On Wednesday, February 4th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of visiting the historic Indiana Theater in Washington for the first time. The group met with new owner Russ Jordan, who purchased the theater this past July and has already begun making a meaningful impact on the community.
Russ shared his personal journey with the cohort. After serving in full-time ministry for 26 years, he and his family made the decision to move back home from West Virginia. Entrepreneurship, he explained, has always been part of his family’s roots, and stepping into ownership of the Indiana Theater was both a business opportunity and a calling. With deep family ties in Southern Indiana, Russ understands that local families are looking for safe, engaging activities close to home.
This year marks a major milestone for the Indiana Theater as it celebrates 100 years of operation. Rich in history, the theater was notably the first “air-cooled” building in Daviess County — an innovative feature at the time that made it a premier destination for entertainment.
Russ gave the cohort insight into both the operational and business sides of running a theater. The Indiana Theater features two screens, with seating for 276 guests downstairs and 194 upstairs. He explained that movie studios regulate ticket prices, which means that concessions serve as the theater’s primary source of revenue. Understanding revenue streams and cost structures was a valuable real-world lesson for the students.
One of the most impactful messages Russ shared was the importance of knowing your “WHY.” He emphasized that entrepreneurs must clearly understand their purpose. For him, that purpose is simple yet powerful: “I want to create an experience for everyone.” His focus is not just on showing movies, but on creating a memorable atmosphere where families and friends can gather.
Russ also discussed marketing strategies, noting that social media has become a major promotional tool for the theater, along with local radio partnerships. These platforms have helped spread awareness and re-energize community interest in this historic venue.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort greatly appreciated the tour and the opportunity to learn from Russ’s experiences, insight, and passion. Thank you, Russ, for investing in our community and for taking the time to meet with and inspire our future entrepreneurs.