Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

In this episode, we sit down with Deb Whitfield, the trailblazing mayor of Lawrence, Indiana — the first woman and first African American to hold the office in Marion County. Mayor Whitfield reflects on her first year in office, sharing insights into leading a city of 50,000 with a rich and diverse population. She highlights Lawrence's unique assets like Fort Benjamin Harrison and its expansive state park and discusses efforts to improve community-police relations through a new critical response team. She also outlines her vision for revitalizing the Pendleton Pike corridor with new housing and retail investment. It's a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and opportunity.

In this episode, we sit down with Collin Hilton, Chef de Cuisine at Cunningham Restaurant Group and a newly crowned World Food Champion. Hilton shares his journey from an unlikely start in the kitchen to winning big on a national stage—at the World Food Championships Final Table---and a $150,000 pay day. Known for his quiet confidence and precision, Hilton opens up about how cooking has changed his life, Indy's underrated food scene and the inspiration for his award-winning dishes.

In this episode, award-winning journalist and historian A'Lelia Bundles discusses her new biography, Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance. Bundles, the great-granddaughter of A'Lelia Walker and great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, shares what inspired her decades-long fascination with A'Lelia's life — an iconic figure of the Harlem Renaissance known for her legendary parties and cultural impact. She also reflects on Indianapolis, her career in network television and why storytelling still matters.

In this episode, we sit down with the new president of the University of Southern Indiana — and the first USI graduate to ever lead the university. Steven Bridges shares his vision, including the highly anticipated transition to Division I athletics and what it means for the campus community. We also dive into the challenges facing higher education and his focus on connecting with community. It's a forward-looking conversation about leadership, opportunity, and the path ahead during uncertain times.

From a pool side inspiration in the Dominican Republic to store shelves across the country, Jill and Bryce Morrison have turned a vacation idea into a nationally distributed sensation. They are the co-founders of Mom Water—fruit-infused vodka water that's taken the alcohol industry by storm. In this episode, the couple from tiny Ferdinand, Indiana talk business, booze and their latest inspiration---Dad Water.

In this episode, former Purdue University President Mitch Daniels joins us for an inside look at the new $168 million Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue, which is now under construction. Daniels shares his vision for how the school will stand apart, producing a different kind of graduate. We also get his take on a range of timely topics, from tariffs and the future of higher education to the evolving landscape of college athletics.

May in Indianapolis is a month-long celebration of speed, tradition and community leading up to the iconic Indianapolis 500. At the heart of it all is the 500 Festival, a nonprofit fueling more than 30 community events and programs that are part what makes May in Indy so special. In this episode, 500 Festival CEO Bob Bryant talks about the organization's critical role and shares what it takes to keep the city's greatest tradition beating strong.

In this episode, we sit down with Ascension St. Vincent Carmel President Chad Dilley, to explore the fast-changing healthcare landscape in one of Indiana's fastest-growing counties. From explosive population growth to game-changing technology, we unpack the trends shaping the future of care in Central Indiana and beyond. Chad also shares his personal journey from small-town Illinois to college baseball and how those experiences laid the foundation for a career in healthcare leadership.

When Jennifer Wiese's son was diagnosed with autism, she went to work, searching for ways to support his health. And she started in the kitchen. That journey led to the creation of BeeFree, a line of gluten-free snacks that began with trial-and-error recipes and has grown into a nationally distributed brand, found in the nation's largest retailers. In this episode, Jennifer shares the heart behind her entrepreneurial journey and how passion and purpose have fueled her success.

From a vibrant downtown to a burgeoning U.S. 31 corridor, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam talks about her vision for a city that has undergone transformational change over the past three decades. Hear about her path to the mayor's office and how she is approaching this new chapter with a fresh perspective while capitalizing on the momentum of her predecessor, seven-term Mayor Jim Brainard.

In this episode, we sit down with Pat Brown, the CEO of Bloomington-based Oliver Winery, which started as a small, family-owned operation, but has grown into one of the 30 largest wineries in the nation. Brown brings experience from some of the biggest consumer brands in the country, but this is his first venture into the alcohol industry. A former college football linebacker, he shares the game plan for Oliver's future, including its growing national footprint.

In this episode, we sit down with Pat Brown, the CEO of Bloomington-based Oliver Winery, which started as a small, family-owned operation, but has grown into one of the 30 largest wineries in the nation. Brown brings experience from some of the biggest consumer brands in the country, but this is his first venture into the alcohol industry. A former college football linebacker, he shares the game plan for Oliver's future, including its growing national footprint.

When many people think of Goodwill, they think of those popular retail stores—but Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is doing more…a lot more. In this episode, we sit down with CEO Kent Kramer to discuss how Goodwill is transforming lives, from unique workforce training programs to innovative adult high schools across 10 states. They are even doing business in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico! Join us for an inspiring conversation about impact, opportunity, and second chances.

When many people think of Goodwill, they think of those popular retail stores—but Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is doing more…a lot more. In this episode, we sit down with CEO Kent Kramer to discuss how Goodwill is transforming lives, from unique workforce training programs to innovative adult high schools across 10 states. They are even doing business in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico! Join us for an inspiring conversation about impact, opportunity, and second chances.

Dr. Jon Kulaga, the 10th president of Indiana Wesleyan University, joins the podcast this week to outline his strategic vision for Indiana's largest private university. Kulaga discusses the launch of a unique vocational training initiative aimed at addressing Indiana's skilled labor shortage and details IWU's ambitious expansion plans, including transformation of the Fort Wayne regional campus into a healthcare education hub. There are big plans on the Marion campus, too, including new athletic and hospitality facilities. Kulaga also reflects briefly on how growing up in Flint, Michigan, influenced his views on education and vocational training. He projects significant enrollment growth and an increased national profile for the university over the next decade.

Dr. Jon Kulaga, the 10th president of Indiana Wesleyan University, joins the podcast this week to outline his strategic vision for Indiana's largest private university. Kulaga discusses the launch of a unique vocational training initiative aimed at addressing Indiana's skilled labor shortage and details IWU's ambitious expansion plans, including transformation of the Fort Wayne regional campus into a healthcare education hub. There are big plans on the Marion campus, too, including new athletic and hospitality facilities. Kulaga also reflects briefly on how growing up in Flint, Michigan, influenced his views on education and vocational training. He projects significant enrollment growth and an increased national profile for the university over the next decade.

From artists and designers to musicians and filmmakers, it is estimated that the creative class employs more than 81,000 workers and contributes more than $9 billion to the state's Gross Domestic Product. But the Hoosier state is often overlooked as a hub for creative talent. In this episode, Pattern, Inc. Executive Director Polina Osherov explains how that is changing and why a thriving arts and cultural scene will be key to the state's future.

From artists and designers to musicians and filmmakers, it is estimated that the creative class employs more than 81,000 workers and contributes more than $9 billion to the state's Gross Domestic Product. But the Hoosier state is often overlooked as a hub for creative talent. In this episode, Pattern, Inc. Executive Director Polina Osherov explains how that is changing and why a thriving arts and cultural scene will be key to the state's future.

In this special episode, we take you inside the extraordinary collection of music, art, and culture amassed by Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Join us as we sit down with Larry Hall, the chief curator of The Jim Irsay Collection, a treasure trove of rare pieces from the most iconic names in the world of entertainment and historical artifacts that tell the story of music and pop culture.

In this special episode, we take you inside the extraordinary collection of music, art, and culture amassed by Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Join us as we sit down with Larry Hall, the chief curator of The Jim Irsay Collection, a treasure trove of rare pieces from the most iconic names in the world of entertainment and historical artifacts that tell the story of music and pop culture.

From Peyton Manning's post-game pilgrimages to its eye-watering shrimp cocktail, St. Elmo is known around the globe as an iconic Indianapolis destination. In this episode, Huse Culinary CEO and Co-Owner Craig Huse talks steak, sports and stories from behind the scenes at the legendary steakhouse. He also says more growth---both inside and outside of Indiana---is on the menu for the restaurant group.

She grew up in the shadow of the Pentagon, spent 20 years with Habitat for Humanity and is now leading Bloomington in a time of economic transition. In this episode, Mayor Kerry Thomson talks about how she fell in love with the city and what she sees as keys to a new path forward.

In this episode, we sit down with a third-generation member of the Dahm family to talk about the vision, values and culture that have propelled Crew Carwash into an industry powerhouse. Founded more than 70 years ago in Fort Wayne as Indiana's first automated car wash, Crew now boasts 45 locations in Indiana and Minnesota. Executive Vice President Sally Grant explains how technology, training and tenacity are pushing that number higher.

What is the economic outlook for Indiana and how does it compare to the rest of the nation? Ball State economist Mike Hicks joins us for an insightful discussion on the Hoosier economy that is generally upbeat, but with some definite concerns as well.

In this episode, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness talks about the bold decision to build the new 7,500 seat Fishers Event Center and the more than $1 billion in investment that continues to transform one of Indiana's fastest growing cities. He also talks about future investment in the city's downtown, the life sciences and motorsports and why Fishers is on track to become Indiana's third-largest city.

For the first time ever, WWE is putting its three largest events---Royal Rumble, WestleMania and SummerSlam---in one city. In this episode, we sit down with WWE Executive Vice President Chris Legentil and Indiana Sports Corporation President Patrick Talty to talk economic impact, global exposure and how Indy pulled off the hat trick.

It was created to build the Indiana Convention in what was then a sleepy downtown Indianapolis. Sixty years later,  the Capital Improvement Board is responsible for the highest profile venues in Indy---from Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse to Victory Field and what is now one of the ten largest convention centers in the nation. CIB Executive Director Andy Mallon gives us an inside look at the projects that have shaped the city's infrastructure and exciting plans on the horizon to enhance Indy's culture and economy.  

In this episode we sit down with Trevor Yager, the dynamic founder of TrendyMinds, who grew the company from a student venture into one of the largest full-service marketing firms in Indiana. Trevor shares his journey as an entrepreneur, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a successful business while keeping people first along the way.

As he prepares to leave office, Eric Holcomb sits down with Gerry Dick for a special vodcast, reflecting on his two terms as Indiana Governor. From defining moments to navigating a global pandemic to record economic development,  he shares personal stories, lessons learned, and his vision for Indiana's future.  

You could call him Mr. Roncalli. Chuck Weisenbach grew up in the shadow the of southside Indianapolis High School, graduated there and for the past 39 years has led the Blue Ribbon school. In this episode, the Roncalli president offers perspective on a resurgence in Catholic education, the evolving state of education in Indiana and the important role of the private sector.

In his more than 25 years in the entertainment business, Elevate Entertainment & Event Support Services CEO Andy Wilson has seen Indianapolis' emergence as a music city. From small venues to Taylor Swift, Indy is making its mark as a destination for prime-time performers, and that means some high notes for the city's brand and economy.

Girl Scout Cookie season. It is a beloved tradition that has provided enormous financial support and entrepreneurial experiences for generations of young girls. And while Girl Scouts of Central Indiana sells more than 3 million boxes of cookies annually, CEO Danielle Shockey says it is just a fraction of a new and deeper mission to empower girls to become leaders. And it's grabbing national headlines.  

For nearly 40 years, Shepherd Community Center has stayed true to its simple yet powerful mission of “breaking the cycle of poverty.” The Indianapolis east side nonprofit is in the business of changing lives-- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. In this episode, the center's passionate CEO, Jay Height, talks about Shepherd's enormous impact, the challenges of increasing demand for services and what he sees as an emerging epidemic: loneliness.

He's a musician. A cheesemaker. A game designer. A filmmaker. But most of all, Tommy Reddicks is an educator. In this episode, find out how this Wyoming native-turned Hoosier has combined his diverse background with a passion for education to create Paramount Schools of Excellence and why it's a model grabbing national attention.

While Indiana has obvious strengths in the life sciences, from the private sector to world class academic institutions, does it have what it takes to be a global leader? Biocrossroads CEO Vince Wong believes the answer is an unequivocal yes. In this episode he makes the case for Indiana as a life sciences epicenter and offers perspective on the impact that could have.

From Artificial Intelligence to shifting patient care models, healthcare delivery is undergoing transformational change. In this episode, Community Health Network Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Patrick McGill talks technology, accessibility and the biggest challenges facing the healthcare system in Indiana.

In January, the Indy Ignite will give Indiana its first look at professional volleyball. The Ignite are set to open play in the eight-team Pro Volleyball Federation in the new Fishers Events Center. General Manager and President MK Huse gives us an inside look at what fans can expect, and why she wants the team's impact to extend far beyond the court.

Kathryn Haigh entered the University of Cincinnati with designs on a career in fashion. But an art history class would change all that and ignite her passion for museums. In this episode, the first female CEO of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art talks about career, her vision for the museum and what she views as a cultural transformation in Indy.

“It's been exciting and energizing to see firsthand…and then think about how we can grow even more.” She grew up near Boston, but Vanessa Green Sinders is now very much a Hoosier. In this episode, the CEO of the Indiana Chamber talks about her path from small town New England to the heart of the Midwest, and her vision to elevate Indiana on a global stage.

For 25 consecutive years, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has been ranked as the top undergraduate engineering college in the nation. In this episode, President Robert Coons talks rankings, enrollment and an innovative effort to extend the school's reach far beyond the confines of campus.

She's young, tough and has a passion to push herself to the limit. Meet racer and mechanical engineer Sabre Cook and find out what drives her to succeed in the male-dominated world of motorsports and why she's determined to help more women enter the sport.

Three years after opening its first U.S. plant in Massachusetts, Switzerland-based Endress+Hauser made the surprising decision to move operations to Indiana. 50 years later, the electronic instrument manufacturer is in the midst of a $50 million expansion at its Greenwood headquarters, which is now home to more than 700 employees. General Manager Todd Lucey talks about a chance meeting that brought the company to Indiana, growth and the company's approach to building a robust talent pipeline.  

Against daunting odds, Carlotta Berry earned bachelor's degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering from Spelman College and Georgia Tech and a PhD from Vanderbilt. While at Georgia Tech, something stood out to her: the lack of female and African American students and faculty in the engineering program. In this episode, this trailblazing techie talks about her passion to be a change agent and how her groundbreaking work at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is attracting global attention.

For decades, the Rohrman name has been synonymous with the Indiana car business---and some wacky commercials. Today, Rohrman Automotive Group has grown into a network of 22 dealerships across three states and next generation CEO Ryan Rohrman sees more growth on the road ahead. In this episode he talks about the importance of people, technology, and his late-grandfather's influence.

She grew up in Indianapolis with designs on a career as a television journalist. Little did Brandi Davis-Handy know her passion for storytelling would bring her back home to lead a utility. In this episode, the president of AES Indiana talks energy transition, the impact on community and Indiana's opportunity for “historic growth.”

He was a triple major in math, history and philosophy at Notre Dame and earned a PhD in Oceanography from the University of Delaware. But James Mueller would choose public service over academics, coming home to lead his hometown as mayor.  In this episode, he talks about challenges and opportunities, his relationship with Pete Buttigieg, and why he thinks South Bend is positioned to exceed “even the wildest expectations.”

His passion for preservation will serve as a lasting legacy. Marsh Davis is retiring after leading Indiana Landmarks for 18 years, growing it into the largest statewide preservation group in the nation. In this episode, he talks about the importance of saving historic structures, what it means to Hoosier communities and the economy and why for him, it's personal.

For longtime Indiana Golf Executive Director Mike David, these are heady times.  The governing body of golf in the Hoosier state has broken ground on a $6.5 million headquarters and interactive Hall of Fame and play at the state's more than 400 courses continues on the upswing. In this episode, the Columbus, Indiana native talks about golf's $2 billion economic impact in Indiana and why he says the state of the game has never been better.

She was one of the hottest names in Indy media on the 1980s. From TV weather to radio diva, Pat Carlini was a household name. In this episode, she talks about her career path and her new goals, post media.

Bill Hanna is in rare company, one of the few in the U.S. military to have the distinct honoring of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a big part of his path to a career as a servant leader in Indiana. Bill talks about his time at Anderson University, the challenges of serving in the military and his role in helping to transform northwest Indiana's economy.

The broadcasting bug bit Betsy Ross in sixth grade while growing up in her hometown of Connersville, Indiana. Her dreams of a career in journalism led her to anchoring at ESPN, becoming one of the first women to emerge on the national TV sports scene. Betsy Ross talks about being a pioneer for women in journalism, the NIL, her time on the anchor desk in Indianapolis and what she's up to now.