Paul Aréchiga

At Verde Flavors of Mexico, Paul Aréchiga and his team make it their mission to embrace the heart and soul of Mexico, igniting a passion for authentic flavors and expertly blending tradition with innovation, all while extending a warm embrace of hospitality to every guest. Paul keeps everyone in line with this mindset, saying, “From the moment we walk in, we all understand we are part of a team and here to facilitate an entire experience.”

Hailing from Guadalajara, Mexico, in the state of Jalisco (the home to agave and, therefore, tequila), Paul seeks to bring an elevated version of the food and drinks he grew up with to the Indianapolis area. Since opening the first location in Fishers with a team of 15, Verde has grown to four locations and 150 employees, including Luis Aguilar, executive chef and co-owner, four general managers, head chefs, and more, many of whom have advanced within the company. “Each of these hardworking individuals supports my business by bringing their ideas and making them work together with our company visions,” says Paul. “From recipes to strategies to suggestions for improvement, they all have helped Verde reach unimaginable heights. I honestly consider each of them a member of my family.”

With two new concepts in the works, Paul says, the company is undergoing exciting changes that present Mexican food differently. Quesa Tacos, a fast-casual restaurant with drive-through service, is planned for Carmel, and Casa Santa, a restaurant steeped in colorful traditions is anticipated in Noblesville next year.

Visit verdeflavorsofmexico.com for current locations in Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, and Ironworks in Indianapolis. Follow @verde_ flavorsofmexico on Instagram for the latest news and menu highlights.

Michael Hansen

As the partner, creative director and COO of Open Gate Design, Michael Hansen is ushering in a new era of success. With a holistic and innovative approach to entrepreneurship, he weaves together elements of teamwork, future-oriented thinking and key personal philosophies that include being open to change, understanding the “why” behind every decision and aiming toward collective growth over personal gain. Authenticity is at the core of these beliefs, he says, adding, “Authenticity is the best personal brand an entrepreneur can have.”

With a tenacious group of 10 employees and an energetic rotation of interns, Michael says the team at Open Gate is a small but mighty force in the industry. “Open Gate Design is dedicated to taking an innovative approach to design through collaboration with our vast array of brands while providing modern, unique and insightful concepts to our clients.”

Open Gate’s main location (in Perkinsville, Indiana, near Anderson) is a 20,000-squarefoot studio and warehouse that serves as a unique co-working space for design partners. It is brimming with curated vignettes, high-quality furniture, vibrant fabrics, illuminating accessories, bespoke cabinetry and an array of design resources. In addition, a newly opened showroom at the Indiana Design Center bridges the gap between the main studio and designers working in the Carmel area. “We aim to bring a taste of our vast resources closer to them, offering convenience and enhancing collaboration,” explains Michael. Recently, Open Gate introduced a major technology component into its operations, offering a quick, comprehensive view of the entire inventory and portfolio of vendors.

Visit Open Gate Design at the Indiana Design Center at 200 S. Rangeline Road in Carmel, or in Perkinsville at 2834 North 900 West. Find out more at opengatedesign.com and follow @ opengatedesign_ on Instagram for news and events.