By Nancy Price
Scott Podolsky has one delicious job. He owns Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Greenwood.
A Center Grove resident for nearly seven months, Podolsky said he already feels like the area is home, and looks forward to moving some of his family here, including his wife, Lori of 33 years and his daughter Francesca, 14, a competitive cheerleader. “She can’t wait to move here and start high school at Center Grove, continuing her cheerleading,” he said.
His daughter Lily has already joined her dad in the restaurant industry, managing Greenwood Handel’s since graduating college. His son Luke, 19, is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Although Podolsky has always wanted to be in the restaurant business, his entire career was spent in commercial real estate. The ambitious Youngstown, Ohio native began working before starting high school. “I’ve had many jobs … starting with delivering newspapers and cutting grass at 13,” he said. “During high school I had three jobs at once – dishwasher, furniture delivery and landscaping.”
What is his favorite ice cream flavor? “That’s like picking a favorite child but if I had to have one last bite of ice cream it would hands-down be pistachio.”
What is your greatest virtue?
Dependability. I’ve always worked hard to provide for my family and to be the best friend I can be to the many friends I have made over the years.
What upsets you?
The fact that I am so weak at technology. I attempt to figure out the whole computer world, but I just cannot get it. Luckily my kids can help me out.
What do you like best about Center Grove?
When I came to Indy to look for sites to build my store, the search ended once I toured the Greenwood community. It felt like home from the beginning. I have to say, though, Center Grove High School is about as impressive as any school I’ve ever seen.
What’s your favorite Southside eatery?
Oaken Barrel is my favorite! I have to say, though, that Vito Provolone’s is a close second.
If you had to live anywhere else in the Metro Indianapolis area, where would it be?
Carmel. My sister and brother-in-law Greg and Cindy Glaros have lived there close to 30 years and own three Handel’s on the northside.
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
I would have picked one sport or hobby to focus all of my attention on so that I could have excelled in one thing instead of dabbling in many.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
I would love to be the anonymous rich guy who hangs around the layaway department at different stores and pay off strangers’ Christmas purchases.
What makes you happiest?
Just being surrounded by family. I’ve realized that even more, living away from my family this year.
Pick three adjectives that best describe you.
Loving, generous, responsible
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Hilton Head, South Carolina
What do you do with idle time?
I haven’t had too much of that in the last six months, but when things settle down, I’m definitely going to work on that golf game!
What would you change about our culture if you could?
The country seems to be so divided right now. We all play for the same team and should act like it.
How do you escape from reality?
Netflix! That’s how I spend most of my time after work. Amazing how big that library of content is.
What do you love most in life?
I absolutely cherish my family. Holidays, vacations … that is when I’m happiest.
Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire?
Center Grove Head Football Coach Eric Moore. How this guy had such a great team and kept them focused during the season is so impressive. Hopefully, I’ll get to meet him one day and shake his hand.
What quality do you admire most in another person?
Loyalty to friends and family, and putting others before themselves. Many of my good friends have this quality.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Playing World Series of Poker tournaments. I’ve actually had some success for being an amateur.
What is your greatest fear?
Zombies! My sister took me to see Night of the Living Dead when I was 8 years old and I’ve been obsessed with that genre ever since.
What has been the happiest time of your life?
Other than the birth of my children, the day I received approval from the bank to build my store was the happiest day of my life!
Is there a special talent you really wish you had?
I wish I could hit a golf ball like a pro.
What do you most value in your friends?
Someone you can count on when times are tough.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Andrew Jackson. America wouldn’t be the country it is today if he wasn’t the general in charge during the battle of New Orleans.
What tenet do you live by?
The Golden Rule. There is no way to be successful and an overall good person if you do not treat others with the respect you expect to receive yourself.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Even though I spent my entire career in commercial real estate, I always wanted to be in the restaurant business. My dream has finally come true!
