The 317 Project tells stories of life in all of Indianapolis’ vibrant neighborhoods – 317 words at a timeMonty Ramadan is a philanthropist, owner of the retail store Hang Time Indy, and a man who, despite his successes, knows “the struggle.”
Forty-five years ago, Ramadan was born in the Palestinian territory West Bank. A place where his childhood memories of fertile olive trees over mountain slopes have been replaced by images of poverty and violence.There, he was one of six children supported mostly by his mom who relied on government assistance. Ramadan quit school after 8th grade, looking for any “odd job” he could get to support her and the family.
By 16, he left home. Crashing with friends, sleeping in cars. He eventually found steady work at a deli and saved enough to rent a two-bedroom apartment with four others.The"Cuban cat" was a fancy gentleman. He owned an expensive clothing store and wanted Ramadan to work for him. “He said, ‘Do you think you can handle it?’” Ramadan recalled, “‘I need you to come in and help me.’”Eight years later, in 2003, he was married, comfortable and with a newborn. Then, the owner sold the business.He had grown his contacts and confidence by then and decided to open a store in Indianapolis in 2004.Have a tip for a story in one of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods? Let us know at