+ Celebrating Local Women In Business

+ Celebrating Local Women In Business
GODLEY FAMILY ORTHODONTICS BLENDS CUTTING-EDGE CARE WITH COMMUNITY & COMPASSION
+ Fueling Her Legacy
Katie Lucas Leads Lucas Oil With Heart, Vision & Commitment to Community Impact
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A DRIVING FORCE New Boone EDC CEO Champions CommunityCentered Economic Development
TOURISM SPOTLIGHT Discover Boone County
SPOTLIGHT IDO Incorporated
SPOTLIGHT Zionsville Chamber of Commerce
BARRE & BEYOND Pure Barre Expands With New Westfield Studio
FUELING HER LEGACY Katie Lucas Leads Lucas Oil With Heart, Vision & Commitment to Community Impact
Mother-Daughter Duo Brings Interactive Charcuterie to Central Indiana
Zionsville Senior is Helping Spread Positivity & Community Impact
BEAUTIFUL SMILES Godley Family Orthodontics Blends Cutting-Edge Care With Community & Compassion
BALTZ brandon@townepost.com (317) 514-9522 TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
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AUSTIN TONI EADS
JOSH BROWN TOWNE
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Participating Boone County businesses are serving up spooktacular fun!
On Oct 18th, grab your costume, sip, shop and haunt your way through Boone County like never before.
Writer / Ashley Callan
Andrea Kern is the newly appointed CEO of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) and is using her experience and knowledge to be a driving force of leadership and encouragement for economic growth benefiting the Boone County community.
Boone EDC is fundamental in establishing a culture that supports small business and workforce development with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in Boone County. Boone EDC is a resource of innovation, support and experience, assisting with collaborations and opportunities for economic accomplishment.
“My path to Boone EDC was shaped by years of helping more than 100 towns and cities statewide achieve their community and economic development goals,” Kern says. “I had the privilege of working alongside the Heart of Lebanon and Main Street Zionsville, where I was able to work directly with these important Boone County community organizations and saw firsthand that there was something special about Boone County.”
Kern sees the potential of Boone County and acknowledges this growing community as a perfect place to utilize her principle of connecting local vision with the right resources to tackle challenges like housing
and childcare head-on.
Kern has a vast amount of knowledge and experience, is an innovator and visionary, and understands the power of creating relationships of trust and partnership, which made her the perfect candidate for her position with Boone EDC.
“I coached boards and executive directors on setting vision, building capacity and innovating — experience that translates directly to leading a nonprofit today,” she says. “I also designed programs like PreservINg Main Street and the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program, equipping local leaders with new tools to thrive. Together,
these experiences taught me not only how to cast an innovative vision, but how to build the trust and partnerships needed to bring that vision to life.”
Under Kern’s leadership, Boone EDC is working tirelessly to create opportunities within the community, which include addressing housing affordability, strengthening childcare access, encouraging small business development and being an instrumental resource for existing employers.
“My goal is to expand how we define economic development,” Kern adds. “For Boone EDC, the future is about more than attracting jobs — it’s about making sure those jobs are sustainable for families and communities first. We’re positioning Boone EDC as a holistic partner for prosperity, one that is willing to wrestle with hard problems
—ANDREA KERN
so that the benefits of growth are shared by everyone.”
Already, Boone EDC is building momentum.
“It has truly been a banner year for the EDC, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead,” Kern says.
So far, Boone EDC has added a director of strategy and innovation to establish partnerships and initiatives focused on housing and childcare, including the Boone County Early Learning Coalition. The organization has endorsed business expansions that bring new jobs, including Ring Container Technologies’ $77M expansion and Caterpillar’s $60M warehouse investment in Lebanon, which will create nearly 700 new jobs. Boone EDC is also a resource for small businesses
through technical assistance and financial support.
But Kern also acknowledges how Boone EDC is reestablishing economic development in Boone County to benefit the lives of the people in the community. Kern explains how Boone EDC is “reframing economic development in Boone County as something deeply human — about the teacher who wants to live in the community she serves, or the parent who shouldn’t have to choose between work and reliable childcare,” saying this will define their long-term success.
To learn more about Boone County Economic Development Corporation, visit betterinboone.org.
Get ready for ghouls and goodies in downtown Lebanon! Mischief on Meridian returns for its 10th spooktacular year on October 25. Presented by State Bank and hosted by the Heart of Lebanon, this free, family-friendly trick-or-treat event event runs from 5 to 8 PM, with early access at 4:30 PM for children with special needs.
Mischief on Meridian draws families and visitors to Lebanon’s historic square each year. The evening features over 60 trick-ortreat stations, live music, games, costumed character visits, and live encounters with creepy creatures. A costume contest, sponsored by Ryan Homes, will reward the most creative and impressive costumes with fun prizes.
“It’s an honor to bring Mischief on Meridian back to our community,” says Sarah Howell, Event Coordinator for the Heart of Lebanon. “This event is so loved because it truly brings everyone together to make lasting memories on the square.”
Mischief on Meridian is also a great opportunity for visitors to find new favorite spots to shop and dine. It’s the perfect chance to experience the charm and hospitality that make Lebanon’s downtown so special.
If you’re seeking the perfect blend of smalltown charm and festive fall fun, Mischief on Meridian delivers a magical Halloween evening the whole family will enjoy.
Learn more at www.heartoflebanon.org.
Boone County offers a rich variety of October events to suit every kind of Halloween enthusiast and families!
Jamestown’s Indiana Fear Farm invites visitors to experience a haunted hayride and terrifying barn designed to deliver high-intensity scares on the weekends throughout October. Meanwhile, Maple
Lawn Fright Nights (October 23–25) features spooky stories barn for younger guests, hayride, and their Fright Barn Experience is sure to send shivers down your spine.
The Fright Forest at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds (October 10, 11, 17, and 18) offers up a terrifying time with their Unliving Legends experience. On October 18, families can enjoy the event’s special “No Scare” hours, complete with candy and a costume contest for children.
For more family oriented October fun, the SullivanMunce Cultural Center’s Ghost Walk (October 3-4) combines local history with eerie storytelling on a guided tour through historic downtown Zionsville. On October 25, the Whitestown Trick-orTreat Trail offers a safe, joyful environment for children to collect candy and enjoy Halloween festivities.
And don’t miss the Pumpkin Harvest at Dull’s Tree Farm, running Thursdays through Sundays through October 26. Families can pick the perfect pumpkin, explore corn mazes, visit farm animals, and indulge in hot apple cider, cider donuts, and cider slushies. A special Fireworks Night on October 18 adds an extra spark to the season.
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Writer / Shelby E. Farthing
Far from being just a household issue, childcare functions as a vital aspect of workforce participation and community prosperity. Research consistently demonstrates that inadequate access to reliable, affordable childcare constrains labor supply, reduces productivity, and depresses long-term economic growth. Boone County is no exception.
The Boone County Child Care Analysis Report (2024), commissioned by the Boone EDC, underscores the reality of this challenge. Approximately 67% of children under age six in the county require care because all parents in the household are employed. Yet, existing Boone County providers collectively meet only 75% of this demand, leaving a documented shortfall of over 600 seats. This gap is compounded by affordability pressures: the average annual cost of childcare in Boone County exceeds $11,200, considerably higher than the Indiana state average of $8,000.
The workforce consequences are significant. Indiana employers incur an estimated $3.05 billion annually in costs related to childcareinduced absenteeism and turnover, while the total statewide economic impact reaches $4.22 billion when lost productivity and missed tax revenue are included. In Boone County specifically, 80% of surveyed employers identified childcare as a challenge for their employees, with many reporting diminished recruitment and retention outcomes as a direct consequence.
Against this backdrop, Lebanon-based IGH Steel Fabrication, Inc. offers an example of private-sector innovation. In 2022, the company helped established Mighty Little Hands Academy, Inc., a Christian nonprofit childcare and early education provider located on its campus. The Academy achieved 501(c)(3) status in late 2023 and currently operates a Pre-K classroom with capacity for 22 students, under the direction of Dawne Richardson, an experienced educator formerly with Thorntown Elementary School.
The Academy provides full-day programming (7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.), part-time options, and after-school care which aligns services with the scheduling demands of working families. Tuition rates, $155 per week for full-time Pre-K and $140 for part-time, are further offset by a 25% discount available to IGH Steel employees. By offering space for a childcare facility on its property, IGH Steel mitigates barriers to labor force participation and strengthens employee loyalty and retention.
The initiative exemplifies the broader strategic role of employer-sponsored childcare in addressing deficits in early childhood education access. Boone County’s population of young children is projected to increase by 16% by 2035, underscoring the future demand for care. Employer-led models such as IGH Steel’s demonstrate how localized, business-driven interventions can complement public policy goals by expanding childcare capacity, enhancing affordability, and stabilizing the workforce.
In alignment with the Boone EDC’s mission to foster a thriving economy and community, childcare must be treated as an economic and community development issue. The initiative led by IGH Steel showcases how corporate partners who are invested in our community can turn this vision into reality. To build on this momentum, the Boone EDC is a member of the newly formed Boone County Early Learning Coalition, a collaborative network dedicated to supporting and expanding high-quality childcare options across the county. We invite other employers to see us as a resource and partner in exploring similar solutions. By investing in childcare, Boone County’s business community can reduce workforce barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, and ensure longterm economic resilience.
Have questions or want to get involved? Want to learn more about the Boone County Early Learning Coalition? Reach out to hello@betterinboone.org
Writer / Nancy Hammerstrom
Photographer / Krystal Dailey
Stephanie Haston and her daughter, Kayla Haston, of Lebanon have teamed up to create a fun, innovative spin on presenting food and beverages with the creation of their own mobile charcuterie business, The Savory Stagecoach.
“We built The Savory Stagecoach out of a mix of passion and purpose,” Stephanie says. “Kayla thrives on hosting and creating memorable gatherings, and I’ve always been driven to build something creative and meaningful. We noticed a missing piece in our local event scene — and decided to bring something new, interactive and flavorful to the table.”
The Savory Stagecoach wheeled into its first event last year at “Ladies Night in the Village” at Cheveux Salon & Spa in Zionsville. Since then, the business has expanded to serve weddings, corporate functions, festivals, showers and private events throughout central Indiana, including Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery and Clinton counties.
“What we offer is more than snacks and sips — it’s a full experience,” Stephanie adds. “It’s not your typical food truck, per se, where we have a set menu. The charcuterie
cart is customizable and provides an elevated and personalized interactive grazing experience. The Sip Wagon and Traveling Tap are mobile, customizable and bring a fun energy to any event. Plus, our grab-and-go options like charcuterie cups or mini boxes are perfect for adding personal touches that stand out.”
Charcuterie cups, popular at weddings, parties and corporate events, and charcuterie boxes, ideal for cozy gatherings or gifts, are filled with premium meats, artisanal cheeses, seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and sweets.
The Traveling Tap serves craft beer, wine, themed cocktails, cider, seltzers and nonalcoholic options such as kombucha or cold brew, while the Sip Wagon offers fresh lemonade, iced tea, mocktails or custom seasonal drinks.
“Guests often say they love how fresh everything is, and how fun it is to create
their own charcuterie cup,” Stephanie says. “It’s not just another grazing table — it’s interactive, unique and something people remember.”
She attributes collaboration with other locally-owned businesses as a key to success.
The Savory Stagecoach has partnered with Minute Print It, Hattie’s Coffee House, Zionsville Parks and Recreation, Social AF Bennies Boutique and Graceful Gatherings LLC, all in Boone County.
“We support each other by co-hosting events, sharing resources and promoting one another’s work,” Stephanie says. “It’s all about growing together.”
The Savory Stagecoach will be at the upcoming Indiana Bridal Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Oct. 12. Stephanie recommends booking weddings at least six months ahead, with 40 days’ minimum notice.
“For standard orders like boards or boxes,
two weeks is ideal,” she says. “We can sometimes accommodate custom options like mini boxes or charcuterie cups with shorter notice, but planning early helps us deliver the best experience.”
The Savory Stagecoach is located in Lebanon. For more information, call 765481-8890 or visit savorystagecoach.com.
Writer / Ashely Watters
The world always benefits from a little extra positivity. One Zionsville teen is seizing her opportunity to create a positive impact and spread goodwill in her community. What started as a single fundraiser to create relief kits for victims of the LA fires evolved into a group of teens doing good for others in need.
Zionsville Community High School senior Divya Prem is helping change the world one project at a time as the leader of Teens
for Good.
The first project Prem undertook started off as a solo effort in early 2025. The original plan was to sell baked goods at the school’s basketball games to raise funds for relief kits. The project soon gained momentum, and Prem’s friends found themselves pitching in to help out.
Seeing the ripple effect the positivity generated had Prem thinking she should go
big or go home — and so, Teens for Good organized to help those in need.
“My main goal with Teens for Good is to bring teens together and accomplish things that could create an impact one project at a time,” Prem says. “Seeing the good that people could create after collaborating inspired me, causing me to want to do more. This first project was the spark that started Teens for Good.”
The pilot project proved to be a success, with the teens raising more than $1,000. With the funds, Teens for Good was able to assemble about 400 relief kits for those in need.
Teens for Good has since undertaken other causes. One recent project was launched to raise funds for Wheeler Mission, an initiative that involved creating cards for women in shelters, run in conjunction with another student-based group, Patchwork Promise. The most recent undertaking was a collaboration with Emma’s Bundles of Books and Joy, during which the group created book bundles to be distributed to the Children’s TherAplay Foundation. The group created 15 book bundles, each containing three or four books.
Upcoming projects include fundraising efforts to help benefit other local-area organizations. To help expand their reach, Teens for Good is hoping to partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in an effort to support kids undergoing treatment and their families, although no partnership has been officially established. Teens for Good is always searching for new ways to create a positive impact in the community.
The group has grown to include others at
Zionsville Community High School, such as Charlotte Deranick, Olivia Chadwick, Katie Tirkes and Jonas Viskanta. Prem encourages anyone looking to make a difference to join the group and help with project execution.
“With Teens for Good, we want to give all teens an equal opportunity to contribute to the community,” Prem says. “In the future, we hope that Teens for Good can grow and create even more of a positive impact.”
Teens for Good is a subsidiary of The Peace Warrior, a nonprofit based in California. Prem encourages anyone wanting to help to reach out to the group via email at teensforgood1@gmail.com or through direct message on Instagram @teens_forgood.
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing
Photographer / Krystal Dailey
Some of the most successful businesses began in the basement of a visionary’s house, such is the case for IDO Incorporated, an interior design organization dedicated to helping people thrive.
Launched in 1992 by Jill Mendoza, the business was born to serve clients’ commercial interior design needs. Mendoza did a beautiful job, and through the years IDO has grown in both staff and client services, completed award-winning projects and relocated to the heart of downtown.
When Amanda Medlen joined the team in 2003, IDO employed seven staff members — today they have 19 employees, including Lee Boyland who came aboard in 2008.
In 2017, Mendoza began sharing her thoughts about succession planning with Medlen and Boyland, who took ownership of the company in October 2023 when Mendoza retired. Now Medlen is Principal/ CEO, Boyland is Principal/COO, and Jennifer Knotts, who joined IDO in 2022, is CFO. Together the three make up the Executive Leadership Team.
Having these three impressive women working together has created synergy that has not only helped the business grow but thrive. “We are working to diversify our portfolio of clients and distribute our work more evenly through our core sectors,” Medlen says.
IDO’s four pillars are health care and life science, higher education, municipality and government, and corporate office. Their services include Interior Design that fulfills an organization’s vision, Workplace Planning that optimizes human interaction, Sustainable Design that makes a positive impact, Lab Solutions that help advance Life Sciences, and Specialized Move Management that maximizes productivity.
IDO has designed for clients such as Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, City of Indianapolis – Community Justice Center, Eli Lilly & Company, Westville Correctional Facility, Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University, and YMCA of Greater Indianapolis to name a few.
When an IDO team member meets with a client, it’s an ongoing collaborative process to ensure they meet the client’s needs.
“Once we gather info, we’ll do field verification and work on space plan options, then sit down for a working session with the client in which sometimes adjust things as they talk,” Boyland says.
It’s an integral process in which they are simultaneously working with the client and other disciplines like architecture and engineering to come up with an integrated solution.
IDO’s team holds weekly meetings with
their team of designers where they go around the room, discuss projects they are working on, and assess their current workload. This is key not only to ensure meeting deadlines but also to support a healthy work-life balance.
“If someone says they’re on fire, immediately someone at the table will ask what they can take on,” Knotts says.
Medlen says that IDO’s commitment to preserving a healthy work-life balance has played a big part in her never leaving the company. Through the years she has turned down other job offers because she cherishes the personal connections she has built at IDO.
“The people at IDO have been with me through graduating, getting married, and growing my family,” Medlen says. “They did things that meant a lot to me, like when my father-in-law unexpectedly passed away and
they drove more than an hour to attend the viewing.”
To engage the company’s younger generation, they created something called the “social committee.” This year the social committee chose to do a field day, and their marketing manager asked some reps if they wanted to sponsor it.
“Not only did reps cover the cost of drinks and snacks, but they also participated in field day with us and have asked if they can do so again next year,” Knotts says.
IDO also participates in Spirit Weeks to build company culture.
“Our culture is probably the best thing we have, and anybody that knows us would tell you that,” Knotts says.
“All our favorite memories surround our company culture,” Medlen adds.
This is why the company has experienced zero turnover in two years. Not surprisingly, for the past three years, IDO was named one of the best places to work by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Employees also appreciate the communicative nature of IDO’s leadership.
“We’re always transparent with the team, giving updates, sharing graphs of our income and overhead, and explaining what we’ve done and what we plan to do,” Boyland says. “We want our team to truly
understand how we’re doing.”
IDO is committed to giving back to the community. For instance, they are advocates for Purposeful Design, an organization that takes men who have faced trouble in the past and teaches them the art of metalworking and woodworking to get them back on their feet. IDO also gives their team members eight hours of paid volunteer leave each year to do with what they wish. They can choose to volunteer at a nonprofit, a church, their child’s school, or whatever speaks to their heart.
years, they are always looking to spread the word about who they are and what they do.
“We want to show people we are here to help,” says Medlen, who recalls when she first started at IDO how nobody had heard of the company. “It’s fun to see how much that has changed.”
In addition, IDO volunteers with the downtown Indy Boys & Girls Club and participates in the Women Build with Greater Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity. The IDO team always participates in the Indy Chamber’s annual Women in Business retreat, which gives participants a chance to connect with the brightest, most inspirational women in and around Indy.
“The retreat is all about lifting women up as it brings together women from all different fields and stages of careers,” says Knotts, who now helps plan the event by serving on the advisory council. “It’s close to our hearts because that’s how we all [she, Medlen, and Boyland] met.”
Although IDO has been in business for 33
This year IDO has added five new positions, which is amazing for a small company. According to Knotts, they expect IDO to continue to grow considerably over the next 15 years.
“The projections are coming in,” Knotts says. “We are a thriving company, and we’re excited for the future!”
IDO Incorporated is located at 601 North Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317-784-6044 or visit idoincorporated.com
CONNECT
601 North Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis 317-784-6044
idoincorporated.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025 8:00 AM–9:30 AM
The 2025 State of the Town event, presented by the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Zionsville, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the town’s vision, progress, and future priorities.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 29 at the Indianapolis Executive Airport located at 11329 E. State Road 32 in Zionsville.
Attendees will enjoy a light breakfast and networking from 8:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. The program, including the State of the Town address from Mayor John Stehr, starts at 8:30 a.m.
8:00am - 8:30am Networking & Breakfast
8:30am - 9:30am State of the Town Program
The State of the Town program is part of the 2025 Business Leadership Series generously sponsored by Church Church Hittle + Antrim.
The cost to attend is $15 per person, including admission and a light breakfast. Please register no later than October 20, 2025. No refunds will be issued after September 30, 2025.
Writer / Ashley Watters
Lauren Williamson first walked into a Pure Barre studio in Carmel 13 years ago. The mental and physical challenges quickly hooked her, and she was immediately smitten with the workouts and the community. Today, she owns and operates three Pure Barre locations in Carmel, Zionsville and now Westfield.
More than a decade ago, life changes took Williamson and her husband to Denver, where she managed and taught at Pure Barre. Coming full circle, she and her husband relocated back to Indy, where she helped launch the Downtown Indy studio in 2017. Fastforward to 2022, and Williamson seized the opportunity to acquire
the Carmel and Zionsville locations.
The natural next step was to expand into nearby Westfield.
“Westfield was a natural fit for our sister studios,” she says. “There aren’t many other boutique fitness options in Westfield, so I saw that opportunity to reach the Westfield community in a new way. We’re very excited to be right in the heart of downtown Westfield and be part of the new growth during this exciting time in the city.” Pure Barre Westfield opened its doors on July 24 at 170 Jersey St., Suite 188, with offerings to suit every body. Williamson sees women
of every age and fitness level come through her doors.
Pure Barre Westfield offers four different class formats to accommodate women with mixes of strength endurance, cardio fitness and flexibility training.
Williamson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming sense of excitement with which Pure Barre has been received in the Westfield area. Many residents joined as founding members before even trying a class, and the team felt a huge outpouring of support on opening day.
Her goal is to expand the reach of the fitness she loves and create a welcoming and thriving community.
“Opening Westfield has been a long time coming and a true labor of love,” she says. “It’s been incredible to see the excitement build as we approached opening day. We’re so thankful that Westfield has welcomed us with open arms.”
Classes can be used to augment your current fitness routine, support cross-training or be the core of your workout. Options include Classic, which uses light equipment and small isometric movements, Define, a fusion of barre and weight training, Empower, a circuit-style cardio class, and Align, a blend of strength, balance and flexibility training.
Williamson encourages anyone wanting to add an invigorating fitness routine and a new group of supportive friends to give Pure Barre Westfield a try.
“I’m excited to watch this community form from the ground up,” she says. “There’s something really special about welcoming people who are walking into their very first class, cheering them on to hit new milestones and creating a community of women who support each other in and out of the studio. I can’t wait to see this studio become a place where people feel stronger, healthier and more connected to themselves and each other.”
To learn more about the new location and class options, visit purebarre.com/location/ westfield-in.
For Katie Lucas, leadership is as much about values as it is about vision. A graduate of Noblesville High School and later Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, she always knew she wanted to combine her love of business with a life of service.
“From my parents I saw firsthand the powerful intersection of business and service,” she says. “I knew I wanted to do both in my adult life.”
Her earliest professional roles, in corporate sales with the Indianapolis Colts and as director of business development at Creative Marketing Solutions, gave her a strong foundation in marketing, sponsorships and relationship-building. Those skills helped shape how she approaches Lucas Oil’s brand, engaging new markets while staying true to her Hoosier roots.
Katie joined Lucas Oil in 2012 as a marketing consultant and steadily took on greater responsibilities in strategy, philanthropy and operations over more than a decade. In November 2022, she was appointed chief administrative officer, integrating day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning. In February 2024, Katie was named president just as her husband, Morgan Lucas, became
CEO — marking a new chapter in the familyled business, with both partners deeply aligned in vision.
As president, Katie oversees the company’s operations, long-term strategy and philanthropic initiatives. Her leadership ensures Lucas Oil maintains its global brand reputation while staying true to its heritage.
Lucas recently reflected on her first year as president.
“I have been blessed with a breadth of experience that prepared me for this,” she says. “I started my career managing sponsorships with the Indianapolis Colts where I learned a great deal about building brand partnerships, sales and maintaining solid relationships, which has helped me tremendously in this position. I have also had the ability to work in various roles at Lucas Oil and that has helped me really understand the business and build trust and confidence with our team.”
She also appreciates the professional relationship with her husband, Morgan, outside of their day-to-day lives.
“We both share the same vision for Lucas
Oil, and we are very much aligned on our purpose,” Katie says. “We are both committed to making Lucas Oil and our community better.”
One of Katie’s most influential decisions as an executive was helping guide the relocation of the corporate headquarters from Corona, California, to Indianapolis. The move further strengthened the company’s deep ties to Indiana and brought leadership and operations closer together and to the community where the Lucas family has built its legacy.
“It just makes sense for our headquarters to be here,” Katie says. “Indianapolis is not only where we live — it’s where our business has grown roots. Creating opportunities, attracting talent and contributing to the state’s economic growth has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.”
Katie also carries forward the legacy of Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas, who passed away in August. Forrest built the company from humble beginnings into a deeply respected international brand. Katie honors his vision while shaping the next generation of leadership alongside Morgan.
As a leader, Katie is focused not only on overall business strategy but also on community engagement, positioning Lucas Oil as a force for good. She oversees all of Lucas Oil’s community and philanthropic initiatives — efforts that range from pediatric and family heal thcare, mentoring youth and supporting veterans to partnering with local nonprofits to address food and housing insecurity. She emphasizes the company’s core values — service, integrity, passion, courage and teamwork — in everything she does. Service, in particular, is central for Katie.
“I believe we are put on this earth to serve others,” she says.
Katie’s leadership has earned her significant recognition. In 2022, she was named one of the Indiana Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” for her strategic acumen and community involvement. In 2023, Katie was named Indy’s Best and Brightest and was the recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award by the Crossroads of America. In January 2025, she received the Exemplary Service Award at the Champions of Diversity Awards in Indianapolis, honoring her work advancing equity within Lucas Oil and supporting diverse charitable causes, including Wheeler Mission.
This year, she was also named among Indiana’s 250 Most Influential Leaders by the Indiana Business Journal, highlighting her impact on the state’s economic and civic life.
Katie also serves in numerous board roles: board chair of the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, board member of the Indianapolis Zoo, board member of the Grit & Grace Nation Foundation, on the National Leadership Council of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, on the Indiana University Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council, and founding and inaugural chair of Called to Care, a Circle of Impact for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
For Katie, the recognition is less about
personal accolades and more about what it reflects: a community-minded approach to leadership. She often credits her professional inspiration to the strong female leaders she has observed up close — individuals like Allison Melangton, Sue Anne Gilroy and Melissa Proffitt, and of course her mother, Teresa Martz, and mother-in-law, Charlotte Lucas.
Katie uses her influence and resources to drive enduring community impact. Serving on the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation board since 2017 — and now as chair — she helps steer philanthropic strategy to uplift health care access across Indiana.
This steadfast dedication and decades of support led to the naming of the Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital — a stateof-the-art, 109,000-square-foot facility on Ascension St. Vincent’s 86th Street campus — in honor of Morgan and Katie. The hospital, which opened in August, serves as a regional hub for advanced neurological care.
The hospital builds on nearly 20 years of Lucas family support for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent. Through initiatives like the Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament, Katie and Morgan have helped raise more than $2.5M for neurological care and children’s health.
Katie is quick to point out that balance is never perfect.
With two children — Hunter and Austin — and a demanding executive role, she embraces flexibility.
“There are seasons that require more of you — whether it is a major project at work or a family health crisis,” she says. “Balance means giving yourself grace, delegating and accepting help. You can do it all — you just cannot do it all by yourself. You need a team.”
Katie Lucas is a hometown success story. She has taken her Noblesville and Carmel roots to the helm of a global company, championed the relocation of its headquarters to Indiana and built a philanthropic legacy through health care and community service. Katie hopes her leadership reflects a consistent set of values: integrity, teamwork and service.
“I want people to know that Lucas Oil was about more than products,” she says. “That we invested in our people, our community and the next generation. That we left Indiana better than we found it.”
For young women looking to combine career ambition with community purpose, she offers a model worth following.
GODLEY FAMILY ORTHODONTICS
BLENDS CUTTING-EDGE CARE WITH COMMUNITY & COMPASSION
As the modern face of family orthodontics in Zionsville, Dr. Danielle Godley leads Godley Family Orthodontics with a focus on personalized, patient-centered care for children, teens, and adults alike.
“I do everything from early interceptive care for kids all the way up to adult orthodontics,” Dr. Godley says. “Whether that’s classic braces, Invisalign, clear aligners, retainers, growth guidance and adult expansion.”
When Dr. Godley opened her practice, she had a vision to bring modern treatment options to Indiana.
“I completely embraced technology from day one,” she says. “I want to be on the forefront of having modern technology in my office. I want this to be the most
comfortable, efficient, safe journey for people who go through orthodontic treatment.”
She ditched the old-school gooey putty impressions for a digital scanner that allows her to capture people’s teeth and bites digitally. She then crafts retainers from those scans with 3D printing technology. Since being featured in Boone County’s September 2024 issue, the practice has expanded in more ways than one.
“We have experienced pretty crazy growth,” Dr. Godley says. “Honestly, starting my own practice I went into it knowing I would be a small business. I love what I do, so that never bothered me, but I didn’t expect to be embraced by the community as much as I have been. My team has grown, and we’ve evolved in our systems and how we do things.”
Indiana University alum Kelsey Bolakowski manages the office and serves as a myofunctional therapist/orofacial myologist. Her title may be a mouthful, but she explains it simply.
“It basically is how to retrain or train how to use your facial and mouth muscles properly,” Bolakowski says. “It’s kind of like physical therapy but for your mouth.”
From expanders and mouthguards to gum tissue contouring, Godley Family Orthodontics offers a breadth of services to meet patient needs. The practice boasts impressive braces that stand apart from competitors.
“I love the braces I invest in,” Dr. Godley says. “They are the most hygienic braces on the market. They have a pre-pasted base so they go on faster. They seal around the
bracket, so it’s much more hygienic for patients and just creates a better experience.” Godley Family Orthodontics goes beyond aesthetics by looking at the overall health of patients with a focus on a healthy airway.
“It’s a newer area of research,” Dr. Godley says. “It’s amazing, the ability to help a child or an adult whose jaw is fused by growing and widening their jaw. To help them breathe, feel better, and avoid risks that can come with sleep disorders. You can transform someone’s life.”
Airway orthodontics address jaw irregularities and oral habits that inhibit proper breathing, sleep and function.
“It’s a newer area of research,” Dr. Godley says. “It’s amazing, the ability to help a child or adult whose jaw is fused to be able to open up their jaw again. And help them breathe and feel better and avoid risks that can come with sleep disorders. You can transform someone’s life.”
Airway issues can lead to chronic conditions including obstructive sleep apnea and sleepdisordered breathing.
Dr. Godley earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry and her Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
from the University of Michigan. She is also a member of the Women in Orthodontics Facebook forum.
“I love supporting other women in business,” she says. “It’s been a challenging journey to do a startup and be a business owner. I learn from my local colleagues and other business owners all the time.”
She volunteers at Smile for a Lifetime Foundation and the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation’s Gifted Smiles program.
Both Smile for a Lifetime and Gifted Smiles recruit volunteer orthodontists to help children from low-income families receive orthodontic care that would otherwise be too costly.
“I’ve had the most wonderful experience volunteering my time. I love being able to use my gifts to give back,” Dr. Godley says.
Dr. Godley even founded her own program to pay it forward called Yeti-Set-Smile. The program accepts donations to provide free orthodontic treatment to survivors of pediatric cancer. Donors of $25 or more are rewarded with a plushie of a Yeti mascot, complete with a set of faux braces.
For Dr. Godley, the Yeti was the natural
choice for a practice mascot.
“It was the perfect embodiment of magic and joy — everything that goes along with my practice,” she says. “It’s been very well-received by kids and adults and fits my vision for my practice. We’ve designed our little mascot that patients can adopt.”
That childhood whimsy harkens back to when Dr. Godley kindled her love for the orthodontic profession. She sings the praises of her childhood orthodontist, despite him putting her in headgear.
“I look back on it in such a positive way,” Dr. Godley says. “He practiced in the way that I tend to practice where it was doctor time every time. He remembered things about me, and I felt a connection with him and not just the team.”
“I look back on it in such a positive way,” Dr. Godley says. “He practiced in the way that I tend to practice where it was doctor time every time. He remembered things about me, and I felt a connection with him and the entire the team.”
Godley Family Orthodontics is located at 12036 N. Michigan Road, Suite 110 in Zionsville. Call 317-913-2828 or book a free consultation online at godleyfamilyortho.com.
Friday - Sunday November 28th - November 30th
Celebrate Black Friday and Small Business Saturday right here in Zionsville! Shop local, support your favorite small businesses, and receive a FREE Chamber Tote Bag while supplies last!
Saturday November 29th
Santa is coming to Zionsville! Don’t miss the magic as he arrives during our Holiday Parade
5:00 PM – Holiday Parade begins! Followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pine & Main Streets
Santa Selfies – Snap a photo with Santa after the parade! He’ll be available until 8:00 PM
Bring the whole family and kick off the holiday season in downtown Zionsville!
Saturdays and Sundays November 29th - December 21st
Visit Santa in His House on Main Street! Saturdays & Sundays | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Bring your camera for festive selfies with Santa!
Note: On Saturday, December 13th, Santa will arrive at Noon and stay until 3:00 PM
Make magical family memories all month long in downtown Zionsville!
Saturday December 6th
In partnership with Zionsville Parks & Recreation! On the bricks near Pine & Main Street Shop local and support talented makers, crafters, and artisans offering one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays! Find the perfect present and enjoy the festive charm of downtown Zionsville 9:00 AM – Noon
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Thursday December 11th
Grab your friends and head to downtown Zionsville for a fun-filled evening of shopping, dining, and laughter! Stroll the charming streets, discover great deals, and treat yourself to a night out you deserve it! 5:00 PM – 9:00PM
Title Sponsor Title Sponsor
1
SUGAR CREEK GOURD PATCH
Thorntown Public Library, 124 N. Market St. 2-4 p.m. thorntown.librarycalendar.com
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
FAMILY LINE-DANCING
The Switch Track, 100 Smith St. 7:30 p.m.
Chug along to the Switch Track and ride the rails to your next line dancing adventure! Grab your boots, it’s time for a fun-filled family night on the Line-Dancing Locomotive!
3
BRENDAN BAYLISS
Moontown Brewing Company, 345 South Bowers St. 8 p.m.
4
BOONE COUNTY SENIOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO
Boone County Fairgrounds, 1300 E 100 S.
9 a.m.-noon
The 17th Annual Boone County Senior Health and Wellness Expo will be held Saturday, October 4 from 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, Lebanon. The event is FREE for all attendees!
BOONE COUNTY SENIOR HEALTH EXPO
SPONSORED BY Boone County Senior Services & Carpenter Realtors
Witham Pavilion, 9 a.m.-noon Health Fair & Flu Shot Clinic, Screenings, Vendors, & Entertainment. This event is FREE. For more information please contact 765-482-5220 or 317-8738939 OR visit booneseniors.org.
GROW GETTERS: HARVESTING AND SAVING SEEDS
Heritage Trail Park, 4050 S 875 E. 1-2 p.m.
Welcome to Grow Getters, a hands-on garden series rooted in curiosity, community, and our connection to nature.
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COCKTAILS AND CANVAS: HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
Four Finger Distillery Lebanon, 126 West Washington St. 12:30-3 p.m.
Buy 2 tickets and get a 3rd free!
FUTSAL - OPEN PLAY
Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr.
6-8:30 p.m.
Futsal is a fast-paced indoor version of soccer, played with a smaller ball and on a hard court. It is typically played between two teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper.
6, 13, 20, 27
TRIVIA NIGHT
The Switch Track, 100 Smith St. 7-9 p.m.
All aboard for a night of fun!
7, 14, 21, 28
FAMILY SINGO NIGHT
The Switch Track, 100 Smith St. 7-9 p.m.
All aboard to Singo Station! Get ready for a musical adventure the whole family will love! Match the songs, sing along, and chug along down the tracks of fun with Singo Night!
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LITTLE SPROUTS: PUMPKINS
Heritage Trail Park, 4050 S 875 E. 10-11 a.m.
Let your little one’s curiosity take root!
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BOO & BREW: MACRAMÉ GHOST WORKSHOP
Moontown Brewing Company, 345 South Bowers St. 8:30 p.m.
Get ready to craft your own spooky macramé ghost at Boo & Brew - no experience needed, just bring your creativity and let’s get knotty!
10
POKEY LAFARGE
Moontown Brewing Company, 345 South Bowers St. 8 p.m.
HERE WE GROW AGAIN KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE
Witham Pavilion 16-17: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., 18: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
A FREE Kids consignment sale.
Sale Details: Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
(Most items 50% off)
For more information please contact indynorth@ herewegrowagain.com or boonecounty4h.org herewegrowagain.com.
2025 PUMPKINS IN THE PARK Memorial Shelter, 130 E Ulen Dr. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Come out to Memorial Park on Saturday, October 25th for our Annual Pumpkins in the Park event! Enjoy pumpkin painting, s’mores making, kettle corn, hayrides, and more! Cost is $5.00 per person.
ON MERIDIAN PRESENTED BY STATE BANK
935 E Washington St Lebanon, 101 W Main St.
5-8 p.m.
The Heart of Lebanon, proudly partnered with State Bank, is thrilled to bring you a spectacular Halloween event for the whole family, right in the heart of our community!
Anson Acres Park, 4671 Anson Blvd.
4-8 p.m.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
Join us for our annual Trick-orTreat Trail on Saturday, October 25 at Anson Acres Park!
HOT LIKE MARS
Moontown Brewing Company, 345 South Bowers St. 8 p.m.