Leadership Lessons From Merchants Capital CEO Michael Dury

Leadership at Merchants Capital began for Michael Dury with a simple habit: listen, find the answer and take on work others needed done. That approach helped him grow from a 2007 hire at PR Mortgage & Investments into president and CEO of a national multifamily finance company. Dury tells Talent Scout host Dave Neff how sports shaped his views on discipline, competition and teamwork. He reflects on growing up in Fishers and Indianapolis, attending Bishop Chatard High School, playing baseball at the University of Notre Dame, and choosing academics and long-term development over chasing a quick career move. He also describes how a chance introduction led him to Michael F. Petrie and a company of roughly 12 people just before the financial crisis. The conversation follows the business as it expanded beyond Indiana, rebranded as Merchants Capital and built a team of about 350 employees. Dury explains why the firm stayed focused on multifamily, affordable housing, senior housing and health care finance, and why that specialization helped it compete nationally. He also discusses the Indianapolis developers and mentors who accelerated his learning. Dury connects professional leadership with family, coaching and community service, including his work with Providence Cristo Rey High School. His advice to early-career professionals is practical: be resourceful, listen closely, handle small jobs well and help the team before worrying about a title. Talent Scout features conversations with Indiana leaders making a difference in business, community and civic life. Learn more about JDA Worldwide at jdaworldwide.com.