A new documentary chronicling the life of Bruce White, founder of Merrillville-based White Lodging, has debuted.
The film, entitled Bruce: Begin with the End in Mind, tells the story of White’s entrepreneurial journey. Narrated by television host Mike Rowe, the film highlights the stories and lessons introduced in the recently published biography, Hospitalitarian: Bruce White’s Legacy. The documentary was produced as a follow-up companion to the biography written by Kathi Ann Brown.
The documentary, launched during the company’s 40th anniversary year, weaves together archival footage, interviews with family, friends and business leaders and White’s own words.
“Our country needs to hear more stories about more Americans like Bruce,” Rowe said in a press release. “Hard-working, relentless perfectionists who were never satisfied with the status quo, yet always humble.”
White founded White Lodging in 1985 and led the company until his passing in 2023. White Lodging develops and manages urban and lifestyle hotels and restaurants across the United States, including the 1,000+ room JW Marriotts in Indianapolis and Austin.
The 40-minute film can be accessed on White Lodging’s website and Amazon Prime Video. The film is expected to be available on other streaming platforms before the end of the year. Any proceeds from the documentary and book will be matched by the White family foundations and directed to education-focused initiatives in Northwest Indiana.
“This film is more than a tribute to Bruce,” Beth White, White Lodging chair and Bruce’s wife, said. “It’s a roadmap for how values-driven leadership can shape a company, a community and an industry.”
