Diversification by Design
Urban Homestead Owner Kindra Tragesser Launches Interior Design Consultancy
Have Another The Mad Tap Opens on Madison Street
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LOCAL TAXIDERMIST APPEARS ON OUTDOOR CHANNEL’S “RENOVATION HUNTERS”
MARCH 2024
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Diversification BY DESIGN
URBAN HOMESTEAD OWNER KINDRA TRAGESSER LAUNCHES INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANCY Writer / Natalie Platt Photography Provided
Kindra Tragesser says she knows “nothing other than Tipton being my hometown.” She’s proud of where she grew up, and the businesses she owns. Already an owner of Urban Homestead, Tragesser is soon opening a new, byappointment interior design consulting business called k.Interiors, located next door to her existing business. k.Interiors is expected to open at the end of March or 4 | March 2024 | TownePost.com
beginning of April.
consulting part of Urban Homestead.
“When I opened Urban Homestead, the intent was to do design/decor consultations with a little retail,” Tragesser says. “I realized very quickly that the brick-and-mortar store was taking off quickly, which left no time for consultations. The store became my baby and I realized something had to give.”
“Timing is everything,” she says. “Being able to lay this side of the business down five years ago was the right decision. It allowed me to find the right person to help run Urban Homestead. Mandi Larson joined us two years ago. She loves and treats the shop like it is hers. Mandi will be running the day-to-day operations of Urban Homestead, which allows me to pursue k.Interiors.”
Until now, Tragesser had given up the
“You sign up for challenges when you own a small brick and mortar,” she says. “Burnout “I have found a lot of clients get intimidated can happen. This is your business and you love it and want it to succeed, but it takes a by picking selections, so my goal with lot of your time. You’re putting everything different packages and pricing is to make into it and overcoming burnout is difficult. them feel at ease, and that k.Interiors is an You literally have to take a step back, have approachable place,” she says. good people around you to step in, and Tragesser has a handful of simple decorating catch your breath. Finding that balance is tips to help with how overwhelming the task huge in terms of success.” can be to some. While it’s been a demanding process, “Really take the time to figure out what you success is what Tragesser has found in Tipton - as well as community. She is do and don’t like,” she says. “It’s important continuously humbled by the amount to do that before a big project. Your home needs to be a place that you want to be. It is of support the community has given her family. Tragesser’s husband, Brent, is her a reflection of what you love and who you biggest cheerleader and also a Tipton are. Painting is also a fast and inexpensive business owner. way to change a room, and easiest to fix if you don’t like it.” “I am very proud to own a brick and Tragesser adds that when in doubt, go with mortar in Tipton,” she says. We have a great ecosystem of business owners in classic, timeless styles that can be jazzed the downtown area. We understand that up with new pillows, throw blankets or working together and sending people to even chairs over time, to change the look each other’s shops is the key to success in and feel of the room without making other a community. Tipton is a destination place expensive or time-consuming aesthetic for shoppers and we have all worked hard to upgrades. accomplish this in our community.” Though she loves interior design and k.Interiors is located at 112 East Jefferson owning multiple businesses, Tragesser admits entrepreneurship is not for the faint Street in downtown Tipton. The store can be reached at 765-437-5185 or kindra@ of heart. urbanhomesteadllc.com. packages is important to Tragesser.
Urban Homestead and k.Interiors will complement each other well. Tragesser has established vendor and product relationships built over the last five years that give her the advantage of knowing where to find what clients are looking for to style their home. Mandi Larson
“It’s exciting to me to be able to help people figure out what their needs are, to make their space a place they want to be and want to belong,” she says. “The space can be both functional and beautiful.” At k. Interiors, clients can expect three to four different packages for service at different price points. Offering multiple
A wonderful selection of high quality decor, furniture and unique gifts. NOW SERVING WINE, BEER AND SELTZERS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
114 E. JEFFERSON ST, TIPTON | 765-675-4424 | URBANHOMESTEADLLC.COM TownePost.com | March 2024 | 5
COOL CRAFT LOCAL TAXIDERMIST APPEARS ON OUTDOOR CHANNEL’S “RENOVATION HUNTERS” Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided
Alex Roe, a local taxidermist appearing on Outdoor Channel’s television show “Renovation Hunters,” says he is excited about the second season of the hit show. “Last year, Project Manager, Designer and General Contractor Kevin Tarkovich called me and asked if I would like to join the cast and crew of ‘Renovation Hunters’ for season two on the Outdoor Channel,” Roe says. “I was asked to join not only for my experience with remodeling and repairs, but also to preserve any existing taxidermy on-site at the cabins being renovated.” Tarkovich is the co-host of “Renovation Hunters.” “Kevin relies on over 20 years of experience as general contractors with his business, Tarkovich Construction Inc., in North
Carolina, to assist his crew on completing our builds in an eight-day time frame - yes, eight days,” Roe says. Roe notes that the sole mission of “Renovation Hunters” is to help families keep their hunting or fishing cabins and family cabins, by renovating and adding exciting new features. “We help these families free of charge to preserve something that financially and structurally may not have been possible,” Roe says. “‘Renovation Hunters’ wants to create a place for families to come back together again, preserve the values that come with sitting around the table with family, and enjoying the great outdoors.” Roe says Hal Shaffer is the creator and host of “Renovation Hunters.”
“Fans also can see Hal Shaffer on his hunting show ‘Drop Zone TV’ on the Outdoor Channel,” Roe says. “You can catch the first season of ‘Renovation Hunters’ on the Outdoor Channel, and on Amazon Prime and hopefully more networks soon.” Roe, 33, says he has lived in Goldsmith, Indiana, outside of Tipton, his whole life. “I own A. Roe Taxidermy,” he says, “I performed taxidermy for over 15 years part time, and switched to taxidermy full time last year. My right-hand man and brother, John Roe, helps me with all sorts of wild game, foreign and domestic.” Roe says they have a lot of loyal customers who enjoy their work. “John and I not only specialize in our
881 S 725 W, TIPTON | 765-860-6049
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white-tailed deer mounts from folks in Indiana, but we also have a lot of clients make their way from surrounding states to see us,” he says. “We do taxidermy on all kinds of animals, from squirrels to elk and fish to zebra. We have had our hands on specimens from all over, on land and in the sea.” Roe is a busy man. He also works at another job. “John and I also operate A. Roe Construction and Handyman Services LLC,” Roe says. “During our slow season in summer, John and I help homeowners with repairs and updates to their homes. We cover areas between Kokomo and Carmel.” Roe says season two of “Renovation Hunters” premiered February 23. “In the new season we will visit Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania,” Roe says. Follow the show on Facebook and Instagram @renovationhunters. To find out more about A. Roe Taxidermy, call 765-480-6049 or go to aroetaxidermy.com. Also visit them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
TownePost.com | March 2024 | 7
Two sisters local to Tipton, Mindy Mason and Andrea Richter, recognized a need in Tipton for a family-friendly place to gather, eat, drink and listen to live music. With the perfect location and building, they embarked on a journey to build exactly that, while also contributing to Tipton’s downtown revitalization efforts. The eatery not only offers a unique self-serve beer wall concept, but it also serves up smoked meats and cocktails. It seems as though it’s the place to be right now, both for locals and people from surrounding areas. “People love the wings, spicy meatballs and brisket,” Mason says. “We also offer pulled chicken and pork, bratwurst, a wagyu hotdog, and sliders. A kid’s menu and a vegan option are also available. Sides include favorites such as beer mac and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw. Desserts are hand picked by our cook and are on rotation.”
HAVE ANOTHER
THE MAD TAP OPENS ON MADISON STREET Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
8 | March 2024 | TownePost.com
“Andrea and I like to have a project,” Mason says. “This building went up for sale and magically we got it. We saw the beer wall concept in Madison, Indiana, and loved it. Our cook, Jeremy, prepares the meat on our meat monster smoker. He makes all the sauces including the best
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“It’s been busy, especially on the weekends,” she adds. “In the summer there will be more seating outdoors. We also plan to have live music on the weekends. Tipton and the surrounding counties are full of talented musicians. We host open-mic night on Tuesdays and trivia on Wednesdays.”
Fri 4PM-12AM Sat 3PM-12AM Sun 11AM-6PM
TheMadTap.com
blue cheese dressing I’ve ever had.” When patrons come in, they are issued a card for the self-serve beer wall. Linked to their credit card, it also keeps a tab on food or cocktails purchased. At the end of their visit, customers use the card to check out. A “beer wench” on duty assists card scanning for the 20-tap wall of IPAs, wheats, porters, ciders, seltzers, stouts, ales, domestic beers and more. There will always be a cider from Ash & Elm Cider Company in Indianapolis, and the house IPA, Mad Hatter, is a crowd pleaser.
the theme. Mason shares that the Mad Fashion is delicious due to the special cherries used along with a simple syrup. She feels the Madtini, made with vodka, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice, is akin to a craft cosmopolitan. The Mad Men and Mad Women are very popular, made from flavored rum and a combination of fruit juices and liquors. “This is one of the very oldest buildings in Tipton,” Mason says. “Getting it was a
happy mistake. Each permit and license we got was a big deal, and marked a milestone. We were delayed several months before our building permit was approved. Nothing was easily earned but a lesson learned. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to open the Mad Tap as part of our community.” Visit the themadtap.com for more info, and view them on Facebook and Instagram.
The Mad Tap staff enjoy choosing a variety of offerings, not only from Indiana-based breweries, but also from around the U.S. and across the pond. The beers rotate, almost weekly, although there will always be the community-favorite domestics on tap. Even regular visitors can find new-to-them craft brews to try at every visit. As a nod to the Madison Street location, the names of the cocktails keep up with
FRIENDS OF THE INFERNO SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF TIPTON ATHLETICS
Plans are underway to renovate Tipton High School’s historic gym, “The Inferno.” We are reaching out to the community to be a part of this exciting milestone in Blue Devil Athletics by becoming a FRIEND OF THE INFERNO through one of our win-win sponsorship or donor opportunities.
THSInferno@tcsc.k12.in.us • Andrea Campbell: 317.385.0872 • Rob Cochrane: 317.432.6429 TownePost.com | March 2024 | 9
CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL TIPS TO INCREASE HOME VALUE Story Provided
Several home improvements can potentially increase the value of a property when you’re thinking of selling. Here are some common improvements that are often considered attractive to potential buyers and may contribute to a higher home value: KITCHEN RENOVATION Upgrading the kitchen, such as installing new appliances, countertops and cabinets, can significantly enhance a home’s value. BATHROOM REMODELING Modernizing bathrooms with new fixtures, tiles and vanities can be a worthwhile investment. CURB APPEAL First impressions matter. Enhancing the
exterior with landscaping, fresh paint and well-maintained entryways can boost curb appeal. ENERGY-EFFICIENT UPGRADES Installing energy-efficient windows, doors and appliances may not only attract environmentally conscious buyers, but also potentially lower utility costs. ADDING A DECK OR PATIO Outdoor living spaces are often desirable. Adding a deck or patio can increase usable space and appeal to potential buyers. FINISHED BASEMENT OR ATTIC Converting unused spaces into functional areas, such as a finished basement or attic, can add valuable square footage.
SMART-HOME FEATURES Integrating smart-home technology, like a smart thermostat or security system, can be appealing to buyers looking for modern conveniences. NEW FLOORING Upgrading flooring with hardwood, laminate or high-quality carpet can make a significant impact. PAINTING A fresh coat of paint, both indoors and outdoors, can make a home feel wellmaintained and updated. UPGRADED LIGHTING FIXTURES Installing stylish and energy-efficient
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lighting fixtures can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Before making any improvements, it’s essential to consider the specific needs and preferences of your target market. Additionally, consult with local real estate professionals to get advice on which improvements are likely to have the most impact in your area. SMART HOME Smart home features encompass a wide range of technologies designed to enhance the convenience, security and energy efficiency of a home. The costs associated with these features can vary depending on factors such as brand, complexity and installation requirements. Here are some common smart-home features, brand examples, and potential costs: Smart Thermostats (Nest, Ecobee) $100-$250
Smart Lighting (Philips Hue, LIFX) $15-$100 per bulb, plus the cost of a smart hub if required Smart Security Cameras (Ring, Arlo, Nest Cam) $100-$500 per camera, depending on features and quality Smart Doorbell (Ring Doorbell, Nest Hello) $100-$300 Smart Locks (August, Schlage Encode) $100-$300 per lock Smart Speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Nest) $30-$300, depending on the model and features Smart Smoke/CO Detectors (Nest Protect) $100-$150 per unit
Smart Blinds/Shades (Lutron Serena, IKEA FYRTUR) $100-$500 per window, depending on type and brand Smart Plugs/Outlets (TP-Link, Wemo) $15-$50 per plug/outlet Smart-Home Hubs (Samsung SmartThings, Hubitat) $50-$150, depending on the brand and features Additionally, some smart-home devices may require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost. Before purchasing, it’s advisable to research specific products, read reviews and consider compatibility with existing smart-home systems. Improving curb appeal is essential for making a positive first impression and increasing the overall attractiveness of your home. Here are some effective ways to enhance curb appeal:
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LANDSCAPING • Maintain a well-manicured lawn. • Add colorful flowers and plants for a vibrant look. • Trim bushes and trees to create a neat appearance.
CLEAN EXTERIOR •P ower wash the exterior of your home to remove dirt and grime. •C lean windows, including both the glass and frames. • Ensure gutters are clean and in good repair.
ENTRYWAY UPGRADE • Paint the front door in a bold, inviting color. • Consider adding a stylish door knocker or new hardware. • Place potted plants or a welcome mat at the entrance.
PAINTING • Touch up or repaint the exterior if needed. •C onsider a fresh coat of paint on the front PAVED SURFACES • Repair or replace damaged pathways, door, shutters or trim. driveways or pavers. • Consider adding attractive edging to UPGRADE HARDWARE define walkways. •R eplace or update house numbers, mailbox and door hardware. FENCE MAINTENANCE •C hoose modern and stylish fixtures that • Ensure that fences and gates are in good complement the home’s aesthetic. condition. • Stain or paint the fence for a fresh appearance. FURNITURE AND DECOR •A dd outdoor furniture such as a bench or ROOF MAINTENANCE porch swing. •U se decorative items like outdoor artwork • Replace any damaged or missing shingles. • Clean the roof to remove moss or algae. or sculptures.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING • Install outdoor lighting fixtures to highlight architectural features. • Consider pathway or garden lights for a welcoming ambiance. • Ensure existing fixtures are clean and in good working condition.
• Ensure all decor is well-maintained and not cluttered. SYMMETRY AND BALANCE • Create a balanced look with symmetrical elements. • Use matching planters or outdoor furniture on either side of the entrance.
Contact Lisa Stokes-Bear for expert advice on preparing your home for a successful listing. 317-513-4086
12 | March 2024 | TownePost.com