Indianapolis Business Journal

Two friends have turned their enthusiasm for drones into a manufacturing operation projected to produce up to $10 million in revenue next year. IBJ's Dan Human has the story on AirDroids and its briefcase-sized Pocket Drone. Also this week, Andrea Davis profiles an Anderson-based financial planner who uses cookikng lessons to teach fiscal principles. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry conducts an exit interview with Theatre on the Square's Ron Spencer, a foundational figure in local contemporary theater.

Growing demand for high-end, low-maintenance living is fueling an apartment-building boom in Indianapolis’ northern suburbs—and raising concerns among some leaders about the risks of adding too much too fast. Andrea Davis examines changing attitudes toward apartments and whether the market can bounce back from the big influx. Also in this issue, Dennis Barbosa outlines a proposal to move Indianapolis police officers into the city's most dangerous neighborhoods. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti visits all five minor-league baseball franchises in the state.

Ambrose Property Group is making a name for itself by buying struggling office properties and reviving them. This week, Scott Olson focuses on its latest diamond-in-the-rough project as Ambrose takes a stab at rehabbing a 436,000-square-foot complex at 500 N. Meridian. Also in thio week's issue, Kathleen McLaughin details the Indy Chamber's effort to stem membership losses. And in Focus, Dan Human profiles the family firm Pillow Logistics as its owners prepare for a generational shift in leadership.

In this week's issue, Dan Human pops the top on federal securities filings and finds that Indiana breweries and distilleries are taking full advantage of the private investment market and the romance of the microbrew trend. Speaking of new trends, Andrea Davis explores the fast-growing sport FootGolf and how it's giving some Indiana courses a swift kick in revenue. And in Focus, Scott Olson explains how the tastes of homebuyers have changed since the recession.

Indiana University Health wants to consolidate its University and Methodist hospitals into one downtown location, a plan that would see one or both facilities close or be converted to another use. J.K. Wall has the story on the plan that will reshape downtown's health care landscape. Also in this week's issue, we present our annual ranking of the largest and fastest-growing companies in the state—the 2014 Indiana 100. And in A&E, Lou Harry noshes at North End Barbecue.

Where there's smoke, there's fire, and where there's scorching e-mail, there's Christine Scales. IBJ's Kathleen McLaughlin profiles the firebrand second-term city-county councilor, who is testing the limits of political independence and the patience of both parties. Also in this issue, J.K. Wall examines the struggles of autism therapists and other care providers after the state's largest health insurer cut payments and took a harder line on paying for therapy for school-age children. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews new downtown eatery Plow & Anchor, which occupies a snakebitten location.

Heading into summer concert season, Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville has a tough act to follow: itself. Andrea Davis reports that ticket sales have soared in the last couple of years, thanks to imaginative marketing, patron-friendly features and a savvier concert industry. Also this week, Scott Olson details the return of restaurateur Peter George, who’s opening a new eatery on 16^th Street. And in A&E, Lou Harry hits Mass Ave to study the second location for Carmel’s Pizzology.

Indianapolis author John Green isn't a businessman, per se, but he's practically an industry unto himself. In this issue, IBJ's Lou Harry examines the blockbuster sales of Green's "The Fault in Our Stars," the prospects for the movie version (opening June 6), and Green's mastery of social media and multimedia to create a motivated fan base. Also this week, Scott Olson reports on the hops shortage threatening local breweries. And J.K. Wall explains how IU Health's Saxony hospital is finding ways to cut costs and improve outcomes with a focus on care coordination.>

This week, IBJ presents its annual Executive Pay Scorecard, with the full compensation for 301 top bosses at 64 public companies in Indiana. And the top two names this year are a big surprise. Also in this issue, Anthony Schoettle takes a look at the city's development and tourism strategy now that we know we won't be hosting the 2018 Super Bowl. And in Focus, J.K. Wall studies the pressing challenges facing Ball State University's new president.

One of Mayor Greg Ballard's keys to stengthening Marion County is to attract high-earning residents who can bolster the tax base. But new research shows that the number of people living in low-income areas of the eight donut townships has grown sixfold since 2003. IBJ's Kathleen McLaughlin examines the challenges facing the suburban townships. Also this week, Andrea Davis details how cash-strapped school districts are concocting unusual ways to raise money. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti revisits the saddest day in Indy 500 history with A.J. Foyt and Johnny Rutherford.

This week, A&E Editor Lou Harry provides a sneak peek at the Indianapolis Zoo's $26 million orangutan center, which opens May 24, and Scott Olson uncovers a criminal inquiry of local developer HDC Mansur. In Focus, J.K. Wall gauges the progress of Indiana's life-sciences thrust. And see what IBJ thought of much-ballyhooed Tex-Mex newcomer Chuy's.

In the weeks since the city announced its $160 million deal to help subsidize the Indiana Pacers and Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the one person we haven't heard much from is team owner Herb Simon. In this week's IBJ, Greg Andrews presents a wide-ranging interview with the billionaire that reveals his succession plans and details about team revenue and costs. Also this week, Scott Olson has the scoop on a planned building boom at Butler University. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle looks at the new ride-share services in Indy.

Mayor Greg Ballard months ago announced plans for the nation's first all-electric car sharing service, but they have hit an imposing speed bump. Kathleen McLaughlin reveals the obstacle that could pass $16 million in costs to IPL customers. Also in this week's issue, Anthony Schoettle takes an indepth look at the Indiana Pacers' financial situation, which was brightening even before the team's recent subsidy deal with the city. And in Focus, Jeff Newman explores the architectural salvage niche and how players are adapting to economic trends.

In this week's issue, Chris O'Malley digs into a federal lawsuit between Indiana body shop owners and car insurance companies, who are accused of squeezing compensation for collision-repair shops to the point of collapse. Also this week, Scott Olson previews an unexpected menu addition for Indy-based Steak n Shake. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry praises a congregation of theatrical works in the area with unconventional takes on men of the cloth.

In this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle examines how private colleges like Notre Dame could feel the impact of a groundbreaking labor ruling that classifies student athletes as employees. Also in IBJ, J.K. Wall explains how IU Health has been able to spread its in-house surgical talent outside the state. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry explores how Eskenazi Hospital has made contemporary art a hallmark of its interior design.

This week in IBJ, Dan Human takes you behind the scenes in the war against cybercrime, visiting the secret, reinforced downtown bunker housing security firm Rook Security Inc. Also in this issue, Kathleen McLaughlin begins charting the long and circuitous journey most central Indiana counties must take before they can host ballot initiative for funding mass transit. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reflects on the first five years of the Cabaret at the Columbia Club.

Jim Irsay's arrest and revelations about his health have expedited questions about succession planning for the Indianapolis Colts. IBJ's Anthony Schoettle explores the financial implications of keeping the team in the family. Andrea Davis takes the long view of Westfield's massive investment in Grand Park. And in A&E, sports columnist Mike Lopresti gets the inside scoop on the Milan Miracle on its 60th anniversary from Bobby Plump and Ray Craft, who recreate the winning shot on IBJ video.