Bar Communications News
Indy Moms Blog: Check Out These Area Attractions With Access Pass
"Activities are pricey. Man, are they pricey. Basketball games, museums, the zoo, shoot even going to the movies is expensive. The good news is there is help available, but it can be hard to find. Indianapolis Moms strives to keep you informed of the latest and greatest, and we recently came across a program called Access Pass."
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Learning The Art Of Disappointment
"All it took was four magical words. 'You get a ring.' Win the championship game, and you get a ring. I could see his eyes light up, and I immediately knew. I knew if he didn’t win that game, the tears would flow. I knew the disappointment would set in immediately. And I knew, as his mom, that my heart would break for him, and yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was for the best."
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Pool Day Essentials: What To Bring On Your Next Trip!
"So, you are getting things ready to head out the door to the pool, and you are making a mental checklist of the things you need to bring. What is on your list? On my list – all the things. Like, not just a bag of things, but things in my arms and on the car floor. Should I have this many things? I do not know. But it makes pool time fun and easy. Which let’s face it, we all need more of in our lives. Do yourself a favor and create a note on your phone, listing out all the things you take with you to the pool each time. Work smarter, not harder!"
Read More >Brad Rateike: Betting on yourself is riskiest in the public eye
"A longtime friend of mine was recently selected for a high-profile professional opportunity. I am incredibly excited for him and believe he will bring a fresh perspective to the role and elevate the profile of the organization, both of which are needed. A mutual friend of ours texted me a note expressing excitement and his pleasant surprise at the announcement. Instinctively, I responded, 'Never bet against the guy who bets on himself 100% of time.'"
Read More >Brad Rateike: If you can be a friend, be a friend
"Great customer service is underrated. In fact, I believe it should be revered, especially in a sales environment, and a lot of us are in sales of some sort. I run a professional services firm, so the pressure is always on, but I learned this lesson working in restaurants. Consumers of goods and services are largely self-serving in nature. We want what we want when and how we want it. And when we want what we want and it does not arrive when we want it, we feel annoyed, asking why our 'request' was not delivered. Often the delta between good customer service and a 'great' customer experience comes down to problem solving. We want to work with people who 'get it.' We want people who, in our time of need, are there for us, regardless of the size or nature of the need.
Read More >Brad Rateike: You took a spring break? Good for you.
"I feel like spring break came back with authority this year. Starting at the beginning of March and continuing well into April, rarely has a day gone by when I have not received a vacation-related “out of office” reply or cancellation notice for a standing meeting due to scheduled participants being on PTO. My belief in taking time off when you need time and/or can get time off is well-documented, so I am neither frustrated nor annoyed with this trend in the least. I am impressed."
Read More >Brad Rateike: March Madness is almost here. Let’s celebrate.
"In the 25-plus years since, I’ve loved basketball in March more and more. With the Purdue and IU men’s teams both finally poised for tournament runs, and the IU women’s team dominating opponents on its way to a No. 1 seed, it makes me wonder if more meaningful 'work' will have been done the morning after the Super Bowl here in Indiana than will be during those two days. Even for the casual fan, March Madness delivers. Bracket challenges are everywhere, and they require no knowledge of basketball to enjoy them. Trivia question: In 2018, in how many offices across the state did 'Cheryl from accounting' win bragging rights after picking No. 16 seed University of Maryland, Baltimore County, to upset No. 1 seed University of Virginia? Answer: Way too many, but we should not be surprised, since the UMBC Retriever is way cuter than the UVA Cavalier. Obviously. The 'March Madness Holiday' is, I admit, still an aspirational dream. I do not own my business; it owns me. Therefore, I might still have to be “on call” those days in the event of a client crisis."
Read More >Brad Rateike: Mark and DeLaine Emmert are all class
"The first home my wife and I owned together was a condo just north of Broad Ripple. At our closing, I asked the seller if he could tell us anything about the building. He was surprisingly unhelpful, except to say he “thought” the president of the NCAA lived in the unit directly above. I said, 'Mark Emmert lives upstairs?' To which he responded, 'Yeah, I think the guy who lives upstairs is named Mark.' I took the keys from this guy and realized it would not be difficult to surpass that kind of “neighborly engagement” in a building containing only eight condos. I was, however, at least minimally intrigued at having a 'celebrity' as a neighbor, whatever that could/would mean. It turns out that being a “celebrity” was the last thing that defined Mark Emmert’s existence as our neighbor and eventual friend. He and his wife, DeLaine, are just “normal” people—who happen to have a long list of fascinating friendships and amazing life experiences, both in Indianapolis and around the world. They are a team, in a job and place that requires a strong one."
Read More >Brad Rateike: Huckabee Sanders will be an incredible governor
"For those of you who are still willing to admit to being interested in politics after a polarizing 2022 and the political theater that was the election of the U.S. speaker of the House of Representatives earlier this month, I have a reason for optimism. My friend and former colleague, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, was sworn in this month as the 47th governor of the state of Arkansas after winning her first race for elected office by nearly 30 points at age 40, only a few months after undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer. A mother of three and husband to Bryan, Sarah is the youngest governor in America, the first woman to be elected governor of Arkansas and the first daughter to be elected governor of a state where her father held the same office."
Read More >Brad Rateike: The art of a good meeting: it’s not always productive
“Good meeting” is a phrase I generally dislike but candidly cannot avoid in my professional life. Obviously, there are good meetings that produce measurable outcomes and results, but often this phrase is generically used by a colleague as they buy a quick second to collect their thoughts as they try to spin a conversation that might or might not have been that impressive. In other instances, I have seen it used as a diplomatic setup for elaborating on a scenario that is anything but “good.” The idea being that, if you can’t say anything nice … well, you know. Either way, I hear few phrases in the business world that are more vanilla. I once worked with a client in another state who was attempting to fight legislation that would hurt the client’s company. As the local lobbyist was educating the client about the legislators they were going to meet, she simply said of one legislator, “She gives a good meeting.” She said that legislator had made a career of being a delightful person to talk with, but she could not necessarily be depended on to pick a side on an issue and stick with it.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Politics is a lot like hockey
I am a proud season-ticket holder for the Indy Fuel, Indianapolis’ professional minor league hockey team. For those of you who are not familiar with the Fuel, they play at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the state fairgrounds. No sport is better “in person” than hockey. I highly recommend you try it, but you should know going in that it is highly addictive. On my way home from their home opener, I reflected about the origins of my own hockey fandom, which started as an adult given that I have never been on ice skates and likely never will be. (Big tree, fall hard.) My thoughts were interrupted abruptly when a particularly disruptive political ad came over the radio, causing a merging of two thoughts in my head: hockey and politics.
Read More >Brad Rateike: I have a new appreciation for class reunions
Few of us get excited about the idea of being the plus-one at our significant other’s high school class reunion. We might care about their upbringing or what made him/her the person they are today, but how interesting are stories about prom dates, sectional basketball losses, busted parties, cutting econ class or the health teacher who smoked two packs a day? What might be nostalgic for those who lived it is often painful for those who did not.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Some questions are best left unanswered
Have you ever been asked a question where the answer appeared to be “yes” or “no,” but the true answer was not that simple? Many years ago, a friend asked me about a situation that was neither publicly controversial nor publicly complicated but was personally “tricky” (to put it kindly). It was a situation many of us have experienced in one form or fashion.
Read More >Brad Rateike: This man taught me what it means to be a leader
Indianapolis lost a legend this month. Actually, I am sure Indianapolis lost many legends this month, but one person in particular means a lot to me because, 20 years ago, he forever altered my life by showing me what it meant to be a professional. Gene Henderson is a man who held many titles, including husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, preeminent business attorney, World War II veteran and founding partner of the law firm Henderson Daily Withrow & Devoe. He was an esteemed graduate of Franklin College (’50) and Harvard Law School (’53).
Read More >Brad Rateike: Should we extend gratuity to more professions?
As I write this column, there is a guy I have never met in the next room taking apart my dishwasher to fix it. I do not know what level of education this man has, where he grew up or any background on his family. None of that has any bearing on the context of our relationship, which can be summed up as me not knowing how to fix the dishwasher and him knowing how to diagnose and address the problem.
Read More >Brad Rateike: White River Yacht Club is a special place
If you have not experienced the White River Yacht Club, it is one of the “hidden gems” of Indianapolis. Tucked away in the Ravenswood neighborhood, just west of East 74th Street and Keystone Avenue, WRYC is a members-only social club that was established in 1938 along the banks of the White River.
Read More >Brad Rateike: If you’re going to be a mentor, do so with candor
I graduated from Franklin College 20 years ago this month. The liberal arts mentality should be that, “The world is your oyster,” and that you have learned “how” to think and are therefore prepared to apply your abilities to be successful. Great goal, hard to execute.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Being A Goldfish And Five Reasons To Love Ted Lasso
Towards the end of 2020, we were neck-deep into Covid and TV shows to binge-watch became commonplace conversation over zooms and on group texts.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Bowling might be the pick-me-up we all need
When it comes to athletics, most of the trophies I have received in my life contain the word “participation” or “perfect attendance” on them.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Five Local Organization Gurus to Help You Get and Stay Organized
Spring cleaning. Some of us dread those words, while others take it as an opportunity to start anew.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: 20 Kid Friendly Adult Restaurants in Indianapolis
Once you have kids, we often think our days of going out to great restaurants for fantastic food must end. Unless it’s Chucky Cheese, we can never go near a place that other adults sans children might find enjoyable, right?
Read More >Brad Rateike: A good leader anticipates needs, communicates well
When I was a child, my grandfather asked me what I wanted to “be” when I grew up, and my answer was, “president of the United States.”
Read More >Brad Rateike: The 2022 campaign season has begun
Congratulations, Indiana! Our state is back in an election year. Many Hoosiers do not care, but if you are reading this section of the IBJ, you are at least minimally interested.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Let nostalgia prompt you to reach out to a friend
I had lunch recently with a longtime friend I had not seen in several years. We had been professional colleagues and neighbors in our younger days and had even attended each other’s weddings.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Use best judgment when checking phone
A wise person once told me you should spend money on the things you use the most. You sleep in your bed every night, so buy a mattress that suits you.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Epilepsy, the Most Common Disease You Likely Know Little About
This month is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. This annual event teaches people about epilepsy’s causes and symptoms. I, for one, had no idea that one in 26 people would be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point during their lifetime.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Grief and Recognizing Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
We’ve all had a point in our life when the ache in our hearts is unbearable. That’s how I would explain grief to someone.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Bosses should focus on substance, not style
During my first college internship, the executive I was assigned to “shadow” asked me to meet all 20 employees on his team and to ask them about their views on his management style.
Read More >Brad Rateike: The art of selling a home? Be realistic.
The process of selling a home is far more interesting than I would have anticipated.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: What I Hope He Says for Wife Appreciation Day
Every year on the third Sunday of September wives get a day. ONE DAY. This year, Sunday, September 19th is Wife Appreciation Day.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Living the Dream, Albeit Slightly Different Than I Imagined
When I was growing up I wanted to be an actress. It was my original dream. Then it turned to singer, turned Broadway star.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Succession planning is important in politics
With recent news about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz requiring foot surgery, our natural inclination as fans is to ask, “Who will be our quarterback?”
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Heart of IM – Non-Profit Spotlight: Bookmark Indy, A Local Literary Journey
Summer is here, school is out, and our kiddos are home. We all want to encourage reading and learning throughout the summer, but if you are like me, you often wonder where to start.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Reprieve from politics was short-lived
In a previous column, I mentioned the glee I had for what I hoped might be a lull in political activity this year.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: When Having a Baby Is a Pain in the You Know What
I love my kids, but I hate what they did to my body. There I said it. Call it selfish, I don’t care. What it is is embarrassing.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Gov’s new initiative encourages local collaboration
It has been calm here in Indiana recently, politically speaking. I hope you are enjoying it.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Nanny Needed: Six Steps to Take When Seeking Childcare
As summer inches closer (can you feel it?), many of us are searching for summer care for our children. I for one am days away from going back to work post-maternity leave and am stuck with finding a new nanny for my 3-month-old stat. It’s a daunting task.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Cesarean Awareness Month: Behind Our Scars
April is Cesarean Awareness Month. For some of us at Indianapolis Moms, this month is very meaningful.
Read More >Brad Rateike: NCAA, hope for Indy 500 give reason to be optimistic
It is a great time to be optimistic in Indiana. I am not just saying that because I now have my first dose of the COVID vaccine, though I think the rapid administration of the vaccination across the state is a great place to start.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Getting older offers opportunity to develop new talent
My 40th birthday is at the end of this month. On the list of milestone birthdays, it feels substantially more significant than when I turned 30, but that is probably because my level of maturity (at times) might have resembled that of someone in their early 20s.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Work-from-home might end superficial judgments
During my junior year at Franklin College, I had the privilege of interning at a large company in downtown Indianapolis.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: The Anti-Valentine’s Day
It’s that time of year again. As soon as New Year’s passes the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates hit the shelves and much to my excitement the Brach’s candy hearts fill the aisle.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: It’s Almost Time, Bring on the Pregnancy No-No’s
As I sit here, I am exactly 26 days away from giving birth to my second child. We are having a girl and if you have read any of my previous posts you know that this one didn’t exactly come easily.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Exiting gracefully is as important as first impression
Most of us are taught from a young age the importance of making a good first impression.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Let’s add some flexibility into our holiday schedules
My friend Adam owns a bar downtown. Adam had worked at this bar for several years before he and colleagues bought out the owner, venturing into the wide world of entrepreneurship.
Read More >Brad Rateike: To win, candidates must focus on their own brands
When you recover from a case of political exhaustion, you might consider watching “The Candidate,” the 1972 film starring Robert Redford as the son of a fictional California governor who runs for the U.S. Senate.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: My Fertility Journey, No Filter
I’ve written and rewritten this blog post in my head a million times. It never sounds the same, never quite like I want it to read, but the ending is perfect.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Therapy After Miscarriage: The Key to My Recovery
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage. I am one in four and I am not alone. I would like to think this statistic is becoming more well known, but I am not sure that’s the case.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Holcomb is a no-drama governor getting things done
You must appreciate a “no drama” leader. I can understand all different types of governing and communicating styles, but sometimes it is nice to have someone who keeps his hands at “10 and 2” on the steering wheel and takes care of business.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: September 11th: How to Pay Tribute and Learn During the Pandemic
I can’t believe it is September already. If you are like me, each year, I look back and think about where I was on September 11, 2001.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Working at home helps spouses appreciate each other
The 1983 comedy “Mr. Mom” has become one of my favorites. Though the movie is almost as old as I am, I love the clever and entertaining story of Jack and Caroline Butler (played by Michael Keaton and Teri Garr) raising three kids during a 1980s-era recession in suburban Detroit.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: National Relaxation Day: Local Spots to Pamper Yourself
Saturday, August 15th marks a day we can all get behind, National Relaxation Day. After the 2020 we’ve had I think we can all agree we need, no wait, we deserve, National Relaxation Year.
Read More >Brad Rateike: I told you so: Working from home is just fine
On the rare occasion that my wife is wrong on an issue and I am right, I sometimes use the opportunity to chide her by extending my hand toward her and saying (in a spirit of humor), “I’m prepared to accept your apology.”
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Post Quarantine Travel with Family: Tips and Tricks to Help Keep You Safe
Recently we returned from our first trip post quarantine. However, as the numbers continue to spike, a vacation may not be in your near future but it’s important to remember that traveling will look very different when compared to the pre-Covid days.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Heart of IM Non-Profit Spotlight, Hamilton County Humane Society
If you’re like me, you’ve set goals for 2020. One of my top personal priorities was to continue to give back and volunteer for a local organization.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: My Ode to Dinner at the Bar
One of my favorite things to do is to steal away on a late evening, after leaving my son safely with a sitter, and have dinner with my husband at the bar of a restaurant.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Meet Our Indianapolis Moms: Lauren Schregardus
Hey Indianapolis Moms! I am excited to be part of the collective mom voice here in central Indiana. I’m Lauren, wife to James and mom to Andrew, an imaginative, loving, and crazy four-year-old boy.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Fertility in the Time of a Pandemic: The Good, the Bad and the Unfortunate
It’s a strange time right now. The world is in a global pandemic, we are all sheltering in place, and the future is unknown.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Game On: Easy Games to Play When You’re Stuck at Home
So Hoosier parents, are you pulling out your hair yet? Running out of ideas for things to do while the kiddos are home, and you guys are all stuck inside?
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: The Fertility Doctor Waiting Room is the Quietest Place on Earth
Over 6 million women (ages 15-44) across America struggle with infertility. Take 100 of your Facebook friends; it’s likely that 12-13 of them have or are currently having trouble becoming pregnant. I am among those, and in my case, I have been doing so rather silently.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Everyone needs a mentor—and a champion
I’m a firm believer that everyone needs a mentor or a champion—preferably both.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Xennials – The Lost Generation
Recently I read an article on USAtoday.com written by Ryan Miller and contributed to by our own Dwight Adams of the Indy Star.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Holcomb speech shows why he’s worthy of second term
When I worked for Gov. Mitch Daniels and on the White House communications team, the day of the State of the State speech or the State of the Union speech, respectively, was always one of my favorite days.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Affordable Valentine’s Day gifts for kids
Lauren Schregardus, an Indy Moms Blog contributor, stopped by Daybreak. She provided some quick and affordable ways to make some great Valentine’s Day gifts for the kids.
Read More >2020 Forty Under 40: Brad Rateike
Bar Communications founder Brad Rateike spent two years in Washington, D.C., serving as director of cabinet communications for the White House as the Trump-Pence administration took shape.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Devour Indy spots for families
Lauren Schregardus, an Indy Moms Blog contributor, stopped by Daybreak Wednesday. She talked about these family-friendly options, including Four Day Ray, Flemings, and Weber Grill.
Read More >Trump’s packed schedule amid debates, impeachment trial mirrors 2016 campaign blitz
President Trump is packing his schedule with rallies and other events as the Senate prepares for his impeachment trial — and allies say it’s a calculated blitz akin to the final days of his 2016 campaign.
Read More >Brad Rateike: I’ve stopped watching cable news because it’s boring
Daily, plenty of legitimate international and national stories are ignored or given fractional attention in favor of a good/bad story about the president and Russia or the president and impeachment. Snooze.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Can you teach job candidates to be hungry?
I’ve grown a new appreciation for exposure to diverse, new and different people and activities outside my comfort zone.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Lesson in politics—always tip your server
Under normal circumstances, a mistake like that doesn’t have a big blast radius, but this is campaign season.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Here’s how a little passion goes a long way
When I meet someone new, I treat that conversation as an informal, internal race to find something I have in common with him/her.
Read More >Indy Mom’s Blog: Family and the Red Line
With rides free until the end of the month of September, now is the time to take a ride on the bus line and maybe even make it a family outing. Lauren Schregardus, an Indy Moms Blog contributor, stopped by Daybreak Wednesday.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Brad Paisley had it right when he sang ‘The internet is forever’
Once a post is out there, it’s out there. I’ve seen “deleted” Tweets and Facebook posts appear in vetting reports for job applicants and in stories on cable news.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Parks to visit before school begins
For most, area schools will be back in session soon. So, if you’ve been waiting to visit local parks, stop procrastinating. Lauren Schregardus, an Indy Moms Blog contributor, stopped by Daybreak Wednesday morning.
Read More >Brad Rateike: There’s still time for this Congress to do something
Providing political theater is not an accomplishment.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Teacher Appreciation Week
Lauren Schregardus, an Indy Moms Blog contributor, stopped by Daybreak Wednesday. She shared some helpful tips as far what to give and what not to give to teachers as gifts.
Read More >Brad Rateike: A ‘bad’ movie with good lessons for politics, business
Demonstrating grace in defeat is probably the most difficult thing any political candidate is ever asked to do—and some are never able to do it.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Honoring my mentors by being one, too
I will always believe that, in the history of humanity, no one has ever been upset by receiving a thank you note.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Central Indiana spring break fun
While some may be traveling to warmer locations in search of fun in the sun, there are some fun ways to spend spring break in central Indiana. Lauren Schregardus, an Indy Moms Blog contributor, stopped by Daybreak Wednesday.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Leaks undermine good governance
Imagine if every private conversation you had at work were made available to the press, to your customers, to your boss.
Read More >Brad Rateike: U.S. has serious problem at southern border
More than once we heard stories about Mexican cartels issuing bounties on individual Border Patrol agents.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Bush taught us to live with grace, humility
We were able to be ‘for’ something without feeling like we had to be ‘against’ something or someone.
Read More >Brad Rateike: Voters are smart enough to see through rhetoric
Political campaigns shouldn’t get a free pass on their tactics, nor should they automatically be condemned because they can be controversial.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Internet safety
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – For parents, posting pictures of their children on social media may seem an easy way to share them with friends and family who don’t live close.
Read More >Hoosier working in White House heading back to Indiana after leading Trump cabinet communications
Brad Rateike, one of the many Hoosiers serving in the Trump administration, is leaving his job as director of cabinet communications in mid-July.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Sun safety tips
While most people love getting some sun and nice tan, too much sun is not a good thing. Getting too much can even become dangerous. Lauren Schregardus from Indy Moms Blog stopped by Daybreak Wednesday.
Read More >Indy Mom’s Blog: Read Across America
Indy Mom’s Blog contributor Lauren Schregardus was on Daybreak Wednesday. She explained what exactly is Read Across America Day, shared some of her favorite books and how you can participate.
Read More >Indy Moms Blog: Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Parents know the everyday struggle of finding a restaurant that can fit to your child’s needs. Lauren Schregardus dropped by our studios Wednesday to share some tips on finding that perfect restaurant for both an adult and children to enjoy.
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