Whittney Parkinson, owner of Whittney Parkinson Design, joins host Dave Neff on Talent Scout to share her path from growing up in Kokomo to leading a small, high-end design firm in Indiana. Parkinson talks about learning business by watching her parents build their companies, studying art and illustration, and pivoting from Ringling School of Art and Design to interior design in Chicago.

She explains how working with her father after the 2008-09 financial crisis shaped her fast, hands-on approach, and why psychology classes helped her manage clients, personalities and high-emotion projects. Parkinson also discusses launching her firm in 2016, setting strict boundaries as a mother of three, vetting clients, and focusing on full home renovations and new builds, often in the Meridian Kessler, Meridian Hills, Carmel and Zionsville areas.

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, the city’s 29th mayor, joins Dave Neff on Talent Scout to share how growing up in Noblesville and being raised by a single mom shaped his leadership and life as a father of four.

Jensen talks about his time at Butler University, including early setbacks, joining a fraternity, serving as a male cheerleader and returning to win class president. He also explains how an internship with state Sen. Luke Kenley led to working with Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and how mentors like Skillman, Kenley, Mitch Daniels, Susan Brooks and Eric Holcomb influenced his approach to public service.

The conversation covers taking office in January 2020, navigating COVID-19 and seeing downtown momentum, including $150 million in private investment announced in 2020 and $4 billion in private investment over about five and a half years. Jensen also discusses the Noblesville Boom, a $93 million arena, the team name’s ties to Noblesville history, and regional work through the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority and AIM.

On this episode of the Talent Scout podcast, host Dave Neff talks with Homefield Apparel co-founder and CEO Connor Hitchcock about growing up as the oldest of five, discovering entrepreneurship at Indiana University, and turning a viral “the kick was good” T-shirt into a fast-growing collegiate apparel company. Hitchcock shares how he and his wife, Krista, launched Homefield in 2018, scaled to nearly 200 college licenses, and built a 40-person team committed to thoughtful design and a four day work week. He discusses licensing hurdles, March Madness surges, the company’s Indianapolis Motor Speedway line, the impact of X on brand growth, and his commitment to central Indiana through organizations such as PourHouse and Purdue Polytechnic.

Get insights on entrepreneurship, sports licensing, and building a people-first brand from one of Indiana’s most creative founders.

Maggie Cunningham, director of air service and airport experience for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, joins Talent Scout to share how Indy secures new nonstop flights, grows international service, and maintains one of the top ranked airports in the country. Cunningham talks about growing up in Pearland, Texas, studying economics at Southwestern University, launching her career at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and discovering her passion for air service development. She explains how data, airline relationships, and community engagement shape new routes, including Indy’s nonstop flight to Dublin. Cunningham also discusses her civic involvement with the International Center and leadership programs that helped her build a network in Indiana.

In this episode of Talent Scout with Dave Neff, guest David Muselman, president of DJM Investments, shares his journey from growing up in Berne, Indiana, to becoming a real estate entrepreneur with more than 200 apartment units and a growing self-storage business. Muselman talks about his family’s deep roots in the Hoosier state, his Taylor University experience, how a vending machine venture sparked his business career, and what it was like working alongside former Vice President Mike Pence on the 2024 presidential campaign trail.

Fred Yeakey, Chief Partnership Officer at Providence Cristo Rey High School, joins the Talent Scout podcast to share his remarkable journey from educator to community builder. He discusses founding the Barbershop Male Mentoring Program, leading students toward college and career success, and creating affordable housing through 2:38 Properties. Yeakey also reflects on faith, family, and the mentors who shaped his path.

Grant Leiendecker, vice president and director of athletics at Butler University, joins host Dave Neff to talk about his Fort Wayne roots, playing basketball at Butler, and being part of the Bulldogs’ 2010 and 2011 Final Four runs. He reflects on relationships with mentors like Brad Stevens and Barry Collier, his path through an NCAA postgraduate internship, UNC’s Rams Club, and leading fundraising at Marquette before returning to Butler in 2023.

Leiendecker explains how the AD role is changing with NIL, the transfer portal and revenue sharing, and why resource generation is his top priority. He defines the Butler Way and outlines the Butler Way Society, which has generated more than $9 million in commitments from over 80 families. He also shares personal disciplines as a father of five and career advice for young professionals: say yes early, work hard, stay humble and be patient.

On this episode of Talent Scout, host Dave Neff talks with Sarah Holsapple, founder and principal of Line One. She reflects on her start as a television reporter in Terre Haute, Evansville, and WRTV in Indianapolis, her pivot into city government under Mayor Greg Ballard, and her transition to launching her own public relations firm.Holsapple also shares what it was like interviewing Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, the impact of losing her mother, and how civic engagement through Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series and the Children’s Museum Guild has shaped her leadership.

Host Dave Neff interviews entrepreneur Patricio Daneri on his immigrant founder journey—from arriving in Fort Myers at 16 (American tie and all) to Purdue’s Krannert School (now the Mitch Daniels School of Business), two Eli Lilly internships, and choosing Royal United Mortgage in 2008. He shares the discipline of “how much of what, by when,” why he launched Energy Harness in 2013, and how the Zionsville-based company designs, manufactures, installs, and services commercial LED lighting and solar across Florida, Indiana, Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. Daneri also discusses Vision 2030, mentoring teams, and community work with the International School of Indiana and the 500 Festival.

Talent Scout with Dave Neff is a podcast spotlighting Indiana’s next generation of leaders who are shaping the future of business, community, and civic life. Hosted by Dave Neff—known for his gift in building authentic relationships that create meaningful value—the show features candid conversations with emerging changemakers across industries. With a focus on mentorship, intentional networking, and statewide impact, Talent Scout offers a platform for rising talent to share their stories, values, and vision for Indiana, while inspiring listeners to invest in leadership that lasts.