TRIBUTE TO FRED M. FEHSENFELD, JR.

On 2026-09-24, Senator Todd Young (R-IN) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO FRED M. FEHSENFELD, JR." in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO FRED M. FEHSENFELD, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4983-S4984] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO FRED M. FEHSENFELD, JR. Mr. YOUNG. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the upcoming retirement of a great Hoosier, Fred M. Fehsenfeld, Jr. At just 29 years old, Fred became chief executive officer of the Heritage Group, beginning the third generation of family leadership at one of the Hoosier State's most innovative companies. He soon established an in-house research and development organization that helped expand the company into new industries, including specialty chemicals and fuels. Under his leadership, the Heritage Group evolved from a regional enterprise into a global leader, helping put Indiana on the map as a hub for innovation. More important than Fred's successful endeavors in business were his rewarding investments in talent. Throughout his career, Fred was guided by a simple principle: ``Bet on young people. They will surprise themselves.'' Guided by this philosophy, Fred helped build a culture rooted in trust, entrepreneurship, and community, to the benefit of countless employees throughout Indiana. In 2016, his daughter Amy began to take over leadership of the organization, establishing a rare fourth-generation succession for a family business. This commitment to building an organization designed to endure for generations epitomizes his belief that leadership is measured more by what one leaves behind for others to strengthen than what one accomplishes himself. Fred's contributions to the State also extend far beyond his work on behalf of the family business. Alongside his wife Suzie, Fred has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to philanthropy, contributing to the improvement of communities in Indianapolis, throughout Indiana, and even around the world. This, along with his [[Page S4984]] mentorship of countless future leaders and service on the boards of organizations that strengthen Indiana's economy, environment, and civic life, demonstrates his lifelong dedication to service to our State. For these reasons and more, Fred exemplifies what it means to be a Hoosier. It is my honor to recognize Fred for his distinguished career and congratulate him as he begins his retirement. ____________________