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In this episode Matt interviews Ryan Hasbrook. Ryan Hasbrook shares his journey of starting and growing a staffing business over the past 24 years. He started his company, Technical Youth, in 2000 and later rebranded it as Brooksource. Ryan emphasizes the importance of reinvesting in the business and setting goals for growth. He also highlights the significance of hiring based on character and following the best talent. Ryan's advice for aspiring business owners is to bootstrap the business and avoid unnecessary expenses. He shares his experience of almost going broke in the first six months and the challenges of cash flow management. Despite the obstacles, Ryan's passion for his employees and their growth keeps him motivated. Takeaways "Reinvest as much as you possibly can as early as you possibly can" "The passion now is for the folks that are working with us" "Continue your reinvestment strategies as much as you possibly can as early as you possibly can" To learn more about Ryan you can go to LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hasbrook-0684711/ or his company's website http://www.eightelevengroup.com/

In this episode Matt interviews Alison Gatz, 24-year resident of Fishers is the new owner of Fishers Magazine. As part of Towne Post Network, Fishers Magazine uses it's media platform to build community by connecting local residents, businesses and organizations. Alison's mission is to help local businesses thrive, provide opportunities for residents to connect and amplify the work of nonprofit organizations. She believes when we are connected through relationships, we will realize the pillars of being a Smart, Vibrant and Entrepreneurial community. You can find more about Alison and Fishers Magazine at https://townepost.com/[email protected]://www.facebook.com/atFishershttps://www.instagram.com/fishersmagazine/

In this episode, Matt interviews Patrick Burke, co-founder and CEO of Boxcore, shares his experience of starting and running a software business. He discusses the evolution of his company and the problem they solve, which is helping organizations create a culture of feedback. Patrick emphasizes the importance of finding true product-market fit and focusing on specific customer use cases. He also highlights the challenges of sales and the need to have more deals in the pipeline than you think you need. Patrick encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passion and explore opportunities in underlooked markets. Patrick Burke is a husband to his wife, Leslie, and dad of 3 high-energy boys. He graduated from Taylor University with a degree in business management. After 11 years in the corporate world, he co-founded BoxScore in October 2016 and still serves as CEO. He earned an MBA with a concentration in entrepreneurship and innovation from Butler University. He’s deeply passionate about entrepreneurship. Outside of the office – you’ll most likely find him on a baseball field with his three boys. Takeaways Finding true product-market fit is crucial for the success of a software business. Focus on specific customer use cases and understand the real pain points you are solving. Have more deals in your pipeline than you think you need, as not all prospects will convert into customers. Starting a business is hard, but it is doable and can be highly rewarding. Explore opportunities in underlooked markets and pursue your passion. You can find more information and connect to Patrick on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickwburke8/ or Twitter @patrickburke8 Some Books that Patrick recomends A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller, Unbroken, John Adams (David McCullough), Atomic Habits, The Fish that Ate the Whale

In this episode, host Matt Nettleton interviews Chris Elliott, owner and president of Onnit Painting, a residential and commercial painting contractor. Chris shares his journey from a military career to starting his own business. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and direction for the business, as well as the challenges and lessons he has learned along the way. Chris also discusses the difference between being a business owner and an employee, and the value of the entrepreneurial journey. As a dedicated contributor to the Indianapolis business community, Chris has made significant contributions by serving on various boards and committees. Notably, he currently serves as a director for the BBB of Central Indiana. His unwavering commitment to community involvement has profoundly shaped his leadership philosophy and business approach. Chris also serves as a director on the national board of directors for the Painting Contractors Association. Chris, along with his wife Emilie, proudly calls Indianapolis home. They are the delighted parents of two sons, Brayden and Camden. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying activities such as working out, boating, hunting, and sharing a passion for fine wines with Emilie. You can find more information about Chris on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriselliottonit/ or his company website onitpainting.com You can email him at [email protected] or [email protected] Chris recommends one book- Traction by Gino Wickman

In this episode, Matt interviews Brian Schutt. Brian is a startup entrepreneur, real estate investor, and proud Hoosier. He likes to spend time thinking about problems that impact the entrepreneurial ecosystem and ideas to help Indiana advance. Beyond his ventures, he loves working with founders to support their journey, help companies create growth strategies, and connect talent with opportunities. Brian shares his journey as an entrepreneur, starting with a heating and cooling business and later transitioning to a co-working space business. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your customer and being unafraid to ask tough questions. Brian also highlights the need for entrepreneurs to take risks and pursue their vision, as they have the power to solve problems and make a positive impact on their communities. Takeaways Entrepreneurship is a powerful change agent for community and culture. Knowing your customer deeply and being unafraid to ask tough questions is crucial for business success. Trusting your gut and being willing to learn from failures are important qualities for entrepreneurs. Small business owners have the opportunity to solve problems and make a positive impact on their communities. You can find more information about Brian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bschutt/ or his personal website bschutt.com Some recommended books from Brian include, to better understand our cultural moment, Yuval Levin's "A Time to Build". Every parent should read Jonathan Haidt's "Coddling of the American Mind." And anyone who's midlife looking for clarity should peak at Richard Rohr's "Falling Upward"

In this episode, Matt interviews Joanna Taft, the Executive Director of the Harrison Center, a nonprofit art center in downtown Indianapolis that addresses community challenges with cultural solutions. In this role, she: - created the Cultural Entrepreneur internship program, which trains 50 interns annually -Founded Herron High School to grow a new generation of art patrons -Launched the City Gallery, an urban living center to strengthen neighborhoods -Created PreEnactment Theater as a community visioning tool to help strengthen neighborhoods without gentrifying them. -Created Polklore Micromuseum For these endeavors, she has received the Champion of Hope award from Belmont University, the Indianapolis Business Journal Women of Influence Award, the Girls Inc. Touchstone Award, the Hoosier Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award, the Arts Council of Indianapolis ARTI Award, the Jefferson Award, and two Cultural Vision awards.

In this episode, Matt interviews Doug Miller, the Owner and CEO of Brightworks Group LLC. Doug leads a talented team of technology and security experts whose expertise ranges from finance to healthcare and from manufacturing to the public sector. Brightworks Group's mission is to provide technology and security operations consulting to businesses in the Midwest. Brightworks Group LLC isn't your run-of-the-mill consultancy. They're the architects of seamless digital transformations, the troubleshooters of cloud complexities. For more about Brightworks Group LLC, visit their website at Brightworks Group LLC (https://www.brightworksgroup.net). Doug recommends two books, "The Visible Ops Handbook" and "Whale Hunting."

In this episode, Matt interviews Jack Frisby. Jack Frisby founded Optimize Selling Solutions in 2004. For the past 20 years, he has focused primarily on sales coaching and outsourced sales leadership for small B2B Professional Service firms. Over the past nine years, Jack has developed deep expertise in LinkedIn and how to leverage this world's largest database of professionals to get introduced to your ideal prospects. Jack is also the author of the book Stop Selling...Start Serving. Jack is also passionate about leading cohorts of Christian business leaders who meet monthly to provide advisory counsel for one another. Jack has been married to his wife, Carol for almost 43 years. He has four children and four grandkids and would like to have several more. Jack is an avid hiker and boater and loves spending time with his family. You can reach Jack at [email protected] or 317-627-7647. His website is www.equip.international Jack recommends the following books: The Bible; 80/20 Sales & Marketing by Perry Marshall; The Challenger Sale; Drawing Near by John Bevere

In this episode, Matt interviews Pete Molloy. Pete Molloy is the co-founder and co-CEO of Jobsite Supply, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pete and his business partner, Tom Hotwagner, own Jobsite Supply which has grown from a two man crew to a company with over 110 employees. Jobsite Supply is celebrating their 30th year in business in 2024. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Pete is excited to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation. Pete serves on the Evergreen Supply Network Board of Directors. Outside of work, Pete serves on the Board of Directors for The Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House, and serves on the Board of Directors for Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation. You can learn more about Pete here http://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-molloy https://www.jobsitesupply.com/ https://acolf.org/ https://AnnasHouse.org/

In this episode, Matt interviews Patricia Pickett, the founder of Pickett & Associates, a full-service marketing & PR agency serving clients since 2010. Pat is a native Hoosier and a 1982 graduate of Butler University where she majored in journalism and political science. Prior to making the transition to Public Relations in 2005, she was a reporter, editor and publisher. Listen as Patricia shares her journey of starting and running her own strategic marketing and communications business. She emphasizes the importance of providing measurable results for clients and the need for a clear target persona and brand message. Patricia discusses the reasons for starting her business, including the desire for flexibility and the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs. She also shares valuable lessons learned, such as the importance of delegating tasks while staying involved and the need for realistic expectations and budgets. Patricia highlights the differences between working for a company and being self-employed, emphasizing the responsibility and control that comes with running your own business. She advises new business owners to focus on their passion and not forget why they started in the first place. The episode concludes with a reminder to stay focused, keep working, and stay profitable. Takeaways Provide measurable results for clients by focusing on target personas and brand messaging. When starting a business, consider the need for flexibility and the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs. Delegate tasks while staying involved to ensure effective problem-solving and decision-making. Maintain control over your destiny and stay focused on your passion.

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews Harry Howe, a business consultant and mentor. They discuss Harry's experience in starting, running, and growing businesses, as well as his work helping other business owners. Harry shares his background working at GE and his fascination with the entrepreneurial community in Indianapolis. He also talks about his experience starting two IT consulting companies and how he transitioned to helping other business owners. They discuss the importance of grit and the challenges and rewards of being a small business owner. The episode concludes with a discussion on defining success and the importance of work-life balance. Takeaways Starting a business requires grit and perseverance. It's important for business owners to focus on their strengths and not try to be everything to everyone. The transition from a corporate environment to owning a small business can be challenging and humbling. Defining success is not just about financial goals, but also about maintaining healthy relationships and work-life balance. You can learn more about Harry at HoweLead.com Harry also recommends this book Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers by Alexander Osterwalder.

In this episode, host Matt Nettleton interviews Ben Cooper, founder of Amplify, a business that helps businesses build forecasts and gain clarity on their financials. Ben shares his passion for helping business owners understand their numbers and make informed decisions. He discusses the importance of supporting business owners' unique visions and not comparing oneself to others. Ben also reflects on lessons learned from starting his own business and the value of being a company of one. He emphasizes the significance of networking, adapting plans, and quantifying success to achieve meaningful goals. Ben Cooper is a Growth Strategist and the Founder of Amplify, helping business owners clarify their goals and create strategic growth plans to hit them sooner (a “GPS for your business”). With his roots in Nashville’s music business (he co-wrote the Grammy-nominated Ricky Skaggs album, Mosaic), Ben has a unique ability to sit in the seat of the entrepreneur and value both the creative and more quantitative aspects of each business. He helps clients answer questions like, “When can I afford to pay myself more, hire another person, etc.?” and “What controls can I use to make that happen sooner?” and “How will I know I’m on track?” Before founding Amplify, Ben stood as the Director of Operations for a private equity startup. Before earning his MBA in Entrepreneurship from Acton School of Business he was a professional songwriter in Nashville (10 songs recorded by Ricky Skaggs). Learn more at https://amplify.business

In this episode, Tim Warren shares his journey from being a med school dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the digital marketing industry. He emphasizes the importance of finding the intersection of passion, market need, and profitability when starting a business. Tim also discusses the evolution of his passion for SEO and SEM and the challenges and lessons he has learned along the way. He provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of hiring the right employees and balancing sales and marketing efforts. Tim concludes by highlighting the benefits and realities of being a business owner. Takeaways Find the intersection of passion, market need, and profitability when starting a business. Hire employees based on scorecards that focus on performance rather than job descriptions. Balance sales and marketing efforts for long-term business growth. Being a business owner requires passion, commitment, and the ability to handle the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. You can learn more about Timn on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwarrenhelium/ and about Helium SEO at http://helium-seo.com

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews John McNulty, CEO and co-founder of Didgebridge, a Web 3.0 marketing technology company. They discuss the importance of data privacy and ROI in marketing, as well as the challenges faced by businesses in the digital marketing landscape. John shares his experience of starting Didgebridge in 2007 and the need for boardroom-level analytics in marketing campaigns. He emphasizes the significance of focusing on the client's problems and needs and the importance of building a strong team. John also advises aspiring entrepreneurs to gain experience before starting their own business. Takeaways Web 3.0 is a concept that aims to address the privacy and data mining issues of Web 2.0. It focuses on providing the benefits of digital content without compromising user privacy. Didgebridge was founded in 2007 to deliver boardroom-level ROI analytics in marketing and advertising. The company aims to provide solutions that align with the client's needs and deliver measurable results. The marketing landscape has changed significantly in the past 20 years, with a shift towards digital marketing platforms like Google and Facebook. However, the metrics used by these platforms may not always correlate with actual results. Building a strong team and aligning them with the mission of the company is crucial for success. Collaboration with agencies and alliance partners can also be beneficial. As a business owner, it is important to adapt to the evolving needs of the market and be open to change. Having a clear vision and understanding of the client's problems and needs is essential. Gaining experience before starting a business is valuable, as it provides insights into the industry and helps in building a strong foundation for entrepreneurship. Who is Didgebridge? Didgebridge is a Web3.0, Data-PRIVACY & ROI-focused "MarCom" technology company. Our mission is to ensure that all of your digital communication data--- whether internal or external, remains PRIVATE to you and not mineable & retargetable by your competitors, or adversaries. We focus on categories where DATA-PRIVACY & Marketing ROI--- is of paramount importance. FOR MORE INFO ON Didgebridge TEXT: dbvideo TO: 88512

In this episode, host Matt Nettleton interviews business coach CJ McClanahan. They discuss CJ's background and journey as a business coach, as well as the lessons he has learned from starting a coaching franchise and running his own business.. CJ McClanahan is a sought-after speaker, author and executive coach. Since 2003, he’s spent more than 10,000 hours in front of entrepreneurs, executives and their teams helping them to achieve record sales and profits. A few years after starting his coaching firm, CJ noticed that no matter how much success his clients achieved, very few every seemed to truly enjoy the journey. It didn’t matter if they doubled their income or become CEO – it never seemed to be enough. CJ’s latest book, The Overachiever’s Dilemma, lays out a proven strategy to help overachievers get more satisfaction and joy in their lives while still achieving all their professional goals. Takeaways Get outside of your comfort zone and embrace failure as a way to learn and grow. Identify your ideal client and focus on providing value to them. Find joy in helping others and building strong relationships. Recognize the differences between owning a business and being an employee. You can learn more about CJ on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjmcclanahan/ Here are 10 of CJ's favorite books-- Mere Christianity, Lewis, CS Pitch Anything, Klaff, Oren Living the Wisdom of the Tao, Dyer, Wayne Rich Dad Poor Dad, Kiyosaki, Robert The Success Principles, Canfield, Jack Stumbling on Happiness, Gilbert, Daniel The Case for Christ, Stroebel, Lee There is Nothing Wrong with You, Huber, Cheryl Man's Search for Meaning, Frankl, Victor The Road Less Traveled, Peck, M. Scott

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews Chris Reed, owner of Creed Improvements, a general contracting company. They discuss Chris's journey of starting and growing his business, as well as the lessons he has learned along the way. Chris Reed also known as Captain Selfie is the President of Creed Improvements a contract builder of decks, pergolas, porches and basement finishing. He is the founder of Sparks a networking event series that has run for over a decade that features short TED inspired talks. Additionally, he has spent almost a decade serving as an outsourced CMO for small businesses in Indianapolis area. You can find Chris Reed on LinkedIn and Facebook. You can also visit www.captainselfie.com Chris recommends the following books; The Four Agreements, Think and Grow Rich, and anything written by Brene Brown, Seth Godin, Gary V and Rob Bell. Takeaways Starting a business requires preparation, belief in oneself, and the ability to weather the challenges of the first few years. Market focus and niche specialization can help a business stand out and attract customers. Building strong relationships and networking are crucial for business success. The experience and satisfaction of customers should be a top priority for any business. you can learn more about Chris on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherdalereed/ and you can also visit www.captainselfie.com

Brad Klopfenstein has been an influential leader in Indiana’s public policy and political community for the past 25 years. His areas of expertise include the alcohol industry, hospitality, gambling, election law, energy, health care, immigration, media relations, small business affairs, and crisis management. As President of the Greater Lawrence Chamber, Klopfenstein has shown his love of Indiana small businesses, and works daily on behalf of those business owners to help improve their businesses and the conditions which will allow them to be successful. He and his wife Sheila recently revived the classic Indiana beer brand Alps Brau, and own that trademark along with 3 others that will soon be in production. Here are some recommended podcasts from Brad, -Merritt in the Morning (former State Senator Jim Merritt & Brad Klopfenstein) -Do Business Better (Damian Mason) -Indiana Issues (Abdul-Hakim Shabazz) -David Land (because I'm also an IndyCar junkie) Here is some information about the Lawrence Chamber Greater Lawrence Chamber facebook.com/GreaterLawrenceINChamber or @INLawrenceCOC on X/Twitter Home - Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Inc., IN You can find more information about Brad @IndianaKlop on X/Twitter facebook.com/bklop on Facebook and you can learn more about Alps Brau beer @AlpsBrau on X/Twitter facebook.com/AlpsBrau on Facebook

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews Rick LaGore, CEO and co-founder of Intek, a logistics company. Rick shares his journey of starting and growing his business, emphasizing the importance of complementary skill sets and having a shared vision and values with his business partner. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping the business and the need for profitability in the logistics industry. Rick also highlights the importance of saying no to opportunities that don't align with the core focus of the business. He concludes by emphasizing the need for patience, resilience, and a focus on building and creating value for customers and the community. Takeaways Having complementary skill sets and a shared vision and values with your business partner is crucial for success. Bootstrapping a business in the logistics industry requires a focus on profitability and efficient cash flow management. Saying no to opportunities that don't align with the core focus of the business is essential for long-term success. Building a business takes time, patience, and resilience, and it's important to find outlets to relieve stress along the way. You can learn more about Rick on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricklagore/ and more about InTek at http://www.intekfreight-logistics.com/

Mike Protogere runs DA Lubricant. The company has operated in the U.S. for 100 years, D-A Lubricant is the first company ever to specialize exclusively in the manufacture and distribution of heavy-duty lubricants designed especially for heavy-duty equipment. Family-owned and operated, D-A Lubricant is located in a state-of-the-art facility in Lebanon, Ind., a 250,000-square-foot building with space for offices, blending, processing, packaging, a technical lab, rail loading and offloading and 14 dock doors. The company has seven company-owned distribution centers and business partnerships with 70 independent distributors, with delivery coverage throughout the continental United States and beyond. D-A produces industry-leading engine oils, transmission lubricants, greases, gear lubricants, hydraulic oils, antifreezes, specialty products and industrial grade lubricants. For more information about D-A Lubricant, visit dalube.com or call 317-923-5321 They also have a book “D-A 100 Year Book” and a series of youtube videos (why D-A) and Made in the USA

Anissa Zajac shares her journey of accidentally starting an interior design business and the challenges and successes she encountered along the way. She initially started a clothing business but found it to be financially unsustainable. Anissa discovered her passion for interior design and began sharing her work on Instagram, which led to collaborations and opportunities. She opened a brick-and-mortar shop and an e-commerce store, but eventually decided to focus primarily on interior design. Anissa emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, organization, and developing processes in running a successful business. Takeaways Starting a business can often happen by accident, as individuals discover their passion and find opportunities in unexpected places. Building a strong online presence, such as through Instagram, can lead to collaborations and business growth. Balancing multiple roles, such as being an influencer and a designer, requires making conscious decisions and prioritizing one's focus. Adapting to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may require pivoting business strategies and finding creative solutions. Developing processes and systems is crucial for running a successful business and ensuring efficiency. You can find more about Anissa on Instagram @housesevendesign

In this conversation, Mike DuKate, owner of DuKatete Fine Remodeling, shares his experiences in the construction industry and the challenges he faced as a small business owner. He discusses the importance of finding alignment with one's passion and vocation, as well as the need for business skills and accountability in the trades. Mike also shares the story of how his company survived a major embezzlement and the lessons he learned from that experience. He emphasizes the value of peer groups and mentors in business and offers advice for small business owners. Takeaways Finding alignment between passion and vocation is crucial for long-term fulfillment in a career. Business skills and accountability are essential for success in the trades. Peer groups and mentors can provide valuable guidance and support for small business owners. Learning from past mistakes and implementing stronger financial controls can help prevent and recover from embezzlement. You can find morew informatiion about Mike on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedukate/ or his company website https://www.dukate.net/

Randall Cloe is the owner of Cloe Legal, a law firm based in Carmel, providing pragmatic corporate counsel for the owner-operators of Main Street businesses across the state of Indiana. By developing a personal relationship with clients and becoming intimately acquainted with their business, Cloe Legal delivers the legal vision and strategy to manage the change of growth. Randall has a Wife, Karie, and two children, Charlie and Lillie. You can learn more about Randall on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcloe/ or the web at www.cloelegal.com. You are also welcome to connect with him directly by email at [email protected]

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews Cathy Armour, the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Central Indiana. After 25+ years of serving small businesses in Central Indiana through a regional accounting firm and then her own consulting company, Cathy landed full-time at BBB in 2015 as COO/CFO. In December of 2021 Cathy was appointed as CEO of BBB Serving Central Indiana leading the team to assist the consumers in the 46 counties they serve, and 77,000 businesses in their market area. In 2023 BBB Serving Central Indiana grew their membership of BBB Accredited Businesses by 10% (third highest in the system of 94 BBBs across North America). Passionate about connecting with others, Cathy is excited to be investing in the growth culture of their organization by understanding the passion and skills of each team member and making certain they are maximizing those and finding fulfillment in their work. Takeaways Trust is crucial in business and has been a core value of the Better Business Bureau since its inception. Investing in people and creating a positive company culture are essential for the success of an organization. Small business owners should focus on finding the right people to complement their skills and creating effective communication channels. Having a solid business plan and continuously updating it is vital for the success of a new business.

Joining me today is Kent Kramer, President and CEO of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, a local not-for-profit organization that employs nearly 5,000 people and operates 17 high schools in Indiana as well as a nurse-home visitation program for first-time, low-income moms. Kent has been with Goodwill for 20 years – the previous eight as CEO. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in multi-unit leadership positions with Sam’s Club and Kmart across several states. Kent earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from Indiana State University and serves on the Alumni Association Board. He also holds an MBA from the Falls School of Business at Anderson University. He serves on the School of Business and Information Technology Advisory Board for Purdue University Global and was elected to serve on the Goodwill International Board of Directors in 2019. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. You can find more information about Kent online at https://www.goodwillindy.org/kent-kramer/ or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodwillkak/ Kent recommends any Patrick Lencioni book (3 of his faves) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Death by Meeting, and The Ideal Team Player

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews Chris Eley, the owner of Smoking Goose and Goose the Market in Indianapolis. Chris shares his journey of starting and growing a retail-based business in the food industry. He discusses his background in the food industry, the decision to start a butcher shop, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Chris emphasizes the importance of planning, maintaining passion for the business, and under-promising and over-delivering. He also highlights the all-consuming nature of business ownership and offers advice for new business owners. You can find more information about Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-eley-287828b/ or his company website https://www.goosethemarket.com/ Takeaways Starting a business in the retail industry requires careful planning and consideration of market demand. Maintaining passion for the business is crucial for long-term success. Under-promising and over-delivering can help build trust and loyalty with customers. Business ownership can be all-consuming, but it is important to find a balance and prioritize personal well-being. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 03:04Early Career in the Food Industry 08:30Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 10:18Starting a Butcher Shop 14:06Maintaining Passion for the Business 16:12Lessons Learned and the Value of Planning 18:15Challenges of Growing a Business 21:00The All-Consuming Nature of Business Ownership 23:23Advice for New Business Owners 25:39Wrap-up and Call to Action

With 51 Episodes done, this is the second quick recap. In these three episodes, our guests talked about Pivoting, Getting Started, and the Journey of Business. Listen to short clips from Eddie Rangel, Tommy Reddicks, Stephanie Daily, Steve Sawa, and Andrew Elsener.

With 51 Episodes done, it is time for a quick recap. The first three themes our guest talked about were Failure, Finances and Paying for Lessons. Listen to short clips from Joel Russell, Tommy Reddicks, Brady Clements, Pete (the Planner) Dunn, Jeff Donovan and Nels Kasey.

In this episode, Matt Nettleton interviews Steve Sawa, the general manager at Auto's parking marking. They discuss the journey of starting, running, and growing a less glamorous business. Steve shares the background and history of the business, which he bought from the original founders in 2000. He talks about the lessons he has learned as a business owner, including the importance of saying no and making the right decisions. Steve also discusses the transition to employee ownership through an ESOP and the planning involved. The episode concludes with advice for new business owners to take action and make sound decisions. Takeaways Starting a business requires hard work and dedication, and the early years can be challenging. Building a solid foundation and having good people around you are key to success. Learning from mistakes and being willing to fix them is important for growth. Transitioning to employee ownership can be a way to reward and retain valuable employees.

In this episode, host Matt Nettleton interviews Jonathan Walla, owner of Walla Painting, about his journey as a small business owner. Jonathan shares his experience starting with a lawn care business and transitioning to painting. He emphasizes the importance of business coaching and reading books to gain knowledge and insights. Jonathan also highlights the need to set boundaries and prioritize personal life while running a business. He discusses the opportunities and challenges he faced during the housing market crash and offers advice on knowing the numbers in your business. You can connect to Jonathan on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-walla-03001776/ or his company website https://wallapainting.com/ E-myth revisited: Michael Gerber https://amzn.to/47ct1hL How to win friends and influence people: Dale Carnegie https://amzn.to/46VUFzh Selling to Homeowners the Sandler Way: Chip Doyle & Kim Booker https://amzn.to/3RJ7716 Atomic habits: James Clear https://amzn.to/3uY6WpL

Eddie Rangel is the Chief Executive Officer of Adelante Schools, an Indiana non-profit school management organization. In this role, he leads an Indianapolis Mayor-sponsored, K-8 public charter innovation school within the Indianapolis Public Schools Innovation Network. Previously, Eddie served as a school leader in the Tindley Accelerated Schools network and a teacher in Indianapolis Public Schools. Eddie holds a M.Ed. in Public School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, an MA in Teaching from Marian University, and a BM in Music Performance from the University of Redlands. You can find more information about Eddie at www.adelanteschools.org or https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-rangel/ Eddie recommends this book How the Other Half Learns, Robert Pondiscio https://amzn.to/3Gxx8tL

Jeff Williams, a serial entrepreneur from Indianapolis, has made a name for himself by establishing numerous successful companies across diverse industries. However, when exorbitant surges in healthcare expenses severely impacted his businesses, he resolved to address the issue head-on, channeling his skills towards co-founding WellBridge Surgical. Throughout his career and personal endeavors, Jeff consistently embodies the role of a disrupter, challenging conventional norms and daring to take risks for the betterment of society at large. You can learn more about Jeff on his company website www.wellbridgesurgical.com

Meet Andy Chapman, President & CEO of Signworks. Signworks is a multidisciplinary group of designers, brand managers, strategists, craftsmen, fabricators, and construction managers with expertise in graphic design, interior design, building design, urban wayfinding, marketing, industrial design, and art with a common focus on developing visual communication for the built environment. We offer our expertise at many different levels to various clients. We work with project owners, developers, cities, businesses, universities, architects, engineers, facilities directors, and everyone in between. Signworks has an entrepreneurial spirit. We love a challenge, and we have a passion for great craftsmanship. We combine those attributes with organized, professional project management to deliver world-class projects and a great customer experience for our clients. From the smallest, most detailed piece to large, multi-story structures, Signworks designs and builds high-fit and finish architectural products and signage for a wide variety of venues. Every project is different, but what they all have in common is the sophistication of the design and the industry’s highest standard of quality. You can find more information about Andy on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/indyandychapman/ or on his company website https://signworksthinks.com Finally, Andy recommended one book Wild at Heart: John Eldredge https://amzn.to/47XtqFx

As CEO, Karen Alter leads Borshoff and oversees the agency’s strategic direction, sales and marketing, management and operations, talent development and recruitment and other key initiatives. Prior to her current role and for two decades, Karen provided strategic and senior-level counsel on advertising, branding and marketing campaigns for the agency’s largest clients. As an agency leader, she helped expand Borshoff’s advertising business unit, which now represents 75% of the agency’s workforce and total revenue. She received a bachelor’s degree from Butler University (1985) and a master’s degree from Indiana University. She and her husband, Dick, have one son, Matthew, and a collie, named Maddie. To get in touch with Karen, visit Borshoff’s website or her LinkedIn profile. Karen recommended the book Fans First by JesseCole https://amzn.to/3GkugA9

John Ryan serves as Chief Executive Officer of OrthoIndy, the largest provider of orthopedic care in the State of Indiana. Ryan’s focus has been on strategic initiatives to protect and grow OrthoIndy and other like-minded private orthopedic practices across the state and the nation. Prior to OrthoIndy, Ryan served as a healthcare attorney at Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, P.C., where he ascended to be the firm’s CEO and led its national growth strategy and ultimately grew the practice to become the largest healthcare-focused law firm in the country. You can find more information about John here OI Exec Team: https://www.orthoindy.com/executive-team John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpr-hallrender

Doug is the president and owner of Black Ink IT. At Blackink IT, we see each employee as a leader and collectively work to live to our core values of Humanity, Excellence, and Ingenuity. We want to keep a culture that cares about our employees, clients, and the community in the delivery of managed technology and cybersecurity services. You can get more information about Doug on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/dougallgood or Blackink IT email [email protected] Some books Doug recommends include Leadership & Self Deception by Arbinger Institute https://amzn.to/3SNq0kl Radical Candor by Kim Scott https://amzn.to/49KzmmU Traction by Gino Wickman https://amzn.to/47t1JEz

Jennifer Denney brings a robust 17-year tenure in digital marketing, fueled by a fervent passion for the field. She started Elevated Marketing Solutions nearly 7 years ago. She and her team are very data-centric in their approach to digital marketing while maintaining a creative aspect. They excel in dissecting complex data from a multitude of online sources and wielding a variety of analytical tools to inform every strategic move. Their decisions are invariably underpinned by solid data, embodying their conviction in digital marketing's unparalleled capacity for growth. Jennifer is distinguished by her resilience in the face of new challenges, approaching the untried with steadfast determination. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge is sated through diligent self-education—perusing the latest articles, attending key conferences, and maintaining a strong connection with a network of marketing mavens. Her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning stand as testaments to her dynamic expertise in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. You can find all of Elevated Marketing Solutions' social media channels at https://elevatedmarketing.solutions/ But googling Jennifer Denney (because she knows how to market) will find her wherever you are. She is active on LinkedIn and Facebook. Jennifer has a specific book recommendation Start With Why by Simon Sinek https://amzn.to/3SK3CrU

Our guest is Jill Lehman, Founder High Frequency Arts. High Frequency Arts is a women-owned and operated business on a mission to create meaningful experiences that engage people and environments using art and creative displays. They are a one-stop shop for all things artwork. An art gallery, art consultation, art print, installation, framing, and project management firm. High Frequency Arts is located in Fishers at the Hub & Spoke Design Center where they also curate quarterly artists exhibitions and open houses. You can find informtion about High Frequency Arts on the internet www.highfrequencyarts.com Or you can search IG and LinkedIn for High Frequency Arts A couple of Book recommendations from Jill are Yes You Can Do it, by Claudia Reuter https://amzn.to/3SvXq6H What the Heck is EOS by Gino Wickman & Tom Bouwer https://amzn.to/3MwO6vt

Jarred Juett is the CEO of 1909 DIGITAL, a digital marketing agency focused on building better marketing programs for organizations of all sizes, with a focus on catapulting non-profits into the 21st century. He also owns Paradigm Games, a local hobby retailer in Indianapolis specializing in collectible card games and community organizing. We're active on Facebook, but our website 1909digital.com is the best place to reach us or to get more information about what we do day in and day out. Rather than reading books, Jarred recommends asking your friends about what they are learning and what they are excited about, constantly. I hate marketing books. I hate sales books. I hate self-help books. Get out there and DO and LEARN and LISTEN to those who are already successful. You can connect to Jarred on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarredjuett/

Paul is approaching 20 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, and 2018 state champion level. Paul has trained at least 30 plus players in the NBA, hundreds of collegiate players, and thousands of high school players. He has spoken at multiple coaching clinics for international coaches and hosted clinics for professional players and coaches. Outside of basketball he most values his wife Katrina and three kids. You can learn more about Paul at hoosiershooting.com You can follow him on Instagram: @HoosierShootingAcademy And you can connect to Paul on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachpaulswartz/ A book Paul recommends The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing https://amzn.to/3MjIgOg

Ryan Henry is the Idea Guy and Co-founder of INSPIREsmall.biz Ryan grew-up in Northwest Indiana and has lived in Indianapolis since 2010. Ryan joined the Indianapolis East Rotary Club in 2018 and was recently elected to serve as District Governor for the 2025-26 Rotary year You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinideaguy/ You can find more information about Ryan at http://www.INSPIREsmall.biz Some books Ryan recommends How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie https://amzn.to/45ZBeVz Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson https://amzn.to/3u0Q298 Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles https://amzn.to/3MlNY1O

Douglas Karr is the founder of Martech Zone at https://martech.zone and DK New Media, his company. He’s a fractional CMO, splitting his marketing leadership experience between a few key clients. You can connect on LinkedIn with Doug https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglaskarr/

Sändra Connor is the creative force behind, and the owner of, videoGROWS.com where clients get much more than videos. Her clients are able to leverage great marketing strategies for more leads, and ultimately more sales, because they not only better understand how to use videos for marketing, but also what marketing can REALLY do for their businesses. You can connect with Sändra on LinkedIn. She has articles and helpful posts there. https://linkedin.com/in/sandraconnor Sändra has also authored a book Sales Fusion https://amzn.to/3Mk9Ri3

Angie Rogers-Howell is a Wife, Mom, Stepmom, Small Business Owner, and much more. In 2012, she took a risk and took the last paycheck from her previous job to start her own marketing firm, Farmhouse Creative. She and her husband are also co-hosts of the Gone Boss podcast. On the home front, Angie is wife to Matt; Mom/Stepmom in their blended family. She lives on her husband’s family farm in Farmland. In her free time, you might also see her on stage singing and dancing at Muncie Civic Theatre or watching trashy TV at home. More information can be found at www.farmhousecreative.net www.goneboss.com https://www.facebook.com/paradoxchica/ https://www.instagram.com/paradoxchica/

Joel Russell’s journey began as a dedicated soccer player, where he had the privilege of competing at the collegiate level for renowned institutions like Indiana University and Stanford University. With a strong foundation as a teammate and leader, he soon discovered his true passion centered around building people and processes. In 1998, Joel founded eimagine technology group – a business, community, and personal improvement company that uses technology and IT solutions as a tool to help companies create business value and facilitate change and advancement. The guiding principles of eimagine is the perspective of IC3: Individual, Client, Community, and Company. This holistic approach ensures every decision made aligns with creating a positive and lasting impact. As a long-term thinker and lifelong learner, Joel is deeply committed to making decisions that shape a better tomorrow. In addition to Joel’s role as the Founder/CEO of eimagine, he also serves as the Head Coach of the Cathedral High School boys soccer team. Here are some book recommendations from Joel- Business Books: You Can’t Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar by David H. Sandler https://amzn.to/46kXGJy Patrick Lencioni Books https://amzn.to/462HQUh Inspired by Marty Cagan https://amzn.to/461drFV Non-Business Books: Author Daniel Silvia – Gabrial Alon series https://amzn.to/45lmtMR Author Lee Child – Jack Reacher series https://amzn.to/3t9Rrdh Author Brad Thor – Scot Horvath series https://amzn.to/454rskS Author Michael Connelly – Harry Bosch https://amzn.to/454Y91m You can find more information about Joel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/russelljoel/ You can find moreinformation about eImagine on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/eimagine/

Samantha Schwartz is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of THE PLAIDAGENCY, an award-winning full-service marketing agency. PLAID provides strategic consulting, brand development and/or optimization, marketing plan build/oversight, cross-channel management, digital strategy, tactical project implementation, multi-channel content creation – everything marketing soup to nuts. Because of her leadership and advancements in marketing, technology, and product launch, Samantha was a 2013 Women in Hi-Tech Award Nominee and an IBJ 40 under 40 award nominee. In addition, PLAID received accolades as an Indianapolis top 10 branding, PR, and digital communications agency, an IBJ largest Indianapolis ad agency recipient, while also being recognized with top honors from the Davey, PRSA, and Web Management Associations. Prior to founding PLAID, Samantha spent 15+ years in the healthcare marketing sector—with leadership roles and recognition at both Eli Lilly and Avant Healthcare Marketing. Samantha earned her bachelor's degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, where she graduated with highest distinction and was elected to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society upon graduation. You can reach me: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-b-schwartz/ or via pigeon at 12411 N Pennsylvania St Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032 Website http://THEPLAIDAGENCY.com Current book recomendations Scaling Up – Verne Harnish https://amzn.to/3Pq2qH1 Obviously Awesome – April Dunford https://amzn.to/3Pq2syD An Effective Life – Stephen Covey https://amzn.to/3PjPbHP

Kenny was born and raised in Lafayette, IN, graduated from Purdue and went on to achieve both his CFA and Graduate degree from the University of Chicago. Before Titan Investments, Kenny spent most of his career in investment management in Chicago, IL. Kenny is now the owner of Titan Investments in Indianapolis, IN. You can find more information about Kenny and Titan Investments at http://titaninvestmentmgmt.com Some Books Kenny recommends. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnman https://amzn.to/48viccq Nudge by Richard Thaler https://amzn.to/3EJcqGs Proverbs (Bible – King Solomon)

Most small businesses waste a ton of money on marketing that never moves the needle, leaving business owners feeling stressed, strapped, and discouraged. Joe Garrison is the owner of Moonflower Marketing in Indianapolis, where he helps small businesses and nonprofits create powerful brand messaging that helps them reach more people, make more money, and create more impact. You can learn more about Joe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeggarrison/ or @JoeGGarrison on most social platforms. You can learn more about Moonflower Marketing at moonflowermarketing.com or @moonflowerindy on most social platforms. We also discussed Joe’s non profit work, you can find information about the North Shadeland Alliance at http://www.Northshadeland.com and @northshadeland on most social platforms. Finally, Joe has some book recommendations Building a StoryBrand, by Donald Miller https://amzn.to/3PywIZr Alchemy by Rory Sutherland https://amzn.to/3sT25Fi Brainfluence by Roger Dooley https://amzn.to/466RXag Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman https://amzn.to/3sJJqvf Everybody Writes by Ann Handley https://amzn.to/3PA87Ua

With the first 30 episodes of the podcast recorded, I have a conversation with Robin Green about what I have learned so far. Whether you are an aspiring business owner, a new business owner or have owned your business for some time, the conversations I have had serve as a reminder that there are fundamentals to being successful.

Rosemily Geyer is a business owner working on building a sustainable business while raising three daughters who are busy with sports and school activities. She was a CPA with EY and discovered that she really wanted to build a business. As her business has grown she has discovered her real passion is growing her team. You can find information about Rosemily on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemilygeyer/ You can learn more about Geyer Fire on their website https://geyerfire.com/

Jeff Donovan the managing partner of Donovan CPAs and he believes he is successful because of his people. To learn more about his business you can visit www.cpadonovan.com, or go to his office. They have two office locations, one in Avon at 5151 E US Highway 36 and one in Indy at 9292 N Meridian St. You could also call the number is 317-745-6411. To learn more about Jeff you can go to linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-donovan-cpa-cva-maff-6bbb7838/ Here are a couple of recomended books from Jeff Taipan by James Clavell (this is historical fiction and one in the Shogun series but taught me a lot about business in general) https://amzn.to/3L0Ut9V Blood and Treasure by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin (a history of Daniel Boone and his exploration of Kentucky), https://amzn.to/3OO9DQQ Traction by Gino Wickman. https://amzn.to/3OZjGlY