Get IN. Podcast - Stories from Indiana

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.

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

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

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

You are going to learn about: 

• Indiana's significant history and influence

• Interesting stories about local places

• Impact of preserving history and culture

Thank you to our partners:

• Warm Glow Candle Co

• Sports Tech HQ

• Back 9

Check out these great clips from the show:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to our partners:
Hope Plumbing
Fleddermann Von Rieste

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

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

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

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

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

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

You will learn lessons in:

Leadership
Community Building
Innovation

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

Check Out These Great Clips:

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

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

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.