Serving for generations and generations to come
Mike Duke celebrate 35 years of business and ministry with Duke Homes, Inc.
Mike Duke, a Center Grove and IU Business School Grad, lives on a farm west of Bargersville and is a life long resident of Johnson County. Mike and his wife Marcia have been married for 33 years and have four children Jake (Lindsey) Duke, Zach (Megan) Duke, Isaac (Leigh) Duke, and Hannah (Cameron) Hardin, along with nine grandkids and another three arriving in May. Duke Homes, Inc. is in its 35’” year of business, and Mike and Marcia have always looked at their business as a ministry since day one and have desired to develop and cultivate the area in which they live in a positive way for all. The Duke family has been in the southwest corner of White River Township since Mike’s great (x 4) grandfather settled there after serving in the Revolutionary War. The family has been involved in farming in the area ever since and Mike hopes it will continue with for generations to come.
What do you consider your greatest virtue?
Striving for the best in all I do
What do you most deplore in others?
Lack of effort or care
What do you like most about living in Johnson County?
I just love the location and growing up and living on our farm.
If you had to live elsewhere than in Johnson County, where would it be?
I honestly cannot think of another place I’d rather be.
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
Applying wisdom that I have gained over the years and being more patient
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
Our community, farmland, John Deere tractors, and show cattle
What makes you happiest?
Spending time with my wife and family and watching our grandkids grow
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I enjoy cruises and the Cattle Barn at the Johnson County Fair.
What do you do with idle time?
Besides wife and family, I enjoy working on things around the farm, checking on jobs, and maybe watching an old western.
What is it that makes you angry?
Seeing lack of effort
What do you do to escape from reality?
I enjoy helping Coach Moore and the Center Grove Football team in the fall on Friday nights with end zone filming and other logistics as needed. It is like leaving my world of pressure and trying to assist/support others in theirs, as well helping give back in our community.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Jesus Christ my Savior #1 and then my wife Marcia Duke, followed by my family
Which living person in Johnson County do you most admire?
My Dad — Norman Duke
What is the quality you most like in a mankind? Integrity, Excellence and Servant-Heartedness
What is the quality you most like in your wife?
I most love her heart for Jesus!
What is your greatest extravagance?
Collecting a few John Deere Tractors
What are your fears, phobias?
Snakes
What has been the happiest time of your life?
Most anything with family and the experiences – we have been blessed with over the years.
Which talent would you most like to possess?
I am pretty much an introvert and wish I could be a little more extroverted.
What do you most value in your friends?
Integrity and Kindness
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Santa Claus for various reasons
What is your greatest regret
Sometimes being too trusting I others
What tenet do you live by?
Matthew 6:33 — Seeking God first in everything I do
