Business & Beyond with Gerry Dick

Mom on a Mission: BeeFree Founder Jennifer Wiese

When Jennifer Wiese’s son was diagnosed with autism, she went to work, searching for ways to support his health. And she started in the kitchen. That journey led to the creation of BeeFree, a line of gluten-free snacks that began with trial-and-error recipes and has grown into a nationally distributed brand, found in the nation’s largest retailers. In this episode, Jennifer shares the heart behind her entrepreneurial journey and how passion and purpose have fueled her success.

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam

From a vibrant downtown to a burgeoning U.S. 31 corridor, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam talks about her vision for a city that has undergone transformational change over the past three decades. Hear about her path to the mayor’s office and how she is approaching this new chapter with a fresh perspective while capitalizing on the momentum of her predecessor, seven-term Mayor Jim Brainard.

Pat Brown: Oliver Winery CEO

In this episode, we sit down with Pat Brown, the CEO of Bloomington-based Oliver Winery, which started as a small, family-owned operation, but has grown into one of the 30 largest wineries in the nation. Brown brings experience from some of the biggest consumer brands in the country, but this is his first venture into the alcohol industry. A former college football linebacker, he shares the game plan for Oliver’s future, including its growing national footprint.

Kent Kramer, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana CEO

When many people think of Goodwill, they think of those popular retail stores—but Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is doing more…a lot more. In this episode, we sit down with CEO Kent Kramer to discuss how Goodwill is transforming lives, from unique workforce training programs to innovative adult high schools across 10 states. They are even doing business in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico! Join us for an inspiring conversation about impact, opportunity, and second chances.

Indiana Wesleyan President Jon Kulaga on innovating education, strengthening state's workforce

Dr. Jon Kulaga, the 10th president of Indiana Wesleyan University, joins the podcast this week to outline his strategic vision for Indiana’s largest private university. Kulaga discusses the launch of a unique vocational training initiative aimed at addressing Indiana’s skilled labor shortage and details IWU’s ambitious expansion plans, including transformation of the Fort Wayne regional campus into a healthcare education hub. There are big plans on the Marion campus, too, including new athletic and hospitality facilities. Kulaga also reflects briefly on how growing up in Flint, Michigan, influenced his views on education and vocational training. He projects significant enrollment growth and an increased national profile for the university over the next decade.

Polina Osherov: The Power of Indiana’s Creative Class

From artists and designers to musicians and filmmakers, it is estimated that the creative class employs more than 81,000 workers and contributes more than $9 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. But the Hoosier state is often overlooked as a hub for creative talent. In this episode, Pattern, Inc. Executive Director Polina Osherov explains how that is changing and why a thriving arts and cultural scene will be key to the state’s future.

Larry Hall, VP of the Indianapolis Colts: An Inside Look at the Jim Irsay Collection

In this special episode, we take you inside the extraordinary collection of music, art, and culture amassed by Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Join us as we sit down with Larry Hall, the chief curator of The Jim Irsay Collection, a treasure trove of rare pieces from the most iconic names in the world of entertainment and historical artifacts that tell the story of music and pop culture.

Huse Culinary CEO and Co-Owner Craig Huse

From Peyton Manning’s post-game pilgrimages to its eye-watering shrimp cocktail, St. Elmo is known around the globe as an iconic Indianapolis destination. In this episode, Huse Culinary CEO and Co-Owner Craig Huse talks steak, sports and stories from behind the scenes at the legendary steakhouse. He also says more growth---both inside and outside of Indiana---is on the menu for the restaurant group.

Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson

She grew up in the shadow of the Pentagon, spent 20 years with Habitat for Humanity and is now leading Bloomington in a time of economic transition. In this episode, Mayor Kerry Thomson talks about how she fell in love with the city and what she sees as keys to a new path forward.

Sally Grant, Crew Carwash Executive Vice President

In this episode, we sit down with a third-generation member of the Dahm family to talk about the vision, values and culture that have propelled Crew Carwash into an industry powerhouse. Founded more than 70 years ago in Fort Wayne as Indiana’s first automated car wash, Crew now boasts 45 locations in Indiana and Minnesota. Executive Vice President Sally Grant explains how technology, training and tenacity are pushing that number higher.