Pilot Episode

Author

Bill Laranga
March 14, 2025

Presented by:

Hello Friday. Have you heard?! Pickling is in the building… Literally, in the building because it’s freezing outside. 🥶 I dropped into Toledo Pickle this weekend for open play, $30 later and I am catching wiffle balls to the chest! It wasn’t too bad after drinking a beer to take the sting off (from my ego). How long until the folks at OC and ProMedica take over the courts in the mornings?

Yea… we know y’all run downtown 😎 More on pickling later in the email.

Welcome to the first Toledo Money newsletter. We will aim to please. That is, if you enjoy the intersection of business and humor. Bringing subscribers hot takes on local business, money confessionals, entrepreneurial spotlights, and highlighting the party hard in work hard.

Buckle up, this is going to be fun.

Stop & Go Never Stops…

Stop & Go Expansions

The brand that grew in Toledo continues to grow in Toledo. Toledo’s favorite pit stop is expanding faster than Napoleon Bonaparte on a caffeine rush. Stop & Go started as a local staple and is now multiplying across the city like it owns the place (because, at this rate, it just might).

Maybe your old favorite gas station has experienced a facelift recently, that is likely a thanks to Stop & Go. They are able to do so by investing in their people and serving their customers with the home town feel. Take a back seat BP, S&G is here to stay.

Adventure Spirits Distilling in the House

Behind the Scenes Tour

Owned by two Air Force veterans (with 40+ years of combined service) take on distilling fine spirits made in Northwest, Ohio. Step aside, Kentucky—Whitehouse, Ohio is proving that small-town spirits pack a mighty punch. Adventure Spirits Distilling is a hidden gem of a distillery transforms ordinary grains into liquid extraordinaire, crafting bourbon that would make even the most stoic Southerner raise an approving eyebrow.

Their gin botanicals are selected with the precision of a jeweler choosing diamonds, while their vodka is so smooth you'll forget it's even there—until it isn't. The true magic happens during their facility tours, where you'll witness the magic of distillation up close and personal. Come for the samples, stay for the stories, and leave with bottles that prove good bourbon doesn’t just come from Kentucky, but in small Ohio towns too.

Stop in to experience and support this veteran owned business. While there, say, “hello” to Joe Carter and Barry Beale!

Here to Pickle (and drink)

Toledo Pickle Blimp Shot

Pickleball fever has officially hit Toledo with the opening of Toledo Pickle in the Virtual District. This state-of-the-art facility offers top-notch indoor courts, open play, and tiered memberships—starting at $59/month for the base level. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just figuring out what a dink is, there's a spot for you.

Did this takeover squash players at the Toledo Club? Hard to say. But one thing’s for sure—Toledo Pickle is serving up competition, community, and post-game beers 🍻. Swing by, grab a paddle, and get in on the action!

Bullish on the facility and the Vistula district for the 419. Let’s not mess this one up Toledo! Support local businesses and beer. 💰💰💰

Baseball is SO Back!

Beautiful Downtown Toledo

March 29th marks my return from winter depression and kicks off my summer tour. The Hens take on the Columbus Clippers… do we really care who the other team is? Unless Mike Hessman is coaching for them. ⚾️

Either way, I will be at the Communica Opening Day celebration. See you there, Jeff Kimble!

QUICK MATH: Vividseats.com reports an average of $38.47 per ticket for a Hens game (including the box seats). With a capacity of 10,300 individuals, you do the math… Mr. Napoli and team are expected to do rather well (+$300,000).

Quite the economics. Contribute by getting downtown and grabbing a dog or two. 🌭

Money Confessional | 31 Year Old making $150k reintegrating to Toledo

Living Situation: “Own a home in Waterville. I recently moved back after a stint in Virginia and was pleased to see home prices in Northwest, Ohio.. quite the difference”

Job: “I am an Investor Relations Manager. My base is $130k with $20k in potential bonus”

Credit cards: “I use credit cards exclusively for points. I like to travel so having Delta miles or Marriott points I critical to me. I put all expenses on 1 of 2 cards and pay each of them off at the end of the month. Maximizing the reward on dollars I am going to spend.”

Best expense: “Toledo Walleye and Mudhens season tickets. The Walleye tickets get me quite a bit of free chili (IYKYK). Where else can you experience a night out around sports for such an affordable price point. Second to this is my gym membership at Revival Fitness in Maumee, OH.”

Net worth: “Roughly $550K. Wouldn’t mind 2x that in the next 10 years to pave a way out of corporate life”

Favorite book: “Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason”

Rich in Toledo: “Hate the word ‘Rich’ but, frankly, making north of $100k is doing rather well for Toledo standards. Keep in mind, there are folks crushing it with a lot more income.”

Money Snacks

3 financial headlines we are snacking on

  • MudHens promo schedule was released. Make sure to get out for the Metropark Takeover on Sunday, April 13th! MudHens slated to host >400,000 fans this year!

  • Most expensive home in Toledo, you guessed it… Ottawa Hills ($1.18M). Right on Brookside Road, and listed by Nancy Kabat. Go get ‘em, Nanc!

  • Earnest Brew works slated to serve all the country folk out west at The Wheelhouse. Earnest expands its offerings to more than 3+ locations fromitss OG tap house in South Toledo. Expected to serve >3,000 visitors this summer alone