Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Schutt, the newly appointed leader of Indiana’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. A self-described “accidental entrepreneur,” Schutt has been tapped by Governor Mike Braun to empower Hoosier innovators and grow “Main Street businesses.” He shares his vision for cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the challenges and opportunities facing...

When he was elected in 2015 at the age of 26, Matt Gentry was Indiana’s second-youngest mayor.  A decade later, he’s leading Lebanon through a dramatic transformation, headlined by Eli Lilly and Company’s $13 billion investment in the LEAP Innovation District. In this episode, he talks about the challenges and opportunities that change brings, leading at a young age and his vision for reshaping Le...

Meet Leah Koch-Blumhardt and Lauren Koch-Crosby, the fourth-generation owners of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari—America’s first theme park. From free soft drinks and sunscreen to top-ranked water rides, they talk about what makes the park special, the importance of storytelling, and how they’re tackling challenges like seasonal staffing, rising costs, and employee housing. It’s a fun look at how...

In this episode, veteran NFL coach and longtime Colts analyst Rick Venturi joins the show for a candid conversation about his decades-long relationship with Colts owner Jim Irsay. Venturi reflects on Irsay’s legacy, how he likely hoped to be remembered, and what lies ahead for the franchise under the Irsay daughters’ leadership. He also shares an early assessment of this year’s Colts team, from qu...

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 st...

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 hi...

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 p...

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...

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-...

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 t...

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 k...

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 bas...

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...

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 p...

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!...

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 int...

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...

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 grou...

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...

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.