Default Profitable

Ryan Schwartz shares the unfiltered story of building Fenster Components—a niche manufacturer of wood window repair parts and replacement sashes—into a 25-year, nationwide, almost-entirely-online business that helps homeowners avoid costly full-window replacements. From spotting an opportunity in rotting clad-wood windows during his warranty job days, to surviving the 2008 housing crash, selling off service/install sides to focus on manufacturing, and shifting to e-commerce in 2013, Ryan delivers grounded lessons on profitability, perseverance, and why “being good at the work” is very different from running a profitable company. Listeners walk away with clarity on managing cash flow like your life depends on it, adapting to generational shifts in teams, the real weight of being responsible for people’s livelihoods, and why smart financial habits early on matter more than most founders admit.

Learn more about Ryan Schwartz and Fenster Components at https://fensterusa.com  

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Takeaways

Chapters

In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton interviews Thomas Cox, who shares his journey from coaching college football to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the food and finance industries. Thomas discusses the importance of having multiple revenue streams, the concept of infinite banking, and his passion for educating others about personal finance. He emphasizes the significance of giving back and setting financial goals that focus on generosity rather than just income. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the insurance business and the importance of networking and building relationships in achieving success.

Learn more about Thomas Cox and Cox Capital at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascoxco.

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

00:00 Introduction to Thomas Cox and His Journey

Join host Matt Nettleton in a candid conversation with Matt Allen, founder of Iconic Insurance, as they unpack essential health insurance strategies for self-employed entrepreneurs and small business owners. Discover why ditching marketplace plans for personalized coverage with a dedicated agent can slash costs, simplify claims, and provide reliable protection—plus, get motivated by Matt's insights on shifting from scarcity to service, building accountability as a solo founder, and why entrepreneurship offers true security for your family. Whether you're launching a venture or optimizing benefits, this episode delivers actionable tips to stay healthy, focused, and profitable.

Learn more about Matt Allen and Iconic Insurance at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewalleniconichealth.

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton chats with Bill Reynolds, founder and president of Element 502, about his unexpected journey from consultant to agency owner through an asset purchase in 2015. Bill shares raw insights on overcoming financial hurdles, earning team buy-in with transparency during tough times, and mastering sales as a non-sales guy—plus why trust is the ultimate currency in marketing and business growth. Aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders will gain motivational strategies for grinding through startup challenges, pricing right, and treating people differently to build lasting profitability without compromising values.

Learn more about Bill Reynolds and Element 502 at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reynolds-element502.

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

Join host Matt Nettleton as he chats with Kelly Sundsvold, founder of Gold Bear Media, about launching a full-service marketing agency amid the chaos of 2020. From navigating personal health crises like her husband's paralysis and her own breast cancer diagnosis to turning a necessity-driven side gig into a profitable venture, Kelly shares motivational insights on delegation, hiring experts early, and setting boundaries for sustainable growth. Discover how embracing creativity and relationships can transform challenges into opportunities—perfect for entrepreneurs wondering if they can build a business that fuels both passion and profit.

Learn more about Kelly Sundsvold and Gold Bear Media at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysundsvold.

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

Discover how Ron Ladner accidentally launched Shaggy's restaurant chain amid Hurricane Katrina's devastation, transforming a small-town spark of hope into a powerhouse brand focused on employee growth and customer happiness. In this motivational episode, Ron shares entrepreneurial insights on building a resilient business culture, investing in your team for long-term loyalty, and prioritizing revenue even in recessions—perfect for founders and leaders dreaming big about profitable ventures. Tune in to uncover how passion and people-first strategies turned cheeseburgers and beer into sustainable success, and gain actionable tips to elevate your own business journey.

Learn more about Ron Ladner, Shaggy's and his new book at https://ronladner.com 

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Grant Kirsh, managing partner of Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C. to explore the realities of succeeding in a second-generation family business focused on adoption law in Indiana. Grant shares candid insights on leadership transitions, managing family employees, and balancing delegation with hands-on involvement while keeping a proven firm thriving amid competitive challenges. Founders and aspiring leaders will gain motivational takeaways on building a positive culture, staying in your lane, and discovering fulfillment in unexpected career paths—perfect for making profit your default through smart, sustainable strategies.

Learn more about Grant Kirsh and Adoption in Indiana at https://indianaadoption.com

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this inspiring episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton chats with Tom Hanley, founder and CEO of Nine13sports, about transforming a life-altering accident into a mission-driven organization that empowers Indianapolis kids through cycling and education. Discover how Tom pivoted from elite cycling to launching a nonprofit that now serves 45,000 students annually, survived the pandemic by innovating into logistics, and grew through community networks and corporate partnerships—offering real-world strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs on resilience, valuing your worth, and turning passion into sustainable impact. Whether you're starting a business or nonprofit, you'll gain motivational insights on bootstrapping, building meaningful relationships, and embracing Indianapolis's unique supportive spirit to create lasting success.

Learn more about Tom Hanley and Nine13sports at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanleyiv.  

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Jesse Porter, founder of Porter Roofing & Restoration, to unpack his pivot from an accounting degree to building a thriving exterior remodeling business in Indianapolis. Hear how Jesse turned five years of roofing sales experience into his own company amid the 2020 COVID storm, tackling hiring hurdles, cash flow crunches, and rapid growth to 30 employees—while sharing candid lessons on quick decision-making and surrounding yourself with the right team. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders: What if one bold leap could transform your career, and how do you adapt when success hits harder than expected?

Learn more about Jesse Porter and Porter Roofing & Restoration at https://www.linkedin.com/company/porterroof.

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton chats with Matt Hammond, a former corporate lawyer turned trivia entrepreneur. They dive into Hammond's journey from practicing law at a big firm and running political campaigns to launching Hambone's Trivia back in 2012. The conversation covers how a casual weather app game at a downtown Indy bar sparked it all, growing from free beer gigs to a full-scale business with bar trivia, corporate team-building, fundraisers, themed events, and even gamified employee training for major companies.

Have you ever wondered what happens when a high-powered attorney trades suits for trivia nights and turns a hobby into a thriving empire? What does it take to scale from solo hosting at dive bars to managing 75 hosts and landing big corporate clients like Eli Lilly and Salesforce? How do you craft questions that spark reason over rote recall, making games memorable and fun for everyone? And ending on a light note, Hammond recalls starting out paid in Coors Lights and buffalo wraps—talk about upgrading to cash without the heartburn.

Learn more about Matt Hammond and Hambone's Trivia at https://www.hambonestrivia.com/about 

Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.