Employee Connie McGath has worked for Male Instinct for about 14 years. She says she does a bit of everything, from sales to restocking and cleaning, and whatever else is needed to keep the shop running smoothly.
McGath’ s twin sister, Bonnie Followell, also works in the shops, which, McGath said, has created some humorous interactions with customers.
The Brown County native, who has worked in other retail stores, said she enjoys the work. She credits the Stouts with helping to keep the work fun, which supports employee retention and repeat customers.
“ If your atmosphere is healthy and good, that means a lot,” she said.
A few days earlier, the Stouts had invited employees and spouses to their house for a Sunday dinner. McGath said it fosters a family atmosphere and helps new employees meet the rest of the crew. And, Stacey Stout said, it helps the owners show their appreciation.
“ Everybody’ s pitching to help us build this,” she said.
After decades in the corporate world that felt like a grind, Dave Stout said running two fun stores in a fun town is a different experience. Not having a boss helps, too.“ You don’ t have to be on a Teams meeting at 5:30 tonight … about a meeting that could have been an email,” he said.
As if he meant to prove the point, a customer walked in and asked how the owners liked his T-shirt, which displayed a mock political ad: Cheech and Chong for president 2028.
“ How do you like that,” the customer asked.“ Don’ t we all just need to chill out?”
Dave Stout agreed.“ Take a deep breath and calm down,” he said.
That’ s exactly what Stacey Stout likes about running the shop.
“ The customer interactions, the giggles, the laughs,” she said.
The pace of life in Nashville may be slower than in Fishers, the couple said, but it has brought them more meaning.
“ We’ ve been very fortunate, blessed to be able to do this,” Dave Stout said. •
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