Future Proof

Scott Eckart has spent his career helping entrepreneurs build legacies and secure their futures.

In this episode, he opens up about his personal journey - from being let go after 9/11 to becoming a successful business owner. Scott reflects on the struggles and triumphs that shaped him, revealing how leaning into adversity fueled his success. 

Scott zooms  into a crucial issue many business owners overlook: while they pour their heart, soul, and resources into their companies, they often fail to plan for the future. He emphasizes the power of generational wealth, succession planning, and ensuring a business thrives long after its founder has moved on.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Overcoming personal and professional struggles to build a successful business
• Why business owners need to focus on their legacy and plan for the future
• The importance of mentorship, wise counsel, and surrounding yourself with the right people
• How to navigate industry disruption and business transitions

Things to listen for:
 (00:00) Introduction to Scott Eckart and his journey
 (03:00) Lessons learned from overcoming early struggles
 (10:00) The importance of succession planning and preparing for the future
 (15:30) What it means to build a business that lasts
 (21:00) The value of mentorship and having the right people around you
 (27:00) How to ensure the next generation of leaders is ready
 (34:00) Why business owners should focus on both success and significance
 (38:00) Building a system to extract value from your business
 (40:00) The power of feedback and learning from others in business

Resources:

Scott Eckart’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-eckart/ 

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/ 

She lost her business, her studio, and even her marriage during the 2008 financial crisis. Starting over was not optional. It was the only path forward.

Lesle Lane, owner of Studio 13 and a third generation commercial photographer, joins Scott Eckart to share the story of how she rebuilt her career after losing nearly everything during the Great Recession. From growing up in a family photography business to betting $200,000 on early digital camera technology, Lesle explains how foresight, persistence, and the willingness to embrace change helped her survive industry disruption and economic collapse.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Resilience and rebuilding after business failure
• How entrepreneurs navigate industry disruption and technological change
• Why foresight is critical for long term business success

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Introduction to Lesle Lane and Studio 13
(02:00) Growing up in a third generation photography family
(10:00) Learning through failure and the importance of practice
(17:30) The $200,000 decision to switch to digital photography
(21:00) Surviving economic shocks
(22:30) Losing everything during the 2008 recession
(27:00) Going back to school for an MBA and rebuilding confidence
(29:30) Launching Studio 13 after starting over
(30:30) How AI is changing the photography and marketing industry
(43:00) Building systems and a team to scale the business
(44:00) Why being a light for others matters in business and life

Resources:

Lesle Lane’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslelane/ 

Studio 13’s Website: https://www.studio13online.com/ 

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/ 

They swapped CEO seats on a family vacation. This one decisive role shift changed the trajectory of their business.

Bryan Neale, founder of Blind Zebra, and wife Stephanie Neale, Blind Zebra’s CEO and Integrator, sit down with Scott Eckart and tell the story of how they combined their strengths to create a company that promotes a healthy, sustainable approach to sales.

Bryan and Stephanie discuss the challenges of working together as a married couple and business partners, the importance of knowing your identity outside the business, and the wisdom in acknowledging that no entrepreneur starts out knowing what they’re doing. Plus, Scott answers questions from Bryan and Stephanie about mentorship and the future of leader development programs.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The importance of having operating systems for your life and your business
• The valuable role of integrators and visionaries
• The return of authenticity in the age of AI

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Bryan and Stephanie Neale

(01:43) What it means to make selling simple

(06:02) How Bryan and Stephanie started their life together

(10:35) A fatal flaw in family businesses

(15:29) Changing roles

(19:09) The importance of embracing vulnerability and failure

(25:09) Work-life integration

(28:20) Struggling with mattering and identity

(39:20) Changing Blind Zebra’s business model

(50:53) Business in the age of AI

(53:12) Embracing authenticity in sales

(54:15) Leadership development is slowing down

Resources:

Bryan Neale’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanneale/ 

Stephanie Neale’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesummersthompson/ 

Blind Zebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blind-zebra/

Blind Zebra website: https://blind-zebra.com/ 

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/  

A grounded conversation for business owners thinking about what comes next and how to leave well.

Mark Miller, Founder and President of Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety, joins Scott Eckart to share the story behind building a people-first company and making a thoughtful decision to merge after nearly three decades of ownership.

Mark walks through the moments that shaped his path, from an unexpected start in environmental services to leading a team through growth, risk, and transition. You will hear how thorough preparation and a culture of trust influenced his approach to succession and why taking care of people mattered as much as the deal itself.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What culture reveals during a business transition
• How to think clearly about succession and timing
• Why preparation creates better options

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Meet Mark Miller

(03:24) How Cornerstone got started by chance

(06:43) What really drives entrepreneurs

(09:26) Why culture came before deal terms

(12:25) Learning what the business was truly worth

(15:57) Knowing when it was time to step back

(21:15) Trust, vulnerability, and servant leadership

(25:57) Testing succession plans under pressure

(31:17) Defining success beyond the business

(36:50) What comes next after stepping away from leadership

(43:20) The five dysfunctions of a team 

(47:12) Early financial decisions that created long-term freedom

Resources:

Mark Miller’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-miller-6381a213/ 

Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-environmental-health-and-safety-inc./ 

Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety website: https://www.cornerstone-ehs.com/ 

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/  

An inspiring story and strategies for entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion into purpose.

Ralph Balber, Founder and President of ALO Property Group LLC, joins Scott Eckart to tell his story of leaving a job that made him miserable to start his company, which has gone on to be a leading commercial real estate brokerage in Indiana.

Ralph shares the values that have helped him shape a fulfilling career, from respecting other people’s time and working harder than anyone else to giving back to the community and doing what you love. You’ll hear how these traits can help you make a career shift, build a business from the ground up, and focus on what matters most.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Ralph Balber story
• Why you should love what you do and do what you love
• How harsh truths and criticism can be a gift
• Why time is the most valuable resource

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Meet Ralph Balber

(05:57) Entering the restaurant business

(08:24) Mistakes made and lessons learned in business

(11:49) The harsh truth Ralph needed to hear

(14:38) How Ralph changed the course of his career in 30 days

(19:51) The importance of doing what you love

(22:04) Finding the right people to work with

(25:06) A different approach to real estate

(30:41) Time is your only non-renewable resource

(34:20) Bringing family into the business

(42:40) The skills you need to enter real estate

Resources:

Ralph Balber’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-balber-b6bb0012/

ALO Property Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alo-property-group-llc/ 

ALO Property Group website: https://alopg.com/ 

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/  

What can focusing on your people’s growth do for your company?

Mike Lantz, founder and CEO of trueU, sits down with Scott Eckart to share his philosophy that people are the greatest strategic advantages a company can have, shaped by his time developing culture and talent at Defenders Direct and F.C. Tucker Company.

Mike talks about the importance of supporting employees in becoming the best versions of themselves, driving strategy with culture, and committing to the company’s values and standards. You’ll hear about the traits a good leader should have, how people thrive when their leaders believe in them, and why companies should hire more than one type of person.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why culture isn’t just about what’s in your break room
• What you should ask to know if a new hire is a good fit
• The different kinds of workers you need on your team

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Meet Mike Lantz

(05:14) Investing in your people grows revenue

(07:13) The role of accountability in building high-performing teams

(10:45) Why culture should be your business strategy

(13:25) Helping people become the best versions of themselves

(21:58) Nature vs. nurture and spotting talent

(29:02) Lessons on diversity from playing in a band

(31:05) What assessment tools are good for

(33:15) The different roles that help a team succeed

(39:40) Feedback is a gift

Resources:

Mike Lantz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeclantz/

trueU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trueu/

trueU website: https://trueu.com/

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/  

What can redesigning your office do for your culture?

Mary Beth Oakes, CEO and owner of Business Furniture, chats with Scott Eckart about transforming the 70-year-old business from a traditional dealership into a company that designs spaces to shape culture, climbing the ranks from showroom manager to CEO in the process.

Mary Beth shares how she changed tracks from journalism to office interior design, how the pandemic impacted their business, and the challenges she faced during a leadership transition. You’ll hear about the competitive edge of a culture-driven company, the vital  role of human connection in improving productivity, and what an innovative business model can do for a legacy company.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How listening to your clients’ needs can lead to innovation
• Why teams work better in a thoughtfully-designed office
• What facing challenges can do for your growth

Things to listen for: 

(01:35) Meet Mary Beth Oakes

(05:44) Saying yes to a game-changing meeting

(10:37) Early lessons in positivity from her single mom

(17:07) How office design reflects and drives business goals

(18:40) What differentiates Business Furniture from other dealerships

(21:11) The impact of the pandemic on their business

(25:53) Learning to lead through crisis and transition

(29:31) Creating opportunity as a woman in leadership

(32:35) Why college isn’t the only way to your dream career

(35:32) Carving a path for philanthropy within the business

Resources:

Mary Beth Oakes’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marybethoakes/

Business Furniture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-furniture-choreo/

Business Furniture website: https://businessfurniture.net/

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/  

How do you know when your successor is ready to take over?

Katie Ittenbach, President & CEO of  SMARI Research, and SMARI founder Jim Ittenbach join Scott Eckart to talk about how their family business successfully transitioned from one generation to the next. For over a decade, Katie climbed the corporate ladder and showed her value to the company, until Jim knew she was ready to lead.

Katie and Jim share pivotal moments from their story, such as Katie’s shift from biochem to business and Jim’s decision to accelerate her path to leadership. You’ll hear about the skills that Katie had to develop on her way to the top, how Jim learned to let go and trust his daughter’s leadership, and how to maintain a professional relationship with family in the workplace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify when your successor is ready, even if they’re your own child
• What it looks like to lead in a new way without losing the founder’s legacy
• How taking on a leadership role starts with small decisions

Things to listen for: 

(01:19) Meet Katie and Jim Ittenbach

(03:17) Why joining the family business wasn’t Katie’s original plan

(10:27) The moment Jim decided to go all-in on SMARI

(15:14) How to spot talent and drive

(16:45) How Katie earned clients’ trust without using her last name

(21:10) The moment Jim knew Katie was ready to lead

(23:30) How Katie and Jim set professional boundaries

(27:14) Making decisions for the company before becoming CEO
(31:36) The importance of collaborating with a group
(42:57) The secret to an effective succession plan

Resources:

Katie Ittenbach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieittenbach/

SMARI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-marketing-&-research-inc-/

SMARI website: https://smari.com/

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/

What does it look like to build a business around care instead of hype?

Mark Moreland, founder of Body Outfitters, joins Scott Eckart to reflect on his journey from reluctant student to personal trainer to owner of a growing three-location business. With years of leading people and clients under his belt, Mark shares how his long-term mindset has shaped everything from client retention to talent development, and how it helped him create a succession plan just as he was expanding his business.

He and Scott talk about the transition from technician to leader, how to spot someone who’s wired to care, and what business owners get wrong about intensity. You’ll hear why Mark believes consistency beats complexity, how his team builds client trust one text at a time, and what a fitness business can teach you about stewardship.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the long game builds better businesses
• How to scale your values across a growing team
• What client care actually looks like in practice

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Meet Mark Moreland

(06:34) Advice for young adults feeling directionless

(10:50) How Mark planned the first studio

(15:17) Early growth lessons and client connection habits

(21:07) Why leadership starts with managing yourself

(25:31) On working with his mom as CFO

(31:17) Turning career pivots into expansion plans

(35:14) Letting go of control as a founder

(38:14) Supporting your people and their goals

(41:01) Moving faster and trusting your gut

Resources:
Mark Moreland's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-moreland-a5572838/ 

Body Outfitters website: https://bodyoutfitters.com/
Body Outfitters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyoutfitters/
Body Outfitters Instagram: @bodyoutfitters

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/

What does it take to turn a family business into a thriving tourist destination?

Lucas Dull and Dana Dull join host Scott Eckart to share how they transitioned from traditional grain farming to building one of Indiana’s most beloved agritourism businesses. As second-generation owners of Dull’s Tree Farm, they’ve expanded far beyond Christmas trees, creating a place where thousands of families return year after year.

They talk about the experience of returning to a family business, making tough calls to change the way they ran the business, and the unexpected ways their community showed up when things went wrong. You’ll hear what they’ve learned about showing up for your employees, honoring legacy, and how a family business can pass valuable life skills down to the next generation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to know when it’s time to shift your business model
• What a real-world succession plan looks like in practice
• Why clarity on values matters more than getting your strategy right

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Meet Lucas and Dana Dull

(05:03) What agritourism is and why it works

(08:26) Leaving engineering for a family business

(12:51) Early signs of entrepreneurial thinking

(16:55) Why they shut down grain farming

(22:42) How Dana became chief of operations

(25:58) The moment it felt like a real business

(31:06) Rebuilding after a fire nearly shut them down

(36:32) How their kids responded to the crisis

(37:51) Lessons on legacy from the first generation

Resources:
Lucas Dull’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-dull-23330a349/
Dull’s Tree Farm website: https://www.dullstreefarm.com/
Dull's Tree Farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DullsTreeFarm
Dull's Tree Farm Instagram: @dullstreefarm

Join the Velocity Network: https://www.velocoaches.com/