TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
ASK THE GEIST DECK AND DOCK EXPERTS
Chris Reed is the owner of Creed improvements specializing in building decks, pergolas, porches and more for Hamilton County families for over a decade. He enjoys building unique backyard spaces for his clients to create family memories of a lifetime. Chris has lived in Indy for over 30 years.
Each month Chris will be highlighting products and solutions for decks and docks. His major supplier is “Decks and Docks of Indianapolis”. His goal is to inform, educate and inspire renovations for the readers.
Chris Reed
GET YOUR DOCK READY FOR SPRING WITH DECKS AND DOCKS
As the days grow longer and temperatures start to rise, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your deck or dock. Whether you need maintenance, repairs or a brand-new build, Decks and Docks of Indianapolis has everything you need to get ready for waterfront season.
As a trusted local supplier, Decks and Docks proudly offers high-quality dock materials and accessories from Haven Dock and Marine. Plus, as the exclusive distributor of Fend-All Dock Fenders, we guarantee durable, rigorously tested products designed to withstand even the toughest waterfront conditions.
JOIN US AT THE FLOWER AND PATIO SHOW!
See our premium products in person at the Flower and Patio Show, happening March 15 through 23 at the West Pavilion of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Visit booth 337 to explore our lineup and speak with our experts.
Can’t make it? No problem! Scan the QR code or call 317-471-0400 ext. 412 to schedule a showroom visit.
Prepare now and enjoy a worry-free season on the water!
Rockport in McCordsville
ALL ABOARD
FISHERS FREIGHT GEARS UP FOR INAUGURAL SEASON
Writer / Ashley Watters
Local sports fans will soon have a new reason to nurse a lost voice at the end of the weekend.
Fishers Freight indoor football is coming to Indianapolis’ north side. And if the rumors are true, it’s going to be epic.
Fishers Freight is the latest team to join the Indoor Football League (IFL) at the brand-new Fishers Event Center. The team will launch their inaugural season with an away game against the Northern Arizona Wranglers in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on March 29, followed by their first home game against the Tulsa Oilers on April 4. Team Owner Jim Hallett expressed his excitement
about offering another fun, affordable family experience in the Indianapolis area.
Leading Fishers Freight into their inaugural season is Head Coach Dixie Wooten. Joined by his son, Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach Dixie Wooten III, Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Chuck Miller, and Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Back Coach Kiante Northington, Wooten is fully prepared to launch his first season as head coach for the Fishers Freight.
“Fishers Freight is going to be huge,” he says. “This is the league’s first time in Fishers and we’re expecting a warm welcome from
the community. We’ve got a new venue and we’ll be seeing teams from all over the nation play in our city.”
Wooten brings years of experience as a former player and coach within the league. He fell in love with the game as a player of nine years and put his expertise to work as the first head coach to lead the Iowa Barnstormers to a championship, following that up with a championship win for the Bay Area Panthers armed with only a two-yearold team.
Wooten chose 38 players to join the team after tryouts last year. He based his assessments on athletic prowess, but also the inclusive presence and positive character of those vying for the team. The new head coach targeted winning players that will also help build up the surrounding communities.
“My team needs to have qualities that show they can be a positive force in the community,” he says. “I always ask deeper questions. What do they do outside of football? How do they help make people around them better? I want to know they have experience in helping out with youth, seniors and others in the community. We want to further the sport with surrounding youth and instill a love of the game in our city.”
Joining the team are veteran players J.T. Stokes, wide receiver with an explosive presence and experienced mindset, Jeremy Cooper, offensive lineman from the University of Cincinnati, and LaQuinston Sharp, offensive lineman from Mississippi State, among others.
“We’re building a great team for Fishers,” says Wooten. “We’ve been very strategic and we’re bringing a strong offensive line.”
Wooten encourages people to come check out one or all of their eight home games this season, and he promises a day full of entertainment starting well before kickoff. Fans can expect tailgate-style events with food vendors, music, games and much more.
“Get there early,” he says. “We want to have
fun before the games kick off and get the excitement going before everyone heads inside.”
Fans can choose their favorite sponsored nights to maximize their fun, from breast cancer awareness to superhero nights. Autographs will also be available from players before and after the games. It’ll be a night packed with family fun.
“When you come to one, you’re going to want to come to every last one of them,” says Wooten.
Fans also have a chance to catch and keep a game-day football. All balls in the stands are fair game.
Wooten credits Jim and Sean Hallett, along with Larry McQueary, with the team’s creation, noting their contributions to the Fishers community and the addition of Fishers Freight to the IFL.
To learn more about Fishers Freight, go to fishersfreightfootball.com.
JonAnthony Hall COURTING SUCCESS
FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL STANDOUT JONANTHONY HALL HEADING TO STANFORD
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Fishers High School football and basketball star JonAnthony Hall can recall the rush he felt in his youth at his flag football games.
Born in Hawaii to a military family, Hall moved several times, eventually landing in Fishers and receiving praise from coaches, teammates and the community for the first time.
“I got started in the third grade and it took off from there,” he said. “I started playing running back and I worked my way up. I was the new kid on the block and I can run really fast. I love scoring touchdowns. It’s my favorite thing in the world.”
It might surprise some, however, to learn that basketball was his first love.
“I thought basketball would be my ticket until my parents allowed me to play contact football,” Hall said. “I still love basketball. I wanted to finish my senior year with both sports.”
He’s formed a bond with both teams and said there’s a connection that only sports can provide.
“I’ve played with some of these guys from a
young age,” Hall said. “I can truly call them my brothers. Looking back now, especially because we’re all going to graduate and go our different ways, I can think all the way back to rec football, and those friendships and bonds have stuck. Both basketball and football has been a real blessing.”
He said there haven’t been many setbacks through the years.
In fact, Hall has never missed a varsity game.
“I did have some surgeries over the summer,” he said. “I was away from football for a month or so. Mentally it’s tough because I really want to participate, and at that point I’m watching from the sidelines. You’ve got to not let it get to you mentally, and it makes me hungry to get back on the field.”
Close to walking away from his high school sports career in just a few months, Hall is proud of the accomplishments and the challenges the team has overcome.
“Since I started high school, we’ve not been able to beat Hamilton Southeastern High School [HSE] in football,” he said. “Coming into my senior year, that was one of my goals. I wanted to beat HSE. We did beat them this year, and what was most
memorable about it was we saw them a second time this season and beat them again.”
Fishers High School won the sectional championship this fall, for the first time in seven years.
“It was really special to create a history like that,” Hall said. “We lost in regionals but we made it a respectable game, even though we lost.”
This fall Hall will head to Stanford
University to play football as a receiver. He’ll major in communications, and is interested in broadcasting.
Not only has Hall been a star on the football field and the basketball court, but he also holds a 3.87 GPA and thanks his family for their support.
“We can give credit to my mom,” he said. “She’s always been on me about getting good grades and now I’m in the position I’m in. I’m very blessed.”
Expert Orthopedic Care in Your Community
As a proud partner of the Fishers community, Central Indiana Orthopedics provides compassionate, expert care to all our patients. At our state-of-the-art Fishers campus, we offer a Walk-In Clinic, sports medicine, outpatient surgery, physical therapy and more. For your orthopedic health, visit us for personalized care close to home.
For a complete list of services and to find the hours of our Walk-In Clinic, visit ciocenter.com/Fishers Or schedule an appointment by calling 800-622-6575.
ciocenter.com/Fishers
800-622-6575
COMPETITIVE FIRE
FISHERS RUNNING TEAM WINS BIG AT USATF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Writer / Ashlee Boruff
Five young athletes from Fishers took home a first-place win at the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Junior Olympic CrossCounty Championships on December 14.
Over 3,000 youth runners from across the nation came to the Hoosier state to showcase their physical talents. These impressive athletes ranged in age from 7 to 18 years old. Coincidentally, the nationals were held in Shelbyville, Indiana, just miles from Fishers, making it a home-state win.
Indiana was represented well at USATF nationals with 312 athletes and 25 teams, ranging in age from 8 to 18. The standout winning team was the Fishers Fire, led by Emerson Schoenrock (fourth, 7:52), Emerson McCarty (ninth, 8:20), and Stella O’Connell (15th, 8:28) - each earning all-American honors. Their efforts were backed up by Clara Atchison (36th), and Lucy Howard (79th). These young ladies competed against 198 other girls from all over the U.S. in the 2000-meter race, and won by 31 points.
Fishers Fire Coach Stan Collesano raved about how proud he is of these 7- and 8-year-
old athletes. They worked hard all season training and traveling to other competitions, all to make it to the championship back home in Indiana. In December the team competed in freezing 29-degree temperatures, but nothing held them back from getting the team win.
“This is a unique set of girls who are very talented and enjoy running,” Collesano said. “They are highly competitive and hard working. You forget they are 7 and 8 years old when they are running, but once they are done it’s back to being kids.”
The Fishers Fire team is a part of the Mudsock Youth Athletics (MYA) nonprofit club for girls and boys aged 6-18, based in Fishers. The organization has been bringing organized sports to Fishers kids for over 35 years. MYA offers 12 different sports and is one of the largest volunteer-led organizations in Indiana. The focus of the program is fitness, fun, and training to participate in multiple meets locally and nationally. USATF is the U.S. national governing body for the sports of track and field and cross-country. MYA is a proud USATF member.
Runners not only participate in team events, but are also individually ranked at each race. The five ladies from Fishers Fire won collectively at the USATF event, and also all placed in the top 100 individually. It was a long journey to achieve such accolades, as the girls first had to qualify at the state level, then at regionals.
O’Connell, Schoenrock, and McCarty got all-American status because they finished in the top 25 individually at the USATF championships. This was only the second year of competing for Atchison, Howard, Schoenrock and McCarty, and the first year for O’Connell. Coach Collesano sees greatness in these ladies and hopes they all continue this journey.
“I know they are young and will choose to play what they like, but I hope they all continue to run,” Collesano said.
Collesano led this team of five to a national victory while also coaching other runners in the Mudsock program. Collesano has been
coaching for nearly 17 years in Fishers and his dedication has not gone unnoticed. He is a vital part of the Fishers Fire community and revered by athletes of all ages. Collesano even won Mudsock volunteer of the year in 2024 for his impressive coaching talents and overall kindness.
“I’ve always been a runner,” he said. “I enjoy it and have coached for many years. I’ve coached kids and professionals alike.”
MYA offers sports in all seasons, and this group of girls is already kicking off the spring 2025 season. Let’s hope the Indiana weather is kind to these hard-working athletes this year. Congratulations again to the Fishers Fire ladies, and good luck in 2025!
For details on all Mudsock Youth Athletics offerings, check out myathletics.com.
For more information or questions, email fishersfire@gmail.com or info@myathletics.com.
Play. Move. Laugh.
Play. Move. Laugh.
Play. Move. Laugh.
Our
A HEART FOR HOMES
Writer / Natalie Platt
Olthof Homes arrived in the Indianapolis market in 2017, the product of a proud three-generation, family-run business that has been building quality homes since 1961.
Founded by Fritz and Karen Olthof, the company started with Fritz’s hands-on approach to home construction, a personal touch that remains a hallmark of Olthof Homes today. Their legacy is carried on by their four sons, Scot, Todd, Dennis and Fritz, and grandson, Matt, all of whom hold construction management
degrees from Purdue University and oversee different areas of the business.
“Being a family-owned business originally from northwest Indiana and starting in a new market was challenging to build our brand initially, but it has been such a rewarding experience,” says Lisa McCleskey, division manager at Olthof Homes. “Upon arrival in the Indianapolis market, we were excited to show a new customer base all about our homes and how we prioritize customer service in
every way possible. We are proud of our homes and we give top-ofthe-line effort to make sure we serve our customers well.”
With their customer-first philosophy, Olthof Homes’ process ensures that buyers are guided every step of the way, from initial consultation to post-move-in support. Their dedication and service has earned them accolades and a loyal following in the Greenfield area and beyond.
Olthof Homes has witnessed rapid transformation in Greenfield. Driven by its proximity to Indianapolis and its commitment to community-centered living, Greenfield aligns seamlessly with Olthof Homes’ mission to create neighborhoods that offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Their developments emphasize thoughtful planning, offering a mix of architectural styles and floor plans to cater to various lifestyles, whether for growing families, professionals, or retirees seeking comfort and convenience.
OUR CORE VALUES
HUMBLY SERVE, OWN IT, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE, EFFICIENT.
A study done at the Indiana Business Research Center at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business shows that Indiana’s population grew by 29,925 people in 2023, a 0.4% increase. Hancock County grew 3.7%, making it the fastest-growing county in the state. This growth was the result of a number of factors including new business announcements, residential construction and the expansion of Hancock Gateway Park.
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis recently announced a 25% year-over-year increase in new-home construction permits for December 2024 across the nine-county Indianapolis region, and a 26% increase total in 2024.
“One of the things we love about Greenfield is the small-town, family-oriented community,” McCleskey says. It fits perfectly with our family-owned company.”
Olthof Homes is currently offering paired villas in their Evergreen Estates community in Greenfield. The villas are newly designed with 9-foot ceilings and ample light from numerous windows. The inspiration behind the villas came from customers of all walks of life, from young singles to retirees, who don’t want to commit to the upkeep of a single-family home. Their paired villas are low maintenance, so regardless of your lifestyle, you’re buying back hours every month when you don’t need to maintain your yard.
The villas offer two- and three-bedroom options, with the threebedroom option helpful for young families who are not quite
ready to jump to a larger home. The villas also offer the option of an outdoor living space or a year-round sunroom. Both are widely popular.
“Our paired villa buyers are also grateful for our warranty; in my opinion, it’s an industry best,” McCleskey says. “What our customers really love is our Customer Care department. Once a customer closes on an Olthof home, they go into our warranty system. We call them at 30 days and again at 11 months to make sure that everything in the home is working as promised. We don’t wait for them to call us. We are very proactive in how we serve our customers.”
Another hallmark of Olthof Homes is its focus on quality and innovation. Each home reflects a meticulous attention to detail, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary features. Open-concept layouts, energy-efficient systems and customizable options ensure that homeowners can personalize their spaces while enjoying modern functionality. The use of premium materials and sustainable practices underscores Olthof Homes’ commitment to durability and environmental responsibility.
Because Olthof Homes is family owned - not part of a large corporation - their clients never become a number.
“We know our customers by name,” McCleskey says. “The owners of our company still make random visits and walk through our homes. They want to make sure that we are delivering homes under
our core values: Humbly serve, Own it, Memorable experience, Efficient. Our pricing is also pretty straightforward, as we don’t do pricing swings according to the time of year. In the end, a customer will select the floor plan they love, but once they love our floor plan, then the rest of the package we offer is pretty tough to beat compared to anywhere else.”
Olthof Homes also lives out their core values by getting involved in the community and creating a culture that encompasses better living, not just for employees, but also for everyone the homebuilding company serves.
If McCleskey could add a fifth value to their core values, it would be the word “truth.”
“Some of our phrases are, ‘You belong here’ - we adopted this and sometimes you’ll see it at the entrance to our communities, or on a wall in a welcome center, because everyone is welcome,” she says.
“In this world, more than ever, people need to know there is a place where they belong. Another phrase is ‘Live Better.’ Let’s not all just white-knuckle it through another challenging news cycle, but let’s live better where we are, impacting our neighbors and community right from our own homes. That is where true change starts.”
You can contact Olthof Homes at 317-999-9392, olthofhomes.com, or on social media @OltholfHomesIndianapolis (Facebook) and @OlthofHomesIndy (Instagram).
Sledding in Riley Park; The Snow Artist; Ice Skating on the Courthouse Plaza; Indoor Concerts at H. J. Ricks Centre for the Arts; Great Food at Local Restaurants
EXPLORE HANCOCK COUNTY THIS WINTER
Winter Fun in Hancock County
DOLLARS AND SENSE
THE CASE FOR ADDING FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSES IN SCHOOLS
Writer / Kimber Hercest
Do you know how a 401(k) or a money market account works? If not, you’re not alone. Research from the International Federation of Accountants reveals a lack of financial literacy among adults costs the United States nearly half a billion dollars annually. Meanwhile, teens are navigating the education system without this crucial knowledge. The research shows only 23% of American teens know how to make a budget, 45% don’t understand 401(k) accounts or retirement savings, and 28% don’t understand taxes. These gaps highlight the need for financial literacy education in schools.
Junior Achievement of Central Indiana recently shared data underscoring that teens genuinely want to learn about these concepts before entering adulthood. In collaboration with research firm Big Village, a survey of over 1,000 teens aged 13 to 17 revealed that 68% would “likely” take a financial literacy class if offered. However, only 31% currently have the
option at their schools. Additionally, 60% of teens expressed interest in courses on career readiness and entrepreneurship.
“When you ask adults what they wish they learned in school but didn’t, it usually involves topics like understanding how money works,” said Jennifer Burk, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana.
“These findings show that most teens today would like access to this information, but many may not be getting it.”
Junior Achievement offers educational experiences to students from kindergarten through grade 12, as well as young adults, with a focus on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. These programs, often available at little or no cost to schools, reach more than 4.4 million students annually across the United States.
Through initiatives like these, Junior Achievement is working to bridge the financial literacy gap and empower the next generation to navigate their futures with confidence.
of Teens would be likely to take classes in Financial Literacy, if offered. *Only 31% of teens say their schools offer these courses.
Source:
—JENNIFER BURK
RUOFF MORTGAGE
CORI AND AMIE DRUDGE
Writer / Amie Drudge
You know Ruoff. Everyone knows Ruoff. But did you know Ruoff lives locally?
Cori and Amie Drudge of Ruoff Mortgage have lived in the Fishers/Geist area their entire adult lives and have raised their six children here. Many of you know them, but for those of you who don’t, here are a few highlights.
Cori and Amie are married with six kids between the two of them (three boys and three girls). Amie’s father calls them the Bratty Bunch. They have a Roomba named Alice. They have three dogs and a cat that they adopted from a local shelter. Not only do they live local, but they also shop and eat local, and ride their electric bikes around town.
You might see Amie filling up the Little Free Library in her yard or the one in Fishers Town Center. Cori loves to do yard work, and his idea of landscaping is burning down the tall grass in his River Ridge home with his flamethrower. You might have seen the flames.
They have a huge respect for the local police department that keeps our community safe. In 2014 they put the department to good use, when the bomb squad visited their home after their boys replicated a YouTube video and built fizzy bombs in the back yard.
They enjoy being empty nesters, but do miss all of the action that surrounded having six kids in the house in their Fishers community. Carmel might have made a recent national list of best places to live, but Cori and Amie put Fishers/Geist right up there in the number-one spot. They love this community and want to know you.
Give them a call for all of your mortgage needs, or if you need any advice raising teenagers, dogs or cats. They are local lenders, lending a hand, and they can get you to the closing table with ease - and a little bit of fun. You can find them at the Fishers Ruoff branch located at 116th Street and Cumberland Road.
CONNECT
ruoff.com/coridrudge
Cori Drudge NMLS # 229643 317-439-4495
Amie Drudge NMLS # 1554061 317-315-6897
TOWNE POST NETWORK AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU® SERVING CENTRAL INDIANA FORM
NEW DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP
The collaboration will create more digital and print advertising options for local BBB Accredited Businesses.
Towne Post Network and the Better Business Bureau® Serving Central Indiana (BBB) have entered a new partnership to offer print and digital marketing services for more than 4,200 BBB Accredited Businesses across 42 counties in Indiana.
Towne Post will kick off the partnership by offering a “Basic Digital Display” package to BBB Accredited Businesses with the goal of targeting customers by zip code searching for local services across the web and apps. Other services include print advertising in any of the 14 central Indiana Towne Post monthly magazines, digital display advertising, streaming TV ads, local SEO services, Google ad management, and basic website design packages.
“This collaboration is a perfect fit,” says Towne Post Network Founder and CEO Tom Britt. “As an organization, Towne Post’s core values of serving the community with transparency and honesty are in lockstep with BBB Accreditation Standards when it comes to truth in advertising.”
The standards outline the criteria businesses
must meet to maintain trust, including upholding legal and ethical advertising practices, transparency in the marketplace, safeguarding customer privacy and honoring commitments.
Britt says Towne Post will encourage its advertisers to seek BBB Accreditation to show their commitment to building trust in their respective communities.
“This partnership brings together two organizations with an aligned purpose,” says BBB Serving Central Indiana President and CEO Cathy Armour. “With more than two decades of local expertise and community support, the Towne Post Network’s dedication to showcasing positive stories and small businesses will help strengthen the resources we offer BBB Accredited Businesses.”
For more information on BBB Accreditation, visit bbb.org/get-accredited.
About Towne Post Network, Inc.
Founded in 2004 with a mission to create engaging and relevant community publications, Towne Post Network is redefining the magazine industry. With a focus on hyper-local content and an integrated print and digital marketing
approach, their magazines connect businesses and residents in communities like never before. Towne Post Network’s cloudbased platform offers franchisees flexibility and freedom, allowing them to work from home while benefiting from comprehensive support and group-vendor pricing. With an expanding network of hyper-local publishers, Towne Post Network is actively seeking passionate individuals to bring their community-focused magazines to towns across the country. For more information, visit franchising.townepost.com.
About BBB Serving Central Indiana
The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2023, people turned to BBB more than 218 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million businesses, and 80,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at bbb. org. Regional, independent BBBs can be found across the United States and Canada, including BBB Serving Central Indiana, which was founded in 1916 and serves 42 counties in Indiana. For more information, visit bbb.org.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
FRESH FP&A
Writer / Kimber Hercest
Meet Chris Ortega, CEO of Fresh FP&A, a finance pro who’s as comfortable in joggers and Air Jordan shoes as he is leading global financial strategy. This isn’t your typical buttoned-up CEO - and that’s exactly the point. His fresh approach reflects his commitment to bringing a
finance) and the University of Indianapolis (MBA, corporate finance and international business, summa cum laude). He’s passionate about serving his community, both locally and globally, and that passion fuels Fresh FP&A.
What exactly is Fresh FP&A? Think of them as financial partners and advisors - fractional CFOs who provide SMB CEOs, owners and founders with the financial clarity and confidence they need to grow. “I love representing the community I serve,” Ortega says. “Our passion is using our skills and experience to help SMBs grow.” His North Star? Freeing up time, reducing financial stress, boosting profitability and fostering growth for CEOs. “We’re supporting their business growth journey every step of the way,” he says.
Ortega’s background is impressive. Before founding Fresh FP&A, he was vice president of finance at Indianapolis-based Emarsys, a marketing platform acquired by SAP in 2020. He led global financial planning and analysis, and strategic operations, even leading the financial integration during the SAP acquisition.
modern, accessible perspective to finance, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Having grown up on the west side of Indianapolis, Ortega is a proud Pike High School graduate who went on to earn honors degrees from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business (accounting and
Now, with a combined 70-plus years of finance, financial planning and analysis, and CFO leadership experience, Fresh FP&A helps SMBs (generating $1 to $70 million in annual revenue), both locally and globally, reach their full potential. Their team of detail-oriented financial professionals excels at problem solving, strategic planning, and providing the financial leadership SMBs need to navigate financial complexity, improve predictability and drive growth.
What truly sets Fresh FP&A apart? It’s the combination of tactical and strategic expertise. While many fractional CFOs focus on accounting, Ortega and his team bring a broader perspective, equipped with the skills and resources to provide
the comprehensive financial guidance SMBs require. “We’re not just an interim solution,” Ortega says. “We’re partners in your business journey, helping you reach new heights.”
From seed stage to scale-up, locally and globally, Fresh FP&A offers the clarity and confidence you need to succeed.
Ready to grow? Contact Ortega at ceo@ freshfpa.com or visit freshfpa.com to schedule your free consultation.
And if you see him around town, don’t hesitate to say, “What’s up, Chris?” or “What’s up, CEO?” - which are his initials.
CONNECT
PLANNING FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
SOUND ADVICE IN 2025
Writer / Kimber Hercest
While the future isn’t set in stone, careful planning can make the transition from the workforce to a leisurely retirement much smoother. Steve Stevens, MBA, CLU, CLTC, a financial planner with WestPoint Financial Group in Indianapolis, shares his top tips for building a solid financial plan today to help secure your tomorrow.
Stevens and his team work with families and business owners to help them be intentional stewards of their time, treasure and talents. From families here in Hamilton County to oil manufacturers in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to electric vehicle decision
makers in Newark, California, and other locations throughout the Midwest, Stevens’ approach and experience adds value to their lives.
FIND A STRONG PARTNER
You’ve worked hard, grown your assets, made strategic decisions and built something extraordinary. Now it’s time to take the steps necessary to help protect, grow and guide your resources with the same level of care and attention. Whether you’re securing your family’s future, shaping a business legacy or preparing for life’s
next chapter, thoughtful and experienced guidance is essential.
HAVE A PLAN
Wealth is about more than financial results and market trends; it’s about creating a strategy that reflects your goals, values and unique life circumstances. This means addressing today’s priorities while preparing for tomorrow’s uncertainties. For entrepreneurs and business leaders, it’s about helping to safeguard what you’ve built while opening doors for future growth.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Wealth management strategies don’t have to follow a predictable script. Work with your financial planner to craft solutions tailored to your needs. Whether it’s to help preserve generational wealth, optimize tax efficiencies or design a succession plan, the focus should always be on turning complex challenges into actionable opportunities. Think of your finances as a puzzle; the goal is to create a picture that is both functional and aligned with your long-term vision.
FOR BUSINESS LEADERS
For executives and entrepreneurs, personal wealth and business success are deeply interconnected. An experienced financial planner can help you navigate challenges like risk mitigation, growth strategies and succession planning. Whether you’re looking to create a transition plan to secure your company’s future or exploring ways
to maximize your impact beyond the boardroom, clarity and confidence in your decisions are key. Stevens has extensive experience with multigenerational family business transitions and wealth transfer strategies designed to maximize asset growth and minimize tax implications.
YOUR LEGACY, YOUR WAY
Wealth is not just about accumulation; it’s about impact. Whether your priority is providing for future generations, creating opportunities for loved ones, or supporting causes that matter to you, your financial strategy should align with your purpose. A financial advisor can help you turn your vision into reality. Building a legacy isn’t just about leaving something behind. It’s about creating something meaningful today.
“Managing wealth is about more than numbers,” says Stevens. “It’s about aligning
your financial decisions with your purpose and creating a strategy as thoughtful and intentional as the life you’ve built.”
For more information, email Stevens at stevestevens@financialguide.com or visit westpointadvantage.com.
Steve Stevens is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Supervisory Office: 900 E. 96th Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN, 46240. CRN202802-8056433
CONNECT
westpointadvantage.com
317-777-9771
stevestevens@financialguide.com
“MANAGING WEALTH IS ABOUT MORE THAN NUMBERS. IT’S ABOUT ALIGNING YOUR FINANCIAL DECISIONS WITH YOUR PURPOSE AND CREATING A STRATEGY AS THOUGHTFUL AND INTENTIONAL AS THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT.” —STEVE STEVENS
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025
MARCH
1
ANURAN IDENTIFICATION
Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Rd.
1 - 1:45 PM
Frog and toad breeding season is upon us! Join our naturalists to learn how to identify the variety of species found within the state by both sight and sound. events.in.gov
INDY FUEL VS. IOWA HEARTLANDERS
Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St. 7 PM
Celebrate the Racing Capital of the World by checking out racing gear and activities around Fishers Event Center - and don’t forget to cheer on the Fuel to help them speed by the Iowa Heartlanders. ticketmaster.com
4 READY, SET, DEFEND: SELF-DEFENSE FOR TEENS
Indianapolis Public Library Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Rd. 3:45 PM
Learn basic self-defense techniques to promote personal safety and protect yourself in real-life situations.
4, 11, 18, 25
TUESDAY TRIVIA
The District Tap, 3720 E. 82nd St.
7 - 9 PM
Join us every Tuesday at the north-side location for trivia! thedistricttap.com
7 THE MILITARY/VETERANS COALITION OF INDIANA MONTHLY MEETING
VFW Post 7119, 6525 Lee Rd. 9:30 - 11 AM
We do three things: advocate, celebrate and educate all about the military and veterans in Indiana. We focus on legislation at the state level. events.in.gov
NAMI INDIANA’S 22ND ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUMMIT
Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Parkway 8:15AM - 4PM eventbrite.com
8
90 PROOF (INDY)
Britton Tavern, 14005 Mundy Dr. 10 PM
Join us at Britton Tavern! bandsintown.com
13
INDY IGNITE PRO VOLLEYBALL MATCH
Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale Stt. 7 PM provolleyball.com
14-15
ST. PADDY’S MARCH MADNESS TENT PARTIES WITH JAI BAKER AND STELLA LUNA!
Salt at Geist, 10158 Brooks School Rd.
Image First, Autosport and Bushmill present the two-day Gold Rush Tent Parties with Jai Baker and Stella Luna - March Madness St. Paddy’s FUN!
17
POWER MOVES: A BUSINESS SUCCESS PANEL & NETWORKING EVENT
P30, 3039 N. Post Rd.
Join us for Power Moves - a dynamic networking and panel event where experts share insights on business, finance, marketing and more!
18
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS: SOUTH OF HERE TOUR
Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St. ticketmaster.com
21
INDY FUEL VS. CINCINNATI CYCLONES
Fishers Event Center, 11000 Stockdale St.
7 PM
We tried getting “Picklepuck” trending, but it didn’t work… celebrating one of the fastest-growing sports in the country on Pickleball Night! ticketmaster.com
KARAOKE/DJ NIGHTS AT DANIEL’S VINEYARD
Daniel’s Vineyard, 9061 N. 700 W., McCordsville
Join us EVERY FRIDAY from November through April for Karaoke/DJ Nights!
26
LINE DANCING LESSONS
McCordsville Town Hall
6280 Vail Rd.
Ever watch the pros at the dance hall and wish you could move like that? Join our line-dance lessons and turn those dreams into dance-floor reality! Cowboy J makes learning the latest dances easy and teaches new dances at each class. It’s great for beginners, and you’re guaranteed a great time and a fun workout!
27
CORN TO COCKTAIL
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd.
7 - 8:30 PM
In this hands-on class, guests learn about the versatility of Indiana’s top crop - corn! Attendees learn about corn’s influence on history and also on the spirits we consume. connerprairie.org View All Local Events or Submit
2025 DIRECTORY & RELOCATION GUIDE
TARGET YOUR MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCAL CONSUMERS EXISTING AND NEW MOVERS TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Back by popular demand, our Annual Directory & Relocation Guide for will feature all sorts of local extras to make it a keepsake reference for the entire year. In addition to our regular distribution in April, we will be mailing copies throughout the year to the following people:
New movers: We purchase a list of new homeowners each month and mail them a complimentary copy via First Class USPS.
Relocation requests: Through TownePost.com, people looking to relocate can request a FREE copy.
TARGETED DISTRIBUTION
• Direct mailed to all local residents in April
• Online requests from new movers
• Mailed out to new movers monthly
• Realtors, relocation companies, and real estate developers
