BUSINESS/FINANCE
Bluestone Tree: Where Nothing Is Wasted!
Bluestone Tree is a Bloomington-based tree care and removal company that can make a rare claim: “Nothing goes to waste.”
Travel Leaders: Enduring Tough Times & Then Some
After working remotely for most of the pandemic, the three agents at Travel Leaders eagerly returned to their office on June 1.
‘Wally’ Ouedraogo: Coffee Is His Thing
For the first three decades of his life, coffee wasn’t something Oualelaye “Wally” Ouedraogo thought too much about.
RevSports: A Place for All Vehicles
A new light shines through the night on Bloomington’s west side—the outdoor sign at Dunn’s RevSports, 2479 West Industrial Park Drive, a 14,000-square-foot facility selling parts and services for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs.
Third Eye Design: Creator of Restaurant Interiors
When Allyson Powell embarks on a commercial design project, she likes to fully immerse herself.
ReBoot: The Mill’s Program for Once-Incarcerated Entrepreneurs
Starting a business can be a challenging endeavor for anyone, but for formerly incarcerated individuals, it can be an even steeper climb.
Caveat Emptor Bookstore: Still Here After 50 Years
Caveat Emptor, the used and rare bookstore on the downtown Square, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, but it almost didn’t make it to the half-century mark.
Waggin Water: For Dogs on the Go
The idea for Waggin Water grew out of necessity, says founder Drew Whited. A Bloomington native who was living in Chicago at the time, Whited was often on the road with his dog Mickey, a long-haired Chihuahua.
The Schwartzmans of BuffaLouie’s: A Community-Minded Couple
As partners in love, parenting, and business, Ed and Jaimie Schwartzman share almost everything—including their sense of gratitude. “We always say, ‘God bless our broken road,’ because our road has twists and turns in it, and we couldn’t be happier,” Jaimie says.
Bloomingfoods at Age 45: 13,000 Members Strong
In July 1976, a community buying club set up shop in a carriage house- turned-garage in the alley behind Tracks Records on East Kirkwood.
The Uptown Cafe: A Bloomington Icon Since 1976
Michael Cassady supported himself through earning a political science degree at Indiana University by cooking, and at age 26 was still at it when his roommate asked, “When are you going to stop working for other people?”
Three B-town Tech Startups Win Funding From The Mill Initiative
An app that helps nonprofits track volunteers, a social networking platform for people in show business, and an app that reminds college students to do their assignments.
Grant Street Inn: Fate of Iconic B&B Still Uncertain
The staff at the Grant Street Inn, Bloomington’s historical 40-room bed and breakfast, still remembers when the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg stayed there.
David Howard: Renaissance Man on the Move
To use a juggling metaphor, David Howard is a guy who keeps a lot of plates spinning.
His latest project is Alley Works, a new apartment building with a restaurant complex at the former Yellow Cab site on 6th Street, west of the downtown Square.
Business Team-Building Occurring in the Kitchen
While team-building exercises may conjure up images of “trust falls” gone bad, the Bloomington Cooking School (BCS) has something a little more appetizing.
Money Matters: Enlist Local Expertise When Starting a Business
Business ownership is heavily romanticized thanks to legends of billionaires who started their companies in garages. While those are interesting stories, they are by no means the norm.
Mike Trotzke: A Tech Visionary Helping Transform Bloomington
Entrepreneur Mike Trotzke sees the pieces falling into place for Bloomington to become a successful launch pad for new technology businesses
One Life-Changing Moment for Wealth Manager John Hurlow
For most people, being shot is a life-changing experience. For John Hurlow, it was also a career-changing one.
Money Matters: Take Sensible Steps to Start a Small Business
This is Part 1 of a series about starting a business.
CDFI Friendly Bloomington Offers Capital Resources for Civic Projects
Bloomington, like many cities, has infrastructure, housing, and transportation challenges that need to be addressed. But the solutions to those problems don’t offer the profit potential to attract traditional bank financing. Fortunately, there are non-traditional capital sources for civic projects, and Bloomington has a new resource to tap those funds.
Black Business Affinity Group Makes Chamber More Diverse
When Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, attended the city’s 2019 State of the Black Community address last February, she realized that the Chamber lacked a strong connection to Bloomington’s black business community.
Bloomington’s Entrepreneurial Spirit on Display at the Combine
On its surface, the Combine looks like a tech conference. But conference chair Mike Trotzke says it’s really not. “It’s a conference for people who think for a living, people whose main focus is exploring new topics,” he explains.
Money Matters: Don’t Fear Good Debt
Due to massive asset loss, many Americans purchased debt at an alarming rate over the past decade. MarketWatch reports that at the start of 2019, total consumer debt reached $14 trillion. That’s $66,945 per adult American, surpassing pre-recession levels by more than $1 trillion. Given the sheer volume of debt owed, it’s not surprising that Americans are beginning to fear debt—opting for debit cards over credit cards, renting over owning, and ride-sharing over vehicle ownership.
IU Prof Is ‘Thought Leader’ In the Fight for Cyberpeace
In September 2019, an international consortium with corporate funding launched the CyberPeace Institute, an independent nongovernmental agency created to address the growing impact of cybercrime. The institute is based in Geneva, Switzerland, but Indiana University is helping define its mission and programs. Among its thought leaders is Scott Shackelford, an associate professor at the IU Kelley School of Business.
Hoosier Farmers Show New Interest in Hemp
For the first time since the 1930s, Indiana farmers have been harvesting hemp. Owen County’s Trietsch Farms was one of a select group approved to grow hemp in 2019 as part of a research trial. Co-founders Jim Trietsch, his son, Ty, and Justin Daubenspeck grew more than 100,000 hemp plants for cannabidiol (CBD) oil and smokable CBD.
Saving & Paying Cash for a Car Is the Prudent Way to Purchase
Car loans are ubiquitous in the United States. According to Experian, a credit-reporting agency, about 45% of new cars and a little more than half of used cars purchased in the second quarter of 2018 were financed with loans. But car loans can be detrimental to one’s finances, so avoiding them and paying cash is the wiser choice if you can swing it.
Philanthropic Venture Fund Invests in IU-Related Startups
For those familiar with the high-risk, high-return business of venture capital, the phrase “philanthropic venture fund” may sound like a contradiction in terms. But in March 2018, Indiana University launched just such a fund, and it is generating start-up capital earmarked for the commercialization of IU discoveries as well as new business ventures founded by or run by IU faculty or alumni.
The May Agency—Insuring Monroe County for 70 Years
For 70 years, ISU The May Agency has been a family-owned and -operated business serving customers in Monroe County. It opened in 1949 when Charles May launched the independent insurance agency in Ellettsville after returning home from service in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Study Shows Positive Impact Of Arts on B-town’s Economy
It may seem tough to measure the economic impact of the performing arts on Bloomington, but a recent study has endeavored to do just that. Conducted by graduate students from the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) on behalf of Cardinal Stage, the study looked at everything from the dollars arts events bring to nearby businesses to the role performances play in enriching our quality of life.
‘Think Like a Dog’ Author Offers Words of Wisdom
Probably no creature in the world knows more about how to win friends and influence people than a dog, so the title of real estate executive Scott MacDonald’s new business book, Think Like a Dog (IU Press), makes sense.
Tired of the Daily Grind? Join the Retire-Early Movement
American businesses are constantly striving to be bigger, faster, better—and by rewarding employees who work tirelessly to help them achieve greater levels of success, these businesses have produced a society of workaholics.
Private Giving Made Public Through the IU Foundation
Indiana University students may not know what goes on at the Indiana University Foundation headquarters on the Ind. 45/46 Bypass. But many of the things they do notice—campus buildings, public art, theaters and galleries, the funding for their scholarships and their professors’ salaries—are provided through gifts from private donors.
Women-Owned Businesses Are Booming on the Square
Bloomington’s downtown Square has long been home to women-owned businesses.
Move Makes Elan Salon More Visible, Accessible
Elan Salon has long been a Fountain Square Mall staple, but being located on the third floor and tucked away it was a little hard to find. A move to a new location has changed all that.
Big Boy’s Moving Offers ‘An Opportunity to Serve’
With a company motto of “Moving you with an attitude of gratitude” and the stipulation that employees do volunteer work such as collecting and moving furniture donated to St. Vincent de Paul, Antonio Jackson says it’s clear Big Boy’s Moving is meant to be a vehicle for community service.
Bell Family Dispensary Selling Legal CBD Oil
Bloomington native and Bell’s Auto Sales owner Jared Bell suffered back pain. His doctors prescribed opioids.
![Limestone Symposium Looking To Take Mission to Next Level [Photo Gallery] [Video]](https://www.magbloom.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Limestone-4-2018-627x376.jpg)
Limestone Symposium Looking To Take Mission to Next Level [Photo Gallery] [Video]
As flames engulfed Notre Dame de Paris on April 15, concern grew over how the venerable cathedral could possibly be restored in this day and age.
Money Matters: Three Ways to Pay Off Debt
To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, in modern America, nothing is certain except death, taxes … and debt.
Precision Eye Group Adds Bedford Office
“Giving back to the community where I grew up is pretty special,” says Dr. Brandy Deckard, an optometrist and native of Bedford, Indiana. “Getting to be a bigger part of that community is neat.”
Jamie Donahue & Chris Clark: Sober & Building a Company
In January 2015, Chris Clark was running a real estate business that included rental properties, sales, and some remodeling. The business was doing fine, but not Clark.
Dr. Beatriz Sanchez: Pathologist & Beauty Purveyor
Dr. Beatriz Sanchez took a circuitous path to Bloomington, a place she says fits her lifestyle and family, as well as her professional goals of detecting cancer and making people feel good about their appearance and themselves.
The Mill—An Incubator for Entrepreneurial Start-Ups
In 2015, when Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton took office, Dimension Mill, the century-old former Showers Brothers factory building at 642 N. Madison St., was the subject of a speculative plan to create a 12-acre Trades District. The hope was to accelerate a high-tech renaissance on the city’s near west side.
My Sister’s Closet Needs Funds for New Location
Since opening its doors in 1998, My Sister’s Closet has helped low-income and at-risk women dress for success. But the nonprofit organization does more than provide suitable workplace attire.
Money Matters: In Today’s Volatile World Should You Rent or Buy?
The American Dream has long been tied to homeownership, with renting a home traditionally reserved for young people or those unable to secure a mortgage. However, changes in the housing market, economy, and even our way of life may be altering that view, tipping the scale in favor of renting.
A Decade of Growth: Bailey & Weiler Design/Build
Craig Bailey and Don Weiler may seem like the proverbial odd couple, and the owners of Bailey & Weiler Design/Build do have very different skill sets. Bailey, 53, takes on the creative work; Weiler, 52, focuses on the business side. “He can’t do what I do, and I can’t do what he does,” Bailey says.
Why Long-Term Care Insurance Is Important
Discussions of health as we get older typically revolve around fears of serious illness, such as cognitive diseases or cancer. These discussions tend to focus on quantity of life, often failing to consider the need for a fulfilling quality of life.
Richardson Studio: Family Portraits Are a Specialty
Photographer Jeff Richardson has a philosophy about creating family portraits—he feels they should be an experience. He says there are plenty of competent photographers who can take a photo for the annual Christmas card. What he focuses on, he says, is capturing the really special moments.
All-Female Architectural Firm Specializes in Community Builds
You can call them community organizers, minus the petitions, posters, and marches. Armed instead with feasibility studies, CAD renderings, and blueprints, the team at the all-female Springpoint Architects has been building community its own way since 2014.
B-town’s SpringHill Suites Ranks No. 1 in the Country
When Paul Pruitt and Mae Siffin surveyed Bloomington’s hotel landscape in 2011, they knew they could add something distinctive to the mix. “We wanted to build the best hotel in Bloomington,” Pruitt says without hesitation.
The Dog House: B-town’s Only Cage-Free Doggy Day Care
To a dog, The Dog House probably seems a lot more like home than a kennel. That’s because The Dog House is Bloomington’s first and only cage-free doggy day care and boarding facility.
levitabl: Two Locals Invent a Sustainable Standing Desk
While using a standing table at an airport, Prashanth Jayaraman knew he could design a better, more sustainable option. Not only was the table not well-designed, the motor had broken and Jayaraman felt the entire desk would likely be junked instead of fixed.
Sterling Real Estate: A One-Woman Success Story
Trish Sterling, owner of Sterling Real Estate and a licensed real estate broker with the state of Indiana, founded her company during challenging times. In the mid-2000s, not only was the housing market tough but, Sterling says, “I had to reinvent myself after a divorce when I was 50.”
Vance Music Center Celebrates 70 Years
After 70 years, Vance Music Center is still a local, family owned business—and still going strong.
Loren Wood Builders: Where the Unusual Is Now Usual
Like a lot of people, Loren Wood, a native of Danville, Illinois, originally came to Bloomington to attend Indiana University, where he earned degrees in secondary education and math. But it was during his summers off, while working construction jobs, that he found his true passion.
Startup Ladies, A Place For Women Entrepreneurs
Kristen Cooper founded Startup Ladies—an organization that, according to its website, “identifies, educates, connects, and increases investment in women entrepreneurs starting up and scaling businesses”—in Indianapolis in 2014. Her goal was to help women create successful businesses “from idea to market to growth.”
Long Leather Works A Quiet Success Story
Forty years ago, Mike Long walked into a Florida leather shop and asked for a job. The owner asked if he knew how to make sandals. When he said no, the owner replied, “Yes, you do,” and, soon enough, he did. “I found it very easy,” Long says.
Fountain Square Mall Turns 30—How the Cooks Saved the Square
Fountain Square turns 30 on September 10. On Tuesday, September 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., CFC Properties, which owns the south side of the downtown Square, will host the 30th anniversary celebration on West Kirkwood and extend it into Fountain Square to tour the updated spaces.
40-Year-Old Trojan Horse Has New Thirty-ish Owners
This spring, Kristen Shelley, 37, and her husband Michael, also 37, became the new owners of Bloomington’s iconic, 40-year-old Greek restaurant.
Mercer Blue: A New Menswear Line Co-Designed By B-town’s Andy Mallor
As the owner of Andrew Davis Clothiers, Andy Mallor has brought some of the fashion world’s leading menswear brands to Bloomington since he opened his store in 2007. Now, he’s had a hand in designing a line of high-end clothing himself.
Switchyard Brewing: Open for Business (at last!)
In May, after much anticipation and a few false starts, Switchyard Brewing Company officially became part of the Bloomington craft beer community. The grand opening, originally scheduled for last winter, showcased the extensive renovation of the former Jake’s Nightclub building at 419 N. Walnut into a brewery and taproom that is best described as rustic-industrial—polished concrete floors, limestone bar, rough-hewn lumber trim, stainless-steel brewing equipment, and plenty of natural light.
Time to Sign Up for YMCA’s Annual Corporate Challenge
When the Monroe County YMCA hosted its first Corporate Challenge in 1985, it attracted 10 companies and a total of 200 employees. Last year, 27 companies brought 900 people to compete in 35 individual and team events. Among those participating were Cook Group, Baxter, IU Credit Union, Catalent Biologics, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation.
Business Podcasts from Shine Feature Local Entrepreneurs
“We love our community and want to help people,” says Jeremy Goodrich, who, with his wife, McKenzie, launched Shine Insurance in 2013. As part of that mission, in 2016 the two developed a podcast series, Scratch Entrepreneur.
A Little Spencer Candy Store Hits Big Time with Fudge O’Bits
One night five years ago, Kristi Risk woke from a dream with an idea and popped out of bed to write it down. That idea became Fudge O’Bits, bite-size pieces of chocolate-coated fudge. Today, the tiny treats are the centerpiece of Diamond K Sweets and More, 109 S. Main St. in Spencer. The business launched in 2015 and was named the 2016 Owen County Business of the Year.
One World Enterprises: Two New Projects About to Open
BY CARMEN SIERING With its KitchenShare project well established on the north side of Bloomington,...
The Cade: A Place to Imbibe, Play Games, and ‘Geek Out’
A sign posted above the wooden bar at The Cade reads, “Play like a kid, but act like an adult.” That typifies the mindset of Jeremy Black, who co-owns the new arcade bar with his fiancée, Chelsea Long. Black says he created the bar to give people a place to enjoy a drink while they play arcade, board, and card games—and, essentially, “geek out.”
B-Start: Program to Help Local Tech Entrepreneurs Succeed
In March, 11 local tech founders—hoping to win cash and greater visibility for their startups—will pitch ideas ranging from long-distance ride-sharing to a personal carbon offset exchange to a panel of judges. Hyperlocal and much friendlier, Demo Day is kind of like Shark Tank—sans sharks and snark. The big day is also the culmination of Bloomington’s 22-week-long B-Start program.
Hoosier Barber Shop: Where Everyone is Welcome
Jay Thompson, owner of Hoosier Barber Shop, had barbered in Indianapolis and Kokomo before moving to Bloomington in 2000. He says in those cities, customers were divided along racial lines. Thompson says that’s what he loves about Bloomington—the diversity of his customers.
The Briar & The Burley Celebrates 45 Years in Business
When owner Mike Fisher opened The Briar & The Burley, he thought Bloomington’s population of students and professors would be a good market for quality pipes, tobacco, and cigars. He wasn’t wrong, though times have changed.
More Local Businesses Filling College Mall Since Expansion
In 1965, when College Mall opened, Sears was its first anchor. That’s why the announcement in early 2016 that the global retail giant would be closing its Bloomington store later that summer may have seemed like a potential blow to the east-side landmark. Instead, it became an opportunity for growth and expansion.
One World KitchenShare: Where Small Food Enterprises Prep & Cook
With the opening of One World KitchenShare—three professional-grade rental kitchens complete with prep tables, ranges, ovens, slicers, mixers, fryers, and more—One World cofounder and CEO Jeff Mease says, “Everybody who’s doing anything cool in the local food scene is pretty much here.”
Whippoorwill Hill—An Event Venue With a History Dating Back to 1856
Driving south of Bloomington one evening in 2015, Anne Fields and her future husband, Jeff, stopped to check out a retro-looking “farm for sale” sign. “What’s back there?” she remembers wondering, so the two trekked down the secluded driveway that opened up to a big, beautiful field.
New Owners Take on ‘Stewardship’ of 44-year-Old Goods for Cooks
Samantha Eibling and her brother, George Huntington, along with Eibling’s husband, Doug, may be the most recent owners of Goods for Cooks, but as far as they’re concerned, they’re simply minding the store.
Ivy Tech Helps Local Workers Achieve Degrees—Debt Free!
When Roy McRoberts, 60, graduated from high school, he went into the military instead of going to college. After serving his country, he was busy providing for his family. Although he says he always wanted to attend college, he didn’t think it was a possibility until now.
Where Locals Are Going in 2017 on Summer Vacations
Many Bloomington families take advantage of the summer months to travel outside the Hoosier state, and local travel agents say the kinds of trips residents take are as eclectic as Bloomington itself.
It Takes More Than a Small Fire To Keep the Book Corner Down
When owner Margaret Taylor opened the doors to the Book Corner on November 15, 2016, she knew something was amiss. There was a haze in the air though she couldn’t smell anything. But her assistant manager, Patty Wong, says, “I could smell it immediately. There had been a fire.”
Master Rental: Supplying Tents for Events Is Big Business in B-town
For Indiana University’s football game against Ohio State two years ago, Master Rental Center set up 52 tents. That number marks the highest single-event tent rental in the business’ 38 years, says General Manager Deron Lavin.
Local Luthier Helps Players Keep Guitars Fit as Fiddles
David Winslow-Edmonson, 33, has been repairing guitars since he was 12. “My dad has a background in lutherie as well,” he explains. “We mostly did work for ourselves and our friends, and then turned it into a business.”
What is Living Earth Television And What’s Bloomington’s Role?
Living Earth Television (LETV) is a nonprofit organization that looks to discover important documentary films anywhere in the world, prepare them for U.S. audiences, and find a place to show them.
MPI Solar Installs Cost-Saving Systems at 16 Rural Schools
Thanks to a collaboration between Hoosier Energy and Bloomington- based MPI Solar, 16 schools in central and southern Indiana have reduced their energy costs by switching to solar hot water systems.
Picasso Moon Painting Offers ‘Something Artful,’ Says Owner
Tim Murphy of Picasso Moon Painting specializes in interior residential and commercial painting. He has done jobs as varied as painting a lawn totem pole to painting a 3,000-square-foot home inside and out. His commercial clients include the Uptown Cafe and several medical offices.
Envisage Technologies: One of the ‘Big’ Small High-Tech Companies in B-town
It’s no Silicon Valley, but Bloomington does have an unusually large number of tech companies for a city of its size. “There are a lot of tech companies hidden away. Some have 20 people here, 10 people there, five people there. Envisage is one of the largest,” Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton says.
JB Screening Partners: Why Take a Chance on New Employees?
You’ve found the person you want to hire. The candidate’s qualifications match your needs, and the interview went well, but this is a sensitive position, so you want to be sure there are no red flags in the applicant’s background. That’s when you might want to call a company that does comprehensive background checks, such as JB Screening Partners.
Owner Has Big Plans for Creekside Retreat
Entrepreneur Jim Hammond has a long-range plan for transforming the 50 acres he purchased just off Ind. 46 east of Nashville for commercial and community use.
New Marketing Agency Employs Students to Help Develop Brands
The 80/20 Agency employs high school seniors and college students in the top 20 percent of their class and offers services like brand development, advertising, and social media marketing.
Mid by Midwest Productions: Creator of Participatory Murder Mysteries
The murder mystery dinners from Mid by Midwest Productions assign a character to each guest, making everyone part of the action. Search for clues in this photo gallery, featuring additional content.
Scotty’s Brewhouse Honored for Doing ‘The Right Thing’
Scotty’s Brewhouse receives the Ruderman Best in Business award for giving employment opportunities to individuals living with disabilities.
Landmark Showers Building Marks 20 Years Since Revival
Former home of Showers Brothers Furniture Company now houses city, county offices and several private businesses.
French Lick Resort at Age 10: A Return to Grandeur and a Revived Economy
The West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs hotels employ nearly 1,700 people; 67 percent of them live in Orange County.
New Owners of Bakehouse Bring New Ideas, Menu, Hours
You’ve probably noticed some changes if you’ve been to the Bakehouse on the downtown Square in the past few months.
Wayne Shive: King of Condiments and Indiana’s Paul Newman
BY JANET MANDELSTAM Wayne Shive jokingly calls himself the King of Condiments. His company, Best...
The Story of Lennie & Jeff: How a Young Couple Fell Out of Love And Built a Food and Beer Mini-Empire
Even as a divorced couple, Lennie Busch and Jeff Mease make impressive partners.
A B-town Boy’s Dream Comes True: Now the Maker of Hot Air Balloons
BY JULIE GRAY Hot air balloon maker Andy Richardson, 30, grew up a mile south of Oliver Winery on...
Eco Logic: Advocate for Clean Water and Native Plants in Bloomington
BY PETER DORFMAN Spencer Goehl has spent many years restoring forests and prairies, but he’s also...
Reimagining Possibilities in Ellettsville Leads to Historic District and Heritage Trail (Photo Gallery)
BY SARA SHEIKH While it’s just seven miles northwest of Bloomington, Ellettsville may not be on...
Clearly Depart: A Business that Prepares People for Their Deaths
BY STEPHANIE VON HIRSCHBERG In Kel McBride’s workshops, designed to help people prepare for their...
Hot Rod’s Downtown Barber Shop: Just Like the Good Old Days!
BY PAUL BICKLEY In July 2014, Rodney Pheifer visited Ward’s Downtown Barber Shop in Bloomington to...
Bloomington WoodWorks: A Different Kind of Co-Op
BY BARB BERGGOETZ A professional woodworker and furniture maker, James Bradley was tired of...
Artistic Jigsaw Puzzles Catching On In Bloomington and Across the State
BY PAUL BICKLEY “Puzzles are all about the images,” says Marc Tschida, who launched Press Puzzles...
Persimmon Inn: A B&B By and For Environmentalists
BY BARB BERGGOETZ Paul and Sue Fratianni are avid environmentalists. When they opened Persimmon...
OCHA: A New Business Launch Will Help Renters Find Housing
BY CARMEN SIERING A man wearing a fedora and trench coat walks the streets, his spirits as low as...
BUSINESS/FINANCE
Bluestone Tree: Where Nothing Is Wasted!
Bluestone Tree is a Bloomington-based tree care and removal company that can make a rare claim: “Nothing goes to waste.”
Travel Leaders: Enduring Tough Times & Then Some
After working remotely for most of the pandemic, the three agents at Travel Leaders eagerly returned to their office on June 1.
‘Wally’ Ouedraogo: Coffee Is His Thing
For the first three decades of his life, coffee wasn’t something Oualelaye “Wally” Ouedraogo thought too much about.
RevSports: A Place for All Vehicles
A new light shines through the night on Bloomington’s west side—the outdoor sign at Dunn’s RevSports, 2479 West Industrial Park Drive, a 14,000-square-foot facility selling parts and services for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs.
Third Eye Design: Creator of Restaurant Interiors
When Allyson Powell embarks on a commercial design project, she likes to fully immerse herself.
ReBoot: The Mill’s Program for Once-Incarcerated Entrepreneurs
Starting a business can be a challenging endeavor for anyone, but for formerly incarcerated individuals, it can be an even steeper climb.
Caveat Emptor Bookstore: Still Here After 50 Years
Caveat Emptor, the used and rare bookstore on the downtown Square, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, but it almost didn’t make it to the half-century mark.
Waggin Water: For Dogs on the Go
The idea for Waggin Water grew out of necessity, says founder Drew Whited. A Bloomington native who was living in Chicago at the time, Whited was often on the road with his dog Mickey, a long-haired Chihuahua.
The Schwartzmans of BuffaLouie’s: A Community-Minded Couple
As partners in love, parenting, and business, Ed and Jaimie Schwartzman share almost everything—including their sense of gratitude. “We always say, ‘God bless our broken road,’ because our road has twists and turns in it, and we couldn’t be happier,” Jaimie says.
Bloomingfoods at Age 45: 13,000 Members Strong
In July 1976, a community buying club set up shop in a carriage house- turned-garage in the alley behind Tracks Records on East Kirkwood.
The Uptown Cafe: A Bloomington Icon Since 1976
Michael Cassady supported himself through earning a political science degree at Indiana University by cooking, and at age 26 was still at it when his roommate asked, “When are you going to stop working for other people?”
Three B-town Tech Startups Win Funding From The Mill Initiative
An app that helps nonprofits track volunteers, a social networking platform for people in show business, and an app that reminds college students to do their assignments.
Grant Street Inn: Fate of Iconic B&B Still Uncertain
The staff at the Grant Street Inn, Bloomington’s historical 40-room bed and breakfast, still remembers when the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg stayed there.
David Howard: Renaissance Man on the Move
To use a juggling metaphor, David Howard is a guy who keeps a lot of plates spinning.
His latest project is Alley Works, a new apartment building with a restaurant complex at the former Yellow Cab site on 6th Street, west of the downtown Square.
Business Team-Building Occurring in the Kitchen
While team-building exercises may conjure up images of “trust falls” gone bad, the Bloomington Cooking School (BCS) has something a little more appetizing.
Money Matters: Enlist Local Expertise When Starting a Business
Business ownership is heavily romanticized thanks to legends of billionaires who started their companies in garages. While those are interesting stories, they are by no means the norm.
Mike Trotzke: A Tech Visionary Helping Transform Bloomington
Entrepreneur Mike Trotzke sees the pieces falling into place for Bloomington to become a successful launch pad for new technology businesses
One Life-Changing Moment for Wealth Manager John Hurlow
For most people, being shot is a life-changing experience. For John Hurlow, it was also a career-changing one.
Money Matters: Take Sensible Steps to Start a Small Business
This is Part 1 of a series about starting a business.
CDFI Friendly Bloomington Offers Capital Resources for Civic Projects
Bloomington, like many cities, has infrastructure, housing, and transportation challenges that need to be addressed. But the solutions to those problems don’t offer the profit potential to attract traditional bank financing. Fortunately, there are non-traditional capital sources for civic projects, and Bloomington has a new resource to tap those funds.
Black Business Affinity Group Makes Chamber More Diverse
When Erin Predmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, attended the city’s 2019 State of the Black Community address last February, she realized that the Chamber lacked a strong connection to Bloomington’s black business community.
Bloomington’s Entrepreneurial Spirit on Display at the Combine
On its surface, the Combine looks like a tech conference. But conference chair Mike Trotzke says it’s really not. “It’s a conference for people who think for a living, people whose main focus is exploring new topics,” he explains.
Money Matters: Don’t Fear Good Debt
Due to massive asset loss, many Americans purchased debt at an alarming rate over the past decade. MarketWatch reports that at the start of 2019, total consumer debt reached $14 trillion. That’s $66,945 per adult American, surpassing pre-recession levels by more than $1 trillion. Given the sheer volume of debt owed, it’s not surprising that Americans are beginning to fear debt—opting for debit cards over credit cards, renting over owning, and ride-sharing over vehicle ownership.
IU Prof Is ‘Thought Leader’ In the Fight for Cyberpeace
In September 2019, an international consortium with corporate funding launched the CyberPeace Institute, an independent nongovernmental agency created to address the growing impact of cybercrime. The institute is based in Geneva, Switzerland, but Indiana University is helping define its mission and programs. Among its thought leaders is Scott Shackelford, an associate professor at the IU Kelley School of Business.
Hoosier Farmers Show New Interest in Hemp
For the first time since the 1930s, Indiana farmers have been harvesting hemp. Owen County’s Trietsch Farms was one of a select group approved to grow hemp in 2019 as part of a research trial. Co-founders Jim Trietsch, his son, Ty, and Justin Daubenspeck grew more than 100,000 hemp plants for cannabidiol (CBD) oil and smokable CBD.
Saving & Paying Cash for a Car Is the Prudent Way to Purchase
Car loans are ubiquitous in the United States. According to Experian, a credit-reporting agency, about 45% of new cars and a little more than half of used cars purchased in the second quarter of 2018 were financed with loans. But car loans can be detrimental to one’s finances, so avoiding them and paying cash is the wiser choice if you can swing it.
Philanthropic Venture Fund Invests in IU-Related Startups
For those familiar with the high-risk, high-return business of venture capital, the phrase “philanthropic venture fund” may sound like a contradiction in terms. But in March 2018, Indiana University launched just such a fund, and it is generating start-up capital earmarked for the commercialization of IU discoveries as well as new business ventures founded by or run by IU faculty or alumni.
The May Agency—Insuring Monroe County for 70 Years
For 70 years, ISU The May Agency has been a family-owned and -operated business serving customers in Monroe County. It opened in 1949 when Charles May launched the independent insurance agency in Ellettsville after returning home from service in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Study Shows Positive Impact Of Arts on B-town’s Economy
It may seem tough to measure the economic impact of the performing arts on Bloomington, but a recent study has endeavored to do just that. Conducted by graduate students from the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) on behalf of Cardinal Stage, the study looked at everything from the dollars arts events bring to nearby businesses to the role performances play in enriching our quality of life.
‘Think Like a Dog’ Author Offers Words of Wisdom
Probably no creature in the world knows more about how to win friends and influence people than a dog, so the title of real estate executive Scott MacDonald’s new business book, Think Like a Dog (IU Press), makes sense.
Tired of the Daily Grind? Join the Retire-Early Movement
American businesses are constantly striving to be bigger, faster, better—and by rewarding employees who work tirelessly to help them achieve greater levels of success, these businesses have produced a society of workaholics.
Private Giving Made Public Through the IU Foundation
Indiana University students may not know what goes on at the Indiana University Foundation headquarters on the Ind. 45/46 Bypass. But many of the things they do notice—campus buildings, public art, theaters and galleries, the funding for their scholarships and their professors’ salaries—are provided through gifts from private donors.
Women-Owned Businesses Are Booming on the Square
Bloomington’s downtown Square has long been home to women-owned businesses.
Move Makes Elan Salon More Visible, Accessible
Elan Salon has long been a Fountain Square Mall staple, but being located on the third floor and tucked away it was a little hard to find. A move to a new location has changed all that.
Big Boy’s Moving Offers ‘An Opportunity to Serve’
With a company motto of “Moving you with an attitude of gratitude” and the stipulation that employees do volunteer work such as collecting and moving furniture donated to St. Vincent de Paul, Antonio Jackson says it’s clear Big Boy’s Moving is meant to be a vehicle for community service.
Bell Family Dispensary Selling Legal CBD Oil
Bloomington native and Bell’s Auto Sales owner Jared Bell suffered back pain. His doctors prescribed opioids.
Limestone Symposium Looking To Take Mission to Next Level [Photo Gallery] [Video]
As flames engulfed Notre Dame de Paris on April 15, concern grew over how the venerable cathedral could possibly be restored in this day and age.
Money Matters: Three Ways to Pay Off Debt
To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, in modern America, nothing is certain except death, taxes … and debt.
Precision Eye Group Adds Bedford Office
“Giving back to the community where I grew up is pretty special,” says Dr. Brandy Deckard, an optometrist and native of Bedford, Indiana. “Getting to be a bigger part of that community is neat.”
Jamie Donahue & Chris Clark: Sober & Building a Company
In January 2015, Chris Clark was running a real estate business that included rental properties, sales, and some remodeling. The business was doing fine, but not Clark.
Dr. Beatriz Sanchez: Pathologist & Beauty Purveyor
Dr. Beatriz Sanchez took a circuitous path to Bloomington, a place she says fits her lifestyle and family, as well as her professional goals of detecting cancer and making people feel good about their appearance and themselves.
The Mill—An Incubator for Entrepreneurial Start-Ups
In 2015, when Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton took office, Dimension Mill, the century-old former Showers Brothers factory building at 642 N. Madison St., was the subject of a speculative plan to create a 12-acre Trades District. The hope was to accelerate a high-tech renaissance on the city’s near west side.
My Sister’s Closet Needs Funds for New Location
Since opening its doors in 1998, My Sister’s Closet has helped low-income and at-risk women dress for success. But the nonprofit organization does more than provide suitable workplace attire.
Money Matters: In Today’s Volatile World Should You Rent or Buy?
The American Dream has long been tied to homeownership, with renting a home traditionally reserved for young people or those unable to secure a mortgage. However, changes in the housing market, economy, and even our way of life may be altering that view, tipping the scale in favor of renting.
A Decade of Growth: Bailey & Weiler Design/Build
Craig Bailey and Don Weiler may seem like the proverbial odd couple, and the owners of Bailey & Weiler Design/Build do have very different skill sets. Bailey, 53, takes on the creative work; Weiler, 52, focuses on the business side. “He can’t do what I do, and I can’t do what he does,” Bailey says.
Why Long-Term Care Insurance Is Important
Discussions of health as we get older typically revolve around fears of serious illness, such as cognitive diseases or cancer. These discussions tend to focus on quantity of life, often failing to consider the need for a fulfilling quality of life.
Richardson Studio: Family Portraits Are a Specialty
Photographer Jeff Richardson has a philosophy about creating family portraits—he feels they should be an experience. He says there are plenty of competent photographers who can take a photo for the annual Christmas card. What he focuses on, he says, is capturing the really special moments.
All-Female Architectural Firm Specializes in Community Builds
You can call them community organizers, minus the petitions, posters, and marches. Armed instead with feasibility studies, CAD renderings, and blueprints, the team at the all-female Springpoint Architects has been building community its own way since 2014.
B-town’s SpringHill Suites Ranks No. 1 in the Country
When Paul Pruitt and Mae Siffin surveyed Bloomington’s hotel landscape in 2011, they knew they could add something distinctive to the mix. “We wanted to build the best hotel in Bloomington,” Pruitt says without hesitation.
The Dog House: B-town’s Only Cage-Free Doggy Day Care
To a dog, The Dog House probably seems a lot more like home than a kennel. That’s because The Dog House is Bloomington’s first and only cage-free doggy day care and boarding facility.
levitabl: Two Locals Invent a Sustainable Standing Desk
While using a standing table at an airport, Prashanth Jayaraman knew he could design a better, more sustainable option. Not only was the table not well-designed, the motor had broken and Jayaraman felt the entire desk would likely be junked instead of fixed.
Sterling Real Estate: A One-Woman Success Story
Trish Sterling, owner of Sterling Real Estate and a licensed real estate broker with the state of Indiana, founded her company during challenging times. In the mid-2000s, not only was the housing market tough but, Sterling says, “I had to reinvent myself after a divorce when I was 50.”
Vance Music Center Celebrates 70 Years
After 70 years, Vance Music Center is still a local, family owned business—and still going strong.
Loren Wood Builders: Where the Unusual Is Now Usual
Like a lot of people, Loren Wood, a native of Danville, Illinois, originally came to Bloomington to attend Indiana University, where he earned degrees in secondary education and math. But it was during his summers off, while working construction jobs, that he found his true passion.
Startup Ladies, A Place For Women Entrepreneurs
Kristen Cooper founded Startup Ladies—an organization that, according to its website, “identifies, educates, connects, and increases investment in women entrepreneurs starting up and scaling businesses”—in Indianapolis in 2014. Her goal was to help women create successful businesses “from idea to market to growth.”
Long Leather Works A Quiet Success Story
Forty years ago, Mike Long walked into a Florida leather shop and asked for a job. The owner asked if he knew how to make sandals. When he said no, the owner replied, “Yes, you do,” and, soon enough, he did. “I found it very easy,” Long says.
Fountain Square Mall Turns 30—How the Cooks Saved the Square
Fountain Square turns 30 on September 10. On Tuesday, September 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., CFC Properties, which owns the south side of the downtown Square, will host the 30th anniversary celebration on West Kirkwood and extend it into Fountain Square to tour the updated spaces.
40-Year-Old Trojan Horse Has New Thirty-ish Owners
This spring, Kristen Shelley, 37, and her husband Michael, also 37, became the new owners of Bloomington’s iconic, 40-year-old Greek restaurant.
Mercer Blue: A New Menswear Line Co-Designed By B-town’s Andy Mallor
As the owner of Andrew Davis Clothiers, Andy Mallor has brought some of the fashion world’s leading menswear brands to Bloomington since he opened his store in 2007. Now, he’s had a hand in designing a line of high-end clothing himself.
Switchyard Brewing: Open for Business (at last!)
In May, after much anticipation and a few false starts, Switchyard Brewing Company officially became part of the Bloomington craft beer community. The grand opening, originally scheduled for last winter, showcased the extensive renovation of the former Jake’s Nightclub building at 419 N. Walnut into a brewery and taproom that is best described as rustic-industrial—polished concrete floors, limestone bar, rough-hewn lumber trim, stainless-steel brewing equipment, and plenty of natural light.
Time to Sign Up for YMCA’s Annual Corporate Challenge
When the Monroe County YMCA hosted its first Corporate Challenge in 1985, it attracted 10 companies and a total of 200 employees. Last year, 27 companies brought 900 people to compete in 35 individual and team events. Among those participating were Cook Group, Baxter, IU Credit Union, Catalent Biologics, and Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation.
Business Podcasts from Shine Feature Local Entrepreneurs
“We love our community and want to help people,” says Jeremy Goodrich, who, with his wife, McKenzie, launched Shine Insurance in 2013. As part of that mission, in 2016 the two developed a podcast series, Scratch Entrepreneur.
A Little Spencer Candy Store Hits Big Time with Fudge O’Bits
One night five years ago, Kristi Risk woke from a dream with an idea and popped out of bed to write it down. That idea became Fudge O’Bits, bite-size pieces of chocolate-coated fudge. Today, the tiny treats are the centerpiece of Diamond K Sweets and More, 109 S. Main St. in Spencer. The business launched in 2015 and was named the 2016 Owen County Business of the Year.
One World Enterprises: Two New Projects About to Open
BY CARMEN SIERING With its KitchenShare project well established on the north side of Bloomington,...
The Cade: A Place to Imbibe, Play Games, and ‘Geek Out’
A sign posted above the wooden bar at The Cade reads, “Play like a kid, but act like an adult.” That typifies the mindset of Jeremy Black, who co-owns the new arcade bar with his fiancée, Chelsea Long. Black says he created the bar to give people a place to enjoy a drink while they play arcade, board, and card games—and, essentially, “geek out.”
B-Start: Program to Help Local Tech Entrepreneurs Succeed
In March, 11 local tech founders—hoping to win cash and greater visibility for their startups—will pitch ideas ranging from long-distance ride-sharing to a personal carbon offset exchange to a panel of judges. Hyperlocal and much friendlier, Demo Day is kind of like Shark Tank—sans sharks and snark. The big day is also the culmination of Bloomington’s 22-week-long B-Start program.
Hoosier Barber Shop: Where Everyone is Welcome
Jay Thompson, owner of Hoosier Barber Shop, had barbered in Indianapolis and Kokomo before moving to Bloomington in 2000. He says in those cities, customers were divided along racial lines. Thompson says that’s what he loves about Bloomington—the diversity of his customers.
The Briar & The Burley Celebrates 45 Years in Business
When owner Mike Fisher opened The Briar & The Burley, he thought Bloomington’s population of students and professors would be a good market for quality pipes, tobacco, and cigars. He wasn’t wrong, though times have changed.
More Local Businesses Filling College Mall Since Expansion
In 1965, when College Mall opened, Sears was its first anchor. That’s why the announcement in early 2016 that the global retail giant would be closing its Bloomington store later that summer may have seemed like a potential blow to the east-side landmark. Instead, it became an opportunity for growth and expansion.
One World KitchenShare: Where Small Food Enterprises Prep & Cook
With the opening of One World KitchenShare—three professional-grade rental kitchens complete with prep tables, ranges, ovens, slicers, mixers, fryers, and more—One World cofounder and CEO Jeff Mease says, “Everybody who’s doing anything cool in the local food scene is pretty much here.”
Whippoorwill Hill—An Event Venue With a History Dating Back to 1856
Driving south of Bloomington one evening in 2015, Anne Fields and her future husband, Jeff, stopped to check out a retro-looking “farm for sale” sign. “What’s back there?” she remembers wondering, so the two trekked down the secluded driveway that opened up to a big, beautiful field.
New Owners Take on ‘Stewardship’ of 44-year-Old Goods for Cooks
Samantha Eibling and her brother, George Huntington, along with Eibling’s husband, Doug, may be the most recent owners of Goods for Cooks, but as far as they’re concerned, they’re simply minding the store.
Ivy Tech Helps Local Workers Achieve Degrees—Debt Free!
When Roy McRoberts, 60, graduated from high school, he went into the military instead of going to college. After serving his country, he was busy providing for his family. Although he says he always wanted to attend college, he didn’t think it was a possibility until now.
Where Locals Are Going in 2017 on Summer Vacations
Many Bloomington families take advantage of the summer months to travel outside the Hoosier state, and local travel agents say the kinds of trips residents take are as eclectic as Bloomington itself.
It Takes More Than a Small Fire To Keep the Book Corner Down
When owner Margaret Taylor opened the doors to the Book Corner on November 15, 2016, she knew something was amiss. There was a haze in the air though she couldn’t smell anything. But her assistant manager, Patty Wong, says, “I could smell it immediately. There had been a fire.”
Master Rental: Supplying Tents for Events Is Big Business in B-town
For Indiana University’s football game against Ohio State two years ago, Master Rental Center set up 52 tents. That number marks the highest single-event tent rental in the business’ 38 years, says General Manager Deron Lavin.
Local Luthier Helps Players Keep Guitars Fit as Fiddles
David Winslow-Edmonson, 33, has been repairing guitars since he was 12. “My dad has a background in lutherie as well,” he explains. “We mostly did work for ourselves and our friends, and then turned it into a business.”
What is Living Earth Television And What’s Bloomington’s Role?
Living Earth Television (LETV) is a nonprofit organization that looks to discover important documentary films anywhere in the world, prepare them for U.S. audiences, and find a place to show them.
MPI Solar Installs Cost-Saving Systems at 16 Rural Schools
Thanks to a collaboration between Hoosier Energy and Bloomington- based MPI Solar, 16 schools in central and southern Indiana have reduced their energy costs by switching to solar hot water systems.
Picasso Moon Painting Offers ‘Something Artful,’ Says Owner
Tim Murphy of Picasso Moon Painting specializes in interior residential and commercial painting. He has done jobs as varied as painting a lawn totem pole to painting a 3,000-square-foot home inside and out. His commercial clients include the Uptown Cafe and several medical offices.
Envisage Technologies: One of the ‘Big’ Small High-Tech Companies in B-town
It’s no Silicon Valley, but Bloomington does have an unusually large number of tech companies for a city of its size. “There are a lot of tech companies hidden away. Some have 20 people here, 10 people there, five people there. Envisage is one of the largest,” Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton says.
JB Screening Partners: Why Take a Chance on New Employees?
You’ve found the person you want to hire. The candidate’s qualifications match your needs, and the interview went well, but this is a sensitive position, so you want to be sure there are no red flags in the applicant’s background. That’s when you might want to call a company that does comprehensive background checks, such as JB Screening Partners.
Owner Has Big Plans for Creekside Retreat
Entrepreneur Jim Hammond has a long-range plan for transforming the 50 acres he purchased just off Ind. 46 east of Nashville for commercial and community use.
New Marketing Agency Employs Students to Help Develop Brands
The 80/20 Agency employs high school seniors and college students in the top 20 percent of their class and offers services like brand development, advertising, and social media marketing.
Mid by Midwest Productions: Creator of Participatory Murder Mysteries
The murder mystery dinners from Mid by Midwest Productions assign a character to each guest, making everyone part of the action. Search for clues in this photo gallery, featuring additional content.
Scotty’s Brewhouse Honored for Doing ‘The Right Thing’
Scotty’s Brewhouse receives the Ruderman Best in Business award for giving employment opportunities to individuals living with disabilities.
Landmark Showers Building Marks 20 Years Since Revival
Former home of Showers Brothers Furniture Company now houses city, county offices and several private businesses.
French Lick Resort at Age 10: A Return to Grandeur and a Revived Economy
The West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs hotels employ nearly 1,700 people; 67 percent of them live in Orange County.
New Owners of Bakehouse Bring New Ideas, Menu, Hours
You’ve probably noticed some changes if you’ve been to the Bakehouse on the downtown Square in the past few months.
Wayne Shive: King of Condiments and Indiana’s Paul Newman
BY JANET MANDELSTAM Wayne Shive jokingly calls himself the King of Condiments. His company, Best...
The Story of Lennie & Jeff: How a Young Couple Fell Out of Love And Built a Food and Beer Mini-Empire
Even as a divorced couple, Lennie Busch and Jeff Mease make impressive partners.
A B-town Boy’s Dream Comes True: Now the Maker of Hot Air Balloons
BY JULIE GRAY Hot air balloon maker Andy Richardson, 30, grew up a mile south of Oliver Winery on...
Eco Logic: Advocate for Clean Water and Native Plants in Bloomington
BY PETER DORFMAN Spencer Goehl has spent many years restoring forests and prairies, but he’s also...
Reimagining Possibilities in Ellettsville Leads to Historic District and Heritage Trail (Photo Gallery)
BY SARA SHEIKH While it’s just seven miles northwest of Bloomington, Ellettsville may not be on...
Clearly Depart: A Business that Prepares People for Their Deaths
BY STEPHANIE VON HIRSCHBERG In Kel McBride’s workshops, designed to help people prepare for their...
Hot Rod’s Downtown Barber Shop: Just Like the Good Old Days!
BY PAUL BICKLEY In July 2014, Rodney Pheifer visited Ward’s Downtown Barber Shop in Bloomington to...
Bloomington WoodWorks: A Different Kind of Co-Op
BY BARB BERGGOETZ A professional woodworker and furniture maker, James Bradley was tired of...
Artistic Jigsaw Puzzles Catching On In Bloomington and Across the State
BY PAUL BICKLEY “Puzzles are all about the images,” says Marc Tschida, who launched Press Puzzles...
Persimmon Inn: A B&B By and For Environmentalists
BY BARB BERGGOETZ Paul and Sue Fratianni are avid environmentalists. When they opened Persimmon...
OCHA: A New Business Launch Will Help Renters Find Housing
BY CARMEN SIERING A man wearing a fedora and trench coat walks the streets, his spirits as low as...
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