RISE Commercial District
At RISE, our leadership team is driven by a shared mission: to provide the tools and spaces businesses need to thrive. Our commitment to innovation and community ensures that you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the rest.
– Jim Sapp, President & CEO
“…we were looking for warehouse space and this was by far the best option for us. Having a place where deliveries could be done on our time, there’s a lot of people looking for that.”
As CEO, Jim Sapp is an innovative business leader specializing in growth and operational strategies. He has pioneered a first-to-market national co-warehousing model, securing financing for multi-facility operations through meticulous financial forecasting and a track record of success. Leveraging strategic branding, targeted marketing, and strong partnerships with Economic Development Directors in key cities, Jim has positioned his company for significant expansion.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska and the MIT Entrepreneurial Graduate Program, Jim has been recognized for his entrepreneurial excellence with prestigious awards, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Midwest and the National Blue Chip Award from the Chamber of Commerce. In 1994, Jim founded one of the pioneering quick lube chains, revolutionizing the industry with a customer-focused approach. Under his leadership, the business expanded rapidly, growing into multiple states and establishing a successful franchise model. This impressive growth culminated in a strategic exit, selling the business to Pennzoil Jiffy with a network of over 305 units, solidifying its place as a leader in the quick lube sector.
Jim authored Starting Your First Business, a book for entrepreneurs. Outside of work, Jim is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations and immersing himself in different cultures. Cycling is another of his passions, providing him with a way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. When not traveling or cycling, Jim treasures spending quality time with his family. These personal pursuits help him maintain a well-rounded lifestyle and bring balance to his professional commitments.
As Chief Revenue Officer of RISE Commercial District, Pat leads all revenue-generating activities, overseeing both sales and marketing operations. He also oversees the daily operations and property management across all RISE sites. With a steadfast focus on delivering exceptional value to RISE’s customers and partners, Pat plays a critical role in driving growth and innovation within the organization.
A graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Pat brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, and operations, coupled with a unique perspective gained from his extensive background in software and professional services. Over his career, he has successfully led and scaled organizations at every stage of growth, serving in key leadership roles ranging from Chief Revenue Officer to CEO.
Beyond his professional achievements, Pat is deeply committed to giving back to the community and fostering connections. He serves on the Kelley School of Business Alumni Association Board of Directors, acts as an Operating Partner for Elevate Ventures, and contributes as a Parish Council member at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
Outside of work, Pat enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their three energetic children, Kevin, Lucy, and Baker.
Joel leads with a commitment to detail and a forward-thinking approach as Chief Operating Officer at RISE. He is driven by a desire to equip and enable those around him to become successful and fulfilled in their work. He is focused on executing the company vision and plan for rapid growth as well as overseeing all development and construction activities. Joel leads the company’s growth efforts by identifying key submarkets and evaluating land acquisition opportunities, coordinating land development & entitlements, and leading design and construction teams. He is involved in raising equity capital and securing construction financing along with the finance team.
Prior to joining RISE, Joel served as VP of Sales and Construction for Emergent Construction. He has owned multiple small businesses including a residential real estate and construction company and spent 10 years as the owner/counselor of a mental health private practice. He holds a BA in Marketing from Butler University and an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver. Joel is an avid Butler basketball fan and enjoys road cycling.
As Chief Financial Officer of RISE Commercial District, Ethan leads the accounting and finance departments, ensuring the delivery of timely and accurate financial statements across the RISE portfolio of companies. He plays a pivotal role in developing strategic financial plans, cultivating relationships with equity and debt partners, and overseeing financial modeling and analysis. His strategic leadership is integral to driving growth and sustaining the long-term success of RISE.
Ethan is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and a Certified Public Accountant, bringing extensive expertise in accounting, taxation, and financial structuring. With over a decade of experience in public accounting, he has gained deep insights into real estate development, capital markets, and property management through collaboration with industry leaders.
Beyond his professional commitments, Ethan is dedicated to giving back to his community. He serves as Vice President of Finance for the Zionsville Youth Soccer Association and is an active member of Connection Pointe Church.
In his personal life, Ethan enjoys spending time with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children—Landon, Reese, and Crew—who range from high school to elementary school. He cherishes family time and stays actively engaged in their lives.
As Director of Operations at RISE, Adam leads key organizational functions, including hiring, training, and coaching District Managers to achieve peak performance. He provides critical support in daily operations, property management, receivables, maintenance, and repairs, while developing and implementing standard operating procedures to ensure operational excellence.
Adam’s role involves solving complex challenges, fostering employee success, and driving site improvements and design, all while aligning operations with the company’s strategic vision. As a member of the Leadership Team, he also manages budgets, promotes cross-departmental collaboration, analyzes performance metrics, and spearheads strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and drive organizational growth.
Adam earned a Bachelor’s degree in Selling & Sales Management from Purdue University and brings over 20 years of management experience, with a strong focus on multi-site operations. Before stepping into and shaping the Director of Operations role at RISE, Adam played a pivotal role in the company’s growth by opening and managing its first expansion location in Greenwood, Indiana. This opportunity was instrumental in providing Adam with valuable experience across multiple levels of the organization, laying the foundation for his leadership and operational expertise.
Outside of his professional career, Adam has been happily married to his wife, Mandy, for 19 years and counting. Together, they have two children, Mackenna and Gus, who are actively involved in sports. In his free time, Adam enjoys staying active through exercise, traveling to new destinations, hiking, and exploring off-road adventures.
As Sales Manager of RISE Commercial District, Taylor oversees all new lease contracts, renewals, and lease-related communications. He is also responsible for the training and development of RISE’s District Managers. With a passion for the RISE brand and a genuine interest in the team and the tenants, Taylor enjoys the collaborative efforts to Build Boldly.
A graduate of Indiana University’s school of Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management, and career experience in sales and management. Prior to moving into the Sales Manager role with RISE, Taylor was a District Manager with RISE giving him an incredible amount of experience and institutional knowledge. Additionally, Taylor brings expertise in leveraging value, pricing, communications, and reporting.
Beyond his professional career, Taylor enjoys hockey, and contrary to cold, running outside when it is 80 degrees and sunny!
As Director of Marketing, Allison has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving innovative campaigns, optimizing digital platforms, and enhancing brand visibility.
Allison Barber is an accomplished marketing professional with over a decade of experience specializing in digital strategies and initiatives.
Allison holds a bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Indianapolis. Throughout her career, Allison has excelled in roles that span content strategy, social media management, digital advertising, and analytics, showcasing a deep understanding of evolving market trends and consumer behavior. In Allison’s current role, she oversees comprehensive digital efforts, including campaign development, performance measurement, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer needs. Known for her forward-thinking approach, Allison stays ahead of digital marketing innovations to deliver measurable outcomes and foster long-term success.
Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband Chris and two young boys. You can also find her serving at the church her husband pastors and enjoying time with their extended family and friends.