Get IN. (Get Indiana.)

We’ve talked with hundreds if not thousands of startup founders that are either looking to raise or have raised funding.

One common topic of discussion is equity.

No founder wants to give up too much of their company too early on.

Bronwyn Bridges, the CEO of PragmaClin, has raised over $500,000 in funding over the last 18 months by leveraging pitch competitions.

In today’s Rallycast, we explore her strategy for maximizing every pitch opportunity. 

Bronwyn Bridges is the CEO and Co-Founder of PragmaClin, a company that uses digital tools to manage Parkinson’s assessments from home. 

PragmaClin was a Rally IN-Prize finalist in the MedTech category. Bronwyn came to Indianapolis to pitch at Rally in August of 2023.

This conversation took place at Rally, the Largest Global Cross-Sector Innovation Conference. Rally forges and celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, content sessions and more. 

Rally 2024 will take place from August 27-29, 2024 in downtown Indianapolis. Register now for early bird prices.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I tried something new! 

Please let me know what you think Nate@natespangle.com

If you liked it please share it with a friend. 

On today's show I dive into some top headlines from Indiana, including tourism growth in Howard County, the success story of John Tom's Barbecue, and an update on IndyCar from Michael Andretti.

Then we talk events in cities like Evansville, Bloomington, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis.

Then I am joined by long time friend and sports anchor Dom Miranda, where he provides an in-depth analysis of the Indianapolis Colts' season so far, discussing player performances, upcoming games, and the team's potential.

Then we wrap up with a fun segement and a dip into High School football. 

00:24 State Headlines: Tourism, Barbecue, and IndyCar
02:27 Events Around Indiana: Festivals and More
05:46 Colts Season Update with Dom Miranda
16:33 Fever Basketball: Season Recap and Future Outlook
20:15 Reddit Reads: Indiana Bell Building
23:15 High School Football Draft
34:45 Hidden Gems in Indiana

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. 

Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

There is a long-standing debate on whether or not you can teach entrepreneurship.

And though our consensus is that entrepreneurship can not be taught in a classroom, we do believe that beneficial principles, stories, and strategies can be learned and refined in an educational setting. 

This is where Iris Hammel and RISE come in. 

Iris Hammel is the Executive Director at RISE or Regional Innovation & Startup Education 

RISE is a leader in best practices for entrepreneurship education using entrepreneurial thought and immersion. 

Startup Moxie serves area high school students and their Applied Entrepreneurship program is offered to regional colleges and universities.

Iris has been a lifelong educator. Working as a business teacher and college instructor before pursuing a career in entrepreneurial education. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:14] Developing an entrepreneurial mindset
• [12:15] Innovative approaches to education
• [21:51] Creating an entrepreneurial culture
• [28:35] The use of AI in education
• [38:08] The Impact of the Applied Entrepreneurship Program

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Iris, you will learn about:

• Entrepreneurship as a Vehicle for Change: Iris, a lifelong educator and entrepreneur, believes that entrepreneurship can revolutionize the education system. It's not just about starting businesses, but about fostering a mindset that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.
• Creating a Culture of Learning: We discussed the importance of creating a learning culture that prioritizes essential skills and experiences over grades. This involves transparent communication with parents and fostering a focus on mastery-based competencies.
• The Future of Education: Iris expressed excitement about the potential of AI in education. She envisions a shift where students take the lead in their own learning journeys, moving away from traditional measures like credits and hours.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

It was my pleasure to sit down with Melissa St. John, the high energy CEO and owner of Relocation Strategies, a firm that has been elevating Indiana's workplace for the last 18 years. 

Melissa shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, starting with the acquisition of her boss's company, the challenges she faced during the 2008 recession, and her innovative approaches to improving workplace designs to boost employee engagement.

Additionally, Melissa talks about her work with the American Heart Association and the profound personal experiences that motivate her advocacy.

You will learn more about:

• Melissa's courageous entrepreneurial journey and how she navigated the 2008 recession.
• Innovative strategies for improving workplace productivity and employee engagement.
• Melissa's impactful work with the American Heart Association and her personal connection to the cause.

Thanks to our partners: 

WBIT
Keller & Keller

Check out these great clips from the show: 
01:05 Melissa's Entrepreneurial Journey
05:18 Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Buying the Business
07:57 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
18:03 Adapting to COVID-19 and Future Plans
22:29 Innovations in Workplace Design
24:54 Strategies for Engaging Gen Z Employees
30:34 Client's Office Dilemma
30:51 Thoughtful Employee Benefits
31:32 Massage Mondays
32:10 Employee Retention Strategies
32:50 Workplace Productivity Analysis
35:19 Boosting Employee Morale and Retention
36:22 Emerging Office Trends
38:44 Resomercial Design
39:51 American Heart Association Journey
48:43 Lightning Round Questions

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

We sat down with Janet Stiller, President and CEO of Lucidia IT, a trailblazing company in the male-dominated IT industry.

The company has experienced significant growth over the past few years and was a top 3 fastest growing privately held company in Indiana in 2023, according to the Inc 5000 list. 

Janet shares her early career experiences, from selling copiers to becoming a leading figure in IT, emphasizing the importance of ownership, intuition, and a strong work ethic. We cover the challenges and strategies in scaling a business, the role of culture and team dynamics in growth, and the support network for entrepreneurs. 

Janet also reflects on the processes and technologies that have been foundational to Lucidia IT's success. She also dives into the way persistence and maintaining integrity have shaped her journey. Additionally, we all touch upon the importance of culture, the impact of mentorship, and the drive necessary to succeed in entrepreneurship.

00:54 Introducing Janet Stiller: A Trailblazer in IT

02:40 Janet's Journey: From Purdue to IT Pioneer

06:46 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ownership and Ambition

08:12 Starting Lucidia: Challenges and Triumphs

18:32 Sales Philosophy: Beyond the Commission

20:49 Lucidia's Ideal Customer and Growth Strategy

22:55 Navigating Gender Bias in Business

23:31 The Struggle for Credit and Equality

24:41 Building a Diverse Team and Overcoming Challenges

27:21 Achieving Remarkable Growth and Recognition

30:37 The Importance of Processes and Technology in Scaling

40:33 Cultivating a Strong Company Culture for Success

42:33 Lightning Round: Fun Insights and Personal Favorites

By Listening to this episode you will learn:

• Ingredients Of Entrepreneurship
• Scalable Employee Culture
• How to build a strong leadership core with diverse players

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Check out the incredible story of an entrepreneur who leveraged memes and hashtags to land licensing deals with some of the biggest athletic programs in the country like Alabama, Michigan, and the Indianapolis Colts. 

Homefield Apparel has done the seemingly impossible, piling up 50k+ engaged followers on Twitter and 40k+ followers on Instagram all around their D2C collegiate apparel brand based here in Speedway. 

Get ready to take notes as we break down the blueprint that transformed a small startup into a multimillion-dollar empire through the power of social media and community building.

Connor Hitchcock is the Founder and CEO of Homefield. A direct-to-consumer brand that sells premium licensed college apparel for schools of all sizes. 

What started as a side project in Connor’s college apartment has blossomed into one of the most dominant D2C brands in the collegiate athletic space. 

Connor is a whiz when it comes to building a strong brand, creating authentic social content, and people-first management. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [3:19] Starting a Business in the Basement 
• [13:14] Building a Strong Brand in E-commerce
• [14:48] The Importance of Brand in Valuations
• [16:03] Investing in Brand and Word of Mouth Marketing
• [23:10] The Last Dance and the Impact of COVID
• [28:13] Creating Engaging Content
• [35:13] Building an Authentic Brand
• [39:41] The Brand Battle

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Connor, you will learn about:

• The Role of Branding: Homefield's heavy investment in building their brand has paid off. By focusing on brand, they've managed to lower customer acquisition costs while increasing the lifetime value of their customers.
• The Power of Social Media: Our conversation highlighted the importance of engaging with your audience on social media platforms. Homefield's relaxed and engaging approach on Twitter allowed them to connect with their audience and have fun with their brand.
• Building a Strong Community: Homefield has built a raving community that goes beyond just buying their products. Their customers even sent them food and drinks during a time when they were behind on orders!

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

The average courtside ticket to an NBA game is priced at around $2,000, as reported by Sportskeeda.

While this might not pose a significant hurdle for the typical celebrity or CEO, it often places that premium experience out of reach for the average sports fan.

However, Valterri Salomaki and the innovative team at Edge Sound Research are using the power of vibrations and patent-pending technology to replicate that premium experience, regardless of where your seat may be.

Valtteri Salomaki is the CEO and Co-Founder of Edge Sound Research, a company that’s bringing realism to sound experiences via vibration.

Edge Sound Research has been making some serious noise over the past couple of years. They've been a part of the Minnesota Twins Accelerator, powered by Techstars, participated in the NBA Launchpad program, and even secured a win at the Rally IN-Prize pitch competition.

During Valtteri's visit to Indianapolis forat Rally, we had the opportunity to sit down and dive deeper into Edge's journey. We explored how plugging into the amateur sports capital of the world can take their business to the next level. 

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Valtteri, you will learn about:

• Revolutionary SportsTech Advancements: Discover Edge Sound Research’s breakthroughs in the world of SportsTech.
• Turning Research into Innovation: Explore how research at universities is transformed into real-world innovation.
• Indiana's Winning Play: Uncover the secrets of why Indiana is the ultimate hub for nurturing SportsTech companies' growth.

This conversation took place at Rally, the Largest Global Cross-Sector Innovation Conference. Rally forges and celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, content sessions and more. Rally 2024 will take place from August 27-29, 2024 in downtown Indianapolis. Register now for early bird prices.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

“I’m a down-and-to-the-right guy” are words you almost never hear in tech. Especially not from a serial entrepreneur with two previous exits to his name. 

Dan Hanrahan told us that his most valuable day at a company is the first. After that his value goes down and to the right. 

While I am sure many of his employees might disagree, the point still stands that Dan is an expert at getting businesses up and running. 

We sat down with him and talked all about launching and scaling startups. 

Dan Hanrahan is a serial entrepreneur. So far, he’s started 4 companies and sold two of them. He was employee number one at Brooksource, an Indy-grown staffing and recruiting company.  Today, he is the Co-Founder of Haulstr, an Indianapolis-based software-powered home services company that offers mulch, patios, landscaping, and dumpster rentals. 

Dan was a previous partner at iGoDigital which sold to ExactTarget and the founder of Sigstr which was acquired by Terminus. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [6:50] Starting a software company
• [8:06] The failed time card venture
• [9:30] Advice for non-technical founders
• [16:47] Transitioning from Startups to Scale
• [24:19] The silver tsunami and the opportunity to modernize small businesses
• [33:58] Acquiring a business vs starting from scratch
• [49:09] The concept of time and its importance

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Dan, you will learn about:

• Advice for Non-Technical Founders: As a non-technical founder himself, Dan offered practical advice on working with technical co-founders. He emphasized the importance of treating your technical co-founder as a partner and the need for trust and communication in the relationship.
• The Silver Tsunami: Dan discussed the concept of the "silver tsunami," the impending transition of millions of small businesses owned by baby boomers. He sees an opportunity in acquiring these businesses and applying technology to modernize and grow them.
• Empowering Entrepreneurial-Minded Individuals: Dan believes in hiring people who have a desire to start their own businesses and sees his company as a stepping stone for them to achieve that goal.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I got the chance to sit down with Matt Mindrum, President and CEO of the Indy Chamber. 

We discussed the economic performance and future initiatives of Central Indiana. 

Matt shares insights on how the region competes economically with the Midwest and the rest of the country, highlighting Central Indiana's achievements in GDP growth, net migration, job creation, and closing the racial earnings gap. 

The conversation covers the importance of workforce development, the role of small and mid-sized businesses, and new initiatives aiming to propel the region forward.

 They also discuss strategies to market Indianapolis as a destination for talent and business, revealing the ambitious goals and solid plans of the Indie Chamber to make Indiana a hub of fast-paced growth and innovation.

You are going to learn about:
-The importance of municipal branding and marketing
-Indy’s plan for workforce development and retention
- How different entities are working together to advance central Indiana economic development

Thank you to our partners: 
The HC Tavern
JC Hart

Check out these clips from the show:
01:23 Economic Performance of Central Indiana
02:39 Key Metrics and Business Drivers
03:59 Expanding Central Indiana's Influence
05:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Workforce Development
12:28 Marketing Indianapolis: Embracing the Brand of Speed
24:36 Retaining and Attracting Talent in Indiana
31:51 Support from Government and Employers
32:09 Expanding Apprenticeship Opportunities
33:19 Challenges and Solutions in Workforce Development
34:45 Retaining College Graduates in Indiana
38:11 Promoting Indiana to Boomerangs and New Talent
39:52 Indy Chamber's Initiatives and Future Plans
53:53 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions
59:25 Conclusion and Gratitude

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Angie Hicks is the Co-Founder of Angie’s List, a company that helps you connect with vetted pros, read verified reviews, and get fair pricing for all home projects and services. 

She was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana and attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana for undergrad. She then went on to get her MBA from Harvard Business School. 

Angie has been with Angie’s List—now called Angi—for almost 28 years. She has been a catalyst for change in the Indiana tech community and in 2017 won TechPoint’s Trailblazer Award, which recognizes visionaries whose contributions have had lasting and significant impact on Indiana’s technology ecosystem.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [4:43] Taking calculated risks in your career
• [16:30] The transition to the internet
• [22:29] Angie’s marketing strategy after Harvard Business School
• [30:59] The importance of office hours for customers
• [32:30] Angie’s List goes public
• [41:15] The birth of Orr Fellowship

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Angie, you will learn about:

• How process fuels perseverance
• Lessons for finding the right people for small teams
• The importance of offering a personal touch in a digital world

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I hosted Martha Hoover, the founder of Won't Stop Hospitality, the company behind Cafe Patachou, Napolese Pizzeria, and Petite Chou Bistro. 

Martha shares her journey from a sex crimes prosecutor to a pioneering restaurateur who transformed the Indianapolis food scene.

You are going to learn about:

• Her journey growing a restaurant while raising kids. 
• Her efforts in combating food insecurity among Indiana's youth.
• Advice on growing in the restaurant and hospitality industry

 Check out these great clips:

03:11 Martha's Early Career and Restaurant Beginnings
06:48 Challenges and Evolution in the Restaurant Industry
08:36 Community Impact and Restaurant Philosophy
17:11 Expansion and Sourcing Local Ingredients
30:29 The Value of Quality in Food
33:45 Patagonia Repairs and Ethos
35:25 Hope Plumbing Shoutout
35:53 Olive Garden's Artisanal Claims
37:17 The Story of Petite Chou
40:14 The Origin of Patachou
43:23 Selling the Business and Expansion Plans
47:44 Patachou Foundation's Mission
50:06 Impact of School Food Quality
01:00:13 Opportunities for New Restaurateurs
01:01:06 Favorite Local Restaurants
01:03:05 Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
01:03:27 James Beard Foundation Recognition
01:06:38 Hidden Gems and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

David Becker started 5 businesses that have been featured on Inc’s list of fastest-growing companies, including First Internet Bank, RICS Software, and OneBridge. And his success was no accident…

During this in-depth interview with Becker, you’ll get an insider's guide to how he has used intuition and calculated risk-taking to become one of the most prolific tech entrepreneurs in the Midwest. 

You’ll also learn why you should “burn the boats” and why you shouldn’t burn your bridges. 

David Becker is currently the CEO of First Internet Bank which he founded in 1999. Today, the bank has more than $4.4 Billion in assets. 

Becker is also dedicated to building support structures for tech companies in Indiana. He has served as Chairman of both Techpoint and Central Indiana Community Foundation as well as a board member of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. 

Dive into this interview to discover:

• [2:02] David’s early exposure to entrepreneurship and business (and lessons learned)
• [8:00] The secret to building a phenomenal business
• [17:15] Tip for young business people, and retaining young talent
• [28:00] Overcoming the fear of failure
• [38:43] Motorcycles in comparison to business

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with David, you will learn about:

• Trusting your gut and pivoting
• How to know when to “go for it!”
• Why you should be making mistakes
• Why Indiana is a great place to grow a business and career
• “No matter what happens, they can't eat you”

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

According to an article on Money.com, dog owners are also spending between $1,390 to $4,095 a year on nonessential items.

This includes everything from the usual collars and heartworm medicine to personal trainers and pet insurance. It seems that in 2023, dog owners are really going all out

Pair that with the rise of plant-based foods, and that is where Mahsa Vazin and the team at PawCo Foods come in. 

I sat down with the CEO of PawCo Foods, Mahsa Vazin, Ph.D. to dive into why the Midwest is the perfect breeding ground for D2C companies. 

 She was an early scientist at Impossible Foods and is now building a company in a similar space

Pawco Foods is a direct-to-consumer subscription brand for pet food made from plant-based meat. 

Pawco Foods was part of the IN-Prize pitch competition and was the winner for the Ag & Food category. 

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Mahsa, you will learn about:

• Keys differences between The Bay Area and Indiana
• Benefits of growing a D2C brand in the Midwest. 
• Why attending conferences like Rally can be a game changer for companies.

This conversation took place at Rally, the Largest Global Cross-Sector Innovation Conference. Rally forges and celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, content sessions and more. Rally 2024 will take place from August 27-29, 2024 in downtown Indianapolis. Register now for early bird prices.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

A Get IN. exclusive interview with President and CEO, Randy Lewandowski and Director of Communications, Cheyne Reiter.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The History of the Indians
• Randy's 30+ year journey through the organization
• The evolution of Triple-A baseball and so much more.

Find more Indiana content:

Instagram: @NateSpangle 
Tiktok: @NateSpangle
LinkedIn: @NateSpangle

There’s no denying that Web3 has been on a rollercoaster ride for the last several years.  

Late 2021 and early 2022 seemed like the golden age of crypto and Web3. Bitcoin was soaring and Bored Ape NFTs were trading at all-time highs.

Then things plummeted… quickly. 

Drew Beechler and his company Holder have held on through the hype and are still bullish on the burgeoning industry that is Web3. 

In this episode, we talk to him not just about Web3 and crypto—but also about the challenges of being a startup CEO through the good times and the bad. 

This conversation is full of practical advice and vulnerable, authentic insights from a true startup CEO. 

Whether you are a crypto whale 🐳 or a Bitcoin non-believer, this episode has something for you.

Drew Beechler is the Founder and CEO of Holder, a web3 CRM and marketing automation platform that powers customer data for the tokenized world.

Before starting Holder, Drew was the Director of Marketing at High Alpha Venture Studio where he helped launch 35 companies in his 6 years with the firm. 

Drew has also been part of more than $3 billion dollars of tech exits throughout his career. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• 01:43 Understanding Web3 and Wallets
• 08:33 The Future of Marketing in Web3
• 10:38 The Role of Blockchain in Business
• 12:37 The Impact of Web3 on Consumer Behavior
• 17:25 Successful Traits of B2B SaaS Startups
• 19:46 The Journey of Building Holder
• 24:00 The Challenges and Opportunities in Web3
• 28:41 Challenges of Starting a Startup in Current Times
• 29:03 Understanding the Value of Web 3 and AI
• 29:20 Pivoting to Next Gen Marketing Tech and Messaging Platform
• 30:01 Surviving and Thriving in the Crypto Ecosystem
• 31:17 The Importance of Building a Good Business
• 31:56 Understanding the Crypto Market and Marketing Spend
• 33:29 The Role of Web 3 in Marketing
• 33:59 The Impact of Innovation in Different Sectors
• 34:28 The Reality of Startup Success Rates
• 35:10 Advantages of Being Based in the Midwest
• 35:50 The Power of Local Team and In-Person Work Culture
• 38:58  Web 3 and Crypto Potential Web 3 and Crypto
• 43:29 The Success Story of a Major Wallet Provider
• 47:11 The Impact of Orr Fellowship Program
• 48:03 The Importance of Branding and Marketing

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Drew, you will learn about:

• The Power of a Founding Team: Drew emphasized the importance of a strong founding team in the success of any startup. His experience at High Alpha, a venture studio involved in over $3 billion of tech exits, has shaped this belief.
• Blockchain in Action: Drew shared examples of brands like Nike and Starbucks that are already leveraging blockchain technology. It's fascinating to see how these brands are creating unique consumer experiences using this technology.m.
• Web3 and Marketing: We explored the potential of web3 in revolutionizing marketing. Drew believes that blockchain can shift the power dynamic between brands and buyers, giving consumers more control over their data and privacy.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

It was my pleasure to sit down with Thomas Kopelman, founder of All Street Wealth, to discuss his financial planning firm, which specializes in serving equity-compensated millennials and entrepreneurs. 

He has amassed an incredible following of over 33,000 followers on Twitter/X where he shares applicable personal finance information. 

Thomas is also a top 100 Advisor from Investopedia and a Top 23 Millennial Advisor from Business Insider.

The conversation covers Thomas's entry into the financial planning industry, his savvy use of social media to attract clients, and his unique approach to financial advising for high-income individuals.

You are going to learn about:

• The importance of niching down
• How to leverage social media to grow your business
• Common financial mistakes business owners make

Thank you to our partners:

WBIT
HC Tavern
Fledderman Von Rieste

Check out these great clips from the show: 

01:15 Meet Thomas Kopelman: Financial Planning Expert
02:09 Thomas's Journey: From Broker Dealer to All Street Wealth
03:16 The Rise of Young Entrepreneurs in Indianapolis
03:48 The Freedom of Modern Business Models
04:24 Founding All Street Wealth: The Early Days
05:22 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
08:04 The Challenges and Rewards of Business Ownership
16:08 Financial Planning for High-Income Clients
24:47 Common Financial Mistakes Business Owners Make
28:36 Common Mistakes Business Owners Make
29:00 The Importance of Liquidity
29:52 Smart Investment Strategies
31:14 Success Stories of Business Owners
32:06 The Value of Specialization
34:48 Retaining Key Employees
35:50 Innovative Pricing Models
46:31 The Power of Social Media
55:08 Winning on Knowledge: Creating the Best Content
55:26 Balancing Quality and Quantity in Social Media
56:36 Future Goals and Team Expansion
57:35 Scaling the Business and Client Management
59:57 Personal Priorities and Work-Life Balance
01:02:58 Financial Advice for Millennials
01:09:26 Advice to My Younger Self
01:12:19 Living and Thriving in Indiana

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

I got to sit down with Bryce Morrison, co-founder of Mom Water, a unique non-carbonated, non-sweet canned vodka beverage based in Indiana.

Up until this year I had NO IDEA that they were based here in Indiana.

We get into the origins of Mom Water, the challenges of starting a beverage company during COVID-19, the role of family in the business, and their growth strategy.

You’re going to learn about: 

• The unique positioning of Mom Water in the RTD (ready-to-drink) market
• Impact of Indiana roots on the brand's identity
• Their future plans… including Dad Water

Check out these great clips: 

00:24 Meet the Founders: Nate and Bryce
00:36 The Origin Story of Mom Water
01:47 Challenges and Early Successes
02:43 From Concept to Marketplace
03:20 The First Sale and Rapid Growth
05:25 The Branding and Marketing Strategy
10:56 Navigating the Alcohol Industry
23:39 Family Involvement and Expansion
32:04 Family Dynamics and Retro Branding
32:38 Birth of Dad Water
32:54 Market Reception and Consumer Preferences
34:39 State Sales and Distribution Challenges
36:37 Competitive Landscape and Industry Trends
42:45 Naming the Products
44:31 Company Culture and Hiring Philosophy
47:01 Personal Reflections and Family Involvement
50:45 Indiana Pride and Business Success
53:14 Advice and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

I got to chat  with Dan Mattingly, VP and owner of NCW, a staffing and recruiting firm predominatly focused on "hammer swinging stuff." (Skilled Trades)   

We did a deep dive into the company's 25-year journey, including significant growth phases, struggles during the Great Recession, and the key strategies that led to their national success. 

Dan shares personal anecdotes about joining NCW in 2010, pivotal moments that shaped the firm's trajectory, and the core values that guide their operations. 

The conversation highlights the importance of relationships in staffing, the challenges of managing a decentralized workforce, and the future directions for NCW in diversifying their services within the construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors.

You are going to learn about:

• Navigating the challenges of a rapidly growing business
• Building positive company culture and community impact
• Opportunities in the skilled trades
  

Thank you to our partners:
HC Tavern
Warm Glow
Greek’s Pizzeria

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:22 Meet Dan Mattingly: The Journey Begins
01:43 NCW's Early Days and Growth
03:15 Challenges and Strategies in Staffing
08:51 Dan Mattingly's Background and Entry into NCW
12:11 Navigating Early Wins and Expansions
27:47 The Struggles and Lessons of Entrepreneurship
34:49 Impressive Growth and Expansion
35:23 Opening New Markets
37:44 Core Values and Company Culture
39:18 Community Impact and Long-Term Goals
40:22 Competing and Industry Challenges
50:26 The Importance of Skilled Labor
55:24 Advice for the Next Generation
01:00:57 Celebrating Success and Future Plans
01:07:12 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

This may be my favorite episode ever… and I am not exaggerating. 

I got to interview Will Schuler, a young entrepreneur who is making waves in Indiana's excavation and utility contracting industry. 

From starting his business in high school to achieving over $30 million in revenue by age 23, Will shares his journey, the values that drive him, and the lessons he's learned along the way. 

We delve into his early inspirations, the challenges of managing a growing company, and his commitment to building American infrastructure and American dreams.

You’re going to learn about: 
-How Will’s relentless drive set him apart from his peers. 
-His journey to becoming the youngest member of YPO ever. (Min $15m+ in revenue) 
-Tips for building high performing teams.

Thanks to our amazing partners:

ClusterTruck- Use code INDY on your next lunch order. 
J.C. Hart- Looking for an apartment in Indiana? Look no further. 
Back 9 Golf- The go to activity for weekend plans in DT Indianapolis.

Check out these great clips:

01:19 Meet Will Schuler: Young Entrepreneur
02:36 Will's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots
04:35 Family Challenges and Moving to Cicero
07:58 Starting in Excavation and High School Hustle
12:27 First Big Break and Rapid Growth
16:26 Balancing School and Business
22:33 Scaling Up: From Small Jobs to Big Contracts
38:24 Building Excel Spreadsheets and Early Business Ventures
38:57 Dating Journey and Balancing Work
40:03 Massive Growth and Key Relationships
41:07 Instilling Passion and Transparency in Employees
45:12 Joining Entrepreneurial Organizations
52:36 Work-Life Balance and Passion for Work
57:38 Reflections on Education and Career Paths

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant all had something in common more than just basketball excellence. 

They all had the same mindset coach, George Mumford. 

Many people model their workouts, wardrobes, and wealthy aspirations off of professional athletes… why should mindset be any different? 

We recently sat down with Kevin Bailey, Co-Founder and CEO at Dreamfuel, and David DeRam, CEO at Greenlight Guru, to talk through the practical effects mindset coaching has had on David and his business. 

This is an episode full of actionable techniques you can use to increase mental performance in yourself as well as your team in order to achieve higher results and stay composed under pressure.  

Kevin Bailey is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dreamfuel, a mental performance platform that helps elite teams & individuals thrive under pressure.

David DeRam is the CEO of Greenlight Guru, a dynamic MedTech company that provides software solutions for Med Device companies and clinical trial data collection. 

Both are incredible tech entrepreneurs and have accumulated many wins, losses, and lessons along the journey. 

Through all of the craziness that entrepreneurship brings, both of these leaders have found a competitive advantage by focusing on their personal mental performance as well as their teams’. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [6:18] The Effects of Breathwork
• [12:52] Mindset Coaching and Physical Challenge
• [19:18] The Power of Mindset Coaching
• [24:07] Transformation Through Mental Performance Work
• [34:55] Importance of Managing Emotions
• [36:40] The Threat of Emotional Reactions in Leadership
• [45:28] Flow State and its Characteristics
• [49:26] Motivation and Self-Rewarding Effort
• [52:07] The Power of Dopamine
• [53:31] Falling in Love With the Process
• [1:00:51] The Mirror Neuron Effect

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Kevin & David, you will learn about:

• The Impact of Mindset on Success: We explored the journey of Kevin and David, highlighting the role of mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Kevin shared how mindset coaching can push individuals beyond their perceived limits and unlock their true potential.
• Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: We discussed the importance of managing emotional states and the role of mindfulness in doing so. We also touched on the threat of emotional reactions undermining leadership and the importance of regulating emotions in high-pressure situations.
• The Power of Visualization: David shared his experience using a visualization technique taught by Kevin, describing it as putting on an "Iron Man mask" that allows him to block out negative words and thoughts.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Julie Heath grew up in the San Francisco Bay area during the tech boom of the 80s & 90s. She then spent over a decade of her career on the east coast. Though she has lived across the country she proudly calls Indianapolis home and is working to continue making Indiana even more supportive for entrepreneurs. 

Julie Heath is the VP of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC.) She began her career in the world of museums and arts helping innovate at The Smithsonian. 

From there she transitioned into the private sector and eventually wound up as one of the first full-time employees at Boardable, an Indianapolis based software company and long time Powderkeg Community member.

She then went on to become the Executive Director at The Speak Easy, Indiana’s first collaborative workspace. She continues to support entrepreneurs in her daily work at the IEDC. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:30] Where Indiana beats Silicon Valley 
• [16:15] How to transition from the public sector to the private sector
• [18:45] What does it take to be in tech? 
• [22:15] Tips to build meaningful professional relationships. 
• [31:45] What is Indiana doing to support its entrepreneurs? 
• [36:30]Where to find entrepreneurship stories from around the state

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Julie, you will learn about:

• Actionable tips to transition your career into tech.
• What the state of Indiana is doing to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• How the Indiana community stacks up against the rest of the world. 

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode, I brought on Justin Holmes, founder of Holmes Cooking, a digital chef with over 3.6 million followers. 

We explored Justin's journey from his roots in Indiana, through his transition from factory worker to full-time content creator, and  what fuels his passion for cooking and content creation.

You are going to learn: 

• Advice to young creators just getting started
• How to turn passion into profit when it comes to content
• Delicious recipes for all stages of life
  

Huge thank you to our partners: 

Hope Plumbing
Greek’s Pizzeria

Check out these great clips from the show:

00:58 Meet Justin Holmes: The Online Cooking Sensation
02:12 Justin's Journey into Cooking
03:17 From Hobby to Content Creation
04:27 The Rise of Holmes Cooking on TikTok
05:33 Diversifying Content and Platforms
07:41 Building an Authentic Brand
08:40 Expanding to Long-Form Content
16:08 The Turning Point: Going Full-Time
24:37 Life as a Content Creator in a Small Town
29:07 The Raid on Don Miller's Home
29:44 The Legal Issues and Artifacts
31:34 Monetizing Social Media Platforms
32:19 Challenges and Strategies for Content Creators
34:06 The Importance of Familiarity in Videos
41:14 Inspiration from Other Creators
49:43 Favorite Recipes and Cooking Tips
56:01 The Secret Recipe
56:56 Future Plans for Holmes Cooking
57:20 Merchandise and Collaborations
59:24 The Importance of Community
01:04:11 Personal Stories and Reflections
01:05:27 Lightning Round: Fun Food Questions
01:15:49 Hidden Gems and Hoosier Pride

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In this episode I sit down with Leonard Hoops, President and CEO of Visit Indy. 

We kick off the convo exploring the  extensive economic impact and meticulous planning behind high-profile events such as the Taylor Swift concert, NBA All-Star Weekend, and the Indy 500.

Then we dive into Indy's post Covid explosion and whats on the docket for the rest of the decade. 

Highlights include: 

• Indianapolis' Transformation into a Premier Hub for Amateur Sports
• The upcoming redevelopment of Circle Center Mall 
• The City's Bid for an MLS Team. 

We also reflect on Indy's unique community spirit and how local businesses and attractions capitalize on these events to enhance the city's appeal. 

00:55 Taylor Swift's Impact on Indianapolis
01:28 Securing Major Events in Indy
03:38 Economic Impact of Taylor Swift's Concert
05:36 The High Demand for Taylor Swift Tickets
07:42 Indy's Preparation for Major Events
17:24 Recap of Major Events in 2023
30:47 Indy's Growing Reputation as a Convention Hub
37:46 Playoff Hopes and Draft Fortunes
38:59 Indy's Unique Community Spirit
44:10 Upcoming Major Events in Indy
48:26 Future Developments and Projects
59:53 Personal Reflections and Advice
01:01:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
01:03:44 Indy 500 and Other Iconic Events

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater.

Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” 

Some of the best entrepreneurs I know intentionally elevate their networks. One way to do this is by joining fellowships and accelerator programs. Tania Kottoor is a master of this. 

In this conversation, we dive into a few of the programs that have been vital to her success in launching West x East and how to take advantage of pitch competitions beyond just the funding. 

Tania Kottoor, is the Founder and CEO of WEST x EAST, an AI-powered design platform for custom-fit cultural clothing. 

Tania has been part of over 20 Fellowships, accelerators, and boot camps. She is a Tory Burch Entrepreneur,  Luminary Fellow, Vital Voices Grow Fellow, and Ladies Who Launch Fellow, to name a few. 

West x East has been gaining tons of momentum since it’s conception in 2023 and pitching at the IN-Prize competition at Rally is just one of the latest achievements. 

This conversation took place at Rally, the Largest Global Cross-Sector Innovation Conference. Rally forges and celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, content sessions and more. 

Rally 2024 will take place from August 27-29, 2024 in downtown Indianapolis. Register now for early bird prices.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In 2019 Darrian Mikell got the dreadful call no one wants to receive. He had been laid off from his job and had a few months of severance to figure out what to do next. What followed was a true test of grit and perseverance where Darrian turned life’s obstacles into opportunity and went all in on Qualifi.   

Darrian Michael is the Co-Founder and CEO of Qualifi, a software platform that powers the fastest phone interview experience in the world and helps recruiting teams hire great candidates faster than ever before.

He has been building Qualifi since 2019 and was a participant in Techstars Anywhere Accelerator in 2021. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:50] The correlation between sports and business. 
• [17:57] Helping grow a startup from 2 to 70 in three years.
• [23:35] How overcoming adversity helped launch Qualifi
• [31:35] How to be a good Co-Founder 101 
• [41:15] Perfect your pitch

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Darrian, you will learn about:

• Using athletics as a framework for how to run your business. 
• Identifying opportunities even under troubling circumstances. 
• Simple tips for not getting complacent with your network

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with MJ Coyle an incredible designer that grew up in Indy and spent several years working on the HGTV show Good Bones. MJ told some fun stories from his days on Good Bones and shared advice to other Hoosiers working in creative fields. 

In this conversation MJ shares insight on: 

• Building a creative career in Indiana
• The reality of reality TV
• A few budget friendly design tips for Hoosiers

Make sure you check out these great clips from the show: 

00:27 Meet MJ Coyle: The Innovative Designer
05:07 MJ's Journey: From Indiana to New York and Back
08:29 The Call from HGTV
13:52 Life on Good Bones
17:06 The Reality of Reality TV
26:55 Design Philosophy and Tips
31:52 The Importance of Thoughtful Space Design
32:26 Budget-Friendly Design Tips
33:00 Exploring Midland Antiques
34:40 Quick Design Fixes for Impressing Guests
36:46 The Art of Custom Pieces
40:42 Transitioning from TV to Business
45:02 Advice for First-Time Home Buyers
47:01 Lightning Round: Fun and Quirky Questions
54:02 Supporting Local Art and Design

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Today we get into the nitty gritty of the business of farming, and the way one company is helping farmers make a little extra money on the side. 

Scott Nelson is the CEO of Make Hay, a B2B marketing technology platform that enables brands to produce authentic and trusted agricultural-related marketing content at scale and generate extra revenue for farmers. 

In the conversation you are going to learn about:

• The inside workings of big restaurant's supply chain
• The struggle of the small American farmer
• How Make Hay is helping farmers generate additional income

Make sure you check out these great clips from the show: 

In this episode Nate and Elliott dive into the history and necessity of optimism in entrepreneurship, the challenge of maintaining innovation in large corporations, and the importance of running fast, cheap, and weird experiments.

Elliott Parker is the CEO of High Alpha Innovation, a venture studio that works with large-scale corporations and universities to co-create startups. 

Elliott is also the author of The Illusion of Innovation, a book to help big corporations escape efficiency and achieve progress.

You are going to walk away with actionable items insights on creating a culture of innovation and the practical steps to blend the strengths of both worlds for sustainable success.

Check out these great clips:

00:20 Historical Perspective on Optimism

01:04 The Innovator's Dilemma

01:35 Elliot Parker's Background

02:29 Early Entrepreneurial Influences

03:17 Lessons from Family Business

05:18 First Steps in Entrepreneurship

07:45 Business School Insights

13:53 Journey to Indiana

16:19 Corporate Innovation at Roche

20:56 The Innovator's Dilemma in Practice

28:42 High Alpha Innovation

29:57 Spinning Out High Alpha Innovation

30:47 Early Experiments and First Launches

31:51 Partnering with Corporations and Universities

32:47 Challenges of Corporate Innovation

35:59 The Walt Disney Tinkering Story

38:46 Encouraging Innovation in Organizations

46:00 The Role of Optimism in Innovation

53:34 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts

By listening to this episode you will learn:

• The value of an MBA. Is it worth it? 
• What is the innovator’s dilemma and how to overcome.
• How contrarian thinking can be game changer for your company as well as your personal life.

My guest today is Ryan Hasbrook, founder and CEO of Eight Eleven Group Group, to discuss his remarkable journey from launching a basement startup in Broad Ripple to building a thriving multi-divisional enterprise. 

Our conversation touches on the importance of trusting and developing young talent, innovative staffing solutions, and the cultural and community impact of Eight Eleven Group Group. 

Ryan also highlights the company's extensive philanthropic efforts and future visions for Broad Ripple, aiming to turn it into a vibrant hub reminiscent of Broadway in Nashville, TN.

You are going to learn about: 
-Developing young talent
-Tips for building a resillent business
-Why Ryan prioritizes his local community

Thank you to our partners: 
The HC Tavern
JC Hart

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:19 Introducing Ryan Hasbrook and Eight Eleven Group Group
02:24 Ryan's Journey: From Cathedral to Entrepreneur
02:46 The Birth of Technical Youth and Brook Source
04:47 Scaling Up: From Local to National
12:25 Navigating Challenges and Growth
21:32 Pandemic Pivot: Contact Tracing and Remote Work
24:40 Building a Legacy in Broad Ripple
29:10 The Decline of Broad Ripple
29:22 Sewer Project Delays and Discoveries
29:57 Impact of COVID-19 and Crime to Broad Ripple
30:31 Revitalizing Broad Ripple
32:15 Broad Ripple High School and Educational Challenges
33:22 Community Safety and Marketing Efforts
35:15 Dining and Business Prospects
36:05 Historical Businesses and Future Plans
36:59 Parking and Public Art Initiatives
38:02 Supporting Local Businesses and Community
40:15 Entrepreneurial Advice and Company Culture
42:08 Philanthropy and Community Engagement
45:38 Training and Development of Young Talent
50:23 Final Thoughts and Local Insights

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Dan Brunner is an expert in supply chain, logistics, and fulfillment. Dan was an early employee at Kiva Systems before Amazon acquired them in 2012 for $775 million. 

For the last 6 years, he has been at Market Wagon, a company that operates local online farmers markets, delivering local food directly to consumers.

Market Wagon was recently ranked 680 on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the country.

Dan Bruner, co-founder and CEO of Market Wagon, discusses the innovative approach of the Indianapolis-based online farmers market. Market Wagon leverages supply chain management and a unique, locally-focused logistics model to deliver fresh local food directly to consumers.

In the episode, Dan shares insights on the complexities of e-commerce logistics, the value of forming early relationships with potential investors, and the importance of maintaining an agile, lean business model.

He talks about Market Wagon's expansion strategy, the changing landscape of digital marketing, and his vision for the future of the company.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• 02:07 The Journey of Dan Bruner
• 08:21 The Birth of Market Wagon
• 11:32 Challenges and Growth of Market Wagon
• 18:48 Understanding Supply Chain and Logistics
• 19:52 The Unique Model of Market Wagon
• 25:31 Choosing Vendors and Sourcing Products
• 27:25 Understanding the Price Hike in Groceries
• 27:56 The Role of Software Algorithms in E-commerce
• 28:07 The Challenge of Value Preference in Online Shopping
• 28:49 The Future of E-commerce: Personalized Shopping Experience
• 29:14 The Battle of Algorithms in Online Shopping
• 30:05 The Future of E-commerce Businesses
• 30:21 The Importance of Supply Chain Management in E-commerce
• 30:58 The Role of Third-Party Logistics in E-commerce
• 31:27 The Future of Market Wagon
• 32:43 The Impact of Market Wagon on Small Businesses
• 33:33 The Role of Gig Drivers in Delivering Premium Experience
• 34:49 Innovations Driving Supply Chain
• 38:09 Building a Successful Marketplace
• 39:53 The Unvalley Trend in E-commerce
• 44:43 The Future Expansion of Market Wagon
• 45:39 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg.

In our conversation with Dan, you will learn about:

• ➡️ From Engineering to E-Commerce: The Evolution of a CEO- Dan Brunner's story is one of innovation and adaptability. With an engineering background, Dan transitioned into business and software roles, riding the wave of the early dot-com era. His tenure at Kiva Systems, a robotics company later acquired by Amazon, armed him with deep insights into warehouse automation and logistics.
• 🔮 The Future of Online Groceries and Market Wagon- Dan is optimistic about the future, citing the growing demand for online groceries and consumers' desire to know the source of their food. Market Wagon's commitment to quality over price competitiveness positions it well in the market.
• ⚠️Restructuring for Resilience- In the summer of 2022, Market Wagon underwent a transition that resulted in a leaner, more focused team. Dan stressed the importance of maintaining a strong company culture and the role of transparency in communicating company goals. Despite the challenges of internal restructuring and the pressure of external recognition, such as being listed on the Inc 5000, Dan expressed confidence in his team's resilience and adaptability.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

We sat down with Susan Ford of Graham Allen Partners to talk about Private Equity. The good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Though private Equity traditionally has a bad reputation in the tech community, Susan does a good job of breaking down the signs of bad actor investors. 

Susan Ford is a Partner at Graham Allen Partners, a private investment firm focused on developing early-stage technology businesses into sustainable growth companies.

This conversation is a masterclass in private equity. We cover PE vs VC, what investors are looking for in founders, and how to set your business up for a potential exit. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:03] Private Equity vs Venture Capital
• [4:26] Bridging the Gap between Tradition and Innovation
• [7:05] Data-Rich Asset Light Industries
• [8:02] Private Equity Firms and Manufacturing Data
• [11:18] Private Equity Firms in Secondary and Tertiary Markets
• [15:00] The Value of Data in Core Businesses
• [24:40] Considerations for founders/executives considering an exit
• [26:23] Preparing for a sale and aligning incentives
• [33:22] The importance of self-knowledge and awareness
• [37:05] The significance of effective communication and understanding in teams
• [40:44] Tough Conversations and Job Rejections
• [41:23] The Power of Vulnerability and Values

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Susan, you will learn about:

• Understanding Private Equity and Venture Capital: Susan explained the difference between these two investment strategies. While venture capital is high risk and high reward, private equity is more conservative, focusing on later-stage companies and larger investments.
• The Midwest Maverick: Susan introduced us to the concept of a "Midwest maverick," individuals who honor tradition and legacy while embracing transformation. These are the kind of people Graham Allen Partners look for when making investments.
• Harnessing Data in Business: We discussed the importance of understanding unit economics and leveraging data in traditional businesses. Susan shared an example of how data can be used to transform a business, emphasizing the importance of expanding margins and growing revenue.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode of Get In, I hosted  Suraj Choudhary, founder of The Normies, a YouTube channel that has amassed nearly a million subscribers. 

Suraj shares his journey from an accidental YouTuber to building a full-fledged media brand in Indiana. 

You are going to learn about:

• Suraj’s  early challenges, 
• The importance of community when working in content
• The strategy behind The Normies' success.
  

They also touch on the logistics of running a YouTube channel in Indiana versus larger markets like LA, the significance of Patreon for their business model, and the value of maintaining genuine friendships within the team.

Check out these great clips from the show:

00:18 Introduction to Get Indiana
01:17 Meet Serge Chowdhury: Founder of The Normies
03:27 Serge's Journey: From Pharmacy School to YouTube
05:16 Early YouTube Days and First Videos
06:26 Building The Normies: From Hobby to Full-Time
11:42 The Role of Patreon in The Normies' Growth
24:19 Embracing the 'Normies' Identity
26:07 Expanding the Team and Content
32:37 Challenges and Strategies for Growth
34:00 Diversifying Content Beyond Reactions
34:33 The Realities of Being a YouTuber
35:30 Shoutout to Hope Plumbing
35:59 Group Therapy for Team Harmony
37:30 Pros and Cons of Being a YouTuber in Indiana
41:58 Advice for Aspiring Creators
49:30 Future Plans and Personal Growth
54:59 Fun Questions and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In this episode, I interview BAYEM, a 26-year-old modern pop artist and producer from Indianapolis. 

BAYEM, who has millions of streams and features in film and TV, shares his incredible journey from Indiana roots to a global stage. 

We discuss his early influences, his breakthrough moments, and the evolution of his career with a record label.

You are going to learn about:

• BAYEM's early musical influences and upbringing in Indiana
• The process and impact of signing with a record label
• How BAYEM's music got featured in popular TV shows like 'Sex Appeal' and 'The Kardashians'
  

Check out these great clips from the show: 

00:27 Meet BAYEM: The Rising Pop Artist
01:03 BAYEM's Musical Journey Begins
02:57 Early Life and Musical Influences
03:49 First Steps into Music Production
10:41 Signing with a Record Label
14:34 Breakthrough Moments and LA Experience
22:20 Getting Songs on Hit TV Shows
27:38 First Live Performances
28:56 Indianapolis: A Rap Town with a Pop Phenomenon
30:29 Dream Artists to Open For
32:13 Opening for Ricky Montgomery
33:21 Full Circle Moment at the Peppermint Club
35:50 Future Plans and Musical Inspirations
37:07 Advice for Aspiring Musicians
40:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
45:20 Indiana's Hidden Gems and Notable Hoosiers
47:35 Outro and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

My guest today is Gerry Hays, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and venture capital professor at the Kelly School of Business. 

We discuss Hays' innovative new platform, Doriot, which aims to democratize venture capital by allowing retail investors to participate in early-stage startups through venture staking. 

That officially launces on 4/15. 

Gerry shares his journey in entrepreneurship, including his past ventures, and details how Doriot plans to eliminate barriers for non-accredited investors.

You are going to learn:

-An inside look at the venture capital landscape
-A deep dive into the risks and rewards of investing
-Innovative wealth creation through venture staking 

Thank you to our partners:

Roots Realty
Sports Tech HQ

Check out these great clips from the show:

01:05 Gerry's Entrepreneurial Journey
02:37 Challenges in Venture Capital
04:23 Democratizing Venture Capital
13:36 Introducing Doriot: A New Venture Model
13:43 How Venture Staking Works
23:54 The Future of Startups and Community Support
26:25 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message
26:47 Introduction to Roots Realty Co.
27:20 Getting Started with Venture Staking
27:39 Understanding the Venture Staking Model
28:48 Retail Venture and Market Potential
29:20 Challenges and Opportunities in Venture Staking
31:14 Funding and Founder Selection
31:38 The Teal Fellowship and Venture Success
37:03 Community-Backed Entrepreneurship
42:34 Practical Financial Advice
46:23 Bloomington's Hidden Gems
48:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Today’s guest is Nicole Pence Becker, a seasoned journalist and founder of Pence Media Group.

We talked about her illustrious career in traditional media and her transition into business ownership. Then we explored Nicole's deep roots in storytelling, her philanthropic endeavors, and her innovative approach in PR and marketing. 

You are going to learn about: 

• Nicole’s incredible career journey in traditional media 
• The transition to digital media
• Crucial tips for the next generation of storytellers
  

Check out these great clips:

01:18 Meet Nicole Pence Becker
01:47 Nicole's Journey in Journalism
03:37 High School Beginnings
07:05 College and Early Career
09:36 First Job in Fort Wayne
13:34 Anchoring in Lexington
19:58 Returning to Indiana
25:31 Transition to Pence Media Group
32:01 Building a Media Consultancy
37:07 Empowering Working Moms
42:16 Family Life in Hamilton County
42:36 Moving to Carmel: A Family Decision
43:48 Comparing Columbus and Carmel
47:38 Exploring Westfield and Carmel
51:53 Advice for Aspiring Journalists
01:05:18 Philanthropy and Personal Challenges
01:13:27 Fun Questions and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

My guest today was Janet Monroe, CEO of ClusterTruck, an innovative Indiana-based delivery kitchen. 

Listen in to learn about Janet's incredible journey from a 10-year law career to leading ClusterTruck, a company that combines technology and culinary excellence to redefine food delivery. 

We discuss the company's unique business model, its expansion journey, the efficient operational processes that set it apart, and its strong community engagement. 

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a food lover, or simply curious about successful business transformations, this episode has something for everyone.

You will learn lessons in:

Leadership
Community Building
Innovation

Thank You To Our Partners:
ClusterTruck (Use Code INDY)
JC Hart

Check Out These Great Clips:

01:18 Guest Introduction: Janet Monroe, CEO of ClusterTruck
02:08 Janet's Journey from Law to Cluster Truck
03:37 Cluster Truck's Unique Operational Model
05:44 Expansion and Challenges
06:47 Transition to CEO and Leadership Insights
10:33 Franchising and Operational Excellence
21:50 Community Engagement and Partnerships
26:01 Favorite Dishes and Fun Facts
28:16 Navigating the Pandemic: ClusterTruck's Response
29:03 Adapting to New Ordering Trends
29:52 Group Ordering Innovations
31:43 Competing in the Delivery Market
34:41 Building Trust with Customers
37:19 ClusterTruck's Unique Work Culture
41:32 Franchising vs. Starting a Business
45:59 Lightning Round: Fun Food Questions
51:00 Supporting the Community and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

On this episode of Get IN., we talk with Harlan Schafir, the owner and Chief Visionary Officer at Exact Hire. The conversation delves into the importance of talent acquisition and hiring in fostering successful businesses, especially within the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Indiana. 

Harlan shares his extensive experience in human resources and business management, emphasizing Indiana's hidden gem status as a fertile ground for entrepreneurship. We cover facets of talent acquisition, including the shift in hiring trends, strategies for creating a compelling employer brand, the significance of reducing hiring friction, and the ways companies can leverage technology to streamline the recruitment process. 

We shed light on the crucial role of company culture and employee referrals in attracting and retaining top talent. Harlan also speaks on the challenges and opportunities presented by remote work, the importance of diversity in hiring, and provides insightful advice for both startups and large enterprises on optimizing recruitment processes.

Check out these great clips:

01:28 The Evolution of Talent Acquisition

05:14 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Hiring

09:01 Embracing Remote Work and Its Challenges

11:23 The Power of Employer Branding in the Digital Age

17:06 Strategies for Attracting Top Talent

20:53 Maximizing Employee Referrals for Talent Acquisition

23:18 Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Talent Acquisition

23:58 Exploring Modern Recruitment Strategies

25:47 The Startup Advantage in Talent Acquisition

28:07 Optimizing the Recruitment Process for Success

37:07 Navigating the Challenges of Remote Work and Hiring Trends

41:27 A Glimpse into Indiana's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

44:31 Final Thoughts and Lightning Round

 By listening to this episode you will learn:

• Talent Acquisition and how vital it is to have a Human Touch vs AI
• Entrepreneurial Spirit & Success in an Entrepreneurial State
• How learning from failure is critical to building success. 

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow us on Spotify. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Wednesday here on Get IN.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Companies and organizations: 

• ExactHire
• Salesforce
• Elevate Ventures

People:

• Harlan Schafir
• Marc Benioff
• Christopher (Toph) Day
• Nate Spangle
• Matt Hunckler

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

This conversation took place at a recent Powderkeg Executive Summit, which is a private event for Powderkeg Executive Council members. Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Executive Councils today.  

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I was joined by Indiana’s sweet treat king, Janzin Cripe- founder of Chills Delight, an emerging ice cream and donut shop in Northern Indiana that has gained significant attention on social media. 

Starting from humble beginnings in a shed, Janzin shares his journey of turning his small-town business into a popular brand with millions of views on TikTok. 

The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of family support, and the unexpected success driven by phenomenal customer service and authentic social media content.

You are going to learn about: 

• The importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship
• How community and support networks can change the game for your career
• The impact of genuine customer service and authenticity
  

Make sure you check out our amazing partners:

Hope Plumbing- The best in the plumbing biz in central Indiana
The Horizon League- Head to the Horizon League B-ball championships on March 10th and 11th at the Corteva Coliseum.
Get Indiana.- Subscribe on Instagram and help us fund more fun Indiana content.  

Check out these great clips:

01:00 Meet Jansen Cripe: The Ice Cream Entrepreneur
01:20 The Journey Begins: From Farm to Ice Cream Shop
02:16 The Early Struggles and Family Support
02:54 The First Steps: Starting the Ice Cream Business
03:41 The Power of Social Media and Customer Service
04:25 Balancing College and Business
06:03 Seasonal Operations and Growth
07:58 Community Support and Expansion
10:07 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
16:07 The Move to a Permanent Location
31:59 Donut Saturdays: A Creative Solution
33:34 Going Viral: The Social Media Boom
34:55 Authenticity and Viral Success
36:07 Customer Service and Business Growth
39:15 Expanding the Menu and TikTok Fame
41:11 Shipping Donuts Nationwide
44:40 Dealing with Negativity and Customer Interactions
48:53 Future Plans and Second Location
52:53 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
55:05 Fun Questions and Lightning Round

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In this live conversation from our December Executive Summit, Heather Haas, President of ADVISA, and Kevin Bailey, CEO of Dreamfuel, discuss the role of mental performance and health in the workplace.

Heather explains the importance of emotional intelligence for effective leadership and fostering a positive work culture. She stresses how leaders play a critical role in shaping a company's culture, and how bringing core values, mindsets, and behaviors into the workplace can enhance overall productivity.

Kevin discusses the concepts of resilience, discipline, and drive, which he believes are key in maintaining mental fitness in high-stress environments, like startups. 

He highlights the importance of maintaining personal health and balance, even while leading a company, considering it as vital as professional success.

Heather Haas is the President at ADVISA, a company focused on driving change through leadership effectiveness. 

Kevin Bailey is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dreamfuel, a mental performance platform that helps elite teams & individuals thrive under pressure.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [01:34] Understanding DreamFuel's Mission
• [02:28] Understanding ADVISA's Mission
• [03:34] Heather's Transition from Education to Leadership
• [05:03] Kevin's Journey to Neuroscience and Mental Performance
• [09:00] The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• [12:57] The Role of Neuroscience in Mental Performance
• [19:47] The Impact of Leadership on Company Culture
• [22:29] Balancing Leadership and Parenthood

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Both Kevin and Heather have also recorded in Studio Episodes with Get IN. where they dive deeper on their stories and journey to running their companies make sure you check out: 

• How to Improve Company Culture, Build Better Teams, and Level Up as a Leader with Heather Haas & Doug Allgood
• Turning Mindset into Millions: Unlocking Untapped Potential with Mental Performance Training — Kevin Bailey & David DeRam

In our conversation with Heather and Kevin, you will learn:

• How neuroscience affects leadership: Did you know that your emotional intelligence can significantly affect your team's performance? Kevin's journey to a neuroscience degree has armed him with fascinating insights into how our brains can be our greatest asset in leadership and beyond.
• Stigma, Resilience, and the Tech Industry: We tackled tough topics, like the stigma surrounding mental health in business and the unique challenges faced in the tech sector. Resilience emerged as a key theme, and we explored ways to build this crucial skill.
• Leadership That Shapes Culture: Heather shared her powerful transition from education to leadership. She reminded us that the heart of any organization lies in its culture—and it's up to us, as leaders, to nurture and shape it through our actions and core values.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Introducing Get IN., the podcast focused on the unfolding stories and extraordinary innovations happening right now in software, hardtech, agTech, sportsTech, medTech — all the techs. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

A deep dive into the history, growth, and future of Sun King Brewery, featuring a candid conversation with co-founders Clay Robinson and Dave Colt alongside host Nate Spangle.

They discuss the brewery's origins, challenges, community impact, and exciting future plans. The episode captures the essence of local entrepreneurship and innovation in the brewing industry.

You are going to learn about: 

• The Origins of Sun King Brewery
• The 15-Year Journey
• Sunlight Cream Ale: The Unexpected Flagship
• The Craft Brewing Scene in Indiana
• Entrepreneurial Spirit and Persistence
• Brewery Laws and Advocacy
• Challenges and Rediscoveries
• Expansion and Collaborations
• Future of Sun King

I visited the IDDC (Visit Indiana) media marketplace yesterday and I had over 25 amazing conversations with travel and toursim professionals from around the state. 

They shared some amazing stories from their necks of the woods and they were too good not to share with you.

I am going to try to drop more of these short mini episodes about the things I am learning about along the way. 

Please let me know what you think and give me ideas for future topics. 

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In 1910, Madam C.J. Walker opened her factory on the near west side of downtown Indianapolis (now the home of Historic Walker Theatre). She would go on to become America’s first self-made female millionaire. To this day, the near westside of downtown Indianapolis remains a vibrant hub of innovation—now anchored by the 16 Tech Innovation District. 

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Krueger, CEO of 16 Tech to talk about the role physical space plays in fostering innovation and community and what the future looks like for the near west side of downtown Indianapolis. 

Emily Krueger is the President and CEO of 16 Tech Innovation District, a 50-acre community in downtown Indianapolis dedicated to world-changing innovation and economic opportunity.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [6:20] Are MBAs necessary for entrepreneurs?
• ]9:00] Comparisons between politics and entrepreneurship
• [13:30] Deep dive into what a Chief of Staff does
• [16:00] What ROI means in the public sector vs private sector
• [21:25] How universities are working with 16 Tech 
• [28:10] Science goes farther in Indiana
• [33:00] 16 Tech success stories
• [43:30] What’s next for 16 Tech

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Emily, you will learn about:

• How to weave entrepreneurship into your full-time job
• The story of Indianapolis’ innovation district
• Building community with physical spaces

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Every 39 seconds someone falls victim to a cyber attack.

We found that stat on Trava’s website while we were prepping for our interview with their CEO, Jim Goldman and it blew our minds. 

That means in the time it takes you to listen to this episode of Get IN. 65 cyber-attacks will happen. By the end of the episode, you will learn a few quick tips on how to make sure you’re not a liability at your company. 

Jim Goldman is the co-founder and CEO of Trava Security. 

Trava is an Indianapolis tech company that helps protect small and medium-sized businesses from the potential damage of cyber threats. They are a Top 100 Tech Company in Cybersecurity and recently accepted their award onstage at Rally, the largest cross-sector Innovation Conference in the World. 

Before co-founding Trava, Jim worked as a professor at Purdue for 20 years, as well as ExactTarget, Salesforce, and the FBI. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [10:31] Starting a Consulting Company
• [19:55] Protecting Yourself from Cybersecurity Attacks
• [23:50] The Role of Industry Experience in Entrepreneurship Education 
• [34:44] Changing target market and impacting the insurance industry
• [37:10] Growing a company during a pandemic
• [40:34] Trava’s Superpower… Company Culture

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Jim, you will learn about:

• Transitioning from Academia to Industry: Jim's transition from academia to the private sector, particularly during ExactTarget's rapid growth phase, offers valuable insights for those considering a similar path.
• The Power of a Strong Team and Positive Culture: Jim highlighted the importance of building a company where everyone loves to come to work every day, a principle he and his co-founder prioritized when building Trava Security.
• Cybersecurity Quick Hitters: As a former cyber forensics expert for the FBI, Jim shared his unique perspective on the nature of malware and cyber-attacks, emphasizing the need for individuals and companies to be vigilant.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

There are dozens of leadership styles out there. How do you know which one is right for you and your company? 

The internet is full of self-help gurus slinging courses to level up your leadership skills. Some of them are great, but others… not so much. 

On today’s episode of Get IN., we sit down with two lifelong leaders to share a few must have leadership practices that you can implement today. 

Heather Haas is the President at ADVISA, a company focused on driving change through leadership effectiveness. 

Doug Allgood is the President and CEO at Blackink IT, an innovative leader in managed technology services.

These two have over 30 years of combined executive experience leading teams at dynamic companies across several different verticals. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [9:49] First exposures to great leadership and what they learned
• [19:00] How to interact with different personalities in the workplace
• [20:28] Helpful changes around the work environment
• [26:10] Things you can do now to prepare to be a leader in the future
• [30:54] Visualize your path to success

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Heather and Doug, you will learn:

• That values are the pillars of your intentional culture, and every leader has to carry that culture
• Actionable leadership skills
• Why learning is a social process
• How to build exceptional company culture
• “Leaders don't have the best answers, they have the best questions”

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Dan Kidd, also known as Heavy Bourbon, a prominent bourbon content creator with over 70,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram.

This episode was a Taste and Talk. 

Dan brought some of his favorite Hoosier Bourbon's and Whiskeys and enlightened me on the creation and tasting process. 

You are going to learn: 

• The top 10 places to enjoy a Bourbon in Central Indiana
• Insider knowledge about the Spirit Industry in Indiana
• 6 of our favorite Hoosier Bourbons & Whiskeys

Check out these great clips from the episode: 

01:13 Introducing Dan Kidd aka Heavy Bourbon
01:46 Whiskey Tasting Begins
03:15 Tasting Techniques and First Impressions
05:35 Dan Kidd's Journey as a Bourbon Creator
07:49 Moondrops Distillery
09:59 Becoming a Bourbon Steward
14:20 Haberdasher Distillery
23:30 Four Fingers Distillery
24:45 Fred Minnick: The Bourbon Authority
25:45 Bourbon Festivals and Events
27:10 Indiana Whiskey Scene
28:16 8th Day Distillery
30:50 The Story Behind Expensive Bourbon
31:39 First Bourbon Experience at St. Elmo's Steakhouse
33:12 Learning to Appreciate Bourbon
34:09 Bourbon Recommendations for Beginners
35:03 Local Bourbon Favorites
36:51 Unique Bourbon Tasting Experiences
40:56 Top Bourbon Bars in Central Indiana
54:05 Advice for Young Bourbon Enthusiasts
55:20 Bourbon Smash and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Leslie Bailey has built an incredible community for people who want to uplift women's voices ….Indy Maven. After launching Indy Maven, she and her team built Maven Space: a coworking space, social club, and event venue in downtown Indianapolis.

Leslie was raised outside of Detroit Michigan where her mother was a hairstylist and her father worked in the auto racing industry for over 60 years.

Throughout her entire childhood and adolescence, both of her parents battled cancer, which has had a big impact on how Leslie approaches life.

She has been a writer throughout her professional career, working at The Saturday Evening Post, Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Monthly, and Triple A Crossroads Magazine, before starting Indy Maven in 2019. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show: 

• [16:48] The art of storytelling and applying that to entrepreneurship
• [24:03] How to do social media well
• [27:27] Launching Indy Maven
• [36:08] How to build a strong community
• [40:24] Mastering vulnerability

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Leslie we’ll cover: 

• Tips for telling a great story
• The importance of prioritizing your mental health
• Characteristics of a strong community
• Listen to the end, where Leslie tells us about an amenity people are going crazy for when they are coworking at Maven Space.

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Lindsay Tjepkema is a marketing maven turned software entrepreneur. She is a first-time CEO leading a company that has raised millions of dollars and serves well-known software brands like HubSpot, Salesforce, PayPal, and Gong.

Lindsay is the CEO of Casted, the first Amplified Marketing Platform and podcast solution for B2B marketers. 

Lindsay is a Leader. Speaker. Marketer. Podcaster. Learner. Founder. And mom to three young boys including twins, which means she really can do anything.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [11:13] The benefits of being pushed by good mentors early in your career. 
• [18:47] Tips for young managers to build relationships with their teams
• [32:24] The idea for Casted was born
• [38:12] How to present the business case for your B2B podcast

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Lindsay, we will explore:

• How creative companies are increasing the impact of their content marketing
• Why businesses that podcast are closing sales thirty percent faster.
• And what you can expect from podcasting in the future

-----

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode, we are joined by guest Bailey Rayford, CEO of Kendal Logan Logistics. 

Bailey shares her insights on the essential role of logistics in business growth, the importance of community and relationships in entrepreneurship, and the driving force of legacy in her life and career. 

Bailey also emphasizes the necessity of mentorship and peer groups in navigating the entrepreneurial pathway. 

Kendal Logan, an Indianapolis-based and Black woman-owned logistics firm, is recognized for its all-women leadership team and significant contributions to sectors like skincare, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. 

This episode provides inspiration and practical insights for entrepreneurs and professionals alike.

Bailey Rayford is the CEO at Kendal Logan Logistics. A black, woman-owned logistics company, based in Indianapolis.

Kendal Logan has an all-women leadership team, and decades of experience in the Supply Chain industry, working with big customers like Walmart.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• 01:45 Understanding Kendal Logan Logistics
• 03:09 The Journey to Starting a Logistics Company
• 05:36 The Importance of Internships and Learning in Entrepreneurship
• 06:53 The Role of Logistics in E-commerce
• 07:12 The Impact of Amazon on Logistics
• 16:00 The Role of Midwest in Logistics
• 17:55 The Challenges and Opportunities in E-commerce
• 27:51 The Role of AI and Technology in Logistics
• 32:19 Building Relationships in Business
• 34:43 The Art of Making Business Decisions
• 35:24 Family Business and Farming Roots
• 36:03 Growing Up in a Small Town
• 37:42 The Importance of Community and Family
• 39:20 Building a Community in the Midwest
• 41:57 The Struggle for Equitable Opportunities
• 43:39 Managing Anxiety in Business
• 45:52 The Power of Peer Groups
• 50:56 Shipping Stories and Business Name Origin
• 53:16 The Importance of Family and Legacy
• 56:51 Indiana Insights and Hidden Gems
• 01:00:07 Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Bailey, you will learn about:

• The Human Connection: Bailey shares her perspective on the importance of building connections and finding common ground with people. She believes that everyone has a story, and by engaging in conversations, you can discover a connection.
• The Power of Partnerships: Bailey shares her journey of landing large partnerships, emphasizing the importance of connections and learning from others. Her story is a testament to how business can be a force multiplier for good.
• Women in Logistics: Bailey highlights the significant contribution of women in the logistics industry, debunking the misconception that it's just about trucking.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

This episode is a live recording from a Powderkeg Executive Summit, where you are going to hear a very special conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and play at work. We're joined on stage by two of our very best friends and musical collaborators, Max Yoder and Jeb Banner, who also happen to be remarkable leaders and entrepreneurs in the Powderkeg community. 

Max Yoder was the CEO and co-founder of Lessonly, a learning management software acquired in 2021 by Seismic, a global leader of sales enablement. Max is also the author of a couple of powerful books, Do Better Work, and also To See It, Be It. Max loves to share his ideas on better work, wholeness, compassion, and leadership.

Jeb Banner is our other guest in today's conversation, and he is currently the CEO at Opendate, a live music automation platform that helps venues manage calendars, ticketing, artist discovery, and more. 

Before Opendate, Jeb was most recently CEO and co-founder of Boardable, a board management software company.

He has also been a founder and investor in several other companies and nonprofits, including Smallbox, a brand experience company, the Speakeasy, the first coworking space in Indianapolis and Musical Family Tree, an online archive of Indiana music.

00:56 Max Yoder on Creativity and Tinkering

01:53 Jeb Banner on Creativity and Business

03:36 The Power of Music and Improvisation

15:07 Embracing Vulnerability and Love in Business

26:30 Actionable Takeaways and Final Thoughts

By listening to this episode you will learn:

• About the transformative power of tinkering and play in any business
• How to navigate judgment and criticism while embracing vulnerability at work
• Actionable takeaways on creativity, risk, and finding your flow

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Companies and organizations: 

• Musical Family Tree
• the Speakeasy
• Smallbox
• Boardable
• Opendate
• To See It, Be It
• Seismic
• Elevate Ventures

People:

• Sangram Vajre
• Jeb Banner
• Max Yoder
• Nate Spangle
• Christopher (Toph) Day
• Matt Hunckler

Books:

• Do Better Work
• To See It, Be It
• MOVE: The 4-question Go-to-Market Framework

This episode of 'Get In' features a deep dive into the story of Sweetwater Sound with its President and CEO, Mike Clem. Hosted at Sweetwater's headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the discussion touches on Clem's early introduction to entrepreneurship, his journey through the evolving landscape of retail e-commerce, and Sweetwater's growth and innovation in the music industry. Mike shares insights into Sweetwater's unique business model, emphasizing personalized customer relationships and expertise in the musical gear sector. The conversation also explores Sweetwater's approach to overcoming challenges during economic recessions and the pandemic, revealing how strategic flexibility and focus on customer value have fueled sustainable growth. Additionally, the episode highlights Sweetwater's investment in community and education, reflecting on the company's role beyond being a retailer to becoming a vibrant hub for music makers and creators.

00:44 Introducing Mike Clem: A Music Industry Innovator

03:39 The Sweetwater Sound Story: From Mobile Studio to E-Commerce Giant

06:56 The Sweetwater Difference: Personalized Customer Experience

11:32 Embracing Technology: Sweetwater's Approach to Innovation

15:11 The Future of Music: Generative AI, Spatial Audio, and Beyond

20:51 Sweetwater's Secret Sauce: Education, Relationships, and Value

28:56 Unboxing the Sweetwater Experience: Beyond the Candy

29:23 Cultivating Happiness: The Sweetwater Culture

30:17 Building a Community: From Amenities to Family Inclusion

31:29 Midwest Values: The Secret Ingredient to Success

33:23 Musicians at Heart: The Sweetwater Team's Unique Edge

34:11 Music, Memories, and Discoveries: A Personal Journey

35:24 Learning from Legends: Insights and Inspirations

37:52 Navigating Growth and Challenges: Sweetwater's Resilience

40:12 Leadership and Transparency: Guiding Through Uncertainty

44:55 Looking Ahead: Innovations and Opportunities

47:22 Wrapping Up: A Lightning Round of Insights

In this Conversation with Mike, You will learn, 

• the convergence of technology, music, and entrepreneurship as exemplified by Sweetwater Sound and its leadership. 
• Gain knowledge on the evolution of the music industry, particularly in relation to retail e-commerce and the integration of technology within music production and education. 
• The importance of customer relationships, the impact of maintaining a company culture rooted in service and community, and the potential future directions of the music and sound industry, including spatial audio and creator economies.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Lindsay Gramlich, the President and CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis to talk about all the ways they are helping empower girls across the state.

We cover:

• Key partnerships with Eli Lilly and Cummins
• Introducing girls to STEM careers
• The tangible impact Girls Inc. has had on the Hoosier state

Make sure you check out these clips: 

00:27 Meet Lindsey Gramlich: Transforming Girls Inc. of Indy
00:50 The Mission and Impact of Girls Inc.
01:20 Personal Stories and Serendipitous Connections
02:17 Understanding Girls Inc.'s National and Local Reach
04:43 Challenges and Goals for Girls Inc. in Indiana
05:20 School-Based Programs and Measuring Success
07:56 Eureka Program: A Commitment to STEM
16:13 Addressing Root Problems and Social Issues
18:38 Mental Health, Social Media, and Bullying
29:14 Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships
41:01 Strategic Expansion Plans
43:17 Community Partnerships and Programs
44:21 Impact of New Shoe Day
45:51 Partnership with the Colts
47:24 Inspiration from Caitlin Clark
51:16 Girls Inc's Unique Approach
01:00:22 Supporting Girls Inc.
01:03:46 Advice for Young Professionals

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

The Get IN. team sits down with Sandeep Allam, a lifelong entrepreneur and the executive chairman and president of Syra Health. Sandeep shares his journey from a child entrepreneur selling t-shirts to leading a company that recently went public on the NASDAQ.

Syra Health is a healthcare consulting company with a mission to improve healthcare by providing innovative services and technology solutions.

Having grown to over a hundred employees and successfully gone public, the company represents a significant achievement in Indiana's business landscape. 

This conversation delves into the nuances of taking a company public, managing rapid growth, and innovating in the healthcare industry. Sandeep's unique perspective as someone who has started multiple businesses, including Syra Health, offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, the value of dreaming big, and the strategic approach to entering and succeeding in the government sector.

Check out these clips from the show: 

00:54 Sandeep Allam: A Lifelong Entrepreneur's Journey

02:23 The Entrepreneurial DNA: Sandeep's Early Ventures

03:06 From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: The Transition

05:20 The Leap to Entrepreneurship: Starting with Lilly

10:35 Sandeep's Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

12:58 Building a Business Empire: The Growth of STLogix

19:09 The Syra Health Success Story: A New Venture Begins

19:30 Winning Big: Landing a $17 Million Contract with Indiana

23:57 The Path to Going Public: Syra Health's Milestones

24:56 Exploring the Growth of Syra Health

25:19 The Strategy Behind Focusing on Government Healthcare Contracts

26:28 Advice for Entrepreneurs on Managing Multiple Business Units

28:04 The Journey to Taking Syra Health Public

30:46 Expanding Business Units and Embracing Digital Health

32:21 Balancing Product and Service Offerings in Tech Companies

34:05 Managing Rapid Growth and Building a Positive Workplace Culture

37:43 Future Plans and Excitement for Syra Health

38:17 Exploring Opportunities in Government Solutions and Mental Health

40:32 Final Thoughts and Lightning Round Insights

In this conversation with Sandeep, You will learn, 

• The process of taking a company public, managing rapid growth, and the importance of healthcare innovation. 
• Sandeep’s personal approach to entrepreneurship, including his views on risk-taking, critical thinking, self-motivation, and the traits necessary for successful entrepreneurs.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I got the chance to  sit down with Samson Levingston, the passionate Indiana native and creator of 'Through Two Eyes.' 

Samson shares his infectious enthusiasm for Hoosier history, recounting how his interest blossomed and detailing some of Indiana's lesser-known historical treasures. 

Our conversation spans a ton of topics, from the detailed history beneath Indiana's streets to vibrant tales of forgotten black settlements and historical landmarks.

You are going to learn about: 

• Indiana's significant history and influence
• Interesting stories about local places
• Impact of preserving history and culture

Thank you to our partners:

• Warm Glow Candle Co
• Sports Tech HQ
• Back 9

Check out these great clips from the show:

01:16 Meet Samson Levingston: Indiana's Hidden Historian
02:49 The Origins of Samson's Passion for History
05:07 Indiana's Hidden Secrets and Stories
13:21 From Blogging to Walking Tours: Samson's Journey
18:27 The Impact of Indiana's History on Modern Communities
35:39 Addressing Local Criticism
35:51 Revitalizing Broad Ripple
37:22 Indianapolis History Trivia
38:20 Indiana's Street Grid Explained
40:24 Black Settlements in Indiana
41:38 Indiana's Baseball Legacy
42:12 Promoting Local Businesses
43:45 Ultimate Historical Tour of Indiana
46:43 Preserving Indiana's Legacy
50:24 Lightning Round and Hoosier Hot Seat
58:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

There is an art to hosting a good event.

One where the attendees walk away inspired, informed and energized. 

Today we dive into the interworkings of events, do's, don'ts, and things to remember the next time you want to host a gathering.  

In this episode Toph and Matt share their experiences in organizing successful events and conferences, specifically reflecting on Rally, a global, cross-sector innovation conference.  Matt and Toph share their insights about the importance of vision, uniqueness, inclusivity, and long-term commitment to hosting a successful event. 

They touch upon their respective journeys and the lessons they've learned along the way, with a particular emphasis on the importance of community collaboration and proactive stakeholder engagement. The conversation segues into the future of events, with the hosts suggesting that traditional conferences could evolve into more dynamic, interactive experiences, akin to open-source festivals.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• 00:40 Unpacking Secrets About Hosting In-Person Events
• 02:35 Global Entrepreneurship Congress Experience
• 03:16 Post-Event Reflections and Insights
• 03:40 Hosting Successful Events: Tips and Strategies
• 04:12 Differentiation and Cross-Sector Collaboration
• 05:42 The Growth of Indiana's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
• 06:34 The Role of Disparate Stakeholders in Innovation
• 07:55 The Impact of Cross-Sector Collaboration
• 08:12 The Importance of Community in Startup Success
• 18:26 The Evolution of Rally: From Conference to Experience
• 19:55 Strategies to Attract Attendees to Your Event
• 23:20 The Value of Creative Collisions at Events
• 24:21 Open Source Code: A New Concept
• 26:17 Rally: An Open Source Experience
• 26:48 The Power of Collaboration in Events
• 27:20 The Challenge of Control in Tech Communities
• 27:54 The Age of the Internet and Permissionless Innovation
• 28:03 The Collaborative Nature of Rally
• 29:00 The Human Nature and Fear of Letting Go
• 29:20 The Concept of Constraining Resources
• 30:15 The Journey from Idea to Event
• 30:57 Mistakes and Learnings in Event Hosting

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Matt and Toph, you will learn about:

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: We highlighted the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders, as seen in the success of the Rally conference in Indianapolis. This event attracted attendees from various industries and backgrounds, creating a vibrant ecosystem of talent and innovation.
• Founder-Led Startup Communities: We discussed the importance of founder-led initiatives in building startup communities. We shared our experiences of starting from small events and evolving them into platforms for entrepreneurs to present their ideas and seek feedback.
• Rally - An Open-Source Experience: We introduced Rally, an open-source experience and festival that emphasizes collaboration and community building. We shared our lessons learned from hosting events and the importance of being intentional about diversity and inclusivity.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Santiago Jaramillo (or as his friends call him, Santi) has only ever had one boss in his career. That was in 2010 when he was an intern at ExactTarget. Since that experience, he has grown and sold three companies for over $50 million dollars, published a book, and been selected as a member of Inc.’s 30 Under 30 list.

Entrepreneurship was instinctively built into Santi. As a young boy he got his start selling produce and water around his neighborhood in Colombia, until a near tragic experience prompted his family to immigrate to the United States. 

Santi has an amazing story of resilience, hard work, and incredible self-awareness—which are skills he continues to flex as an executive coach today. 

Santiago Jaramillo is a visionary serial entrepreneur and technology leader known for his exceptional contributions to the field of employee engagement and mobile communication. 

He founded, scaled, and sold Bluebridge, a mobile app development company. That set his focus on growing Emplify, a company that became a market leader in the employee engagement space and was ultimately acquired by 15Five in 2021 for $50 million dollars. 

Santi is now working as an executive coach where he is helping founders and leaders grow their business and navigate key transitions in life and work.

Throughout his career, Santi has been honored with numerous accolades, including recognition in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and Indianapolis Business Journal's Forty Under 40. His entrepreneurial journey and impact on employee engagement have been featured in prominent media outlets like Inc., Fast Company, and Forbes. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [10:00] Santi’s incredible journey to the states
• [13:45] What we can do to spread more love
• [24:00] How to build focus into your daily routine
• [28:40] How to cultivate a culture of psychological safety
• [42:45] The benefits of hiring an executive coach
• [47:15] The importance of thought leadership for executives

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Santi, you will learn about:

• Overcoming adversity and maintaining adaptability
• How to lead with an open heart and strong back
• How to get the most out of executive coaching and mentorship

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Bryan Smith, Master Distiller at Hard Truth Distilling Co. 

We chat about the insane rise of the distillery from a modest start above a pizza restaurant to becoming Indiana's largest destination craft distillery.

The discussion covers the creation of signature products like cinnamon vodka and rye whiskies, and the collaboration within Indiana's bourbon industry. 

02:06 The Origins of Hard Truth Distillery
03:23 From Brewing to Distilling: The Journey
06:47 The Science and Passion Behind Whiskey Making
21:38 The Sweet Mash vs. Sour Mash Debate
23:49 The Distillation Process Explained
30:55 Building the Hard Truth Experience
34:44 Recognition and Success
37:46 The Art of Whiskey Tasting
40:07 Passion for the Craft
41:33 Scaling Up and Expanding
43:16 Authenticity in Whiskey Production
47:22 Indiana's Whiskey Heritage
51:50 Future Plans and Challenges

You never know when you will get bit by the entrepreneurship bug. For Doug Booth, it came early in his career while he was working at ExactTarget. The opportunity presented itself and Doug and his business partner Aaron couldn’t say no. 

Doug Booth is the CEO of Multiply Technology, an Indianapolis-based company that helps global enterprises and rapidly growing orgs implement complex IT Asset Management strategies and solutions.

Doug began his career at ExactTarget by way of the Orr Fellowship program. During his time at ET Doug identified a need and started building. ExactTarget then transitioned from Doug’s employer to Doug’s largest customer and he’s been building Multiply ever since. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [16:04] Leading a business with revenue
• [20:41] Acquiring first customers
• [26:06] Why building connections is important
• [31:14] Inverted hierarchy strategy
• [31:49] Qualities of good leaders and instilling it in the company

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Doug, you will learn about:

• The Orr fellowship, what it is, and what you can gain from it
• Advice for securing your first customers
• Why being persistent and scrappy is so critical
• Being a sponge and learn anything and everything you can
• Deliver; do what you say you will do

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

My guest today is Collin Hilton, the Chef de Cuisine at Cunningham Restaurant Group and recent winner of the World Food Championship.

We discuss Collin's journey from competing in preliminary food competitions in Indianapolis to winning the $150,000 grand prize in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Collin shares his culinary inspirations, the pressure of cooking for world-renowned judges, and how this win has impacted his career.

You are going to learn about: 
-The arduous process of winning a World Food Championship
- A new restaurant concept from Cunningham Restaurant Group
- How winning WFC has impacted Collin’s life

Thank you to our partners: 
Sports Tech HQ
Hope Plumbing

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:19 Meet the World Food Champion: Collin Hilton
02:11 The Journey to Becoming Mr. Noodle
03:08 Competing in the World Food Championship
05:54 The Road to Bentonville
07:51 Challenges and Triumphs in Bentonville
29:00 Competition Recap: First Round
29:50 Dinner at Meza: Taste and Recreate Challenge
31:10 Recreating the Pasta Dish
34:02 Advancing to the Final Round
36:32 The Final Boss: Culinary Journey
44:18 Winning the World Food Championship
45:37 Reflections and Future Plans
51:43 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Entrepreneurship comes in all shapes, sizes, and avenues.

Whether you are raising VC to go all in on a startup or you are championing a new initiative at a Fortune 100 company, there is a way to incorporate the entrepreneurial mindset into whatever you are doing. 

We sat down with Noel Paul to talk about how he developed the entrepreneurial mindset at Indiana behemoths Eli Lilly & Elanco, and how that has fueled his success in launching Tiger Careers and Consulting. 

Noel Paul is the CEO of Tiger Careers and Consulting. Prior to starting Tiger Careers in 2018, Noel Paul was the Global Leader of Corporate Responsibility at Elanco and the Global Program Leader for International MBA Recruiting at Eli Lilly. He has also been an executive Mentor at Purdue Foundry, an accelerator and incubator program in Indiana. He works with the International Center, and coaches expats through his consulting work at his company, Tiger Careers and Consulting. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:33] Memories from Pakistan and moving to the United States
• [11:48] Taking a chance on Lilly
• [15:30] Paying it forward
• [17:47] Tips for success at a large corporation
• [26:33] Corporate Innovation success and failure
• [27:35]Securing corporate clients for startups
• [32:38] Importance of finishing the job and building relationships
• [40:27] Entrepreneurial experience in corporate social responsibility

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Noel, you will learn about:

• The Power of Relationships: Noel highlights the importance of building strategic external relationships, especially in a startup environment. He also acknowledges the value of internal relationships within a large organization.
• Innovating via Intrapreneurship: Noel shares his gratifying entrepreneurial experience of securing a $3 million grant from the Gates Foundation to commercialize animal health products for smallholder farmers in East Africa.
• Climbing The Corporate Ladder: Noel's career path took him from civil engineering to HR and global marketing at Eli Lilly. His time at Lilly taught him the importance of continuous improvement and the value of a supportive company culture.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode, I interview Keira Amstutz, leader of Indiana Humanities, to uncover the impact of public humanities on the Hoosier State.

We delve into local culture, the importance of community engagement, and Keira's personal journey. Keira highlights key initiatives, from book clubs to Smithsonian exhibits, showcasing how Indiana Humanities enriches lives across all 92 counties.

Tune in to learn about the essence of humanities and how these programs foster community connections.

Listeners will learn about:

• The multifaceted role of Indiana Humanities and its community impact

• How to get involved in local cultural and literary events

• Opportunities for small towns to host significant exhibits and events

Check out these great clips:

00:31 Meet Keira Amstutz: Impacting Hoosier Lives

01:24 Understanding the Humanities

01:58 Indiana Humanities: History and Mission

04:17 Cultural Development in Indianapolis

07:30 Literary Renaissance in Indiana

09:56 Connecting Communities Through Humanities

11:07 Programs and Initiatives

17:02 Novel Conversations: Free Book Club Kits

21:11 Chew on This: Statewide Dinner Parties

28:51 Supporting Indiana's Cultural Ecosystem

32:10 Podcasting and Online Interests

32:18 Creative and Memorable Grants

34:00 Impacting the State Through Grants

35:30 Understanding Humanities

38:37 Civics and Democracy Initiatives

39:50 Smithsonian Exhibit Opportunity

43:23 Indiana Authors Awards and Programs

45:04 Holiday Gifting and Hoosier Books

46:19 Fun Segments and Indiana Landmarks

51:23 Advice to Younger Self

54:43 Final Thoughts and Hidden Gems

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

I headed downtown to Elevate Ventures to sit with Toph Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures. 

We discussed  various topics, including driving imperfections out of businesses, the role of AI and data in innovation, and specific Indiana businesses making national waves. 

Toph shares insights on entrepreneurship, personal habits for success, and the future of Elevate Ventures. 

You are going to learn about:

• The necessity of constant innovation
• Indiana’s best and brightest startups and founders
• The power of data and AI integration no matter what business you are in. 
  

Thank you to our partners:

Warm Glow
Keller & Keller

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:15 Interview with Toph Day: Elevate Ventures and Innovation
02:56 The Importance of Innovation in Business
03:44 AI's Impact on Business and Education
07:03 Driving Imperfections Out of Business
14:06 Innovate or Evaporate: The Podcast
25:43 The Evolution of Education and Creativity
32:46 Teaching Financial Responsibility to Kids
33:52 Exciting Venture Investments in Indiana
36:08 Innovative Companies Making Waves
39:14 The Rise of Indiana as an Innovation Hub
49:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
52:38 Fun Questions and Local Events
54:59 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Folia’s flagship product iAnnotate has over 2 million users. 

This Bloomington-based tech company, led by Ravi Bhatt has done a spectacular job partnering with some of the industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and Samsung as they have grown their business. 

Listen to our interview with Ravi to hear his advice on enterprise partnerships and building nimble startup teams. 

Ravi Bhatt is the founder and CEO of Folia, a company focused on making digital productivity apps. 

Ravi started his career as a lawyer & consultant in Chicago then identified a need and pursued entrepreneurship full-time. Their product iAnnotate has had over 2 million users.  

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [3:52] Becoming an entrepreneur and breaking the family tradition
• [24:06] Create an environment that allows metamorphosis to happen
• [27:58] The windshield metaphor
• [38:24] Creating a connection with brands like Google, Microsoft, and Samsung
• [42:49] The lowest of the lows

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Ravi, you will learn that:

• Life is about choices. Positivity → Positivity, and Negativity → Negativity
• It's about the journey, not the finish line
• Entrepreneurship is a field, put on your shoes and get out there
• You don't learn from advice, you learn from doing
• “Most failures are not fatal and most successes are not durable”

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Hear the story of Remodel Health with its co-founder Scott Lingle and CEO Austin Lehman. We explore Remodel Health's disruptive approach to health benefits, transitioning from group to individual health insurance plans, and how they've achieved significant customer savings. 

We also cover the personal entrepreneurial journeys of Scott and Austin, their early entrepreneurial memories, and details Remodel Health's strategy, including its software's unique competitive advantage and its recent success in surpassing $100 million in customer savings. 

Additionally, we touch on overcoming business challenges, leveraging CEO groups for personal development, and insights on maintaining work-life balance while building a successful business.

We wrap up by talking about some up and coming entrepreneurial rockstars. 

Check out these great clips:

00:29 The Minds Behind Remodel Health

01:26 Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Paper Routes and Candy Sales

03:07 The Genesis of Remodel Health: Disrupting Health Insurance

03:47 Software as a Competitive Edge in Health Benefits

05:22 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship: A Journey of Transition

07:26 The Birth of Remodel Health: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

12:11 Merging Paths: The Formation of a New Venture

14:20 Leadership Insights: Operating with a Finance Mindset

20:17 Navigating Growth and Challenges: The Evolution of Remodel Health

24:07 Leadership Transition: Trusting the Outsourced CFO

26:08 The Momentum of Success and Its Challenges

26:39 Prioritization and Profitability in Business Growth

27:44 Innovative Strategies for Entrepreneurial Growth

29:03 Leveraging M&A for Expansion

34:46 The Power of Community and Personal Development

 By listening to this episode you will learn:

• Strategies and tips for entrepreneurship
• How plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisors, they succeed
• How to assemble your A-team for sucess

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow us on Spotify. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Wednesday here on Get IN.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Companies and organizations: 

• Remodel Health
• UnitedHealthcare
• Wheeler Mission

People:

• Austin Lehman
• Scott Lingle
• Justin Clements
• Doug Booth
• Justin Groff
• Dan Hanrahan
• Will Schuller
• Nate Spangle
• Matt Hunckler

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

This conversation took place at a recent Powderkeg Executive Summit, which is a private event for Powderkeg Executive Council members. Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Executive Councils today.  

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Ilya Rekhter has built one of the first sustainable Bitcoin mining companies in the world — Megawatt, which is headquartered in central Indiana. 

Prior to starting Megawatt, Ilya was the Co-Founder and CEO of DoubleMap, which was acquired by Ford Motor Company in 2019. What started out as a college project scaled to one of the 100 fastest growing companies in America – doing all of this without taking a dollar of outside funding.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Ilya, we talk about:

• His family history and immigration to America from the Soviet Union
• Scrappy startup stories that will inspire you
• How to bootstrap a software business all the way to a successful exit 

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

It should come as no surprise that growing an early-stage startup is hard, but just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth the work… and the risk. 

Brodie Meyer is the CEO of Yourco, a platform for two-way communication non-desk employees. In today’s episode, you are going to learn a few tips on how to identify and execute business ideas, how to be resilient in the face of failure, and how to maintain a personal life during the trials of entrepreneurship. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:15] Lessons from athletics that apply to business
• ]12:45] The trials of finding product market fit
• [16:30] Questions to ask investors/ advisors
• [23:00] Gauging startup risk vs employment risk
• [25:25] Tips for going all in on a business
• [28:20] Lessons learned from other entrepreneurs

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Brodie, you will learn about:

• Building at the intersection of tech and blue-collar. 
• Locating product market fit
• Managing personal relationships while growing an early-stage startup

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Milt Thompson, who is a legend in Indiana and beyond. 

Milt was the General Counsel for the Pan American games and during this conversation he reconts all the hard work that went into securing the Pan American games and his journey to Cuba in the 80's... where he met Fidel Castro. (It's CRAZY.) 

You are going to learn about: 

• The growth of sports in Indiana
• The Capital Improvement Board
• Indiana's elevation to global status

Check Out These Great Clips: 

01:06 Milt Thompson's Early Life and Career
01:41 High School Challenges and Achievements
05:34 College and Professional Journey
07:47 The 1987 Pan American Games
15:05 Diplomatic Mission to Cuba
43:20 Cuban Team Anecdotes
45:03 The Designated Hitter Rule
45:36 Pan American Games Preparations
46:39 Sponsorship Challenges
49:23 Boxing Incident
52:05 Economic Impact of Events
54:39 Capital Improvement Board
01:13:57 Indiana's Volunteer Spirit
01:19:27 Final Thoughts and Advice

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Mitch’s career is the definition of “cross-sector” innovation. From serving in the Army, running marketing for a publicly traded tech company, and being the CEO of a family owned regional John Deere dealership, he really has done a little bit of everything. 

In this episode of Get IN. we dive into how Indiana plans to add $4 billion to our agbioscience economy and cover some of the most groundbreaking innovations happening across the state. 

Mitch Frazier is the President and CEO of AgriNovus, a non-profit that’s leading Indiana's initiative to accelerate innovation and economic growth at the intersection of agriculture and technology.

Before starting at AgriNovus, Mitch was the CEO at Reynolds Farm equipment, VP of Marketing at TinderBox…and VP of Marketing, Investor Relations, and Global Communications at ExactTarget. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [4:40] Building a career full of cross sector innovation. 
• [15:00] Outlining the opportunity in Agtech
• [26:12] IOT affect on agriculture
• [33:15] Agtech innovation examples

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Mitch, you will learn about:

• Indiana’s journey to add $4 billion to the agbioscience economy by 2024.
• Transitioning out of tech into a legacy business like farm equipment sales
• Latest advancements in AgTech

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Scott Wise, the founder of Scotty's Brewhouse. 

We talked about his roller coaster journey opening, growing, and eventually closing Scotty's Brewhouse. 

This is insight from Scott Wise, sharing his perspective on how events transpired.

Nothing has been fact checked or verified, so do your own diligence into the situation.

You are going to learn about:
-The vulnerabilities and victories of entrepreneurship
-Lessons while running a company in a hyper growth stage
-Mistakes made through 20 years of restaurant ownership  

Check out these clips from the show: 
01:34 The Journey of Scotty's Brewhouse
02:24 Early Challenges and Lessons Learned
02:46 College and Entrepreneurial Aspirations
03:42 Opening the First Scotty's Brewhouse
05:42 Expansion and Early Success
10:14 Facing Failure and Learning from Mistakes
15:03 The Second Scotty's and Non-Smoking Initiative
20:02 Rapid Growth and Reflections
33:43 Challenges in Downtown Indy
37:17 Management Contracts and Continued Growth
38:37 The Dream of Brewing Beer
39:02 Challenges and Advice from Jeff Mies
39:16 Scotty's Niche: 30 Beers on Tap
39:46 Opening the Brewery: Three Wise Men
41:51 Broad Ripple and the Brewery's Success
42:32 The Concept of Centralized Supply
43:24 Competitors and the Brewing Industry
44:36 The Goal to Sell and Burnout
47:00 The Nightmare of Selling the Business
51:42 Post-Sale Challenges and Bankruptcy
56:46 Rebuilding and Lessons Learned

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Note from the host: I realized I said "like" WAY too much in this interview. We are going to clean that up in 2025. 

I had an inspiring conversation with Matt Mason, a seasoned country singer-songwriter from Fairland, Indiana who has reached over 200 million streams on Spotify. 

Matt shares his incredible journey from overcoming personal challenges and battling addiction to achieving success in Nashville by winning CMT's Next Superstar in 2011. 

He reflects on his love for traditional country music, the importance of authenticity, and the life-changing conversations with God that reshaped his career. 

As Matt gears up for a new shows in 2025, he discusses the importance of being honest, staying true to oneself, and the impact of his roots on his music. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring musicians and fans alike.

You are going to learn about:
The genuine value of authenticity
How the entertainment industry operates
The power of persistence

Thanks to our partners:
Hope Plumbing
Fleddermann Von Rieste

Check out these great clips from the show: 
00:55 Introducing Matt Mason: A Journey Through Music
02:35 Early Influences and First Guitar
05:57 First Big Break: Opening for Charlie Daniels
09:37 Moving to Nashville and Early Struggles
13:27 Nashville Star and Touring with Chris Young
18:42 Winning CMT's Next Superstar
22:14 Personal Struggles and Turning Point
29:50 Transparency and Career Challenges
30:14 Pushing the Song to Secondary Radio
31:10 Divine Guidance and Success
32:34 Honesty with His Wife
35:06 A New Beginning
36:02 Rebuilding on a Solid Foundation
37:33 Career Trajectory and Touring
39:58 Focusing on Men and Manhood
41:22 Touring and Market Testing
46:45 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

I got to sit down with Westfield  Mayor Scott Willis to discuss the city's rapid growth, LIV Golf, and future plans. 

Mayor Willis, recently elected in 2023, delves into the challenges and strategies involved in managing Westfield's development, including the impact of Grand Park and internationally significant events like the LIV Golf tournament and potential FIFA base camps. 

Discover how Westfield is evolving while maintaining its small-town charm, and learn about upcoming initiatives designed to enhance infrastructure, diversify the tax base, and preserve local history.

You will learn about: 

• The economic and cultural impacts of hosting the LIV Golf tournament and potential FIFA base camps in Westfield.
• Strategies for balancing rapid growth with maintaining community identity and infrastructure development.
• The historical significance and preservation efforts in Westfield, including ties to the Underground Railroad and local traditions.

Check out these great clips: 
01:16 Meet Mayor Scott Willis
01:44 Westfield's Explosive Growth
04:53 Challenges of Rapid Growth
07:35 Westfield's Historical Significance
09:34 Mayor Willis' Journey into Politics
12:45 Securing LIV Golf for Westfield
20:36 Future Plans and Major Events
29:14 Annexation and Zoning Challenges
29:45 Predictions for Northern Indianapolis Suburbs
30:15 Collaboration Among Hamilton County Mayors
30:54 Westfield's Dominance in High School Sports
32:33 Attracting Corporate Headquarters to Westfield
33:38 The Impact of Grand Park on Tourism
35:28 Engaging Westfield Residents
36:20 Future Entertainment District Plans
37:51 Mayor's Career Advice and Personal Journey
43:31 Westfield's Unique Attractions and Events
49:28 Challenges and Rewards of Being Mayor
51:01 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

When you open your laptop in the morning do you feel energized? Or do you sit there sipping your coffee dreading the start of your work day? 

This indicates that something might be wrong—but know you aren’t alone. 

Dr. Alicia E. Mckoy is the founder and CEO of Peak Mind, an Indianapolis-based company empowering safer workplaces through innovation and technology. 

Alicia is an author, speaker & serial entrepreneur dedicated to making the work environment better for everyone.

For the past 9 years, Alicia has studied neuropsychology and interviewed numerous scientists, therapists, and corporate coaches to find the best ways to transform our workplaces for the better.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [6:19] Mental performance tricks learned in sports
• [12:00] Early signs of mental well-being issues
• [19:40] Finding your calling
• [27:06] How to design strong spaces for your team
• [29:09] How Peak Mind is bridging ​​company goals and employee mental well-being 

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Alicia, you will learn about:

• Daily habits to help improve your mental health
• Actionable tactics to make your workplace and workspace healthier
• How to identify gaps in your company culture (and even ways to fill them)

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Our latest "Get IN" podcast episode is live, and it’s a rollercoaster ride into the heart of health tech innovation. We’ve got the mastermind behind VitalView, Ray Fraser, spilling the beans on transforming healthcare with some incredible sensor tech.

Here’s a sneak peek of the episode:

• 🌐 VitalView’s Mission: Discover how Ray’s company is shaking up the hospital-at-home experience.
• 🚀 Ray’s Entrepreneurial Odyssey: Get the raw, unfiltered story of Ray’s climb to the top.
• 🛠 The Tech Talk: Unravel the complexities of IoT in healthcare and why it’s a big deal.
• 💸 The Art of the Fundraise: Ray breaks down the nuts and bolts of pulling in those investment dollars.

In this episode, you’re not just listening to another success story. You’re getting an all-access pass to Ray’s journey – from sweeping floors at a farmer's market to spearheading a game-changing health tech venture. Trust me, this is the kind of real, gritty entrepreneurship tale that you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps: 

• 00:53 Understanding VitalView: The Health Tech IoT Platform
• 03:35 Ray Fraser's Entrepreneurial Journey
• 05:25 Insights from Ray's Experience at Lime Scooters
• 09:31 The Importance of Understanding Investors
• 15:51 Building the VitalView Team
• 18:33 Incubating VitalView at Notre Dame
• 25:50 The Future of Health Tech
• 26:51 Discussing the Impact of Tech Innovations
• 27:06 The Role of Notre Dame in Innovation
• 30:14 The Influence of Theater in Entrepreneurship
• 34:05 Fun Game Time: Fundraising Flashcards

Ray gets real about the future of health tech, storytelling in business, and dishes out some solid gold advice in our Fundraising Flashcards game.

So, why should you care? Because whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of healthcare, this episode is a goldmine of insights and inspiration.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Airbnb, Lyft, Redbull and Monster all have something in common. Kelli Jones has helped them all with experiential marketing. 

Experimental marketing and brand activations were just coming on to the scene in 2010 when Kelli started working in this space. Until then sponsorship looked like logos on a banner. On today’s show we dive into spotting trends and identifying opportunities that can catapult your company (and career) to new heights. 

Kelli Jones is the  Co-Founder and General partner at Sixty8 Capital. The first Indiana-based Venture Capital firm dedicated to investing in undercapitalized founders, including Black, Latinx, Women, LGBTQ+, and disabled founders. 

She is also the Founder and CEO of Be Nimble Foundation, a social enterprise with the goal of advancing diversity initiatives to create fully inclusive tech ecosystems.

On today’s show you’ll hear about how Kelli and her team are using capital, connections, and community to support scalable and investable tech and tech-enabled companies led by undercapitalized founders. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:40] How physical location affects business strategy
• [8:30] Kelli’s first entrepreneurial endeavor
• [17:08] The characteristics that make a great show or creator
• [23:09] Advice for leaders to be more nimble at work
• [27:05] Why programs for underrepresented and undercapitalized groups are essential
• [32:58] Kelli’s five-year outlook on the tech industry and the evolving inclusivity
• [34:50] Kelli’s first investment and how she got her first check

In our conversation with Kelli, you will learn about:

• How brands can leverage experiential marketing
• Spotting trends that are key differentiators in business
• How to raise a fund and write your first check

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Canalys predicts that global sales of third-party vendor software and services through cloud marketplaces will hit US$45 billion by 2025, up 84% CAGR over five years.

There are some real secrets to how your B2B company can leverage Cloud Marketplaces within your GTM strategy.

Kelly Schwedland is the CEO of Torchlite, a cutting-edge partner relationship management platform. 

Kelly is an expert when it comes to scaling startups, having worked on over 30 companies. Two angel backed companies, three companies with exits, and has grown another company to over $3 million in Monthly recurring revenue. At OpenInsights, Kelly helped build a relationship with Google Cloud that helped that startup go to market and scale.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• 00:23 Understanding the Growth of SaaS Software
• 00:57 Deep Dive into Cloud Marketplaces
• 01:32 Kelly Schwedland's Journey with Torchlite
• 02:26 The Role of Partnerships in Scaling Startups
• 04:35 Understanding Hyperscalers
• 05:15 Masterclass on Cloud Marketplaces
• 05:43 The Importance of Partnerships in the Current Market
• 06:08 Understanding Cloud Marketplaces
• 10:38 The Future of Cloud Marketplaces
• 15:22 Leveraging Cloud Data to Identify Buyers
• 18:09 Building Valuable Partnerships
• 19:16 The Power of Belief and Success Stories
• 19:51 Exploring Transaction Management in the Cloud
• 20:19 Understanding the Impact of Software Types and Company Relationships
• 20:52 The Role of Personal Interests and Compute Cycles
• 21:13 Case Study: Open Insights and Data Management
• 23:09 The Power of Private Offers and CRM Integration
• 24:24 The Importance of Partnership Management
• 27:25 The Role of Services in Cloud Marketplaces
• 29:39 The Future of Cloud Marketplace Management
• 31:49 Wrapping Up: The Impact of Strategic Partnerships
• 32:22 Indiana's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Hidden Gems

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg.

In our conversation with Kelly, you will learn about:

• 🚀 Leveraging Cloud Marketplaces for Growth: Kelly, with his vast experience in scaling startups and building successful partnerships, like the one with Google Cloud, shed light on how cloud marketplaces can be a game-changer for companies looking to scale quickly. We explored the strategies and steps necessary to tap into these platforms, which are not just growing—they're booming!
• 🤝 Building Strategic Partnerships: We also discussed the art of using signal and intent data to build relationships with cloud providers and how these partnerships can lead to co-selling opportunities that are beneficial for all parties involved. Kelly shared his firsthand experience on how aligning interests with cloud sales reps can lead to significant growth in compute cycles and, ultimately, revenue.
• 🌐 The Future of Cloud Marketplaces: The future looks bright for cloud marketplaces, and we're just scratching the surface. Kelly's insights into the rapid growth and opportunities for software companies to tap into this space are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Is entrepreneurship more about the idea or the execution? 

If you ask Angie Stocklin, it’s all about the execution. Which is exactly what she and the team at One Click Ventures did for over a decade before selling to Foster Grant in 2018. 

In today’s show, we sit down with Angie to talk about her journey with One Click and how she has continued giving back to the entrepreneurial community and sculpted a newfound identity since their exit. 

Angie Stocklin was the COO and Co-Founder at OneClick, a company located in Greenwood, Indiana that owned 3 different eyewear brands. After OneClick was acquired by Foster Grant in 2018, Angie has become an Angel Investor, a columnist for the Indianapolis Business Journal, and an Entrepreneurship and Innovation lecturer at Purdue University.  

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:05] Finding a niche and running with it
• [16:35] Angie reflects on the lack of separation between life and work
• [17:32] Advice for founders after selling a business
• [28:07] The importance of brand building and customer support
• [37:55] Insights into Angie’s approach to angel investing
• [47:59] Execution vs Idea

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Angie, you will learn about:

• Resilience and Curiosity: Angie emphasized the importance of resilience and curiosity in entrepreneurship. She believes these traits, while innate in some, can be cultivated through experiences and challenges.
• Community Connection: Angie emphasized the importance of connecting with your community as an entrepreneur. She encourages entrepreneurs to reach out and connect with others for support and learning.
• The Identity Crisis Post-Entrepreneurship: Angie opened up about the struggle of finding her identity post-One Click. Her advice to other founders? Take time to reflect and explore different options before diving into the next venture.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode, I was joined by Seni Gonzalez, the founder of Paco's Taqueria, a successful Mexican restaurant chain in Indiana.

Seni shares her inspiring journey from moving to the U.S. at age 14 to her struggles and triumphs in building a thriving business.

You are going to learn about:

• The Family & Business Balancing Act 
• Thriving in the cut throat restaurant industry
• Paco’s global expansion plan

Check out these great clips:

• 00:32 Introducing Seni Gonzalez
• 01:47 Early Life and Challenges
• 03:11 High School Struggles
• 04:30 Balancing Motherhood and Work
• 05:52 Entering the Business World
• 08:27 From Radio Sales to Restaurant Owner
• 15:36 Taking Over Paco's Taqueria
• 19:09 Overcoming Initial Hurdles
• 28:57 Building a Successful Business
• 34:17 Navigating the Pandemic
• 35:03 Meet the Team: Luis and Sergio
• 35:46 Adapting to COVID: Embracing Delivery Services
• 36:31 Rapid Growth: Opening New Locations
• 38:09 The Cost of Convenience: Delivery Commissions
• 40:20 Expanding Horizons: New Locations and Food Truck
• 44:59 Learning from the Best: Working at Chick-fil-A
• 49:40 Building a Vision: Mentorship and Growth
• 53:49 Future Goals: Developing Leaders and Expanding Globally
• 58:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Lafayette Indiana has been #1 on the Wall Street Journal’s Emerging Housing Markets Index for three straight quarters. The housing market isn’t the only thing on fire in the greater Lafayette area: Innovation and entrepreneurship are booming better than ever. 

Today we dive into the innovation happening around Lafayette. 

Jason Tennenhouse is the Cofounder and Executive Director at MatchBOX Studios. Amanda Findlay is the Managing Director and Acceleration Lead at MatchBOX Studios. 

MatchBOX Studios is a 24/7 shared office space in Lafayette Indiana, complete with a coffee shop and maker space. 

Jason has started several companies and helped architect dozens of non-profit initiatives and served as a relief worker around the world, has authored two books, is a sought-after lecturer and was recently recruited to be a Fulbright Specialist to India, and TEDx speaker.  He is an ordained Pastor, has been a Firefighter, and a Department of Homeland Security Incident Commander.

Amanda has spent 15 years in community-building roles and 13 years supporting startup founders and business owners. She currently oversees the day-to-day at MatchBOX studios and Matchbox Acceleration. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [10:00] Change your perspective on things
• [19:02] Dunbar's number
• [23:48] Shifts in the workplace
• [27:38] Building a community in the right ecosystem
• [35:10] Creativity training

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Jason & Amanda, you will learn about:

• Perspective is everything
• Why you should tell anyone their idea is bad
• Why it’s not about the business it's more about the jockey
• The importance of resilience
• How to change your mindset during ideation

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Today I welcomed two local legends, Jack Hope and Brad Persic, the co-founders of Hope Plumbing, a successful residential plumbing company here in Indy. 

We talk through their journey of building Hope Plumbing from the ground up over 17 years, discussing their first steps, challenges, and the pivotal moments that defined their business. 

The conversation highlights their commitment to community involvement, the importance of trust and alignment in their partnership, and strategies for workforce development and talent retention in the trades. 

They also share insights on the philosophy behind their business practices and the benefits of being deeply rooted in local community support.

You are going to learn:

• Talent retention techniques for the trades
• Strategies for picking a good business partner
• What one decision changed the game for Hope Plumbing
  

Thank you to our partners:
HC Tavern
WBIT Basketball
Back 9

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:19 Meet the Guys: Jack Hope and Brad Persic
02:41 The Founding Story of Hope Plumbing
06:24 Early Challenges and Grassroots Marketing
07:30 Community Support and Initial Success
16:42 Balancing Family and Business
17:58 Joining a Best Practice Group
20:19 Transitioning from Self-Employed to Business Owners
24:10 The Importance of a Strong Partnership
34:36 Community Involvement and Sponsorships
35:02 Customer Service and Community Support
36:57 Favorite Community Initiatives
39:15 Talent Attraction and Retention
42:33 Changing the Narrative of Trades
57:14 Plumbing Horror Stories
59:45 Hidden Gems in Indiana
01:05:11 Philosophy in Plumbing

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

I got to sit down with Craig Huse, CEO of Huse Culinary and we chatted about the history and the ongoing legacy of Indiana’s iconic St. Elmo Steak House. 

Craig shares details about the restaurant’s founding, its celebrity connections, including an impromptu Parks and Rec scene with Newt Gingrich. 

Then we got into their other popular ventures like Harry and Izzy’s and various retail products.

You are going to learn about: 

• The storied history of St. Elmo's Steak House and its founding in 1902
• How St. Elmo’s became a key spot for celebrities and influential figures.
• Huse Culinary's expansion plans, focusing on new restaurant concepts and retail products.

Check out these great clips:

01:53 History of St. Elmo Steak House
05:29 Ownership Transitions and Challenges
14:58 Expansion and New Ventures
25:53 Retail Products and Innovations
39:28 Exploring Local Eateries
41:18 Upcoming Restaurant Ventures
41:54 Indianapolis Airport Expansion
43:29 The Future in Phoenix
45:33 Stewarding the St. Elmo Brand
49:04 Celebrity Encounters and Stories
58:11 Favorite Menu Items
01:04:19 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs
01:08:42 Indiana's Hidden Gems and Icons

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s bestseller, Outliers, it says it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master of any skill.

According to a quick search on Podchaser, Guy Raz has published over 1,294 podcast episodes 🤯.

He is one of the most well-known creators and on the episode, Guy shared several industry secrets to help level up your content. 

The tips Guy shares can be used to level up any conversation, regardless of if it’s being recorded or not. 

We sat down with world-renowned podcast host, Guy Raz, at the first Rally conference in Indianapolis earlier this year.

Guy Raz is the founder and CEO of Built-It Productions. The company behind some of the most well-known podcasts like How I Built This and The Great Creators. 

Guy has interviewed and profiled more than 10,000 people including Bill Gates, Condoleezza Rice, Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Eminem, Taylor Swift, and many, many others.

Guy was a keynote speaker at Rally, the largest global cross-sector innovation conference, and stopped by for a quick episode of Get IN. 

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Guy, you will learn about:

• Keys to creating amazing content
• How to grow from failure
• Tips for conducting a good interview

This conversation took place at Rally, the Largest Global Cross-Sector Innovation Conference. Rally forges and celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, content sessions and more. Rally 2024 will take place from August 27-29, 2024 in downtown Indianapolis. Register now for early bird prices.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode, we sat down with Sarah Cotterill. Sarah, the CEO of Shift Edibles and Co-Founder of The Human Array, shares her insights about the potential of hemp, her journey transitioning from healthcare law into wellness, and the importance of regenerative health. 

We also explored the therapeutic uses of THC and cannabis and discussed how they impact work-life balance. Furthermore, Sarah emphasizes the necessity of reconnecting with our physical selves and cultivating supportive communities for a fuller life.

Sarah Cotterill is the Co-Founder of The Human Array & CEO of Shift Edibles. 

Sarah built a 10+ year career in the legal system. From practicing as an attorney to her role as VP & Chief Legal Council at American Health Network, she learned the ins and outs of America’s healthcare industry. 

Then in 2018, she decided to make a change. She left her corporate job and began her journey in organic wellness and regenerative medicine. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• 3:28 The decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a different path
• 6:06 Moment of realization and the beginning of a new path
• 9:17 The ability to listen and tune in to oneself
• 10:18 Techniques for getting more in tune with one's inner voice
• 14:21 Understanding the impact of glyphosate on human health
• 18:32 The impact of regenerative agriculture
• 20:38 Understanding the different uses of the hemp plant
• 23:20 The controversy surrounding Delta Eight THC
• 27:49 Hydration and Grounding
• 30:20 Hugging Trees and Happy Trees in Michigan
• 32:47 Improving Community and Personal Health
• 36:27 The importance of community
• 39:00 The power of sharing meals
• 41:21The need for in-person connection
• 44:48 Hemp-derived products and delta eight
• 47:37 Indiana's farming and state parks

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Sarah, you will learn about:

• The Power of Self-Reflection: Sarah's journey began with a moment of self-reflection, leading her to pursue her passion for regenerative health. She emphasizes the importance of listening to our inner voice and tuning into the universe, a superpower that can lead to incredible accomplishments.
• Understanding Our Bodies: Sarah believes our bodies are the highest form of technology. She emphasizes the importance of understanding our skin, gut, and fascia system, and how hydration and grounding can promote overall health.
• The Power of Community: Sarah underscores the importance of community as a support system, a place for honest feedback, and a catalyst for personal growth.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Allison Melangton and Doug Boles to talk all things Indy 500 and major sporting events in Indianapolis. 

We got into the intricate planning, community engagement, and long-standing traditions behind hosting major sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 and the 2012 Super Bowl.

This episode offers a detailed look at the logistics, from ten thousand plus staff to dealing with weather challenges, and the economic impact these events have on Indiana.

You are going to learn: 

• The most unique traditions of the Indy 500
• Economic impact of hosting MAJOR events like the Super Bowl
• What all goes in to pulling off The Indy 500

Make sure you check out these great clips: 

01:17 Hosting Massive Sporting Events
02:40 Super Bowl 2012: Behind the Scenes
08:53 Indy 500: The Greatest Spectacle in Racing
16:00 Weather Challenges at the Indy 500
33:58 The Snake Pit: A Unique Tradition
36:44 Race Day Logistics
37:34 Pre-Race Preparations
39:34 Race Day Morning
41:41 Celebrity Appearances
48:00 Year-Round Speedway Events
51:01 Museum Renovation
52:36 Rapid Fire Questions
01:00:52 Indiana's Hidden Gems

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

You might think that effective leaders always know the answer and the exact right steps to get there.  But, that's just not true.

In today’s episode, we find out that being a good leader doesn’t mean you have to know everything— but it does mean that you empower and inspire your team to figure out the answer. 

Steve Johns shares actionable strategies that you can use in your everyday life, especially in times of uncertainty. 

Steve is the CEO at OneCause, a company based in Indianapolis that is helping non-profits build a better tomorrow by leveraging technology to fuel their missions and raise more money. 

Steve has over 30 years of experience in tech, corporate development, venture capital, event production, and entrepreneurship. He started his career at PwC in Chicago, then transitioned to become the Vice President of Global Business Development at Gateway. 

Steve also built a venture accelerator and $100 million dollar investment company and then built a 10+ year career in the music industry before taking the helm at OneCause. 

His most recent accomplishment is the launch of his book “Fearless: Leadership Lessons at the Crossroads.” It’s an incredible collection of timeless learnings, real life experiences and stories from Steve’s prolific career. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [9:25] Breaking down the most complex businesses
• [14:20] Intrapreneurship at large enterprises
• [18:05] How to asses startups
• [32:00] Characteristics of a good board member
• [37:00] There is no substitute for connection
• [43:00] Leading when your business goes to 0
• [50:05] The benefits of starting a writing practice

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Steve, you will learn about:

• Tips for telling a good story
• Pursuing your passions at any stage in your career
• How Steve became the accidental author

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

In this episode we dive deep into the world of innovative footwear design with Joey Khamis the incredible mind behind Khamis Studio.

Joey shares his journey from high school art classes in Indianapolis to creating 3D modeled shoes for prominent brands and artists such as Kanye West and Reebok.

You are going to learn: 

• Tips for pursuing a career in design. 
• Huge innovations coming in the footwear industry
• How the biggest brands on the market think about design

Check out these great clips from the show:  

01:25 Meet Joey Khamis: Footwear Designer Extraordinaire
02:25 Joey's Journey: From High School Art to Industrial Design
03:35 Footwear Design Contests and Early Career
06:20 Internships and Apprenticeships: Columbia and Reebok
11:09 The Call from Kanye: A Game-Changing Moment
17:33 Freelancing and Founding Khamis Studio
22:29 3D Printed Shoes: Innovation and Customization
29:07 Impressive Track Record and Zero Fee Guarantee
29:34 Celebrity Endorsements and ComplexCon Highlights
30:16 Upcoming Designs and Collaborations
32:13 The Indiana Advantage in Footwear Design
35:59 Innovative VR Design Process
39:36 Advice for Aspiring Designers
44:22 Fun Rapid Fire Questions
52:37 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

We dive into the artistic journey of Justin Vining, a prominent artist known for his landscapes and cityscapes.

Justin shares his unique transition from being an art teacher to a full-time artist, detailing his decisive steps, including a stint in law school before committing wholly to his art career.

He emphasizes the role of daily discipline in improving his craft by painting consistently every day after Christmas until June.

The conversation highlights his innovative use of data from the Indianapolis art market to successfully sell hundreds of paintings.

The episode also previews the fifth annual Invitational event curated by Justin, exploring his efforts to integrate community within the Indianapolis art scene.

Listeners will also enjoy Justin's reflections on Indiana’s art history, his camaraderie with interior designer MJ Coyle, and a thrilling lightning round discussion on the state's cultural treasures.

01:20 High School and Early Art Journey
03:02 Transition to Law School
05:54 Discovering the Art Market
21:37 Plein Air Painting Passion
39:07 Analyzing Art Sales Data
41:48 The Invitational Journey
44:28 Building a Gallery and Overcoming Challenges
49:53 Marketing and Event Strategies
53:41 Impact on the Indianapolis Art Community
59:54 Personal Reflections and Advice
01:03:52 Lightning Round and Fun Stories

Today’s guest is Dr. Robert W. Shumaker, the President and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Dr. Shumaker, a renowned evolutionary biologist, discusses the zoo's incredible growth, the prestigious Indianapolis Prize, and upcoming projects at the zoo. 

You are going to learn about: 
-How the Business of Zoos Operates
-The Evolution of the Indianapolis Zoo's Reputation
-Why Conservation Efforts are Important

Check Out These Great Clips from the Episode: 
00:28 Meet Dr. Robert W. Shumaker
01:23 Comparing Cities: From Washington D.C. to Des Moines to Indianapolis
04:59 The Growth of the Indianapolis Zoo
06:46 The Impact of the Orangutan Exhibit
10:46 Balancing Attraction and Conservation
12:37 Funding and Philanthropy at the Zoo
25:59 Chimpanzee Acquisition and Care
37:32 The Evolution of CGI in Movies
38:06 Mother's Day Gift Ideas
38:51 The Role of Zoos in Wildlife Conservation
41:08 The Prestigious Indianapolis Prize
49:49 Upcoming Events at the Zoo
52:56 Chimpanzees Using Computers
56:46 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In this episode, I interview Cameron Balser, a dedicated runner from Kokomo, Indiana, who recently completed a self-supported run around the United States. Spanning 11,170 miles and 294 days, this incredible journey saw Cameron running an average of over 40 miles a day. We get into Cam's why, his preparation for the run, the physical and emotional challenges he faced, and the stories of hope and kindness he encountered along the way. Check out these great clips:

• 00:22 Meet Cameron Balser: The Man Who Ran Around the USA
• 01:43 Cameron's Early Running Days
• 05:18 The Birth of a Dream: Running Around the Country
• 10:41 Training for the Ultimate Challenge
• 16:23 The Journey Begins: Day One in Cleveland
• 22:29 Overcoming Early Challenges
• 24:54 Stories of Kindness on the Road
• 30:55 Meeting an Ultra Runner in the Everglades
• 31:23 Route Planning and Preparation Challenges
• 31:47 Support from the Track Club and Community
• 32:31 The Power of Social Media and Authenticity
• 35:19 Dreams and Inspirations
• 36:36 The Finish Line and Beyond
• 42:33 The Speed Project: Santa Monica to Vegas
• 48:07 Funding the Journey

More Indiana content: 
IG: @NateSpangle
Facebook: @NateSpangle
Tiktok: @NateSpangle
Linkedin: @NateSpangle

Bethany Hartley has over a decade of experience in non-profit leadership and has been focused on economic development and entrepreneurship for her entire career. As President and CEO of the South Bend Elkhart Regional Partnership, she is catalyzing regional innovation throughout northern Indiana. 

Bethany is also an entrepreneur herself. She operated her own marketing agency for over a decade and has a passion for helping other entrepreneurs and startups succeed. 

Make sure to check out these clips in the episode: 

• [4:17] Tips for starting a side hustle in a recession 
• [10:56] Teaching entrepreneurship to high school students
• [20:11] What Indiana county housed the most millionaires per capita?
• [28:07] Connecting top-tier students with top-tier Hoosier companies
• [37:06] 1 year of wins in the South Bend-Elkhart Region

In today’s episode you are going to hear about: 

• Learning how to learn
• How the South Bend-Elkhart Regional partnership is connecting students in the region to local companies.
• How grit, resilience, and hard work make northern Indiana an epicenter for entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing
• Listen to the end because Bethany talks about a hidden gem in Northern Indiana that might need to be your next date night.

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

This is a live recording of a Powderkeg Pitch Night. This event focuses on the transformative impact of AI in the tech community. 

Key highlights include keynote speeches, live pitches from innovative tech entrepreneurs, and discussions on AI applications in various industries. 

We have 3 pitches from AI leaders in the community including,Brennan Woodruff of GoCharlie by Brennan Woodruff and Amy Brown from Authenticx. 

These leaders showcase groundbreaking AI-driven solutions aimed at improving business processes and healthcare outcomes. 

The night also features insights from Elevate Ventures' Toph Day on the future of AI and venture capital in Indiana.

Check out these great clips:

05:11 The Potential and Progress of AI

07:16 AI in Action: Real-World Examples

09:52 Introducing Core Groups and New Initiatives

11:17 Panel Discussion: AI in Various Industries

27:13 Pitch Time: GoCharlie by Brennan Woodruff

35:39 Cloud Model Deployment

35:54 Client Types and Business Tiers

36:14 AI Flexibility and Use Cases

36:52 Maintaining AI Relevance

37:19 Marketing and AI Integration

40:25 Introduction to Authenticx

40:44 Challenges in Healthcare Customer Service

41:43 Authenticx's AI Solutions

44:34 Company Growth and Vision

49:15 Future of AI in Customer Service

50:53 Team and Talent Strategy

 By listening to this episode you will learn:

• A few of the latest trends in AI from established companies
• How Indiana is positioned on the cutting edge of Innovation 
• How AI can be implemented across many different industries and verticals. 

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Companies and organizations: 

• Switchboard
• Casted
• HI-FI Indy
• Audily
• Wellcrafted Consulting
• INVST
• Elevate Ventures
• The Engineered Innovation Group
• Unique Minds
• GoCharlie.AI
• 16 Tech Innovation District
• Tactive
• OneCause
• CXology
• Advisa
• Taft Law
• NOM Catering Co

People:

• Christopher (Toph) Day
• Brian Mills
• Tim Conder
• Amy Brown
• Brennan Woodruff
• Jake Miller
• Karen Mangia
• Dipen Mehta
• Andrea Bartlett
• Jeb Banner
• Emily (Brailey) Vanest
• Kevin Bailey
• Max Yoder
• Nate Spangle
• Matt Hunckler

Podcast:

• Joe Rogan podcast 

Event:

• Rally Innovation 

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

This conversation took place at a recent Powderkeg Executive Summit, which is a private event for Powderkeg Executive Council members. Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Executive Councils today.  

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

7 Attractions, almost 4,000,000 people makes for 1 amazing asset to downtown Indianapolis. 

I sat down with Jake Oakman, the Executive Director of White River State Park to talk about "Indy's Backyard." 

We discuss its unique features like the Indianapolis Zoo, Victory Field, the Everwise Amphitheater, and more.

Jake shares insights into the park's development, the multitude of events hosted annually, and its significance to the community and local economy. 

0:40 Overview of White River State Park Attractions
02:43 Indianapolis Zoo: A Hidden Gem
06:09 Victory Field: A Baseball Haven
07:50 IMAX Theater: The Ultimate Movie Experience
12:28 Everwise Amphitheater: A Concert Venue Transformation
15:37 Indiana State Museum: Preserving History
19:14 NCAA Hall of Champions: Celebrating College Sports
20:48 Eiteljorg Museum: Native American and Western Art
22:29 The Creation and Development of White River State Park
28:36 White River State Park: A Community Effort
31:12 The Impact of White River State Park on Indianapolis
32:25 Exploring the Attractions of White River State Park
35:12 Future Developments at White River State Park
38:42 Downtown Indianapolis: Post-COVID Recovery
41:04 Personal Insights and Local Favorites

Entrepreneurship is not all rainbows and sunshine. 

On every epic journey, there is inevitably adversity and failure. What sets successful entrepreneurs apart is how they respond to these challenges. 

On today’s show, we do a topic deep dive with Toph and Matt about failure, momentum, and building robust professional communities. 

Toph Day and Matt Hunckler are both successful Indiana entrepreneurs, receiving accolades like the IBJ 40 under 40 list among other awards in the Hoosier state. 

Success doesn’t happen overnight and doesn’t come without a fair share of mess-ups. That is the cost of doing business when it comes to entrepreneurs. 

Communication is essential especially when it comes to talking about what isn’t going well. Toph and Matt give their tips for talking about the bad, to both investors and their teams. 

On the flip side, momentum can be a game changer for startups. Check out the middle of the show where we talk about strategies these two have for harnessing momentum and using it to create exponential growth, as well as identify the biggest killers of momentum. 

Finally, we wrap by talking about building communities and networks. It’s no secret that this can be a game changer for both your business and your career, but many people don’t know where to start. You are going to hear actionable tips for where to start and how to grab the attention of valuable connections. 

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [1:35] Toph’s biggest failure
• [5:19] Tips to be a value add investor
• [14:50] How to build momentum in a startup
• [23:19] The biggest momentum killer in startups 
• [29:06] How to cultivate a professional community
• [34:09] #1 tip for in-person networking
• [44:32] Advice for emerging leaders to get time with CEOs
• [54:26] How to get your company featured on Get IN. 

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

I sat down with Matt Goins, President and CEO of AAA Hoosier Motor club. 

Off the jump I have to say... I had NO idea the extent of what AAA is involved in. It is so much more than road side assistance. This interview completely changed my perception of AAA. 

During the conversation you are going to learn about: 

• The collective bargaining power of almost 400,000 Hoosier members
• Benefits of AAA outside of roadside assistance
• Matt's personal fitness journey of losing over 100 pounds

Make sure you check out these great clips from the episode: 

00:24 Matt Goins' Background and AAA Hoosier Motor Club
02:59 AAA's Services and Member Benefits
04:07 Innovative Partnerships and Member Perks
06:50 Travel Services and the Diamond Program
08:30 Personal Stories and Member Experiences
11:08 Innovations and Future Plans
34:00 Matt Goins' Personal Fitness Journey
36:08 The Challenge of Change
36:43 A Personal Turning Point
37:10 The Journey to Weight Loss
38:11 The Importance of Accountability
39:16 Finding Motivation and Discipline
40:02 The Grand Canyon Adventure
40:52 The Concept of Masogi
42:14 Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
45:19 The Power of Community
55:40 Advice for the Younger Self

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

In this episode, I am joined by Gary, Caleb, and Dustin, the brains behind Iron Timbers, a custom woodwork and metalwork shop based in Osgood, Indiana that has accumulated over 1,000,000 followers on social media. 

We delve into the company's origins rooted in family craftsmanship and its impressive growth through grassroots marketing, social media, and strategic partnerships like their collaboration with HGTV's 'Good Bones.' 

The team shares personal anecdotes, their journey from hobbyists to full-time entrepreneurs, and the importance of authenticity and community support. 

They also hint at future plans, including expanding their content creation and educational ventures to help other craftsmen succeed.

You are going to learn:
- The value of persistence and consistency in entrepreneurial growth
- The importance of building authentic relationships and community support
- Strategies for leveraging social media and strategic partnerships to expand your business

Thank you to our partners:
Warm Glow Candle Company
Keller & Keller
Get Indiana. (Subtle Plug)

Check out these great clips from the show: 
06:24 Meet the Iron Timbers Team
07:30 The Origin Story of Iron Timbers
16:42 Transition from Hobby to Business
17:58 First Big Projects and Going Full-Time
20:19 Challenges and Support in Entrepreneurship
24:10 Breakthrough with Good Bones
34:36 Family Celebration and Exciting News
35:02 Immediate Business Impact from TV Appearance
36:57 Challenges and Successes in Nationwide Shipping
39:15 Social Media Growth and Strategy
42:33 Partnership with Duluth Trading Company
57:14 Team Expansion and Hiring Philosophy
59:45 Future Plans and New Ventures
01:05:11 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
01:06:24 Favorite Projects and Hidden Talents
01:09:15 Indiana's Hidden Gems and Local Recommendations
01:15:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.

Today we talk with Scott Jarred, CEO of Invst and a bestselling author of Future Hack and Accelerate. Jared shares his personal journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a financial advice innovator, emphasizing the importance of personal finance education and the impact of early financial planning. 

Scott shares insights from his books 'Future Hack' and 'Accelerate,' discussing powerful frameworks for achieving financial success, the role of “personal CFOs”, and techniques for being the CEO of your life. 

We also explore the significance of protection in financial planning, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and the essential elements of living a balanced life according to the 'three-legged stool of life' philosophy.

00:17 Scott Jarred: From Humble Beginnings to Financial Freedom

01:30 The Power of Personal Finance: Scott's Journey to Success

03:40 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure: The Path to Wealth

05:22 From Paper Routes to Entrepreneurship: Scott's Early Ventures

18:25 The Birth of Invst: Revolutionizing Personal Finance

25:27 Mastering Personal Finance: Scott's Self-Education and Advice

27:39 Exploring Quantum Thinking and Financial Adaptability

29:15 From Future Hat to Quantum Mindset: Unveiling Key Insights

29:49 Confronting Mortality: A Catalyst for Financial Planning

31:27 Strategic Financial Moves: Chess as a Metaphor for Life

33:14 Early Career Financial Strategies: Pay Yourself First

39:12 Midlife Financial Mistakes and the Importance of Protection

41:12 Personal Finance Tips: The Power of Intentionality

42:22 The Three-Legged Stool of Life: A Holistic Approach

47:36 Embracing the Future: AI and the Acceleration of Everything

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg and Nate Spangle, Head of Community at Powderkeg.

By listening to this episode you will learn:

• How to identify and respond through each stage of life
• How to build true wealth
• What it means to have a personal CFO
• How to be the CEO of YOU!

Want to listen to this episode on your chosen app? Click here.

You can stream by clicking here.

Sign Up for Powderkeg's Indiana Newsletter for Email Updates about Get IN.

Join the Indiana Tech Community on Powderkeg

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow us on Spotify. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Wednesday here on Get IN.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Companies and organizations: 

• Invst
• AT&T
• Abundance360

People:

• Scott Jarred
• Matt Hoffman
• David McCauley
• Dipen Mehta
• Warren Buffett
• Bill Gates
• Peter H. Diamandis
• Christopher (Toph) Day
• Jake Miller
• Nate Spangle
• Matt Hunckler

Books:

• FutureHack!: How To Reach Your Full Financial Potential
• Accelerate: How to Reach Financial Freedom Faster So You Can Live the Life You Want

Movie:

• Rad

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

This conversation took place at a recent Powderkeg Executive Summit, which is a private event for Powderkeg Executive Council members. Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Executive Councils today.  

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Jeff Smulyan has had a long and illustrious career thus far. As the founder of Emmis Communications, he helped give David Letterman his start, created the world’s first all-sports radio station, owned the Seattle Mariners MLB team, and created Hip Hop Radio powerhouse Power 106 in Los Angeles—and he isn’t done yet.

Jeff Smulyan is the founder, CEO, and Chairman of Emmis Communications, a publicly traded media company based in Indianapolis. 

Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey has been a legit roller coaster ride. He has owned a Major League Baseball team, he started America’s first sports radio station, created the world’s two largest hip hop radio stations and managed some of the world’s most talented people, including David Letterman, Ken Griffey Jr. and Don Imus. 

He has a one-of-a-kind story and is one of the all-time business greats. He shares a collection of amazing stories and lessons in his book, Never Ride a Rollercoaster Upside Down.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [11:22] Being a leader and managing a successful group
• [19:33] Know your audience
• [27:47] How to handle a deal gone wrong
• [29:49] Parallels between baseball and business
• [39:58] Knowing what to look for when buying a business

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Jeff, you will learn:

• How being able to make fun of yourself can help your career
• Selling the human way
• How to develop thick skin and turn it into a superpower
• What makes Indianapolis a great place to work and live
• Company Culture: The good and the bad

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.

Emil Ekiyor was born in Lagos, Nigeria and came to the US when he was 15 years old with a suitcase and a one way ticket. Since then he has been a catalyst for change to those around him. He played football at the University of Central Florida where he was a 3 year letter winner. Following that he continued to pursue his passion on the gridiron with a 7 year career in the NFL. 

After that he settled in Indianapolis where he was an administrator for the public schools, a business owner, and non profit leader. He sits on the board of 3 non profits and is very active in the community. 

As a CEO of Innopower, he and his team use seed stage impact investing to drive innovation and to accelerate economic prosperity in black communities in Indiana and sub-Saharan Africa.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show: 

• [8:31] The effects western culture has on Nigerian entrepreneurship
• [15:54] The misconception of successful vs unsuccessful people in America.
• [21:30] What kept Emil and his family in Indiana after his career in the NFL.
• [31:20] The trouble with the grant process.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In this conversation you will learn from Emil on:

• Identifying opportunity and how to capitalize on it
• How sports build a framework for business success
• Opportunities for underrepresented founders to achieve entrepreneurial success

-------

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. The show is hosted by Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and Matt Hunckler, CEO of Powderkeg. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

If you have a chance, please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. It will help the show and its ranking on Apple Podcasts incredibly! Thank you so much!

Want to get connected with other leaders in the Powderkeg community? 

Are you interested in joining the only private membership network focused on supporting tech companies and executives in communities beyond Silicon Valley? Apply for Powderkeg Premium Membership today.

Interested in starting your own Podcast?

Casted is THE first and only podcast and video marketing platform made SPECIFICALLY for B2B brands. The platform makes it possible to publish, syndicate, amplify, and measure the value of your podcast and video content And if you’re a startup, Casted offers their for Startups program that might be for you — offering exclusive deep discounts of up to 82% off retail price for qualifying startups. Connect with Casted at Casted.us/powderkeg.