Indiana 250 Off the Record

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports Entertainment and a legend in the real estate development industry. Herb discusses his storied career, from founding Simon Property Group with his brother Melvin to rescuing the Indiana Pacers. He shares his experiences being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and reflects on the growth of both the NBA and WNBA franchises under his ownership. Herb also talks about his contributions to the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis and the impact of having Caitlin Clark join the Indiana Fever.    Check out and subscribe to the video version of the podcast here  

After a fantastic season one, we are taking a few weeks break while we ramp up for Off the Record Season two. The Season two Off the Record show will now be available in video and will feature our new IBJ Media podcast studio. We have some amazing guests joining us in season two. You won’t want to miss our season opener with Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and recent inductee into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Listen to full length episodes that we highlighted from Season One Off the Record with Mike Pence  Off the Record with Mung Chiang Off the Record with Jim Ryan Off the Record with Pam Whitten 

After a fantastic season one, we are taking a few weeks break while we ramp up for Off the Record Season two. The Season two Off the Record show will now be available in video and will feature our new IBJ Media podcast studio. We have some amazing guests joining us in season two. You won’t want to miss our season opener with Herb Simon, owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment and recent inductee into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Listen to full length episodes that we highlighted from Season One   Off the Record with Mitch Daniels Off the Record with Jim Morris  Off the Record with Karrah Herring  Off the Record with Dennis Murphy

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Vanessa takes a deep dive into her extensive background in public affairs and executive leadership roles including her time working for two U.S. Senators and the non-partisan organization Campaign to Fix the Debt. Now leading the state’s largest business advocacy group, Vanessa discusses what it means to be the first female leader of the Indiana Chamber, the IN Prosperity 2035 economic vision plan, and what she views as Indiana’s ongoing opportunities and challenges.  

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman sits down with Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director and CEO of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. Born to Cuban immigrants in Brooklyn and raised in Miami, Mario opens up about his upbringing and unique perspective as a first generation American.  The discussion takes a deep dive into Mario’s incredible journey from captaining boats to his extensive leadership experience in the aviation industry.  Celebrating ten years at the helm of the Indianapolis International Airport, Mario shares what sets this IND apart, the team's community-driven approach, and upcoming projects like the new airport hotel. Mario also gives insights into the challenges of airport leadership particularly in the face of natural disasters such as his experience during Hurricane Katrina while in New Orleans and navigating the COVID pandemic.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Jefferson Shreve, an accomplished entrepreneur and the Republican nominee for Indiana's 6th congressional district. Shreve discusses his path from founding Storage Express in 1993 to selling it to Extra Space Storage, Inc. in 2022.  He also shares how his educational background in political science, international diplomacy, and agribusiness has prepared him for the job he is currently pursuing in Congress.  The discussion also touches on Shreve’s motivations for entering politics, his experience serving on the Indianapolis City County Council, his challenges in the mayoral race, and his current congressional campaign. 

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman sits down with Marianne Glick, a prominent Indianapolis philanthropist, businesswoman, and artist. The discussion revolves around the Glick family’s philanthropic initiatives, including the impactful TeenWorks program, the Housing Foundation, Glick Training Associates, and her recent gift and involvement with the Founders College at Butler University. Marianne shares insights into her upbringing, her first experiences in her family’s business, and her path to continuing her family's legacy. Marianne also discusses her passion for art, and her contributions to public art in Indianapolis including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Glick Peace Walk. 

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with the 48th Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. The discussion takes a deep dive into Pence’s extensive career in politics, highlighting key moments from his years in congress, as governor of Indiana and as Vice President of the United States.  He discusses in-depth the defining days and hours leading up to his certification of the 2020 election results, as well as his experiences working with President Donald Trump.   We also delve into the current state of the Republican party and its future.  The conversation also touches on Vice President Pence's personal life, his proudest moments in office and his experiences with the Secret Service. Vice President Pence shares his guiding principles and leadership lessons that couldn’t be more timely given today’s tumultuous political environment.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Christopher 'Toph' Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures. Toph shares his journey from growing up on a farm outside Lafayette, Indiana to becoming a serial entrepreneur, co-founding a number of successful businesses across multiple sectors while establishing himself as a leader in the venture capital space. Toph takes a deep dive into his entrepreneurial experiences, the pivotal role of partnerships, and what drew him to Elevate Ventures, one of the most active venture capital firms in the country.  The discussion also touches on Rally, a three-day global innovation conference, highlighting its $5 million pitch competition.  Toph also shares insights on the current entrepreneurial climate, ideas for driving the state forward, and why he refers to Indiana as the innovation capital of the world.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Old National Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Indiana.  Jim discusses his leadership style and Old National Bank’s acquisition strategy which has propelled them to one of the largest banks in America under Jim’s leadership.  Jim shares insights into his journey from an intern to CEO, emphasizing the importance of communication and relationship building, company culture and values. The conversation also touches on Jim’s leadership in the Evansville region, including significant economic development initiatives such a riverfront development and his view of how Indiana can continue to grow and thrive.  And you’ll learn about Jim’s dream of completing the 6,000-mile Great Loop!

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Claire Fiddian-Green, President and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Claire highlights the Foundation’s history and mission and takes a deep dive into specific current initiatives such as establishing a youth apprenticeship program, CEMETS iLab, and College Matters, all designed to improve education and workforce outcomes amid challenging trends.  Their discussion also touches on the Foundation’s focus on Hoosiers’ health, the opioid crisis, and the development of programs around treatment and prevention.  Claire also shares her journey from South Africa to Indiana, her diverse career including stints in the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, as well as her extensive engagement in the community and philosophy on leadership, service, and work life balance.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Scott Davison, President and CEO of OneAmerica. Scott shares his passion and decades of experience with swimming, ultimately leading to his current role as co-chair of the 2024 US Olympic Swimming Team Trials taking place in Indianapolis this month.  Scott takes a deep dive into the preparations in and around Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as all the activities happening downtown in connection with the Swimming Trials, expecting to bring in a quarter of a million people and $100 million of economic impact. Scott discusses the long history of Indiana’s swimming culture and the Legacy Project taking place in conjunction with the Swimming Trials, having a multigenerational impact on Hoosiers for years to come.  The discussion also delves into Scott’s extensive experience in the insurance industry, his leadership at OneAmerica, and his philanthropic efforts such as the Personalized Learning Center at Marion University.  

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Melina Kennedy, CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). Melina discusses her extensive work in business, government, politics, and nonprofit over the last 25 years as well as her current role and its focus on growing key sectors of Indiana’s economy. Having grown up in Chicago, Melina reflects on her upbringing, what brought her to Indiana, as well as what led her to make Indiana her permanent home.  Melina takes a deep dive into the importance of attracting and retaining young talent in Indiana, the opportunities unique to the state, and CICP’s efforts through its public awareness campaign, See Yourself IN.   Melina also shares important lessons learned through her experiences growing up and throughout her career, her extensive international travel, and individuals having a lasting impact on her career development.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Bob Vitoux, CEO of OrthoWorx, an organization aimed at maintaining Warsaw, Indiana's status as the Orthopedic Capital of the World. They delve into Bob's extensive background in the orthopedics industry, his journey from public accounting to leading OrthoWorx, and the history and significance of the orthopedic sector in Warsaw. They discuss the origins of the industry in the late 1800s, the impact of key figures like Dane Miller, and the role of OrthoWorx in fostering innovation and talent retention within the industry.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Mickey Maurer, a distinguished member of the inaugural Indiana 250 class and a prominent figure in Indiana's business and philanthropic communities. They explore Mickey’s multifaceted career, from his beginnings in an entrepreneurial family in Indianapolis to his impactful roles in state government, media, and beyond. Mickey’s journey includes serving as the first president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation under Governor Mitch Daniels, a successful stint in law, and his adventures in entrepreneurship which span various industries such as cable television, banking, filmmaking, books, and newspapers. He also shares insights into his failure at retirement, his passion for philanthropy exemplified by Mickey's Camp, and his noteworthy contributions to education and local communities.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Ersal Ozdemir, founder of the commercial real estate company Keystone Group and founder of the Indy Eleven professional soccer team. Ersal shares his journey from Turkey to Indiana, his path to Purdue University, and his decision to establish a life and business in Indianapolis. We discuss his involvement in some of the most significant real estate developments in central Indiana, including downtown office conversion to residential and mixed-use developments, how his passion for soccer led him to start the professional soccer franchise Indy Eleven, and his future plans, including Eleven Park which will include a world-class soccer stadium.  Finally, Ersal reflects on the vital role sports and quality living environments play in enhancing a city's attractiveness for attracting and retaining talent.  

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Jim Morris, Vice Chair of Pacer Sports & Entertainment. Jim reflects on his influential leadership journey in Indianapolis and beyond and shares insights from his time as Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard Lugar, highlighting Lugar's inclusive leadership and commitment to community building. He discusses the importance of a vibrant downtown and the success of Indianapolis' sports strategy in transforming the city's reputation and economy, his experience at the United Nations World Food Program, the significance of the separation of IUPUI into two distinct university campuses, and emphasizes the value of building relationships and bipartisanship for the collective advancement of Indianapolis.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Sue Ellspermann, former Indiana Lieutenant Governor and current President of Ivy Tech Community College, the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Sue shares her leadership journey, covering her experiences working with Fortune 500 companies, running her own consulting business, serving in politics, and later leading Ivy Tech. She emphasizes Ivy Tech's role in providing high-quality, affordable education and their commitment to meeting Indiana's workforce needs. They also touch on the Green to Gold partnership with Purdue, the Nursing Indiana Back to Health program, the importance of self-leadership, and the need for more initiatives like the Stellar Communities program for community development.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Rafael Sanchez, Executive Vice President, Chief Impact Officer, and Indianapolis Market President for Old National Bank. They discuss Rafael's journey from Puerto Rico to Indiana, his transition from law to business, and his role as co-chair of the 2024 NBA All Star Game taking place this weekend in Indianapolis. Rafael discusses the importance of community engagement, his leadership lessons, and his philosophy for seeking out new opportunities. 

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Paul Mitchell, President and CEO of the Energy Systems Network and head of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. In their discussion, Paul touches on his upbringing as well as his experiences as a lead singer in a rock band while attending college and grad school.  Paul discusses his work with Governor Mitch Daniels and the experiences and lessons learned that have served him well throughout his career.  The discussion also explores Paul’s interest and involvement in the future of energy and alternative energy sources, electronic vehicles, his insights on the convergence of technology in different sectors, and the Indy Autonomous Challenge.  Paul also shares his thoughts on what is needed for Indiana to continue to compete and thrive.