Center Grove Magazine April 2026

RAISING THE STANDARD

WHAT MODERN CONTRACTING SHOULD LOOK LIKE

HOW TWO LOCALS ARE RAISING THE BAR FOR ROOFING IN CENTER GROVE AND BEYOND

CONDITIONS

Sprains

Strains

Fractures

Suspected

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FREDDA KOVACS fredda@townepost.com (317) 402-3051

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS EDITOR JOSH BROWN

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AUTO

FITNESS

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS

AUTOMOTIVE

GREENWOOD (317) 740-1883 cbac.com/greenwood

KOPETSKY AUTO WASH (844) 927-4386 CG (844) 529-2833 GW kwash.com

MY BABY DETAILING (317) 360-9222 mybabydetailing.com

BANKING

EVERWISE CREDIT UNION everwisecu.com

JCBANK (317) 884-8817 jcbank.com

COUNSELING

SERENITY COUNSELING COACHING CONSULTING (317) 210-0662 serenitynowllc.com

DENTAL

SAUER DENTISTRY (317) 865-1234 sauerdentistry.com

EVENT CENTERS

BARN AT BAY HORSE INN (317) 760-8778 barnatbayhorse.com

CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (317) 527-6417 churchonjefferson.com

EXTRACURRICULAR

CODE NINJAS (317) 360-9732 codeninjas.com/inindianapolis

VICTORY STRENGTH & FITNESS (317) 721-2821 victorystrengthandfitness. net

FOOT & ANKLE

CARROLL FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC (317) 799-9000 carrollfootdoc.com

FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE

HEALTH

ELEVATE HEALTH (317) 708-0798 elevatehealthcg.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK ecommunity.com

JOHNSON MEMORIAL HEALTH (317) 736-3300 johnsonmemorial.org

ORTHOINDY (317) 802-2000 orthoindy.com

FRANCISCAN (317) 528-5000 franciscanhealth.org

HOME BUILDERS

D.R. HORTON HOMES Lone Pine Farms & Meadows at Belleview drhorton.com/Indiana/ indianapolis

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

COOL INTERIORS, LLC DECORATE • DECLUTTER • UNPACK • ORGANIZE (317) 223-3042 facebook.com/ coolinteriorsllc

CLOSETS BY DESIGN (317) 779-3212 closetsbydesign.com

FURNITURE FAIR (800) 966-3040 furniturefair.net/pages/ greenwood

HOME SERVICES

1-800-WATERDAMAGE (317) 399-9141 1800waterdamage.com

A PERFECT CLIMATE HEATING & COOLING (317) 868-7274 indianapolis-hvac.com

BLUE KANGAROO PACKOUTZ (463) 263-9114 bluekangaroopackoutz. com/greater-indianapolis

RAPTOR ROOFING (317) 886-0696 raptorroofing.com

VIP HOME SOLUTIONS & RESTORATION (317) 883-4847 vip-homesolutions.com

WINTERS PLUMBING (317) 696-5844 wintersplumbers.com

INSURANCE

INDIANA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE/ NEER AGENCY (317) 360-7500 x3321 infarmbureau.com/ agency/owner/BryanNeer-JohnsonGreenwood-IN

INVESTMENTS

JCBANK (812) 524-7965 jcbank.com

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JCBANK (317) 506-7235 jcbank.com

OFFICE SUITES

CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (317) 884-1100 churchonjefferson.com

PICKLEBALL

PICKLE GROVE PICKLEBALL (317) 922-5354 picklegrovepickleball.life

RESTAURANTS

ARNI’S (317) 881-0500 meetyouatarnis.com

VERDE FLAVORS OF MEXICO (317) 893-4084 verdeflavorsofmexico.com

SPA

BAYBERRY SPA (317) 893-5370 bayberryspa.com

SPORTS CG SPORTS NETWORK @cgsportsnetwork

WEDDING SERVICES

JUST THE TWO OF US WEDDING SERVICES LLC (317) 416-7777 justthetwoofus weddingservices.com

Contact Fredda Kovacs at Fredda@TownePost.com for information on how to be included in the Business & Services Directory.

Rooted & Rising

Homegrown Entrepreneurs Plant Seeds of Community Connection

You may have noticed a fresh wave of energy building around town -- the steady arrival of fresh ideas, fresh flavors, and fresh spaces to gather. Here’s a sneak peek into a few new businesses preparing to open their doors and add their own character to the community’s evolving landscape. From crave-worthy cuisine to thoughtfully curated retail and athletic concepts, these local entrepreneurs are investing in community connection as much as commerce.

In deeper dives, Southside Turf Solutions and well-established Raptor Roofing are featured at length elsewhere in this issue providing an inside look at the vision and passion behind their ventures.

THE YELLOW ROSE

TX BBQ CO.

The popular food truck, The Yellow Rose TX BBQ Co., is opening its first brick-andmortar restaurant in the former Johnson’s BBQ Shack location in Bargersville. Known for authentic Texas post oak wood-smoked meats, the menu features brisket, pulled pork, chicken, turkey, jalapeño cheddar sausage and St. Louis ribs, served with homemade sides like mac & cheese, cole slaw, and hashbrown casserole. Don’t miss their award-winning Mom’s Carrot Cake. The food truck will continue operating locally and catering weddings, graduations and business events. View the menu at facebook.com/theyellowrosetxbbq.

THE STORY NOOK

The Story Nook is an independent neighborhood bookstore and tea café scheduled to open in early summer at 221 W. Main St., downtown Greenwood, with a mission to create a warm, intentional space centered on books, connection, imagination, and community. Here you will find books across all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, mystery, self-help, romance, children, and teen literature. In the spirit of supporting local, the café will serve specialties from Indiana-based tea companies and local bakeries.

Their website, thestorynook.shop, will be launching soon. Visit them at @story.nook_books on Instagram and Facebook at facebook.com/ StoryNookBookstore.

THE ARK

Opening this summer at 1627 St. Clare Way, The Ark will be the area’s first large-scale indoor sports complex and community hub. Founded by former CGHS and Indiana Wesleyan basketball standout, Jonny Marlin, The Ark will feature seven full-length indoor basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts, four baseball tunnels, a weight conditioning area and space for future retail areas. At nearly 100,000 square feet, it will be the home of the Marlin Academy, offering a faith-driven approach to athletic skill development.

Visit themarlinacademy.com and on social media at @marlinacademy.

THE BALDWIN TAPAS BAR

Opened in late January, The Baldwin Tapas Bar is Bargersville’s newest addition to the expanding culinary scene. Located at 23 N. Baldwin St., this tapas bar and restaurant provides an innovative approach to shareable plates, emphasizing freshness and quality. The menu changes monthly and can include unique offerings such as Wasabi Devilish Eggs, Korean Steak Tacos, and Eggplant Rollatini Marinara. Sunday Brunch offers a Bagel Lox Board, Breakfast Tacos, Crepes and Corned Beef Hash. Cocktails will be available soon. Open Thursday – Sunday. View their hours and menu at TheBaldwinTapasBar.com.

DEATH, TAXES & THE PERFECT POUR

INSIDE THE FESTIVAL THAT TURNED BARGERSVILLE INTO A DESTINATION FOR CRAFT BEVERAGE LOVERS

Writer / Fredda Kovacs

One of the most anticipated local events of the season is Taxman Brewing Company’s annual Death & Taxes Day. This outdoor beer release and tasting festival returns Saturday, April 18, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Beginning at Taxman Brewery, 13 S. Baldwin Street, the footprint stretches along Baldwin Street and Umbarger Plaza to their sister restaurant, Pizza & Libations, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.

What began in 2015 as a small gathering designed to introduce residents of Johnson County to the local craft beer scene has grown into one of the region’s signature spring events. The original parking-lot celebration featured just 13 vendors and about 400 guests. Nine years later, Death & Taxes Day draws thousands.

“Today, the event spans the entire downtown Bargersville business district, welcoming more than 40 vendors and approximately 2,500 attendees,” says Nathan Huelsebusch, President and CEO of Taxman Hospitality Group. “We’ve grown well beyond what we initially imagined while staying rooted in the community that made it possible. Each year, a portion of the proceeds is donated to Bargersville Main Street to help continue growing and supporting the local business district that serves as the heart of the festival.”

Death & Taxes Day showcases Indiana breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries, giving attendees a chance to sample the diverse flavors the Hoosier State has to offer. The centerpiece each year is Taxman’s exclusive festival release beer. This year’s offering, Deadline, will debut in four variants.

The Belgian-style stout is rich, roasted and robust, aged with Indonesian vanilla beans and rested for several months in Kentucky whiskey barrels. D&T Experience ticket holders will receive a special two-pack of Deadline, with additional cans available for purchase while supplies last — a coveted souvenir for serious craft fans.

This year’s festival will feature two stages with performances by popular local artists Hoosier Daddy, Tastes Like Chicken, The Failers and more.

In addition to local craft beverages, the festival will feature select local food trucks and coffee roasters. Taxman Bargersville’s gastropub, Pizza & Libations restaurant and Cellar’s Market Bakery will also be open during the event, providing a wide variety of

perfectly paired food offerings.

The festival’s name itself reflects the brand’s personality and history, nodding to Huelsebusch’s former career in tax accounting and the famous words of Benjamin Franklin: “In this world, nothing is said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

For Taxman, the phrase represents more than clever branding.

“For us, it reflects a sense of humor, a little rebellion, and the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed — preferably with great beer and good company,” Huelsebusch says. “It also ties directly back to who we are as Taxman, blending historical influence with modern craft and turning something inevitable into something worth raising a glass to.”

The continued success and growth of the annual event is certainly worthy of a toast.

“We love that Death & Taxes Day draws people from across Indiana and beyond. Over the years, we’ve welcomed guests from all over the U.S. and even other countries — many timing visits with family or friends to coincide with the festival,” Huelsebusch says. “Knowing people travel to be part of something we created is incredibly humbling and reinforces that while we’re deeply rooted in Indiana, what we’re doing resonates far beyond our local community.”

Guests must be 21+ years of age and tickets are required to enter the festival. Tickets can be purchased at deathandtaxesday.com.

THE IMPACT OF ENGAGEMENT

WILLIAMS FAMILY

FINDS VALUE IN INVESTING IN CENTER GROVE

Writer / Lauren Casey Bemis, Pence Media Group

When an attorney for Eli Lilly in Indianapolis married a professor and dean at the Indiana University School of Public Health in Bloomington, and decided to put down roots, the Center Grove community made geographical sense.

But for Antonio and Crystal Williams and their four young children, the choice to not only live in the area but also to join the Center Grove Schools community was a decision that stemmed from Center Grove’s commitment to academic excellence, community culture, and expansive opportunities.

“Our oldest is a seventh grader at Center Grove Middle School Central, and then we have two in Center Grove Elementary,” says Crystal, who also has a fourth child not yet school aged. “The things that they’re learning about in school have been foundational, but also innovative at the same time. We’ve had a great experience here.”

In addition to the academic success the district is known for, including a 99.57% graduation rate in 2025, the Williams family believes the opportunities to get involved in activities outside of the school day play

an equally large part in what makes Center Grove special to their family.

“Some folks might see Center Grove as a little intimidating. But the reason why we feel good about being at a large school is even at the youngest level, from academic to sports, there are ways that the district engages those students,” Crystal says. “There’s a little league for almost every school sport, the Innovation Center, robotics, all those different clubs and programs. All of those things are very accessible from a young age.”

As a working mom of four, Crystal appreciates the variety of activities provided at Center Grove. The location is a bonus. When extracurriculars are at school, her children can make close connections with kids from their classes and Crystal doesn’t have to spend extra time driving kids across town for these opportunities.

“It allows me to be a great mom,” she says. “Just the way that they give you that runway into finding your own community here, whatever your child’s interest might be.”

For Williams and her husband, shuttling the kids to and from school and activities is not the only way they are engaged with the community. Crystal says she is a big believer in the idea that if you love something, you get involved, and that’s exactly what they try to do at Center Grove.

Crystal has served as a Center Grove Ambassador, which she says was a great introduction for her, as a new community member, to learn more about the school corporation. After that experience, she joined the Center Grove Education Foundation. As a board member with the Foundation, she was privy to all the innovative ways the children were learning and found it rewarding to support teachers with big ideas for engaging kids in new ways.

Most recently, Crystal served on the Center Grove Strategic Planning Committee as a community member and parent who had a seat at the table alongside administrators and educators. The committee worked to collect feedback from the community and develop goals and plans to steer Center Grove’s future for the next five years. Crystal worked on the Learn & Succeed Pillar, focused on students’ academic success.

“Something I’m very passionate about is exceptional academics and not just for one type of student, but for all,” she says. “That’s where I focused my energy, and it

was just an amazing experience as a parent to be able to have a seat at the table right alongside other teachers, administrators, and even Dr. Long, who was part of my working group. I felt like I had a voice that was just as valued in shaping where we were going as a community.”

Crystal adds that the experience drove home the importance of partnership between parents, the school, and the community. That is part of the reason why, as a working mom, she does her best to get involved.

Celebrate

“My highest priority is my children, my family,” she says. “If there’s any way that I can help from a personal standpoint, also from a professional standpoint, to engage this great school system and give back to it, I’m gonna do it right.”

The Williams family supports their school community with purpose and intentionality, modeling their choices to get involved for their young children.

“I want them to see me in these hallways engaging with their staff and teachers so that they know that we’re part of this fabric as well. I want them to take ownership in the same way,” Crystal says. “Whatever success they want to achieve is achievable. That’s probably my favorite thing about this school system.”

Want to find out if Center Grove is the right fit for your student? You can request a private tour by visiting CenterGrove.k12. in.us/new-student-enrollment.

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open. Find more information by visiting CenterGrove.k12.in.us/enrollnow.

5-STAR RATING

FROM CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES

When you choose Johnson Memorial Health, you’re choosing care that’s been nationally recognized for both quality and safety, two things that matter most when your health on the line.

Our 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS and “A” Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group means you can feel confident you’re getting exceptional care, right here in Johnson County.

RAISING THE STANDARD

WHAT MODERN CONTRACTING SHOULD LOOK LIKE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

If you’ve ever had a home project quoted on a carbon-copy sheet of paper, handwritten total at the bottom, a vague “we’ll fit you in next month,” and not much else, you’re not alone. For most homeowners, hiring a contractor feels like a gamble. Who’s actually licensed? Who’s going to communicate once the job starts? And who’s going to be around six months later if something goes wrong?

Cameron Blakely knows exactly how that

feels. Not because someone told him, but because he lived it.

Before Raptor Roofing existed, Blakely, now 32, was working as a logistics broker at Fitzmark in Indianapolis. In that role, he managed time-sensitive, high-value freight for Fortune 500 companies, including Nike and HP. The standard operating procedures he built were eventually adopted companywide and are still in use at Fitzmark today.

He was the firm’s top earner. It was a highlevel customer service role, and he was great

at it. But it wasn’t his. He couldn’t make the calls or shape the culture.

So on the side, he started buying, flipping, and even building properties around Indianapolis, including a home he built in downtown Greenwood. That’s where the frustration hit.

“Contractors wouldn’t follow through with what they said,” Blakely says. “The communication was poor. The craftsmanship was spotty at best. And I kept thinking, ‘There has to be room for

somebody who actually does this the right way.’”

Around the same time, his old friend Patrick Kinney was having a similar realization from the other side of the industry. The two had been close since attending Baptist Academy together in Indianapolis.

After graduation, Kinney, now 34, moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where he became the right-hand man at a roofing company. He studied building codes alongside engineers, became skilled at navigating the insurance process, and developed a reputation for helping homeowners who had been wrongly denied claims get the full roof replacements they deserved. He was thriving and had become indispensable to the operation, but he missed Indiana. And like his friend, he wanted to take everything he’d learned and build something of his own.

Both of them had good jobs. Both were doing well. But both wanted something more. They wanted to be impactful.

One night during a visit to Florida, the two sat down at Swordfish Grill near Bradenton Beach and spent a few hours talking about what they actually wanted their lives to look like. It wasn’t a formal business meeting. It was two friends dreaming out loud over dinner. But by the end of the night, the idea had taken shape. They would start a roofing company back in Indiana, and they’d run it like they wished every contractor ran theirs.

“It was just a dream a little over five years ago,” Blakely says. “And now it’s the life we get to live every day. Within a few short years, we’ve been able to accomplish almost everything we talked about that night.”

That drive didn’t come from nowhere. Blakely grew up in Greenwood, the son of Bill Blakely, who has pastored Berean Baptist Church in Greenwood for 30 years and still leads the congregation to this day.

There was no family capital waiting to launch a business. Blakely and his wife Joy, who are coming up on 11 years of marriage, started with next to nothing. However, watching his dad stay committed to the

same church and the same community for three decades taught Blakely something that shaped everything that came after. Integrity isn’t something you turn on when people are watching; it’s who you are all the time.

“My parents taught me to work hard, love people, and be the same person whether someone is watching or not,” he says. “That’s where my drive to do the right thing comes from. Not just the drive to be successful, but also the drive to do it with integrity.”

His wife never blinked when he told her he wanted to leave a steady paycheck to start a roofing company with his best friend.

“She just wants me to be happy,” he says. “There’s never been a doubt in her mind.”

In June 2021, Blakely and Kinney launched Raptor Roofing on the south side of Indianapolis. They bring different strengths to the table, but that’s what makes the partnership work. Where one struggles, the other picks it up. They complement each other in the way that the best partnerships do — not by thinking the same way but by filling in each other’s gaps.

Blakely brings urgency and vision and pushes to move quickly while Kinney brings thoughtfulness and perspective, making sure they’re moving in the right direction. Both of them share the same standard for how people should be treated, whether that’s a customer, an employee, or each other.

“Patrick is one of the most likable people I’ve ever met,” Blakely says. “He genuinely cares about people. He has a natural gift for conversation. We push each other and we balance each other out.”

That balance shows up in how they run jobs. Blakely’s years in logistics taught him what real customer service looks like at the highest level, and his experience flipping and building properties showed him just how far the contracting industry falls short of that standard. Those two things together shaped everything about how Raptor operates.

“Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make,” Kinney says. “You shouldn’t feel like you’re guessing what’s happening, what it costs, or who’s showing up.”

Raptor customers get a dedicated project manager, live updates during the job, and access to a digital portal with their documents, warranties, completion photos, and educational resources. When the work is done, they receive drone footage of their finished roof.

Raptor has even simplified the buying process itself. Using dedicated satellite technology and a straightforward over-thephone system, customers can purchase a roof without anyone needing to step foot on their property.

“We say it all the time around the office,” Kinney says. “We want Raptor to be the easiest way to buy a roof in America. That’s what every decision comes back to.”

In addition, instead of the industrystandard five or ten-year warranty, Raptor backs their work with up to a 25-year workmanship warranty.

“A warranty isn’t just a line on paper,” Kinney says. “It’s a promise that if something isn’t right, we’ll come back and make it right.”

In Indiana, you don’t need a license to install a roof, which means there are people doing the work who probably shouldn’t be. Blakely and Kinney made a deliberate choice to go in the other direction. Their team is trained, certified, and properly insured. They’re active members of the Roofer & Solar Reform Alliance, a national community of contractors who hold each other to higher standards and work to protect homeowners from bad actors.

“We don’t outsource accountability,” Kinney says. “We set clear standards, we manage the job closely, and we document the work. If we want the industry to change, we have to actually be part of changing it.” In less than five years, Raptor Roofing has collected more than 650 five-star Google

reviews, making them one of the highestrated roofing companies not just on the south side, but in all of Indiana. That’s not by accident.

“I always make it a point to reward great businesses with positive feedback, and Raptor Roofing truly deserved a solid review,” says customer Robert Ryan. “The entire experience was smooth, professional, and handled with real care from start to finish. Communication was clear, the work was done right, and the whole process felt reliable and stress-free.”

Inside the company, the same philosophy holds. Blakely and Kinney aren’t interested

in hollow slogans about workplace culture. What they’ve built is a team grounded in mutual respect and real connection. At Raptor, the team knows one another personally, spends time together outside of work, and operates out of a 5,000-squarefoot office with a golf simulator and a basketball hoop.

“Life is too short not to enjoy every single day,” Blakely says. “The place you work should be a place you actually want to be.”

Raptor Roofing is rooted in Center Grove but regularly takes on projects up to 50 miles outside of Indianapolis, with a second location recently opened in Carmel. Blakely

attends Berean Baptist Church with Joy and their three children, Scarlett, Jackson, and Harrison, and stays active locally through partnerships with the Center Grove Athletic Booster Club and the Center Grove Bantam Football League. Kinney is equally invested in the community, and together they’re always looking for more ways to give back. They welcome anyone who knows of a great charitable organization in the area to reach out.

When asked what they want someone to take away from this story, the answer comes easy.

“We’ve built something people can look into and feel confident about,” Kinney says. “Our goal has always been to educate homeowners so they feel comfortable and informed. Do your research, read the reviews, and when the time comes, we want to be the name you already trust.”

When that time comes, they want the decision to feel easy. The kind of easy that comes from trust, proof, and a company that treats your home like it matters.

Raptor Roofing is located at 5145 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217. For more information, call 317-886-0696 or visit RaptorRoofing.com.

5

EASTER 18

DEATH & TAXES DAY

Taxman Brewing Company, 13 S. Baldwin St.

12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the spirit of Indiana’s brewing scene at the 9th annual Death & Taxes Day. This outdoor beer release and tasting festival features over 45 Indianaproud breweries, select wineries, live music and local food trucks. Enjoy an afternoon of sampling the finest beers, wines and ciders from around Indiana. Taxman Brewing Co. will release Deadline, a special beer for the event. taxmanbrewing.com/events

22 EARTH DAY

A SPECIAL EVENING WITH RICK STEVES

The Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

24-26

BILLY STRINGS

Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St., Fishers 7:30 p.m.

Popular singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bluegrass musician appears for three consecutive nights, blending bluegrass, folk, Americana, blues, psychedelic rock, and rock and roll.  fisherseventcenter.com

Johnson County Public Library Foundation presents beloved author and host, Rick Steves, at The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Attendees will receive paperback copies of his classic, On the Hippie Trail, and experience a presentation full of travel tales.  jcplf.org

25

ROCK THE BLOCK RUN

Center Grove High School, 2717 S. Morgantown Rd. 8:35 a.m.

Rock the Block is a 10k (timed), family friendly 5k Walk/Run, and a free Kids Run. Includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways. Proceeds benefit organizations serving youth and families in Johnson County. rocktheblockrun.org

25

MILITARY VEHICLE AND FIRE TRUCK SHOW

Johnson County 4H Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., Franklin 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Enjoy historic military vehicles, helicopter and vintage firetrucks, re-enactors of WW2, Korean and Vietnam era, and military vehicle rides. Admission is free, donations are appreciated. indianamvpa.org

MINDY LAYTON NAMED A POWERSPORTS BUSINESS ‘40 UNDER 40’

Mindy Layton, General Manager of Tom Wood Powersports South, has been nationally recognized as a Powersports Business ‘40 Under 40’ as part of the publication’s Powersports Business Honors Awards. The recognition highlights 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who are making an impact across the powersports industry.

Honorees are nominated by peers and selected by the publication’s staff, recognizing professionals who drive improvements across areas such as sales, service, customer relations, marketing, technology, and engineering.

Layton was recognized during the Powersports Business Accelerate Conference awards celebration held in Lake Buena Vista/Orlando, Florida, on January 20, 2026.

“Big thanks to Powersports Business for the recognition,” Layton says. “I’m lucky to work with a team that cares so much and for customers who keep us busy. We’re excited for what’s next.”

Layton joined what was then Dreyer Powersports in 2004, just after graduating from CGHS. It was intended to be a summer job before embarking on a nursing degree, but her enthusiasm for powersports and loyal customers, as well as her appreciation of the staff’s camaraderie, has kept her there ever since.

“Our store feels like a family. Most of us have been here for many years and we treat each other like an extension of our own families,” she says.

Through the years, Layton has held almost

every position in the company – sales, finance, service manager – before being promoted to General Manager.

Dreyer Powersports was purchased by the Tom Wood Group in 2024, committed to continuing the knowledgeable and outstanding customer service that has long been the legacy.

“I’m excited about what we’re building at Tom Wood Powersports South,” says Jeff Wood, President of Tom Wood Group. “Mindy’s leadership has set the tone for this dealership’s success, and this ’40 Under 40’ recognition is a well-deserved spotlight on the impact she’s making.”

Mindy’s achievement is especially noteworthy as she is the only female GM across the group, setting a powerful example of excellence and leadership.

Customers have noticed, as well.

“I have customers that bought their first bike from me almost 20 years ago. Now those customers are bringing in their children and grandchildren for their first bike or ATV off-road vehicle. It means so much to me that they trust me not only with their purchase but also that of their loved ones,” Layton says. “I love what I do for a living. I get to eat, sleep and breath powersports. How many people can honestly say they love their job and have fun every day at work? I am definitely very lucky!”

Visit Tom Wood Powersports South at 595 E. Tracy Rd., in Whiteland and at tomwoodpowersportssouth.com.

SOUTHSIDE TURF SOLUTIONS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

On the white board that hangs in Mathew Kelly’s closet, it reads, “Belief in your abilities, even when there’s no proof of them in your current reality, points to greatness, and is the prerequisite to any type of success.”

It’s more than a quote — it’s the mindset that pushed him to launch Southside Turf Solutions in January 2026.

Kelly didn’t set out to build a career in

lawn care. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2018, he took a job with a local lawn company simply to earn a paycheck. When the business changed hands, however, the new owner leaned heavily on Kelly, trusting him to run day-to-day operations because he was the most seasoned employee on the team.

With every new responsibility, his interest deepened. He began evaluating lawns, creating customized treatment plans, and helping customers understand exactly what their yards needed to thrive.

And then he saw the results — lush, healthy lawns that reflected his care and expertise.

That’s when passion took root.

Today, Kelly’s work is defined by one core value: exceptional customer service. He hears it again and again from clients who tell him, “My lawn looks better than ever thanks to you!” Those words fuel him.

“I love hearing how I made someone’s day — or entire season — because I improved their lawn,” says Kelly, who enjoys the challenge of developing a plan to improve a lawn that’s been struggling for some time. His objective, of course, is to fix the problem, but he’s honest in his assessment.

“If I think it’s going to take three of four years to get a yard in good condition, I’m not going to promise you that I can turn it around in a year,” Kelly says. “These things can take patience and time.”

For instance, poor soil conditions,

persistent fungal disease, drainage problems, and weed invasions can all impact a lawn’s ability to thrive.

Customers appreciate Kelly’s candor because there are plenty of lawn care companies who make empty pledges or do things for the wrong reasons. For instance, the optimal time to put down pre-emergent herbicide is when soil temperatures reach 50-55 degrees, which is in late March or early April.

“I’ve seen companies putting down preemergent in the last week of February,” Kelly says. “They do it because if they waited until mid to lateMarch, they’d fall behind. They’re doing what’s best for them—not their customers. I won’t do that. I refuse to sacrifice quality.”

That commitment to doing things the right way — not the fast way — runs deep for Kelly, a 2014 Center Grove graduate who has spent the past eight years coaching wrestling. He previously coached at the high school level, where several of his athletes went

on to compete at the U.S. Open Wrestling Championship in Vegas. These days, he works primarily with 6 to 12 year-olds.

For several years, Kelly contemplated the notion of opening his own lawn care company because he essentially was already doing it. At his previous job, he was the one who arrived at 6 a.m. each morning to check phone messages and delegate jobs to the other employees. With his experience, he realized he could handily navigate running his own business.

A small voice in his head told him to wait another year. But his wife’s voice was louder — and far more convincing.

“What are you waiting for?” she asked.

The same encouragement he gives his wrestlers — believe in yourself, trust your preparation, and take the shot — became the push he needed to launch Southside Turf Solutions.

“A part of me worried I wouldn’t enjoy the work once all the responsibilities were on my shoulders,” he admits. “But learning the ins and outs of running my own business has actually been the most fun part.”

Southside Turf Solutions focuses on what Kelly does best: fertilization, weed control, fall aeration, and seeding.

“I don’t do 5,000 things,” he says. “But I’m very good at what I do.”

He’s still a little stunned that he found the courage to start something new — but his wife isn’t surprised at all.

“She blindly believes in everything I do, even when I’m not sure there’s anything to believe in,” he says.

Despite the self-doubt that creeps in from time to time, Kelly has always carried a quiet confidence. He even calls himself a “motivational nerd,” which explains the quote written on his whiteboard.

“I had absolutely no proof that I could run a business successfully, but I always believed it,” he says. “There’s always going to be a new challenge, but believing you can overcome anything is how you become successful.”

Now, he’s ready to bring that belief — and his expertise — to your lawn. If you live in Center Grove, Greenwood, Franklin, Whiteland, Greenfield, Brownsburg, or Plainfield, Kelly would love to work with you.

For more information, call 317-2861636 or visit Facebook at Southside Turf Solutions.

CONNECT

317-286-1636

GIRLS HIT THE GRIDIRON

CENTER GROVE BANTAM FOOTBALL LAUNCHES NEW GIRLS FLAG LEAGUE

Writer / Juli Knutson

For decades, the Center Grove Bantam Football League has introduced young athletes to the game of football, along with teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship. Now, the league is building on that tradition with an exciting opportunity designed especially for girls: a girls flag football league, set to launch in mid-July!

CGBFL President Andy Canada says the board has been considering this addition for about two years.

“With the growth we’re seeing at the high school level and in our state, it felt like the right moment to offer more opportunities locally. There’s a lot of momentum,” Canada says.

Girls flag football is experiencing rapid growth across the country, including Indiana, with the help of the Indianapolis Colts. As of 2025, 17 states have sanctioned high school programs, and the number is growing — not to mention the upcoming debut of the sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The league has offered coed flag football for its youngest players for many years, but the new league will provide a dedicated space for girls to play and compete. Open to girls in kindergarten through eighth grade, the program will follow USA Football guidelines and feature a five-on-five format.

“We know the demand is out there,” league leaders say. “We’re excited to give girls who love football a new avenue to play the game in a fun, safe environment.”

IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

CGBFL’s highly respected youth football program has been welcoming kids from kindergarten through sixth grade in football and cheerleading since 1969 — teaching the

life lessons of teamwork, confidence, resilience and respect along the way. That may be why the league has grown exponentially in scope and participation over time. Offering coed flag football for K-1 students, tackle football for grades 2-6 and cheerleading for K-6, the league impacts the lives of hundreds of kids each year.

The CGBFL owns its complex on State Road 144, where the kids’ biggest fans pack the

house to cheer, visit and enjoy a contagious community spirit. The league has been built on a strong foundation of community support and volunteer leadership that helps make each season possible. That infrastructure will ensure that the girls flag league will be well-supported and provide a safe and fun environment. A dedicated flag football director has also been appointed to oversee the girls league.

Aaron Halterman, board member and a former Center Grove High School Trojans football standout who went on to play at Indiana University and in the NFL, will take charge as director of the new program. Beyond his lifelong passion for football, he has a more compelling reason to be involved; his daughter will be playing!

A MID-JULY LAUNCH

As the season launch approaches, organizers will be reaching out to introduce the girls flag football program to families and the community within elementary and middle schools and through print and social media. There will also be an opportunity for girls to come out and try the sport before the season begins.

League registration for all CGBFL programs will open in April and run through late June. The girls flag league will be open to any girls within the age range, regardless of which school they attend. The season will coincide with the tackle football season, starting in

mid-July and running through September.

While the focus is on football, Canada insists the biggest rewards come from the powerful team experience. Through practices and games, kids learn to trust their teammates, face challenges, learn to compete and develop confidence.

“Anytime you can create more opportunities for kids to play team sports, get outside and be active, that’s a good thing,” Canada says. “We want girls to have the same chance as boys to experience the game, the teamwork and the fun. If we can do that, we know the program will succeed.”

Flag football is surging in popularity — and now girls have the opportunity to get in the game with Center Grove Bantam Football! For more information on Center Grove girls flag football, contact Aaron Halterman at VP@cgbfl.org. Register for all programs at CGBFL.org.

A SEASON TO REMEMBER

CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS & ACHIEVEMENT

Writer / Kevin Conrad, CG Sports Network

Photography / Misty Brown; Connie Etter; Phil Groninger

PERFECT SEASON, PERFECT ENDING: TROJANS CAPTURE CLASS 4A GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE TITLE

The final buzzer sounded inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and for a brief moment, everything seemed to pause.

Then came the celebration.

Players embraced. Coaches smiled. Emotions poured out as the Center Grove Trojans girls basketball team completed a perfect season — 29 wins, zero losses — and captured the Class 4A state championship with a thrilling 56-53 victory over Norwell.

For Center Grove head coach Kevin Stuckmeyer, the moment was more than just the final score.

“I felt incredibly proud of our players and assistant coaches for all the effort they put in throughout the season,” Stuckmeyer says. “We had such a great group of

players who consistently did things the right way both on and off the court. I just wanted to step back and take it all in, the joy, the celebration and the smiles on their faces.”

This championship marked the program’s second state title and the first since 1996, ending a 30-year wait and adding another historic chapter to Center Grove athletics.

“Center Grove is such a tremendous community, and it has been so great for my family and me,” Stuckmeyer says.

“We’re simply proud to call ourselves champions and to add to the rich tradition of girls basketball and Center Grove athletics.”

The Trojans’ journey to the title was nothing short of dominant, yet it was also defined by resilience.

After rolling through sectional play with wins over Perry Meridian (66-28),

Southport (66-24) and Franklin Central (55-50), Center Grove faced tougher tests as the tournament progressed.

A gritty 50-45 regional win over Pendleton Heights was followed by a challenging semistate, where the Trojans defeated Evansville Reitz 53-37 and edged Lawrence Central in a defensive battle, 29-26.

Each game tested their composure, and each time, they responded. What made this team special wasn’t just talent, it was togetherness.

“This group was incredibly close-knit and truly played for one another,” Stuckmeyer says. “They bought into our vision and embraced their roles. Their humility and hunger were really impressive.”

Even under pressure, the Trojans remained steady.

“They were consistent in everything they did,” he adds. “They did not waver. They showed great composure and grit when

adversity hit.”

That consistency became the foundation of a perfect season.

Stuckmeyer pointed to key moments during the year that helped shape the team’s belief.

A championship run at the Carol Tumey Tournament gave the Trojans confidence they could win multiple high-level games in a single day, mirroring the demands of tournament play. Wins over quality opponents like Bloomington South and Hamilton Southeastern further reinforced that belief.

“At that point, I think our girls started to expect to win,” Stuckmeyer says. “They gained confidence that if they stayed connected and did it together, something special was possible.”

Leading the way was senior standout Gracyn Gilliard, who capped her remarkable career by being named 2026 Indiana Miss Basketball.

But for Stuckmeyer, Gilliard’s impact went far beyond statistics or accolades.

“Gracyn means the world to our program,” he says. “She represents everything we want Center Grove girls basketball to stand for: integrity, effort, discipline and doing

whatever it takes to win.”

While her talent was undeniable, it was her leadership that set her apart.

“She simply has the ‘it’ factor,” Stuckmeyer says. “Even with all the recognition she received, she was always the first to give credit to her teammates. She carried herself with humility and grace, and that made a tremendous impact on our program and our community.”

As the celebration settled and the nets were cut down, the significance of the moment became clear. This wasn’t just a championship. It was a team that embraced every challenge, stayed true to its identity and represented Center Grove with pride.

“I hope this team is remembered as a

group that truly did things the right way,” Stuckmeyer says. “They were consistent, disciplined and committed to each other. I hope people remember not just the championship, but how they represented Center Grove both on and off the court.”

A perfect season. A championship earned. And a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

ON TOP OF THE STATE: TROJANS CAPTURE FIRST TEAM WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

For years, the Center Grove Trojans wrestling team had been knocking on the door. Close. Painfully close. Three consecutive runner-up finishes left a program hungry, driven and determined

to finish the job. This time, they did.

When the final points were secured, and Center Grove officially captured its first team state championship — defeating two-time defending state champion Brownsburg 137-133.5 — the moment was filled with pure emotion and accomplishment.

“Just excitement and relief that we were able to finish the goal,” says head coach Maurice Swain. “We have been so close over the past three years, so finally completing it brought a major feeling of relief on top of excitement.”

The championship didn’t come easy. Brownsburg, a powerhouse program and back-to-back state champion, presented the ultimate challenge. Every match mattered. Every point counted. And in the end, it was a total team effort that made the difference.

“I feel like our overall program consistency played a huge part in our success,” Swain says. “Our athletes train year-round. They put the time in during the offseason, and it shows.”

Just as importantly, the coaching staff stayed the course.

“We did not panic or change anything after finishing runner-up the previous three seasons,” Swain says. “We knew our training progression was good; it was just about putting everything together at the right time.”

That time came during the state tournament series.

Throughout the season, the Trojans believed they had the potential to compete at the highest level. But it wasn’t until late in the postseason that confidence turned into expectation.

“After the regional, we felt like this team had a real shot at bringing home the title,” Swain says. “Our confidence continued to grow throughout the state tournament.”

That belief showed on the mat. Match after match, the Trojans delivered when it mattered most.

At the center of it all was senior standout

Sean Breedlove, who capped off a perfect 38-0 season by capturing the 175-pound state championship, securing the decisive points that pushed Center Grove to the title.

Breedlove’s journey to the top wasn’t without adversity.

“Sean has had some tough breaks coming into this season,” Swain says. “I think coming

up short of qualifying for state last year really motivated him.”

That motivation turned into dominance.

“He shows his leadership through his actions,” Swain says. “He’s a hard worker, just like many of our athletes, and we expect him to continue to be a leader moving forward.”

While Breedlove delivered a defining moment, the championship was built on contributions from across the lineup.

State runner-up performances from brothers Dominic Brown (126) and Daniel Brown Jr. (113), along with Peyton Hornsby (144), played a critical role in the team’s success.

“This season was all about the work we put in for each other,” Dominic Brown says. “I’m honored I got to be a part of it and will always be proud of what we built here.”

THINGS CHANGE.

For the Brown family, the experience carried even deeper meaning.

Their sister, Aaliyah Brown, also reached the state finals in girls wrestling, helping to continue the program’s growth and representing something bigger than individual success.

“Being part of the growth of the women’s wrestling program has meant everything to me,” she says. “I’m proud to have helped open doors for the girls coming after me.”

Her brothers were right there with her every step of the way.

“Having my brothers and my teammates show up to support me meant everything,” she says.

For the Brown family, that support went beyond the mat. The trio embraced a shared theme throughout the season drawn from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one

may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

The verse became a reflection of their bond.

Each faced their own battles in competition, but none of them stood alone. Whether it was Dominic and Daniel cheering Aaliyah on at girls state or all three pushing each other through the intensity of the state tournament, their strength came from being connected.

Individually, they were strong. Together, they were unbreakable.

“That’s a memory I’ll carry forever,” she says.

That same bond mirrored the team’s identity, one built on trust, support and the belief that together they could overcome anything.

“This season was filled with lows and highs, but our team’s effort was consistent every day,” Hornsby says. “That’s the reason we got over the hump at state.”

Even in defeat, the focus remained on something bigger.

“The result isn’t in my control,” Hornsby says. “Only the attitude and effort I bring. I’ll forever be proud of this team.”

In the end, that attitude defined the 2026 Trojans.

“I want everyone to remember that winning the title was a complete team effort,” Swain says. “Every win mattered. Every point was needed.”

After years of coming close, Center Grove finally reached the top. Not just because of talent. But because of trust, consistency and a group that refused to let the moment pass them by.

MAKING WAVES: TROJANS DELIVER STRONG FINISH AT STATE

The Center Grove Trojans swimming and diving teams closed out the season with an impressive performance at the IHSAA state finals, highlighted by a fourthplace finish from the boys team at the IU Natatorium.

Leading the way was senior standout Henry Lyness, who earned two runner-up finishes in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke, capping off a remarkable career.

“Henry is a true Trojan legend,” says head coach Brad Smith. “He has left his mark on the record boards and within the team culture. His impact will last for years.”

The Trojans showcased depth across the board. Matthew Cuadros placed third in the 100-yard breaststroke and added a seventhplace finish in the 200-yard individual medley. The 200-yard medley relay team of Lyness, Cuadros, Anthony Cuadros and Camron Mazdai earned third place, while Daythan Schramm finished fourth in diving.

Additional strong performances included a fifth-place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay and top-eight finishes from Mason Bridges and Moses Weaver in the 200 freestyle.

“The leadership of our senior boys made this a banner year,” Smith says. “We scored the most points at state, tied our highest finish and set four school records.”

On the girls side, Center Grove placed ninth overall, led by Averie Matern’s pair of seventh-place finishes and a seventhplace relay performance.

With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Trojans have built a strong foundation for continued success in the pool.

CLOSING A CHAPTER: HAHN’S LEGACY LEAVES LASTING IMPACT ON TROJAN BASKETBALL

After 12 seasons leading the Center Grove Trojans boys basketball team, head coach Zach Hahn has retired from high school coaching, leaving behind a legacy as the most decorated coach in program history.

During his tenure, Hahn guided the Trojans to 176 wins, along with five sectional titles, two regional championships and seven county titles, setting the standard for success on and off the court.

But for Hahn, the wins were never the most meaningful part of the journey.

“Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of coaching was forming meaningful relationships,” Hahn says. “There is no greater sense of achievement than former players coming back, reaching out or watching them become successful young adults.”

That people-first approach shaped the program’s culture. In the locker room, a message remained constant: “What you give is yours; what you don’t is lost forever.”

“I hope they understand the importance of doing your absolute best in everything,” Hahn says. “How you do anything is how you do everything. Your character is much more important than your reputation.”

Hahn credits the Center Grove community for the program’s growth.

“Center Grove has been a blessing for my family,” he says. “We’re thankful for the support and look forward to staying connected to the program.”

A remarkable career and a legacy built on relationships.