The current economic slowdown hasn’t affected everyone within corporate America. In fact, it’s those choosing not to run the rat race who are succeeding.

Staff at The Asylum, 111 Welch Ave., have been trekking over to Boone during the week to ink and pierce patrons at a new parlor, Monkey Wrench, 803 Story St.

Tattoo artist Mump sees a larger clientele pool to pull from than just Ames residents.

“We wanted to try and get a different set of customers,” Mump says.

“Standing Stone did a lot of business over there and we’re starting to see a lot of people we haven’t seen before.”

When the shop opened a couple of months ago, those casually walking in seemed to be apprehensive.

“I’m starting to do more work now,” Mump says. “It seemed like people were scared to get work done.”

Mump says they had some guys they knew come over and have some work done at Monkey Wrench. Apparently the exposure paid off.

“We’ve tried to make people feel comfortable over there,” Mump says. “The other night, I tattooed for seven hours straight.”

“We do have some pretty loyal customers you can count on,” Mump says. “I have guys I tattoo every couple of weeks, but so does [Asylum owners] Hugo and Hot Rod.”

It just isn’t a loyal set of customers that has allowed the Asylum to venture west into Boone territory.

“I think we’re more in touch with what’s the cool stuff to get done,” Mump says. “I think our quality is better [than other shops].”

Monkey Wrench seems to be creating an atmosphere all its own. While the Asylum can be loud and boisterous at times, Monkey Wrench is “very relaxed and quiet” according to Mump. He hopes it is the “more laid back shop all of the time.”

Tattoo artist and owner Hugo Kenemer is confident in maintaining two shops.

“I hope it serves its purpose,” Hugo says. “It’ll be a chance for us to do some big, custom work.”

“College kids seem to want smaller work done.”

Monkey Wrench is open in Boone Monday through Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m.