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR LONGEST EMPLOYEE BEEN WITH YOU?

My longest tenured employees have been with me for six years here, and if you count two stops before this, it’s been closer to 15 years together.

DR. JUSTIN ROBERTS, ROBERTS DENTAL GROUP

WHAT IS ONE LOCAL BUSINESS (NOT YOURS) YOU WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND WHY? Summers Heating and Cooling of Kokomo. I appreciate this company and their giving back. They are great people with big hearts. WOULD YOU RELIVE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS IF YOU COULD?

Yes. I met my wife in high school, and I loved playing football.

IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

I would travel to the past and hang out with my dad one more time. Maybe go fishing or have a cup of coffee. The older I get, the more I need his advice.

WHAT TV BOSS/LEADER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST?

Michael Scott from “The Office”: “Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy — both.”

Les Felton

Justin Roberts, DDS

TODD JORDAN, KOKOMO TOYS & COLLECTABLES/ KOKOMO ANTIQUE MALL

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO PLAY WHEN YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORT FIGURE’S/TEAMS’ SONG?

Anything David Bowie is acceptable. My favorite sports team is Quidditch champions Hufflepuff.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERHERO POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? HOW WOULD IT COME IN HANDY AT WORK?

I would have time travel as a superpower. I’d go back and buy all the vintage toys I could carry.

WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE?

I donated snacks to the Geek Street Pantry.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DO YOU WISH WOULD COME TO KOKOMO/TIPTON?

A grocery store downtown.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO WORK BUT DIDN’T NEED THE MONEY?

Volunteer full time at the Kokomo Rescue Mission.

WHAT’S YOUR UNUSUAL TALENT/PARTY TRICK?

I disappear when nobody is looking.

IF YOU HAD $100,000 TO OPEN ANOTHER BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

A full-time food pantry and job placement center for the area.

Todd Jordan

DETLEF BURKE, PRODUCTION MANAGER,

765 COLLISION REPAIR

WHAT IS ONE LOCAL BUSINESS (NOT YOURS) YOU WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND WHY?

P.F. Hendricks is a small, family-owned outdoor retail store that offers quality, versatile brands and personalized service. They are always very helpful, nice and great to talk to and work with.

IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

Past. I think it would be very interesting and insightful to see how we got to where we are as a group today.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO WORK BUT DIDN’T NEED THE MONEY? Easy—I’d be a greenskeeper at a golf course.

TRAMPUS BURKE, OWNER, 765 COLLISION REPAIR

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR PREVIOUS BOSS IF YOU COULD?

I would say, “Listen to your team. They will always have a better idea or solution for your problems.”

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO PLAY WHEN YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

“Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR LONGEST EMPLOYEE BEEN WITH YOU? HOW LONG? WHY? 13 years and 10 years. We share a lot of the same visions, goals and work ethic. We have a great group of guys here that worked corporate before, but we all wanted to get back to that mom-andpop feeling of being a family. We truly believe in our motto: Locally Owned, Family Focused and Community Driven.

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Locally Owned, Family Focused and Community Driven. Serving Howard, Tipton and Surrounding Counties with all your Collision Repair needs. Specializing in Auto Body Repairs, Paint and Glass Work. Free Estimate, No Appointment needed. We work with all Insurance Carriers along with Self Pay. Stop by or Give us a call.

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Detlef Burke and Trampus Burke

JOE PETZOLD, UNIQUE CREATIONS BY JOE

WHAT IS ONE WORD YOUR EMPLOYEES WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU? Trustworthy and tenacious.

WHAT TV BOSS/ LEADER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST?

Jed Bartlet from “The West Wing”, because he could inspire others.

IF YOU HAD $100,000 TO OPEN ANOTHER BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would open a food truck business that only sold my recipe for chicken tenders and Italian sausages.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO PLAY WHEN YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

“We Will Rock You” by Queen. It sums up the store and me in a nutshell.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS FIGURE OR TEAM’S SONG?

The “Fire the Cannons” video put out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ trip to Super Bowl LV in 2021.

WHAT’S YOUR UNUSUAL TALENT/PARTY TRICK?

My talent is that I can sing country music well, and my trick is that I can still do the splits at the age of 55.

BRAD WHITMAN, WHITMAN ROOFING

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO PLAY WHEN YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If I had to pick one, it would be “Awake” by Godsmack.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERHERO POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? HOW WOULD IT COME IN HANDY AT WORK?

To fix any house with the snap of a finger. Lots of homes get damaged by storms, and if I could snap my fingers and fix them, it wouldn’t be so stressful.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DO YOU WISH WOULD COME TO KOKOMO/TIPTON?

A car wash for Tipton and any business that will bring lots of jobs to Kokomo.

WHAT IS ONE LOCAL BUSINESS YOU WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND WHY?

Well, there are two: Country Corner Insurance in Tipton and Delong Auto Care in Tipton/Kokomo. Both are great businesses and take care of their customers.

WHAT IS ONE WORD YOUR EMPLOYEES WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

Dedicated.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO WORK BUT DIDN’T NEED THE MONEY?

Work on sprint cars.

Joe Petzold

Brad Whitman

DOUG NELSON, MIDWEST MODALITIES

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERHERO POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? HOW WOULD IT COME IN HANDY AT WORK?

Energy whisperer, because already I can walk into a room and feel what’s going on without anyone saying a word. It’s like emotional WiFi. I pick up signals, shift the vibe, and help people feel better,

lighter and more like themselves if possible. Whether it’s through reiki, QHHT or just a good conversation, I feel as though I can help people plug back into their power. I would like it to just be stronger.

WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE?

Time. For Mother’s Day, I spent the entire day with my mom - just the two of us - reminiscing, sharing stories and having dinner together. At one point, she asked me what my fondest memory of her was from childhood, and I told her the truth; all my best childhood memories include her. No gift could’ve meant more to either of us than that kind of presence and honesty.

IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE, WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE OR THE PAST?

I’d probably head to the past - not to fix anything, but to give my younger self a big hug, a deep breath, and maybe a heads-up about a few of the wild turns ahead. I’d say, “Trust me, it’s all going to lead somewhere good…and yes, healing will be part of your job one day - crazy, right?” Though let’s be real - I might take a quick trip to the future just to see if I’m sipping smoothies on the porch of my dream retreat center with a waitlist a mile long.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD TO WORK BUT DIDN’T NEED THE MONEY?

I’d keep doing exactly what I’m doing: facilitating healing, holding space and helping people reconnect with themselves. But I’d expand it. I’d offer more sessions at no cost, create outreach programs and build a scholarship fund so that people who need this care the most aren’t held back by a price tag. Healing should be accessible. And if money weren’t a factor, I’d make sure no one was ever turned away from the help they truly need.

Carpet • Hardwood Laminate ∙ Tile ∙ Lvt

Swan

Doug Nelson

TERRY TRACY, ALL-PRO PLUMBING

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO PLAY WHEN YOU WALKED INTO A ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

As Terry rolls into the shop, you’ll likely hear “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne cranking out the windows of whatever vehicle he’s driving. It’s just one of the songs our team thinks of when we think of Terry—it’s high energy, gets everyone hyped up to get things done and you can bank on the fact that Terry will come up with crazy but absolutely effective solutions for whatever challenge comes his way. Anyone who knows Terry knows that ’80s metal and hard rock is his vibe. If you ride in the truck with Terry for any period of time, you’re going to get educated on the full range of all the ’80s metal hair bands—Ozzy, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Poison, AC/DC, Van Halen, Twisted Sister and so many others. Then come the quizzes: “Do you know who sings this? What about this one?” he laughs. Eventually, you’ll know them all! But when it comes to his superpower, we’ve already dubbed him “Magic Hands.” Terry “magically” finds a way to fix things others can’t. It’s his gift; it always has been. Someone can be struggling to do a task, and he’ll step in and “magically” fix it or solve it, likely in minutes. And the best part is he’ll freely share all that knowledge with anyone he’s teaching.

WHAT IS ONE WORD YOUR EMPLOYEES WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU?

As a team, we brainstormed some of the words that best describe Terry: indefatigable, persistent, strong, calm, loyal, integrity, generous, sincere and resourceful. Terry is energetically and mentally brilliant. He always comes up with a solution, invention or new ideas to solve the task at hand. And funny—Terry’s a blast. He loves to jump out and scare people! You have to be able to laugh and take a joke if you’re around Terry for long because Terry loves to laugh and make people laugh. He’s great at diffusing stressful situations with something funny and lighthearted.

But Terry’s exceedingly genuine too. When asked, Mike, who’s been with us for over 16 years, why he’s stayed, his answer was simple: “It’s because of the level of care you guys have for the team. I don’t have to worry about how you’ll treat us; we always know how much you care about us. You always have our backs.”

Terry Tracy

DYLAN AKSHAR, ACE EXTERIORS AND RESTORATION

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERHERO POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Super speed. I’d fly through appointments, inspect roofs in record time, save homeowners hours and cut my gas bill in half. Let’s be

honest—in this line of work, beating the rain and beating traffic are both superpowers.

WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS DO YOU WISH WOULD COME TO KOKOMO/TIPTON?

I’d love to see a legit family-friendly indoor play café—something like a mix between a playground and Smiley’s, with an arcade and a laid-back atmosphere where kids can burn energy and parents can relax. A space that’s fun, safe and built around families spending time together.

WHAT TV BOSS/LEADER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH THE MOST?

Not a TV character, but a real-world leader—Simon Sinek. He leads with purpose, not ego. His “Start with Why” mindset reminds me to always focus on people first—whether it’s my customers, team or community. That kind of leadership builds trust, not just profits.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR LONGEST EMPLOYEE BEEN WITH YOU?

Technically, my wife has been by my side for over 10 years— supporting me through every step. Right now, it’s just the two of us building ACE from the ground up, but we’re laying the foundation for a dream team soon.

Dylan Akshar

Dapper on a Dime

LUXURY OPTION ARRIVES IN TIPTON

Writer / Emily Whitcomb

While it’s common to see names like Armani and Versace around Indianapolis, you might be surprised to learn you can find those same designer labels in Tipton. For the first time in nearly half a century, a men’s clothing store is open on Main Street — Dapper on a Dime.

“I’m a true believer of things falling into place,” says owner Diane Overmyer.

Diane and her husband, Doug, are newcomers to Tipton from Noblesville. Starting as an online venture a year ago while the pair explored the world in their motorhome, the doors to the shop are open on Main Street.

“We’re a bedroom community, so people don’t do a lot of shopping here, and we’re trying to change that very drastically,” says Doug. “But so many people here live here, and they don’t shop here for groceries, they don’t shop here for anything, because it just hasn’t been available.”

The Overmyers are no strangers to entrepreneurship — they have bought out four boutiques, traveled to close-outs and sifted through thrift stores, rummage sales, eBay and other e-commerce websites to curate.

“There are a lot of people who are kind of blown away by the fact that you can buy some high-end brands here in Tipton,”

Doug says. “We do a lot of pre-owned stuff. We’re super picky about what we buy.”

The attention to detail doesn’t end once the clothes are on the racks. The Overmyers work with a highly skilled local tailor to ensure their clients are getting clothing that fits well and looks good. They dry-clean or wash and repair everything they buy. The rejected items go to thrift stores.

“The whole ‘dapper on a dime’ concept was that you can dress like a million bucks, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot,” says Doug. “We had a kid who came in for prom last-minute, and we were able to get him situated. And then everybody raved about the suit that we got him. A purple jacket and black slacks.

The LIV Golf Championship is coming to Chatham Hills Golf Club in August.

The tournament will take place August 15 – 17, with some golfers competing for the 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title, and all fighting to secure contracts for next season.

Expect to see top golf players at this tournament, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Bubba Watson.

Team captain of the RangeGoats GC, Watson joined the LIV Golf League in 2022. He is excited about the league’s future and views it to attract new and younger fans to the game.

“We’re entertainers. We’re trying to win a trophy and beat everybody in that field,” Watson said. “But at the same time, we’re trying to get people to love the game of golf, see the game of golf, get off video games and go outdoors. We got something for everybody.”

Hosting an international sports event in Westfield is a rare opportunity, and Mayor Scott Willis hopes it will open doors for

THE BIG TIME

THE LIV GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO WESTFIELD

more. “Westfield has carved out a reputation for hosting sporting events at Grand Park now for several years. But we’re now taking this international. FIFA announced Grand Park as a base camp location for the World Cup, and now LIV,” he said. The tournament is expected to draw up to 25,000 visitors and bring an estimated $21 million to $29 million in economic impact for that weekend.

Panelist Betsy Garfield of Henke Development Group, which orchestrated Chatham Hills, echoed her excitement. “When we were first presented with the opportunity, it just seemed like we couldn’t pass this up,” she said. “Professional, elite golf hasn’t been back in Indianapolis for almost a decade. This is a sports town. We rally for sports.”

LIV Golf is also working with boys and school golf teams from Westfield High School and Guerin Catholic High School, as well as representatives from the Indiana Special Olympics, inviting them to an on-course clinic with Watson.

The LIV Golf League features 54 players and 13 teams competing throughout a 14-event season for the Individual and Team Championships. The tournament begins with a shotgun start —

Writer / Stephanie Duncan Photographer / Ramsey Baltz

meaning all groups tee off simultaneously from different holes. Foltz said LIV Golf offers a supercharged fan experience that’s best enjoyed in person.

“What you’re going to notice is that everybody is in a better mood. They’re not afraid of their phone clicking at the wrong time or being at the wrong place at the wrong time. If you don’t feel like walking around and following the bigname stars, you can stay in one place and watch every single star of LIV in a fivehour span,” he said.

A superior fan experience and festive atmosphere set LIV Golf apart from traditional golf events, but fans should still expect fierce competition. “The competition is real. We’re not goofing around,” Watson said.

He added the relaxed environment and team dynamic improve the player experience. “I’ve always been scared inside the ropes, and when it gets quiet, it’s more demons in your head. It’s just you and the golf ball. With music going on, it quiets down the thoughts in your head,” Watson said. He also enjoys cheering on his teammates. “It’s been an amazing journey. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Chatham Hills is the last golf course designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, who preferred hands-on construction over detailed plans. Garfield described the effort Dye and his wife, Alice, invested in the course. “They were out here all the time, and Pete would always bring his dog, Sixty,” she said. “Both of them actually hit inaugural tee shots on 10.”

Expect special events leading up to competition weekend, including live music and interactive fan experiences.

Three-day and single-day passes are available at LIVGolf.com, with discounts for students, teachers and first responders. Learn more about Chatham Hills at chathamhills.com.