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

In Episode 4, Tim Branyan sits down with Heath Murray, a super-connector and Executive Director of DING Midwest, at Vision Studio in Kokomo. From southern Indiana coal country to law enforcement, bartending in South Carolina, and now bridging the Midwest’s defense ecosystem, Heath’s journey is packed with grit and lessons. He breaks down the complex world of Department of Defense (DoD) contracting—think beyond missiles to napkins, IT, and biotech—and shares how any entrepreneur can get started, no matter their size.

Heath spills the tea on networking your way in, why informal connections are a “weapons system,” and how DING fills the gaps for businesses eyeing government work. Recorded before his talk with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance, this episode dives into sam.gov, cage codes, and the 14 DoD focus areas (link below!). Whether you’re a manufacturer, software dev, or just curious, Heath’s blunt advice—plus upcoming DING events—will get you moving. Oh, and it all started over beer.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Vision Studio Vibes & Beers We Can’t Have

2:45 - Heath Murray: Cop, Surfer, DoD Dynamo

8:30 - DoD 101: It’s Not Hard, It’s Complicated

14:15 - What the Government Actually Buys

20:00 - Step 1: Sam.gov, Cage Codes, and Events

26:40 - DING Midwest: Networking as a Superpower

33:00 - Vision for Economic Growth

39:20 - How to Connect with Heath

Resources:

Connect with Heath: dingmidwest.org | LinkedIn: Heath Murray

DoD Strategic Focus Areas: Check the 14 areas here

DING Events: Bloomington Happy Hour (March 17, 2025), Purdue Roadshow (TBD Spring 2025), Fort Wayne Roadshow (TBD Spring 2025) – details at dingmidwest.org/events

SBDC Support: isbdc.org for free business help

Like, subscribe, and comment—ready to crack the DoD code? Thanks for listening!

Tim Branyan sits down with Alec Downing, a servant leader from First Farmers Bank and a driving force behind the Kokomo CEO program. From his roots in Greentown, Indiana, to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, Alec shares his journey, insider banking insights, and passion for community growth. We dive into the Kokomo CEO program—Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities—its impact on high school students, and how it’s igniting optimism and innovation in Howard County.

Highlights include Alec’s role on the CEO board, the program’s 177 alumni and nationwide reach, and inspiring stories of students like Kelton, Eli Johnson, and many more. Plus, discover how First Farmers Bank empowers local entrepreneurs and why Kokomo is a hidden gem for opportunity. Recorded at Vision Studio in Kokomo, this conversation is all about building belief, grit, and a brighter future.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Kicking Off Episode 3

2:15 - Meet Alec Downing: From Greentown to Kokomo

5:40 - What is the Kokomo CEO Program?

12:30 - Student Success Stories & Community Impact

20:00 - First Farmers Bank as an Entrepreneurial Ally

28:50 - Personal Insights: Books, Shows, and Faith

35:15 - How to Get Involved with Kokomo CEO

Get Involved:

Kokomo CEO: Visit kokomoceo.com to invest or learn more. Email Kelly at [email protected] for opportunities.

First Farmers Bank: Contact Alec at [email protected] or (765) 391-1769.

Vision Studio: Book your podcast or creative project at bookvisionstudio.com.

Shoutouts: Jefferson Street BBQ, Vision Studio, Ahmads Vision, Robert Hatchett, and the Kokomo business community.

Join host Tim Branyan as he sits down with Joseph Link, a seasoned expert in business development and dealer relationships, to unpack the secrets behind thriving manufacturer-dealer partnerships. From his roles at Arrowquip and Yakta—managing over 250 U.S. dealers—to his early days at Ventrec with Aeroquip, Joseph shares how persistence, innovative floor planning, and top-tier customer service drive success across industries like lawnmowers and livestock equipment.

Discover how Joseph’s team supports dealers with zero-upfront-cost inventory, co-op marketing dollars, and warranty assistance, including a standout story of a Red Carolina dealer hitting $690,000 in sales. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, salesperson, or business enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building relationships that last.

00:00 - Intro: Joseph’s Journey at Ventrec

02:30 - Inside the 255-Dealer Network

14:56 - Floor Planning: Supporting Dealer Growth

17:55 - Customer Service & Warranty Wins

27:52 - Sales Persistence: Why Joseph Always Calls Back

Subscribe for more real-world business insights with Tim Branyan!