On Episode 36 of The Hub with Michael Allen, we sit down with Trevor Amerson, General Manager of the Richmond Flying Mummies, to discuss what it really takes to launch a Northwoods League summer collegiate baseball franchise in Richmond, Indiana.

Trevor shares the realities most fans never see, including host families, player housing, transportation logistics, hotels, sponsorships, staffing, and stadium improvements. He explains why his role is only "five percent baseball" and how the organization is focused on building something much bigger than a team by creating a lasting experience for communities across Wayne County.

We also discuss the Flying Mummies brand, the story behind the name, the merchandise fans are buying, theme nights, community engagement, and the ownership group helping bring summer baseball back to Richmond. Plus, Trevor shares some behind-the-scenes stories from year one, including the unique Napoleon Dynamite connection that has become part of the franchise's story.

Hosted by Michael Allen and proudly sponsored by Manpower Eastern Indiana, The Hub highlights the people, businesses, and organizations strengthening companies and communities across eastern Indiana.

If you enjoy conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, sports management, community development, and local success stories, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend.

Learn more about the Richmond Flying Mummies and purchase tickets:
https://northwoodsleague.com/richmond-flying-mummies/

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https://mpeasternindiana.com

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This episode of The Hub with Michael Allen is brought to you by Manpower Eastern Indiana, connecting people with opportunities across Richmond, New Castle, Portland, and surrounding communities.

Rick Duncan, President and General Manager of Duncan Media and longtime G101.3 morning show host, sits down with Michael Allen for a candid conversation about the real business of local radio in Eastern Indiana.

Rick traces his path from a small-town upbringing in Daleville to broadcasting school, then from on-air talent to programming leadership across multiple stations. He opens up about the unexpected turn that led him to ownership, a journey shaped by a long relationship with the late Dave Rogers and grounded by his wife Heather's leadership on the financial and operational side of the business.

They dig into how local stations stay relevant and accessible through streaming and apps while still delivering the hyper-local value people count on: severe weather alerts, road and traffic info, community events, and nonprofit support. Rick also pulls back the curtain on how music programming really works, from chart categories and rotations to the listener misconceptions about what DJs can "just play."

You'll also hear some unforgettable stories from the radio world, plus practical insight for any business owner weighing radio advertising as part of their marketing mix.

If you care about community media, small business marketing, and what keeps hometown stations alive, this one is for you.

Listen to G101.3 and explore all of Duncan Media's Eastern Indiana stations at g1013.com. Find a job or hire local talent at mpeasternindiana.com. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your favorite local radio memory.

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Michael Allen and Jon dig into the real impact of mentorship, early work experience, and creating spaces where kids feel seen and supported. Jon shares how getting his first job at the Club at 14 changed the direction of his life, how entrepreneurship and e-commerce built his business mindset, and what he learned from launching a new facility in Bloomington and taking on leadership challenges in Rush County.

The conversation also tackles the realities facing youth programs today. They discuss post-pandemic attendance shifts, the push for “more kids, more often,” expanding programs for younger students, keeping teens engaged, and preparing students for the workforce through budgeting, career exploration, and skilled trade pathways. Jon also breaks down what it really takes to serve more than 3,000 kids annually across multiple locations and why long-term fundraising and endowment growth are critical for sustainability.

If you care about Richmond, Wayne County, youth development, workforce readiness, and the future of Eastern Indiana, this is an episode worth hearing.

The Hub is sponsored by Manpower Eastern Indiana.

Learn more at manpowereasternindiana.com

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On this episode of The Hub with Michael Allen, we sit down with Cory Roberson, General Manager at Autocar in Hagerstown, Indiana, to break down what really goes into building the work trucks that keep distribution centers moving and refuse routes running across the country.

Cory takes us inside Autocar’s vocational lineup, from the ACTT terminal tractor, the yard dog moving trailers nonstop, to the ACMD cab-over platform built for refuse and specialized applications. We get into what’s produced in Hagerstown versus Alabama, and why Autocar has built its reputation on listening to customers and delivering true customization instead of cookie-cutter builds.

We also dive into how the industry has evolved. More technology, more options, and more pressure to keep trucks running at all times. From telematics and safety systems like collision mitigation to the realities of sourcing and rising costs after COVID, Cory explains how the operation adapts while still building a hands-on product where no two trucks are the same.

If you’re considering a career in manufacturing, this episode gets real about what Autocar looks for in new hires, how training works on the floor, and why mindset and reliability matter just as much as experience.

This episode of The Hub with Michael Allen is brought to you by Manpower Eastern Indiana, connecting people with opportunities across Richmond, New Castle, Portland, and surrounding communities. (Manpower Richmond)

Watch and listen now at mpeasternindiana.com and follow @thehub_pod on YouTube and Instagram for more conversations with the people driving growth across eastern Indiana.

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On this episode of The Hub, host Michael Allen sits down with Darin Dubbs, Director of Human Resources at Primex Plastics, to break down how a large-scale manufacturing company builds real culture, stability, and opportunity across multiple locations from Richmond, Indiana to facilities across the country and even the UK. Sponsored by Manpower Eastern Indiana, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what workforce strategy really looks like in today’s manufacturing world.

Darin shares his path from communications and television production into manufacturing HR, starting with creating training content inside a plant and learning firsthand how every department operates. That hands-on experience now shapes how he leads at the executive level, supporting HR teams across locations while keeping hiring, leadership development, and employee benefits aligned company-wide.

We also get into what sets Primex apart in the Richmond and Eastern Indiana market. From long employee tenure and internal promotions to strong benefits and a second-chance mindset, Darin explains how companies can create environments where people actually grow. He also dives into how business diversity supports long-term stability and how recycling and material buy-back programs play a role in modern manufacturing.

Learn more about Manpower Eastern Indiana at mprichmond.com.

Follow The Hub on YouTube and Instagram @thehub_pod for more conversations with the leaders building stronger companies and communities, and share this episode with someone who cares about business, leadership, and growth.

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Michael and Mayor Oler dig into the five building restoration effort and the fast moving 6th & Main project that is redefining what apartments mean in Richmond. Gyms, pet amenities, community rooms, pools, and lockers are becoming the standard. The target residents may surprise some listeners, with strong interest not only from emerging professionals but also from empty nesters looking for weekday convenience and weekend freedom. The discussion also highlights the Wayne County Foundation’s land trust model for smaller downtown buildings, keeping properties occupied, maintained, and taxable while avoiding the absentee owner cycle that often stalls momentum.

The conversation expands beyond the downtown core into housing efforts in the Starr District and the Vaile, where owner occupied rehabs and new infill aim to stabilize neighborhoods and address a well documented shortage of quality housing. Parks and quality of place take center stage as well, with a dedicated 1% food and beverage tax funding trail upgrades, gorge activation, and long needed reinvestment at Glen Miller Park. The focus is on turning everyday spaces into places people want to stay, gather, and move.

Michael and Mayor Oler also tackle questions shaping the next decade, including how I 70 tolling could prioritize out of state freight over local commuters, what a resort style casino would look like under Indiana’s rules with hotels, meetings, and entertainment, and why a new airport terminal matters for regional business access. Throughout the episode, transparency outweighs noise. Social media may amplify the loudest voices, but permits, bids, and cranes tell the real story.

If you care about urban revitalization, housing strategy, civic finance, and placemaking, this episode offers grounded insight and realistic timelines.

Learn more about The Hub and explore all episodes at
 https://www.mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast

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We talk through how open enrollment works, why applicants must show the ability to pay and commit to sweat equity, and how a volunteer committee with backgrounds in banking, real estate, and construction selects candidates. Dan also breaks down why rehabs often make more financial sense than new builds, featuring a close look at the current Sheridan project. It is a full overhaul with new systems, the addition of central air for the first time, and a 600 square foot expansion to meet the three bedroom requirement for a single mom with two kids.

You will hear how properties sourced from private owners and county commissioners return to the tax rolls, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long term stability. Dan also highlights the monthly warehouse sale that helps fund projects, the vision for a future ReStore, and the fundraising events that keep momentum strong. These include the Hard Hats and High Heels Gala at The Leland, a beginner friendly par three golf tournament, and a community Halloween event.

If you want a clear and practical look at how Habitat for Humanity delivers affordable housing right here in Wayne County, this episode lays it out step by step.

Subscribe and share this episode so more neighbors can discover what Habitat is doing. To get involved, donate, or volunteer, visit https://www.goodnewshabitat.org

Watch every episode of The Hub at https://www.mprichmond.com

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Proudly sponsored by Manpower Richmond, The Hub focuses on real conversations that lead to practical help. David shares insight on how blended family schedules, strong traditions, and unspoken expectations can quietly create tension. He offers simple conversation scripts, smaller ritual ideas, and advice on planning earlier in the year so emotions do not set the tone later.

For anyone walking through loss, David shares a gentle perspective on holding sadness and gratitude at the same time. He explains how remembrance can bring comfort without forcing cheer. For those who practice faith, he encourages returning to the heart of the Christmas story as a steady anchor instead of letting consumer pressure take over.

This episode gives clear action steps including how to set expectations with extended family, how to recognize when seasonal mood shifts need support, and how to choose presence over performance. You are not behind, and you are not alone.

Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who may appreciate this message.

Learn more about David Young and counseling support at https://www.cpcrichmond.org/clear-counseling/

Learn more about Manpower Richmond at https://www.mprichmond.com

What boundary or tradition will you keep or adjust this year?

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Host Michael Allen sits down with Gary on The Hub to unpack the winding journey behind it all. They talk about his military family roots and the sense of duty that came from growing up around constant movement and adaptation. Gary reflects on his years working under Mayor Bill Hudnut in Indianapolis, where he learned the power of public service and collaboration. He shares stories from his early tech days when curiosity led him to “borrow” a neighbor’s computer, sparking a passion that would fuel decades of innovation in public systems and crisis response.

Gary opens up about the lessons learned from managing high-pressure systems like 911 and outbreak tracking, where every second counts and accountability is everything. He explains how those same principles now shape his accounting practice. The focus is on building continuity, creating repeatable systems, and making sure clients are taken care of even when life throws curveballs. One of his smartest decisions came when he chose to outsource first-round interviews to Manpower, which led to his best hire yet. As Gary puts it, efficiency often starts with recognizing your weakest link and finding the right people to strengthen it.

The conversation also dives deep into energy, growth, and development in Wayne County. Gary shares a thoughtful perspective on wind turbines, solar fields, and the proposed 585-acre data center project. He explains how communities can measure projects against a master plan, set real penalties for external impacts, and ensure that issues like noise, flicker, and energy draw don’t cross property lines. His approach blends data, practicality, and an unwavering respect for property rights.

This is a story-rich episode full of lessons from decades of leadership, public service, and local business. From global crisis work to small-town accounting, it’s a reminder that making things better for people often starts right where you stand. And yes, there’s even a cameo from Gary’s nine-pound office dog named Sam and a collection of Hawaiian shirts that remind everyone to keep perspective.

🎧 The Hub with Michael Allen is sponsored by Manpower Richmond. Learn more at www.mprichmond.com

Connect with Gary Rodgers at www.gardnerrodgers.com

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We start with Roxie’s personal roots in Richmond: a multigenerational upbringing, losing her mom to breast cancer, and why she chose to stay when she could have left. That loss sparked the Deer Family Fund, which now supports women’s health, education, transportation to treatment, and access to cooling caps—small interventions with outsized dignity.

From there we dive into the work: how Richmond Neighborhood Restoration grew from a volunteer crew saving one house a year to a nimble nonprofit catalyzing multiple projects, including the Readmore transformation and the shift downtown powered by Revitalize Richmond, a $25 million Lilly Endowment initiative with more than $80 million matched.

Roxie breaks down how RNR selects buildings (safety, exterior impact, end use, financial feasibility), why modern kitchens and bathrooms don’t betray history, and how safeguards like Indiana Landmarks’ 0% loans and realistic covenants protect both heritage and future owners. We also unpack the downtown strategy—recruiting retail with a national partner, supporting local entrepreneurs, and aligning new apartments with property managers so spaces don’t sit empty. And we face the hard calls: the library’s renovation and location, and the beloved but precarious Crane House, where cost, safety, and symbolism collide.

This is a candid, hopeful look at how small cities win: block by block, with clear-eyed budgets, creative partnerships, and neighbors who show up. If you care about historic preservation, downtown revitalization, or what it takes to turn pride into policy and projects, you’ll feel right at home here.

🎙️ Catch every episode of The Hub Podcast with host Michael Allen, sponsored by Manpower Richmond: mprichmond.com/the-hub-podcast

🌐 Learn more about Richmond Neighborhood Restoration (RNR): www.rnrinc.org

🌐 Explore Revitalize Richmond: earlham.edu/revitalize-richmond

💙 Support the Deer Family Fund: Donate at waynecountyfoundation.org
and add “Deer Family Fund” in the donation notes

📱 Follow on Facebook: Stay updated with both RNR and Revitalize Richmond

📢 Share this episode & leave a review: Help more people discover Richmond’s comeback story

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Joining host Michael Allen on The Hub, Senator Raatz shares his journey from picking cherries on a Michigan orchard at age 11 to chairing Indiana’s Education Committee, where he’s helped propel the state from 19th to 6th in national education rankings. With refreshing candor, he explains how precise language in legislation has revolutionized reading instruction across Indiana, ensuring more children can “learn to read by third grade, then read to learn for the rest of their life.”

The conversation also explores the infrastructure challenges facing East Central Indiana, particularly the long-awaited reconstruction of Interstate 70. Raatz proudly notes that unlike many states, Indiana pays cash for these massive projects rather than issuing bonds—fiscal responsibility that comes with both benefits and trade-offs for residents. This practical approach to governance defines his service to Wayne, Henry, Union, and Franklin counties.

Perhaps most compelling is Raatz’s discussion of workforce development and the transportation barriers preventing many potential workers from accessing available jobs. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he suggests, challenging employers, government agencies, and communities to collaborate on innovative solutions. His career coaching initiative exemplifies this mindset, helping students identify their aptitudes earlier to forge more fulfilling career paths.

Throughout the conversation, Senator Raatz demonstrates the thoughtful, relationship-focused leadership that has characterized his nine years in the Indiana Senate. Whether you’re passionate about education reform, infrastructure improvement, or economic development, you’ll gain valuable insight into how state government shapes our daily lives.

This episode of The Hub with Michael Allen is sponsored by Manpower Richmond. Listen now to understand the person and principles behind the policies affecting our region.

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In this episode of The Hub, host Michael Allen of Manpower Richmond sits down with Jeff to explore his unique journey—from designing HVAC systems for luxury vehicles at General Motors to helping lead a multi-generational manufacturing company in Richmond, Indiana. After earning his graduate degree from Stanford, Jeff was looking for more than corporate prestige—he wanted to create tangible impact. That opportunity came in 1997 when he joined Ahaus, a place where his technical expertise could make a lasting difference.

Founded in 1946 by William and Irvin Ahaus, the company has grown far beyond its tool and die roots. Today, Ahaus specializes in custom automation equipment, work-holding fixtures for CNC machines, and precision machining. The company has smartly diversified its client base—from primarily automotive to also include construction, medical, transportation, and drainage systems—helping it stay resilient through economic changes.

Ahaus is also known for its nationally accredited apprenticeship program, launched in the late 1970s. While many local manufacturers moved away from training investments, Ahaus doubled down—graduating over 50 apprentices who now fill roles in machining, engineering, management, and even accounting. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to people, not just products.

Jeff also addresses the challenge of succession planning. With no family members currently in line to take the reins, he and co-owner Kevin Ahaus are building a strong internal leadership team to keep the company locally owned and community-driven—avoiding the trend of selling out to outside investors who lack ties to Richmond.

This episode goes beyond machines and manufacturing—it’s about leadership, community, and building something that lasts.

🌐 Learn more:
 www.ahaus.com
www.mprichmond.com

🎧 Subscribe to The Hub for more conversations with the people shaping Richmond’s future.

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In this episode, Michael sits down with Brett Guiley and Matt Golliher of Vista Investment Partners for a powerful conversation on the future of finance and how digital assets like Bitcoin are reshaping the investment landscape.

The episode kicks off with timeless investing wisdom – including Brett’s breakdown of the “Rule of 72,” a simple way to understand how long it takes your money to double at a given interest rate. It’s a reminder that the earlier you start, the more time you give your investments to grow through compound interest.

Brett and Matt also stress the importance of building a solid financial foundation: start with an emergency fund that covers 3–6 months of expenses. Once that’s in place, you can confidently begin investing for the long term.

Things get especially interesting as the conversation turns to Bitcoin. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, creating a unique form of digital scarcity. Because of this, they see it not just as another crypto, but as an entirely separate asset class – one with the potential to act as digital gold that’s transferable in real time.

They also share why their firm launched Orange Horizon Wealth, a service tailored specifically for clients interested in Bitcoin-focused financial planning. It’s a growing area of interest as more people explore how Bitcoin can fit into a long-term investment strategy.

Whether you’re new to investing or curious about where digital assets fit in, this episode offers real, actionable insight from two experienced financial advisors.

👉 Ready to start building your future? Press play and take the first step.

Disclaimer: Vista Investment Partners is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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In this episode, Jason discusses the major progress on Liberation Labs’ $125 million precision fermentation facility, which is already 60% complete and on track to begin operations by early 2026. This cutting-edge facility uses microorganisms as “living plants” to produce high-quality, sustainable ingredients for industries ranging from alternative proteins and food to pharmaceuticals and biopesticides.

As a contract manufacturer, Liberation Labs will create custom ingredients tailored to client needs—driving innovation and sustainability across multiple sectors. Backed by a recent $50.5 million convertible note, their financial foundation is solid, bringing total deployable capital to approximately $125 million.

Jason also highlights strategic partnerships taking shape, including a collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College to create specialized training programs. These initiatives will help recruit and develop local talent for roles in fermentation and biomanufacturing, offering a new career path in a rapidly growing field.

In an exciting development, Liberation Labs is also partnering with the Department of Defense to help shape the future of domestic biomanufacturing infrastructure. The Richmond facility will create 45–50 skilled jobs, including technicians, engineers, quality control, and maintenance staff—with hiring ramping up in late 2025. The company is committed to offering competitive pay and fostering a collaborative culture built on smart, humble teamwork.

Looking ahead, Liberation Labs has acquired additional land in Richmond to support future expansion, placing the community at the heart of their global mission.

To explore upcoming career opportunities and learn more, visit www.liberationlabs.com.

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