Torch Talk

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Holly Simms, Director of Quality and Distribution at CrowWorks, for an in-depth conversation about growth, adaptability, and building strong teams inside a fast-moving manufacturing business.

Holly shares her non-linear career path, from sports management and event operations to holding six different roles at CrowWorks over seven years. She walks through how each role shaped her leadership style and gave her a deeper understanding of operations, client experience, and quality control inside a growing organization.

The conversation dives into what it takes to scale a company without losing culture. Holly explains how CrowWorks uses clear core values, open communication, and flexibility to support team members, especially in an environment where change is constant. She also offers practical insight into hiring for adaptability, managing change fatigue, and creating systems that support both people and performance.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Holly’s career evolution across multiple departments at CrowWorks
• Why adaptability and curiosity are essential in growing businesses
• How core values guide hiring, feedback, and team culture
• Balancing structure and flexibility in operations and leadership
• What small, people-first practices make a big difference for teams

This episode is a thoughtful look at leadership inside a changing organization, and a reminder that growth doesn’t require a perfect plan, just a willingness to learn, adapt, and invest in people.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Julia Kooser, Director of Client Success, to unpack what the Blaze Network is and why it matters heading into 2026. Blaze isn’t another marketing trend or side project. It’s the educational and connection-driven hub behind Fierce, built to support business owners and leaders beyond execution alone.

The conversation walks through how Blaze brings education, community, and practical tools together in one place. Julia breaks down each part of the network, how they connect, and what business owners can expect in the year ahead as Blaze continues to grow.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• What the Blaze Network is and why it exists
• How Torch Talk fits into the bigger Blaze ecosystem
• Monthly Spark Sessions and their focus on actionable learning
• Ignite Insights and why print and digital education still matter
• How Blaze is creating real connections among local business leaders
• What’s coming next, including the Blaze Business Expo in 2026

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Blaze is designed to support growth, learning, and leadership for businesses at every stage.

In this special “Fierce Wrapped” episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Julia Kooser, Director of Client Success, to unpack what really changed in marketing this year. They talk honestly about the shifts business owners are feeling, especially as platforms evolve faster and traditional tactics don’t always perform the way they used to.

The conversation covers how Fierce has adapted its strategy in real time, what’s working across client accounts, and what leaders should be paying attention to as they plan for 2026. From advertising and SEO to social and email, this episode focuses on clarity, consistency, and staying grounded in the middle of constant change.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Google Ads and Meta are leaning further into automation and broader targeting
• Why marketing can feel less predictable, and how to adapt
• SEO volatility, algorithm changes, and the growing role of AI
• Why short-form video and authentic content still perform best
• Instagram and Pinterest acting more like search platforms
• The “two C’s” for 2026: consistency and cohesivenes

In this special Christmas edition of Torch Talk, Lindsey gathers members of the Fierce Creative Solutions team, Ash, Taylor, and Ashley, for a hilarious, cozy, and surprising conversation about all things Christmas. This episode involves decorating timelines to favorite movies, childhood nostalgia, chaotic work parties, and one teammate who isn’t fully sold on Christmas.

Listen as they dive into their holiday traditions, including November-1st decorating, Christmas Eve rituals, red-and-green snack nights, and the universal struggle of managing December’s overloaded calendar. Lindsey shares how Christmas changed for her once she became a parent, while Taylor and Ash defend their Christmas-crazy tendencies. Meanwhile, Ashley explains her very specific rules for when Christmas music is allowed and why she refuses to join the early-decorating movement.

The team also swaps stories about past work Christmas parties, gift-giving hits and misses, and what employees actually appreciate most from employers during the holidays.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Christmas means something different for each person on the team

• The debate over when Christmas decorating should officially begin

• Holiday tradition ideas, from nostalgic to brand-new

• Stories of memorable workplace Christmas parties, fun and uncomfortable alike

• What employees genuinely value at the end of the year

• The challenge to convert Ashley into a true Christmas lover

Equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, this episode captures the joy, chaos, and connection that make the holidays meaningful, at work and at home.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Ben Nichols, a 22-year-old photographer whose career has already stretched from Ohio high school gyms to NCAA arenas, NFL sidelines, and even a future climb up Mount Everest. Ben shares the wild, unexpected, and deeply driven journey behind Wayne County Sports, his rapidly growing media brand that reaches millions each year.

Ben opens up about launching his first sports page in high school, getting his start shooting games during Army basic training, and the break that changed everything: an invitation to photograph at Murray State University. Since then, his work has taken him across the country and connected him with top athletes, including Travis Hunter, whose engagement photos catapulted Ben onto a national stage.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a $175 pawn shop camera sparked a career in sports media

• The moment a single college photographer gave Ben his first real shot

• What it’s like to shoot NCAA tournaments, Colorado football, and high-profile athletes

• How Ben built a mentoring community of more than 40 young photographers

• The local impact of Wayne County Sports — and why he believes the spotlight belongs on the kids

• Why his next chapter includes a Mount Everest climb and a documentary on school violence

Through humor, honesty, and relentless hustle, Ben shares how grit, gratitude, and faith shaped every step of his story.

In this powerful episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Caleb Carpenter, Worship Pastor at Mennonite Christian Assembly, to talk about the long, winding, deeply personal road that led him into ministry. Caleb opens up about his years working at a local dairy plant, the struggles in his marriage, and the moment that brought him to rock bottom and straight into a life-changing encounter with Christ.

Caleb shares how the Holy Spirit transformed his life, his marriage, and his purpose, shifting him from a 12-year career in the dairy industry to full-time ministry. He talks candidly about sin, repentance, healing, Scripture, and the unmistakable peace that marked his turning point. From learning guitar on the fly to stepping into leadership roles he never expected, Caleb’s story is a raw and honest look at God’s power to rebuild what feels broken.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Caleb went from “planning to work at the dairy forever” to becoming a worship pastor

• The moment of surrender that changed his marriage, his mindset, and his future

• What Scripture and discipleship taught him about leadership, humility, and purpose

• The role of worship, community, and service in his spiritual growth

• Why he believes true transformation can only come from the Holy Spirit

This episode is a testimony to redemption, calling, and the everyday courage it takes to follow where God leads.

In this special takeover episode of Torch Talk, Julia Kooser, Fierce's Director of Client Success, steps in for Lindsey and takes listeners inside the departments that power Fierce Creative Solutions. This episode reveals the real conversations, collaboration, and problem-solving that happen behind the scenes every day, from digital strategy and SEO to copywriting, creative production, project management, and operations.

Julia sits down with team members across Fierce, Ash, Ashley, Vinny, Garrett, Lainey, and Rachel, to talk about what client success really looks like. They discuss adapting campaigns based on CRM feedback, creating authentic content, navigating on-site client training, setting expectations, managing deadlines, and how each department works together to support the client experience from start to finish.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How digital, creative, and content teams translate client goals into measurable results

• Why on-site visits create better understanding, stronger relationships, and more authentic content

• How project management keeps timelines, communication, and deliverables aligned

• The role of operations in building systems, hiring well, and maintaining the Fierce culture

• Real examples of collaboration, healthy tension, and continuous improvement

This candid, team-driven episode showcases the heartbeat of Fierce: clear communication, shared purpose, and a unified commitment to client success.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Kevin West, executive coach, founder of Invisible Insights, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council. They discuss the deeper, often unseen work that drives leadership, growth, and transformation.

Kevin breaks down the ideas behind his coaching philosophy, including why every epiphany requires a strategy, how leaders can manage attention instead of time, and why clarity unlocks the energy and courage needed for change. He also shares real examples from coaching CEOs and business owners across the country, showing what it takes to scale a company without losing control or losing yourself in the process.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Kevin approaches new levels in life and business

• Why attention management matters more than time management

• The danger of leading through manufactured energy

• How leaders can avoid getting stuck in the first pivot

• The five focal points every business owner needs: clarity, energy, courage, productivity, and influence

• Why delegating your “have-to-do” list is essential for growth

Packed with clarity, candor, and practical frameworks, this conversation offers a roadmap for leaders who want to step into their next level without burning out or dragging the wagon alone.

In this Torch Talk episode, Lindsey sits down with Leah Keim, who shares what it’s like to grow and evolve inside a family business, Country Roofing and Exteriors, alongside her brothers, Aaron and Ruben. Leah opens up about her journey from corporate marketing into a smaller, fast-paced environment where every team member wears many hats and impact is immediate.

She reflects on how the company has grown from a small roofing crew into a full-service exterior business, and how her marketing background helped shape its identity. Leah also talks candidly about the balance between work and motherhood, the flexibility that comes with a family-run business, and the lessons learned from watching her brothers build something lasting from the ground up.

In this conversation, Leah shares insights on:
 • Bringing structure and process into a growing small business
 • The power of rebranding and clear communication with customers
 • Balancing motherhood with leadership
 • Why small businesses have a unique, tangible impact on people’s lives
 • The value of working alongside family, and learning from each other’s strengths

As Leah puts it, “You put some of your own heart into it… seeing the fruits of that is really special.”

It’s a grounded, honest conversation about growth, grace, and finding purpose in both work and family.

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Sandi Stoltzfus, owner and venue coordinator of Winesburg Farm, one of Ohio’s most picturesque wedding destinations nestled in the heart of Amish Country. What began as a family project has grown into a breathtaking venue known for its beauty, warmth, and personal touch.

Sandi shares the story behind restoring the 200-year-old farmhouse and 180-year-old barn, turning them into a space where couples can relax, celebrate, and feel completely at home. With her simple but powerful approach of listening deeply, caring personally, and executing with excellence, Sandi and her family have created more than just a venue. They’ve built a place that celebrates love, legacy, and connection.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
 • The story behind transforming Winesburg Farm into a modern yet timeless wedding venue
 • How Sandi blends tradition, family, and hospitality to make each celebration unique
 • What it’s like to run a business as a family, and make it stronger in the process
 • The moments and memories that remind her why she loves what she does
 • How local collaboration keeps Holmes County’s creative community thriving

It’s a heartfelt look at what happens when passion meets purpose and how one family turned a historic farm into a place where people feel seen, celebrated, and loved.