On September 24, 2025, the Daviess County CEO Cohort welcomed Grant Swartzentruber, Attorney at Law, for an informative and interactive session. Grant, who practices in Washington, Indiana, specializes in business law, real estate transactions, local government matters, and civil litigation. Since 2011, he has also served as the Daviess County Attorney, and today he is a partner with The Odon Journal, where he contributes his knowledge to both his profession and the community.
Throughout the discussion, Grant emphasized the importance of understanding the human element in business and law. “People are people, no matter where you are,” he noted, encouraging students to remember that behind every transaction and case are individuals with real needs and perspectives.
Grant guided the group through key legal concepts, including the difference between criminal and civil cases, using the well-known O.J. Simpson case to illustrate how one situation can involve both. He then turned to the fundamentals of business structures, offering a clear breakdown of Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). His explanations highlighted both the advantages and challenges of each, making the concepts accessible and practical.
To put learning into practice, Grant divided the cohort into small groups and challenged them to design their own businesses. Each group created a name and chose the best entity type for their idea. The hands-on activity gave students the chance to apply legal knowledge in a creative way, sparking collaboration and problem-solving.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort is grateful to Grant Swartzentruber for sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement. His visit provided not only a deeper understanding of business law but also a reminder of the importance of people at the heart of every business decision.