IBJ Media names a list of Indiana 250 leaders annually. For the third year in a row, THG CEO Amy Schumacher has made the list. Learn more about our CEO from the compiled IBJ interviews from Jan. 6, 2023, July 20, 2023 and July 2024.
Amy Schumacher has been part of The Heritage Group family of businesses for over 15 years. As CEO, she oversees the company’s portfolio of more than 30 businesses, HG Ventures, and its 5,500 employees. Under her leadership, The Heritage Group has increased its focus on sustainability and sustainable investments, including investing in what is now the largest EV battery recycling company in North America, Cirba Solutions; solar panel recycling; and production of sustainable aviation fuel.
In 2008, Schumacher co-founded Monument Chemical, the group’s specialty chemicals business, and served as president and CEO for eight years. In that role, she was responsible for growing Monument from a small, Indianapolis-based business into a global company with operations in Europe and the United States. In 2016, she transitioned to president of The Heritage Group and was appointed CEO in 2020.
Schumacher serves on the Indiana Economic Development Corp. board as well as the boards of the Women‘s Fund of Central Indiana and Calumet Specialty Products.
Being a leader
Seeing team members succeed is my favorite part of being a leader. My grandad always told me to “bet on your people—they will amaze you and themselves!”
I also get a lot of satisfaction doing my part to serve as leader of our family business. This is way bigger than me, and I’m honored to play a small part in the ongoing evolution of The Heritage Group.
Admire most
I admire my dad and grandad for their longtime vision and dedication to our family and family business. My grandad never stopped working for our company, our community and our country—truly part of the “greatest generation.” He always urged us to do more than what was expected of you.
I admire my sisters for being great moms, their strength and their sense of adventure. I admire my girls—Bella and Lola—for their spirit and sense of humor. And I admire the many strong female business and political leaders who have come before me and helped pave the way.
Advice for young people
One important piece of advice that I received as a young person was to “commit and see.” So many young people have so much talent and training and are constantly advised to “keep their options open.” But I like the idea of doing your homework, picking a path and then making it the very best you can.
Favorite civic contribution
I am especially proud of the way my family shares our passion for kids, STEM and education with our extended family—all of the employees at The Heritage Group. From Kids Science Camp, a free experience we offer each summer to employees’ children in partnership with The Children’s Museum, to our college scholarship program, we believe that providing access to a good education is one area where we can make a positive impact.
Love about Indiana
I love the change of seasons. I love the college and pro sports. I love the race in May and the sweet corn in August. But what I love most are the people.
First job
Checkout clerk at Joe O’Malia’s grocery store. I learned the basics: Show up on time, have a positive attitude, work hard and treat people with respect and kindness. These lessons that I learned in my first job are still relevant today.