Local Matters

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Kendall Antron of the Made in Indy Podcast. They talk about the inspiration behind the podcast, the art of moving your creation from a hobby to a business, and the power of consistency. Sponsored by Indiana Originals, Indiana Gifts, and McFarling Foods. Look for a new episode of “Local Matters: An Indiana Origin...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with “Big George” Stergiopoulos, second-generation co-owner of The Greek Islands Restaurant and co-owner of Giorgio’s Pizza. Mel and Big George talk about growing up in the restaurant business, the decision to stay in the industry, and the role business owners—both big and small—play in creating and maintaining healt...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Stephanie Daily, creator of Send A Friend Lasagna. Mel and Stephanie talk about the “identity” difference from being a leader in the insurance business to becoming the “The Lasagna Lady,” how being an essential business became a big opportunity, and the importance of gratitude and giving back when it comes to ru...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Cathy Boone-Black, founder of Indiana Integrative Hypnosis. Mel and Cathy break down the myths of hypnosis, discuss how relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and stress symptoms, and how we can truly influence our children’s thoughts and behaviors. Sponsored by Indiana Originals, Indiana Gifts, and McFarling...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with JoDee Curtis of Purple Ink, LLC. They talk about why JoDee chose Purple Ink as her business name and the significance behind it, why you shouldn’t hire people exactly like you, and how not letting people go when they need to go could be your biggest managerial mistake. Sponsored by Indiana Originals, Indiana Gif...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Jason Acquisto of McFarling Foods. They talk about how the business grew from humble beginnings as a poultry processor to becoming one of the largest independently-owned broadline  food  distributors in Indiana, what it means to be a partner not a salesperson, and how to find happiness in your career....

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Leslie Bailey of Indy Maven. They talk about how not having a plan can sometimes open the door for important opportunities, the gap in the marketplace that inspired the launch of the lifestyle media company, and the positive impact of creating something worth building a community around. Sponsored by Indiana Ori...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Carla Mackie of Uplift Intimate Apparel. They talk about the positive physical and mental impact of appropriate undergarments, the faith it takes to start over, and the power of a community when independent business owners and their customers come together. Local Matters is brought to you by Indiana Originals, I...

On this episode of Local Matters: An Indiana Originals Podcast, Mel McMahon chats with Ted Gregorek of T Gregork AV Consulting. They talk about Ted's resistance to taking the path his father wanted for him, how working on the road with Van Halen and Pat Benetar sparked his career, and how much better the world can be when you support people doing what they love. Local Matters is brought to you by...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Tracy Land of Frangipani Body Products. Learn what inspired Tracy to start creating and selling her own plant-based skin care line, the lessons from her experience in the corporate IT and software world that influence her business practices, and how her hustle earned her products placement in stores in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and W...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Greg Bires, owner of Windsor Jewelry. They talk about the apprenticeship that led to Greg becoming the owner of the now 102 year old jewelry store, how power of customer service, and what business owners really need to be paying attention to in order to run a successful business. Local Matters is brought to you by Indiana Originals, Indiana....

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Cindy Hawkins, owner of Circle City Sweets. They talk about going from wanting to be a ballerina to becoming a World Dessert Championship competitor specializing in French pastry, the evolution of taking her baking from side-gig to full blown business, and how the support of the local community kept her business going through the pandemic. L...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Rob Laux Pottery By You & More. They talk about going from a college experience advisor to owning the state's largest pottery studio, how he changed his business model to keep all of his employees working during the pandemic, and how Pottery By You & More can bring out the artist in all of us. Local Matters is brought to you by India...

On this special episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon revisits our first 10 guests and asks "Why does local matter and why is it important to be known as an Indiana Original?" Hear unique answers from chats with our Indiana Originals members: Cari Hahn, Karma Candles & Kinds Mike Wright, Taxwright Brenda Jackson, Worthmore Academy Pat Sullivan, Sullivan Hardware & Garden and Allisonville H...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Dave Meeker of Bringing Technology to You about going from that boy on the farm selling giant squash to an entrepreneur helping executives and business owners use technology to increase revenue. Learn how breaking down silos gets more work done, how being adaptable makes you relevant, and how relationships and community are what really matte...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Faith Blackwell, of Faith Blackwell Photography about going from selling clothes to becoming one of the premier Indianapolis photographers for headshots, business branding, and events and transitioning into mixed media art. Learn why being known as an Indiana Original and supporting local really matters, and what you need to know about when...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Sandy Ziebold, CEO of Beacon of Hope Crisis Center about going from wanting to be a meteorologist to becoming the CEO of an nonprofit providing free advocacy and referral services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Learn how the organization faced the challenges of the pandemic, the increase in needed services in our communi...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Lauren Taylor, third generation owner of Holder Mattress Company, about going from being a creative writing major to a 20-year-old owner of a company on the verge of bankruptcy, what it took for others to take her seriously as a boss, and how selling mattresses is about more than just guaranteeing you a great night's sleep. Thanks for l...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Megan Martin of Hoosier Artisan Boutique about how she went from wanting to be a CIA Agent to becoming an advocate for the maker community, the transition of her 12 year in-person holiday market to an online show, and the difference your dollars make in our community when you chose to spend money with local businesses. Thanks for listen...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Beth Rovazzini of B&W Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drains about her journey of wanting to be a home ec teacher, to becoming an accountant, to eventually taking over the family business. Learn what it takes to work with co-owners, the origin of their signature big black trucks, and how taking care of your employees keeps the busi...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Pat Sullivan of Sullivan Hardware & Garden and Allisonville Home & Garden by Sullivan. They talk about taking over the family business, the support he has had while transitioning from traditional hardware stores to lifestyle stores, the importance of giving back to the important causes, and the role small business play in creating he...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Brenda Jackson of Worthmore Academy about quitting her job as a chemist at Lilly to open a school for children with learning challenges. Learn about the difference her school makes not only in the students but in our community and hear her share more about how, with a lot of passion and determination, nothing can get in your way of achieving...

On this episode of Local Matters, Mel McMahon chats with Mike Wright about going from a religious studies major to an accountant, what you need to know if you are starting your own business, and the benefit of working with local business owners.

On this episode of Local Matters Mel McMahon chats with Cari Hahn of Karma Candles & Kinds about the inspiration for starting her business, the customers that keep her motivated, and why she feels its important you support local. 

"Hi, I’m Mel McMahon, the co-founder of Indiana Originals and Indiana Gifts— I’ll introduce you to a different Indiana owner on each episode of “Local Matters” and share their incredible stories. …We talk about what it takes to get a business off the ground, the challenges and successes along the way, and we dig into why these local businesses matter to our communities.