Doug Boles: Leading IMS and INDYCAR Into the Future
This month, Zionsville Monthly is honored to once again feature Doug Boles, Zionsville resident and newly appointed president of INDYCAR, on its cover. Boles previously appeared in the May 2018 issue ahead of the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500. We spoke with Boles about his transition into the role of INDYCAR President, his continued leadership at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and his steadfast dedication to the world of racing.
DIRECTOR OF SALES / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418
/ Janelle Morrison
/ 317-250-7298
Palm Beach Beauty & Tan
Palm Beach Beauty & Tan is the premier destination for sunbed tanning, spray tanning and wellness services in the Whitestown/Zionsville area. With state-of-the-art equipment, expert staff and a commitment to providing a luxurious and relaxing experience, Palm Beach Beauty & Tan offers everything you need to achieve a flawless, natural-looking glow.
Whether you’re looking for a customized spray tan, advanced tanning or innovative wellness treatments like red light therapy and infrared sauna sessions, Palm Beach Beauty & Tan is your go-to salon for beauty and confidence.
A LEGACY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EXCELLENCE
Regina Brooks and her husband, Doug, have been entrepreneurs since 1992, bringing passion and dedication to their business ventures. “My husband and I have been in business since ’92, and we’ve been running tanning salons since about ’94,” Brooks said. Over the years, the Brooks’ have built their tanning business from the ground up, opening new stores and acquiring existing locations. In 2019, they decided to take their business to the next level by joining Palm Beach Beauty & Tan, the largest tanning franchise group in the
country. Unlike other franchise experiences, Palm Beach Beauty & Tan offered a collaborative environment that aligned with their vision for growth. “They were very franchise-friendly,” Brooks explained, “We work very closely with the corporate group to determine what direction we’re going. It’s a lot more of a partnership.”
BEYOND TANNING: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
Palm Beach Beauty & Tan has expanded beyond traditional tanning to include cutting-edge wellness services. “We’ve always done tanning, and we’ve always done spray,” Brooks shared. “And in the last year and a half, we’ve added wellness.” With that expansion of services, Palm Beach Tan locations around the country,
including the new Whitestown salon are embracing the new Palm Beach Beauty and Tan branding. With the introduction of red light therapy, infrared saunas and salt therapy have redefined the customer experience, offering benefits that go beyond aesthetics.
INFRARED SAUNA: THE FUTURE OF RELAXATION AND RECOVERY
Palm Beach Beauty & Tan’s infrared saunas provide a luxurious spa experience without the need for a full-day commitment. Brooks explained, “The new infrared sauna increases your metabolism, helps your immune system, stress and fatigue, muscle and joint discomfort and energy.” For those looking for additional wellness benefits, the saunas also feature chromotherapy (color therapy) and salt therapy. Halotherapy, or salt therapy offers respiratory support, eases infections and helps allergies.
RED LIGHT THERAPY: MORE THAN JUST A GLOW
One of the most exciting additions to Palm Beach Beauty & Tan is red light therapy. “Red light reduces wrinkles,” Brooks shared. “It increases circulation. It boosts collagen. The LightStim Beauty Panel, an FDA-approved device, has been a game changer for skin rejuvenation.”
Customers can experience red light therapy in three ways: through a targeted LightStim Pro Panel or through the Infrared Saunas and the advanced Beauty Shaper booth. The Beauty Shaper is full red light therapy for your entire body. It also has a vibrating floor. Once activated, the vibration increases circulation and raises metabolism.
THE EVOLUTION OF SUNLESS TANNING
Modern sunless tanning technology has revolutionized the industry, offering natural-looking results. “Back in the day, people would get sprays, and it would look orange,” Brooks said. “Sunless is very natural-looking now.” With Palm Beach Beauty & Tan’s exclusive Premier Collection tanning experience, customers can customize spray tan with bronzers, fragrance and additives to create the perfect personalized tan.
SCIENCE-BACKED SKINCARE AND SUPPLEMENTS
In addition to advanced beauty and wellness services, new at Palm Beach Beauty & Tan is the skincare line L’obsi-
dienneX that features Exosome Skincare Technology to restore, repair and renew, thus reducing the signs of aging.
THE COMMITMENT TO CONFIDENCE AND SELF-CARE
At Palm Beach Beauty & Tan, beauty is about more than just appearances—it’s
beauty to you? It’s how you define it for yourself. That’s why Palm Beach Beauty & Tan, provides personalized beauty, tanning, and wellness services, as well as products that enable your inner beauty to thrive. With a commitment to innovation, wellness and exceptional service, Palm Beach Beauty & Tan continues to lead the industry in providing beauty and wellness solutions tailored to each individual’s needs. Whether it’s tanning, skin care or holistic wellness therapies, Palm Beach Beauty & Tan offers an experience designed to make every client look and feel their best.
START YOUR JOURNEY TO FEELING AND LOOKING YOUR BEST
“Experience the Palm Beach Beauty & Tan difference for yourself,” Brooks said. “Be our guest. Try any service, for free, for a day!” Palm Beach Beauty & Tan in Whitestown is open:
• Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Call Palm Beach Beauty & Tan at 317-768-3406 or stop by 7117 Whitestown Pkwy., Zionsville, IN 46077, to begin your Palm Beach Beauty & Tan experience! Visit Palm Beach Beauty & Tan online at palmbeachtan.com.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME THE CIVIC PRESENTS:
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. Now it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.
CONTENT ADVISORY:
This play contains profanity, a description of animal cruelty, discussions of sex, family violence and the miracle of the human spirit.
Purchase your tickets at civictheatre.org!
For more information on bringing your student group to our weekday student matinees, please email groups@civictheatre.org.
CHRISTOPHER – OZZY HEATH
To prepare for Christopher, I researched through books, articles, and interviews to understand his emotions, social interactions and sensory experiences. Beyond that, I reflected on how his intelligence and challenges shape his worldview.
Balancing Christopher’s intelligence with his emotional struggles meant recognizing how they’re connected. His intelligence is a gift, but it also isolates him, making emotions harder to process. I focused on how his logic influences his decisions while highlighting his difficulty expressing feelings.
The most rewarding part of playing Christopher is bringing his complexity to life. Christopher is an incredibly honest and direct character, and his journey is uplifting. I love challenging perceptions of autism and showing his emotional depth. There’s a lot of catharsis in his story.
My favorite scene is when Christopher uncovers the truth about his mother. It’s such a pivotal moment in the play, and I think it represents a huge emotional turning point for Christopher. It’s a challenging moment for him where he has to process not just the information but also his feelings about it — feelings he doesn’t
Christopher ................................. Ozzy Heath
Ed Boone...................................Eric Reiberg
Judy Boone Afton Shepard
Siobhan........................ Jean Childers Arnold
Mrs. Shears/Mrs. Gascoyne Lisa Anderson
always know how to express.
Building the relationship with Eric was a gradual process. Christopher relies on his father for stability and trust, but there’s tension. We explored how love and conflict shape their bond.
I think people will take away that no one is just their diagnosis, and that the emotional and intellectual worlds we live in are vastly different from one another, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all find a way to connect. [Christopher’s] story is also about hope and breaking down barriers, showing that even when life is overwhelming or confusing, there’s always room for growth and understanding.
ED BOONE – ERIC REIBERG
As a working-class single dad, Ed’s life is pretty close to my day-to-day life. For me, the more emotionally demanding a scene is, the more necessary it is to be technically precise and to have the
Policeman/Man in Socks Lukas Robinson
Mr. Shears/Sergeant .............. Matt Anderson
Rev. Peters/Station Policeman Rex Wolfley
Punk Girl Kennedy Morgan
Mrs. Alexander ........ Carrie Andrews Reiberg
movement of the character, their lines, the moments of realization, reaction and reply all very clear and ingrained so that my emotional responses to doing and saying those things can be both real and reproducible [during] each performance. There is a “remove” between the characters in the story, so it’s kind of important to make sure that is clear on stage and not to appear too chummy.
While we haven’t integrated the live canine performer yet, the last scene when Ed brings Christopher a dog is [a] hard [scene] to beat. It just has made me even more aware and thankful that my children, regardless of the challenges they may have presented, have been very wonderful and relatively easy to parent. I hope the audience gets extremely mad at Ed, and eventually, they find some way to understand and begin to forgive his very significant failings. He causes a great deal of harm, so I don’t expect them to
completely forgive him, but perhaps by the end, he can receive a bit of grace.
DIRECTOR – JAY HEMPHILL
This story is many things. It is an adventure story. It is a coming-of-age story. It’s a murder mystery. It’s a family drama. So, there’s so many aspects to the story. What it comes down to is a story about how society deals with the “other,” you know, or how they don’t deal with the “other.” We have these norms and sort of social constructs that we live by. And when someone is introduced to [someone else] who doesn’t quite fit, it just highlights that. Making space for anyone — whether it be someone who needs special accommodations due to physical, mental or emotional needs, or someone who doesn’t look like you, think like you or believe like you — I just think it resonates across so many levels.
If you can sit in a theater and find connection with someone on a stage, then maybe we can empathize with that person around the corner from us. I hope they [the audiences] walk away and just say, how can I, in my life, make space for someone who might be a little different than me?
WELCOME BACK: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER
THE PALLADIUM // FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 8 P.M. ET
Drummer extraordinaire Carl Palmer leads a tour celebrating the legacy of progressive-rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The trio were known for their classical influences, instrumental virtuosity and a string of platinum albums in the 1970s that made songs such as “Lucky
Man,” “From the Beginning” and “Karn Evil 9” staples of rock radio. With full cooperation from the estates of his late bandmates, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, Palmer developed this production, which combines a live performance by Palmer and his current band with video footage of Emerson and Lake from a 1992 ELP concert.
Don’t miss this extraordinary and reimagined performance by the late Emerson and Lake, along with founding member Palmer and fellow musicians Paul Bielatowicz and Simon Fitzpatrick! Purchase your tickets at thecenterpresents.org!
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of the Center
and what makes it unique and special.
Carl Palmer: Alright, let me take you back to the very beginning. The visual side that is being used is from two concerts that were played at the Royal Albert Hall in London in the early ’90s. We played there two nights, and it was a five-camera shoot, which meant we had lots to edit to make up a DVD … which we did do, and it did get released.
The reason why that is so important, and how it all adds up with the technology we use today, this [five-camera] shoot was recorded in such a way that the audio for all the instruments was recorded individually and all on their own tracks so we could remix or repair something and the visuals would be OK. Most bands recorded the audio and visuals at the same time in the mid-’90s.
JM: Another testament to how ELP was always thinking outside of the box and was ahead of its time. Little did you guys know that you’d be using the tracks and audio footage with modern-day technology to create this epic show. CP: And with the technology that is available, I’ve taken the visual aspects from that
with Keith and Greg. I add my drums to it live, which obviously means that we can actually remix Emerson, Lake & Palmer every night.
JM: How long did the editing take?
CP: It took about 11 weeks. And the magic here is that the visuals are completely in sync with the audio that you hear because it all came from the same DVD. I’ve got a sync track that I play along to, which keeps me perfectly in time with what we originally recorded when I play live. It’s the real band playing, but Keith and Greg are on film.
We’re not using robots or holo grams. This is Keith and Greg at their very best, probably at the top of their game.
We used an AI program to take away some of the graininess and some of the redness in the lights and smoke or whatever may have been there, and we managed to wipe that stuff out. The footage looks better than the original that was shot.
It was all approved by the families, who are involved financially as well. I had the final say as far as quality and whatever worked for the show, and it’s been touring for about two years now … going into the third year.
new people. It doesn’t get any better than that.
There has been some resistance from Europe.
JM: Really? That’s rather surprising.
CP: They don’t get it. The Germans don’t get it. The French never got ELP anyway [laughs]. The English are rather sort of slow in wanting to pick it up. I played in Japan, and the Japanese absolutely loved it. We’re going to South America this year, and there
seems to be a lot of interest there and in America.
Well, I can’t speak for Europe, but I can’t wait to see and hear what you’ve done with the aid of technology and your commitment to keeping it authentic while honoring ELP’s extraordi-
Nobody’s incorporated a whole group playing together with two guys who are dead, you know. It’s all in sync and in perfect time. So, it’s something kind of unique.
You’ve worked on several projects over the years. What’s next for you project-wise?
CP: I want to stay with this [the tour] right now, embellish on it and grow it. I think it’s part of the next chapter, really, and obviously, it’s probably one of the last chapters in my career. It’s really important because, as I say, the technology’s caught up and is enabling me to do it. So, I’m kind of taking the bull by the horns and going with it.
Doug Boles
Leading IMS and INDYCAR Into the Future
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of IMS and INDYCAR
This month, Zionsville Monthly is honored to once again feature Doug Boles, Zionsville resident and newly appointed president of INDYCAR, on its cover. Boles previously appeared in the May 2018 issue ahead of the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500.
We spoke with Boles about his transition into the role of INDYCAR President, his continued leadership at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and his steadfast dedication to the world of racing.
A LIFELONG PASSION FOR INDYCAR
Boles’ journey in the sport has been extensive, dating back to 1997. With a deep understanding of both the Indianapolis 500 and INDYCAR, Boles acknowledges their symbiotic relationship.
“My whole life, as far as I can think back, has been about IndyCar racing,” Boles said. “IndyCar is so important to the
health of the Indianapolis 500. And the Indianapolis 500 is so important to the health of IndyCar. You know, the two kind of need to be aligned.”
For Boles, his new role allows him to leverage the Indianapolis 500’s platform to grow INDYCAR.
“In this role [INDYCAR President], I have an opportunity to have an official influence on the series,” Boles said. “I’ve obviously been involved in the periphery for the last ten or 11 years since I’ve been president of Speedway. I will be able to kind of align the two, try to use some of the platform of the Indianapolis 500 to grow the series, and then use some of the things we’ve learned at the IMS to help
all the other promoters out throughout the season.”
With 17 races in the season, only two are held at the Speedway. Boles is eager to support the other 15 events, working with promoters to create experiences beyond just racing.
Boles added, “We want to create experiences that really give back to the community and get communities excited when the IndyCar series shows up.”
THE LASTING IMPACT OF THE 100TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
Looking back on the historic 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, Boles views it as both a defining moment in his career
and a landmark event in the legacy of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
“I think anytime something becomes a century old, it is a pretty big deal,” Boles expressed. “The goal was to celebrate the past while ensuring continued growth while making sure that it was also a launching platform. We made sure everybody felt some pride in it, and it actually helped us grow the event.”
Looking ahead, he aims to see another sellout.
“I want to see the venue sold out again,” Boles stated. “I want to see it sold out again in a year that’s not the 100th running.”
ENGAGING A NEW GENERATION OF FANS
Boles has noticed a resurgence of younger fans in recent years, which he attributes to strategic engagement efforts. Initiatives like the Snake Pit EDM concerts and highlighting young drivers such as Pato O’Ward have helped attract a younger audience.
“In order for the sport to grow, and for the Indy 500 to grow, we’re figuring out how to bring in the younger generations,” Boles said. “So Pato O’Ward, for example, is in his early 20s, has an exciting personality and is fast on the racetrack. So, we have those drivers that are younger as a way to
I’m trying to make relationships more related to what I’m doing now than just as a promoter at IMS, and working with our team so that we make sure that we’re listening, we’re solving problems and we’re being transparent. That’s important.”
reach out. We are working to get smarter in how we target our customers and our potential customers.”
TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN MODERN RACING
Advancements in technology have also played a role in open-wheel racing’s appeal.
“Basically, the cars that run in the NTT IndyCar Series are rolling computers,” Boles explained. “Everything that changes from static state — whether it rolls, goes up and down, changes temperature — we monitor … teams monitor that.”
However, technology isn’t just shaping the sport on track. It’s changing the way fans engage.
“Now it’s really about how good can you get on the digital advertising,” Boles shared. “How can you feed somebody something when they turn their computer or their phone on.”
IMMEDIATE GOALS AS PRESIDENT OF INDYCAR
Boles wasted no time stepping into his new role. His first priority was engaging with team owners, drivers and managers at the Sebring Open Test.
“So, a lot of what I’m doing is just walking the paddock, saying, ‘Hey, what works, what doesn’t, any ideas,’” Boles said. “‘Here’s my phone number. Please let me know.’ I’m trying to make relationships more related to what I’m doing now than just as a promoter at IMS, and working with our team so that we make sure that we’re listening, we’re solving problems and we’re being transparent. That’s important.”
He is also focused on strengthening relationships with FOX Network, which now broadcasts all INDYCAR races.
“Fox has jumped in with both feet,” Boles said. “So, how do we leverage that relationship to make sure that the value
that they’re giving us, that we’re giving them, is the right on-track product? We’re working with them [FOX] to create new and exciting ways to showcase our races on broadcast. I’m excited about that relationship, and I think that’s a key catalyst to our growth long term.”
LEGACY AND COMMITMENT TO INDIANA
A proud Hoosier, Boles views his platform as an opportunity to showcase Indiana. As he embarks on this new chapter, Boles remains committed to growing INDYCAR, honoring its legacy and ensuring fans continue to have an unparalleled experience.
Boles added, “What makes us special is our fan base. I want to make sure that the fans know that they have somebody there that first and foremost—by ‘there,’ I mean at the Speedway or at the IndyCar series—is caring about the fans.”
Despite his many achievements, Boles remains humble about his legacy.
“Honestly, I haven’t even really thought of a legacy,” Boles admitted.
“I’m a Hoosier through and through, and I couldn’t be prouder to be that. I was born in Indianapolis, and I’ve lived in Zionsville for 25 years. This is my home. I get up every day and think about how I want to grow the INDYCAR Series and sell out the IMS for the Indy 500, but what I really want to do is tell the story of Hoosier hospitality. This is a great place to raise families and start businesses. Every opportunity I have to tell that story, I try and do.”
Boles continued, “The biggest way for me to make a difference in these roles is by showcasing our community. One of the things that I felt was a responsibility, and still do, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — and maybe even more so now with the INDYCAR title — is that we, the Speedway and the INDYCAR series, have a great opportunity on an amazing platform that gets some international exposure to not just showcase the series, but really to showcase our central Indiana community and the state of Indiana.”
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UPDATE WITH GRAHAM RAHAL
What’s New at GRP Headquarters in Zionsville
Zionsville Monthly previously featured IndyCar driver Graham Rahal on the October 2022 cover. This month, Rahal shared updates on what’s available and what’s coming to Graham Rahal Performance (GRP) in 2025.
RP is not just a motorsports hub — it’s a growing part of the Zionsville community. Located in Creekside Corporate Park, GRP is an extension of the town’s vibrant downtown area.
“We want to be a vital and positive part of the whole town,” Rahal explained. “The recent extension of the Dora District provides the ability for people to link us to downtown, to feel like we are an extension of that. If they want to walk around with a drink, they can come here, see the cars, get dinner and be a part of everything that’s going on.”
A UNIQUE SOCIAL HUB AND COFFEE HOUSE
GRP’s on-site coffee shop, RIVET Coffee, has become a gathering spot for car
enthusiasts, young families and casual visitors alike.
“It’s just a tremendous coffee shop in general,” Rahal said. “The product is great, the food is awesome, and socially, it’s a really cool place. For young families, it’s perfect — there’s nowhere else around here where kids can come, see some cars and [Ducati] bikes, and just have fun.”
For Rahal, RIVET Coffee isn’t just about serving great espresso. It’s about creating an environment that fosters passion for the automotive world.
Rahal added, “On Saturday and Sunday mornings, I’m in awe of the number of kids that come through. That’s where my love for cars started — I was that kid who was obsessive about cars, who wanted to see them and be around them. So for me,
seeing that excitement in young people today is incredibly rewarding.”
GRP’s Cars & Coffee event continues to be open to everyone. Whether you are a car enthusiast or a total novice, GRP hopes you will join in on the Cars & Coffee experience. This event is also open to people of all ages, so feel free to bring the whole family out. Visit grahamrahalperformance.com for the 2025 Cars & Coffee dates.
For more information on RIVET Coffee, visit rivetcoffee.com.
CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUTOMOTIVE ENTHUSIASTS
Beyond its role as a social hub, GRP offers career opportunities for young people interested in the automotive industry.
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of GRP and Kristin Kay Interiors
paint protection shop, GRP is providing real-world experience in an industry with a wide range of career paths.
“We’ve got installers in our paint protection shop [Rahal Paint Protection] who make exceptional livings,” Rahal said. “For young people to understand that they can start at a junior level and accelerate their careers here — it’s a tremendous opportunity. We provide a place where young people can learn and grow.”
Rahal continued, “We’re linking with the schools and working with a group of young individuals for summer jobs. They’ll help with service and sales, learning how to communicate with clients and understand the business side of things.”
BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE: A NEW CULINARY DESTINATION
In addition to the coffee shop, GRP is preparing to welcome Bowdie’s Chophouse, a high-end steakhouse set to become one of Zionsville’s premier dining destinations.
“The restaurant is coming along great,” Rahal shared. “We’re making quick progress — I saw drywall going in recently. My hope is that we’ll see it open by May.”
Unlike other local favorites, Bowdie’s will bring a different dining experience to town.
“Bowdie’s is a little unique compared to the others,” Rahal said. “Our goal is to be family-friendly but also upscale, sophisticated, with modern elements — brown leathers, a high-end feel. I think people are going to love it.”
Another major advantage? Parking. Rahal said, “When GRP’s workforce goes home at night, there’s plenty of parking for our guests.”
EXPANDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GRP isn’t just about cars and coffee but becoming a hub for community engagement.
“We’d love to do a farmers market here toward the end of the year,” Rahal
revealed. “We’ve also just announced our Cars & Coffee event dates. The community loves those weekends, and they’re great for the coffee shop.”
As the weather warms up, GRP plans to host more community-focused events. “We designed this campus to be able to host things like this,” Rahal shared. “Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, we have something for everybody.”
THE ULTIMATE AUTOMOTIVE RETREAT
For car collectors and automotive aficionados, GRP offers WheelHouse Social Club, a premium car storage facility designed exclusively for Founders and Collectors members.
“WheelHouse provides a secure, cli mate-controlled environment to safeguard prized vehicles,” Rahal explained. “It’s not just storage — it’s a community. Members have access to top-tier maintenance, detailing and exclusive events that celebrate the art of car collecting.”
While WheelHouse is an adults-only space, Rahal believes it’s an exceptional addition to the area.
“I think people would be blown away to see WheelHouse,” Rahal expressed. “It’s
unlike anything else locally, and it’s an incredible place for enthusiasts.”
STAY CONNECTED WITH GRP
With so many exciting developments happening at GRP, Rahal encourages locals to stay engaged through social media.
“The best way to keep up is through our socials, whether it’s GRP, Rahal Paint Protection, Ducati Indianapolis, Piaggio or WheelHouse. Everything’s on there,” Rahal shared.
grow their presence in Zionsville, the message is clear: GRP is more than just a business. It’s a destination, a career hub, a social gathering space and a vital part of the community.
Rahal concluded, “We want to be engaged and active in local sports, in events and in making Zionsville a great place to live and visit. Whether you love cars or not, there’s something here for everyone.”
Zionsville Honors
Lt. Chuck White
for 30 Years of Dedicated Service
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Town of Zionsville
Last month, the Town of Zionsville proudly recognized Lieutenant Charles K. (Chuck) White for 30 years of dedicated service to the Zionsville Police Department (ZPD). In honor of this milestone, Mayor John Stehr officially proclaimed February 13, 2025, as Chuck White Day in Zionsville.
COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY
White began his career with ZPD on February 13, 1995, as part of the Zionsville Marshal’s Office. Over the past three decades, he has served under five marshals and police chiefs, taking on roles as a patrol officer, investigator and the town’s first director of facility
security. His leadership and commitment to public safety have left a lasting impact on the department and community.
Lt. White’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including a Meritorious Service Award, a Citation for solving a 2013 bank robbery, a Chief’s Award for Excellence in 2019 and his 2016 graduation from the FBI National Academy. Lt. White’s steadfast dedication has garnered
the deep respect and appreciation of both colleagues and residents.
Lt. White has been an integral part of ZPD, witnessing its transformation from a small force to a well-supported law enforcement agency. His reflections provide a deep insight into the department’s growth, community support and ongoing efforts to maintain safety and engagement within Zionsville.
ninth officer in the department,” Lt. White said. “I think we have 48 full-time officers now. I was brought in during the Willow Road annexation, basically from the golf course north, including Azionaqua [Swim Club] and the subdivisions up that way. So that was the first major annexation of an area in a long time for the town.”
This expansion marked the beginning of significant growth for Zionsville, gradually extending its reach and services.
“So, it was kind of the start of the town starting to grow out from the original village area,” Lt. White said. “Shortly after that, we started to slowly grow at that point.”
With growth came challenges and discussions about the best path forward. Despite those challenges, Lt. White believes the town has handled its growth wisely.
“I think we’ve done it right over the years, as a whole, in general,” Lt. White said. “We’ve all had those stumbling blocks along the way. But those decisions had to be made by the powers that be at the time based upon the totality of the circumstances.”
expressed. “I mean, they have been absolutely great.”
Lt. White further emphasized, “There’s not a time that people don’t tell you what a good job you’re doing. There’s no time that they don’t anonymously buy your dinner while you’re out, or your lunch while you’re out in uniform. We know that we’re supported, and that is the best feeling for law enforcement.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS KEY
Lt. White emphasized that community engagement plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and trust.
“That is where we do our best business,” Lt. White said. “That is where we can head off crime. That is where we can get
community involvement and continue with building the community’s trust in the department.”
ZPD’s commitment to recruitment and retention continues to be a significant focus, according to Lt. White.
“I know that it’s difficult out there,” Lt. White stated. “I’m a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and I speak to classmates of mine from all over the country, and we’re not the only ones facing the officer shortage dilemma.”
Despite these challenges, Lt. White shared that there are positive trends in recruitment.
“We’ve gotten some very good applicants that seem like they’re going to be doing good,” Lt. White shared. “We’ve made recruitment more of a department-wide and town-wide situation, not only for the police department but for all town positions.”
Reflecting on his career, Lt. White is proud of the opportunities he has had and the department’s progress.
“Well, I’m most proud of the fact that the town as a whole has provided me with opportunities to do things that I never thought would be possible,” Lt. White reflected. “I never thought that we’d [become] a 48-person police department.”
Lt. White also highlighted the importance of continued professional development.
“I was afforded the opportunity to go to the FBI National Academy in 2016 and graduate, and have contacts from around the world at my disposal,” Lt. White said. “That really helped us with several investigations.”
Zionsville’s law enforcement has thrived due to its strong relationship with the community, and Lt. White’s reflections underscore the importance of mutual trust and collaboration in maintaining a safe and vibrant town.
As Lt. White spoke about the future, he expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support.
“My thing to Zionsville is thank you,” Lt. White stated. “Thank you for trying to understand. Thank you for respecting what we do, and just understanding and having a kind word when you come up and talk to us.”
Wild Air Development
Is Transforming Zionsville With New Amenities
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Old Town Companies
Wild Air is shaping up to be a transformative development for Zionsville, setting a new standard for community planning, amenities and high-quality construction. Justin Moffett, CEO of Old Town Companies, spoke with Zionsville Monthly on why he believes this project stands as a testament to thoughtful, high-caliber development with its rapid home sales, enhanced parks and focus on community engagement.
AN EXTENSIVE AND AMBITIOUS UNDERTAKING
any company,” Moffett shared. “For us, it’s the single largest development that we’ve been responsible for constructing so far. And in 2024, financing projects of that scale were very challenging.”
This ambitious project represents a significant milestone for Old Town Companies. The financing alone was a remarkable achievement, setting records
“My understanding is that it was one of — if not the — largest financial packages for a residential development loan to close in Indiana last year,” Moffett said. “It’s a significant endeavor.”
Moffett added, “I think it speaks to the desirability of Zionsville. I don’t know that there are many other communities in the country, let alone Indiana, where we could have that much interest in raising the investment capital for the project.”
PROGRESS AND CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
“We wanted to make sure that we were totally on point with being ready to launch and get work started,” Moffett stated. “Zionsville has been a great municipality to work with, just having town staff available to us and getting our plans approved. And so, we had a smooth start.”
The development is already well underway, with significant milestones already achieved.
“We were able to get pavement down before the end of last year on the first phase, and to the point we could actually start foundations over the winter and get going on the multifamily component and the clubhouse,” Moffett shared. “We’ll have the first residential sections for custom homes paved by late spring. [In] approximately May, we’ll start the first foundations for houses.”
STRONG MARKET DEMAND
Interest in the project has been strong from the beginning.
“Sales were robust when we did our big-lot lottery and announcement late last summer,” Moffett emphasized. “We anticipate approximately 40 homes will start when the foundations are ready to go. So, it’s going to be a rapid start because of all the interest in the community, and we’re very excited about that.”
PRIORITIZING AMENITIES
A standout feature of the Wild Air development is its early focus on amenities.
“One of the most exciting things is that we’ve already started work on the clubhouse,” Moffett said. “It’s pretty typical for a developer to build a clubhouse and pools and all the amenities kind of midway through a project, once they have enough capital to fund it, enough lot sales, etc. Those amenities typically come online three, four, five years into a project.”
Instead, Old Town Companies is fast-tracking these amenities.
“We made the decision, after years of experience and understanding what our consumers want, that we would figure out a way to get it financed and built as really the first big project,” Moffett stated. “We’ll have amenities online ready to go in late 2025, before anyone moves into the neighborhood from the lot sales side. So, that’s exciting. We’ll have the first luxury apartments open [in late 2025] as well.”
A major highlight is the addition of a coffeehouse within the development.
“We took a coffee shop café through the approval process with Zionsville Planning Commission last fall,” Moffett shared. “That might be the most exciting thing that’s coming soon!”
The addition of the coffeehouse led to further enhancements of the community’s park spaces.
“So, initially on our land plan, we had shown two primary park spaces,” Moffett said. “One, the woodland on the west side of Marysville Road, and then we had more of an active park space on the east side of Marysville, closer to our amenity area, with maybe a couple of pickleball courts and a dog park.”
The coffeehouse inspired a major upgrade to the planned amenities.
Moffett added, “Well, after our partner approached us about doing this café coffee shop, we worked through the plans, and it’s probably the coolest café coffee
house in North America … architecturally speaking. Because of that being the anchor for our active park space, we decided to upgrade that area. So, we’ve added in [a] splash pad for kids, a playground area and even more pickleball courts.”
COMMUNITY-CENTRIC DEVELOPMENT
One of the most significant aspects of this project is its inclusivity.
“And then because of all these additions we made, we’re adding a bathroom facility that’s public,” Moffett continued. “It’s truly an active community park space that’s not just exclusive to the residents of Wild Air. We reached an agreement with the town that we put an easement over that park space to allow residents of the broader community to use [the bathroom facility].”
INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUTURE GROWTH
As Wild Air continues to develop, infrastructure improvements are also being planned.
“Marysville Road is scheduled to undergo construction in the summer of ’25,” Moffett stated. “The [Zionsville] town council made it very clear that they desired for us to keep the road open during construction. So, our roundabout construction will take longer because of that, but it will allow us to keep traffic flow open.”
For more information on Wild Air, visit wildairzionsville.com.
