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.
Indianapolis entrepreneur Amy Brown founded Authenticx in 2018 with the idea that recorded customer conversations could unlock powerful insights for healthcare. Today, her company ingests more than 300 million conversations annually, with 75% of its revenue coming from pharmaceutical manufacturers. In this episode, she shares the aha! moment that sparked Authenticx, the company’s rapid growth and why she passionately believes Indiana is an ideal place to grow a cutting-edge AI business.
The bar is set sky high and Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter says he is ready for a season that Boiler fans hope will culminate in another trip to the Final Four, this one just 70 miles from campus in Indianapolis. In this episode, Painter talks expectations, the influence of legendary coach Gene Keady and the culture that defines Purdue hoops. He also reflects on the state of college basketball and navigating the game’s evolution while keeping Purdue among the nation’s elite.
Inside Indiana Business Host Gerry Dick recently sat down with Indiana Governor Mike Braun in his Statehouse office for an extended interview. In a wide-ranging conversation, the entrepreneur-turned-politician touched on economic development, who pays for data centers, property taxes and much more, including his interest in an emerging technology corridor connecting a big swath of the state. In a special edition of the Business & Beyond podcast, we present the full 25-minute interview.
Ivy Tech Community College has grown into the largest singly accredited public community college system in the nation and plays a critical role in fueling Indiana’s talent pipeline. In this episode, new President Dr. Marty Pollio shares his vision for the college, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and the crucial role the business community plays. Pollio also reflects on his personal journey — from the son of a college basketball coach to teacher, coach, and now leader of one of Indiana’s most important institutions.
Tamika Catchings is more than a Hall of Fame basketball legend—she’s an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and global ambassador for the game. In this episode, she reflects on life after basketball, from empowering young players through Basketball Without Borders in Africa to building businesses and giving back to community. She also opens up with perspective on a critical time for the WNBA and what drives her to keep inspiring others long after her playing career ended.
From the Grand Park Sports Campus to new housing developments and a revitalized downtown, Westfield is a city on the rise. In this episode, Mayor Scott Willis reflects on Westfield’s transformation and looks ahead to what’s next. Can Westfield become the sports capital its leaders envision?
Indiana’s largest construction firm is under new leadership as Pat Kenney becomes the fourth-generation family member to serve as president of F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. In this episode, Kenney talks tradition, the state of the construction industry and the 102-year-old firm’s role in shaping the Indiana skyline.
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Eckerle, PNC Bank’s regional president for central and southern Indiana, for an inside look at the state of banking and how technology is transforming the industry. Jason shares his journey to the president’s office and why community service remains a cornerstone of vision for the bank. The conversation also explores the business value behind PNC’s sponsorship of Chip Ganassi Racing and IndyCar star Scott Dixon—and why the partnership matters on and off the track. Start your dollar a week trial now at IBJ.com/trialoffer Check out our event lineup and register now at IBJ.com/Register Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at IBJ.com/Nominate
A new arena, rapid growth, and record economic development are transforming the city of Noblesville. In this episode, Mayor Chris Jensen, a Noblesville native, shares how his deep personal connection to the city shapes his leadership, the vision behind the new arena, and the delicate balance between honoring the past and building for the future. Start your dollar a week trial now at IBJ.com/trialoffer Check out our event lineup and register now at IBJ.com/Register Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at IBJ.com/Nominate
In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Pence Becker — former television news anchor turned entrepreneur and niece of former Vice President Mike Pence. She shares her journey from the anchor desk to entrepreneurship, offering candid insights on making a career pivot and balancing life as a mother of four boys. She also reflects on lessons learned from her high-profile political family and how those experiences have shaped her perspective on leadership, life, and resilience. Start your dollar a week trial now at IBJ.com/trialoffer Check out our event lineup and register now at IBJ.com/Register Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at IBJ.com/Nominate
In this episode, ESPN NFL reporter Stephen Holder provides a front-row perspective on the high stakes for the Indianapolis Colts heading into a new season and if Anthony Richardson will be under center game one. The veteran sports journalist also weighs in on pay equity for the WNBA, the evolution of sports media and his journey from South Florida to Indiana---and why he’s stayed. Start your dollar a week trial now at IBJ.com/trialoffer Check out our event lineup and register now at IBJ.com/Register Discover which programs are accepting nominations now at IBJ.com/Nominate