The 2018 recipient of SIEDC's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was Ralph's Joy of Living. Ralph's is a family owned and operated business that has been in the community since 1950 and is currently run by Ralph (the original owner's son) and Julie Smothers. Though Ralph took over the family business started by his father, he and Julie have made many changes to the business, making them true entrepreneurs in their own right. Ralph's Joy of Living began as Ralph's Maytag, an appliance store, in 1950. When Ralph took over the business he added cabinetry to their offerings and Julie began teaching cooking classes. Then came the Joy of Living. Ralph and Julie expanded into a 6,000 square foot addition and became the only appliance store in the nation with a liquor license, selling all kinds of wine and specialty beer. Finally, in 2016 they added mattresses to the store. "We are thankful for the community," Ralph said. "We love Tiffin, we love our customers." [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1k-dWjb4PQ?rel=0&w=560&h=315]   About the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award This award is presented to an individual, business or organization that have exhibited the imagination, initiative, ability, and determination to mix capital and labor together to generate a business that provides employment opportunities and  new investment for the community.