In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, Tim Branyan sits down with entrepreneur Austin Walls, owner of Walls Furniture & Mattress, to talk about building a family business, overcoming failure, and what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Austin shares his journey from growing up in the furniture business at just 15 years old to launching and scaling his own store. From loading trucks late at night to learning the value of work ethic, resilience, and customer service, this episode is packed with real-world lessons for anyone chasing success.

They also dive into:

- The truth about entrepreneurship (and why failure is part of the process)

- How family values shape a business

- What most people don’t know about the furniture industry

- Practical tips for buying furniture the right way

- Leadership, mentorship, and building a strong team If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone looking to grow personally and professionally, this conversation is for you.

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome to the Spotlight + Vision Studio Shoutout

1:04 – Meet Austin Walls (Walls Furniture & Mattress)

2:08 – Moving to Kokomo & Building Community

3:12 – What is Walls Furniture?

4:28 – How the Family Business Started (1996 Story)

6:05 – Health Scare That Changed Everything

7:55 – Starting From Scratch: Auctions & Hustle

10:18 – Filling the House With Furniture

11:58 – Opening the First Store (Real Startup Moment)

13:40 – Early Lessons in Work Ethic

15:22 – Paper Route Story & First Jordans

17:50 – BMX Era & Childhood Grind

20:05 – Transitioning to New Furniture

22:20 – Why Used Furniture Doesn’t Work Like It Used To

24:05 – What People Don’t Know About the Furniture Industry

26:50 – Why Furniture Prices Haven’t Skyrocketed

29:45 – Modern Furniture Tech (Massage, LED, & More)

32:05 – Adapting as an Entrepreneur

33:55 – How to Actually Shop for Furniture (Must Know)

36:20 – Why WHO You Buy From Matters Most

38:50 – Customer Service & Repairs Behind the Scenes

40:55 – Building a Team That Actually Cares

42:50 – Most Rewarding Moments in Business

44:45 – Creating a No-Pressure Buying Experience

46:20 – Advice for Entrepreneurs (Hard Truths)

48:20 – “Spine Sweat” (Powerful Mindset Shift)

49:25 – Where to Find Walls Furniture

50:41 – Outro

🔗 Connect & Learn More

👉 Austin Walls (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-walls-2526b213/

👉 Tim Branyan (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbranyan/

👉 Walls Furniture & Mattress: https://shopwallsfurniture.com/

👉 Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

👉 Vision Studio (Book a session): https://www.bookvisionstudio.com/

About the Show The Spotlight highlights entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators making an impact in their communities and beyond. New episodes feature real conversations, real stories, and real lessons. entrepreneurship, small business, family business, Kokomo Indiana, leadership, business podcast, startup advice, furniture business, personal development, success mindset

In this episode, host Tim Branyan sits down with Rick Witt, the new Head Golf Professional at Kokomo Country Club, to talk about leadership, relationships, and the powerful role golf plays in building community. Rick shares his journey from collegiate golf to running elite golf operations, why he chose to be part of the club’s transformation, and how golf creates lifelong connections — from family memories to business opportunities.

You’ll also hear about:

⛳ The real role of a PGA professional

⛳ How golf and entrepreneurship are more alike than you think

⛳ The future vision for the club’s growth and culture

⛳ Programs for families, juniors, and new players

⛳ Why country clubs are evolving into community hubs

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a golf enthusiast, or someone looking for meaningful experiences with family and friends — this conversation is packed with insight.

🔗 Connect with Tim LinkedIn: / timbranyan

🏢 Business support resources Indiana Small Business Development Center: https://isbdc.org/

⛳ Learn more about the course https://www.kokomocountryclub.com/cou...

📩 Contact Rick Wit [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (Podcast length: 30:25)

0:00 Intro & welcome

1:05 Rick’s background and golf journey

4:10 What a head golf pro really does

7:00 Golf lessons, enjoyment, and lifelong play

9:30 Golf parallels with entrepreneurship

12:15 Running great golf operations & customer experience

15:00 Why Rick chose Kokomo Country Club

18:10 Building community and family culture

21:00 Programs for ladies, juniors, and new players

24:00 Golf for networking and business relationships

27:10 The future vision for the club

29:10 How to connect, visit, or get involved

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves golf, business, or building great communities.

What happens when traditional hiring fails—and you decide to build talent instead? In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, host Tim Branyan sits down with seasoned entrepreneur and educator Ron Brumbarger to unpack decades of experience building companies, developing people, and rethinking how we educate and train the workforce.

From founding and exiting a successful tech firm to launching Apprenticeship University, Ron shares why curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning matter more than résumés—and how entrepreneurs can solve talent gaps by designing better systems. This conversation is packed with real-world lessons on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and why giving knowledge away is the ultimate growth strategy.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, educator, or someone questioning the traditional path—this episode is for you.

Timestamps (Podcast length: 69:50)

00:00 – Intro & welcome to The Spotlight Podcast

02:10 – Meet Ron Brumbarger & his entrepreneurial background

06:45 – Building and selling a tech company (Bitwise Solutions)

11:30 – Why hiring talent kept failing

16:20 – Walking away from $1M in business

19:40 – Why Ron started Apprenticeship University

26:10 – Why learning by doing beats lectures

32:00 – The real skills businesses can’t find

38:15 – Innovation, curiosity, and problem-finding

44:30 – Why brainstorming usually fails

50:10 – Fear, belief, and getting in the game

55:40 – Trust, empathy, and active listening in leadership

61:20 – Giving knowledge away to build authority

66:30 – Final thoughts on success, fulfillment, and relationships

Links & Resources Ron Brumbarger

📱 Phone: (317)-490-4376

📧 Email: [email protected]

🔗 LinkedIn: / in

Tim Branyan

🔗 LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Featured Organizations

🌱 Struinova: https://struinova.com/

🏢 Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

🎥 Vision StudioWhy Hiring Is Broken (And What Actually Works): https://www.bookvisionstudio.com/

In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, host Tim Branyan sits down with Courtney Zaugg, Indiana-based entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and co-founder of Venture Vets, to explore what it really takes to build sustainable support systems for entrepreneurs—especially those from the military community. Courtney shares her journey from international economic development to entrepreneurship, the creation of Venture Vets, and how obsession, service, and trust drive long-term impact. From construction tech and digital skills accelerators to launching a veteran-focused fund, this conversation dives deep into the future of entrepreneurship, policy, and community-driven growth.

Whether you’re a veteran entrepreneur, community leader, economic developer, or someone building the next generation of support organizations, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and actionable perspective.

🔗 Links & Resources: Courtney Zaugg –

LinkedIn: / courtneyzaugg

Venture Vets: https://www.theventurevets.com/

Tim Branyan – LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org/

Vision Studio (Podcast Production): https://bookvisionstudio.com

Produced by Vision Studio 📍 Recorded in Indiana

Supporting entrepreneurs, veterans, and communities nationwide

Episode Timestamps (37:17)

00:00 – Welcome & Courtney’s background

03:10 – From international development to entrepreneurship

09:45 – Why entrepreneurship became the path forward

14:40 – The origin and evolution of Venture Vets

20:55 – Building trust and community in veteran ecosystems

25:30 – Women in leadership & entrepreneurship

30:10 – What’s coming in 2026: accelerators & venture fund

34:40 – Advice for communities & support organizations

36:30 – How to connect with Courtney & Venture Vets

Starting a business can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Art McDonald and Tim Branyan share honest, real-world insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and what actually matters when building something from the ground up. From overcoming fear and uncertainty to learning while moving forward, this conversation breaks down the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from those who never get started.

If you’re thinking about launching a business, growing one, or just want clarity on the entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with practical perspective and encouragement. This discussion also highlights the importance of curiosity, resilience, and sharing knowledge — and how organizations like the ISBDC support entrepreneurs at every stage.

🔗 Connect & Learn More (Links referenced in this episode)

Art McDonald on LinkedIn: / art-mcdonald-48b7b832

Tim Branyan on LinkedIn: / timbranyan

Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC): https://isbdc.org

Entrepreneurship isn’t about reckless risk — it’s about not quitting. In this episode of The Spotlight, host Tim Branyan sits down with Mikel Berger, President & CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce, to unpack what real entrepreneurship looks like behind the scenes. From starting a software company straight out of college, to helping launch MatchBOX Coworking Studio, to leading one of Indiana’s most influential business organizations, Mikel shares hard-earned lessons on:

1. Calculated risk vs. perceived risk
2. Building businesses without burning the bridge behind you
3. The power of mentors, spouses, and community
4. Why entrepreneurship is an infinite game
5. How chambers of commerce and ecosystems actually help businesses grow

This conversation is packed with wisdom for:

✔️ Entrepreneurs

✔️ Business owners (early-stage to scaling)

✔️ Community leaders

✔️ Anyone curious about sustainable growth and leadership

🎧 Whether you’re building your first company or navigating the next stage of growth, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and practical insight.

🔗 Connect with the People & Organizations Featured:

Host – Tim Branyan (LinkedIn): / timbranyan

Guest – Mikel Berger (LinkedIn): / mikelberger

Indiana SBDC – Hoosier Heartland Region: https://www.isbdc.org/locations/hoosi... Greater Lafayette Commerce: https://www.greaterlafayettecommerce....

In this episode, we sit down with Katelyn Colclazier, a business professional known for her approach to leadership, organizational development, and strategic growth.

This 41-minute conversation breaks down the realities of business in 2025:

✔️ Leadership that actually works

✔️ Building teams that perform

✔️ Creating workplace culture that isn’t fake

✔️ Mistakes businesses make (and how to avoid them)

✔️ How individuals can stand out, grow, and move up

✔️ The mindset behind long-term success

If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone trying to level up in your career, this episode delivers real, practical, actionable insight.

00:00 – Intro

01:02 – Meet Katelyn Colclazier

04:20 – Her journey into the business world

09:18 – What separates good and great leaders

15:35 – How to build strong, efficient teams

21:44 – Solving common business challenges

28:05 – The importance of culture & communication

33:12 – Career growth and staying competitive

38:50 – Final business advice

41:00 – Outro

📌 RESOURCES & LINKS

Vision Studio

Book the studio or learn more:

https://bookvisionstudio.com

Indiana SBDC

Supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners:

https://isbdc.org

Host: Tim Branyan

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn:   / timbranyan  

Guest: Katelyn Colclazier

Connect with Katelyn on LinkedIn:

  / katelyn-colclazier  

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ty Tjoelker, Managing Director at Gener8tor, as we dive into the world of entrepreneurship, accelerators, and the vibrant startup ecosystem in Indiana and beyond. Ty shares his journey with Gener8tor, the impact of their gBETA program, and the upcoming BOLT conference in Indianapolis. Learn about the key traits of successful entrepreneurs—curiosity and grit—and how Gener8tor supports founders in turning their visions into reality. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with host Tim Branyan at Vision Studio!

Connect with Ty Tjoelker on LinkedIn:  

 / ty-tjoelker  

Learn more about Gener8tor: https://www.gener8tor.com/

Learn more about Vision Studio: https://www.bookvisionstudio.com/

Unlock the secrets to meaningful success and work-life integration with Coach Lucas Woody in this inspiring episode of the Spotlight Podcast! Host Tim Brandon sits down with Coach Woody—entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Next Better—to explore his journey from small-town Indiana to coaching high achievers and business leaders. Discover how Coach Woody’s unique approach helps clients break through limiting beliefs, redefine fulfillment, and achieve sustainable growth—not just in business, but in life.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or anyone seeking clarity and purpose, this conversation dives deep into:

- The real reasons behind goal-setting and why many goals fall short

- Why “work-life balance” is a myth—and what to do instead

- How to identify what truly matters and create lasting change

- The power of empathy, curiosity, and self-reflection in leadership

Don’t miss Coach Woody’s actionable insights and personal stories that will empower you to take your next step—whatever your “next better” looks like.

Tim Branyan from the Hoosier Heartland Indiana Small Business Development Center sits down with Drew Hansen, the relentless force behind Hansen & Holmes. Born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, Drew traded a corporate grind and a bar gig for a full-throttle leap into home remodeling—without a website or fancy ads, just pure word-of-mouth hustle. From jacking up houses to chasing perfection (think 10/10 drywall!), Drew shares how grit, ambition, and mindset turned his passion for projects into a thriving business in just 14 months.

We dig into his journey—quitting a parts-pushing manufacturing job, surviving 62 emails a day from an armchair boss, and resetting life after a divorce. Drew drops gold for aspiring entrepreneurs: why discipline trumps fast food, how health fuels dollars, and the power of saying “no” to grow right. Plus, hear about his carnivore diet wins, a wild city league basketball injury, and hunting bucks like a man possessed. Recorded at Vision Studio, this is raw, real, and packed with lessons for anyone ready to swing the axe.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Triactin Tease & Welcome

2:30 - Drew Hansen: From Kokomo to Hansen & Holmes

6:15 - Starting a Business with Zero Marketing

12:00 - Grit, Ambition, Mindset: Drew’s Big Three

18:45 - Health Hacks: Carnivore Diet & No Booze Wins

25:20 - Competitive Edge: Sports, Hunting, and Business

32:00 - Tips for Homeowners & Future Plans

38:10 - How to Connect with Drew

Connect with Drew:

Phone: (765) 432-6965

Facebook: Drew Hansen (personal)

Instagram: @hansenhomes

Resources:

Indiana SBDC: Need help starting, growing, or exiting your business? Reach out at isbdc.org for free support and connections.

Vision Studio: Podcast, photo, or video needs? Hit up bookvisionstudio.com for the easy button.

Like, subscribe, and drop a comment—what’s your grit story? Thanks for tuning in!