In this special episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason steps out of the studio and sits down with Jeff McDermott, CEO of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at The Palladium in Carmel, Indiana.

Jeff shares his incredible career journey from practicing law for decades to leading one of the premier performing arts venues. Jeff opens up about taking unexpected opportunities, leadership, organizational culture, and what it takes to build excellence at every level.

We also go behind the scenes of The Palladium and the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, discussing:

• How world-class performances and artists are brought to Carmel, Indiana

• The mindset of pursuing excellence in every detail

• Leadership lessons from running a major performing arts organization

• Memorable experiences hosting renowned performers and public figures

• How the organization invests back into employees and the community

• The impact arts and culture can have on a city

This episode is packed with leadership insights, inspiring career advice, and fascinating stories from one of the most respected performing arts venues in the Midwest.

If you enjoy conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, career growth, business, arts, culture, and community impact, this episode is for you.

A special thank you to the staff at the Palladium for hosting us and helping in the production and creation of this episode!

Learn more about the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts: https://thecenterpresents.org/

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:

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

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

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Keywords: Jeff McDermott, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, The Palladium Carmel Indiana, Palladium Carmel, CEO interview, leadership podcast, business leadership podcast, entrepreneur podcast, Carmel Indiana, performing arts center, arts leadership, career change stories, executive leadership, organizational culture, community leadership, business podcast, leadership development, arts and culture, leadership lessons, career growth, professional development, nonprofit leadership, entertainment industry leadership, behind the scenes performing arts, leadership journey, Midwest business leaders, podcast interview, Elevate podcast, business success stories, public leadership, arts administration, company culture, inspiring leadership stories, professional growth, innovation and leadership, community impact, hospitality and entertainment leadership, Indiana business leaders

#Podcast #Leadership #PerformingArts #CEO #CareerGrowth #BusinessLeadership #ThePalladium #CarmelIndiana #Entrepreneurship #ArtsAndCulture

The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer. This episode was aided in production by the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana.

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden podcast, Jason sits down with Kevin Wright, President of STAR Financial Bank, to talk about leadership, family business, community banking, entrepreneurship, technology, and the lessons learned from sports.

Kevin shares his journey from growing up in small-town Indiana and playing competitive basketball, to becoming a fourth-generation leader helping grow STAR Financial Bank into a $3.2 billion organization with 37 locations across Indiana.

Kevin shares practical insights on:

✔️ Team building

✔️ Business growth

✔️ Sales leadership

✔️ Developing future leaders

✔️ Community involvement

✔️ Family business succession

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, banking professional, leader, or someone passionate about personal growth and community impact, this conversation is packed with valuable insight and real-world leadership lessons.

About Kevin Wright:

Kevin Wright is the President of STAR Financial Bank, a fourth-generation family-owned community bank headquartered in Indiana. STAR Financial Bank has grown from a small-town bank founded in 1943 into a multi-billion-dollar financial institution serving communities across the state.

Star Financial: https://www.starfinancial.com

Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wright-7b393a12/

More about the Elevate Podcast:

Our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

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

Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders.

#Leadership #Banking #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBanking #BusinessPodcast #IndianaBusiness #AI #Automation #BusinessLeadership #STARFinancialBank #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusiness #BasketballLeadership

Keywords: STAR Financial Bank, Banking, Finance, working in finance, finance podcast, leadership podcast, business podcast, CEO, career building, how to work your way up, how to be successful, business leadership, business growth, family owned business, fourth generation business, elevate, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, Indiana business

Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason sits down with Michelle Baker, Chief People Officer at FORUM Credit Union, to talk about leadership, company culture, talent development, and building high-performing teams.

Michelle shares her journey from aspiring teacher to HR executive, how a “plot twist” changed the course of her career, and why investing in people is the key to long-term business success. From onboarding and leadership development to workplace culture and the future of AI in financial services, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders, HR professionals, and growing organizations.

Michelle also shares how FORUM Credit Union creates an inclusive work culture, develops future leaders, and supports employees through intentional learning and development programs.

If you’re passionate about leadership, culture, HR strategy, or personal growth, this episode is for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations, business insights, and inspiring stories from leaders across Indiana and beyond.

Check out FORUM Credit Union: https://www.forumcu.com

Michelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbaker826/

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:

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

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

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Keywords: leadership, leadership podcast, business podcast, elevate podcast, FORUM Credit Union, bank, credit union, leadership development, professional development, women in leadership, workplace leadership, career building, career growth, team building, leading a team, building a team, how to lead a team, women in finance, leadership strategy, credit union leadership, business culture, business strategy, Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, technology, technology in business

#Leadership #HR #CompanyCulture #TalentDevelopment #PeopleFirst #FORUMCreditUnion #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #IndianaBusiness #AI #Recruiting #careergrowth

Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with the President of Orr Fellowship, Steven Emch, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, a growth mindset, business development, and creating opportunities for young professionals in Indiana.

Steven shares his journey from working in a family business and studying engineering to overcoming failure, rebuilding his confidence, and becoming a leader focused on mentorship, personal growth, and community impact through Or Fellowship.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, leadership podcasts, business growth, personal development, startup culture, mentorship, or professional networking, this episode offers valuable insights and real-world experiences from Steven Emch’s career journey.

Check out Orr Fellowship: https://orrfellowship.org

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:

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

Our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/

Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community innovators.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, leadership, business podcast, growth mindset, personal development, entrepreneur podcast, leadership podcast, business leadership, mentorship, community leadership, career growth, professional development, young professionals, networking

#Leadership #GrowthMindset #BusinessPodcast #PersonalDevelopment #Mentorship #Entrepreneur #LeadershipPodcast #AI #communityleadership

Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason sits down with entrepreneur and marketing leader Jacob Leffler, founder and president of The Basement, a full-service advertising agency based in Central Indiana.

Jacob shares an incredible entrepreneurial journey — from working construction jobs as a teenager, studying broadcasting at Ball State, and spending time in radio, to helping grow startups, working with McDonald’s, and ultimately launching his own digital agency.

This conversation dives deep into:

- The early days of digital marketing and advertising

- How technology disrupted traditional media

- Lessons learned from working at McDonald’s corporate marketing

- The evolution of SEO, digital strategy, and AI

- Building a successful business from scratch

- Leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact

- Why raising good people matters more than anything else

Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, business owner, creative professional, or someone interested in technology and leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world experience.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Keywords: entrepreneur podcast, business podcast, digital marketing podcast, advertising agency podcast, startup founder story, Jacob Leffler, The Basement agency, Indiana entrepreneur, Indianapolis business podcast, marketing leadership, creative agency, AI in marketing, future of AI, SEO marketing, branding strategy, entrepreneurship journey, startup business growth, digital advertising, marketing innovation, business leadership podcast, entrepreneur interview, Ball State alumni,#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #AdvertisingAgency #AI #businessleadership #MarketingStrategy #StartupJourney #SEO #Technology #IndianaBusiness #CreativeAgency #Leadership #businesspodcast

Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this inspiring episode of Elevate Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Bree Katulak, the former President & CEO of Polygon Composites Technology, who in the past couple of months, recently decided to take a step in the direction of launching Unstoppable Momentum, a community built to uplift working women to embrace their passions, no matter what it is.

In this episode, we dive into Bree's journey, and discuss leadership, resilience, innovation, and what it truly means to build a successful life and career on your own terms.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

- Bree’s path from accountant to CEO

- Leadership lessons from mentors and career pivots

- The power of embracing uncertainty and change

- Building confidence in male-dominated industries

- Manufacturing innovation and the future of composites

- Apprenticeships, workforce development, and supporting the next generation

- The importance of travel, fitness, family, and self-growth

- Bree’s upcoming podcast and organization for ambitious working women

You’ll also hear:

✔️ Why Bree requires her kids to study abroad

✔️ The story behind the “Velvet Hammer” nickname

✔️ How Polygon products are used in construction and industrial equipment worldwide

✔️ Her vision for creating meaningful careers and retirement opportunities for employees

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, working parent, or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, motivation, and real-world insights.

👇 Don’t forget to:

👍 Like

💬 Comment

🔔 Subscribe for more leadership stories and business conversations

Check out Bree:

Bree's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-katulak-cpa-96b27122/

Unstoppable Momentum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unstoppable-momentum-llc/

Check out Polygon: https://polygoncomposites.com/

More on the Elevate Podcast:

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

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

Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/

#leadership #WomenInBusiness #Podcast #Manufacturing #CEO #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #Technology #AI #CareerGrowth #IndianaBusiness #ElevatePodcast #PolygonComposites #WomenLeaders #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Jimmy Rayford, CEO of Dealers Wholesale, to talk about leadership, mentorship, culture, career growth, and the relationships that shaped his journey.

Jimmy shares his story growing up in a small textile town in South Carolina, attending Clemson University, starting his career at IBM, and eventually becoming CEO of Dealers Wholesale in Indianapolis. Along the way, he opens up about mentorship, overcoming self-imposed limits, building company culture, and why relationships can completely change the direction of your life and career.

This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.

Check out Dealer's Wholesale: https://www.dealerswholesale.com

Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyrayford/

Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:

Check out the Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/

Like this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe for more Elevate content, with new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!

#Leadership #CEO #BusinessPodcast #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #CompanyCulture #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #Indianapolis #Clemson #Podcast

Keywords: Dealer's Wholesale, Jimmy Rayford, manufacturing, CEO podcast, leadership podcast, business podcast, mentorship story, mentorship, mentor, career mentor, leadership, leadership lessons, leadership and mentorship, elevate, elevate podcast, elevate powered by braden, Braden Business Systems, CEO

Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode, Ben Brydges, CEO of Wood-Mizer, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling candy out of a wagon to leading a global manufacturing company. 🚀

Ben dives into the power of betting on yourself, building a strong foundation through diverse experiences, and embracing risk to unlock growth. From working his way through engineering school to leading major operations and eventually becoming CEO, his story is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and career development.

We also explore Wood-Mizer’s global impact, innovation in the sawmilling industry, and how technology like AI is shaping the future of manufacturing. Plus, Ben opens up about family, community involvement, and what success really means beyond the workplace.

If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to take the next step in your career, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think bigger.

Topics covered:

- Entrepreneurship from a young age

- Career growth & leadership development

- Taking risks and betting on yourself

- Building a global business

- Technology & innovation in manufacturing

- Work-life balance and family

Check out Wood-Mizer: https://woodmizer.com/us?srsltid=AfmBOorZHACHThPmWw9XD4BfVvE14jXa2x7-0aFusvEd0cas71EEc0IV

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbrydges/

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

Learn more about Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring leadership stories!

Keywords: how to become a CEO, manufacturing leadership, manufacturing company, Wood-Mizer, leadership, leadership podcast, non traditional career path, career growth, business podcast, elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden podcast, Braden Business Systems

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast Powered by Braden, we sit down with Carmel, Indiana Mayor Sue Finkam to unpack a career journey that’s anything but traditional.

From growing up in a small town in northern Michigan to pursuing sports medicine, breaking into business development, and eventually stepping into public service—Sue’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and betting on yourself.

Whether you're a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own career path, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

🎧 Listen now and discover how one decision to “throw her hat in the ring” changed everything.

Learn more about Carmel on their website: https://www.carmel.in.gov

Mayor Finkam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suefinkam/

Fun Fact: Carmel, Indiana is the city with the most roundabouts than any other city in the U.S!

Check out our Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Learn more about Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.com

Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/

About the Elevate Podcast:

We bring you conversations with leaders, innovators, and change-makers across industries to explore career journeys, leadership lessons, and the ideas shaping our communities.

Keywords: Carmel, Indiana, City of Carmel, Sue Finkam, mayor, mayor of Carmel, Government, leadership, government leadership, business leadership, leadership podcast, public service, local government, local government leadership

#ElevatePodcast #Leadership #CarmelIndiana #PublicService #businessleadership

Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

Big announcement for the Elevate: Powered by Braden podcast! We're updating our release schedule to releasing episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, starting on May 5th, 2026. We've got so many exciting guests coming on the show, and want to share their stories as soon as possible, so we can all gain from their leadership.

Don't forget to subscribe to stay tuned for the exciting episodes we've got coming up, and maybe even a few more different surprises too...

Learn more about Braden Business Systems on our website: bradenonline.com

Check out our Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/

Keywords: elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate: Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, leadership, leadership podcast, business podcast, video podcast

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