We are ParkIndy: 5 Questions with Steve –Field Tech Supervisor, Blues Lover,Dungeon Master, Wood Craftsman

Our “We are ParkIndy” campaign is about more than parking—it’s about people. Behind every meter, paybox, and maintenance call, there’s a story. Steve, a Field Tech

Supervisor, is one of the leaders who makes sure our systems stay reliable across Indianapolis. But when he’s not overseeing the work on the street, he’s immersed in

creativity—whether it’s Blues music, guitar-making, woodworking, or storytelling as a

Dungeon Master.

We asked Steve five questions. Here’s how he responded:

Q: Who’s your favorite Blues artist?

A: Tab Benoit, without question. He’s from Louisiana, and I’ve been lucky enough to see him live twice—once here in Indiana and once back in Florida. What makes him

incredible is that he never plays the same song twice. His improvisation and emotion

make every show unique. And beyond that, he’s down-to-earth—he’ll meet fans face-to- face after a show, just to hang out. That humility means a lot to me.

Q: How has music shaped you?

A: Music has always been part of my life. My dad was in a Southern rock band when I

was growing up, so I was surrounded by instruments from an early age. Music is where

my soul is grounded—it influences how I see the world and even how I approach my

work. It’s a reminder that creativity and discipline can coexist.

Q: Tell us about your guitar-making hobby.

A: I’ve built about 15 guitars so far, and I’m working on another right now. For me, it’s all about sound quality first. Different woods have different voices—walnut tends to sound bright, while pine or spruce give you something warmer and more inviting. Some people think that with electric guitars the wood doesn’t matter, but I disagree. The resonance of the body absolutely affects the tone. Lately, I’ve been building what are called “relic” guitars. They look like they’re 80 years old—scuffed, worn, vintage but when you play them, they sound brand new. It’s like creating a sleeper car. You don’t expect much from the look, but once you plug it in, it surprises you. That’s a fun challenge for me as a craftsman.

Q: What makes a good D&D session?

A: Storytelling and immersion. When I first started, I wasn’t sure I’d connect with it, but over time I discovered that it is about more than dice rolls. Our group plays “theater of the mind,” which means we don’t rely on maps or miniatures—we embody the characters, voice them, and act them out. It’s immersive, and for me it’s also therapeutic. It gives you space to step outside your own worries and live in another world for a while.

Q: Beyond music and games, what do you enjoy building?

A: Woodworking in general has always been a passion, but guitars remain my favorite. They bring together everything I love—creativity, craftsmanship, science, and sound. There’s nothing like finishing a guitar, plugging it in, and hearing it come alive.

Steve’s story is one of precision, imagination, and artistry. Whether he’s leading crews in the field, shaping the sound of a handmade guitar, or guiding friends through an epic campaign, his work is about building things that last. That’s what makes him a vital part of ParkIndy.