IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman speaks with Scott Dorsey, co-founder and managing partner of High Alpha, a leading venture capital firm based in Indianapolis that creates and funds B2B SaaS companies. Dorsey shares his journey as founder of ExactTarget, a pioneering digital marketing company. ExactTarget's meteoric rise included developing its unique "Orange Culture," going public on the New York Stock Exchange, and being acquired by Salesforce for $2.5 billion in 2013. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of building a successful business, Dorsey’s passion for fostering entrepreneurship, and his efforts to strengthen Indiana’s tech ecosystem through High Alpha. He also discusses his commitment to education through his nonprofit Nextech and the importance of civic engagement.

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In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Chuck Surack, founder of Surack Enterprises and Sweetwater Sound. Chuck shares his journey from touring the country as a saxophonist and keyboard player with several bands and then eventually starting Sweetwater Sound, one of the world’s largest retailers of musical instruments and audio equipment. After selling a controlling interest in Sweetwater in 2021, Chuck has focused on various entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropy.  Today Surack Enterprises includes companies in aviation, real estate development, hospitality, eyecare and sports.  Chuck has been a major player in the redevelopment of Fort Wayne's downtown and a supporter of music education in Northeast Indiana.  Chuck also shares his thoughts on the decision to close Indy’s downtown heliport and the future of professional soccer in Indiana.

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In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Dr. Richard DiMarchi, Indiana University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences.  A distinguished scientist and entrepreneur,  Dr. DiMarchi’s groundbreaking diabetes research while at Eli Lilly and Company laid the foundation for the new class of obesity drugs that today are transforming lives worldwide.  Since his retirement from Lilly, Dr. DiMarchi has co-founded six biotech companies, including MBX Biosciences which recently went public.  With more than 100 U.S. patents and numerous accolades, including an induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Dr. DiMarchi shares insights into his career journey, the impact of mentorship, the future of biotechnology, and the essential role of diversity and innovation in advancing medical research.

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Bob Hicks, chairman and managing partner of Taft Law Firm.  Bob takes a deep dive into the strategies and philosophy that have shaped Taft’s growth from 400 lawyers to over 1,000 under his leadership.  A Hoosier native, Bob talks about growing up in Indianapolis, his decision to pursue both an accounting and law degree, mentors who have impacted his leadership philosophy, and his early career experiences as a business lawyer working for a high growth company and how that experience shaped his growth mindset.   Bob also shares his thoughts on the future of big law and how will AI impact the legal profession. 

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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. 

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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.