Get IN. Podcast - Stories from Indiana

In this episode, I am joined by Gary, Caleb, and Dustin, the brains behind Iron Timbers, a custom woodwork and metalwork shop based in Osgood, Indiana that has accumulated over 1,000,000 followers on social media. 

We delve into the company's origins rooted in family craftsmanship and its impressive growth through grassroots marketing, social media, and strategic partnerships like their collaboration with HGTV's 'Good Bones.' 

The team shares personal anecdotes, their journey from hobbyists to full-time entrepreneurs, and the importance of authenticity and community support. 

They also hint at future plans, including expanding their content creation and educational ventures to help other craftsmen succeed.

You are going to learn:
- The value of persistence and consistency in entrepreneurial growth
- The importance of building authentic relationships and community support
- Strategies for leveraging social media and strategic partnerships to expand your business

Thank you to our partners:
Warm Glow Candle Company
Keller & Keller
Get Indiana. (Subtle Plug)

Check out these great clips from the show: 
06:24 Meet the Iron Timbers Team
07:30 The Origin Story of Iron Timbers
16:42 Transition from Hobby to Business
17:58 First Big Projects and Going Full-Time
20:19 Challenges and Support in Entrepreneurship
24:10 Breakthrough with Good Bones
34:36 Family Celebration and Exciting News
35:02 Immediate Business Impact from TV Appearance
36:57 Challenges and Successes in Nationwide Shipping
39:15 Social Media Growth and Strategy
42:33 Partnership with Duluth Trading Company
57:14 Team Expansion and Hiring Philosophy
59:45 Future Plans and New Ventures
01:05:11 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
01:06:24 Favorite Projects and Hidden Talents
01:09:15 Indiana's Hidden Gems and Local Recommendations
01:15:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

You are going to learn:

• Talent retention techniques for the trades

• Strategies for picking a good business partner

• What one decision changed the game for Hope Plumbing
  

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

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

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

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

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

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

You will learn more about:

• Melissa's courageous entrepreneurial journey and how she navigated the 2008 recession.

• Innovative strategies for improving workplace productivity and employee engagement.

• Melissa's impactful work with the American Heart Association and her personal connection to the cause.

Thanks to our partners: 

WBIT
Keller & Keller

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are going to learn about:

• The importance of niching down

• How to leverage social media to grow your business

• Common financial mistakes business owners make

Thank you to our partners:

WBIT
HC Tavern
Fledderman Von Rieste

Check out these great clips from the show: 

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

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

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

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

You are going to learn: 

• Advice to young creators just getting started

• How to turn passion into profit when it comes to content

• Delicious recipes for all stages of life
  

Huge thank you to our partners: 

Hope Plumbing
Greek’s Pizzeria

Check out these great clips from the show:

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

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

Today’s convo is with Julie Roe Lach, the Horizon League Commissioner and Board Chair of the Indiana Sports Corps. 

Julie’s inspiring journey from being an All-American basketball player to a leadership figure in college athletics is highlighted. 

The conversation centers on Indiana’s vision for becoming the global epicenter of sports, especially focusing on the advancements in SportsTech and student-athlete opportunities through NIL deals. 

Key points of discussion include the strategic initiatives to make Indiana a hub for women’s sports, the evolution of NIL deals, and the impact of athletics on community and personal development.

You are going to learn about:

- The strategic vision for Indiana to become the global epicenter of sports by 2050.
- The crucial role of the Horizon League and its member schools in shaping college athletics.
- The evolution of NIL deals and their impact on student-athletes in the Horizon League.

Check out our amazing partners:

Sports Tech HQ- Fueling Indiana’s transformation into a global hub for sports technology.
WBIT Basketball Championship- Held at Hinkle Fieldhouse 3/31 & 4/2.
Warm Glow- Mother’s day is around the corner. Don’t wait.

Check out these great clips from the show:

01:25 Interview with Julie Roe Lach: A Trailblazer in College Athletics
02:07 Horizon League Championship: Excitement and Growth
07:21 Horizon League's Community Engagement and Events
24:59 NIL and the Future of College Athletics
31:48 Settlement Hearing and NCAA Financial Impact
32:42 Distribution of Settlement Funds
33:48 Impact on Mid-Major Schools
34:37 Future of NCAA and Financial Strategies
36:25 Transition to Horizon League
38:41 Role and Vision of Indiana Sports Corp
45:44 Advice for Young Professionals
48:06 Lightning Round and Personal Stories
59:59 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to our amazing partners:

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

Check out these great clips:

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

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

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

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

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

You are going to learn about: 

• The importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship

• How community and support networks can change the game for your career

• The impact of genuine customer service and authenticity
  

Make sure you check out our amazing partners:

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

Check out these great clips:

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

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