By James Master
NORTH JUDSON — On Saturday, May 17 seven local entrepreneurs battled it out to be the winner of the 2025 Starke Tank.
This year’s business pitch competition took place inside the North Judson-San Pierre High School Performing Arts Center.
This year’s contestants were Tubby Buddy’s Parlor & Boutique, Smart Choice Disposal, CB Makes & Bakes, 213 Mobile Bar and Charcuterie, Machining Plus LLC, Beachside Tavern, and Hannah’s Country Road Greenhouse LLC.
Each contestant had five minutes to describe their business and what they hope to achieve if they were awarded the funding. First place won $12,000 while second place won $6,000 to help grow their business. After the five minutes, the three judges had the opportunity to ask one question.
Judges for the event were Spencer Summers, an economic developer at the Northwest Indiana Forum; Linsey Clemons, vice president of Mortgage Lending at First Farmers Bank & Trust; Eric Beschinski, ecosystems navigator at the Indiana Small Business Development Center.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Isaac Blue, an Ag and Commercial Banker at First Farmers Bank & Trust.
The first contestant was Hailey Simon and her business, Tubby Buddy’s Parlor & Boutique. Located in Hamlet, Tubby Buddy’s is a grooming service and boutique for pets. She stated that she currently has a grooming table, tub, and a standing dryer. She stated that with the funding, she would do three things. The first is to purchase a mobile pet grooming vehicle so she can travel around the county and help elderly pet owners who might not be able to visit her Hamlet location. She plans to carry specialty dog and cat food. She would also like to install a walk-in shower to help senior animals or animals with disabilities.
The second contestant was Alex Fletcher from Smart Choice Disposal. Due to the fact that Alex is 17 years old, he cannot legally own the business. Therefore, his mother, Charlene Fletcher, serves as the owner. However, Alex runs the company doing the paperwork, handles the business decisions, takes customer phone calls, and other business operations. Smart Choice Disposal services the Knox and North Judson area with trash pickup. Customers have the option between weekly and bi-weekly trash pickup. Charlene stated that due to overhead costs being low, they are able to offer their services at a cheaper rate compared to their competitors. The other thing that sets Smart Choice Disposal apart from other trash pickup services is that they also pick up on holidays.
The third contestant was Candice Brown, owner of CB Makes & Bakes. CB Makes & Bakes specializes in all thing’s sourdough as well as theme crafted wood creations geared toward kitchen dining and serving. She stated that in the summer, she’ll be adding an additional bake day to increase the amount of product in order to meet customer demand. In order to continue to grow, Candice said that she would need to be able to upgrade her equipment.
The fourth contestant was sisters Tracy and Stacy Sellers from 213 Mobile Bar and Charcuterie. They cater weddings, birthdays, corporate gatherings, and any other big or small event. When asked, they are currently located at 4 N Pearl Street in Knox and its take-out only, but they are looking at expanding. They are serving about 25 to 30 people at that location.
The fifth contestant was Andrew Fletcher, owner of Machining Plus LLC. The business is currently being operated from a 60 by 40 shop where they restore farm equipment. It offers quality service and parts to area factories and businesses. Fletcher stated that while there are other machining shops in the area, he feels as if they each fill a unique product and service. They are currently working to expand the facility which would allow for more machinery.
The sixth contestant was Tiffany Balaszek, owner of Beachside Tavern. The restaurant is located on Bass Lake and will provide family friendly dining experience that is welcoming and affordable. They’ll be providing a classic American style menu. They have an approximate seating capacity of 236 people. They’re looking at soft opening sometime early next month.
The seventh contestant was Hannah’s Country Road Greenhouse LLC. The owner, Hannah Hunnicutt, has a major in horticulture from Purdue University. In the fall, they will have seasonal items. Currently they have hanging baskets, perennials, herbs, and other selections. She plans on holding workshop classes to bring groups of the community together.
While the judges deliberated, the Starke Tank 2023 Winner, Lewellen Blooms, gave an update on their business and how winning the Starke Tank 2023 has aided it.
At the end of the competition, it was Smart Choice Disposal that won the 2025 Starke Tank while Tubby Buddy’s Parlor & Boutique won second place.
The pitch competition wasn’t the only thing that entertained those that attended Starke Tank that day. Prior to the competition, there was a small business expo outside the auditorium and inside the auditorium local musician Trevor Ciboch provided live entertainment.
