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From Single Mom To CEO with Melissa St. John

Melissa St. John of Relocation Strategies talks scaling during recessions, redesigning workspaces post-COVID, and using design to boost employee engagement and retention.

Podcast Summary

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.

Guest(s)

Melissa St John

Date Published

March 19, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

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A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.