The Generous Investor

Jeff Mohler, Special Olympics Indiana

Today’s episode features Special Olympics Indiana, and was recorded at Olympic Town in Terre Haute during the summer games last month.
In addition to my conversation with CEO and President Jeff Mohler, I was able to interview two former Special Olympics athletes, Karen Kerr and Charlie Wilson. Competing in Special Olympics afforded Karen and Charlie opportunities to grow in self-confidence, develop physical fitness and athletic skills, and become part of a supportive community.

David Palmer & Steve Znachko, Purposeful Design

David Palmer heard loudly and clearly from many of the men at the homeless shelter where he was serving that they had one  need: jobs. So he founded Purposeful Design, a nonprofit office furniture manufacturer on the near east side of Indianapolis. Purposeful Design gives broken people hope, helps them build employable skills, and puts them on the path to economic sustainability. And the furniture is beautiful.

The 4 Types of Cryptocurrency Explained

In this solo episode I explain the very basics of crypto currency by segmenting different coins into one of four buckets. 

Andy Kirby, ILADD, Inc.

Andy Kirby is executive director of ILADD, Inc. ILADD is the acronym for Independent Living for Adults with Developmental / Intellectual Disabilities. ILAD serves over 200 families in and around Boone County by providing opportunities for connection, skill development, community building, and self-advocacy. Andy and I spend a fair amount of the interview discussing a new intentional community in Zionsville called Wild Air, developed by Old Town Companies in Carmel. Within Wild Air, Old Town has donated land to ILAD for a 16 lot neighborhood called Crossbridge Point with new homes for the self-advocates ILADD serves. Crossbridge Point by itself is a pretty incredible story and it’s only a piece of what ILADD is working on.

Brian Pitkin, URI Capital Management

My guest today is Brian Pitkin, founder and portfolio manager of URI Capital Management. Brian runs a focused equity fund for accredited investors, which is characterized by thorough fundamental research, patience, long-range deep thinking, and trading only when absolutely necessary. Brian remains the fund’s largest investor, inviting partners to participate as he invests his own money.

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.