UNHIRED

In this episode, we're joined by Heather Jackson, founder and CEO of iXplore—a company that creates immersive VR experiences that help employers recruit their next generation of talent. Heather shares how she went from teaching high school English to leading a tech startup, and why she believes the future of recruiting lies in storytelling, empathy, and immersive technologies. We talk about what it's like to build a business from the ground up, and how her background in education has shaped not only how she sells, but how she leads, hires, and builds systems that serve both clients and end users. 

In this episode, we're joined by Jenn Schimmelpfennig, President and Founder of Pivot Brands, for a conversation about growth, space, and what it means to keep evolving after nearly two decades in business. Jenn recently moved her team out of their longtime office in Fletcher Place—where they'd been based for many years—and into CoHatch Polk Stables, a coworking space that's brought renewed energy and momentum. We talk about the symbolism of that move, what's shifted in her leadership, and how she's continuing to scale the business with focus and clarity. Jenn's story is a real-time look at what it takes to build something that lasts—and still adapts to what's next.

Kendra Stoll, a designer and leadership wellness guide, joins us for a powerful conversation about connection, healing, and the unseen toll of how we work. In this episode, we dig into her transition from running a design business to focusing on leadership wellness—helping leaders reconnect with themselves so they can lead others more effectively.  Kendra shares what she's learned from launching wellness offerings inside corporate spaces, why our gut health is more important than we think, and how small shifts in self-awareness can transform leadership from the inside out. It's an honest, refreshing, and timely look at how to build a career (and a life) that feels more human.

Michael Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Developertown, joins us for a deep dive into his 15+ year journey building businesses in Indianapolis. From consulting solo at age 13 to managing a portfolio of over 60 companies, Mike shares how he's navigated the highs, lows, and chaotic middle of entrepreneurship. We talk about everything from why equity-for-services is a trap (don't do it), to how venture studios actually work, to what he looks for in early-stage founders when investing through Start Something Ventures. If you're thinking about raising capital or building a portfolio of your own, this one's packed with perspective.  

In this episode of Unhired, I sit down with Daniel Herndon to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the unexpected twists of building a business, and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating challenges to finding clarity in the chaos, Daniel shares insights that every founder can relate to. We also dive into how he approaches problem-solving, what fuels his drive, and why sometimes the best business moves come from the most unexpected places. If you've ever felt like you're making it up as you go (spoiler: we all are), this episode is for you.

In this episode of Unhired, we chat with John Harden about the intersection of business, non-profits, and acquisitions. John shares insights from his experience building Saaslio and how the acquisition has affected his career trajectory in joining the acquiring company, Auvik. We also discuss leveraging community organizations like CompTIA to grow a network of like-minded peers, and what it takes to navigate major industry shifts. If you're curious about what happens after the acquisition, this one's for you. 

In this episode of Unhired, we sit down with Matt Tait, CEO and founder of Decimal, a company that provides bookkeeping and tax services for small businesses. Matt shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, discussing the ups and downs of running multiple businesses (including his background as a recovering lawyer). He opens up about lessons learned, the realities of business finances, and why bookkeeping isn't just a necessary evil—it's a crucial piece of building a sustainable business. We also dive into what it takes to grow a company, why founders often struggle with financial management, and how Matt and his team at Decimal have helped over a thousand businesses get their books in order. Whether you're a numbers person or not, this conversation will change the way you think about the financial health of your business.  

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Tjepkema, a three-time founder and career marketer who now runs Human Brands Win, a company dedicated to helping businesses grow through brand storytelling and authentic communication. Lindsay shares her journey from Indianapolis to Boston, her insights on why brand authenticity is non-negotiable, and the lessons she's learned from building companies. We discuss the evolution of marketing, the struggles of entrepreneurship, and how brands can genuinely connect with their audiences in a noisy digital world. If you've ever wondered how to make your brand more human (and why that matters), this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Michele Taylor, founder and CEO of Livsee, a PropTech startup revolutionizing the way apartment owners market to renters. Andrea shares her journey from corporate innovation to entrepreneurship, her challenges navigating a male-dominated industry, and the lessons she learned along the way. She discusses Livsee's unique approach to blending market validation with product development and their commitment to enhancing renter experiences through data-driven solutions. Andrea also reflects on her experiences in private equity, the importance of quitting when something no longer serves you, and her vision of creating meaningful change for renters and beyond.

In this episode, Allison chats with Jessi Roesch, founder and CEO of Downland, a company focused on connecting land stewards with private land to foster climate-smart farming. Jessi shares her entrepreneurial journey, how Downland came about, and the challenges of building a two-sided marketplace for farmers and landowners. She talks about the importance of regenerative agriculture, her insights on fundraising in today's landscape, and her experience navigating investor conversations. The discussion touches on mental resilience, the significance of surrounding yourself with supportive people, and the value of Radical Candor in business relationships.

This episode, Andy Mork joins the podcast. Founder of Mork Productions and BrandSlap, Andy discusses the challenges of managing high-demand projects and juggling multiple video shoots across different states. Andy dives into the logistics of running a business that deals with rapid project turnover, the stress of frequent travel, and the importance of having a strong, reliable team. He shares insights on scaling operations, handling customer relationships, and growing a second company.

In this episode, Allison talks with Nida Ansari, founder of Karmic Partners. Nida shares her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, discussing the evolution of her career, including her work in corporate ventures and her passion for innovation. She highlights the challenges of launching Karmic Partners, which focuses on helping startups and nonprofits unlock growth through strategic partnerships and hands-on collaboration. Nida also dives into the emotional aspects of identity, home, and belonging, touching on her experiences as an immigrant and how travel and cultural diversity have shaped her worldview. Throughout the conversation, both Allison and Nida reflect on the entrepreneurial journey, personal growth, and the importance of balancing work with a sense of purpose.

In this episode of *Unhired*, Allison chats with Michael Hawryluk, a seasoned tech professional and entrepreneur who shares his journey from working in tech startups to founding a telehealth company with his brother during the pandemic. Michael discusses his work across technology roles, including development, project management, and as a CTO, as well as his side passion for game design through his company Accidental Cyclops. They dive into his entrepreneurial ventures, the challenges of developing a telehealth platform, navigating marketing in a competitive space, and how partnerships with physicians have been key to growth. Michael also gives insights into game design as a collaborative process and the importance of learning from failures.

In this episode, Aaron and Rebecca Zettler, co-owners of Draft Creative Space and Open Frame, discuss their transition from corporate life at Lilly to becoming entrepreneurs. They dive into the challenges of leaving their stable engineering careers, how they met and quickly started collaborating on renovation projects, and the birth of their businesses. The Zettlers share insights on balancing personal life, work, and their passion for design and community building. They touch on work-life balance, the evolution of their spaces, and the importance of community in their business ventures. The couple also reflects on future goals, including growing their team and continuing to collaborate with small businesses in Indianapolis.

In this episode, Allison interviews Ellie Symes, former founder of The Bee Corp, an ag-tech company focused on solving the honeybee health crisis. After leading the company for a decade, Ellie opens up about the emotional process of selling her business, sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. They dive into the mental toll of running a company, the importance of therapy, and how Ellie has transitioned into her new role at the McKinney Family Foundation, where she's now working on funding climate solutions in Indiana. It's an honest discussion about mental health, burnout, and the sometimes harsh realities of being a founder.  

In this episode, I had the opportunity to chat with Sean Gigremosa, founder of Claritiv, a conversation intelligence tool designed to transform business conversations into actionable insights. Sean's journey began in the tech world as a developer for major players like AOL and Warner Brothers, eventually moving into product management at Rolls-Royce and Premiere Digital Services. His experience revealed a gap in how companies manage and remember key conversations, leading him to create Claritiv to solve that problem.  We discussed how Claritiv helps teams synthesize key details from meetings, pulling out pain points, action items, and more, ultimately improving collaboration between sales and product teams. Sean also shared his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, talking candidly about the challenges—like choosing the wrong business structure and narrowly focusing on product features early on. He stressed the importance of customer validation and continuous feedback from users to build a product that truly serves its market.  When asked what advice he'd give his younger self, Sean echoed what many entrepreneurs say: “I wish I'd started sooner.” While entrepreneurship can be scary, he explained that the freedom to control your own future—and the empowerment that comes with it—is worth the leap. Sean is building something impactful with Claritiv, and it's clear he's just getting started.

Ian Illig recounts his career path and how he transitioned from being the first salesperson at Bluebridge to starting his own company, Stompbox. He shares his experiences in the tech industry and the challenges of finding product-market fit. Ian also talks about his passion for music and being a songwriter in his band, GREGØRIAN. Allison and Ian's conversation flows from navigating work-life balance to finding product-market fit, and focusing on being a good human along the way.

Steve Iskander, founder and CEO of Intrepid Finance, discusses the challenges faced by early-stage and scaling companies to access capital. He highlights the importance of non-dilutive growth capital as an alternative to traditional funding sources like venture capital. Steve shares his background in operations and finance, as well as his own experience as a founder. He emphasizes the need for education around debt financing and the different options available to founders. Steve also talks about the growth of Intrepid Finance, the role of technology in their business, and the challenges they have faced along the way.

In this conversation, Allison interviews Austin Crites, Chief Investment Officer at Aurora Asset Management and professor at Marion University about his career journey. They discuss the importance of long-term investing, managing emotions in investment decisions, and the need for self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Austin shares his approach to building investment portfolios and emphasizes the importance of minimizing error and focusing on misaligned incentives and competitive advantages. He also highlights the need to enjoy the journey and live in the present moment.

Rick McGlinchey, CEO and co-founder of Pure Insights, shares his journey from in-house work to independent consulting to starting Pure Insights. He emphasizes the importance of going all-in on solving a specific problem for a specific audience and the benefits of bootstrapping. Rick discusses the challenges of being a founder, including the need for effective communication and the importance of hiring experienced talent. He also highlights the value of building a strong team and the joy of being able to act and give back to the community. Rick shares insights on the growth strategy of Pure Insights, focusing on their niche in the Genesys marketplace and their commitment to providing a valuable and transparent service. He discusses the challenges of being beholden to a larger platform and the importance of continuous innovation. Rick concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-funding and revenue as the best source of funding for a startup. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 19:12 Bootstrapping and the Importance of Revenue 31:01 Building a Strong Team 43:47 The Challenges of Being a Founder  

Tom Lawrence shares his journey in the MSP space, his passion for finding unique solutions, and the importance of documentation and validation in the tech industry. We also talk about his YouTube channel, where he provides behind-the-scenes insights and unbiased reviews of enterprise IT products. Tom also shares his experience with growing his YouTube channel and provides advice for those considering creating content. He highlights the importance of focusing on creating value for the audience and teaching them something valuable. Tom also discusses his recent merger and how it has allowed him to focus more on his passion for technical work. Takeaways Find unique solutions and break away from groupthink in the tech industry. Documentation and validation are crucial in the IT field. AI can be a useful tool, but human validation is necessary. Tom's YouTube channel provides behind-the-scenes insights and unbiased reviews of enterprise IT products. The hustle culture in the tech industry can be counterproductive to success and mental health. Being an empathetic witness and offering support to others is valuable. Being a good listener and empathetic in conversations is important for gaining valuable insights and perspectives. Shutting up and allowing others to speak can lead to meaningful conversations and connections. When creating content, focus on providing value and teaching something valuable to the audience. Mergers and partnerships can provide opportunities for growth and allow individuals to focus on their passions. Being a CEO involves making difficult decisions and considering the welfare of employees. Reflecting on past decisions can provide valuable lessons, but it's important to focus on the present and future.

Tera Stover, a florist based in Phoenix, AZ, shares her journey of starting her own floral design business and the challenges she faces as a solopreneur. She discusses the misconceptions about being a florist and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating beautiful floral arrangements. Tera also talks about the importance of building relationships with clients and the joy she finds in creating meaningful experiences through her work. In this conversation, Tera discusses the challenges of DIY wedding planning and the importance of hiring professional vendors. We also talk about ghosting and the negative impact it has on vendors. Tera shares her experiences working with brides and the emotional investment they have in their weddings as well as the importance of clear communication and finding the right fit between vendors and clients. Tera shares her preferences for working with different artistic styles and colors and we touch on the logistics of working as a florist in different locations. The conversation concludes with Tera reflecting on her journey and the advice she would give to her past self. Takeaways Starting a business in a new industry requires learning new skills and building a new network. Being a florist involves more than just playing with flowers; it requires business management, client communication, and logistical planning. Floral design is an art form that requires knowledge of different flowers, their seasonality, and the ability to create beautiful arrangements. Building relationships with clients and being a part of their special moments is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a florist. Budgeting is an important consideration for both florists and clients, as floral costs can be significant. Working with a professional florist can save time, money, and ensure the quality and availability of flowers for special events. Hiring professional vendors for your wedding can alleviate stress and ensure a smooth experience. Dessert bars are a popular alternative to traditional wedding cakes and allow bakers to showcase their creativity. Ghosting vendors is disrespectful and can lead to missed opportunities for both parties. Working with brides requires understanding their emotional investment in their wedding day. Clear communication and finding the right fit between vendors and clients is crucial. Experimenting with different artistic styles and colors can create unique and memorable wedding floral arrangements. Working remotely as a florist allows for flexibility and the opportunity to serve clients in different locations. Starting a business can be challenging, but taking chances and having confidence in your ideas is key to success.

Dan Champoux shares the journey of GEKOT Robotics and how what started as an idea from the kids' robotics team he coached turned into multiple patents, a partnership with Razor, and the development of a solution for light electric vehicle safety. We talk about the challenges of fundraising and the importance of finding a path to revenue, and Dan reflects on the mistakes and lessons learned along the way (including the value of attracting smart people and finding free resources). Dan emphasizes the combination of hard work and luck in building a successful company and discusses his motivation to support and uplift his team. He shares his plans for an upcoming event to celebrate his team's hard work and hopes to announce their first paying customer later this summer. Dan also talks about the evolution of product development, from focusing on collision avoidance for electric scooters to expanding into other areas of transportation. He highlights the challenges of staying focused and managing a remote team with limited resources and reflects on the difficulties of entrepreneurship and the need for more transparency about the risks involved. Takeaways Building a successful company requires a combination of hard work and luck. Finding a path to revenue is crucial as investors are less likely to invest in pre-revenue companies. Surrounding yourself with smart people and leveraging free resources can be valuable in the entrepreneurial journey. Mistakes and failures are part of the process and can lead to valuable lessons. The landscape of fundraising has changed, and storytelling and go-to-market strategies are important in attracting investors. The journey of building a business involves personal growth and self-discovery. The motivation to pay and support your staff is a hallmark of a good leader. Product development often evolves as customer discovery reveals new opportunities. Staying focused and managing a remote team with limited resources can be challenging. Entrepreneurship is hard and requires a strong why and a willingness to accept failure.

In this conversation, Amy Oviedo joins the podcast to discuss her journey in the recruiting industry and the challenges she's faced in starting her own business, Recruiting Experiences. We also talk about the current state of the job market and the indicators of an upswing. Amy shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, explosive growth followed by a downturn, and the importance of taking care of oneself. We also touch on the struggle of business development and the need to find new channels for leads. Amy shares her journey as a recruiter and entrepreneur and discusses the importance of self-care and boundary setting as well as the evolution of her business strategy. Amy highlights the value of referrals and the need to adapt to different industries, and she also explores the rise of fractional hiring and the changing nature of work. The conversation concludes with Amy reflecting on the advice she would give her younger self. Takeaways Starting a business in the recruiting industry can be challenging, but with the right focus and determination, it can lead to success. The job market is cyclical, and recruiters need to be prepared for both periods of growth and downturns. Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for entrepreneurs, but it's important to recognize one's value and expertise. Taking care of one's physical and mental health is crucial for long-term success in business. Business development is an ongoing challenge, and finding new channels for leads is essential for growth. Prioritize self-care and set boundaries to maintain personal well-being Adapt your business strategy to target different industries and leverage referral networks Embrace the rise of fractional hiring and explore new opportunities in the changing nature of work Take time to reflect and make intentional decisions, considering long-term implications Be open to new paths and opportunities, as they may lead to unexpected growth and success  

In this episode, Brian Schroeder shares his journey as the founder of Preventia and the challenges he's faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of having a support network and surrounding yourself with people who can inspire hope. We discuss the importance of focusing on the core value of a business and the need to drive towards providing value to the end user and buyer, as well as the challenges and considerations of fundraising for startups, including the need to qualify if raising money is even necessary and understanding the different types of investors and funding options. Brian shares his insights on the balance between focusing on the health and well-being of founders and the growth of their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of letting go and hiring the right people, as well as maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset. The conversation concludes with Brian reflecting on his career and offering advice to his younger self. Takeaways Being a founder is not just about the highlight reels, there are many challenges and messy middle moments. Having a support network of family, advisors, and team members is crucial for staying motivated and overcoming obstacles. Finding product-market fit requires staying focused on your core business and listening to your customers. The decision to continue as a founder requires courage and the ability to inspire hope in yourself and others. Focus on the core value of your business and drive towards providing value to the end user and buyer. Qualify if raising money is necessary for your business and understand the different types of investors and funding options. Maintain a balance between focusing on your own health and well-being and the growth of your business. Let go and hire the right people, trusting them to excel in their roles. Embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and be open to learning and seizing opportunities. Reflect on your career choices and prioritize experience and learning over money.      

Laura Hayes shares her background and journey to becoming a leadership coach for the manufacturing and logistics industry. She emphasizes the importance of teaching management skills and helping leaders develop soft skills. Laura discusses the right time for someone to bring in a leadership consultant and the impact it can have on a team's productivity. She also talks about her approach to coaching and the importance of accountability. Laura explains why she chose to focus on the manufacturing industry and the impact she can make in that space. She shares her commitment to obnoxious generosity and giving back to the community. Allison expresses her gratitude for Laura's mentorship and the power of connection, and Laura shares her experiences and challenges as a business owner, including the importance of emptying one's cup, navigating difficult situations, and learning from painful lessons. She discusses the pitfalls of having too many ideas and the need for discernment and focus. Laura also shares the story of how she lost $100,000 on a product that didn't sell and the lessons she learned from that experience. She emphasizes the value of live connections and the impact she can make in people's lives through her coaching. Laura talks about her upcoming projects, including teaching radical candor and organizing a conference. She reflects on her journey as an entrepreneur and the freedom and fulfillment it brings. Takeaways The importance of teaching management skills and developing soft skills in leaders The right time to bring in a leadership consultant is when leaders see the need for their team to improve and are frustrated with the current situation Accountability is crucial for behavior change and growth Focusing on a specific niche can lead to success and impact Giving back to the community and practicing obnoxious generosity can be fulfilling and meaningful The power of connection and mentorship in personal and professional growth Emptying one's cup is important in order to listen and learn from others. Having too many ideas can be a challenge and it's important to prioritize and focus. Painful lessons can be valuable tuition and opportunities for growth. Live connections and in-person interactions have a unique impact. Teaching radical candor and organizing a conference are exciting future projects. Being an entrepreneur provides freedom and the ability to invest time in meaningful ways.  

In this episode, Tina Liu, owner of TSL Partners, a full-service accounting and bookkeeping agency, discusses navigating male-dominated spaces, ego death, and knowing when to ask for help. Tina emphasizes the importance of persistence and tenacity in entrepreneurship and the need to constantly learn, adapt, and evolve. She also discusses the challenges of being a woman and a minority in a male-dominated industry and the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-worth.   Takeaways: Entrepreneurship requires a combination of humility and resilience. It's important to be honest about your abilities, learn from failures, and constantly adapt and evolve. Understanding your numbers and financial drivers is crucial for business growth and making strategic decisions. Navigating male-dominated spaces can be challenging, but earning respect through the value you provide and setting boundaries can help overcome barriers. Honesty and transparency are key in building trust with clients and creating successful business relationships. Social media can create a disconnect between our true selves and the curated versions we present, leading to a struggle with self-reflection and self-worth.

Joining us for today's episode is Alex Sventeckis. Alex owns Sventeckis content consulting where he trains PR agencies to write better content that converts. In this episode, we dive into founder loneliness, managing cash flow, and the continued pursuit of individual growth. Where to find Alex Website: https://sventeckis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-sventeckis Schedule a free 30-minute content consulting session with Alex: https://tidycal.com/mndp003/content-consult20231115034401

Our first episode features Bo Turner, co-owner of BoCo Collective and founder of The Truckstop. We cover the intersection of work and travel, strategies for managing burnout, and the importance of choosing clients wisely.