In this episode of The Founders Hustle, host Judy Swafford sits down with Ben Ipema, serial entrepreneur and founder of The Friendly Pickle, Kalamazoo’s newest indoor pickleball club designed for community, comfort, and connection.

Ben shares how his entrepreneurial journey began at 13, picking blueberries and painting cottages, and how that same work ethic carried him through 12 different businesses — from IT consulting to paddle manufacturing — before creating the business that blended all his passions: The Friendly Pickle.

He opens up about the real lessons of entrepreneurship — missing payroll by $2, learning from failure, and why the greatest joy of business isn’t profit, but people. Whether you’re building your first startup or planning your next chapter, Ben’s story proves that it’s never too late to create something you love.

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

In this inspiring episode of The Founders Hustle, Judy Swafford sits down with Hilary Olney, founder of Trips Ahoy Travel, who started her business in 1995 with just $777 and a borrowed office — and turned it into a thriving, 30-year success story.

Hilary opens up about how she built her travel agency from the ground up, the impact of the internet on her business, and how she survived global challenges like 9/11 and COVID — coming out even stronger. She shares lessons in resilience, adaptability, and freedom, and the importance of creating experiences that last a lifetime.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a career — or wondered what 30 years of entrepreneurship really looks like — Hilary’s story will remind you that success isn’t about luck. It’s about grit, grace, and never giving up.

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

Every business has a backstory and Dr. Carrie Sands’ journey is all about grit, reinvention, and purpose.

In this episode of The Founders Hustle, host Judy Swafford sits down with Dr. Carrie Sands, a sports chiropractor who’s built seven successful practices without outside investors, without shortcuts, and without giving up.

From opening her first office at 25 with a borrowed paint roller to becoming a waitlisted practitioner in a small Michigan town, Carrie shares:

- How she scaled and sold multiple clinics on her own terms
- The biggest lessons about money, scaling, and mentorship
- The moment she almost quit—and what pulled her back
- Why she’s now passionate about teaching and coaching others to thrive

Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting from scratch or a seasoned founder reinventing your path, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and serious inspiration.

Watch, learn, and subscribe to The Founders Hustle — where every business has a backstory.

Never miss a story by joining our email community today:
 https://tinyurl.com/yykxt295

Connect with Dr. Carrie Sands:
Website: drcarrie.com
Instagram: @drcarriesands

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny

The Founders Hustle is a podcast that explores the journey of entrepreneurship — the vision, the grind, and the growth that defines every founder’s story. Hosted by Judy Swafford. 

Support the show

If you’d like to toss a one-time “thank you” or grab a GRIT Happens sticker, you can do that by clicking the "Support The Show" link above or visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefoundershustle

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFoundersHustle
• Listen & Join our email community: https://www.thefoundershustle.com
• Connect with the host, Judy Swafford, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judyswafford
• Get on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3fwb7bny