Spotlight Podcast

The Secret to Employee Retention Nobody Talks About (A Salon Owner's Proven System) with Lindsay Pyle

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Lindsay Pile, founder of Posh Salon, shares the raw and real story of growing her business from a small booth salon in 2004 to a 40–50 person team over 22 years — covering expansion, leadership, and the hard lessons along the way. She and shareholder Perry break down their unique leveling system, associate program, and monthly personal development meetings that keep employees motivated, loyal, and financially empowered. From navigating a full building renovation while staying open, to pivoting through COVID with curbside product delivery, this episode is a masterclass in resilient, people-first business ownership.

00:00 - The Reality of Owning a Business

01:54 - Perry's Journey: From Associate to Shareholder

02:45 - What It's Really Like Opening a Business at 25

03:11 - The Biggest Misconception About Being Your Own Boss

04:00 - Reframing Time Investment as Building Your Future

07:18 - Navigating AI & Social Media in the Salon Industry

08:10 - Why Continuing Education Sets Posh Apart

10:36 - The Level System: From Level 1 to Level 7

12:03 - How the Level System Creates Transparent Career Growth

15:11 - When Stylists Become Mentors: The Level 5 Milestone

16:34 - Monthly Personal Development Meetings (PDMs)

18:02 - Building Through the 2017 Expansion While Staying Open

19:51 - Adding Revenue Streams: The Retail Boutique

20:18 - Bringing On New Shareholders & Delegating Leadership

22:14 - Learning to Let Go & Trust Your Team

26:52 - Big Wins: Salon Today Top 200 in America

31:30 - The Difference Between a Boss and a Leader

38:36 - How to Make Confident Business Decisions

41:04 - Building Resilience as a Business Owner

41:34 - What Lindsay's Role Looks Like Today as CEO

Stay Connected:

Visit: https://www.poshsalon-dayspa.com/

Follow & Subscribe to Community First Bank of Indiana: @CFBindiana

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not reflect our official policy. Content is based on guest opinions and is not intended to offend or harm any group or individual. Always seek professional advice for legal, financial, or business matters.

From Garage Side Hustle to $40M Indiana Economic Engine: The AndyMark Story

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Andy Baker, president and co-founder of AndyMark, shares how he and his partner Mark Kurs turned a side hustle born out of high school robotics mentorship into a 50-employee company that sells mechanical parts to over 90 countries and injects more than $40 million annually into Indiana's economy. Andy opens up about the hard lessons of cash flow management, knowing when to delegate, navigating competition with former mentees, and the unconventional secret weapon behind his success — his wife and business partner Mary. From a $70,000 first big win to surviving COVID and eyeing an eventual succession plan, this episode is a masterclass in building a purpose-driven business that outlasts every obstacle thrown at it.

00:00 - The $40M Indiana Economic Impact Teaser

00:38 - Welcome & Guest Introduction

01:19 - How Andy Mark Was Born from Robotics Mentorship

02:32 - Starting the Business in Summer 2004

03:34 - The Market Then vs. Now in 2026

04:24 - Running a Side Hustle While Keeping the Day Job

05:28 - Losing His Father & Finding New Advisors

06:19 - The Decision to Go Full-Time in 2007

08:52 - How Roles Have Evolved as the Company Scaled

10:48 - Learning to Delegate & Let Go

11:33 - Creating a Mission Statement on the Way to Cedar Point

12:41 - Hiring Philosophy & Building Company Culture

15:11 - The Global Customer Base Explained

16:45 - Selling to 90+ Countries & 14 International Distributors

17:32 - Visiting Distributors in Rio, Istanbul, Taiwan & More

18:37 - The Israel Robotics Moment That Blew Andy's Mind

20:34 - Getting Recognized in a Bathroom in Taiwan

21:24 - Half a Percent Indiana Revenue, 99% Economic Injection

23:42 - Marketing Strategies Then vs. Now

25:00 - When Your Mentees Become Your Competitors

26:21 - Growing the Pie vs. Fighting for Slices

28:41 - First Big Wins That Still Stick Out

31:07 - How COVID Nearly Broke Everything

33:34 - Why March & April Are Everything for Morale

34:46 - Biggest Business Mistakes & Missed Opportunities

36:18 - The Cash Flow Challenge Nobody Warns You About

37:16 - How Andy Motivates His Team Without Yelling

39:23 - Why He Congratulates Teams, Not Individuals

40:07 - The Tuesday Morning Meeting Ritual

42:13 - Managing Conflict & Demanding Respect

44:02 - Trusting Your HR Manager & Staying in Your Lane

45:38 - The Reality of Running a Business With Your Spouse

48:26 - Did He Ever Dream It Would Get This Big?

49:16 - The Texas Job Offer That Changed Everything

50:24 - From Mentors to Competitors: The Full Circle Moment

53:23 - The Boston Scientific Pacemaker Lesson on Competition

56:39 - What's Next for Andy Mark in the Coming Years

58:22 - How Andy Takes Care of Himself (CrossFit Shoutout)

59:36 - Succession Planning & the Road Ahead

1:00:30 - Final Thoughts & Wrap Up

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: / vision___studio_

Follow & Subscribe to Community First Bank of Indiana: @CFBindiana

🔔 ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?

Here's what to do next: SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a Spotlight story LIKE this video to help more people find it COMMENT below — what was your biggest takeaway from Andy's journey? SHARE with a business owner who needs to hear this New episodes this season, weekly, featuring the people & businesses shaping our community.

From Startup to $1 Billion: The Banker Who Actually Wants You to Succeed

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Season 3 of Spotlight Podcast ! Meet hosts Courtney Butler & Caitlyn Sheets as they introduce Rob Blume, President & CEO of Community First Bank. In this episode they share how a group of 16 bankers set out in 2002 to build a locally-owned institution where the customer mattered more than the bottom line — growing from a small mortgage company into a nearly billion-dollar bank without losing its community-first mission. The conversation dives into how CFB goes beyond traditional banking by donating nearly $250,000 annually, distributing millions in Federal Home Loan Bank grants, and actively advising small business owners the way a trusted partner would — not just a lender. Rob also opens up about servant leadership, hiring people smarter than yourself, and why the bank's greatest asset has never been its rates or locations, but always its people.

00:00 — Introduction & Opening Quotes

00:56 — About the Podcast & Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance

01:31 — Meet the Guest: Rob Blume, Community First Bank

02:15 — How CFB Gives Back to the Community

03:15 — Federal Home Loan Bank Grants & Recent Recipients

04:10 — The Founding Story: Why CFB Was Created

05:22 — Who's Still Around from the Original 16

06:08 — Leadership Style & Employee Retention

07:16 — How Employees Give Back & Community Involvement

08:27 — Lessons from Starting the Bank as a Small Business

09:57 — Why Entrepreneurs Need a Support System

10:51 — Knowing When to Let Go & Hire Help

12:46 — The Fear of Expanding Your Business

13:59 — Long-Term Thinking & The Infinite Game

14:44 — Employee Development & CFB University

16:27 — Community Bank vs. Big Bank: What's the Difference?

17:36 — What Bankers Are Really Looking For

18:06 — What Happens When the Bank Says No

20:15 — Proudest Moments & Business Success Stories

21:06 — PPP Loans During COVID & Stepping Up for the Community

23:54 — Growth & Excitement Happening in Kokomo Right Now

25:11 — The Hobson Building Investment & Downtown Commitment

27:55 — What Downtown Kokomo Looks Like in 10 Years

28:48 — Why CFB Sponsors the Spotlight Podcast

30:27 — Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

32:20 — Don't Be the Smartest Person in the Room

33:49 — Servant Leadership in Action

35:31 — Closing Remarks & Thank You

Stay Connected:

Follow & Subscribe to Community First Bank of Indiana: ‪@CFBindiana‬

What It Really Takes to Run a Small Business (No One Tells You This)

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, Tim Branyan sits down with entrepreneur Austin Walls, owner of Walls Furniture & Mattress, to talk about building a family business, overcoming failure, and what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Austin shares his journey from growing up in the furniture business at just 15 years old to launching and scaling his own store. From loading trucks late at night to learning the value of work ethic, resilience, and customer service, this episode is packed with real-world lessons for anyone chasing success.

They also dive into:

- The truth about entrepreneurship (and why failure is part of the process)

- How family values shape a business

- What most people don’t know about the furniture industry

- Practical tips for buying furniture the right way

- Leadership, mentorship, and building a strong team If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone looking to grow personally and professionally, this conversation is for you.

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome to the Spotlight + Vision Studio Shoutout

1:04 – Meet Austin Walls (Walls Furniture & Mattress)

2:08 – Moving to Kokomo & Building Community

3:12 – What is Walls Furniture?

4:28 – How the Family Business Started (1996 Story)

6:05 – Health Scare That Changed Everything

7:55 – Starting From Scratch: Auctions & Hustle

10:18 – Filling the House With Furniture

11:58 – Opening the First Store (Real Startup Moment)

13:40 – Early Lessons in Work Ethic

15:22 – Paper Route Story & First Jordans

17:50 – BMX Era & Childhood Grind

20:05 – Transitioning to New Furniture

22:20 – Why Used Furniture Doesn’t Work Like It Used To

24:05 – What People Don’t Know About the Furniture Industry

26:50 – Why Furniture Prices Haven’t Skyrocketed

29:45 – Modern Furniture Tech (Massage, LED, & More)

32:05 – Adapting as an Entrepreneur

33:55 – How to Actually Shop for Furniture (Must Know)

36:20 – Why WHO You Buy From Matters Most

38:50 – Customer Service & Repairs Behind the Scenes

40:55 – Building a Team That Actually Cares

42:50 – Most Rewarding Moments in Business

44:45 – Creating a No-Pressure Buying Experience

46:20 – Advice for Entrepreneurs (Hard Truths)

48:20 – “Spine Sweat” (Powerful Mindset Shift)

49:25 – Where to Find Walls Furniture

50:41 – Outro

🔗 Connect & Learn More

👉 Austin Walls (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-walls-2526b213/

👉 Tim Branyan (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbranyan/

👉 Walls Furniture & Mattress: https://shopwallsfurniture.com/

👉 Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

👉 Vision Studio (Book a session): https://www.bookvisionstudio.com/

About the Show The Spotlight highlights entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators making an impact in their communities and beyond. New episodes feature real conversations, real stories, and real lessons. entrepreneurship, small business, family business, Kokomo Indiana, leadership, business podcast, startup advice, furniture business, personal development, success mindset

Inside Kokomo Country Club’s Comeback with New Head Golf Pro Rick Witt

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Tim Branyan sits down with Rick Witt, the new Head Golf Professional at Kokomo Country Club, to talk about leadership, relationships, and the powerful role golf plays in building community. Rick shares his journey from collegiate golf to running elite golf operations, why he chose to be part of the club’s transformation, and how golf creates lifelong connections — from family memories to business opportunities.

You’ll also hear about:

⛳ The real role of a PGA professional

⛳ How golf and entrepreneurship are more alike than you think

⛳ The future vision for the club’s growth and culture

⛳ Programs for families, juniors, and new players

⛳ Why country clubs are evolving into community hubs

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a golf enthusiast, or someone looking for meaningful experiences with family and friends — this conversation is packed with insight.

🔗 Connect with Tim LinkedIn: / timbranyan

🏢 Business support resources Indiana Small Business Development Center: https://isbdc.org/

⛳ Learn more about the course https://www.kokomocountryclub.com/cou...

📩 Contact Rick Wit [rickw@kokomocountryclub.com](mailto:rickw@kokomocountryclub.com)

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (Podcast length: 30:25)

0:00 Intro & welcome

1:05 Rick’s background and golf journey

4:10 What a head golf pro really does

7:00 Golf lessons, enjoyment, and lifelong play

9:30 Golf parallels with entrepreneurship

12:15 Running great golf operations & customer experience

15:00 Why Rick chose Kokomo Country Club

18:10 Building community and family culture

21:00 Programs for ladies, juniors, and new players

24:00 Golf for networking and business relationships

27:10 The future vision for the club

29:10 How to connect, visit, or get involved

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves golf, business, or building great communities.

Why Hiring Is Broken (And What Actually Works)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0400

What happens when traditional hiring fails—and you decide to build talent instead? In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, host Tim Branyan sits down with seasoned entrepreneur and educator Ron Brumbarger to unpack decades of experience building companies, developing people, and rethinking how we educate and train the workforce.

From founding and exiting a successful tech firm to launching Apprenticeship University, Ron shares why curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning matter more than résumés—and how entrepreneurs can solve talent gaps by designing better systems. This conversation is packed with real-world lessons on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and why giving knowledge away is the ultimate growth strategy.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, educator, or someone questioning the traditional path—this episode is for you.

Timestamps (Podcast length: 69:50)

00:00 – Intro & welcome to The Spotlight Podcast

02:10 – Meet Ron Brumbarger & his entrepreneurial background

06:45 – Building and selling a tech company (Bitwise Solutions)

11:30 – Why hiring talent kept failing

16:20 – Walking away from $1M in business

19:40 – Why Ron started Apprenticeship University

26:10 – Why learning by doing beats lectures

32:00 – The real skills businesses can’t find

38:15 – Innovation, curiosity, and problem-finding

44:30 – Why brainstorming usually fails

50:10 – Fear, belief, and getting in the game

55:40 – Trust, empathy, and active listening in leadership

61:20 – Giving knowledge away to build authority

66:30 – Final thoughts on success, fulfillment, and relationships

Links & Resources Ron Brumbarger

📱 Phone: (317)-490-4376

📧 Email: ron@brumbarger.com

🔗 LinkedIn: / in

Tim Branyan

🔗 LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Featured Organizations

🌱 Struinova: https://struinova.com/

🏢 Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

🎥 Vision StudioWhy Hiring Is Broken (And What Actually Works): https://www.bookvisionstudio.com/

From Service to Startups: Building Veteran-Led Businesses with Courtney Zaugg

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:15:00 -0400

In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, host Tim Branyan sits down with Courtney Zaugg, Indiana-based entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and co-founder of Venture Vets, to explore what it really takes to build sustainable support systems for entrepreneurs—especially those from the military community. Courtney shares her journey from international economic development to entrepreneurship, the creation of Venture Vets, and how obsession, service, and trust drive long-term impact. From construction tech and digital skills accelerators to launching a veteran-focused fund, this conversation dives deep into the future of entrepreneurship, policy, and community-driven growth.

Whether you’re a veteran entrepreneur, community leader, economic developer, or someone building the next generation of support organizations, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and actionable perspective.

🔗 Links & Resources: Courtney Zaugg –

LinkedIn: / courtneyzaugg

Venture Vets: https://www.theventurevets.com/

Tim Branyan – LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

Vision Studio (Podcast Production): https://bookvisionstudio.com

Produced by Vision Studio 📍 Recorded in Indiana

Supporting entrepreneurs, veterans, and communities nationwide

Episode Timestamps (37:17)

00:00 – Welcome & Courtney’s background

03:10 – From international development to entrepreneurship

09:45 – Why entrepreneurship became the path forward

14:40 – The origin and evolution of Venture Vets

20:55 – Building trust and community in veteran ecosystems

25:30 – Women in leadership & entrepreneurship

30:10 – What’s coming in 2026: accelerators & venture fund

34:40 – Advice for communities & support organizations

36:30 – How to connect with Courtney & Venture Vets

What Successful Entrepreneurs Know Before Starting a Business

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Starting a business can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Art McDonald and Tim Branyan share honest, real-world insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and what actually matters when building something from the ground up. From overcoming fear and uncertainty to learning while moving forward, this conversation breaks down the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who never get started.

If you’re thinking about launching a business, growing one, or just want clarity on the entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with practical perspective and encouragement. This discussion also highlights the importance of curiosity, resilience, and sharing knowledge — and how organizations like the ISBDC support entrepreneurs at every stage.

🔗 Connect & Learn More (Links referenced in this episode)

Art McDonald on LinkedIn: / art-mcdonald-48b7b832

Tim Branyan on LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org

From Startup Founder to Chamber CEO: Lessons in Leadership with Mikel Berger

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:15:00 -0400

Entrepreneurship isn’t about reckless risk — it’s about not quitting. In this episode of The Spotlight, host Tim Branyan sits down with Mikel Berger, President & CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce, to unpack what real entrepreneurship looks like behind the scenes. From starting a software company straight out of college, to helping launch MatchBOX Coworking Studio, to leading one of Indiana’s most influential business organizations, Mikel shares hard-earned lessons on:

Calculated risk vs. perceived risk
Building businesses without burning the bridge behind you
The power of mentors, spouses, and community
Why entrepreneurship is an infinite game
How chambers of commerce and ecosystems actually help businesses grow

This conversation is packed with wisdom for:

✔️ Entrepreneurs

✔️ Business owners (early-stage to scaling)

✔️ Community leaders

✔️ Anyone curious about sustainable growth and leadership

🎧 Whether you’re building your first company or navigating the next stage of growth, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insight.

🔗 Connect with the People & Organizations Featured:

Host – Tim Branyan (LinkedIn): / timbranyan

Guest – Mikel Berger (LinkedIn): / mikelberger

Indiana SBDC – Hoosier Heartland Region: https://www.isbdc.org/locations/hoosi... Greater Lafayette Commerce: https://www.greaterlafayettecommerce....

Building Better Businesses: Leadership Lessons w/ Katelyn Colclazier

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we sit down with Katelyn Colclazier, a business professional known for her approach to leadership, organizational development, and strategic growth.

This 41-minute conversation breaks down the realities of business in 2025:

✔️ Leadership that actually works

✔️ Building teams that perform

✔️ Creating workplace culture that isn’t fake

✔️ Mistakes businesses make (and how to avoid them)

✔️ How individuals can stand out, grow, and move up

✔️ The mindset behind long-term success

If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone trying to level up in your career, this episode delivers real, practical, actionable insight.

00:00 – Intro

01:02 – Meet Katelyn Colclazier

04:20 – Her journey into the business world

09:18 – What separates good and great leaders

15:35 – How to build strong, efficient teams

21:44 – Solving common business challenges

28:05 – The importance of culture & communication

33:12 – Career growth and staying competitive

38:50 – Final business advice

41:00 – Outro

📌 RESOURCES & LINKS

Vision Studio

Book the studio or learn more:

https://bookvisionstudio.com

Indiana SBDC

Supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners:

https://isbdc.org

Host: Tim Branyan

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Guest: Katelyn Colclazier

Connect with Katelyn on LinkedIn:

/ katelyn-colclazier

Building Indiana's Startup Ecosystem with Ty Tjoelker

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:30:00 -0400

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ty Tjoelker, Managing Director at Gener8tor, as we dive into the world of entrepreneurship, accelerators, and the vibrant startup ecosystem in Indiana and beyond. Ty shares his journey with Gener8tor, the impact of their gBETA program, and the upcoming BOLT conference in Indianapolis. Learn about the key traits of successful entrepreneurs—curiosity and grit—and how Gener8tor supports founders in turning their visions into reality. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with host Tim Branyan at Vision Studio!

Connect with Ty Tjoelker on LinkedIn:

/ ty-tjoelker

Learn more about Gener8tor: https://www.gener8tor.com/

Learn more about Vision Studio: https://www.bookvisionstudio.com/

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Coach Woody’s Secrets for High Achievers

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Unlock the secrets to meaningful success and work-life integration with Coach Lucas Woody in this inspiring episode of the Spotlight Podcast! Host Tim Brandon sits down with Coach Woody—entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Next Better—to explore his journey from small-town Indiana to coaching high achievers and business leaders. Discover how Coach Woody’s unique approach helps clients break through limiting beliefs, redefine fulfillment, and achieve sustainable growth—not just in business, but in life.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or anyone seeking clarity and purpose, this conversation dives deep into:

- The real reasons behind goal-setting and why many goals fall short

- Why “work-life balance” is a myth—and what to do instead

- How to identify what truly matters and create lasting change

- The power of empathy, curiosity, and self-reflection in leadership

Don’t miss Coach Woody’s actionable insights and personal stories that will empower you to take your next step—whatever your “next better” looks like.

Drew Hansen’s Grit, Guts, and Home Game Mastery

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Tim Branyan from the Hoosier Heartland Indiana Small Business Development Center sits down with Drew Hansen, the relentless force behind Hansen & Holmes. Born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, Drew traded a corporate grind and a bar gig for a full-throttle leap into home remodeling—without a website or fancy ads, just pure word-of-mouth hustle. From jacking up houses to chasing perfection (think 10/10 drywall!), Drew shares how grit, ambition, and mindset turned his passion for projects into a thriving business in just 14 months.

We dig into his journey—quitting a parts-pushing manufacturing job, surviving 62 emails a day from an armchair boss, and resetting life after a divorce. Drew drops gold for aspiring entrepreneurs: why discipline trumps fast food, how health fuels dollars, and the power of saying “no” to grow right. Plus, hear about his carnivore diet wins, a wild city league basketball injury, and hunting bucks like a man possessed. Recorded at Vision Studio, this is raw, real, and packed with lessons for anyone ready to swing the axe.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Triactin Tease & Welcome

2:30 - Drew Hansen: From Kokomo to Hansen & Holmes

6:15 - Starting a Business with Zero Marketing

12:00 - Grit, Ambition, Mindset: Drew’s Big Three

18:45 - Health Hacks: Carnivore Diet & No Booze Wins

25:20 - Competitive Edge: Sports, Hunting, and Business

32:00 - Tips for Homeowners & Future Plans

38:10 - How to Connect with Drew

Connect with Drew:

Phone: (765) 432-6965

Facebook: Drew Hansen (personal)

Instagram: @hansenhomes

Resources:

Indiana SBDC: Need help starting, growing, or exiting your business? Reach out at isbdc.org for free support and connections.

Vision Studio: Podcast, photo, or video needs? Hit up bookvisionstudio.com for the easy button.

Like, subscribe, and drop a comment—what’s your grit story? Thanks for tuning in!

Don Wettrick Unleashes the Seekers: Innovating Education with Grit & Vision

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:30:00 -0400

Tim Branyan sits down with Don Wettrick, founder of StartEdUp Foundation and a trailblazer in education, at Vision Studio in Kokomo. From a 20-year teaching gig to sparking a “bizarre” class on innovation and entrepreneurship, Don’s journey is wild—think Skyping Tim Ferris on Halloween, coaching kids to Forbes 30 Under 30, and turning moaners into seekers. He shares how a Daniel Pink TED Talk lit the fuse, leading to StartEdUp and Innovate Within, a free program that’s impacted thousands of students by turning problems into opportunities.

Don breaks down the magic: juggernaut teachers, a crazy network (Seth Godin consults, anyone?), and a mission to see kids pivot, fail, and win big—like the rural Indiana teens who scaled a fishing lure empire. Recorded in partnership with the SBDC, this episode dives into empowering youth, retaining top educators, and why 2025’s teacher accelerator expansion has Don buzzing. Got a mayor or a teen with a dream? Don’s got you.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Name Drops & Golf Drives

3:15 - Don Wettrick: Teacher to StartEdUp Visionary

8:00 - The “Bizarre” Class That Started It All

14:30 - Seekers vs. Moaners: A Mindset Shift

21:00 - Innovate Within: Solving Problems, Not Just Plans

27:45 - Juggernaut Teachers & Accelerator Vibes

34:00 - Success Stories: Forbes, Y Combinator, and Beyond

40:15 - What’s Next for 2025

45:00 - How to Connect with Don

Connect with Don:

Email: dwetrick@startedupfoundation.org

Website: startedupfoundation.org

LinkedIn: Don Wettrick

Resources:

SBDC Support: Free help at isbdc.org

Vision Studio: Video magic at bookvisionstudio.com

Innovate Within: Learn more at innovatewithin.org

Like, subscribe, and comment—what problem are you turning into an opportunity? Thanks for tuning in!

Empowering Latino Businesses: Greater Lafayette Commerce Spotlight with Jesus Correa

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:30:00 -0400

Tim Branyan on Spotlight as he sits down with Jesus Correa, Latino Business Liaison at Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC). Discover how GLC goes beyond a typical Chamber of Commerce, driving economic and workforce development in Greater Lafayette, Indiana. Jesus shares his journey growing Latino business membership from 5 to 50, hosting events like Café con Exiones and the Latino Business Expo (March 7, 2025, 2-6 PM at Tippecanoe Fairgrounds), and building a thriving community network. Learn how GLC supports entrepreneurs, fosters connections, and invests in the region’s future. Don’t miss success stories, networking tips, and more!

Connect with Jesus: jcorrea@greaterlafayettecommerce.com | Follow GLC for updates!

From Air Force to AgTech: Nathan Smith’s Journey with Northstar Systems

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:15:00 -0400

Join Tim Branyan on Spotlight as he chats with Nate Smith, founder of Northstar Systems, a data monitoring service revolutionizing agtech and beyond. From his Air Force days to launching in October 2023, Nate shares how his company provides safety and efficiency for fertilizer tanks, grain silos, and municipalities using real-time 5G tech. Discover his rapid growth, nomination for TechPoint’s Mira Awards (Feb 27, 2025), and role on the TechPoint Advisory Board. Plus, hear why he’s proud of Indiana’s resilience and how Matchbox Coworking fueled his success.

Connect with Nate: nate@northstarsystems.co | www.monitormytank.com

Heath Murray Cracks the DoD Code: From Cop to Contracting Connector

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:15:00 -0400

In Episode 4, Tim Branyan sits down with Heath Murray, a super-connector and Executive Director of DING Midwest, at Vision Studio in Kokomo. From southern Indiana coal country to law enforcement, bartending in South Carolina, and now bridging the Midwest’s defense ecosystem, Heath’s journey is packed with grit and lessons. He breaks down the complex world of Department of Defense (DoD) contracting—think beyond missiles to napkins, IT, and biotech—and shares how any entrepreneur can get started, no matter their size.

Heath spills the tea on networking your way in, why informal connections are a “weapons system,” and how DING fills the gaps for businesses eyeing government work. Recorded before his talk with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, this episode dives into sam.gov, cage codes, and the 14 DoD focus areas (link below!). Whether you’re a manufacturer, software dev, or just curious, Heath’s blunt advice—plus upcoming DING events—will get you moving. Oh, and it all started over beer.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Vision Studio Vibes & Beers We Can’t Have

2:45 - Heath Murray: Cop, Surfer, DoD Dynamo

8:30 - DoD 101: It’s Not Hard, It’s Complicated

14:15 - What the Government Actually Buys

20:00 - Step 1: Sam.gov, Cage Codes, and Events

26:40 - DING Midwest: Networking as a Superpower

33:00 - Vision for Economic Growth

39:20 - How to Connect with Heath

Resources:

Connect with Heath: dingmidwest.org | LinkedIn: Heath Murray

DoD Strategic Focus Areas: Check the 14 areas here

DING Events: Bloomington Happy Hour (March 17, 2025), Purdue Roadshow (TBD Spring 2025), Fort Wayne Roadshow (TBD Spring 2025) – details at dingmidwest.org/events

SBDC Support: isbdc.org for free business help

Like, subscribe, and comment—ready to crack the DoD code? Thanks for listening!

Alec Downing Unleashes Banking Secrets, Kokomo CEO, and Community Power

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Tim Branyan sits down with Alec Downing, a servant leader from First Farmers Bank and a driving force behind the Kokomo CEO program. From his roots in Greentown, Indiana, to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, Alec shares his journey, insider banking insights, and passion for community growth. We dive into the Kokomo CEO program—Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities—its impact on high school students, and how it’s igniting optimism and innovation in Howard County.

Highlights include Alec’s role on the CEO board, the program’s 177 alumni and nationwide reach, and inspiring stories of students like Kelton, Eli Johnson, and many more. Plus, discover how First Farmers Bank empowers local entrepreneurs and why Kokomo is a hidden gem for opportunity. Recorded at Vision Studio in Kokomo, this conversation is all about building belief, grit, and a brighter future.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Kicking Off Episode 3

2:15 - Meet Alec Downing: From Greentown to Kokomo

5:40 - What is the Kokomo CEO Program?

12:30 - Student Success Stories & Community Impact

20:00 - First Farmers Bank as an Entrepreneurial Ally

28:50 - Personal Insights: Books, Shows, and Faith

35:15 - How to Get Involved with Kokomo CEO

Get Involved:

Kokomo CEO: Visit kokomoceo.com to invest or learn more. Email Kelly at facilitatorkokomoceo@gmail.com for opportunities.

First Farmers Bank: Contact Alec at alec.downing@ffbt.com or (765) 391-1769.

Vision Studio: Book your podcast or creative project at bookvisionstudio.com.

Shoutouts: Jefferson Street BBQ, Vision Studio, Ahmads Vision, Robert Hatchett, and the Kokomo business community.

Secrets to Dealer Success: Persistence & Partnerships with Joseph Link

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:45:00 -0400

Join host Tim Branyan as he sits down with Joseph Link, a seasoned expert in business development and dealer relationships, to unpack the secrets behind thriving manufacturer-dealer partnerships. From his roles at Arrowquip and Yakta—managing over 250 U.S. dealers—to his early days at Ventrec with Aeroquip, Joseph shares how persistence, innovative floor planning, and top-tier customer service drive success across industries like lawnmowers and livestock equipment.

Discover how Joseph’s team supports dealers with zero-upfront-cost inventory, co-op marketing dollars, and warranty assistance, including a standout story of a Red Carolina dealer hitting $690,000 in sales. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, salesperson, or business enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building relationships that last.

00:00 - Intro: Joseph’s Journey at Ventrec

02:30 - Inside the 255-Dealer Network

14:56 - Floor Planning: Supporting Dealer Growth

17:55 - Customer Service & Warranty Wins

27:52 - Sales Persistence: Why Joseph Always Calls Back

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