Justin McKeand, Branch Manager of BMO Harris Bank Tell us a little bit about your story and why you chose Broad Ripple Village to be the home of your business. We wanted to be in this market, but hadn’t had the opportunity up until 2003, when the person who owned most of the block wanted to change the land from being a parking lot to business space. At that time, we were First Indiana Bank, which was a smaller, community-oriented bank. How many years have you been located in Broad Ripple Village? I’ve personally been here since 2007. Over time the bank ownership has transitioned; we’ve been BMO Harris since 2013, but before that we were First Indiana Bank and then M&I Bank. How would you describe your business, and why should people visit you? Banking has become commoditized, and the thing that makes this branch different is how we interact with our customers. We have the technology and products of a big bank complete with the service and attention of a community bank. Can you share with us an experience you had with a program, initiative, or interaction with the Broad Ripple Village Association that could help others understand the BRVA’s impact or mission? The BRVA does more than the neighborhood, businesses, and residents give them credit for – truly. It’s not just fun things like festivals, the BRVA does the non-sexy work, too. Staying on the city for infrastructure improvements, drainage issues, etc. It’s not fun, but it’s for the quality of life for both businesses and the people. Improved infrastructure, community developments, the Bill Brink Memorial Garden, all of those projects and more add up to quality of life. I served on the board for six years, and the BRVA is a great place to learn about how a big city works. The work here and the improvements made in the Village have been done locally through grassroots initiatives. It’s cool to have a vested interest in the things that impact you. The BRVA is a cross-section of individuals – young and old – representing themselves. We need more people to be involved, even if just for a bit, at least to try it. What is your favorite thing about the Village? How about place to eat? Shop? Place to go? It’s quirky, bohemian, and a little weird, but it doesn’t feel manufactured. It’s authentic. I love to eat at Delicia, although not in Broad Ripple proper, and I also enjoy Flatwater. My favorite place to go is The Vogue; I love it. One of the best shows I’ve been to there was Jet in 2005. What excites you about the future of Broad Ripple? I think more density and people living here. There are new complexes and developments – like The Coil which is the first of three or four – so that’s exciting. I also think it’s exciting that people are catching on to the walkable community idea that has been around since Broad Ripple was first Broad Ripple. There’s been a lot of money spent in other areas of the city, and Broad Ripple gets overlooked. I think it’s one of the places that could benefit from more city attention, so hopefully that shift happens in the future. 
Visit BMO Harris Bank at 714 Broad Ripple Ave. Interested in joining or supporting the Broad Ripple Village Association to help keep Broad Ripple vibrant? Click here!
