Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

From a dramatic resurgence downtown to billions of dollars in technology and data center investment, South Bend is writing a new chapter in its economic story. In this episode, Gerry Dick talks with South Bend Regional Chamber CEO Jeff Rea about the forces driving momentum, including the University of Notre Dame's growing influence and prominent profile. It's a conversation about a region moving b...

When Dan Elsener became president of Marian College more than 25 years ago, the institution was facing financial crisis, declining enrollment and an uncertain future. Today, Marian University is a dramatically different place—a growing, nationally recognized university with a medical school, an engineering school, a championship-caliber athletic program and a much bigger footprint in Indiana highe...

Where is Indiana’s economy headed, and what will it take for the state to remain competitive in the race for new investment and jobs? On this episode, Gerry sits down with Ginovus CEO Larry Gigerich to discuss the forces shaping economic development in Indiana and across the country. The nationally recognized economic development executive offers perspective on the latest investment trends, the in...

Indiana’s First Lady Maureen Braun joins Gerry for a wide-ranging conversation about her journey from growing up in small town Indiana to becoming the state’s First Lady—and the nearly 50-year entrepreneurial quest that has defined much of her life. She shares her love for Indiana, memories of growing up in Jasper and when she first met Mike Braun---in grade school. It’s a personal conversation ab...

On this episode, Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Paul Neidig joins Gerry to talk about the forces transforming high school athletics—from NIL and the transfer portal to travel sports---and how the IHSAA is responding. The long-time educator also shares his perspective as a former Indiana high school athlete and why that personal connection gives him a special appreciation for...

His first radio studio was his childhood bedroom, where he laid down his own broadcasts on a cassette recorder. Today, that bedroom broadcaster from central Ohio remains a mainstay on one of America’s most iconic radio shows. On this episode, Chick McGee takes us on a candid and entertaining journey through his 50 years in radio, including how he first connected with the legendary BOB & TOM Show a...

In this episode, Gerry sits down with Indiana Destination Development Corporation CEO Amy Howell to talk about the surprising economic power of tourism and how billions of dollars in visitor spending are helping drive Indiana’s economy. We explore what’s behind the state’s continued tourism growth, from sports tourism and major events to agritourism and Indiana’s unique destinations and experience...

In this episode, Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock joins Gerry to talk about surging growth across Indiana's three ports, the critical role they play in the state's economy and why Indiana's location gives it a bigger role in global commerce than many Hoosiers realize. Peacock takes us inside the strategy and investments transforming Indiana's port system, the opportunities ahead and why embracing...

Purdue University in Indianapolis is charting a new course—and creating a new model for how a university can connect with a city and its businesses community. In this episode, Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer David Umulis talks about what it means for the university, the city and the state. But Umulis’ own story may be the most remarkable part of the conversation. A first-generation coll...

For more than 40 years, Jean Wojtowicz has built Cambridge Capital Management into a uniquely Indiana success story. The company has carved out a niche, helping businesses access funding when traditional bank financing may not be the right fit. Cambridge Capital launched in 1983 and has now surpassed $1 billion in funding to more than 2,000 Indiana companies. In this episode, Wojtowicz talks about...

In this episode, the creator and host of the popular Get IN podcast provides perspective on his travels crisscrossing the state to tell the stories of interesting, innovative and inspiring Hoosiers. The native of small town Indiana also shares his passion for the state, what’s next for Get IN and his growing platform and why Indiana needs to do a better job of telling its own story.

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for another NFL season, we’re going back into the archives for a memorable conversation with legendary Colts beat writer Mike Chappell. He reflects on more than four decades chronicling the Colts—from the franchise’s arrival in Indianapolis and the team’s early struggles to the Peyton Manning era, Super Bowl glory and the generations of players and personalities w...

As USA Gymnastics prepares for LA 2028, it is planting deep roots in Indiana with a new headquarters and wellness center in Noblesville, and CEO Kyle Albrecht says it's about much more than bricks and mortar. On this episode, Albrecht explains why USA Gymnastics chose central Indiana, how Indianapolis' reputation as a sports capital helped seal the deal, and what the state-of-the-art campus will m...

Purdue University in Indianapolis could reshape Indiana’s tech economy by placing more engineering, computer science and STEM students closer to employers. Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, tells Gerry Dick that the university has focused first on supporting current students, aligning faculty and academic standards with West Lafayette, and establishing the Indianapolis campus...

The Indiana State Fair is more than an annual summer tradition—it's a major economic engine. In this episode, Gerry talks with Indiana State Fair Commission Executive Director Ray Allison as the fair prepares to open its gates for the 174th time!  Allison shares what fairgoers can expect this year, a new year-round business model for the fairgrounds and why the fair remains an important part...

When Latha Ramchand accepted the job as the inaugural chancellor of IU Indianapolis, she inherited one of the biggest transformations in the history of higher education in Indiana. Following the separation of IUPUI into independent campuses, Ramchand is helping define a new identity for the state's largest research university.  On this episode, she discusses her vision for IU Indianapolis and...

From the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Fours to Taylor Swift and the WWE, few venues in America host a more diverse lineup of marquee events than Lucas Oil Stadium. On this episode, General Manager Eric Neuburger takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the busiest stadiums in the country, detailing its enormous economic impact and role in reinforcing Indianapolis' reputation as one of the nation's...

After four decades in the fire service, Ernest Malone has witnessed dramatic change—from fighting fires with traditional tactics to leading one of the nation's busiest urban departments in an era of advanced technology, emergency medicine and complex public safety challenges. On this episode, Chief Malone reflects on his career, the evolution of the Indianapolis Fire Department and what it takes t...

Thirty years ago, many questioned whether the WNBA would survive. Today, it's one of the hottest properties in sports. In this special edition, Gerry Dick sits down with Val Ackerman, the league's founding president, and Kelly Krauskopf, who helped launch the Indiana Fever and now oversees one of the league's most valuable franchises. They explore the league’s 30-year journey—from financial uncert...

As many colleges struggle with enrollment and financial challenges, in the shadow of the Golden Dome Saint Mary's College is charting a different course.  President Katie Conboy joins Gerry to discuss the college's record fundraising success, growing enrollment and academic offerings.  She also shares her perspective on the future of higher education, the value of a women's college and the importa...

Five years after opening its doors, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has become one of the region's biggest success stories. On this episode of Business & Beyond, Gerry Dick sits down with President Matt Schuffert to discuss how the casino has carved out a winning formula in one of the nation's most competitive gaming markets.  A Northwest Indiana native, Schuffert also reflects on the personal p...

Former Vice President Mike Pence joins the podcast to discuss his new book, What Conservatives Believe, and why he sees an inflection point for the Republican Party. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pence argues that the GOP must return to core conservative principles—limited government, fiscal discipline, and constitutional governance. He also reflects on his time in the Trump White House, offerin...

From the backseat of a Volkswagen van to a billion-dollar business, Chuck Surack’s path to success continues to serve as an inspiration in Indiana and beyond. In this episode, Gerry Dick sits down with the founder and chairman of Sweetwater Sound as he shares the ups and downs of transforming a one man music business into the nation’s largest online music instrument retailer, all while keeping the...

Northwest Indiana is rewriting its story—and people are taking notice. From the generational expansion and double tracking of the South Shore Line to quality-of-life projects reshaping communities across the region, northwest Indiana is attracting new residents, new business interest, and a new sense of confidence. In this episode, Northwest Indiana Forum CEO Heather Ennis shares why she believes...

Three Indianapolis 500 winners and the voice behind "Back Home Again in Indiana" share what makes the race unlike anything else in sports. This episode brings together highlights from conversations with 1969 champion Mario Andretti, 2008 winner Scott Dixon, 2013 champion Tony Kanaan, and national anthem singer Jim Cornelison. Andretti reflects on learning about Indianapolis as an 11-year-old in It...