Renegade Ventures

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.

Sisters Colleen and Maggie Clines are the renegade founders of Anchal Project, a Louisville-based social enterprise transforming lives from Kentucky to Kolkata. What started with a trip to India has grown into a platform empowering 500+ women through design, dignity, and independence. In this episode, the Clines share the real story behind building a mission-driven brand—raw challenges, global impact, and the power of purpose in every stitch.

In this episode, the founders of Martin and Muir, Lauren Muir and Renesha Martin, discuss their journey from high school aspirations to becoming successful entrepreneurs in the mental health field. They delve into their personal challenges, professional experiences, and the pivotal moments that led them to start their own counseling practice. They also share how their practice grew exponentially due to their unique approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Breonna Taylor protests. Additionally, they talk about their expansion into consulting and other entrepreneurial ventures. Lastly, they provide insights into their current operations, which include various therapeutic services and community involvement.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests
00:59 High School Reflections: Lauren's Journey
03:04 High School Reflections: Ranisha's Journey
05:58 College Years and Early Career: Lauren's Path
10:50 College Years and Early Career: Ranisha's Path
17:06 The Birth of Martin and Muir Counseling
22:11 The Birth of a New Business
22:43 Community Outreach and Growth
23:42 Official Launch and Expansion
25:38 Challenges During the Pandemic
26:43 Supporting Protestors and Community
28:14 Rising to the Occasion
32:40 Becoming Community Leaders
39:28 Current State and Future Plans
44:08 Entrepreneurial Ventures
47:30 Additional Business Ventures
50:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

Ellie and Maggie are joined by a special guest on today’s episode - Jill Wilcox. At age 18, Jill started her banking career and now  leads Kentucky for JPMorganChase as a Commercial Banking Market Executive. 

Join us to talk about her career, break down banking lingo and explain what JPMorganChase can do for you. 

00:00 Introduction

00:17 High School Dreams and Aspirations

02:18 Journey into Banking

03:41 Climbing the Banking Ladder

05:36 Leadership and Mentorship

08:40 Building Relationships with Your Banker

12:51 Navigating JP Morgan Chase Services

18:01 The Importance of Liquidity in Business

18:19 Building a Strong Relationship with Your Banker

18:58 Strategies for Business Growth

20:27 Understanding Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

21:15 Leveraging Your Balance Sheet

25:00 Navigating Uncertain Times

26:56 Supporting Small and Women-Owned Businesses

28:10 Jill's Personal Journey and Vision

30:20 Expanding the Team and Future Goals

34:21 Connecting with JP Morgan Chase

Jill Wilcox on LinkedIn

Ellie Puckett, CEO of Resonate Recordings, shares her journey into acquisition entrepreneurship, discussing her transition from technology startups to buying a portion of Resonate Recordings. She introduces two other entrepreneurs, Brian and Lydia, who have also made the switch from startups to acquisitions. Brian, a traditional software entrepreneur, and Lydia, an expert in tech systems and team building, share their experiences and criteria for selecting businesses to acquire. They highlight the importance of understanding personal and professional goals, leveraging strengths, and focusing on specific industry criteria. Both emphasize the unexpected challenges and learning experiences in acquisition entrepreneurship, while underscoring the significance of maintaining community-based businesses. The discussion is aimed at demystifying acquisition entrepreneurship and encouraging individuals to explore this rewarding pathway.

In this episode of Renegade Ventures, co-hosts Ellie Puckett and Maggie Harlow welcome business leader and recruiter Renee Fulton, founder of Talis Group. What begins as a conversation between longtime colleagues unfolds into a thoughtful exploration of career pivots, values-based leadership, and the courage it takes to follow your own path.

Renee shares her early passion for accounting, nurtured by working alongside her father in his bookkeeping practice. She reflects on how this formative experience shaped her career ambitions and instilled a deep appreciation for the structure and problem-solving inherent in accounting—a skill set that would later become essential in her entrepreneurial journey.

The conversation moves into Renee’s experience in public accounting, where the demands of the profession and a challenging work environment led her to reassess her goals. Renee opens up about her decision to leave that world behind and step into entrepreneurship, a transition encouraged by her husband and fueled by a desire to create something more aligned with her values. The discussion explores themes of leadership, mindset, mental health, and managing the complexities of running a business with a spouse. A key influence in this stage of her journey: Loving What Is by Byron Katie, which offered clarity and perspective during moments of self-doubt.

Today, Renee leads Talis Group, a recruiting firm known for its personalized approach and exceptional client service. She reflects on what it means to grow a company with integrity, mentor a high-performing team, and define success beyond industry benchmarks. Renee’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not about chasing someone else’s version of success—it’s about building a business that reflects your values, solves meaningful problems, and supports the people around you.

Key Takeaways:

• The book Maggie mentions -  "Loving What Is" by Byron Katie
• How foundational skills can shape lifelong professional growth
• The importance of recognizing when it’s time to pivot
• Strategies for balancing business, family, and personal well-being
• How mindset influences leadership and performance
• Why defining success on your own terms leads to more sustainable growth