By Jen Bakken
Staff Writer

DELANO, MN – One may see him cruising about Delano on his little orange scooter, or chatting with customers at Loopy’s Dollar Store, but just who is this man many have nick-named “Mr. Loopy?”

Mr. Loopy is Scott Shoutz, a lifelong area resident and 1980 graduate of Delano High School.

After high school, Shoutz spent a year at Mankato State where in track he ran the 400, but it just wasn’t for him, and he returned home.

Working for his stepfather, Jerome Andres, whose family owned the local hardware store, Shoutz realized quickly he was a people person.

Next, he spent about 18 years in the real estate industry, appraising property, and then in 2000, Shoutz and his wife Deann opened Delano Floral and Gifts.

“Even though we opened the floral store,” said Shoutz, “I was still looking for something else to do. Loopy’s was the result of a few guys talking.”

The year was 2002, and Delano residents had their first exposure to Loopy’s Dollar Store. And Shoutz’s nickname was born.

“Kids and even adults, call me Mr. Loopy. I’ll be somewhere, and they’ll ask, ‘hey aren’t you the loopy man? or are you loopy?’” he laughed. “Just like Ron Howard being known as Richie Cunningham, this loopy thing – it’s a hard name to shake.”

There are 13 other Loopy’s Dollar stores in Minnesota,, where the slogan is, “One dollar, two dollar, half price.”

One never knows what they will find at this store, as the merchandise and the good deals are constantly changing, but one thing remains, Shoutz is there talking to customers and usually sporting one of his orange shirts.

“I even want to find an orange helmet,” he said, “to wear on my orange scooter with my orange shirt, but I haven’t found one yet.”

Another constant at Loopy’s are those working behind the counter. Shoutz’s mother, Marie Andres, father Douglas Shoutz, sister Cindy (Shoutz) Rammage, and other family members and friends have been or are part of the friendly customer service team.

During a visit with Shoutz, aka Mr. Loopy, one can’t help but notice his endless energy. He seems to always be rushing here or there and he loves to talk and, boy, can he talk fast.

“I like people and I like talking to people,” he said. “You gotta like what you are doing, and I do. It’s like a natural high. You know my last name is . . . Shoutz – as in loud mouth.”

The Shoutz’s have two daughters – Amber, who just graduated from Delano High School and will be attending Winona State University, and Paige, who is 13, and has a passion for dance.

In fact, on the evening of June 10, during his daughter’s dance recital, Shoutz was found on stage with a group of other dads performing in “Lord of the Dads.”

This was the sixth year he had taken part in a father dance group through Star Seekers Productions in Delano.

Away from the store, one can find Shoutz enjoying two of his favorite pastimes – bowling and golfing.

“I love golfing with my dad,” he said. “Eighteen holes, me, my dad, there’s just nothing better.”

Over the years, Shoutz has been very involved in the community. He spent about 16 years with the Delano Jaycees, where he served as president, gambling manager, and has received the Statesmen, Ambassador, and Senatorship honors.

His love of bowling led him to participate in the Wright County Bowling Association years ago, and he is now involved with this group again.

For his wife of 25 years, flowers and gardening continue to be her favorite activity.

“My wife, she just always wants to be out in that garden,” he said. “She isn’t happy unless she’s out in the dirt.”

As Shoutz continues to make a living one dollar at a time, one has to be envious of his energy.

“I have a hard time slowing down or shutting up,” he laughed. “And I am the first one at a party and the last one to leave.”