I had an inspiring conversation with Matt Mason, a seasoned country singer-songwriter from Fairland, Indiana who has reached over 200 million streams on Spotify. 

Matt shares his incredible journey from overcoming personal challenges and battling addiction to achieving success in Nashville by winning CMT's Next Superstar in 2011. 

He reflects on his love for traditional country music, the importance of authenticity, and the life-changing conversations with God that reshaped his career. 

As Matt gears up for a new shows in 2025, he discusses the importance of being honest, staying true to oneself, and the impact of his roots on his music. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring musicians and fans alike.

You are going to learn about:The genuine value of authenticity How the entertainment industry operates The power of persistence

Thanks to our partners:Hope Plumbing Fleddermann Von Rieste

Check out these great clips from the show:  00:55 Introducing Matt Mason: A Journey Through Music 02:35 Early Influences and First Guitar 05:57 First Big Break: Opening for Charlie Daniels 09:37 Moving to Nashville and Early Struggles 13:27 Nashville Star and Touring with Chris Young 18:42 Winning CMT's Next Superstar 22:14 Personal Struggles and Turning Point 29:50 Transparency and Career Challenges 30:14 Pushing the Song to Secondary Radio 31:10 Divine Guidance and Success 32:34 Honesty with His Wife 35:06 A New Beginning 36:02 Rebuilding on a Solid Foundation 37:33 Career Trajectory and Touring 39:58 Focusing on Men and Manhood 41:22 Touring and Market Testing 46:45 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

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.

My guest today was Janet Monroe, CEO of ClusterTruck, an innovative Indiana-based delivery kitchen. 

Listen in to learn about Janet's incredible journey from a 10-year law career to leading ClusterTruck, a company that combines technology and culinary excellence to redefine food delivery. 

We discuss the company's unique business model, its expansion journey, the efficient operational processes that set it apart, and its strong community engagement. 

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a food lover, or simply curious about successful business transformations, this episode has something for everyone.

You will learn lessons in:

Leadership Community Building Innovation

Thank You To Our Partners:ClusterTruck (Use Code INDY) JC Hart

Check Out These Great Clips:

01:18 Guest Introduction: Janet Monroe, CEO of ClusterTruck 02:08 Janet's Journey from Law to Cluster Truck 03:37 Cluster Truck's Unique Operational Model 05:44 Expansion and Challenges 06:47 Transition to CEO and Leadership Insights 10:33 Franchising and Operational Excellence 21:50 Community Engagement and Partnerships 26:01 Favorite Dishes and Fun Facts 28:16 Navigating the Pandemic: ClusterTruck's Response 29:03 Adapting to New Ordering Trends 29:52 Group Ordering Innovations 31:43 Competing in the Delivery Market 34:41 Building Trust with Customers 37:19 ClusterTruck's Unique Work Culture 41:32 Franchising vs. Starting a Business 45:59 Lightning Round: Fun Food Questions 51:00 Supporting the Community and Final Thoughts

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.

In this episode, I am joined by Gary, Caleb, and Dustin, the brains behind Iron Timbers, a custom woodwork and metalwork shop based in Osgood, Indiana that has accumulated over 1,000,000 followers on social media. 

We delve into the company's origins rooted in family craftsmanship and its impressive growth through grassroots marketing, social media, and strategic partnerships like their collaboration with HGTV's 'Good Bones.' 

The team shares personal anecdotes, their journey from hobbyists to full-time entrepreneurs, and the importance of authenticity and community support. 

They also hint at future plans, including expanding their content creation and educational ventures to help other craftsmen succeed.

You are going to learn: - The value of persistence and consistency in entrepreneurial growth - The importance of building authentic relationships and community support - Strategies for leveraging social media and strategic partnerships to expand your business

Thank you to our partners: Warm Glow Candle Company Keller & Keller Get Indiana. (Subtle Plug)

Check out these great clips from the show: 06:24 Meet the Iron Timbers Team 07:30 The Origin Story of Iron Timbers 16:42 Transition from Hobby to Business 17:58 First Big Projects and Going Full-Time 20:19 Challenges and Support in Entrepreneurship 24:10 Breakthrough with Good Bones 34:36 Family Celebration and Exciting News 35:02 Immediate Business Impact from TV Appearance 36:57 Challenges and Successes in Nationwide Shipping 39:15 Social Media Growth and Strategy 42:33 Partnership with Duluth Trading Company 57:14 Team Expansion and Hiring Philosophy 59:45 Future Plans and New Ventures 01:05:11 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 01:06:24 Favorite Projects and Hidden Talents 01:09:15 Indiana's Hidden Gems and Local Recommendations 01:15:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

Today I welcomed two local legends, Jack Hope and Brad Persic, the co-founders of Hope Plumbing, a successful residential plumbing company here in Indy. 

We talk through their journey of building Hope Plumbing from the ground up over 17 years, discussing their first steps, challenges, and the pivotal moments that defined their business. 

The conversation highlights their commitment to community involvement, the importance of trust and alignment in their partnership, and strategies for workforce development and talent retention in the trades. 

They also share insights on the philosophy behind their business practices and the benefits of being deeply rooted in local community support.

You are going to learn:

• Talent retention techniques for the trades
• Strategies for picking a good business partner
• What one decision changed the game for Hope Plumbing

Thank you to our partners: HC Tavern WBIT Basketball Back 9

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:19 Meet the Guys: Jack Hope and Brad Persic 02:41 The Founding Story of Hope Plumbing 06:24 Early Challenges and Grassroots Marketing 07:30 Community Support and Initial Success 16:42 Balancing Family and Business 17:58 Joining a Best Practice Group 20:19 Transitioning from Self-Employed to Business Owners 24:10 The Importance of a Strong Partnership 34:36 Community Involvement and Sponsorships 35:02 Customer Service and Community Support 36:57 Favorite Community Initiatives 39:15 Talent Attraction and Retention 42:33 Changing the Narrative of Trades 57:14 Plumbing Horror Stories 59:45 Hidden Gems in Indiana 01:05:11 Philosophy in Plumbing

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.

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.

It was my pleasure to sit down with Thomas Kopelman, founder of All Street Wealth, to discuss his financial planning firm, which specializes in serving equity-compensated millennials and entrepreneurs. 

He has amassed an incredible following of over 33,000 followers on Twitter/X where he shares applicable personal finance information. 

Thomas is also a top 100 Advisor from Investopedia and a Top 23 Millennial Advisor from Business Insider.

The conversation covers Thomas's entry into the financial planning industry, his savvy use of social media to attract clients, and his unique approach to financial advising for high-income individuals.

You are going to learn about:

• The importance of niching down
• How to leverage social media to grow your business
• Common financial mistakes business owners make

Thank you to our partners:

WBIT HC Tavern Fledderman Von Rieste

Check out these great clips from the show: 

01:15 Meet Thomas Kopelman: Financial Planning Expert 02:09 Thomas's Journey: From Broker Dealer to All Street Wealth 03:16 The Rise of Young Entrepreneurs in Indianapolis 03:48 The Freedom of Modern Business Models 04:24 Founding All Street Wealth: The Early Days 05:22 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth 08:04 The Challenges and Rewards of Business Ownership 16:08 Financial Planning for High-Income Clients 24:47 Common Financial Mistakes Business Owners Make 28:36 Common Mistakes Business Owners Make 29:00 The Importance of Liquidity 29:52 Smart Investment Strategies 31:14 Success Stories of Business Owners 32:06 The Value of Specialization 34:48 Retaining Key Employees 35:50 Innovative Pricing Models 46:31 The Power of Social Media 55:08 Winning on Knowledge: Creating the Best Content 55:26 Balancing Quality and Quantity in Social Media 56:36 Future Goals and Team Expansion 57:35 Scaling the Business and Client Management 59:57 Personal Priorities and Work-Life Balance 01:02:58 Financial Advice for Millennials 01:09:26 Advice to My Younger Self 01:12:19 Living and Thriving in Indiana

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.

In this episode, I brought on Justin Holmes, founder of Holmes Cooking, a digital chef with over 3.6 million followers. 

We explored Justin's journey from his roots in Indiana, through his transition from factory worker to full-time content creator, and  what fuels his passion for cooking and content creation.

You are going to learn: 

• Advice to young creators just getting started
• How to turn passion into profit when it comes to content
• Delicious recipes for all stages of life

Huge thank you to our partners: 

Hope Plumbing Greek’s Pizzeria

Check out these great clips from the show:

00:58 Meet Justin Holmes: The Online Cooking Sensation 02:12 Justin's Journey into Cooking 03:17 From Hobby to Content Creation 04:27 The Rise of Holmes Cooking on TikTok 05:33 Diversifying Content and Platforms 07:41 Building an Authentic Brand 08:40 Expanding to Long-Form Content 16:08 The Turning Point: Going Full-Time 24:37 Life as a Content Creator in a Small Town 29:07 The Raid on Don Miller's Home 29:44 The Legal Issues and Artifacts 31:34 Monetizing Social Media Platforms 32:19 Challenges and Strategies for Content Creators 34:06 The Importance of Familiarity in Videos 41:14 Inspiration from Other Creators 49:43 Favorite Recipes and Cooking Tips 56:01 The Secret Recipe 56:56 Future Plans for Holmes Cooking 57:20 Merchandise and Collaborations 59:24 The Importance of Community 01:04:11 Personal Stories and Reflections 01:05:27 Lightning Round: Fun Food Questions 01:15:49 Hidden Gems and Hoosier Pride

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.

Today’s convo is with Julie Roe Lach, the Horizon League Commissioner and Board Chair of the Indiana Sports Corps. 

Julie’s inspiring journey from being an All-American basketball player to a leadership figure in college athletics is highlighted. 

The conversation centers on Indiana’s vision for becoming the global epicenter of sports, especially focusing on the advancements in SportsTech and student-athlete opportunities through NIL deals. 

Key points of discussion include the strategic initiatives to make Indiana a hub for women’s sports, the evolution of NIL deals, and the impact of athletics on community and personal development.

You are going to learn about:

- The strategic vision for Indiana to become the global epicenter of sports by 2050. - The crucial role of the Horizon League and its member schools in shaping college athletics. - The evolution of NIL deals and their impact on student-athletes in the Horizon League.

Check out our amazing partners:

Sports Tech HQ- Fueling Indiana’s transformation into a global hub for sports technology. WBIT Basketball Championship- Held at Hinkle Fieldhouse 3/31 & 4/2. Warm Glow- Mother’s day is around the corner. Don’t wait.

Check out these great clips from the show:

01:25 Interview with Julie Roe Lach: A Trailblazer in College Athletics 02:07 Horizon League Championship: Excitement and Growth 07:21 Horizon League's Community Engagement and Events 24:59 NIL and the Future of College Athletics 31:48 Settlement Hearing and NCAA Financial Impact 32:42 Distribution of Settlement Funds 33:48 Impact on Mid-Major Schools 34:37 Future of NCAA and Financial Strategies 36:25 Transition to Horizon League 38:41 Role and Vision of Indiana Sports Corp 45:44 Advice for Young Professionals 48:06 Lightning Round and Personal Stories 59:59 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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.

This may be my favorite episode ever… and I am not exaggerating. 

I got to interview Will Schuler, a young entrepreneur who is making waves in Indiana's excavation and utility contracting industry. 

From starting his business in high school to achieving over $30 million in revenue by age 23, Will shares his journey, the values that drive him, and the lessons he's learned along the way. 

We delve into his early inspirations, the challenges of managing a growing company, and his commitment to building American infrastructure and American dreams.

You’re going to learn about:  -How Will’s relentless drive set him apart from his peers.  -His journey to becoming the youngest member of YPO ever. (Min $15m+ in revenue)  -Tips for building high performing teams.

Thanks to our amazing partners:

ClusterTruck- Use code INDY on your next lunch order.  J.C. Hart- Looking for an apartment in Indiana? Look no further.  Back 9 Golf- The go to activity for weekend plans in DT Indianapolis.

Check out these great clips:

01:19 Meet Will Schuler: Young Entrepreneur 02:36 Will's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots 04:35 Family Challenges and Moving to Cicero 07:58 Starting in Excavation and High School Hustle 12:27 First Big Break and Rapid Growth 16:26 Balancing School and Business 22:33 Scaling Up: From Small Jobs to Big Contracts 38:24 Building Excel Spreadsheets and Early Business Ventures 38:57 Dating Journey and Balancing Work 40:03 Massive Growth and Key Relationships 41:07 Instilling Passion and Transparency in Employees 45:12 Joining Entrepreneurial Organizations 52:36 Work-Life Balance and Passion for Work 57:38 Reflections on Education and Career Paths

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.

I was joined by Indiana’s sweet treat king, Janzin Cripe- founder of Chills Delight, an emerging ice cream and donut shop in Northern Indiana that has gained significant attention on social media. 

Starting from humble beginnings in a shed, Janzin shares his journey of turning his small-town business into a popular brand with millions of views on TikTok. 

The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of family support, and the unexpected success driven by phenomenal customer service and authentic social media content.

You are going to learn about: 

• The importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship
• How community and support networks can change the game for your career
• The impact of genuine customer service and authenticity

Make sure you check out our amazing partners:

Hope Plumbing- The best in the plumbing biz in central Indiana The Horizon League- Head to the Horizon League B-ball championships on March 10th and 11th at the Corteva Coliseum. Get Indiana.- Subscribe on Instagram and help us fund more fun Indiana content.  

Check out these great clips:

01:00 Meet Jansen Cripe: The Ice Cream Entrepreneur 01:20 The Journey Begins: From Farm to Ice Cream Shop 02:16 The Early Struggles and Family Support 02:54 The First Steps: Starting the Ice Cream Business 03:41 The Power of Social Media and Customer Service 04:25 Balancing College and Business 06:03 Seasonal Operations and Growth 07:58 Community Support and Expansion 10:07 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 16:07 The Move to a Permanent Location 31:59 Donut Saturdays: A Creative Solution 33:34 Going Viral: The Social Media Boom 34:55 Authenticity and Viral Success 36:07 Customer Service and Business Growth 39:15 Expanding the Menu and TikTok Fame 41:11 Shipping Donuts Nationwide 44:40 Dealing with Negativity and Customer Interactions 48:53 Future Plans and Second Location 52:53 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 55:05 Fun Questions and Lightning Round

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.