Listen to Our BlogsIU Kelley School of Business Students Present Innovative Business Concepts to Allies Commercial Realty Leadership
Last Updated: 19th August, 2026
The semester-long collaboration between Allies Commercial Realty and the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis recently culminated with ten student teams presenting original business concepts and strategic recommendations to the firm’s leadership. Adam Stephenson, CCIM, SIOR, Principal and Co-Owner, and Claudia Stephenson, Co-Owner and Chief Marketing Officer, attended the presentations and engaged with students as they showcased ideas developed through the Kelley School’s I-Core program.
The I-Core program at the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis brings together graduating students from finance, marketing, and operations to tackle real-world business challenges for participating organizations. Throughout the semester, students study a company in depth and apply their academic knowledge to develop practical solutions and growth strategies that address actual business objectives.
As part of the collaboration, Allies Commercial Realty introduced students to the firm’s history, service lines, market position, and long-term goals. Working independently, ten teams of graduating students developed unique business concepts and recommendations designed to support the future growth of the Indianapolis-based commercial real estate company.
The presentations explored a variety of ideas spanning marketing strategy, financial planning, operational improvements, and new business opportunities. Several teams proposed entirely new concepts and service extensions, demonstrating the creativity, analytical thinking, and collaborative skills that have become hallmarks of the IU Kelley School of Business.
For Adam Stephenson and Claudia Stephenson, the event represented more than the conclusion of a class project. It was an opportunity to engage directly with emerging business professionals and witness firsthand the talent being developed within Indiana’s higher education system.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in the I-Core program is seeing how students approach business challenges from fresh perspectives,” said the Allies leadership team. “Their creativity, strategic thinking, and professionalism were impressive, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of their educational journey.”
As a boutique commercial real estate brokerage serving Indianapolis and Central Indiana, Allies Commercial Realty believes that supporting educational initiatives and fostering future leaders are important investments in the long-term strength of the local business community.
The ongoing relationship between Allies Commercial Realty and the IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis reflects a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professional development. Programs like I-Core create meaningful connections between academia and industry while providing students with valuable real-world experience and companies with fresh perspectives and ideas.
That commitment to experiential business education is also receiving national attention. The Wall Street Journal recently featured Indiana University students involved with Sample Gates Management, a student-managed real estate investment fund connected with the Kelley School of Business. The recognition highlights another example of how IU students are gaining hands-on experience evaluating investments, managing assets, and making real-world real estate decisions. For Allies, it reinforces the value of creating opportunities for students to connect academic learning with the practical challenges facing businesses and the commercial real estate industry.
For a firm built on the philosophy of being an ally rather than simply a service provider, investing in future business leaders is a natural extension of its commitment to the Indianapolis community.
Allies Commercial Realty is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage in Indianapolis, Indiana, specializing in industrial, office, retail, land, and investment properties throughout Central Indiana. Led by Adam Stephenson, CCIM, SIOR, and Claudia Stephenson, the firm provides brokerage, advisory, and property management services with a client-first approach built on collaboration, market expertise, and long-term relationships. To learn more about Allies Commercial Realty, visit alliescommercialrealty.com.
Tags: Education & Partnership
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