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In just a few short weeks, Dec. 31, 2020, will mark my last official day with IBJ Media. I’m calling this occasion my “first retirement.” Nate Feltman, president, CEO and co-owner, will pick up publisher duties upon my departure.
On that date, I will have worked for the company just shy of 30 years. It has been an honor and privilege to work for local entrepreneurs Mickey Maurer and Bob Schloss for almost half my lifetime. With Mickey as managing partner most of those years, I’ve been privy to a priceless education on business, management and ethics and have been treated like family since day one.
And with the arrival of Nate Feltman 3-1/2-half years ago as an equal co-owner, now majority co-owner, it has been a great experience working closely with Nate. I greatly appreciate his allowing me to co-manage with him what has been rapid change and disruption designed to position IBJ Media for continued success well into the future.
Today, everything at IBJ Media is in capable hands, so I feel really good and at peace with my decision. I know this is the right move at the right time for me and the company.
As I prepare to head out the door for the last time, I reflect on how I could not be more pleased and proud to have worked with so many outstanding professionals at this company along the way. As you all know, a company can’t be great without great people. IBJ Media has been endowed with an abundance of great people that deeply care about their work, the company and our community.
I also reflect on the hundreds of businesspeople and not-for-profit and government people I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with to help them accomplish their goals and objectives. In many cases, these are lifetime relationships and friendships that have been developed.
I have to be honest. It’s taken me quite a while to warm up to the idea of being retired. Actually, I’m not a fan of the word. The Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition of retired is: withdrawn from one’s position or occupation—having concluded one’s working or professional career. This does not represent my vision of the future.
So, after working 30 years at IBJ and 43 years total in Indy media, I’ll say this is my first retirement. I’m sure there will be other careers and retirements after a brief break and “detox” period. I just don’t know yet what those will be.
What I do know is that I will be a lifetime advocate for IBJ Media and its endeavors. I truly believe the Indianapolis Business Journal is one of the finest regional business publications in the country.
IBJ’s hyper-local/regional news and information—provided day in and day out, week in and week out—cannot be found or matched anywhere else. As such, it makes sense that the number of IBJ subscribers has been increasing. Look for an announcement by year-end regarding our remarkable paid print/digital subscriber growth over the past two years that is nearing a publication record level—a 40% increase.
I want to highlight that IBJ celebrated our 40th anniversary this year, so please be sure to “read all about it” in your upcoming 2021 Book of Lists, to be delivered in your mailbox the week of Dec. 21. The book is loaded with powerful information you’ll want to reference all year.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank all our readers, contributors, advertisers, sponsors, vendors and friends that support IBJ. Your business is greatly appreciated.
And on a personal note, thanks for all your kindness to me over the past several decades. I am grateful beyond words and wish you a healthy and prosperous 2021.•
__________
Morris is publisher of IBJ. To comment on this column, send email to gmorris@ibj.com.
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Thanks Greg.
Congratulations on your great career with the IBJ. You have done a fantastic job of navigating a rapidly changing environment. You have positioned the IBJ for successful growth. Enjoy some retirement time, and look forward to your next venture. 👍
Enjoy the well earned pause – can’t wait to see what’s next! Sheri A.
Greg, thought I would share my note to you of a few days ago in this comment section.
Noting that the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of “retire” does not represent your future, then you will most assuredly find my definition much more apropos:
RE-TIRE is a hyphenated word: you just put on more rubber and you go again.
As for your “detox period.” I predict it will be an abbreviated one.
Congratulations on your many accomplishments
Best wishes as you move into your next phase. You and your team have made IBJ one of my top sources of business and industry news for the region. I am in my second career, having more fun than ever. Can’t wait to see where you land! Write a guest column about post-retirement reinvention. Lots of us are doing it these days!
Greg, Words escape me as I ponder your career and advancement from the “radio days” to print publication to a complete engagement of digital media that has truly positioned the IBJ for a successful future. A friend shared something with me when I departed my role as President and GM of a local broadcast property: The psychologists have a term, which I can’t remember, which has to do with that good feeling people get from knowing something good is present–even if they never make use of it. An example is Chicagoans who feel really good about Lake Michigan’s presence, even if they never go near it. They feel their community’s identify is enhanced by it. That’s the way I’ve felt about your presence at IBJ Media–the presence of uncommon diligence with a clear and broader view of values and, most of all, integrity. I am certain you know how uncommon all that is from the periodic tolls it exacts. You’re leaving makes me heart sick, but you leave your position in good and capable hands while you move forward to write some new chapters in your life. I look forward to your future successes.
Greg,
Words escape me as I ponder your career and advancement from the “radio days” to print publication to a complete engagement of digital media that has truly positioned the IBJ for a successful future. A friend shared something with me when I departed my role as President and GM of a local broadcast property: The psychologists have a term, which I can’t remember, which has to do with that good feeling people get from knowing something good is present–even if they never make use of it. An example is Chicagoans who feel really good about Lake Michigan’s presence, even if they never go near it. They feel their community’s identify is enhanced by it. That’s the way I’ve felt about your presence at IBJ Media–the presence of uncommon diligence with a clear and broader view of values and, most of all, integrity. I am certain you know how uncommon all that is from the periodic tolls it exacts. You’re leaving makes me heart sick, but you leave your position in good and capable hands while you move forward to write some new chapters in your life. I look forward to your future successes.
Thank you for a pleasant general news alternative to the deservedly-dying Indianapolis Star! Assuming Indianapolis Business Journal retains local ownership and control, it will continue to have a closer connection to the people of Indianapolis than Gannet could ever dream of. Best wishes on your retirement.
Thanks for providing a forum for constructive and open dialogue to benefit the region.
Thanks Greg, for your leadership and guidance of what has become “essential reading” for those of us who care about Indy! you’ve earned this chance to step away and ponder what’s next, but don’t stay away too long and don’t go far–we need your wisdom and perspective.
Peace.