In this episode of the Renegade Ventures podcast, the hosts discuss the shift from hands-on operator to leader and coach—highlighting the importance of clear “don’t do” goals.

They’re joined by Lauren and Pamela of Splendid Events, a mother–daughter event planning team who share how they built their business over 16 years and successfully pivoted during COVID to virtual events through studio partnerships and digital event strategist certification. Pamela’s corporate background in healthcare insurance and project management shaped their operational systems, while Lauren brings strengths in tech, registration platforms, and event execution. Together, they divide responsibilities across strategy, client management, and on-site operations.

They explore what it takes to run large-scale events—detailed systems, trusted vendors, adaptability, and calm problem-solving—along with the realities of family business, industry shifts like AI-assisted tools, and their move toward corporate and nonprofit clients. They also discuss certifications (WEBC/WBE), challenges including racial bias and vendor risk, and why they avoid bringing services in-house to stay flexible.

Looking ahead to strong demand through 2026, they share plans to expand into speaking and education, including their upcoming anthology chapter in She Knows Best (January 2026). The episode closes with insights on how hiring an event planner can elevate both the experience and the bottom line.

What happens when you intentionally build a business to sell — and actually do it?

In this episode of Renegade Ventures, Ellie sits down with serial entrepreneur Diane Prince, who went from failing out of a PhD program to building and selling a staffing agency for $28 million in just six years — and then doing it all over again.

Diane walks us through how she and her co-founder engineered their exit from day one, scaled to $35M in revenue, survived payroll weeks north of $700K, navigated a failed acquisition post-9/11, and ultimately structured a deal that paid out the entire earnout — without staying in the business.

Now, she’s building again — this time with offshore talent, a radically different vision, and a focus on leverage, lifestyle, and fun.

If you’re an acquisition entrepreneur, operator, or founder thinking about scale, exit, or doing it smarter the second time around, this episode is packed with real-world insight.

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Maggie sits down with Ellie to unpack the deal that didn’t close-one she flew across the world for, fought for, and genuinely believed would reshape her business. The wound is fresh, the emotions are real, and nothing is sugar-coated.

Together, they walk through the highs of early hope, the red flags they tried to ignore, and the moment everything unraveled. Ellie shares what it’s like to pour your heart, time, and money into an international acquisition that ultimately slips away-and how she’s navigating the disappointment, self-doubt, and unexpected clarity that followed.

This isn’t a victory-lap episode. It’s a candid look at the deals that don’t make the highlight reel-and why the stories we wish we could hide often teach us the most. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or deal junkie, this is a conversation you won’t forget.

In this episode of Renegade Ventures, we sit down with Ronyale Smith, owner of Blak Koffee in Louisville, Kentucky, to talk about what it really takes to build a values-driven business from the ground up. Ronyale shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the vision behind Blak Koffee, and how she’s created more than just a coffee shop—it’s a space rooted in culture, community, and intentional impact. We explore the challenges of ownership, the importance of representation, and what it means to lead with purpose while growing a brand in today’s world. This conversation is honest, inspiring, and a must-listen for anyone dreaming of building something that truly matters.

In this inspiring episode of the Renegade Ventures Podcast, intuitive communications coach and topic expert Tina Bakehouse explores the transformative power of effective communication in both business and personal growth. Invited onto the show for her deep expertise, Tina reveals how shifting our self-perception—especially through intentional and empowering “I am” statements—can help us step into our true potential. Tune in as she shares actionable insights designed to help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

In this conversation, entrepreneur Monica Wolfe takes us inside her unexpected journey from corporate consulting to becoming one of the most innovative forces in the bourbon industry. Monica shares how learning the business alongside her father opened the door to a deeper understanding of bourbon, ultimately inspiring her to help reshape how modern whiskey brands are built. She walks us through the vision and grit behind creating a 108-acre campus complete with seven cutting-edge rickhouses and a full blending and bottling operation. Listeners interested in the intersection of bourbon and business will learn from Monica's entrepreneurial journey and gain valuable insights into how she navigated fundraising, staffing, and growth. Her ethos?  "If they can do it, I can definitely do it."

Join Ellie and Maggie for a special solo episode of Renegade Ventures! This week, it’s just the two of them catching up, reflecting on recent adventures, and sharing honest insights from the frontlines of entrepreneurship.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Nugent, founder of Salt Wellness, as she shares her remarkable journey from C-suite executive to wellness entrepreneur. In this episode, Tiffany opens up about the bold decision to acquire an established business while launching her own, the challenges of blending family and business, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. We dive into the world of alternative healing, discuss the realities of running a wellness business, and explore how community, risk-taking, and personal growth all play a role in entrepreneurial success. Whether you’re a business owner, wellness enthusiast, or just love a good story of reinvention, this episode is for you!

Dee Dee Taylor turned a personal health challenge into a thriving cannabis business. From discovering the healing power of CBD to building 502 & 812 Hemp, her journey is full of courage, innovation, and perseverance. She shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear how she’s changing the hemp and cannabis industry one product at a time.

Step into the world of Phoebe Wood, a trailblazing Louisville executive whose career spans leadership roles on major corporate boards, strategic investments in startups, and advisory work through her firm, KirtleyWood LLC. In this episode of Renegade Ventures, Phoebe shares insights from her path in psychology and finance, her decades of board experience with companies like Invesco and PPL Corporation, and how she approaches complex challenges with clarity, collaboration, and strategic foresight. Tune in for a smart, engaging conversation on leadership, governance, and the mindset required to thrive at the highest levels of business.