Chuck Goodrich, Indiana’s secretary of commerce, owner and CEO of Gaylor Electric

In this episode of Indiana 250 Off the Record, host Nate Feltman talks with Chuck Goodrich, Indiana’s secretary of commerce, owner and CEO of Gaylor Electric, and a former state lawmaker from Noblesville. Goodrich traces his path from growing up in Roann, Indiana, to Vincennes University, Purdue University and an internship at Gaylor that launched his career. He discusses Gaylor’s growth from about 400 employees a decade ago to about 4,000 across seven states, the company’s focus on internships and apprenticeships, and why applied learning is central to Indiana’s workforce future. Goodrich also reflects on his time in the Indiana House, his 2024 congressional campaign and his new role leading the state’s economic development strategy under Gov. Mike Braun, with a focus on high-wage jobs, regional growth, advanced manufacturing, energy and keeping Indiana open for business.