Bulldozer man becomes a cult hero

Posted: Mar 1, 2010 4:24 PM
Updated: Mar 1, 2010 4:24 PM

Friends of an Ohio man who has recently knocked down his own home and threatened to do the same to his business are trying to raise money to help him.

A printing company in Amelia is making 1,000 shirts and 1,000 hats that show a bulldozer under the words "Take 'Er Down," a reference to Terry Hoskins' use of a bulldozer to tear down his home earlier this month.

Guy Robinson runs the printing company. He said he's making the shirts and hats so Hoskins can sell them and help pay off his debt or rebuild his house.

"If they sell, great! If not, I just made a donation," said Robinson.

Hoskins destroyed the home as part of a lengthy dispute with the Internal Revenue Service and RiverHills Bank, which was moving to foreclose on the $350,000 home.

Since the story of the home's destruction made national headlines, Hoskins has become a folk hero to many for not letting the bank take his home, while others say that Hoskins has only himself to blame for his financial troubles.

Hoskins does have the support of many in his community. Several businesses in Amelia have agreed to sell the shirts and hats.

"People are just so behind us. It renews your faith in humanity that people are willing to stick together and stand up for something. It's nice to see that," said Hoskins' daughter Miranda.

Hoskins told reporters that his new lawyer is trying to negotiate with the bank to save his business property, which is due to go up for auction March 2 at an opening bid of $666,000.

Still, some wonder if the message of the shirts and hats is an ominous warning for what Hoskins will do to his business property if things don't go his way.

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