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Middle Tech
By Middle TechTechnology
Middle Tech episodes
- 311. Prologue: Brad Luttrell on Learnings from Shutting Down GoWild and Starting Again
Brad Luttrell is a founder and storyteller who recently made the difficult decision to shut down his company, GoWild. Now, he’s building again—with more focus and experience behind his new company, Prologue.
What actually happens when a startup fails? How do founders know when it’s time to pull the plug—and what comes next?
Expect to learn how Brad came to the decision to shut down GoWild, what it felt like to have not one, but two 8-figure acquisition offers fall through, the lessons he’s carrying into Prologue, how he approached fundraising differently the second time around, and why starting again doesn’t mean starting from scratch.
📲 Follow us on social: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
Middle Tech is proudly supported by:KY Innovation → kyinnovation.com
1 hr 20 min - 310. Valvoline: Cooling the Hottest Tech - Valvoline’s Move into AI Infrastructure w/ George Zhang & Michael Morrison
Valvoline is known for its long history in automotive lubricants, but today, the company is pushing into a new frontier: data centers. As the demand for artificial intelligence grows and more data centers come online, the energy-intensive chips that power AI models are facing an overheating crisis. Enter Valvoline.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. George Zhang, VP of Research and Development, and Michael Morrison, Director of New Ventures at Valvoline, to explore how the company is leveraging its expertise in heat transfer to cool next-generation data centers.
Our conversation covers the science behind liquid cooling and why AI chips are overheating, how Valvoline is adapting its lubricant technology for data center cooling, and the role of Kentucky in Valvoline’s innovation efforts.
📲 Follow us on social: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
Middle Tech is proudly supported by:KY Innovation → kyinnovation.com
26 min - 309. Bringing Billions to Kentucky: Governor Andy Beshear on KY's Economic Development Successes
Logan and Evan sit down with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss Kentucky’s economic development successes, private sector investment, and the role of innovation in shaping Kentucky's future.
Under Governor Beshear’s administration, Kentucky has seen over $35 billion in private sector investment - more than any governor in Kentucky history - including major projects in battery manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. Our conversation explores:
- What’s driving business investment in Kentucky- The economic impact of projects like the BlueOval SK Battery Park and AESC Gigafactory- How the state is supporting innovation, startups, and workforce development
We’re excited to spotlight the impact of innovation on Kentucky’s economic future!
Help Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims:
Donate to Kentucky’s Storm Relief Fund
Support New Frontier's Kentucky Strong Campaign (100% of proceeds support relief efforts)
Additional Flood Resources
📲 Follow us on social: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
Middle Tech is proudly supported by:
KY Innovation → kyinnovation.com
Hunsicker Venture Studio → hunsicker.co/firesides
Bolt Marketing → buildwithbolt.com
31 min - 308. Season 8 Kickoff: Big Moves, New Ventures & The Future of Middle Tech
Middle Tech is back for Season 8! In this episode, Logan and Evan dive into major personal and business updates, including Logan’s decision to go full-time with Middle Tech & DevelopLex and Evan’s launch of Valent, his startup leveraging AI to accelerate RFP responses.
They discuss the vision for 2025, upcoming high-production episodes, and the expansion of Middle Tech’s role in Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem. The conversation covers:
✅ Why Logan left Fooji to go all-in on Middle Tech
✅ Evan’s journey from Simba to launching Valent with over $1M raised
✅ The evolution of DevelopLex & how it fits into Kentucky’s economic future
✅ The rise of AI meetups & workshops—why they’re critical for Kentucky
✅ What’s changing in our content strategy and events for 2025We’re making big moves this year, and we want you to be part of it!
📩Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, key takeaways, and upcoming events:Middle Tech Newsletter
📲 Follow us on social:Twitter |Instagram |LinkedIn |TikTok🚀 Middle Tech is proudly supported by:
- KY Innovation →kyinnovation.com
- Hunsicker Venture Studio →hunsicker.co/fireside
30 min - 307. SOAR: Colby Hall on Eastern Kentucky's $40 Million Grant
On today's episode, we welcome back Colby Hall, the executive director of SOAR. SOAR was recently awarded $40 million through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, focused on revamping EKY's economic identity. We dive into the challenges of employment gaps in Eastern Kentucky, the importance of remote work, and how the geography of the region has impacted it's economic development. Colby emphasizes the need for a new economic identity, the role of entrepreneurship, and the success of the SOAR Summit in fostering innovation in the Appalachian region. Looking ahead, he shares his vision for the future and the importance of individual support in driving community change.
To learn more about SOAR and the grant they were awarded, you can check out this press release: https://soar-ky.org/soar-eda-recompete/
Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/
Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod
Logan Jones’ Socials
X: https://x.com/lojo_ky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/
Evan Knowles’ Socials
X: https://x.com/EvanKnowles_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation: https://www.kyinnovation.com/
Bolt Marketing: https://www.buildwithbolt.com/
Hunsicker: https://www.hunsicker.co/firesides
57 min - 306. Sprocket Innovation: Monica Bilak on Supporting Entrepreneurship in Western Kentucky
In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket Innovation, to discuss the growing startup ecosystem in Western Kentucky. Monica shares her diverse career journey, from managing microgrants in East Africa to leading community revitalization projects and now spearheading Sprocket Innovation in Paducah, Kentucky.The conversation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of fostering innovation in a smaller regional ecosystem and how Sprocket supports entrepreneurs with programs like the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge and Next 50k. Monica emphasizes the importance of leveraging local resources, building strong networks, and collaborative efforts among Kentucky’s innovation hubs.The episode also delves into the future of entrepreneurship in Western Kentucky, focusing on the potential growth sectors and the role of regional storytelling and networking.
Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/
Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod
Logan Jones’ Socials
X: https://x.com/lojo_ky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/
Evan Knowles’ Socials
X: https://x.com/EvanKnowles_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation: https://www.kyinnovation.com/
Bolt Marketing: https://www.buildwithbolt.com/
Hunsicker: https://www.hunsicker.co/firesides
48 min - 305. Card.io: Destin George Bell on his Shark Tank experience, Building a gamified fitness app, and Moving to Austin
In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Destin George Bell, the founder behind the Card.io app, a gamified fitness platform that combines elements of Capture the Flag with fitness tracking. From his roots in Louisville to establishing his startup in Austin, Destin shares the challenges and triumphs of launching a business during the pandemic and his experience pitching on Shark Tank. We dive into how Destin started down the path of entrepreneurship while at UK, the role that self-taught hustle and community support played along the way, and what he hopes to accomplish with Card.io in the near future.
Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/
Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod
Logan Jones’ Socials
X: https://x.com/lojo_ky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/
Evan Knowles’ Socials
X: https://x.com/EvanKnowles_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation: https://www.kyinnovation.com/
Bolt Marketing: https://www.buildwithbolt.com/
Hunsicker: https://www.hunsicker.co/firesides
57 min - 304. SOAR Summit Live Podcast with Elijah Jensen & Cindy Sparks
In this episode recorded live at the 2024 SOAR Summit, we talk with Cindy Sparks from Complete3D and Dr. Elijah Jensen from Black Box Energy Systems - two former winners of the Appalachia startup pitch competition. We discuss how Black Box Energy Systems is innovating in the energy sector with lightweight, efficient power solutions, and how Complete3D is making 3D printing accessible through maintenance and education. Learn about the challenges they faced, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them, and the unique opportunities Kentucky offers for startups.
Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/
Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod
Logan Jones’ SocialsX: https://x.com/lojo_kyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/
Evan Knowles’ SocialsX: https://x.com/EvanKnowles_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation: https://www.kyinnovation.com/
Bolt Marketing: https://www.buildwithbolt.com/
Hunsicker: https://www.hunsicker.co/firesides
46 min - 303. Buddle Skincare: Gaylord VanGuilder on Innovating Baby Skincare and E-Commerce Strategies
In this episode, Logan sits down with Gaylord VanGuilder, CEO and co-founder of Buddle Skincare, an e-commerce brand set on solving diaper rash. The discussion traverses the importance of prevention in skincare, and Gaylord's extensive background in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, including his experience with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. The episode delves into the challenges of the baby skincare market, underlining the lack of R&D investment and the high costs of customer acquisition. Gaylord discusses partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, leveraging AI for business growth, and the fundraising grind for startups. Learn about Buddle's innovative approach, the impact of influencers, and insights on thriving in the competitive CPG market.
Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/
Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod
Logan Jones’ SocialsX: https://x.com/lojo_kyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/
Evan Knowles’ SocialsX: https://x.com/EvanKnowles_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation: https://www.kyinnovation.com/
Bolt Marketing: https://www.buildwithbolt.com/
Hunsicker: https://www.hunsicker.co/firesides
37 min - 302. Hippo Manager: Sam Razor on Building a Veterinary Software Platform to an Acquisition
In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sat down with Sam Razor, the former co-founder and CEO of Hippo Manager. They discuss Sam's journey building software in the veterinary space, ultimately leading to the acquisition of the business by a private equity firm.
Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/
Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod
Logan Jones’ SocialsX: https://x.com/lojo_kyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/
Evan Knowles’ SocialsX: https://x.com/EvanKnowles_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation: https://www.kyinnovation.com/
Bolt Marketing: https://www.buildwithbolt.com/
Hunsicker: https://www.hunsicker.co/firesides
54 min
About Middle Tech
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A podcast network exploring startups, technology, and entrepreneurship in Kentucky and beyond.
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