Big plans only matter when they change how people live, and that perspective frames this episode of The Hub with host Michael Allen and guest Mayor Ron Oler, Ph.D. The conversation takes a grounded look at Richmond’s most visible shifts, starting with a refreshed city brand that gives developers something solid to build against, a comprehensive plan that actually guides where housing, commercial space, and industry belong, and a downtown strategy that balances historic preservation with modern, amenity driven living.

Michael and Mayor Oler dig into the five building restoration effort and the fast moving 6th & Main project that is redefining what apartments mean in Richmond. Gyms, pet amenities, community rooms, pools, and lockers are becoming the standard. The target residents may surprise some listeners, with strong interest not only from emerging professionals but also from empty nesters looking for weekday convenience and weekend freedom. The discussion also highlights the Wayne County Foundation’s land trust model for smaller downtown buildings, keeping properties occupied, maintained, and taxable while avoiding the absentee owner cycle that often stalls momentum.

The conversation expands beyond the downtown core into housing efforts in the Starr District and the Vaile, where owner occupied rehabs and new infill aim to stabilize neighborhoods and address a well documented shortage of quality housing. Parks and quality of place take center stage as well, with a dedicated 1% food and beverage tax funding trail upgrades, gorge activation, and long needed reinvestment at Glen Miller Park. The focus is on turning everyday spaces into places people want to stay, gather, and move.

Michael and Mayor Oler also tackle questions shaping the next decade, including how I 70 tolling could prioritize out of state freight over local commuters, what a resort style casino would look like under Indiana’s rules with hotels, meetings, and entertainment, and why a new airport terminal matters for regional business access. Throughout the episode, transparency outweighs noise. Social media may amplify the loudest voices, but permits, bids, and cranes tell the real story.

If you care about urban revitalization, housing strategy, civic finance, and placemaking, this episode offers grounded insight and realistic timelines.

Learn more about The Hub and explore all episodes at
 https://www.mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast

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What does a real hand up in housing look like? On this episode of The Hub, Michael Allen sits down with Dan Groth, executive director of Habitat for Humanity’s Richmond affiliate, to walk through the full journey from a family’s application to the moment they turn the key on a safe and affordable home. Dan shares how a small two person team brings together volunteers, corporate partners, and community donors to turn distressed houses into stable homes with 20 year, 0 percent mortgages.

We talk through how open enrollment works, why applicants must show the ability to pay and commit to sweat equity, and how a volunteer committee with backgrounds in banking, real estate, and construction selects candidates. Dan also breaks down why rehabs often make more financial sense than new builds, featuring a close look at the current Sheridan project. It is a full overhaul with new systems, the addition of central air for the first time, and a 600 square foot expansion to meet the three bedroom requirement for a single mom with two kids.

You will hear how properties sourced from private owners and county commissioners return to the tax rolls, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long term stability. Dan also highlights the monthly warehouse sale that helps fund projects, the vision for a future ReStore, and the fundraising events that keep momentum strong. These include the Hard Hats and High Heels Gala at The Leland, a beginner friendly par three golf tournament, and a community Halloween event.

If you want a clear and practical look at how Habitat for Humanity delivers affordable housing right here in Wayne County, this episode lays it out step by step.

Subscribe and share this episode so more neighbors can discover what Habitat is doing. To get involved, donate, or volunteer, visit https://www.goodnewshabitat.org

Watch every episode of The Hub at https://www.mprichmond.com

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The lights get brighter, the playlists turn up, and the pressure follows. On this episode of The Hub Podcast, host Michael Allen sits down with counselor and pastor David Young to explore why the most wonderful time of the year can also feel heavy, stressful, and emotionally complex. From financial pressure and comparison to crowded schedules and gray-day blues, David explains why counseling requests often increase during the holiday season and how to respond with intention instead of burnout.

Proudly sponsored by Manpower Richmond, The Hub focuses on real conversations that lead to practical help. David shares insight on how blended family schedules, strong traditions, and unspoken expectations can quietly create tension. He offers simple conversation scripts, smaller ritual ideas, and advice on planning earlier in the year so emotions do not set the tone later.

For anyone walking through loss, David shares a gentle perspective on holding sadness and gratitude at the same time. He explains how remembrance can bring comfort without forcing cheer. For those who practice faith, he encourages returning to the heart of the Christmas story as a steady anchor instead of letting consumer pressure take over.

This episode gives clear action steps including how to set expectations with extended family, how to recognize when seasonal mood shifts need support, and how to choose presence over performance. You are not behind, and you are not alone.

Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who may appreciate this message.

Learn more about David Young and counseling support at https://www.cpcrichmond.org/clear-counseling/

Learn more about Manpower Richmond at https://www.mprichmond.com

What boundary or tradition will you keep or adjust this year?

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One email changed Gary Rodgers’ morning in New York and, in many ways, his life. From that moment on Queens Boulevard to a long career spent building 311 and 911 systems, tracking outbreaks, and helping governments around the world respond more effectively, Gary kept chasing one purpose: to make things work better for the people on the other end of the line. That same mission now drives his hometown accounting firm, where he helps small businesses stay compliant, grow smart, and keep more of what they earn while staying grounded in the community he loves.

Host Michael Allen sits down with Gary on The Hub to unpack the winding journey behind it all. They talk about his military family roots and the sense of duty that came from growing up around constant movement and adaptation. Gary reflects on his years working under Mayor Bill Hudnut in Indianapolis, where he learned the power of public service and collaboration. He shares stories from his early tech days when curiosity led him to “borrow” a neighbor’s computer, sparking a passion that would fuel decades of innovation in public systems and crisis response.

Gary opens up about the lessons learned from managing high-pressure systems like 911 and outbreak tracking, where every second counts and accountability is everything. He explains how those same principles now shape his accounting practice. The focus is on building continuity, creating repeatable systems, and making sure clients are taken care of even when life throws curveballs. One of his smartest decisions came when he chose to outsource first-round interviews to Manpower, which led to his best hire yet. As Gary puts it, efficiency often starts with recognizing your weakest link and finding the right people to strengthen it.

The conversation also dives deep into energy, growth, and development in Wayne County. Gary shares a thoughtful perspective on wind turbines, solar fields, and the proposed 585-acre data center project. He explains how communities can measure projects against a master plan, set real penalties for external impacts, and ensure that issues like noise, flicker, and energy draw don’t cross property lines. His approach blends data, practicality, and an unwavering respect for property rights.

This is a story-rich episode full of lessons from decades of leadership, public service, and local business. From global crisis work to small-town accounting, it’s a reminder that making things better for people often starts right where you stand. And yes, there’s even a cameo from Gary’s nine-pound office dog named Sam and a collection of Hawaiian shirts that remind everyone to keep perspective.

🎧 The Hub with Michael Allen is sponsored by Manpower Richmond. Learn more at www.mprichmond.com

Connect with Gary Rodgers at www.gardnerrodgers.com

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A city feels different when a corner starts to glow. That’s the magic of the newly restored Readmore Building—and the entry point to a bigger story with Roxie Deer, Executive Director of Richmond Neighborhood Restoration (RNR), as she joins host Michael Allen on The Hub Podcast, sponsored by Manpower Richmond.

We start with Roxie’s personal roots in Richmond: a multigenerational upbringing, losing her mom to breast cancer, and why she chose to stay when she could have left. That loss sparked the Deer Family Fund, which now supports women’s health, education, transportation to treatment, and access to cooling caps—small interventions with outsized dignity.

From there we dive into the work: how Richmond Neighborhood Restoration grew from a volunteer crew saving one house a year to a nimble nonprofit catalyzing multiple projects, including the Readmore transformation and the shift downtown powered by Revitalize Richmond, a $25 million Lilly Endowment initiative with more than $80 million matched.

Roxie breaks down how RNR selects buildings (safety, exterior impact, end use, financial feasibility), why modern kitchens and bathrooms don’t betray history, and how safeguards like Indiana Landmarks’ 0% loans and realistic covenants protect both heritage and future owners. We also unpack the downtown strategy—recruiting retail with a national partner, supporting local entrepreneurs, and aligning new apartments with property managers so spaces don’t sit empty. And we face the hard calls: the library’s renovation and location, and the beloved but precarious Crane House, where cost, safety, and symbolism collide.

This is a candid, hopeful look at how small cities win: block by block, with clear-eyed budgets, creative partnerships, and neighbors who show up. If you care about historic preservation, downtown revitalization, or what it takes to turn pride into policy and projects, you’ll feel right at home here.

🎙️ Catch every episode of The Hub Podcast with host Michael Allen, sponsored by Manpower Richmond: mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast

🌐 Learn more about Richmond Neighborhood Restoration (RNR): www.rnrinc.org

🌐 Explore Revitalize Richmond: earlham.edu/revitalize-richmond

💙 Support the Deer Family Fund: Donate at waynecountyfoundation.org
and add “Deer Family Fund” in the donation notes

📱 Follow on Facebook: Stay updated with both RNR and Revitalize Richmond

📢 Share this episode & leave a review: Help more people discover Richmond’s comeback story

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Ever wonder what shapes the education policies that impact our children? In this eye-opening conversation, State Senator Jeff Raatz pulls back the curtain on Indiana’s remarkable educational transformation and the legislative process behind it.

Joining host Michael Allen on The Hub, Senator Raatz shares his journey from picking cherries on a Michigan orchard at age 11 to chairing Indiana’s Education Committee, where he’s helped propel the state from 19th to 6th in national education rankings. With refreshing candor, he explains how precise language in legislation has revolutionized reading instruction across Indiana, ensuring more children can “learn to read by third grade, then read to learn for the rest of their life.”

The conversation also explores the infrastructure challenges facing East Central Indiana, particularly the long-awaited reconstruction of Interstate 70. Raatz proudly notes that unlike many states, Indiana pays cash for these massive projects rather than issuing bonds—fiscal responsibility that comes with both benefits and trade-offs for residents. This practical approach to governance defines his service to Wayne, Henry, Union, and Franklin counties.

Perhaps most compelling is Raatz’s discussion of workforce development and the transportation barriers preventing many potential workers from accessing available jobs. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he suggests, challenging employers, government agencies, and communities to collaborate on innovative solutions. His career coaching initiative exemplifies this mindset, helping students identify their aptitudes earlier to forge more fulfilling career paths.

Throughout the conversation, Senator Raatz demonstrates the thoughtful, relationship-focused leadership that has characterized his nine years in the Indiana Senate. Whether you’re passionate about education reform, infrastructure improvement, or economic development, you’ll gain valuable insight into how state government shapes our daily lives.

This episode of The Hub with Michael Allen is sponsored by Manpower Richmond. Listen now to understand the person and principles behind the policies affecting our region.

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What does it take to grow a garage-based tool and die shop into a thriving 100,000-square-foot manufacturing powerhouse with over 100 employees? According to Jeff Sheridan, co-owner and vice president of Ahaus Tool & Engineering, the answer is simple: purpose.

In this episode of The Hub, host Michael Allen of Manpower Richmond sits down with Jeff to explore his unique journey—from designing HVAC systems for luxury vehicles at General Motors to helping lead a multi-generational manufacturing company in Richmond, Indiana. After earning his graduate degree from Stanford, Jeff was looking for more than corporate prestige—he wanted to create tangible impact. That opportunity came in 1997 when he joined Ahaus, a place where his technical expertise could make a lasting difference.

Founded in 1946 by William and Irvin Ahaus, the company has grown far beyond its tool and die roots. Today, Ahaus specializes in custom automation equipment, work-holding fixtures for CNC machines, and precision machining. The company has smartly diversified its client base—from primarily automotive to also include construction, medical, transportation, and drainage systems—helping it stay resilient through economic changes.

Ahaus is also known for its nationally accredited apprenticeship program, launched in the late 1970s. While many local manufacturers moved away from training investments, Ahaus doubled down—graduating over 50 apprentices who now fill roles in machining, engineering, management, and even accounting. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to people, not just products.

Jeff also addresses the challenge of succession planning. With no family members currently in line to take the reins, he and co-owner Kevin Ahaus are building a strong internal leadership team to keep the company locally owned and community-driven—avoiding the trend of selling out to outside investors who lack ties to Richmond.

This episode goes beyond machines and manufacturing—it’s about leadership, community, and building something that lasts.

🌐 Learn more:
 www.ahaus.com
www.mprichmond.com

🎧 Subscribe to The Hub for more conversations with the people shaping Richmond’s future.

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The Hub Podcast with host Michael Allen, sponsored by Manpower Richmond – visit mprichmond.com

In this episode, Michael sits down with Brett Guiley and Matt Golliher of Vista Investment Partners for a powerful conversation on the future of finance and how digital assets like Bitcoin are reshaping the investment landscape.

The episode kicks off with timeless investing wisdom – including Brett’s breakdown of the “Rule of 72,” a simple way to understand how long it takes your money to double at a given interest rate. It’s a reminder that the earlier you start, the more time you give your investments to grow through compound interest.

Brett and Matt also stress the importance of building a solid financial foundation: start with an emergency fund that covers 3–6 months of expenses. Once that’s in place, you can confidently begin investing for the long term.

Things get especially interesting as the conversation turns to Bitcoin. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, creating a unique form of digital scarcity. Because of this, they see it not just as another crypto, but as an entirely separate asset class – one with the potential to act as digital gold that’s transferable in real time.

They also share why their firm launched Orange Horizon Wealth, a service tailored specifically for clients interested in Bitcoin-focused financial planning. It’s a growing area of interest as more people explore how Bitcoin can fit into a long-term investment strategy.

Whether you’re new to investing or curious about where digital assets fit in, this episode offers real, actionable insight from two experienced financial advisors.

👉 Ready to start building your future? Press play and take the first step.

Disclaimer: Vista Investment Partners is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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A revolutionary approach to sustainable manufacturing is taking shape right here in Richmond, Indiana—and Jason Fleming, Head of Human Resources at Liberation Labs, joins host Michael Allen on The Hub to share an exciting update. The Hub is proudly sponsored by Manpower Richmond. Visit www.mprichmond.com to learn more about how Manpower is connecting great people with great jobs.

In this episode, Jason discusses the major progress on Liberation Labs’ $125 million precision fermentation facility, which is already 60% complete and on track to begin operations by early 2026. This cutting-edge facility uses microorganisms as “living plants” to produce high-quality, sustainable ingredients for industries ranging from alternative proteins and food to pharmaceuticals and biopesticides.

As a contract manufacturer, Liberation Labs will create custom ingredients tailored to client needs—driving innovation and sustainability across multiple sectors. Backed by a recent $50.5 million convertible note, their financial foundation is solid, bringing total deployable capital to approximately $125 million.

Jason also highlights strategic partnerships taking shape, including a collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College to create specialized training programs. These initiatives will help recruit and develop local talent for roles in fermentation and biomanufacturing, offering a new career path in a rapidly growing field.

In an exciting development, Liberation Labs is also partnering with the Department of Defense to help shape the future of domestic biomanufacturing infrastructure. The Richmond facility will create 45–50 skilled jobs, including technicians, engineers, quality control, and maintenance staff—with hiring ramping up in late 2025. The company is committed to offering competitive pay and fostering a collaborative culture built on smart, humble teamwork.

Looking ahead, Liberation Labs has acquired additional land in Richmond to support future expansion, placing the community at the heart of their global mission.

To explore upcoming career opportunities and learn more, visit www.liberationlabs.com.

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On this episode, host Michael Allen welcomes Valerie Shaffer, the dynamic president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County. Valerie's journey from her first job to her influential role in economic development is nothing short of inspiring. She shares her personal story and insights, highlighting her education at Indiana University East and experiences at First Richmond Realtors and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, all of which fueled her passion for community growth. Valerie’s commitment to Wayne County shines through as she discusses her vision and initiatives to foster local development.

We also take a closer look at the dedicated team at the Economic Development Corporation and their significant contributions to the revitalized depot district in Richmond. The strategic relocation of their office to a historic train depot is a testament to their commitment to economic revitalization. Valerie introduces us to her team, including Rhonda Fisher, Teresa Lindsay, Renee Doty, and Sarah Mitchell, whose roles are pivotal to the EDC's mission. The episode explores the structure of the 12-member board of directors and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in shaping Wayne County's future.

This episode tackles the broader challenges and opportunities in Wayne County’s development landscape. From addressing transportation and workforce issues to overcoming infrastructure barriers, we explore various facets of community development. Valerie sheds light on programs like Make My Move and the Housing Accelerator Program, aimed at attracting new residents and supporting local employers. We also discuss the critical role of educational institutions like Ivy Tech in bridging workforce skill gaps. Throughout, the importance of strategic planning, political stability, and community feedback in shaping Wayne County’s future is underscored.

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