Get IN. Podcast - Stories from Indiana

Check out today’s interview with Nick Reich, the executive director of Pack Away Hunger.

We got to discuss the organization's mission to alleviate hunger by distributing highly nutritious and cost-effective meals. 

We explore the history and evolution of Pack Away Hunger, its impact within Indiana and globally, and the unique challenges and solutions associated with food insecurity. 

Nick shares personal anecdotes from his extensive experience in the social impact sector, emphasizing the importance of relationships, community involvement, and collaborative efforts in creating sustainable change.

You are going to learn about:
Immediate Needs vs. Long-term Solutions in regards to fighting hunger in central Indiana.
Opportunities for service in Central Indiana
The impact community collaboration can make

Thank you to our partners:
Warm Glow
Hope Plumbing

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:15 Guest Introduction: Nick Reich
02:18 Nick's Early Career and Coaching Journey
07:22 From Coaching to Social Impact Leadership
10:01 Pack Away Hunger: Mission and Operations
19:11 Challenges and Innovations in Food Security
35:22 Staff and Volunteer Contributions
35:42 Meal Production and Distribution
36:27 Feeding People for 40 Cents a Meal
37:26 Challenges and Solutions in Food Insecurity
40:23 Collaboration and Community Efforts
42:42 The Role of Pack Away Hunger
48:24 Addressing Misconceptions and Future Plans
56:42 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
01:03:21 Final Thoughts 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.

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 I welcomed Justin Burkhardt, owner of Warm Glow Candle Company in Centerville. 

If you have ever driven east down I-70 you have seen their 40 foot candle off to the side of the road. 

We dive into the unique appeal of Warm Glow's handcrafted candles, the company's rich history since its founding in 1996, and its prominence along I-70 in Centerville, Indiana. 

Justin shares insights on taking over the family-owned business, navigating retail and manufacturing challenges, and the special focus Warm Glow places on community and quality. 

Additionally, we delve into the process behind their distinct 'lumpy, bumpy' candles, strategic partnerships, and plans for new releases. 

You are going to learn about:
The process of acquiring a family owned business
Strategies for creating a must visit destination
Secrets of product development and partnerships

Thank you to our partners: 
Keller & Keller
Back 9

Make sure you check out their Spring Open House May 2-4th

Check out these great clips from the show: 
00:31 Meet Justin Burkhart: Entrepreneurial Journey
01:13 The Iconic 40-Foot Candle and Warm Glow's Popularity
01:54 History and Unique Features of Warm Glow Candles
03:04 Manufacturing Process and Quality Control
13:42 Challenges and Rewards of Retail Business
18:31 Community Engagement and Partnerships
22:43 Economic Impact and Future Aspirations
33:38 Balancing Business and Public Service
36:09 Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Indiana
42:06 Promoting Indiana and Warm Glow Candles
42:29 Trade Shows and Candle Industry Insights
43:19 The Power of Scent and Memory
44:52 Upcoming Events and Promotions
46:07 Local Indiana Products and Partnerships
51:32 Favorite Scents and Surprising Bestsellers
01:02:03 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
01:04:32 Celebrating Indiana's Unique Charm

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 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.

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.

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.

I got to chat  with Dan Mattingly, VP and owner of NCW, a staffing and recruiting firm predominantly 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.

I ventured 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.