Husband and wife, Steve and Lori Schwartz, began a Noblesville family business 40 years ago today.
Shortly after graduating high school, Steve and Lori started a small bait and tackle operation located on the west bank of White River, just north of the Logan Street bridge on State Road 19.
“When we first started there were 22 bait shops on the northside of Indianapolis. We are now the only full-service bait and tackle shop in the area,” said Steve Schwartz.
In the beginning, the Schwartzs lived in a small apartment located in the back of the business. “People would come at night after we closed and ring the doorbell and we would go out and sell them nightcrawlers.”
“We raised both of our boys inside the shop,” said Lori Schwartz.
The boys, Pete and Eddie, now work alongside their parents, and have helped expand the business to not only include bait and tackle, but also U-Haul and RV rental and propane sales.
Both sons talked about how the business has served generations of families over the years.
“We’ve seen a lot of changes over the past 40 years, but the most interesting is the number of moms, especially single moms, that bring their children into the bait shop,” said Steve Schwartz. “They are getting their kids outdoors, taking them fishing, and we enjoy helping them.”