Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

For nearly four decades, Cindy Hoye has been a driving force behind one of Indiana’s most beloved institutions: the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Hoye joined the Fairgrounds staff in 1988 as marketing director and became executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission in 2002. During her tenure, she led unprecedented growth and transformation, including more than $250 million in new buildings and improvements. In this conversation, she reflects on the milestones, challenges and deeply personal connections that have shaped her career. A thoughtful look back at a remarkable career—and the legacy of a leader who helped transform one of Indiana’s most treasured traditions.

For episode 100, we begin a two-part Business & Beyond podcast with the one and only Dan Dakich. From his first recruiting trip to IU to playing for Bob Knight to his career as a firebrand media personality, this Gary native has lots of stories to tell. And he tells them with the passion, and humor, you’ve come to expect from the guy who shut down Michael Jordan.

From Feb. 22, 2022: From an Italian refugee camp to the pinnacle of motorsports, Mario Andretti has led a life of excitement and accomplishment.  And his need for speed started at a very young age. In this episode, the only man to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and Formula One World Championship opens up about immigrating to the United States, his love for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a movie that started it all.

In this episode, Gerry sits down with John Fernandez, the CEO of Amplify Bloomington—a bold new public-private partnership designed to transform the region’s economic future. The former Bloomington Mayor shares the vision behind the initiative and why this moment is different from past efforts. It’s a conversation about place, purpose, and what it takes to reimagine a community’s future.

In this episode, longtime Sporting News columnist and Big Ten Network analyst Mike DeCourcy joins Gerry to break down how IU pulled off one of the most unlikely title runs in modern college football history. He also weighs in on the seismic shifts reshaping college athletics and if this new business model is sustainable. With decades of national perspective, DeCourcy offers insight, context, and clarity on where the college game is headed. And, oh yes, he talks some hoops, too.

From opera houses to roaring arenas, Jim Cornelison’s voice has become part of the soundtrack of American sports. “The Anthem Singer” first captured hearts with his powerful rendition of the National Anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games, but his powerful baritone can also be heard in some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In this episode, Jim sits down with Gerry Dick and opens up about what it takes to deliver when the lights are brightest and why singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” carries special meaning. It’s a powerful conversation about passion, preparation, and the voice behind some unforgettable moments.

Eric Tobias has built companies, backed founders, and helped shape one of the Midwest’s most influential startup ecosystems—but his latest venture hits much closer to the heart. In this episode, the Indianapolis serial entrepreneur takes us through his remarkable innovation journey in a conversation that goes far beyond spreadsheets and software. Eric opens up about his lifelong love of music—and how that passion led him and a group of partners to purchase the iconic Vogue Theatre. It’s a wide-ranging and inspiring look at what happens when entrepreneurship meets passion, and how one founder is working to ensure that both startups and stages in Indianapolis continue to shine.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins Gerry Dick for a candid and wide-ranging conversation centered on his new book, Urban Republican Mayor: My Story. The two-term Republican reflects on the defining moments of his tenure—from major infrastructure investments and a Super Bowl to reshaping the city’s quality of life through projects like the Cultural Trail. He also speaks openly about the political and cultural challenges of leading a growing urban city as a Republican, including the controversial RFRA debate that divided Indiana and drew national attention. It’s an honest look at leadership, legacy, and the evolving politics of urban America—told by a mayor who helped put Indianapolis on the global stage.

A special edition of the Business and Beyond podcast presented by PNC looks back at the Bob and Tom Show by hitting play on memorable clips and rewinding through the stories behind them. Host Gary Dick revisits highlights with Tom Griswold and features conversations with Bob Kevoian, Kristi Lee, Jimmy “Mad Dog” Matis, Pat Carlini and Mark Patrick. Hear how Bob and Tom’s chemistry took shape, how the cast and characters found their fit, and how the show’s comedy, bits and voices grew alongside Indianapolis. Along the way: Mark Patrick’s impressions, behind the scenes writing routines, the early studio days, and stories tied to the Colts, Peyton Manning and a surprise spin at the Speedway with Al Unser Jr. Subscribe to Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick - https://apple.co/3La5uJn Episodes with the BOB & TOM Show cast: Tom Griswold on the History of the BOB & TOM Show - https://apple.co/49PhMju Bob Kevoian: Radio Legend on Cruise Control - https://apple.co/3Nggg19 Kristi Lee: When Hard Work Meets Opportunity - https://apple.co/4sAXMsq Mark Patrick: Born to Entertain - https://apple.co/4svYwPH Jimmy Mad Dog Matis: Right Place, Right Time with the Right Stuff - https://apple.co/45z7mCc Pat Carlini: From Buckeye to Hoosier, a Media Trailblazer - https://apple.co/4suyjRj The BOB & TOM Show podcast - https://apple.co/4jDtzVA

In this episode, radio legend Tom Griswold joins Gerry for a wide-ranging and revealing conversation about one of the most enduring success stories in American radio. The long- time host of The Bob & Tom Show takes listeners back to the very beginning—his first meeting with co-host Bob Kevoian in a Michigan bar---and how a chemistry that couldn’t be scripted turned into decades of laughter and loyalty. It’s an insightful, funny, and thoughtful look at the work ethic, creativity, and resilience behind one of radio’s most iconic voices. Part two - https://apple.co/4jBfx6R

In this episode, Gerry Dick sits down with the dean of sportswriters covering the Indianapolis Colts. Mike Chappell reflects on his 40 years chronicling the team’s highs, lows and legends. From the franchise’s arrival to the Peyton Manning era and beyond, Chappell shares stories that shaped both the team and the city. It’s a candid, inside-the-locker-room conversation about the evolution of one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.

In this episode, Gerry Dick sits down with Indiana Furniture President and CEO Max Verkamp to explore the 120-year journey of one of Jasper’s most enduring companies. Founded in 1905 by German immigrants, Indiana Furniture has grown into a nationally respected manufacturer while remaining deeply rooted in its Southern Indiana community. Verkamp shares how the family-owned company strikes the right balance between automation and traditional craftsmanship and the strong community spirit that has shaped Jasper into a powerhouse in office furniture manufacturing.

Indy 500 champion and fan favorite Tony Kanaan joins Gerry Dick for a wide-ranging and emotional conversation about one of the sport’s most remarkable careers. He reflects on what it means to be an Indy 500 champion, his improbable journey to Victory Lane and his current transition from the cockpit to team principal at Arrow McLaren. It’s an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance and the enduring magic of the Indy 500.

In this episode, former elite cyclist and four-time national champion Tom Hanley shares how tragedy reshaped his purpose and how passion, grit, and vision have helped him grow one of Indiana’s most important youth-serving nonprofits. After a devastating accident ended his racing career, he founded Nine13 sports to give back to the community that supported him during recovery. It’s the story of one leader’s determination to make life better for the next generation.

Lake City Bank CEO David Findlay joins Gerry Dick to discuss how one of Indiana’s largest community banks continues to grow while staying true to its local roots. Findlay shares insights on the bank’s long-term growth strategy, its commitment to remaining independent, and why community involvement remains central to its mission. He also reflects on his upbringing in Elkhart County and vision for the bank’s future in an evolving financial landscape.

On this episode, Gerry Dick sits down with Central Indiana Corporate Partnership CEO Melina Kennedy to discuss the organization’s growing role in shaping the economic future of Indianapolis and the state. We explore the major challenges and opportunities facing Indiana today — from workforce and talent pipelines to sector growth in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, agbioscience, and tech. It’s a forward-looking conversation about momentum, leadership, and building a stronger, more innovative Indiana.

Indiana Landmarks is at a turning point. After decades under the leadership of Marsh Davis, new CEO Brad Ward has taken the reins of one of the nation’s largest and most respected historic preservation organizations. In this episode, he shares his vision for balancing preservation with progress and how preserving historic buildings can fuel economic development and community revitalization. Ward also opens up about his roots in Jasper and what he sees as the biggest opportunities for Indiana’s built environment.

Indiana University Athletic Director Scott Dolson joins Gerry Dick for an inside look at IU’s stunning rise to the top of the college football world. He shares perspective on how a decisive coaching hire — Curt Cignetti — transformed the program and offers perspective on how the $92 million deal that kept Cignetti in Bloomington came together. Dolson also has plenty to say about new hoops coach Darian Devries and the unprecedented challenges of navigating the choppy, uncharted waters of college athletics.

Citizens Energy Group CEO Jeff Harrison joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of one of Indianapolis’ most enduring institutions. Harrison shares insights on Indiana’s energy outlook, what reliable energy means for economic growth, and completion of the DigIndy project—the multi-billion-dollar, 250-foot-deep engineering marvel. The Jeffersonville native and son of a bricklayer also reflects on how he learned the value of hard work and how those lessons remain with him today.

Republic Airways has become a major force in the regional airline industry—operating more than 1,000 daily flights and employing over 6,500 people. With a new high-tech headquarters campus about to open in Carmel and bold initiatives to tackle the national pilot shortage, Republic is shaping the future of aviation from its Indiana home. President Matt Koscal joins Gerry Dick to talk about the company’s growth, innovation, and the challenges facing the airline industry.