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In the Crosshairs

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7 things you need to do if your business is raided by law enforcement

By Ebony Chappel

On March 2, five people were arrested on prostitution and drug charges at the El Bohemio bar in Indianapolis after being served a warrant based on the findings of a joint undercover investigation by Indiana Excise Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Last fall, officials from the Indiana State Police, Indiana Excise Police and local law enforcement authorities raided El Rodeo, El Jaripeo and La Carreta Mexican restaurants throughout the state, from Indianapolis to Vincennes and Schererville. In addition, law enforcement officials also raided the homes of some of the restaurants’ owners.

In February, the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office filed a civil forfeiture suit, seeking to hold on to more than $3.4 million confiscated in the raids.

Around the same time as the restaurant raids, FBI agents walked into the municipal offices at Lake Station with a warrant, ordered all employees to step away from their computers and downloaded content from the city servers. The raid was part of an ongoing investigation of Mayor Keith Soderquist.

In neither instance, were the subjects of the raids given an indication of what was being sought and the potential charges they faced.
Though it’s an unpleasant prospect, any business faces the possibility of being raided or simply being served a warrant in an often abrupt, unannounced action taken by law enforcement officials. Although in certain cases raids on businesses may be prompted by suspected illegal activity on the part of ownership, other instances can be brought on by the actions of an employee.

“Unannounced raids happen to businesses that employ a high percentage of foreign workers more regularly than others,” said Thomas Ruge, managing director at the law firm of Lewis & Kappes, P.C.

“Sometimes, they send a notice requesting to have a look at employer’s books ahead of time,” he said. ”Other times, a random enforcement action will occur. Often a disgruntled employee or a complaint prompts this.”

Unfortunately, any business, regardless of employment make-up, can fall victim, even those who haven’t committed any crimes. Fortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes businesses as having the same rights as individuals, so regardless of the reasons behind a raid, proper search and seizure procedures must be followed by law enforcement.

Here are seven things you should know about protecting your business in the event of a raid:

  1. Call the company lawyer and ask that he or she come immediately to inform you of your rights and responsibilities.
  2. Cooperate, especially if they have a warrant.
  3. Take a moment to read a warrant to familiarize yourself with the scope of its inquiry. Employers are not required to comply with requests that are beyond the bounds of an official document, such as a warrant.
  4. Assign a designated liaison to handle such situations, should they arise. This individual should be upper-level management with the ability to speak with officers in a professional, calm demeanor.
  5. Refrain from “scripting” your employees on what to say.
  6. Go over I-9 forms and employment records regularly. Ruge said one key action employers could do to protect themselves is to perform an audit of employment records. He said that his firm assists employers with audits, and they often find errors.
  7. Don’t attempt to “back-date” or otherwise alter employment records. If you find an error in employment records, its best to just admit you’re ill-prepared as opposed to attempting to mislead officials about their contents.

Career Consulting

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Career Consulting

Nichee points directionless clients toward professional success

By Rebecca R. Bibbs

Dea C. Lott knows all about pursuing an education and a career that’s not a good fit. After becoming pregnant while still in high school, the South Bend native found herself adrift as she tried to develop a strategy for self-fulfillment while getting out of poverty.

Lott decided around March 2013 to launch Nichee Career Consulting & Professional Writing in Indianapolis, where she and her family moved when she was in high school.

Nichee offers career services and career development training to help low-skilled workers explore their interests and identify their professional career goals. Clients are coached through the development of application materials, conducting a job search, navigating workplace problems, improving professional imaging, establishing a work-life balance, reentering the workplace and transitioning to new careers.

“But helping these people to identify their personal strengths, talents, and interests can help empower them to define and create a path that can lead them out of the cycle of poverty and bring about lasting change in their lives,” Lott said.

She shares with IMBM what inspired her foray into the world of career consulting and her experiences as an entrepreneur.

IMBM: What inspired you to start Nichee Career Consulting & Professional Writing?

Lott: I think my personal journey through poverty laid the initial foundation for Nichee before I ever realized that I would begin a career consulting firm. Aside from my personal experiences, I have always been pretty good at discerning and nurturing the best qualities within people. And, over the years, numerous students, colleagues, friends and family members have repeatedly come to me to help them identify their strengths, research careers, prepare college and job application materials and professionally address difficult work dynamics. So, I’ve been engaged in this work for many years, but I didn’t decide to take a definitive step toward creating a business until 2013.
My decision to move forward with this business was inspired by the fear and frustration that I noticed among so many workers in the current employment market. As the market has become more competitive, the unemployment rate among minority groups remains high, younger job seekers are struggling to secure work, experienced workers have lost jobs, and employer expectations have become more demanding. These factors are all taking a negative toll on job seekers and workers, but proactive measures can help ease the stress and tension of the current employment market.

IMBM: Why did you choose to start your business in Indiana?

Lott: Since I am originally from Indiana and I have lived in Indianapolis more than half of my life now, it made perfect sense to start my business here. I also started the business here because there appears to be a need for it in Indianapolis. Indianapolis typically ranks fairly low on the lists of the best places to work in the United States. This always surprises me because Indianapolis is a great city for families. To the extent that career dissatisfaction is caused by personal choice or circumstances, this can be changed, and I hope to serve as a driving force to help people find more happiness in their careers and, ultimately, their lives.

IMBM: How did you secure funding to start up your business?

Lott: As is typical with many startups, I used my own funds and contributions from supportive family and friends to fund my business. I set out to keep my startup and operating expenses very low and doing so has made it possible for me to withstand the unpredictability of my first year in business.

IMBM: What has been your biggest challenge, and how are you overcoming it?

Lott: My biggest challenge so far has been solely of internal nature. The practice of law can really change your perspective on every day circumstances and, at times, it can be difficult to truly take off the lawyer hat. However, as time passes, it has become much easier for me to switch between roles.

IMBM: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned while getting your business off the ground?

Lott: I think the most important lesson that I’ve learned as a small business owner is to make sure that I have a support system that understands how difficult it is to create a business. Many people don’t understand or simply aren’t willing to take the risks that entrepreneurs must take to start a business. So, I’ve found that it is important to establish relationships with other business owners who are positive, trustworthy and able to offer encouragement during periods of doubt and frustration.

Fit to be fashionable

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Fit to be fashionable

By Jessica R. Key

fashion-spread4If your waist belt could talk, what would it say?  Too tight or just right? One of the main reasons behind many of today’s chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, stem from obesity. Now that the Affordable Health Care Act is in full effect, many Americans needing health insurance can acquire it and see a physician who can help handle such health issues. But no matter how much insurance you have, if one
isn’t proactive in getting healthy, coverage won’t really matter. One of the best ways to take control of one’s health is by eating right and getting physical activity, which promotes weight loss. In this edition of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, professionals in the health care  industry are encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and showcasing great style no matter where you are in your journey to wellness.

A Stylish Excursion

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A Stylish Excursion

Take your image on the road with comfortable yet appropriate fashion

by Jessica R. Key

Jet setting is a part of business that can help companies scout new prospects; allow company leaders to manage multiple locations; or simply  provide human contact with clients, partners or investors. No matter if one takes a plane, train or automobile, a comfortable yet easy wardrobe is always a good idea when traveling. Now that much clothing is wrinkle free, that makes chucking items into a suitcase in order to catch a quick flight easier than ever. While simplicity is the goal, globetrotters shouldn’t sacrifice their appearance. Plenty of fashion choices can take the  professional “from-plane-to-board room” while being comfy yet work appropriate.

Professionals also must remember the importance of a good appearance. One wouldn’t want a wrinkled suit or dowdy shoes to ruin a good opportunity – not to mention wasting precious funds on a business meeting several states away that didn’t pan out. In this edition of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, transportation professionals showcase how traveling with style can be easy and fun. They are doing so at the historic Indianapolis Union Station, said to be the first union passenger depot in the country, opening in the mid-19th century.

Utilities

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Utilities

That one word represents various entities that significantly impact the way in which you and I live our lives: be it the heating and cooling of our homes, the way electricity is transmitted, or even the water we drink.

TShannon Williamshe current state of utilities has evolved significantly since the days of Nikola Tesla and Garrett Morgan. And while there have been significant advances amongst different utilities, there are additional efforts that need to be made as we evolve towards a more sustainable, cost-effective future. Technology and innovation are key in accomplishing goals moving forward, but we also need people in place that will not only institute positive, fair change, but also keep the presence of the greater community at the forefront of their minds in an effort to maintain the public’s trust.

I am fortunate to know of two individuals currently in Indiana’s utility industry who fit that bill. The subject of our cover profile: Carolene Mays- Medley is one such person.

Much of who I am and what I represent today is from years of working under Carolene’s tutelage at the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Aside from my mother who passed away 12 years ago, Carolene has been the greatest influencer of my life. I have learned countless professional and life lessons from her and I am grateful for every experience – even the challenging ones in which I didn’t always understand or agree with her perspective.

I have always been incredibly proud of Carolene and as I’ve watched her success in recent years, that pride has amplified to infinity.

When Carolene initially announced that she was leaving the Recorder to take an appointment by then Gov. Mitch Daniels, I was a bit confused. She left the media industry to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The two industries seemed words apart to me at the time and I didn’t completely understand the rationale.
But as I thought about it deeper and considered Carolene’s professional past, it all made sense: taking the most predicable path was never her thing. She has always done the unexpected or ventured towards the unknown. To know Carolene is to understand that for her, it’s not about the job per se, but more about how she can make a positive difference and be part of the solution. That realization made all the pieces in my mind fit together. While the various industries Carolene has had careers in – business, chemicals, media, politics, and now utilities – are all drastically different from one another, her role in each of them has been the same: ensuring fair and positive solutions. She has always been an advocate for the people. It’s what she did in the chemical industry, it’s what she did during her time heading up the newspaper and this magazine, it was the basis of her political career and it’s what she now does as a commissioner who works to ensure utilities provide adequate and reliable service at reasonable prices.

It has been fascinating for me to witness how Carolene entered a career, knowing very little about the industry, yet educating herself to the point of being a utility leader – not just statewide, but on a national scale as evidenced through her various roles including president of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference and chairperson of the Critical Infrastructure Committee.

Another woman in Indiana’s utility industry whom I respect deeply is Yvonne Perkins. In her role as vice president, corporate communications and chief diversity officer at Citizens Energy Group, Perkins has effectively worked over the years to ensure Citizens not only has a strong community presence, but also maintains fairness and equity amongst its staff. She has earned and maintained the community’s trust for over 30 years. That is a tremendous feat and I am not only proud of her, but honored that the community has such a strong leader in Perkins.

Mays-Medley and Perkins are two minority women who have made tremendous strides in the utility industry. Their actions and those of other utility executives in the state are what will help move Indiana forward as we continuously work towards accomplishing the innovation, technology and consumer goals of the future.

Shannon’s Faves

Up the Ladder
Our magazine loves to promote minorities who are doing well professionally and this feature does exactly that. Learn about select Hoosiers throughout the state who are advancing in their careers.

High Voltage
For some, the utility industry can be difficult to comprehend. IMBM’s coverage of utilities breaks everything down for you in a comprehensive, yet easy to understand manner.

Asset Protection
Whether you own a company or are a senior-level executive, you need to know what to do to eliminate any misappropriation of funds. This feature provides 7 things you can do now to secure your business.

Carolene Mays-Medley’s 5 Rules for Success

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Carolene Mays-Medley’s 5 Rules for Success
  1. We are all put here for a purpose, and given opportunity to help others, so give back.
  2. Give 100 percent to all you do – even if you don’t like all aspects of it.
  3. Treat others with respect and dignity. If your title, position or money were gone, think about how you would want to be treated.
  4. Persevere.
  5. Don’t apologize for your success.

Corporate Art

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Corporate Art

Installations brings people together and enhance a company’s image

By Rebecca R. Bibbs

K.P. Singh
K.P. Singh

About a decade ago, well-known Indiana artist Kanwal Prakash Singh watched as Julia Moore, then public art administrator for Indianapolis-based Blackburn Architects, flipped through 550 slides of works by artists from around the world.

Singh, a world-renowned Indiana artist in his own right, was tasked to come to a consensus with the six other judges and narrow down the field to 50 artists whose work would be installed in the new Indianapolis International Airport terminal.

“We were bringing the art from throughout the world to these major entry points to Indianapolis,” he said.
What was truly remarkable, Singh said, was that the airport and Eskenazi Health had committed to making art selection an early part of the design process for their new facilities.

“Art does not need to be an afterthought,” he said. “I thought that was a great thing to have art not as an afterthought but integrated as culture. It could be considered even before the building is completed so it’s in the right space and the right settings. I wish more corporations before they build their buildings they would consider this concept.”

Art experts agree corporations and individuals personalizing their workspaces play an important role in preserving heritage and educating the public. Though no one appears to have calculated the economic impact of art purchases by Hoosier companies, they also clearly allow some artists to earn a living when they purchase and display art.

Corporate art can be divided into several sub-types: Corporate or business space, healthcare facility, hotel, restaurants and bars, and retail. Each is characterized by elements that give those who interact in the spaces subtle cues about what kinds of facilities these are.

ART AS A BUSINESS

When Singh walks into an office building, courthouse or library in Indiana, there’s a pretty good chance one of his architectural line drawings hangs there.

Better known as “K.P. Singh,” he is one of hundreds of Indiana artists who have been able to make a living by producing and selling art to Indiana businesses.

Named a Sagamore of the Wabash, the state’s highest civilian honor, he’s not certain how often his drawings of Hoosier landmarks, such as State House, covered bridges or barns, grace the walls of corporate Indiana. But Singh estimates it’s grown into the hundreds since he became a full-time artist in the early 1970s.

“We have over the years done many, many projects for corporations,” he said.

As a member of the Sikh faith from India, Singh said the generosity of corporate America has enabled him to live the American dream and become one of the most financially successful artists in the state.

But the real secret to his success, he said, has been his ability to build relationships with potential audiences by participating in art fairs. There, people who never heard of him, come to know and appreciate his work, which often finds its way onto the walls of their offices.

“A lot of the people buy because they like the person, not always because they like the art,” he admitted.

Active on several boards and with myriad organizations, Singh said he’s often approached to donate a piece for silent auctions for charities. He always jumps at the opportunity, he said, because among the gift certificates, athletic memorabilia and gift baskets, his usually is the only art represented, giving him a promotional edge.

“If any of them approached us, we never said no. That was a way we could promote our art without going into a newspaper ad,” he said.

AVOIDING MISTAKES

Chris Jackson, director of Begley Art Source, a division of the Evansville Museum Shop, consults on major business art installations in southwest Indiana.

“If it’s new construction we want to understand what the vision statement is from the artists and the designers and from what the company wants to project,” she said.

Working with a consultant, Jackson said, can help businesses avoid costly mistakes. For instance, individual and collective artworks covering more than 10 percent of a wall often are restricted by building codes, she said. There also may be restrictions on materials used, such as paper or cardboard, which may require proof of flame-resistance.

“If they’re very large in scale, they often will not pass fire code inspections. Working with a professional, you won’t run into those kinds of problems,” she said.

Consultants also can help corporate clients determine whether a particular piece of art is a good value.

“We have the pulse to know how to ask why something costs a certain amount,” she said.

Though businesses have the option of buying prints, many invest in original art, Jackson said.

“We really are getting a lot of requests for original art. But it’s really more about supporting artists in the area,” she said. “There is a big difference between manufactured art and original art. I think people do recognize the difference.”

Original art also helps enhance the prestige of a business, Jackson agreed.

“If you’re willing to think outside the box and be original, that does say something about your business,” she said.

Though some companies buy art as an investment, more often than not, they are simply bought for decoration, image improvement or stress release, Jackson said.

“If you can see something beautiful or be inspired or have a conversation with somebody you have just given yourself an opportunity to feel better,” she said.

However, some companies, like Wells Fargo Advisors, which is expected to exhibit its collection at the Evansville Museum, do take their accumulations seriously, Jackson said.

“Some of the bigger corporations do actually hire curators to manage the investment of their works,” she said.

Though many may feel intimidated by the idea of original art, especially when it’s more modern and non-representational, Jackson said it’s her experience it starts bringing people together even as it’s being installed. During a recent three-day installation for an Evansville hospital, she said, the curiosity was immediate.

“When we started to install it, people came out of the woodwork and asked questions,” she said. “They would stop, and they’d want a progress report.”

7 things to consider when selecting corporate art

Art in the workplace should leave staff and clients feeling positively about your business. Here are some ways to decide how to proceed.

1. Decide what you want to accomplish with art in your workspace. Do you want to encourage productivity among staff? Or do you want to send a message to clients?
2. Survey the facility to determine the best spots to situate art. Consider not only two-dimensional paintings and drawings for the walls but also the possibilities of sculptural elements.
3. Develop a budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend on art, framing and installation costs.
4. Select art that is unlikely to be considered offensive. The office isn’t the place to display a nude. Go for something neutral like a landscape or a piece of non-representational modern art.
5. Consider the nature of your business. If you work in a conservative field like law or finance, it may be best to stick to neutral themes like still lifes and neutral monochromatic colors.
6. If you can, use your walls to promote your business. It goes without saying that if you’re a photographer, you should mount your prints; if you’re in advertising, frame some of your best and brightest ads; or if you run an architectural firm, frame some blueprints.
7. Buy local. You can not only help your business but also help an artist with his or hers.

Where to buy

Not everyone can become a Harrison Eiteljorg, whose personal art collection became the basis of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and whose African and Oceanic collection is on permanent display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. But here are some places to start.

Begley Art Source
915 Main St #608
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 402-2180
www.begleyartsource.com

Castle Gallery
1202 West Wayne St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 426-6568

Editions Limited
838 East 65th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 466-9940
www.elcorporateart.com

Frame Designs
506 S. Rangeline Road
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 844 9066
www.framedesigns.net

Kuaba Gallery
1 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 955.8405
www.kuaba.com

On the Go

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On the Go

Each phone platform’s pros and cons can help or hurt your business

By James Travis Turner

IN THE-NOT-SO-DISTANT PAST, mobile phones were clunky, limited-use devices designed and priced almost exclusively for big business users. Since then, the smartphone has become an indispensable tool for all manners and size of business.

Apple reinvented the mobile device in 2007 by putting the power of computers into handheld consumer devices through its iOS platform. Add to that Google’s Android operating system, Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Amazon’s Fire, and business consumers are left with a dizzying array of platforms from which to choose.

With the holiday season and a new budget year right around the corner, our chart is here to help you choose the best mobile device to compliment your business needs. All costs provided are for outright off-contract purchase of the device.

Amazon Fire PhoneAMAZON FIRE PHONE
Platform: Fire OS
Key Features
• Firefly Product Scanning Technology
• Mayday Customer Service
• Dynamic Perspective
Cost: About $650

Pros: The fire phone is the newest entrant to an already crowded market, but a lot of time was spent developing unique features. It offers a dynamic 3D-like perspective, Firefly product scanning and Mayday help from customer service agents using video chat. The Firefly scanning feature has the largest implication for ecommerce companies. This feature quickly identifies more than 100 million movies, TV episodes, songs, and products by simply pressing the dedicated Firefly button. Once recognized, users can purchase this item on Amazon within seconds.

Cons: Although the Fire phone has some innovative features that could prove useful to the bottom line, the tech community has overwhelmingly suggested it isn’t ready for prime time just yet. If you used any other platforms in the past, it may not seem like much of an update on essential features available today. Also, the Firefly feature is great for companies that manufacture their own products sold on Amazon but could prove troublesome for resellers who can’t control which company appears first on their listings.

iphoneAPPLE iPHONE 5s
Platform: Apple
Key Features
• iWork
• Best Variety of Applications
• Fingerprint Scanner
Cost: $403 to $725, depending on bells and whistles

Pros: As of this publication, Apple had not yet released its much-conjectured iPhone 6. The iPhone 5s, however, marks Apple’s seventh revision of its high-end mobile device. It has a well-refined set of core features and looks very similar to its original design. The iPhone is lightweight with a smaller screen size compared to most of the competition. The biggest advantage of the iOS ecosystem is the App Store, which has 1.2 million apps available for download. These applications range from games like Angry Birds to enterprise-grade software from companies like SalesForce.com. This provides an opportunity for businesses to integrate devices that employees love while also adding value back to the bottom line.

Cons: The biggest limitation of the iPhone is the lack of first-party integration within the individual business IT environment. Currently, companies depend on third-party software solutions to manage iPhones in their environment. This introduces financial risk related to the cost to acquire and support these services but unlocks the ability to manage, secure and protect these devices.

samsung-galaxy-s5-vs-apple-iphone-5sSAMSUNG GALAXY S5
Platform: Google Android
Key Features
• Enterprise Built-In
• Water/Dust Resistant
• Companion Devices
Cost: Up to about $750, depending on retailer

Pros: The Samsung Galaxy S series is the most popular device using Google’s Android operating system. It was the first phone to introduce a touchscreen more than four inches long and continues that trend with a beautiful 5.1-inch screen on the S5. Like Apple, Android has tons of applications and enjoys the same benefits. Samsung differentiated itself by making an early investment in wearable devices like smart watches and fitness bands. These companion devices add a second screen that provides the ability to get information and connect with people without reaching for the phone.

Cons: Like the iPhone, companies using the Android platform depend on third-party software solutions to manage most devices well. In addition, Android phones historically have been known to become infected with malware, spyware and other unauthorized software. This is a result of Google’s embrace of a more open-source platform that allows app makers more access to the core features of the phone. Samsung created a first-party management solution called Knox that provides robust hardware and software integrated security for Samsung mobile devices, which alleviates this concern. Unfortunately, a large majority of other Android manufactures don’t have first-party tools for this level of company integration.

Nokia-Lumia-IconNOKIA LUMIA ICON
Platform: Windows
Key Features
• Microsoft Office
• Enterprise built-in
• Personalized services
Cost: About $500

Pros: The Nokia Lumia series is the most popular line of Windows Phones. It’s marketed as the world’s most personal smartphone with features like Cortana but yet to have built-in Enterprise Integration. Cortana is Windows Phone’s first digital assistant that acts like Apple’s Siri in many ways but is more personalized based on the information kept in her notebook. Once she learns more about the owner in the notebook, users see things like flight information she’s found from email confirmations, weather, the latest news and even traffic information once she learns commute routes. And all of these interests and preferences are under the user’s control via Cortana’s notebook. On the Enterprise side, 96 percent of PC operating systems run on Windows, and Microsoft has built-in Enterprise integration with mobile versions of Office, SharePoint, and OneDrive that doesn’t sacrifice formatting allowing you to get more done on the go. The devices can connect to your existing VPN network or be managed by your IT department via Microsoft System Center, Intune, or a host of other IT management solutions.

Cons: The biggest limitation of the Window Phone platform is the App Store, which currently includes considerably fewer apps than th Android and Apple devices. This has continued to inconvenience former iPhone and Android users who are looking for a specific app from their previous device. Within the past six month, major brands have started to invest in Windows Phone apps, and the top 50 apps are available across the platform. Even with this limitation, the Nokia Lumia Icon is the best phone for business as it balances between work and life with the tools needed to get work done, and more than 250,000 apps.

Sweet Treats

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Sweet Treats

Nostalgia leads Carrie Abbott to update tried and true candy favorites

By Rebecca R. Bibbs

Carrie Abbott
Carrie Abbott

IN 2012, CARRIE ABBOTT LAUNCHED Indianapolis-based Newfangled Confections with Carrie’s Frittle® Candy, a sweet treat that combines the best of fudge and peanut brittle. The company since has expanded to include Southern pralines, soft butter mints, spicy pecans and special holiday candies.

Abbott said her intent was to take Hoosiers back to their childhood memories of the expansive candy aisles at places like Hook’s Drugstore.
In addition to her shop at 613 E. North St., Newfangled Confections also can be found at Yats restaurants, Trader’s Point Creamery and Rooster’s Market & Deli in Whitestown. Orders also can be taken online at newfangledconfections.com and shipped nationwide.

Abbott shares with IMBM her recipe for a successful business.

IMBM: What inspired you to strike out on your own and start Newfangled Confections?

Abbott: For me, I was inspired by food gifts I used to give as favors at the end of catering jobs I was hired to do. It was a little something people would remember the entire evening. On a broader scale, I have a business, hospitality and baking background. What better than to open a treat shop?

IMBM: You recently returned with your family for a visit to your native Korea. What, if anything, did you learn about the business practices there that you can apply to your own business?

Abbott: It was interesting to see business practices there. Cleanliness, friendliness and hustle were three things that jumped out at me. Especially in tourist areas, the U.S., Indy and in my business we need to think about how you appear to your customer. Cleanliness, especially a food business. Friendliness, as in the best customer service possible. Everyone says that customers are important. But you better be ready to live and breathe by this statement if you want to succeed, while maintaining strong ethics. And lastly, hustle. I’m nearing 40 years old, and I can’t imagine not hustling at work. I don’t know if it’s something I was taught or born with, but I’m really seeing a lack of hustle in the younger generation. I’m guessing you can find these things in many businesses in Indiana and that is why they are successful. It just really struck me as differentiating factors compared to businesses starting out in Indiana.

IMBM: How did you secure funding to start your business?

Abbott: I saved. It wasn’t much, but motivation, attitude and a total vision go a long way and present opportunities unimaginable. For a food business in Indiana the number one stopper is money for a kitchen or rental. I saved $2,000 and put it all in a marketing campaign, added another $3,000 and basically started a business at -$3,000. I knew I had something special, and I was going to sleep and breathe Frittle candy until it was big. I was gifted with two amazing kitchen rental opportunities. But also, I was hyper-focused on finding a kitchen. Always be planting a bunch of seeds.

IMBM: What has been your biggest challenge in starting your business, and how did you overcome it?

Abbott: One of my biggest challenges  and many business owners will tell you this was getting out of my own way. You have a good idea, great tools, good staff; everything is lined up perfectly. For some reason, on certain stages of business, I want to grow it when it doesn’t need it, scale down when it should ramp up, not return all those email requests. It’s really a matter of focus, delegating and essentially getting out of my own way. I overcome it with daily faith and living with the knowledge that it’s a candy business, and I’m not saving lives here. I keep a positive attitude, keep the faith and forgive myself of a bad day, week, month and move forward.

IMBM: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned while getting your business off the ground?

Abbott: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while getting Newfangled Confections off the ground is leaning on community and packaging. In regards to leaning on community, do a market event with other vendors, and look around. Everyone is at different stages of learning. You’re about to spend eight to nine hours with them in a close setting. Kindly and openly ask for guidance and mentoring. People are very eager to help and mostly stop you from making the mistakes they made. If someone offers you advice, don’t judge and be offended. Just smile and let them know that’s a good idea (even if you thought of it before) because it IS a good idea; remember you thought of it too.

Regarding product packaging, scan the shelves of the big manufacturers. They can’t do it without the packaging. Ask for help again. Be open to ideas that you haven’t thought of, even the ideas that completely suck. Be inspired by a dog treat packaging, even if you’re making a new beverage. Also, a bonus lesson: Listen to impartial successful folks. Your family and friends love you and don’t want you to fail. But the successful impartial folks will give you straight advice.

Startup features companies that have been in operation for one to three years. To have your company considered for feature, please email info@indianapolisrecorder.com with the name of your company, contact information, a short description of your product or service and a link to your website.

Central Indiana

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Central Indiana

Affordable housing helps working families with low incomes

By Victoria Davis

Central-Indiana-StateWITH THE GENTLE SWAY OF HER HAND, Ronda Weybright leads the tour around the offices of RealAmerica Development and Management in Fishers.

She pauses briefly to reflect on her latest project in Shelbyville where once stood an abandoned 1880s school plastered in graffiti. Set with restored terrazzo floors and high ceilings, photos of the property are revealed as décor within the office.

Dressed in a soft blue shirt and khaki pants, one would never understand these are items Weybright had not always possessed. She grew up in a family that did not thrive financially nor did they have much to call their own.

“My family and I lived in church housing, and in exchange, by dad would mow the lawn,” she said.

Today Weybright is the founder and president of RealAmerica Development and ignites the fire inside herself to help others through the growth in affordable housing.

RealAmerica is one of several companies and organizations responsible for bringing affordable housing to Central Indiana, which includes Marion, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, Boone, Clinton, Tipton, Hamilton, Madison, Hancock and Shelby counties.

Founded in 1995, RealAmerica Development LLC, specializes in constructing and managing affordable housing for Indiana residents. With more than 23 properties, in cities like Bargerville, Danville and Shelbyville, 98 percent are dedicated to affordable housing.

“We go to areas when the community contacts us for a need of housing or if we happen to have a connection to someone in the area,” Weybright said. “We have almost 1,600 units in a combination of family and senior housing.”

The process to begin a new development is very competitive, especially in Hamilton and Marion counties, Weybright added.
“A lot of people are developing affordable housing in those counties and the process can be very long.”

HANDS-ON INVOLVEMENT

With an abundance of affordable housing projects taking place, it may be difficult to discover those who are truly passionate about helping the communities in which they work.

“We stay small so I can be apart of every phase,” Weybright said. “When we go to pick out a piece of dirt or site or lay it out, I will be on site. I want to stay involved in every aspect because my name is on the line and reputation. Our investors, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, is where we get credit from. My reputation and track record means everything to me.”

Weybright said affordable housing has always been instilled in her simply because of her background. She grew up primarily poor, and after working as a secretary at a real estate company, she knew she had found her passion.

“From that point, I knew I wanted to do real estate, but until I got the opportunity to do farm housing, I knew I had found my passion. I can’t imagine not doing it.”

Over the years, Weybright said, affordable housing has changed physically and includes several amenities to which typical home owners have access. Developers are able to obtain a property based on a point system, called the qualified allocation plan that is administered by the state.

The project is judged on things like location, levels of rent and amenities.

“They’ve encouraged services and amenities, quality, energy-efficiency, all of that for a project to be approved,” Weybright said. “The point system has been really good in notching up the quality. We are now challenged to see what we can bring to the table.”

She refers to all of her properties as “her babies” because they each have a story behind them, and she cares for them as such. Sitting just across her desk is a large lion’s head statue she saved from the school building in Shelbyville.

There wasn’t always a rush to begin construction for affordable housing, Weybright said.

“Our first property we had to get through a few fights for something we thought was important. We wanted to change the stigma and find the growth patterns of the city. After a while, community members were more comfortable and actually recommending places to us. We want people to know they drive pass affordable housing everyday and don’t know it, and that’s the idea.”

All RealAmerica properties, regardless of income level, are furnished with Energy Star-rated appliances, washer and dryers, covered front porches and playgrounds.

QUALITY OF LIFE
Amy Nelson, executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, said not only is affordable housing needed, the location of that housing is specifically important.
“Where someone lives impacts the quality of their lives,” she said. “Having a safe place you call home impacts whether or not your housing investment will flourish, the opportunities you will have, and employment that will be available. Where you live determines if your local supermarket will carry fresh fruits and vegetables, the quality of the schools your children will attend, and your access to businesses and transportation options. Your home is more than a roof over your head.”
Within the state, there are two commonly used housing programs, Section 42 and the section 8 Voucher Program. Section 42 is an affordable rental-housing program implemented by the federal government. The Section 8 Voucher Program is also a government program that allows low-income residents to pay 30 percent of their income to live in safe housing.
Section 42 allows developers of affordable housing to receive a federal tax credit. In exchange the developer will manage the upkeep of the property to maintain safety among other things. Developers agree to keep the housing income restricted as well as the rent. Eligibility for this program is based on household income set by each county and can vary per area.
For example, Hendricks and Johnson counties’ median income limit is set at $64,300 and is then broken down into separate categories based on the number of people living in that household.
Nelson said housing assistance recipients are usually single mothers, those with disabilities and people of color.
“According to Census and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) data, there were 159,157 rental units in Marion County in 2013,” said Nelson. “In contrast there were 7,247 housing choice voucher households in Marion County. Voucher holders were 89 percent Black, 8 percent white, 1 percent Hispanic and 1 percent other.”
Of those using Section 8 in Marion County, 30 percent receive employment wages, but the income is too low to support a family unit she added.
Marty Vangas, vice president of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, said counties scattered across Central Indiana are seeing an increase in affordable housing, and many cities are reconstructing their downtowns to include to residential life.
“Residential development is happening all over the area,” he said.

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