In this episode of Big Hearted Indy, hosts Greg Enas, Don Palmer, and Chris Spangle speak with longtime Indianapolis leaders Rob Wynne and Tim Harris Sr. about their careers, friendship, and commitment to improving lives through business, education and community development. Wynne and Harris discuss how their professional relationship began with a major funding request—and quickly turned into a partnership rooted in shared values. Harris, founder and CEO of Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution, shares how he launched one of the nation’s leading Black-owned chemical distribution companies in 1994 after declining a $300,000 job offer. He describes how faith, family and community needs influenced his decision to build a purpose-driven company. The conversation also highlights the work of Turning Point Academy, a private school Harris founded on Indianapolis’s east side. Despite serving a high-poverty neighborhood, the school consistently earns A-ratings from the state of Indiana. Harris outlines how teacher quality, a disciplined environment, and faith-based motivation drive student achievement. Wynne, a business executive and civic connector, reflects on how his long-standing friendship with Harris has grown over time, offering insight into the power of collaboration and trust across racial and cultural lines. This episode covers a wide range of topics including: Black entrepreneurship in Indianapolis The founding and growth of Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution Private school education and academic success in underserved communities Faith-based nonprofit and global outreach efforts Local economic development and community revitalization The role of mentors, business leaders, and philanthropists in civic impact Big Hearted Indy is produced by Citizen 7, a men’s leadership and service organization based in Indianapolis focused on building authentic friendships and strengthening the city through community action. Timestamps and Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Big Hearted Indy 02:15 – Meet Rob Wynne and Tim Harris Sr. 07:00 – How Their Friendship Began 11:45 – The Founding of Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution 18:30 – Early Business Challenges and Faith-Driven Decisions 26:50 – Overview of Company Growth and Market Reach 32:15 – What Harrison Ford Distributes and Who They Serve 38:00 – The Impact of Turning Point Academy 45:20 – Indianapolis Education and Neighborhood Challenges 52:10 – Global Outreach: India, Kenya, and Zimbabwe 56:00 – Local Initiatives: Housing, Food Distribution, Deborah’s Place 1:02:30 – Reflections on Faith, Friendship, and Civic Leadership 1:09:15 – Final Thoughts on Giving Back and Building Indianapolis About the Podcast: Big Hearted Indy spotlights Indianapolis residents making a difference in business, education, faith, and community. The podcast features honest conversations with local leaders who are shaping the future of the city through service and collaboration. Learn more: Citizen 7: https://citizen7indy.com Turning Point Academy: https://tpschoolsindy.org Tim Harris Sr. (personal site): https://timharris.com (coming soon) Subscribe and share: If this episode resonated with you, please like and share on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Subscribe to Big Hearted Indy on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. To stay connected with Citizen 7 and upcoming events, sign up for the email newsletter at citizen7indy.com. Keywords: Indianapolis business leaders, Indiana private schools, Black-owned businesses, faith and entrepreneurship, Rob Wynne, Tim Harris Sr., Harrison Ford Chemical Distribution, Turning Point Academy, eastside Indianapolis schools, Indianapolis education, men’s leadership networks, Citizen 7, civic engagement Indiana, urban revitalization, Christian business leadership, community development Indy.
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1 h et 4 min