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!

Tim Branyan sits down with Don Wettrick, founder of StartEdUp Foundation and a trailblazer in education, at Vision Studio in Kokomo. From a 20-year teaching gig to sparking a “bizarre” class on innovation and entrepreneurship, Don’s journey is wild—think Skyping Tim Ferris on Halloween, coaching kids to Forbes 30 Under 30, and turning moaners into seekers. He shares how a Daniel Pink TED Talk lit the fuse, leading to StartEdUp and Innovate Within, a free program that’s impacted thousands of students by turning problems into opportunities.

Don breaks down the magic: juggernaut teachers, a crazy network (Seth Godin consults, anyone?), and a mission to see kids pivot, fail, and win big—like the rural Indiana teens who scaled a fishing lure empire. Recorded in partnership with the SBDC, this episode dives into empowering youth, retaining top educators, and why 2025’s teacher accelerator expansion has Don buzzing. Got a mayor or a teen with a dream? Don’s got you.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Name Drops & Golf Drives

3:15 - Don Wettrick: Teacher to StartEdUp Visionary

8:00 - The “Bizarre” Class That Started It All

14:30 - Seekers vs. Moaners: A Mindset Shift

21:00 - Innovate Within: Solving Problems, Not Just Plans

27:45 - Juggernaut Teachers & Accelerator Vibes

34:00 - Success Stories: Forbes, Y Combinator, and Beyond

40:15 - What’s Next for 2025

45:00 - How to Connect with Don

Connect with Don:

Email: [email protected]

Website: startedupfoundation.org

LinkedIn: Don Wettrick

Resources:

SBDC Support: Free help at isbdc.org

Vision Studio: Video magic at bookvisionstudio.com

Innovate Within: Learn more at innovatewithin.org

Like, subscribe, and comment—what problem are you turning into an opportunity? Thanks for tuning in!

Tim Branyan on Spotlight as he sits down with Jesus Correa, Latino Business Liaison at Greater Lafayette Commerce (GLC). Discover how GLC goes beyond a typical Chamber of Commerce, driving economic and workforce development in Greater Lafayette, Indiana. Jesus shares his journey growing Latino business membership from 5 to 50, hosting events like Café con Exiones and the Latino Business Expo (March 7, 2025, 2-6 PM at Tippecanoe Fairgrounds), and building a thriving community network. Learn how GLC supports entrepreneurs, fosters connections, and invests in the region’s future. Don’t miss success stories, networking tips, and more!

Connect with Jesus: [email protected] | Follow GLC for updates!

Join Tim Branyan on Spotlight as he chats with Nate Smith, founder of Northstar Systems, a data monitoring service revolutionizing agtech and beyond. From his Air Force days to launching in October 2023, Nate shares how his company provides safety and efficiency for fertilizer tanks, grain silos, and municipalities using real-time 5G tech. Discover his rapid growth, nomination for TechPoint’s Mira Awards (Feb 27, 2025), and role on the TechPoint Advisory Board. Plus, hear why he’s proud of Indiana’s resilience and how Matchbox Coworking fueled his success.

Connect with Nate: [email protected] | www.monitormytank.com