Conquering Columbus Podcast

The Motivated Speaker is a collaborative work by Ruth Milligan, Acacia Duncan, and Blythe Coons. Drawing on their extensive experience coaching TED speakers, Fortune 500 executives, and other business professionals, they present a distinctive framework that transcends conventional public speaking guidance. Their expertise sheds light on the barriers that prevent individuals from becoming impactful communicators—and …

Balanced Family Academy of Clintonville is proudly owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Rob and Courtney Lewis. The couple began their entrepreneurial journey together by launching their Balanced Family Academy franchise, only to face the immediate challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic. In this piece, we delve into their motivation for starting a Balanced …

Elevate Human Performance introduces a revolutionary gym experience that prioritizes holistic wellness and encourages individuals to take charge of their health. Breaking away from traditional fitness models, Elevate offers more than just access to equipment—it provides a supportive community where people at all fitness levels can unite and explore innovative paths to healthier, happier living.

The Brokerage House, founded in November 2024, is a revolutionary, agent-driven real estate agency created by six of Columbus, Ohio’s leading real estate experts. Designed to challenge conventional brokerage models, it promotes a collaborative, empowering, and high-performing atmosphere where agents can excel. This forward-thinking group, made up of once-rival agents who have joined forces as …

Huber Equity Group is a private equity firm focused on value-add multifamily investments throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Established in 2019 in Columbus, Ohio, the firm has successfully acquired 1,032 multifamily units and achieved $120 million in transaction volume. Additionally, the team at Huber recently founded a second venture, Verti Commercial Real Estate.

PANL is on a mission to be the future of home building, where innovation and sustainability lead the way. PANL is transforming the industry with faster, simpler, and eco-friendly solutions designed for modern living — reimagining homes and redefining what it means to build for a better tomorrow.

Ryan Burgess is at the helm of Goodwill Columbus as it celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. He and Marketing Director Simone Attles talk about intentional growth as they opened three new multi-faceted facilities under 12 months, nearly a century of local impact, and what’s ahead for one of the region’s largest job providers employing …

Randy Wilcox is a Managing Partner at Wilcox Communities, one of three leading the firm. Before this role, he was a serial entrepreneur with a notable track record, founding SARCOM and 4Privacy, co-founding Long & Wilcox and Insight Bank, and establishing the Quest Conference Center.

Monica Tellez-Fowler is the recently appointed CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Before assuming her current role, she served as Deputy CEO since 2023, and also briefly held the position of COO.

Kevin Knight, a distinguished builder and designer based in Central Ohio, is renowned for his passion for homes. With a unique blend of scientific precision and artistic creativity, Kevin and his team of skilled artisans approach each residential project through the individual perspective of the client, aiming to transform each house into a personal retreat. …

Chad is the Owner and CEO of Darby Creek Trading, a flourishing ecommerce venture specializing in high-end floral designs and wreaths. Under his leadership, Darby Creek has experienced an unprecedented 2863% growth between 2018 and 2023. In addition, Chad serves as the Senior Vice President at United Midwest Savings Bank where he specializes in SBA loans.

Traci Martinez is the Office Managing Partner of the Columbus, Ohio, office and an experienced civil litigation and labor and employment lawyer. She has a unique and broad practice that focuses on the business objectives of her clients, whether through counseling, litigation or transactional matters. Traci is also a demonstrated leader in the Central Ohio …

Denny Freudeman is the CEO of Hplex Solutions. Hplex’s areas of expertise include asset management, development, owner representative services, property management, master planning, strategic development planning, and physician partnerships for healthcare projects.

Michael Edwards is the Founder & Owner of Michael Edwards Building & Design. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, he heads one of Central Ohio’s top-rated home builders, specializing in exquisite custom-homes situated exclusively in the Upper Arlington area.

Tony Collins is the CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. Tony has been CEO of the YMCA since 2019, and before that was the Director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks department.

Maletz Architecture + Build is a highly esteemed home builder in Central Ohio. The founder, Andrew Maletz, is a licensed Architect and a second-generation home builder with 30 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Miami University in Ohio. Andrew is licensed to practice in …

Ghiloni Custom Builders, established in 1979 by Vince Ghiloni in Central Ohio, has emerged as a renowned leader in residential home design and development. As they gear up for several future generations of exceptional home building, Gino Ghiloni, Vince’s son, is taking the helm, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.

Brad is the founder and CEO of Lion Cub's Cookies. What started as an idea Brad had while at the Fisher College of Business (Go Bucks) quickly grew from a one man show to a full business for Brad, complete with recipe developers, bakers, and drivers. Brad had a ton of success growing through instagram …

Jay Harkrider is the Managing Director of Foxen, a software company that started out by focusing on helping property managers better track and manage renter's insurance across their tenants. However, over just a few years, Foxen has evolved into a FinTech company providing innovative financial solutions for residential and commercial real estate companies. On top …

Ed Porter is the founder of Blue Chip CRO, where he works as a fractional CRO for businesses from $0-$20 million in revenue entering growth mode or restructuring their businesses

FocusCFO provides fractional Chief Financial Officer support to small and medium-size businesses that are not large enough to need a full-time CFO. Brad Martyn, the founder of FocusCFO, started the company in Columbus in 2001. Today, FocusCFO operates in 10 states, has over 140 associates, and is the Top 5 in the US within the …

Lisa Arledge Powell is the President and co-founder of MediaSource, an award-winning creative agency that specializes in content-focused public relations, content marketing and national media exposure for major brands. The industry leader was named the Best HealthCare PR/Marketing Agency by Ragan Communications for four consecutive years. The company works with the nation's top hospitals and …

Mark Kelnhofer is the CEO of Return on Ingredients. He has more than 20 years of experience in bottom line-boosting accounting, and he spent 20+ years in managerial cost accounting refining his methods; including seven years in restaurant cost management. When these two areas of expertise combined his one-of-a-kind methodology was born. He is also …

Wayne is the President and Founder of 614 Media Group, a central-Ohio-focused media company behind magazines like (614) Magazine, Stock and Barrel, as well as Columbus Restaurant Week, Burger and Beer Week, and more. They are also partnered with Wolf's Ridge Brewing, working together on 614 Lager, which has become their best-selling beer in just …

Keira Chatman is the new Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion Council, the organization behind Fashion Week Columbus and many other fashion initiatives here in the city. Prior to taking over as Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion Council, Keira spent time in a variety of roles and is also an entrepreneur. She is the …

Sean and Addison are the Co-Founders of S'wich Social, a build-your-own ice cream sandwich shop based in Italian Village! Sean and Addison launched S'wich Social in March of 2021.

Service! Is a non-profit focused on meeting the ever-changing needs of service industry professionals, which was birthed out of the outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic. When Governor DeWine closed in-restaurant dining in March 2020, the founding group immediately sprang into action and put together a plan and process for providing free meals to those who …

Rita McNeil Danish is the CEO of Signal Ohio – an independent, community-led, nonprofit newsroom. It's one of the largest local nonprofit news startups in the country with a newsroom in Cleveland and one upcoming in Akron.

Brad Griffith is the Founder and President of Buckeye Innovation. Buckeye Innovation believes all businesses and organizations deserve equitable access to the best software and design. For the past 14 years, their team has combined the best of software engineering, design, and strategic planning to provide businesses with a sustainable, maintainable website or mobile application …

Matt is the Founder and Creative Director of Made by Things, an award winning animation studio that helps connect brands to their audience by using a combination of strategy and video content. Matt and his team have worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, and they're based right here in Columbus

Bob Szuter is a Cofounder and the Head of Operations at Wolf's Ridge Brewing. Wolf's Ridge Brewing was established in 2013 by Bob and his father, Alan, with a passion for brewing. Today, Wolf's Ridge is a centerpiece of the Columbus brewing community, and they also have a sister location, Understory, located in Cliftonville.  

Paula Haines is the CEO of Freedom a la Cart, and has led the organization since June 2016. She began her work at Freedom in 2013 as a volunteer, board member and founder of the Eat Up! Paula leads the organization from an entrepreneurial perspective having operated her own boutique marketing agency for ten years. …

Seventh Son Brewing is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, and since their inception have grown to become a staple of the Columbus brewing community. In this episode Jen and Collin talk about how Seventh Son got started, how things have changed over the past 10 years, and where they're heading from here

Carla Epler is the COO of Schmidt's Sausage Haus, which was established in 1886 by J. Fred Schmidt, and it has been a staple of German food in Columbus ever since. Carla has been working at Schmidt's since 1987, and she is also the executive director for Columbus Oktoberfest.

Dr. Christofides opened Endocrinology Associates in 2000, a medical clinic specializing in diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormone therapy, weight management, and clinical research. She also offers transgender and transitional care services for the LGBPTQA community. She currently serves as Managing Partner of the MediZen Institute, Columbus' premier medical institute for people in pursuit of medical mindfulness, …

TRADR is a mobile app that automates the process of following financial markets. Their technology continuously monitors thousands of securities and surfaces what is most relevant at any given time. Instead of a conventional watchlist, they use feeds similar to your favorite social media apps, and their relevance-driven Market Intelligence Feeds focus on different strategies, …

Description: Kelley Griesmer serves as the President and CEO of The Women's Fund of Central Ohio, a public foundation with a mission to transform the lives of women and girls by mobilizing the collective power and passion of all people working together. As a bridge builder with an unwavering commitment to gender equity, inclusivity, and …

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio (Formerly CATCO) is dedicated to harnessing the transformational power of theatre that engages with the current moment to inspire a community of empathy for adults and young people.

Donald Halpern is a serial entrepreneur, having founded companies such as Loss-Proof, Freakmount, and Loctote Industrial Bag Company. For Loctote, he pitched the company on the show Shark Tank, where he made a deal with shark Robert Herjavec to raise $150k for the business.

High Bank Distillery Co. is a distillery and restaurant located in Grandview, OH. The team at High Bank distills Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, and Rum, and their restaurant serves a variety of options that change fairly often with the seasons. They're most known for their world-class meals, award winning cocktails, and unmatched environment.

Dryver is a personal driving service that serves both business and personal needs in the Columbus area and Nationwide (32 states, 77 cities). They’ve been providing safe transportation and creating jobs since 2010; and they’re slightly different than other ride share companies as they’ll drive your car so that you don’t have to.

battleface provides travel insurance benefits and services to travelers visiting or working internationally, including in the world's most challenging destinations. They cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation and accidents, adventure activities, and travel to isolated places, with 24/7 assistance and claims services. Sasha Gainullin is the CEO of battleface, and Anthony Spiteri is the CTO. Anthony …

Floriss Group helps CEOs and sales leaders build reliable, high-performance sales growth engines at scale; led by Founder and CEO, James Rores. On this episode, Mike and Josh talk with James about his entrepreneurial journey, how he helps business leaders systematize their sales teams, and more.

Valter Veliu is the Owner and Head Chef of Valter's at the Maennerchor, a German restaurant in Columbus' own German Village.

Noble Method is a new fitness studio in Columbus, Ohio that focuses on bringing the most cutting edge fitness equipment and methods to the city, along with capturing the big-city feel that you get working out in studios in cities such as LA or NYC.

Amy is a nationally-recognized sales strategist, author, and keynote speaker. She also has served as chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland for four years. In this role, she has overseen a $16 million transformational initiative to build a new STEM and leadership center to transform workforce development. Amy also …

The Dayhuff Group is a born-in-the-cloud service provider supporting their customers in accelerating the reinvention of their applications and data in the cloud. They excel in developing and deploying data lakes and analytics, ML/AI, automated attendants, and data modernization + development by leveraging AI technologies from IBM and AWS to drive measurable business results.

Green Light Improv provides classes on improv to university students and corporations to help improve their team's creative thinking skills and innovation.

The Grote Company manufactures reliable, top-quality food-slicing and assembly equipment. They’re a leader in the market, and based here in Central Ohio. Bob Grote has served as CEO since 2012, and has worked at the company since 2000.

Pathfinder Product Labs is a consulting group that helps companies embrace proven, repeatable methodologies for embracing uncertainty and defining product direction. Brett Buchanan founded the company with fellow co-founder Nick Baker in 2019, and today he leads the company as a Product Management Consultant and CEO.

Triad is an architecture + design; construction + facility management; and real estate development company based in downtown Columbus. 2023 marks a major celebration of 25 years of service to the Central Ohio region!