The Generous Investor

Joanna Taft, Harrison Center for the Arts

Joanna Beatty Taft is founder and Executive Director of Harrison Center for the Arts. The center is located at 16th and Delaware streets in Indianapolis, and it aims to address "community problems with cultural solutions" by among other things, cultivating "emerging art patrons by fostering accessible gallery experiences so everyone can participate." Joanna introduced me to a new term which she used to describe her life's work: cultural entrepreneur. You'll understand exactly what that means after listening to this episode. 

Jessica Williams, Robinson Farthing Spandau Williams

Jessica Williams is partner in the Indianapolis law firm Robinson Farthing Spandau Williams, and concentrates her practice in estate & charitable gift planning. As we move through life, both estate and charitable gift planning considerations change. That is the theme of my interview with Jessica: making sure your plans are effective and current as you move through the stages of life. 

Jarod Brown, Brown Capital Group

In this episode Jarod Brown shares about his fascinating journey from learning some important and challenging lessons as a real estate attorney to founding his real estate development firm, Brown Capital Group. What are some of those lessons? Know what you’re good at, understand risks thoroughly, do business the right way, and work really hard.

Madison Wood-Gonzalez, Morning Light, Inc.

Madison Wood-Gonzalez is Executive Director of Morning Light, Inc. the nonprofit organization which runs the Abby Hunt Bryce home near Keystone and 52nd Street. The Home offers no cost accommodations for terminally ill people of little means, in a safe, comfortable environment when they have no place else to go.

Brent Freeman, Camptown

Brent Freeman is President & Executive Director of Camptown, which serves central Indiana youth through outdoor and wilderness programs. Brent’s formative years were enriched by a mentor - a high school teacher - who took him and four friends on a two week camping trip in the national parks. It’s through that mentoring that Brent came back to Camptown after beginning his career there. 

Brian McCall, Midwest Jewelers & Estate Buyers

Brian is founder and owner of Midwest Jewelers & Estate Buyers, a store located in downtown Zionsville, Indiana. He speaks to two aspects of investing in this episode: first, as an entrepreneur, who started a business in a 64 square foot space in his garage, and secondly as an advisor, of sorts, to collectors of antiques, coins, and other collectibles.

Robert Enlow, EdChoice

Robert Enlow is President and CEO of EdChoice, which is the name of Dr. Milton and Dr. Rose Friedman’s foundation. In our conversation, Robert describes the history of the EdChoice foundation, explains the philosophy behind educational choice as a public good, and provides an update about the current state of educational freedom in the U.S.

Crystal Givens, Starfish Initiative

I recently learned that January is National Mentoring Month and in today’s episode, Crystal Givens President & CEO of Starfish Initiative, joins me for an introduction into the importance of mentoring young women and men in Indianapolis. Starfish Initiative strives to help people become consistent models for young, motivated students from underserved communities. The need for mentors right in our back yard is big and so is the reward.

Ten 401(k) Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Happy New Year! January 1 is a great time to revisit your retirement savings goals and progress. In this episode I offer 10 mistakes investors commonly make in their 401(k), 403(b), and other work-related retirement plans. 

Father David Wey, Saints Constantine and Elena

Today’s conversation is a special one as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. My guest is Father David Wey of Sts. Constantine and Elena Orthodox Church on the west side of Indianapolis. Father David and I discuss giving within the Orthodox tradition and specifically explore almsgiving: the spiritual virtue of sacrificially giving to benefit people in need. That may sound straight forward but in fact, almsgiving requires the right disposition - toward God and the people we aim to help through our gifts.