Hunter Wolf: Entrepreneur with small town values

What started as a joke led Hunter Wolf to be an entrepreneurial small-town business owner.

Hunter grew up between Gas City and Fairmount, Indiana, but his heart has always belonged to Fairmount. Though he graduated from Mississinewa High School in 2020, many of his most meaningful memories were made in Fairmount—staying with his grandparents, helping his uncle on the farm, and attending small-town events that shaped his sense of community. Now the owner of Fairmount Hardware, Hunter combines his love for hard work, local business, and service to others with a deep appreciation for family and faith. A fan of the values of small-town life, he hopes to continue building a future in the same community that helped shape who he is today.

Below is Hunter’s story in his own words.

Early Life and Family

I grew up in Gas City and went to Mississinewa High School, graduating in 2020. Fairmount has always felt like home to me because I spent just as much time there as I did in Gas City, especially staying with my grandparents. We had a special bond—maybe because I was the oldest grandchild. My Grandma and Grandpa Webster lived outside of Fairmount near Fowlerton, and I loved being there. My aunt was 13 years older and involved in sports, so we were always going to Madison-Grant games and events. Everything seemed to revolve around Fairmount.

My Grandpa Webster worked for I&M, the electric company, as a meter reader for almost 40 years. My grandma worked in several places—at a school, a title company, and then for about the last 19 years at the courthouse.

My parents were young when they had me—my mom was 23 and my dad was 21. They worked a lot, so I spent a lot of time with my grandparents on both sides. When my parents separated, it was natural that I continued spending time with them. I remember calling my Grandma Webster and asking if I could come over on weekends. We’d go visit my cousins up north, and those were special times. Holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter—were always big family gatherings, even with separated parents. Somehow, it always worked out so I could spend time with both sides.

I have an older stepbrother, two younger sisters, and a younger brother.

Education and Early Interests

In high school, I was part of the first FFA chapter at Mississinewa and helped start it. I was also on the Trap Team. Agriculture was a big draw for me, and I helped my uncle with his farm. I loved working on the farm, helping him do projects and learning anything I could.

Later, I raised my own pigs and sold them for freezer pork.

I also enjoyed woodworking. My Grandpa Wolf taught me how to work with my hands. We built things like a farmhouse table and a bookshelf. My grandpa and I started a 4-H woodworking project together before he passed away, and I hope to finish it.

My Grandparents and Kentucky Property

My Grandpa Wolf and I were very close. He passed away five years ago, and that was one of the hardest things I’ve faced. We spent a lot of time together—doing woodworking projects, traveling, working in the garden, and visiting their property in Somerset, Kentucky. It’s about 15 acres of mountain land that borders a national forest. My grandparents bought it because my grandma was born in Harlan, Kentucky, and wanted something that reminded her of home. She always told him she wanted to have her “Tall, Tall, Trees” just like the Alan Jackson song.

We’d go there four or five times a year, bringing our camper, hiking, and exploring. We’d visit Baxter's, our favorite coffee shop, historical sites, waterfalls, and always make it a point to visit our Kentucky neighbors, who really are like family to us. I’d like to build a little cabin there someday—a place to get away. It’s only about a five-hour drive, so it’s not far.

Career Path and Owning the Hardware Store

I’ve worked in banking and lending for the last four years, at Fairmount State Bank and VIA Credit Union. One day I ran into Sherry Payne, who had owned the Fairmount Hardware Store with her husband for about 35 years, at The James Dean Festival. She joked that I should buy the store. I laughed, but a few weeks later I walked in and asked, “What does it take to buy it?” That was in early October, and by December 1, I was the new owner.

I’d always wanted to own my own business—something that was mine. I’d worked in retail before at Big R in high school as a front-end manager, so I knew a bit about it, but I’ve learned a lot in the last two years. It’s been challenging but rewarding.

I don’t have many employees right now—one full-time person, two part-time guys, and me, which probably equals two full-time people. I’m looking for another full-time person.

Owning a small-town business has its struggles. Getting people to shop locally can be hard. Folks will spend twenty minutes with me finding 50 cents’ worth of nuts and bolts, then buy their bigger purchases like softener salt or paint in places like Marion or Muncie. I try to carry high-quality products and to serve the community well—donating to the high school, Main Street, and youth sports teams. I try to give back, even when business is slow.

I do some marketing—a billboard, Facebook posts, and new product updates—but I could do more. It’s hard to find time when you’re working six days a week. Sometimes I open the store late at night if someone calls needing something, and I don’t mind doing that. That personal service is what makes us stand out.

Community and Leadership

I’m on the township board and serve as deputy trustee. I’ve done that for about three years. The township oversees fire protection, cemeteries, and public assistance. As deputy trustee, I fill in when needed. I like local government—it’s rewarding to see the direct impact of what you do.

I’m also a member of the Lions Club, Main Street Fairmount, and the Fairmount Fire Department. I try to give back to my community in everything I do.

I’ve always been interested in politics. My great-grandpa, John Webster was a county commissioner and precinct committeeman, and my grandpa talked about running for office but never did. I’ve thought about running for county council or state representative someday, but for now, I’m focused on my business and serving locally.

Faith and Values

I’ve gone to Fairmount Friends Church for about 13 or 14 years. My Grandma Wolf taught at Westminster Preschool, and I went there too. Faith has always been a part of my life. I would say that my Grandma Wolf is the biggest reason that I am a believer. I don’t get to church as much as I’d like because Sunday is my only day off, but I go when I can.

I’d say I’m hardworking and hold myself to high standards. I’ve always wanted to do things my way, setting the bar high and striving to reach it. I’m probably both introverted and extroverted. Owning a business has pushed me to be more outgoing.

Personal Life and Future Hopes

Right now, I live in my grandparents’ house just outside of Fairmount. I’m waiting to find the right home—something out in the country—but it’s hard with interest rates and prices so high. I’m dating a girl from Summitville who goes to IU Bloomington. We’ve known each other for a few years, and she’s hoping to find a job closer to home after graduation.

We’ve gone to breweries and places like Nashville, Indiana. She’s a Hoosier, and I’m a Purdue fan, so that’s always a fun camaraderie. I hope one day to get married, have kids, and find that farmhouse in the country—live the small-town life I’ve always loved.

Even on hard days, I’m grateful. I want to keep the store going, serve the town, and build a life here in Fairmount.