IBJ Media has named John T. Phair, Chairman, Holladay Hospitality Group, to its second annual Indiana 250, a list of the most influential and impactful business and community leaders in Indiana. Phair was included in the real estate category for his work in real estate, economic development, and philanthropy.
Executives and leaders at IBJ Media and its three news brands — Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer – compiled the list during a months-long process that included reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and interviewing community leaders across the state.
“I am honored to be included in the Indiana 250. I think our Holladay Properties real estate team is well represented in Indiana’s’ three largest markets and we are very active with key developments there and in several other states. We are a 72-year-old company, based in Indiana, and transitioning to another generation with plans to become a 100-year-old company. I think our sustainability in a risky business is what makes us unique!” said John T. Phair.
The names were released July 20 at Indiana250.com and in a magazine highlighting profiles of the honorees.
“Our 2023 Indiana 250 list is chock full of private- and public-sector leaders who are making big impacts in their communities, in our state and even in our nation,” said IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman. “We chose these leaders because they are doing inspiring work, and we want to share their stories so others can be inspired, too.” “There are so many talented, generous people in the state who are making a difference that narrowing the list to 250 is hard,” Feltman said. “But we think that makes it special. We truly believe the people on this list are worthy of the honor.”
John T. Phair joined Holladay Properties, a commercial real estate firm that has been in business since 1952, in 1978 after spending seven years in the mortgage-banking field in Denver, CO and South Bend, IN. He is the former chairman of Trustcorp Mortgage Company, a former board member of 1st Source Bank, and an investor in several small businesses. In 1999, he acquired a controlling interest of Holladay Properties’ Midwest operations and was CEO until 2020.
John has been involved with numerous civic organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County, Family & Children’s Center, WNIT Public Television, the South Bend Civic Theatre, the Alliance of Indiana (IU Kelley School of Business), Junior Achievement and the Villages of Indiana. John and his wife, Barb, are the proud parents of four children and currently have more than 12 grandchildren.
“For over forty years John T. Phair has been the driving force behind some of Indiana’s finest developments and business parks. His vision, investment, and passion for recruiting businesses to Indiana is nothing short of remarkable. It is very rewarding to see John receive recognition for his outstanding contributions to Indiana,” said Tim Healy, CEO of Holladay Properties.
Phair and others in the second annual Indiana 250 list were celebrated at a reception featuring Gov. Eric Holcomb on July 20 on the Ohana Floor at Salesforce Tower in downtown Indianapolis. IBJ Media launched the Indiana 250 program last year, with plans to update it annually. Feltman said developing this year’s list was even more difficult than putting together the inaugural Indiana 250 last year. The publication is part of the company’s larger effort to help foster statewide economic vitality and collaboration through its publications and events, including an Engage Indiana series of programs it is co-hosting with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. in cities throughout Indiana.