How Butler University Is Building Confident and Creative Entrepreneurs
Nick Smarrelli shares how Butler University's entrepreneurship program uses student-run businesses and hands-on learning to develop Indiana's next business leaders.
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Podcast Summary
On today’s show I sat down with Nick Smarrelli, the director of Butler Entrepreneurship and a full-time professor at Butler University.
Nick discusses his journey from a reluctant entrepreneur to CEO of multiple successful companies, his transition into higher education, and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship instruction at Butler.
He explores the transformative initiatives at Butler, including student-run businesses and industry partnerships designed to give students real-world experience. In fact, Get Indiana is a customer of Yalla Solutions, founded by Butler Entrepreneurship student Jenna Burd who will graduate in May 2026. You can learn more about Jenna’s business at yallasolutions.net or email her at jennaburd@yallasolutions.net.
Nick also highlights his 15 years of experience in building companies like GadellNet and Ryvit, underscores the importance of practical, hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, and shares valuable insights on fostering confidence, resilience, and creativity in the next generation of business leaders.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
How Butler University Develops Entrepreneurs
Student-Run Businesses Including Yalla Solutions
The Importance of Hands-On Learning in Entrepreneurship
Thank you to our partners:
Cowpokes
J.C. Hart
AccountedFor
Check out these great clips from the show:
01:11 Guest Introduction: Nick Smarrelli
02:39 Nick's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
05:58 The Turning Point: Choosing Entrepreneurship
14:41 Building and Growing GadellNet Consulting Services
23:23 Challenges and Realizations as a CEO
27:36 Transitioning Out of the CEO Role
30:48 Reflecting on a Decade of Work
31:13 Complex Emotions and Personal Values
31:53 Shifting Purpose and Finding New Opportunities
33:06 Advice for Entrepreneurs Seeking New Identities
33:49 The Importance of Leaning on Others
35:11 Pursuing Higher Education During a Career Transition
38:58 The Emotional Impact of Leaving a Leadership Role
43:18 The Value of Higher Education and Entrepreneurship
45:57 Teaching Entrepreneurship at Butler University
53:09 The Core Values of Entrepreneurship
01:01:15 Entrepreneurial Success Stories
01:01:53 Butler's Vision for Entrepreneurship
01:04:07 Student-Run Businesses at Butler
01:07:03 Challenges and Future Plans
01:15:34 Community Support and Impact
01:17:49 Indiana's Unique Appeal
Guest(s)
Nick Smarrelli
Date Published
January 21, 2026
