Short-term leases help small firms grow
Certain companies don’t like committing to the usual five-year-or-longer leases, because they’re not comfortable predicting how much space they’ll need that far in the future.
Small Business
Articles
Small business owners have post-election surge in confidence
Just over half the owners surveyed said they believed actions by the administration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Congress will make their companies better off.
Brehob Nursery sells to out-of-state conglomerate
Brehob, founded in 1969 and employing about 170 workers for most of year, will move its corporate offices from the south side of Indianapolis to Westfield.
Trucking executive’s latest drive: youth sports
Perkins Global Logistics executive Andy Card and a business partner have opened a multi-sport, youth-sports facility in Westfield and hope to spread the concept to about 16 other communities.
Entrepreneur rents special-occasion children’s clothing online
Emma Hostetter’s business generated $100,000 in revenue in its first year—without an actual website. She has one now, and it’s about to get an e-commerce component.
Angie’s List drops Grand Prix sponsorship
The Indianapolis-based home services firm, which recently laid off staff, said in a statement that “we thoroughly enjoyed our title sponsorship" but “opted to invest elsewhere."
Indy-based 3R acquired by Ohio home products firm
3R Products & Services LLC, which has 30 employees, joins a publicly traded behemoth with an aggressive strategy of growth by acquisition.
Amazon invades Angie’s List home turf with contractor services
Internet giant Amazon announced Monday that it’s expanding its home services offerings to 20 new markets including Indianapolis, intensifying the competitive landscape for locally based Angie’s List.
$7M project restores luster of storied office tower
Banker J.F. Wild had the limestone building constructed in 1923 to house his growing financial institution. Developer Loftus Robinson has just spent two years reversing decades of neglect.
Angie’s List CEO says timing right to consider suitors
CEO Scott Durchslag said Tuesday the company wants to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to courting suitors, a stark shift from his tone about the matter last year. Also, the company is gearing up to slash jobs in a cost-cutting effort.
Angie’s List hires investment bankers, setting stage for possible sale
The home services marketplace did not specify it planned to sell itself, but hiring investment bankers is typically the first step in doing so. In a press release, CEO Scott Durchslag said only that the goal was “to achieve the full potential of our new platform.”
Video-email tech firm to expand Broad Ripple headquarters
Covideo sells software that enables businesses in the auto industry, real estate industry and more to manage video messages it sends customers and prospects through email.
RCA firm grows with LED popularity
For decades, the RCA brand has been associated with televisions and other consumer electronics. But it’s LED lighting that’s helping fuel growth for Indianapolis-based RCA Commercial Electronics.
‘Gig’ economy heats up in Indy
A swelling throng of Indianapolis workers is part of the so-called “gig-economy,” which denotes the matchmaking between independent contractors and consumers over technology platforms.
Scotty’s Brewhouse founder negotiating to sell stake in chain
The deal with an Arizona-based private-equity firm could take the small Indianapolis-based chain to 200 restaurants within the next four years, including locations in Japan.
Strategic Capital Partners makes major move
Two former top executives of Duke Realty Corp. are parlaying their experience at the publicly traded developer to take their real estate firm to new heights.
The Interview Issue: Kate Bova Drury
Kate Bova Drury started out as a boutique owner in Broad Ripple before making the change to baking. Now, she’s got five cupcake bakeries, one location for doughnuts and one combo store.
The Interview Issue: Shelly Towns
Shelly Towns says she’s very comfortable with ambiguity and a fast pace—and that’s come in handy as she’s worked to help turn around Angie’s List. “I’m fine with, to some degree, figuring out things as we go,” she said.
City councilors seek restrictions on booze-cruising pedal pubs
Under rules to be proposed next week, operators of foot-powered trolleys on Indianapolis streets would need to be licensed and insured. City councilors also hope to address noise complaints.
Product-development firm plans to hire 36 downtown
GlassBoard, which helps clients turn concepts into ready-to-manufacture products, said it will invest $850,000 to lease and equip 3,000-square-foot offices at 924 N. Pennsylvania St.