Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick
Business and Beyond with Gerry Dick is a weekly conversation with Indiana leaders in business, politics, sports, entertainment…and beyond. The 30-minute podcast explores the successes, failures and memorable moments that have shaped the lives of high profile, high-performing individuals with a Hoosier connection. Inspirational, informative and sometimes emotional, Business and Beyond is an intimate conversation with well-known guests who share their personal, unfiltered stories and what motivates them in their daily pursuit of success and happiness, personally and professionally.
76
Dan Hasler: On to the next challenge
He spent more than three decades as an executive at Eli Lilly and Company and served as Indiana’s secretary of commerce. Now Dan Hasler is taking on another big job: playing a key role in the launch of Purdue University in Indianapolis. He talks about the vision for the Indy campus, the critical role of the business community and why it is being called one of the most important moves in the university’s 154-year history.
29 min
77
Tom Miller: Workforce development pioneer
He has grown a startup into a national consulting firm and in the process helped to write the workforce and economic development playbook for states and regions around the country. As Indianapolis-based TPMA marks 35 years, its founder offers perspective on challenges and opportunities facing Indiana and communities statewide.
30 min
78
Sonny Beck: Growing a business, one farmer at a...
It started on a tiny Hamilton County farm 87 years ago. From seeds planted on that 80-acre piece of ground, Beck’s has grown into the third-largest seed brand in the United States and is continuing to grow at a double-digit pace. CEO Sonny Beck talks about the vision, culture and servant leadership that have created a driving force in American agriculture.
35 min
79
Jim Bullard: Building a Business School
He spent 15 years building a case to shape U.S. monetary policy. Now Jim Bullard is building again, this time creating a “new and distinctive brand” for the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business at Purdue University. The former CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis talks about the critical role technology will play in the process and gives his take on the state and national economies.
31 min
80
Alan Bacon: Connecting a City and Changing the ...
It was built on the idea of using art and culture to bring people together at a time when the world seemed so far apart. Indianapolis natives Alan and Mali Bacon launched GANGGANG in 2020 when the city and nation were reeling from the pandemic and social unrest. In this episode, Alan talks about the power of creatives, how it’s changing the Indy narrative and GANGGANG’s prime time role in the NBA’s All-Star weekend.
29 min
81
John Pistole: University President Comes Full C...
For John Pistole, leading Anderson University as its tenth president is truly a homecoming. He played basketball and graduated from AU, as did his parents and siblings. He met his wife there. But it’s his path to the presidency that might surprise you. Pistole rose through the ranks to become the number two man at the FBI and later led the Transportation Security Administration in the wake of 9-11. In fact, you may want to thank him the next time you go through TSA PreCheck.
41 min
82
Jeff McCabe: Dreaming big, the Disney way
What began in a tiny upstairs room of a downtown Nashville, Indiana pizza joint has blossomed into one of the state’s hottest destinations. Hard Truth Distilling Company’s rustic, 325-acre distilling campus now attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually to Brown County and growth is far from over. Co-founder Jeff McCabe talks spirits, craft brews, a growing restaurant empire and the influence of Walt Disney.
30 min
83
Tanuja Singh: UIndy’s 10th President Eyes Signi...
“I’m looking at these beautiful flags…we have students and faculty from about 80 countries.” In episode 151, University of Indianapolis President Tanuja Singh talks about the school’s diverse student body, the importance of making education relevant and the power of “just in time” learning.
32 min
84
Dan Starr: Building a Business with a Strong Fo...
He’s a Buckeye by birth, but a Hoosier by choice. As a youngster, Dan Starr lived all over the country, arriving in Indiana to attend Anderson University. Today he leads Indiana’s largest private business, Fort Wayne-based hardware, lumber and building materials cooperative Do It Best. Starr talks about his path to the corner office, commitment to community and what led to a new global headquarters.
31 min
85
Brandon Sakbun: Two Tickets to ‘Terredise’
“My version of the American Dream is public service.” He may be 27 years-old and a political novice, but Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun is not shy about promoting his hometown and a new path for its future. The Army Ranger and son of immigrants talks about the life experiences that have shaped him, the national attention he’s generating and the thing Terre Haute has that other Hoosier cities don’t.
31 min
86
Cathy Langham: Work Hard, Solve Problems and Tr...
She has succeeded in the male-dominated logistics industry with grit, determination and the belief that she can outwork anybody. Langham CEO Cathy Langham talks business, community and why she is decidedly bullish on Indiana.
32 min
87
Chuck Johnson: Vincennes University President
It is Indiana’s first university. In Indiana’s first city. And its leader grew up just 20 miles from campus. But Vincennes University and President Chuck Johnson are making an impact far from southwest Indiana. In this episode, the Washington, Indiana native talks robots, Red Skelton and readying Indiana’s workforce of the future.
30 min
88
John Stehr: From Prime Time to Politics
“I really thought, what can I do to help my town?” Veteran broadcast journalist John Stehr has always been up for a challenge, from his collegiate days playing soccer to an award-winning broadcast news career. In episode 146, he talks about his next challenge as mayor of Zionsville, why he’s doing it and what he wants to accomplish.
35 min
89
Debby Knox: “It’s in my DNA”
From the day she started a news club in eighth grade, Debby Knox knew what she wanted to do with her life. Now, after more than 40 years in television, one of Indiana’s most recognized news anchors is retiring and admits it won’t be easy. “I’m going to miss the people, the buzz we all get.” In episode 145, the Michigan native-turned-Hoosier talks about stepping away from an award-wining career, the high-profile interviews and why she’s excited about what’s next.
33 min
90
Teresa Lubbers: Hoosier with a Heart for Service
She served 17 years as an Indiana State Senator. 13 years as Commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. And Sagamore Institute President Teresa Lubbers isn’t finished yet. In episode 144, this servant leader talks about Indiana’s challenges and opportunities and why she is bullish on the future.
34 min
91
Ashton Gleckman: Not Afraid of the Big Stage
“If you’re not scared by it, it doesn’t seem like it’s an aspiration that you should go after.” On November 18, the docuseries “Kennedy” premiers on the History Channel. It is the third documentary from 23-year-old Carmel, Indiana filmmaker Ashton Gleckman. That’s right, he’s just 23. In this episode, he opens up about his passion for filmmaking, overcoming fears, and his next big project.
38 min
92
Bill Benner: A Hoosier with the Write Stuff
In his more than 40-year career, award-winning sports journalist Bill Benner covered it all. Three Olympics. More than 20 Final Fours. And the role sports played in elevating Indianapolis on a global stage. In this episode, one of Indiana’s most recognized journalists opens up about the Hicks vs. the Knicks, his relationship with Bob Knight, the state of sports journalism and much more.
40 min
93
Molly Ball: Ready for FFA’s ‘Super Bowl’
This week, Indianapolis will play host to more than 70,000 future leaders of America as the FFA National Organization hosts its 96th annual convention. In episode 141, President Molly Ball talks about FFA’s role in fueling the state’s talent pipeline, record growth and her path to Indy.
28 min
94
Brad Moore: Roche Diagnostics CEO Driving Innov...
He’s been the CEO of Indianapolis-based Roche Diagnostics North America for less than a year, but Brad Moore is already putting his stamp on the healthcare giant. In episode 140, the son of an Ohio banker talks innovation, Indiana, and the importance of being an inclusive leader.
28 min
95
Ron Rochon: USI’s Happy Warrior
In the ever changing and challenging world of higher education, University of Southern Indiana President Ron Rochon is a beacon of energy and enthusiasm. The school’s first black president has raised money, revamped curriculum and elevated USI athletics to Division I status. And he’s not done yet.
31 min
96
Mel Raines: From politics to pro sports, a prim...
She’s organized Super Bowls, Final Fours and led the $400 million makeover of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. She’s worked in the White House and on national political conventions. In sports parlance, Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Mel Raines is a prime-time player. The bigger the challenge the better. She opens up about growing up in South Bend, her passion for public service and path to becoming a game changer in a male dominated industry.
37 min
97
Kevin Brinegar: A passion for public policy
From smoke-filled rooms to social media, Kevin Brinegar has seen it all in his more than 40 years around the Indiana Statehouse. As the Bloomington native prepares to leave the Indiana Chamber after leading the organization for more than 20 years, he opens up about mimeograph machines, difficult issues and a decision that would change his life.
29 min
98
Kristian Andersen: Innovator All In on Indy
He was born in New York and raised in Arkansas. But Kristian Andersen calls Indianapolis home and it’s not by accident. In episode 136, this self-described “restless opportunity seeker” talks about innovation and Indy’s emerging national profile that he says is more Sun Belt than Rust Belt.
36 min
99
Sue Ellspermann: Small Town Roots, Big Time Goals
She grew up in the tiny Dubois County town of Ferdinand with a passion to blaze her own trail. From pioneering success in the male-dominated world of engineering, to politics to leading the nation's largest singly-accredited community college system, Sue Ellspermann has done just that. In episode 135, she talks about her path the president ‘s office and why Ivy Tech’s mission is tied to Indiana’s future success.
37 min
100
Gregg Doyel: “Sports is just my excuse to write...
IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel is passionate about writing…and not just about sports. In this episode, he talks about his long and winding road to Indy, plays a game of name association, and reveals two big items on his bucket list.
39 min