Interview Issue features northern suburb notables

IBJ’s latest edition of the Interview Issue is out, and the northern suburbs are well-represented.

Here’s who has ties to the North of 96th region:

• In Carmel, former mayor Jane Reiman tells IBJ about how she’s proud to still be working part-time and doesn’t let her age—she’s 83-and-a-half—slow her down.

She also never let being female keep her from putting herself out there. She grew up with an older brother and said she never saw a difference between boys and girls.

“We were just people, children,” Reiman said.

She strongly encourages other women to get into politics and is disappointed that the state hasn’t had a female governor yet.

But the Republican won’t be crossing party lines to support Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Reiman shared that she is a proud supporter of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump.

“I’ve been a Trump fan from day one,” Reiman said. “The reason I am is he’s a successful businessman and I believe that our federal government needs to have private industry businessmen and women look over all the departments in Washington.”

• Also in Carmel, owner of The Warehouse Heather Ramsey explains how her concert venue evolved from being a small space for families to watch kids perform to attracting national acts.

The intimate venue has become a sweet spot between large spaces like Klipsch Music Center and small settings like bars. Ramsey aims to book 100 national artists next year.

• Noblesville natives and owners of Hare Chevrolet Monica Peck and Courtney Cole talk about being the “Sisters of Savings,” and how those catchy ads helped them go from selling about 200 cars per month in 2010 to more than 500 cars per month today.

The duo took over the business from their parents in 2008—just in time for the economic downturn—and became the sixth generation to run the company.

• Kate Bova Drury, owner of The Flying Cupcake and The Dancing Donut, has been serving sweet treats for years in several Hamilton County locations. Her latest store—the combined cupcake and donut shop in Fishers—opened last year.

One thing you may not know about her: She doesn’t bake. At least not in her stores. She still bakes at home and brainstorms (and tastes) new flavors.

• In Boone County, Lebanon is home to one of the state’s youngest mayors.

Matt Gentry, 27, grew up in different parts of the county, but chose to make Lebanon his home after graduating from Purdue University in 2012.

Prior to running for office, Gentry worked as a political consultant and enjoyed being the guy behind the scenes. But he saw potential for Lebanon to grow into a thriving suburb, and decided to take action.

His first nine months in office have “been a whirlwind,” and he spent most of that time resolving ongoing issues. Now he’s shifting his focus to reviving the downtown square with new restaurants to create a “dining district.”

“I always say Lebanon is about where Noblesville was 10 years ago,” Gentry said.