What does it take to transform a small Indiana community into one of the state's fastest-growing cities?

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton to discuss his remarkable journey from firefighter and paramedic to four-term mayor. Todd shares how strong leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to community have helped attract over $1 billion in economic development, create more than 1,000 new jobs, and position Crawfordsville as a model for cities across the country.

You'll also hear Todd's insights on:

- Leadership lessons from emergency services

- Economic development and business growth

- Building stronger communities

- Government innovation and public service

- AI and technology in local government

- Communication, transparency, and public trust

- Why Crawfordsville continues to thrive

Check out the Crawfordsville Connection Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11TcKKnz59mSaaD9c0QRLK?si=fe7fc23b099e4c09

Learn more about the city of Crawfordsville: https://www.crawfordsville.in.gov/

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, public official, or someone passionate about leadership and community development, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future conversations with Indiana's top business and community leaders.

#Leadership #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #Crawfordsville #Indiana #BusinessLeadership #PublicService #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #LocalGovernment #Entrepreneurship #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems

What does it take to lead a thriving Indiana community?

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Wabash Mayor Scott Long to discuss his remarkable journey from serving in the U.S. Army and law enforcement to leading the City of Wabash. Scott shares how strong leadership, community collaboration, economic development, technology, and long-term planning are shaping the future of Wabash.

Learn about downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, attracting business investment, local government leadership, and why building strong communities starts with servant leadership.

Whether you're interested in leadership, economic development, Indiana communities, public service, or local government, this episode is full of valuable insights.

Topics include:

- Scott Long's journey from the Army to Mayor

- Leadership lessons from law enforcement

- Revitalizing downtown Wabash

- Economic development and business growth

-Technology and cybersecurity in local government

- Community collaboration across Indiana

- Why quality of life matters for growing a city

Subscribe for more conversations with Indiana's top business and community leaders.

#Leadership #Wabash #Indiana #EconomicDevelopment #LocalGovernment #CommunityLeadership #PublicService #BusinessLeadership #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason sits down with BJ Lippert, Managing Partner of Donovan CPAs, to explore an inspiring leadership journey built on relationships, community, and a people-first approach to business.

BJ shares how a college pivot from engineering to accounting ultimately led him to public accounting, where mentorship, networking, and saying "yes" to opportunities shaped his career. From his early days at Crowe to helping transform Donovan CPAs into one of Central Indiana's fastest-growing accounting firms, BJ reveals the leadership principles that have guided his success.

The conversation also dives into the future of the accounting profession, including how artificial intelligence is changing the role of CPAs—not by replacing people, but by empowering them to focus on strategic thinking, client relationships, and higher-value work. BJ offers practical insights on leading through technological change while maintaining a culture centered on people.

Listeners will also hear why authentic networking, servant leadership, and investing in community create opportunities that often come full circle years later. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, CPA, nonprofit executive, or someone looking to grow professionally, this episode delivers actionable lessons on leadership, career development, and building meaningful connections.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How mentorship and networking can transform your career

Why people-first leadership creates lasting business success

The future of AI in accounting and professional services

How Donovan CPAs has grown through culture and strategic leadership

Why giving without expecting anything in return creates long-term opportunities

The importance of community involvement for personal and professional growth

If you're interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, accounting, business growth, AI in the workplace, or professional development, this conversation with BJ Lippert is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring stories.

Keywords: BJ Lippert, Donovan CPAs, accounting leadership, CPA podcast, AI in accounting, business leadership, Indianapolis business, servant leadership, professional development, networking, community leadership, entrepreneurship, public accounting, leadership podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden.

Joe Heidt, Executive Director of Marian University Preparatory School, joins the Elevate Powered by Braden podcast to share his incredible journey from Indianapolis to Colorado, California, commercial real estate, and ultimately educational leadership.

In this conversation, Joe discusses:

✅ His father's career advice that shaped his future

✅ Teaching and school leadership experiences in California

✅ Why he left commercial real estate to return to education

✅ The mission of Marian University Preparatory School

✅ How virtual learning is helping students succeed

✅ The role of AI and technology in education

✅ Supporting students with unique learning needs

✅ Community involvement and student opportunities

✅ His work with "WET The World" and providing clean water globally

✅ Leadership lessons, family, faith, and personal growth

Whether you're an educator, parent, student, nonprofit leader, or business professional, this episode offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and making a meaningful impact.

Learn more about Marian University Preparatory School: https://www.marian.edu

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Elevate Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/

Keywords: education, leadership, education leadership, mentorship, college, online college, online classes, Marian University, online university, online learning, school administration, student development, future of education, teaching, business leadership, Joe Heidt, Elevate, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast

#Education #Leadership #VirtualLearning #AIInEducation #MarianUniversity #Podcast #StudentSuccess #EducationalLeadership #OnlineSchool #NonprofitLeadership #CleanWater #CommunityImpact #elevatepodcast

The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason Miller sits down with Greg Schahet, President and CFO of Schahet Hotels, to discuss his journey from Indianapolis to Cornell University's renowned Hotel Administration program and ultimately into leading a multi-generational family hotel business.

Greg shares insights on hotel development, hospitality leadership, franchise partnerships with Hilton and Marriott, real estate investing, and the evolving role of technology and AI in the hospitality industry. He also discusses Schahet Hotels' exciting new boutique hotel project, The CantioLo, being developed on Ball State University's campus in Muncie, Indiana.

Topics Covered:

- Growing up in a family-owned hotel business

- Attending Cornell's prestigious Hotel School

- Building a career in accounting and real estate

- Leadership in a multi-generational family business

- Hotel ownership, development, and operations

- Hilton, Marriott, and hotel franchise strategies

- AI and technology in hospitality

- The future of mixed-use hotel developments

- Entrepreneurship, community impact, and business growth

Schahet Hotels: https://www.schahethotels.com

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast on our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Whether you're interested in hospitality management, hotel investing, family business leadership, entrepreneurship, or commercial real estate development, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of Indiana's leading hospitality executives.

Keywords: Greg Schahet, Schahet Hotels, hospitality, hospitality leadership, hotel management, hotel leadership, hotel development, hotel industry, hotels, hotel ownership, hotel operations, hospitality careers, Cornell University, leadership, business, leadership podcast, business podcast, elevate, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Braden Business Systems

#hospitalityleadership #HotelDevelopment #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HotelManagement #CornellUniversity #HiltonHotels #MarriottHotels #RealEstateDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #HospitalityIndustry #Leadership #Indianapolis #BallStateUniversity #commercialrealestate

The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with Deana Potterf, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, to discuss her inspiring journey from being a Girl Scout in Logansport, Indiana, to leading one of the largest Girl Scout councils in the country.

Deana shares valuable leadership lessons, career advice, and the mentors who helped shape her path from marketing and communications roles to executive leadership. She discusses the importance of servant leadership, building meaningful relationships, showing up with a willingness to help, and staying prepared for opportunities.

Topics Covered:

• Leadership and career development

• Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

• Women in leadership

• Nonprofit leadership

• Servant leadership

• Mentorship and professional growth

• Girl Scout Gold Award

• Community impact

• Entrepreneurship and the Girl Scout Cookie Program

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, business professional, parent, educator, or someone looking for career inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical insights and leadership wisdom.

Learn more about Girl Scouts of Central Indiana: https://www.girlscoutsindiana.org

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Elevate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/

Keywords: Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts of central Indiana, leadership, women in leadership, CEO, mentorship, mentor story, career growth story, nonprofit leadership, leadership development, servant leadership, elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Braden Business Systems

#Leadership #GirlScouts #WomenInLeadership #STEMEducation #NonprofitLeadership #CareerGrowth #ServantLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GirlScoutGoldAward #ElevatePodcast

The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems, with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

What does it take to build a successful company, survive economic downturns, navigate partnership challenges, and create a culture employees want to return to?

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Michael Webster, CEO of Engineered Solutions, to discuss his journey from a small-town Illinois athlete to engineering graduate, sales leader, entrepreneur, and business owner.

Michael shares candid stories about launching a company with a young family, surviving the 2008 financial crisis, rebuilding after a partnership split, betting on himself multiple times, and leading a business focused on culture, innovation, and long-term relationships.

Topics include:

Entrepreneurship and business ownership

Leadership and company culture

Surviving economic downturns

Growing a construction and mechanical services business

Technology in the trades and service industries

Hiring, retention, and employee engagement

Family, mentorship, and personal growth

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking for inspiration, Michael's story is packed with lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and building something that lasts.

🎙️ Guest: Michael Webster, CEO of Engineered Solutions

📍 Fishers, Indiana

🚀 Powered by Braden Business Systems

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #CEO #SmallBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #IndianaBusiness #ElevatePodcast #EngineeredSolutions #BusinessLeadership #Innovation #SuccessStories

In this episode of Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with John Wechsler, veteran, entrepreneur, community builder, and CEO of SpokeNote.

John shares his incredible journey from serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army to launching successful technology companies, helping build Fishers' entrepreneurial ecosystem, and leading innovative ventures focused on authentic human connection. John aspires to lead by making connections, and making others feel valued.

We discuss:

• John's military service and leadership lessons

• Building and selling his first company

• Entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and overcoming failure

• The power of mentorship and community involvement

• Launch Fishers and the growth of Indiana's startup ecosystem

• SpokeNote and the future of personalized video communication

• Why "Authentic AI" may be the next big movement in technology

• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals

Whether you're a founder, business leader, student, or someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical insights on innovation, leadership, resilience, and building meaningful connections.

Check out spokenote: spokenote.com

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:

Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Keywords: John Wechsler, spokenote, Fishers Indiana, Entrepreneur Podcast, startup founder, CEO, business, business podcast, leadership podcast, business leadership, startup success, how to start a startup business, how to start a business, Entrepreneur Journey, leadership development, business strategy, professional development, business mentor, elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems

#entrepreneurship #JohnWechsler #SpokeNote #StartupFounder #BusinessLeadership #AuthenticAI #Innovation #FishersIndiana #IndianaBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #SmallBusiness #ElevatePodcast #BusinessPodcast #mentorship

The Elevate Podcast is created by Braden Business Systems, and filmed and produced by Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason Miller sits down with Lori Winkler, Chief Experience Officer at BlueSky Commerce, to discuss leadership, customer experience, technology, entrepreneurship, and the moments that shape our lives.

Lori shares her incredible journey from growing up in Northwest Indiana, overcoming personal loss, teaching fourth grade in inner-city Chicago, building a successful marketing agency, and eventually becoming a leader in the world of digital commerce and customer experience.

Lori also shares the powerful story behind her involvement with Brooke's Place, a nonprofit that supports grieving children and families, and explains why helping others has become a central theme throughout her career.

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, marketer, technology professional, nonprofit advocate, or someone looking for inspiration on your own career journey, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical wisdom.

🎙️ Guest: Lori Winkler, Chief Experience Officer, Blue Sky Commerce

🌐 Learn more about Blue Sky Commerce:https://blueskycommerce.io

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:

Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Keywords: Leadership, customer experience officer, customer experience, CXO, CEO, leadership lessons, leadership podcast, business podcast, BlueSky Commerce, business, executive, career development, career shifts, leadership development, women in business, women in leadership roles, digital commerce, e-commerce, B2B marketing, B2B commerce, elevate, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Elevate Podcast, Braden Business Systems

#Leadership #CustomerExperience #CX #DigitalTransformation #Ecommerce #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #BlueSkyCommerce #NonprofitLeadership #WomenInBusiness #Technology #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems #CustomerJourney #Innovation #professionaldevelopment

The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer