Get IN. with Nate Spangle

Get Indiana.

Get IN. is the podcast focused on Indiana, and the stories of inspiring Hoosiers. Follow along as host Nate Spangle dives into all the things that make Indiana great.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Canoeing 84 Miles on the White River + Indiana's Biggest Stories | Lindsey Erdody, Free Press Indiana
On today's show I sat down with Lindsey Erdody, editor-in-chief of the nonprofit Free Press Indiana News, to cover how she built the statewide newsroom and the latest headlines across Indiana. Before the segment with Erdody, Will Hudson and I recap the 5-day, 4-night, 84-mile White River canoe trip from Muncie to Indianapolis. It was an enlightening, extremely informative adventure marked by heat, rain, lightning, a long unmaintained portage in Broad Ripple, and tough nights like camping on Goose Island. We learned a lot about river wildlife and the people and organizations who are working to restore White River since the 1999 fish kill. Erdody then joins the show to discuss why electric bills are rising, rural grocery and healthcare challenges, a Hoosier visiting all 92 county fairs, data center debates and regulations, and Indiana State Fair discounts like early-bird tickets and $2 Tuesdays. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Nate and Will's 5-Day, 84-Mile Excursion Canoeing the White River - The People and Organizations Committing Time and Resources to Restore the White River - Free Press Indiana - Electric Bills Rising, Grocery and Healthcare Challenges, Data Center Debates, and Indiana State Fair Discounts Thank you to our partners: Elements Financial 1933 Lounge Carmel Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 White River Recap Intro 02:30 Would You Do It Again 03:47 Type 2 Fun Explained 04:07 Day-by-Day River Breakdown 04:54 Goose Island Misery Night 06:21 Storms Portage And Lessons 07:55 Watch The Video Plug 10:38 Meet Lindsey Erdody 11:34 Nonprofit News Model 12:51 Lindsey Career Path 15:55 Axios Local And Trust 20:51 Building A Newsroom 24:31 Electric Bills And Utilities 28:33 Shoals Grocery Food Deserts 32:07 Rural Healthcare Crisis 34:21 Pride Fuels Progress 35:24 Leaders Plus Funding 37:05 Buildings Versus People 38:25 92 County Fair Quest 43:03 Data Centers Debate 48:29 Jobs Noise And Power 55:11 State Fair Deals 58:34 Hidden Gems And Heroes 01:01:00 Favorite IU Memory 01:02:42 Wrap Up And Links Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
Friday · 1 hr 3 min
He Went Bankrupt… Then Built One of Indiana's Best Breweries | Brian Graham, Four Day Ray
Recorded live from Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I sat down with Brian Graham, owner and president of Four Day Ray Brewing, about launching the Fishers brewpub in 2016 before the Nickel Plate District fully developed. Graham shares how the City of Fishers partnered on a long-term vision, how Four Day Ray built early traction with a beer truck and contract brewing at Tow Yard, and how lessons from a failed prior restaurant helped him rely on partners and team support. He explains Four Day Ray's scratch-kitchen approach, signature smoked-then-fried wings, and a hospitality culture focused on high standards, staff development, work-life balance, and mental health. Graham also discusses Tapped for a Cause donations, a second Yorktown location, Indiana's collaborative craft beer ecosystem, Brewers Guild advocacy, Indy 500 weekend impact, and the origin of "Four Day Ray" as a railroad slang term. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How Partners, Team Support, and the City of Fishers Helped Four Day Ray's Vision - Four Day Ray's Kitchen Approach and Hospitality Culture - Tapped for a Cause - Four Day Ray's Expansion to Yorktown and Future Plans Thank you to our partners: Hope Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Keller & Keller Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Jump In Mindset 00:23 Show Intro Live IMS 01:29 Guest Introduction: Brian Graham, Four Day Ray Brewing 02:34 Carb Day Beer Tasting 02:54 Why Fishers Location 03:50 Beer Truck Origins 04:49 Bankruptcy To Brewery 05:37 Finding A Head Brewer 07:27 First Sales And Popups 08:34 Building Brick And Mortar 10:30 Menu And Wing Legend 12:49 Downtown Growing Pains 13:50 Opening Nerves Course Correct 15:31 Nickel Plate Takes Off 17:18 10-Year Anniversary Plans 18:22 Tapped For A Cause Giving 19:56 Avoiding Shiny Object Trap 21:02 Yorktown Expansion Story 22:02 Yorktown Menu Changes 22:14 Why Yorktown Works 22:42 Expansion Plans Ahead 23:15 Keeping Staff Long Term 24:28 Brewers Support Network 26:18 Brewpub vs Production 28:17 Guild Events and Advocacy 30:52 Co-Packing Future Talk 33:52 Building Hospitality Culture 36:01 Indy 500 Weekend Boost 37:45 Indiana Quickfire Qs 41:33 Wrap Up and Credits 42:25 Four Day Ray Origin Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
Wednesday · 43 min
He Turned Down ESPN to Stay in Indiana | Dave Calabro, Playmakers Podcast
On today's show I sat down with longtime Indiana sports broadcaster Dave Calabro, who spent nearly 40 years in TV, has been a track announcer at Indianapolis Motor Speedway PA since 1985, and is host of IBJ Media's Playmakers, a podcast that features athletes, coaches, executives, and leaders connected to Indiana sports. Calabro traces his start as a Ben Davis High School radio student who needed an FCC license, his Butler years working overnight radio shifts, and an internship with Tom Carnegie that led to his IMS PA role. He shares career pivots from news to sports, traveling with the 1988 Bengals to the Super Bowl after pitching owner Paul Brown, and returning to Indianapolis to help WTHR Channel 13 rise from last to first through ideas like Operation Football and Chopper 13. Calabro recounts moments with presidents, Joe DiMaggio, and George Harrison of The Beatles, explains why he stayed in Indiana over ESPN/ABC offers, and discusses his Playmakers podcast on the IBJ Podcast Network. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Dave Calabro's Career in Television and Announcing the Indy 500 - Why Calabro Chose Indiana Over ESPN - The Playmakers Podcast Thank you to our partners: Rohrman Automotive Group Cowpokes Work and Western Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Super Bowl Stories Tease 01:13 Guest Introduction: Dave Calabro 02:20 Ben Davis Radio Roots 03:21 Butler Overnight Grind 04:15 DJ Hustle And Crates 05:51 Speedway Internship Break 08:32 Indy 500 Iconic Moments 10:00 TV Career Fort Wayne To Dayton 12:04 Bengals Plane To Super Bowl 15:21 Curiosity And Danica Connection 17:41 Back To Indy And Operation Football 21:12 Chopper 13 And TV Innovation 24:10 Fame Moments And Larry Bird 24:45 Playmakers Origins 25:46 Hall of Fame Breakfast 26:46 George Harrison Encounter 28:34 Handling Celebrity Rooms 29:10 Interviewing Presidents 30:05 Staying at WTHR 32:31 Pat McAfee Rise 34:58 Media Shift to Digital 37:15 Why Start Playmakers 40:09 Tenderloin Hotspots 41:03 Indy 500 Fan Moment 41:53 Why Indiana Home 43:06 Blooper Reel Stories 44:26 Indiana Rapid Fire 47:00 Final Thanks and Plugs Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
Monday · 48 min
From a Strip Mall to a $2.5 Billion Sale | Scott Dorsey, ExactTarget
On today's show I sat down with Scott Dorsey, former CEO/co-founder of ExactTarget and currently the managing partner at High Alpha, about his move from Chicago to Indianapolis to start ExactTarget and build email marketing software with co-founders Peter McCormick and Chris Baggott, the latter also being his brother-in-law. ExactTarget originated in a Greenfield, Indiana strip mall, where Baggott identified the need while running a dry cleaner. Dorsey looks back on early hires, downtown Indianapolis' evolution, resilience through 9/11, the 2008 crisis, outages and breaches, and leadership practices like ExactTarget's "Orange" culture and a weekly Friday note to keep 2,000 employees connected. He explains filing for an IPO in 2007, pulling it during the financial crisis, successfully going public in 2012, and selling to Salesforce in 2013 for $2.5 billion after interest from firms including Adobe. Our conversation highlights civic leadership, Orr Fellowship's impact, the 2012 Super Bowl host committee, and ExactTarget's philanthropy that became Nextech to expand computer science education statewide. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How ExactTarget was Founded and Grew to Become a $2.5B Company - Leadership Practices for Large-Scale Companies - The Impacts of Orr Fellowship Thank you to our partners: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Barkeep Vodka Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Startup Doubts Hook 01:32 Guest Introduction: Scott Dorsey, ExactTarget 02:42 Moving to Indy 04:58 Strip Mall Origins 05:45 Early Product Idea 06:58 First Hires Traction 07:42 Downtown Vision 08:58 Angie's List Neighbors 09:41 Scrappy Infrastructure 10:49 Adversity Razor Edge 11:57 Fire Near Data Center 13:29 Why Keep Going 14:30 Staying in Indiana 15:57 Scaling Culture Orange 16:52 Friday Note Ritual 18:18 IPO Filing Stuck 20:28 Going Public Again 21:22 Salesforce Comes Calling 22:09 Bidding War Finale 23:23 After the Exit 24:38 Give First Community 27:17 Super Bowl Host Committee 32:37 Indy Progress Catalysts 34:06 Why Orr Fellowship Matters 36:27 Fellows Advice and Access 37:11 Next Tech Legacy 39:07 Staying Uncomfortable 40:16 IU Commencement Leap 43:47 Indiana Needs Next 45:27 Legacy and Rapid Fire 51:57 Audience Q and Startup Lessons 54:20 Hosting Big Sports Events 56:50 Entrepreneurship as a Muscle 59:08 Closing Thanks Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 24 · 1 hr
From Barely Graduating High School to Leading a Billion-Dollar Business | Pete Hilger, Allied Solutions
On today's show I sat down with Pete Hilger, CEO of Allied Solutions, to trace his journey from growing up in a single-parent home to learning discipline in the U.S. Air Force and eventually helping scale a family-led financial services company into a major Midwest institution. Pete explains how his mother bought and grew a small firm serving financial institutions, how he and his brothers professionalized operations, expanded distribution, and used acquisitions and a 2000 merger to become Allied Solutions, later acquired by Minnesota Life in 2004. He outlines Allied's core work in risk management services, insurance tracking for millions of loans, and consumer protection products delivered through banks and credit unions. Our conversation also covers Allied's investment in Midtown Carmel's growth and its long-running tradition of hosting executives at the Indianapolis 500, including charitable giving through Children's Miracle Network. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Pete Hilger's Upbringing, Air Force Experience and Finding His Way - The Services that Allied Solutions Provides - Allied Solutions' Role in Midtown Carmel's Growth - Why Allied Brings CEOs to Indiana in May Thank you to our partners: Duke Homes Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Crossroads Mindset 01:27 Guest Introduction: Pete Hilger, Allied Solutions 02:45 From Minnesota to Indy 05:14 Growing Up Tough 08:10 Choosing the Air Force 11:00 Crypto Tech Surprise 15:46 Discipline and Leadership 18:47 Startup Shredding Business 24:08 CompuCycle Lessons Learned 25:16 Mom Buys the Company 27:41 Joining Eldridge 34:06 Scaling Into Allied 36:31 Minnesota Life Acquisition 37:39 From Carmel to Cicero 38:25 Chasing Talent Pools 39:41 Mayor's Midtown Pitch 42:18 Rolling the Dice 44:53 Recruiting Mecca Today 46:16 Why Invest in Carmel 54:23 What Allied Solutions Does 55:59 Indy 500 Client Experience 01:01:15 Charity and Hoosier Vibe 01:06:16 Indiana Home and Discipline 01:08:46 Hidden Gems and Hoosiers 01:10:57 Favorite Memory and Wrap Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 22 · 1 hr 13 min
The Truth About Modern Farming Most Americans Never Hear | Denise Scarborough, Indiana Soybean Alliance
I traveled to LaPorte County, Indiana for today's show and sat down with Denise Scarborough, a third-generation farmer, ag lender, and chair of the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), to discuss what modern farming really looks like, from growing soybeans, commercial corn, seed corn, and wheat to adopting cover crops, irrigation, intercropping, and precision GPS mapping. Denise explains why she and her husband Mark volunteer through groups like Indiana Farm Bureau and ISA to combat farming misconceptions, build relationships, and represent farmers on trade missions that strengthen export demand, noting the United States' grain's consistent quality and how soy and corn become products like biodiesel, ethanol, and high oleic soybean oil. Denise also discusses scaling a family farm through patience, community reputation, the realities of capital costs, commodity pricing, weather risk, and the importance of strong lender partnerships and youth programs like 4-H and FFA. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Modernized Farming - GPS Mapping for Fields - How Indiana Farmers Help Feed the World - Biodiesel, Ethanol, and High Oleic Soybean Oil - The mportance of 4-H and FFA Thank you to our partners: ClusterTruck (use code GETIN at checkout for $5 off order of $25 or more) Greek's Pizzeria Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Big Picture Farming 01:14 Guest Introduction: Denise Scarborough, Indiana Soybean Alliance 02:30 From 4-H to Farm Life 05:33 Why Advocate Volunteer 08:33 Global Soybean Exports 11:55 From Field to Port 13:31 Soy Products Innovation 15:35 Checkoff Funding Explained 17:46 Family Farms Reality 19:40 Seed Corn Basics 21:22 Starting Farming Today 24:30 Growing Acres Advice 27:21 Choosing Tenant Farmers 29:17 Learning New Practices 30:11 Learning Intercropping 30:37 Risk And Trial 31:22 Taking Over Young 33:35 Tech Costs And Side Gigs 35:13 GPS Mapping Breakthroughs 37:27 Farmers And Stewardship 39:00 Legacy And New Farmers 42:10 Youth Programs And Careers 45:31 Finance And Lender Relationships 50:32 Indiana Hidden Gems 53:55 Mentors And Favorite Memory 56:45 Wrap Up And Links Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 20 · 56 min
He Became CEO Without Ever Selling Insurance | Kevin Murphy, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
On today's show I sat down with Kevin Murphy, executive vice president and CEO of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, about his non-traditional rise from actuary to leading a 1,600-person organization serving all 92 Indiana counties. Murphy shares his educational journey from Franklin College to earning math master's at Miami of Ohio, the rigorous actuarial exam process while he was working, and how a Safeco consolidation led him to join Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance in 2000. He explains the company's origins in 1934 to address affordable farm insurance, how it also serves non-farm customers, and its structure under Indiana Farm Bureau with related legal entities. Murphy shares his take on agent models, why insurance sales is really about education and advocacy, and stepping in as interim CEO in April 2020. He also talks about following a predecessor, hitting the road to listen across Indiana, and using AI to gain efficiency without losing the local, human touch. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Kevin Murphy's Rise From Actuary to CEO of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance - IFBI's Origins and Its Structure Under Indiana Farm Bureau - Insurance Sales Misconceptions Thank you to our partners: Indy Grills Rohrman Automotive Group AAA Hoosier Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 What Sets Them Apart 01:29 Guest Introduction: Kevin Murphy, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance 02:33 From Math to Leadership 03:30 College Sports and Teaching 06:22 Stalling Into Actuarial Path 08:35 Actuary Exams Explained 14:04 Joining Indiana Farm Bureau 15:29 Farm Bureau Origins and Myths 21:44 Agents and Local Presence 23:44 Relationship Based Insurance 27:09 Becoming CEO During COVID 33:54 Risk Taking and Family Support 38:57 Leading After a Legend 39:04 Lead With Your Strengths 40:26 Change Fast And Clearly 41:17 Data And AI In Insurance 42:19 Brand Responsibility Everywhere 44:23 Get Out Of The Bubble 49:57 AI Plus Human Connection 56:18 Insurance Is Not A Commodity 01:03:35 Why Indiana Feels Like Home 01:04:52 French Lick Favorite Getaway 01:07:03 Leadership Advice That Works 01:10:21 Hidden Gems And Hoosiers 01:13:10 Hoosier Helpfulness Story 01:16:52 Triplets And Final Wrap Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 17 · 1 hr 19 min
They Bet Everything on a Restaurant Everyone Said Would Fail | Mark & Lauren Weghorst, Slapfish
On today's show I sat down with Indiana entrepreneurs Mark and Lauren Weghorst, founders of central Indiana's fast-growing seafood restaurant Slapfish, which has its original location inside Broccoli Bill's in Noblesville, one on Massachusetts Avenue in Indianapolis, one in Fishers at The Yard, and another in Carmel's Market District. A fifth location is set to open this fall in Indy's Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. Mark shares how a failed tenant restaurant space at the family's Broccoli Bill's grocery store led him to Google "fast casual seafood concepts" and pursue Slapfish. The Weghorsts risked everything while raising three young kids, from receiving an SBA loan to emptying their savings and using their home as collateral. They describe the frantic early days of opening in 2019, a packed grand opening, learning operations with little experience, and staying open through COVID during Lent, which ultimately boosted carryout and delivery growth. As the broader Slapfish brand contracted, they expanded locally and built a commissary prep model for consistency, all while focusing on community involvement and better family balance. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Where the Idea of Slapfish Originated - The Risks the Weghorsts Took to Launch Slapfish - How Slapfish Successfully Navigated COVID - What Makes Slapfish Unique From Other Seafood Restaurants Thank you to our partners: Elements Financial Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 All In Mindset 01:29 Guest Introduction: Mark and Lauren Weghorst, Slapfish 02:18 Why Seafood in Indiana 03:57 Broccoli Bill's Origins 08:57 How They Met 10:42 Pro Golf Hustle Years 17:26 Back Home and Broccoli Bill's Expansion 19:47 Restaurant Tenant Leaves 20:46 Googling Slapfish Franchise 22:54 Risking Everything with Kids 27:10 SBA Loan and Franchise Deal 29:33 Training and Scrappy Buildout 32:05 Grand Opening Chaos 33:17 Early Ops Struggles and Loyal Fans 34:35 Why It Took Off 35:16 Payroll Stress Reality 38:12 COVID Pivot Wins 40:48 Franchise Collapse Fallout 42:18 Mass Ave Momentum 43:37 Supply Chain Scramble 45:45 Midwest Growth Vision 47:36 Seafood Logistics Midwest 49:33 Commissary Consistency 53:10 Redefining Success Balance 59:23 Choosing Meridian Kessler 01:00:50 Lessons For The Kids 01:04:48 Indiana Rapid Fire 01:06:48 Advice And Hidden Gems 01:12:31 Final Wrap And Where To Find Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 15 · 1 hr 13 min
50% of Downtown Is Empty… Here's The Plan | SaraBeth Drybread, Town of Edinburgh
On today's show I sat down with SaraBeth Drybread, economic development director for Edinburgh, Indiana, to discuss the town's deep history, its legacy as the veneer capital of the world, and the decline of its 1870s downtown after 2008 due to neglected historic buildings and absentee landlords. Drybread explains how Edinburgh Main Street was founded in 2025 by residents, business owners, regional partners, town officials, and downtown stakeholders, and is applying for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs Downtown Affiliate Network, working toward state accreditation for Main Street. They're using lessons from mentor communities like Wabash and Rushville, where historic theaters helped catalyze revitalization. Drybread outlines priorities for Edinburgh including increasing storefront occupancy, attracting a strong mix of retail and services, leveraging partnerships across three counties, and building a downtown plaza with an amphitheater supported by grants and local tourism funding while promoting assets beyond the outlet mall, including the Pixy Theatre and Indiana's largest tenderloin at Edinburgh Diner. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - The History of Edinburgh, Indiana and Its Legacy as the Veneer Capital of the World - Why Edinburgh's Downtown Declined and How Edinburgh Main Street Is Working to Bring It Back - Using Downtown Blueprints from Successful Communities - Edinburgh's Greatest Assets Thank you to our partners: Kelley School of Business Berne Apparel Check out these great clips from the show: 01:35 Guest Introduction: SaraBeth Drybread, Town of Edinburgh 02:50 Edinburgh, Indiana Origins 04:46 Hardwood Horse History 06:34 Downtown Decline 11:45 Main Street Program 13:55 Accreditation Levels 19:34 Transformation Vision 22:01 Perfect Main Street Mix 23:46 Peer Mentors Theaters 33:28 Building Momentum 36:12 Trails Sell Cities 36:43 Three County Puzzle 38:02 Outlet Mall Origins 40:28 Downtown Plaza Plan 44:52 Granary And Buy-In 46:46 Parking Perception Shift 50:07 Edinburgh In 2036 51:59 Funding And Partnerships 54:13 Tenderloin Town Identity 56:09 Indiana Roots And Favorites 01:00:41 Hidden Gem Johnson Park 01:02:41 Hoosier To Watch 01:03:51 Love Your Town Outro Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 13 · 1 hr 6 min
A 17-Year-Old Ran 100 Miles for Riley + Inside the Indy 500 Flyover | Charlie Rolfsen & Colonel Scott Oden
On today's show I sat down with two special guests: Center Grove high schooler Charlie Rolfsen, who completed a 100-mile run and raised $24,000 for Riley Hospital for Children, and Colonel Scott Oden, Aviation Commander of the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade for the Indiana National Guard, who was the lead Black Hawk pilot for the Indy 500 driver's lap escort. Rolfsen, with only 30 days of training, ran 100 miles in April, starting and ending at Center Grove High School. He explains his first spontaneous attempt of 65 miles, his neighborhood one-mile loop route that erased 80 miles, community pacing support, and the toughest overnight stretch when he struggled to eat and stay awake. Rolfsen's older sister went to Riley at an early age, and he credits the hospital for saving her and many of his friends' lives. Colonel Oden then joins the show to share his experience as a Black Hawk pilot for the Indy 500, detailing how the unit was selected, rehearsals, second-by-second timing, flight speed, cockpit perspective over the crowd, and returning to watch the race after the mission. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - What Inspired Charlie Rolfsen to Run 100 Miles - How Rolfsen Raised $24,000 for Riley Hospital for Children - A Day in the Life of an Indy 500 Black Hawk Pilot Thank you to our partners: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Kelley School of Business Check out these great clips from the show: 01:23 Guest Introduction: Charlie Rolfsen, Center Grove High Schooler 02:16 The Bet That Started It 03:20 Fueling and Family Support 04:57 Turning It Into Charity 05:47 Training and Mental Game 08:00 Raising Money and Sponsors 09:25 Planning the 100 Mile Route 11:24 Community Pacing and Night Shift 13:23 Pain Cave and Donut Rescue 16:21 Why He Did It 18:31 School Reactions and Inspiration 20:28 Keeping Your Word and What's Next 24:12 Advice Do Hard Things 25:22 Phone Detox Willpower 26:14 Community As Jet Fuel 26:48 Acting Dreams Auditions 27:42 Toughness Beyond Sports 28:48 Modern Path To Fame 29:30 Curiosity Lifelong Learning 30:52 Do Hard Things Mindset 31:36 Indiana Radar And Gems 33:41 Charlie Wrap And Plug 35:40 Indy 500 Flyover Setup 35:58 Guest Introduction: Colonel Scott Oden, Indiana National Guard 40:01 Precision Timing Rehearsals 41:19 Cockpit View Crowd Roar 43:59 Service Pride And Pageantry 49:20 After The Flyover Day 50:16 Favorite Traditions Thanks Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 10 · 53 min
How Victory Field Helped Build Downtown Indianapolis | Randy Lewandowski & Bruce Schumacher, Indianapolis Indians
On today's show I sat down with Indianapolis Indians President & CEO Randy Lewandowski and Chairman of the Board Bruce Schumacher at Victory Field ahead of the ballpark's 30th anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 11, featuring a pregame concert by My Yellow Rickshaw and the season's biggest fireworks show. Lewandowski looks back on joining the Indians as a ticketing intern in 1994, the push to replace aging Bush Stadium due to MLB standards and ADA needs, and the midseason move in 1996 to Victory Field that required manually relocating season-ticket seats with maps and tacks. He explains the unique state–city–CIB lease structure, the team's focus on repairs and maintenance, and how the ballpark has stayed fresh with evolving premium social spaces. Lewandowski also highlights Victory Field's attendance impact, 17 million fans over 30 years, and community events. Chairman Bruce Schumacher then joins the show to share his father Max Schumacher's vision, the team's community-owned stock history, private fundraising to build the park, and how Victory Field helped revive downtown and White River State Park. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Why the Indianapolis Indians Moved from Bush Stadium to Victory Field - Victory Field's Role in Downtown Indianapolis' Revitalization - How the Indians Became a Community-Owned Organization - Victory Field's 30th Anniversary Celebration on July 11 Thank you to our partners: Kelley School of Business Bloomrank Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Midseason Move Chaos 01:36 Victory Field 30th Setup 03:24 Why Build a New Park 04:11 CIB and State Land Deal 05:42 Busch Stadium Memories 08:22 Picking the Downtown Site 10:19 Proving Downtown Baseball Works 13:17 Attendance and City Impact 15:05 Opening Midseason in 1996 19:20 Grand Opening and Maintenance 22:59 Upgrades and Premium Spaces 27:44 Downtown Revitalization Catalyst 30:25 Brand Refresh and Miami Nation 34:57 Pride and Community Legacy 36:43 Stadium Seats and Cupholders 38:22 Why Victory Field Happened 40:55 Schumacher Family Origins 44:00 Community-Owned Stock Story 49:42 30th Anniversary Plans 51:37 Wild Minor League Baseball Promos 55:14 Food and Best Seats 57:37 MLB Stars and Celebs 01:02:35 Rapid Fire and Farewell Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 8 · 1 hr 7 min
The Passion Project That Took Him From Indiana to Patagonia | Steve Haigh, Destination Angler Podcast
Gone fishing! On today's show I cast a fly with Steve Haigh, founder and host of the popular Destination Angler Podcast, a fly fishing podcast based in Carmel, Indiana that highlights top fishing destinations in North America. Haigh explains how the show began during COVID after his corporate sales work slowed, quickly surpassing his early download expectations, and grew into a global destination-focused platform with 170 episodes. He shares his early fishing roots in Toledo, Ohio, learning fly fishing at 14, and describes fly fishing as an active, technical sport involving insect hatches, casting mechanics, and presentation. Haigh recalls memorable experiences and podcast guests, including trips with listeners to Patagonia, meeting top competitors and legendary anglers, and stories involving Bobby Knight. He also recommends accessible Midwest and Indiana fly fishing options, and emphasizes guides and borrowing gear to start. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How the Destination Angler Podcast Started - The Best Fishing Destinations in North America - The Sport of Fly Fishing and Advice for Beginners Thank you to our partners: NCW Boone County Check out these great clips from the show: 01:18 Guest Introduction: Steve Haigh, Destination Angler 02:10 Starting The Podcast 03:02 Growing Up Fishing 04:57 Discovering Fly Fishing 05:28 Fly Fishing Basics 09:15 Hooked For Life 13:12 Launching Early Episodes 14:32 Patagonia Listener Trip 17:34 Why Guides Matter 19:36 Editing And Publishing Rhythm 20:48 Legendary Guests Stories 23:50 First Ads And Monetization 25:25 Bobby Knight Fishing Tales 29:05 Jackson Hole Fly Tips 29:43 Snake River Wildlife 31:20 Indiana Fly Basics 32:02 Smallmouth vs. Largemouth 33:01 Picking The Right Fly 33:33 Midwest Trout Road Trips 33:56 Saltwater Fly Giants 34:59 Wisconsin Driftless Access 36:20 Michigan Rivers And Steelhead 39:25 Pride Fish Story 42:05 Podcast Purpose And Fans 44:04 Underrated Destinations 45:47 Patagonia And Alaska 49:00 Float Or Wade Timing 50:26 Indiana Spots And Gear 53:06 Fly Fishing Changed Lives 54:22 Etiquette And Rod Talk 55:31 Indiana Rapid Fire 57:48 Where To Start Listening Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 6 · 1 hr
Why Indiana Isn't a Flyover State Anymore | Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative (R)
On today's show I sat down with Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative (House District 39) and President & CEO of Vincam Public Relations, about how sports drives economic development in Indiana. Lopez moved from Miami to Indiana in 2008 and was pulled into state leadership circles. He discusses talent retention through "boomeranging" graduates back to Indiana, the state's population growth versus neighboring states, and how user-funded venue deals can minimize general-fund taxpayer risk. Lopez details his transition from serving in Governor Holcomb's office to leading external affairs for Pacers Sports & Entertainment during COVID, Gainbridge Fieldhouse renovations, and planning NBA All-Star 2024. He also highlights Indiana Sports Corp, the impacts of major events, northwest Indiana's Bears stadium conversations, and broader growth catalysts like LEAP and Lilly. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Danny Lopez's Transition from Politics to Pacers and Back to Politics - Indiana's Growth Compared to Nearby States - The Role of Sports as an Economic Machine in Indiana Thank you to our partners: Boone County Check out these great clips from the show: 01:13 Guest Introduction: Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative 02:35 From Miami to Indy 03:48 Universities and Boomerang Talent 09:51 Finding Home in Indiana 11:54 Say Yes Do the Work 15:24 Politics to Pacers 16:59 Inside PS&E Operations 19:32 COVID Renovation All Star 22:14 Sports as Economic Engine 24:34 Bears Stadium Hammond Debate 26:55 LEAP and Smart Incentives 28:56 Media Value of Mega Events 32:42 Indiana Sports Corp Legacy 34:46 Workforce and Industry Strategy 37:54 Downtown Built for Events 39:44 Chasing the Next Big Event 41:22 WWE Brings Big Money 43:14 Concerts And Stadium Taxes 43:38 Learning Policy The Hard Way 45:41 Why He Chose Politics 47:29 Indiana Competes Globally 49:58 Lilly And Leap Momentum 52:30 Endowment Powers Amenities 56:57 Higher Ed And Enrollment Cliff 58:13 Indiana Next 250 Years 01:00:52 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:02:32 Advice For Young Leaders 01:06:16 Commencement Speech Craft 01:07:57 Hidden Gems And Hoosiers 01:10:08 Favorite Indiana Moment Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 3 · 1 hr 12 min
Why You Shouldn't Blindly Follow a Political Party | Lindsay Gramlich & Beau Bayh, Indiana Democratic Candidates
On today's show I sat down with Lindsay Gramlich, CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis and 2026 Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 39, and Beau Bayh, Marine Corps veteran, attorney, and 2026 Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State. They discuss public service, getting young Hoosiers engaged in government, why to enter politics despite negativity, focusing on listening, community, and working across the aisle, and issues young people care about including jobs, student loans, affordability, healthcare, safety, and especially housing costs and brain drain. Bayh explains the Secretary of State's duties and measures success by increasing voter participation, while Gramlich highlights state-level impacts like property taxes, utilities, clean water, and concerns about supermajority governance and public education funding. They then share civic-entry ideas like the Hoosier Hall Pass, volunteering, paging, and Girls Inc. "She Votes," favorite Indiana places and memories, and why Indiana's people and community keep them rooted here. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - The Importance of Voter Participation and Measures of Political Success - Important Issues for Young Hoosiers - Duties for Secretary of State and House Representatives Thank you to our partners: Hope Plumbing Indy Grills Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Indiana Potential Tease 01:20 Guest Introduction: Lindsay Gramlich and Beau Bayh, Indiana Democratic Candidates 02:32 Why Run for Office 04:56 Reaching Young Voters 07:38 Civic Origin Stories 10:43 Issues Young Hoosiers Face 13:58 Which Offices Matter Most 17:09 The Reality of Representation 19:55 Public Education and Local Impact 22:51 Why Serve Anyway 26:28 Staying Informed Beyond Algorithms 29:26 Person Over Party 31:48 Long Form Media and Civility 35:20 What Gives Hope for Indiana 39:38 Young Talent and Saying Yes 41:42 Indiana Hustle Mindset 42:57 Jim Morris Minivan Story 47:43 Measuring Political Success 51:58 Getting Into Politics 54:53 Campaign Trail Stories 59:36 Why Indiana Is Home 01:02:19 Hidden Gems Spotlight 01:05:22 Hoosiers To Watch 01:07:19 Favorite Indiana Memories 01:10:01 How To Connect Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
July 1 · 1 hr 12 min
The Car Dealer Who Caddied for Presidents and Built an IndyCar Team | Tom Kelley, Kelley Automotive Group
On today's show I chatted about everything automotive with Tom Kelley, president of family-owned Kelley Automotive Group, founded in Fort Wayne in 1952 by his father, Jim, the day Tom was born. Tom joined the business in 1974 after earning a business degree at IU and playing college golf, using the sport to build relationships with figures like Bobby Knight and George H.W. Bush. He explains how dealership growth accelerated after GM relaxed multi-store restrictions, expanding into multiple brands and markets including Atlanta, Clearwater, and Oklahoma, and how GM's 2010 bankruptcy eliminated divisions like Saturn and Saab, forcing closures, layoffs, asset sales, and new partners to survive. Tom also recounts entering IndyCar through Tony George and George's grandfather Tony Hulman, running the Indy 500, and later selling Kelley Racing to form what became Ed Carpenter Racing. He highlights Fort Wayne's civic collaboration, philanthropy, youth career pathways, and why Indiana's people, opportunity, and sports history make it home. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How Tom Kelley Scaled Kelley Automotive Group - Why Tom Started an IndyCar Team - Tom's Caddying Experience with Presidents Thank you to our partners: NCW Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Survival Mindset Teaser 01:18 Guest Introduction: Tom Kelley, Kelley Automotive Group 02:29 Born Into Dealerships and Flying 04:39 Golf Dreams and Career Choice 06:27 Golf Connections and Bobby Knight 08:47 Dealership Growth Rules and Strategy 12:32 Atlanta Expansion and GM Shutdowns 17:05 After Dad Passed Estate Decisions 18:34 How Dealership Financing Works 21:45 Fair Deals and Repeat Customers 24:51 IndyCar Team Origin Story 30:19 Calling the Indy 500 32:24 Caddying for Presidents 36:03 Fame Privacy and Social Media 37:44 Surviving GM Collapse 39:37 Tsunami Bankruptcy Fallout 41:19 Hard Calls With Empathy 41:59 Credit Lines Crisis 43:15 Partners and Sacrifice 44:45 Fort Wayne Rally Crew 45:50 Electric Works Breakthrough 47:34 Sweetwater and Chuck 51:21 Career Pathways For Kids 55:12 Passion Beats Quitting 57:45 Why Indiana Feels Home 59:06 Golf and Fort Wayne Eats 01:02:44 Bring Back The Pistons 01:05:09 Indiana Sports Legacy 01:07:20 Hidden Gem Northeast 01:08:13 Hoosier To Watch Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
June 29 · 1 hr 11 min
He Bought a Boat Dealership Doing $375K… Now It Does $23M | J Hurless, Reeder Trausch Marine
On today's show I sat down with J Hurless, co-owner of Indiana boating dealership and service company Reeder Trausch Marine. Hurless shares how he dropped out of high school, built a sales and leadership career at Ray Skillman until age 28, then bought Reeder Trausch in 2018 with little marine experience. The dealership had been a steady family business selling eight boats a year ($375K in 2017), and Hurless faced immediate challenges including a drained lake, limited working capital, and no floor-plan credit. By cleaning up the business, launching a website, hustling on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace, engaging the Rockville community, and securing manufacturer-backed lending, the company grew rapidly to $1.2M in 2018 and $23M by 2023, later acquiring Denny's Marina in 2024. Hurless also emphasizes building teams, training talent, embracing change, and resilience through setbacks. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How a High School Dropout Acquired a Boat Business - Leading More Experienced/Older Coworkers - Tips to Scaling a Business Quickly Thank you to our partners: Keller & Keller J.C. Hart Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Lake Drained Shock 00:24 Guest Introduction: J Hurless, Reeder Trausch Marine 03:46 Dropping Out Hustle 05:24 Car Sales Rise 07:17 Leadership Lessons 10:15 Boat Buying Pain 14:28 Buying The Marina 21:25 Closing Day Surprise 24:40 Cleaning And Community 27:56 First Sales And Credit 37:19 Pre-Selling Boats 38:00 Building The Team 39:19 Nationwide Boat Demand 41:23 Growth Pains And Hiring 42:45 Revenue Explosion Numbers 43:38 Why Acquire Denny's Marina 44:31 Acquisition Secrets And Risks 45:58 Integrating The New Staff 48:53 Indy vs Rockville Performance 51:29 Future Expansion Ideas 53:59 Talent Development Playbook 56:50 Leading Without Micromanaging 59:59 Advice For Scaling Fast 01:01:53 Worst Day As Owner 01:05:09 Redefining Success Through People 01:07:22 Why Indiana Home 01:08:43 Indiana Favorites And Hidden Gems 01:10:43 Hoosier To Watch And Farewell Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
June 26 · 1 hr 14 min
He Quit Comedy for 20 Years… Then Came Back at 48 | Chris Ryan, Comedian
On today's show I shared some laughs with Westfield-based comedian Chris Ryan, who returned to stand-up after a 20-year break. Ryan got his start in IU's Full Frontal Comedy in the mid-'90s alongside Straight No Chaser, training in Chicago improv at ImprovOlympic, and moving to Los Angeles in 1998 with $2,000 from a near-fatal car accident. In LA he worked at Paramount while pursuing stand-up, auditioned for MadTV, and waited alongside Seth Meyers, who was offered SNL the same week. The setback helped prompt Ryan's exit, grad school in journalism at Illinois, and a move to Indianapolis. After 15+ years in healthcare marketing, therapy and a company sale pushed him to write and perform hour-long shows, including Thermometer and Nothing Means Anything, centered on parenting twins, adolescence, and midlife reinvention. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Ryan's Journey in Comedy From IU to Chicago to LA - Why Ryan Stepped Away from Comedy - Scripting, Speeches, and Improv Thank you to our partners: Bloomrank Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Am I Crazy Cold Open 01:16 Guest Introduction: Chris Ryan, Comedian 02:09 Bloomington Improv Origins 02:57 Auditions And Campus Fame 06:03 Chicago Improv And The Harold 08:57 Yes And Gifts Onstage 11:50 Finding A Creative Path 14:12 Detroit, Chicago, LA 16:54 Car Crash Sign To Move 19:38 Paramount Day Job 23:31 MadTV Audition Near Miss 25:42 Grad School And Midwest Reset 27:10 Indy Roots And 30 Under 30 29:40 Returning To Comedy At 48 30:37 Career Shakeup Catalyst 32:09 Therapy And Reaching Out 33:05 Theater Deal Home Base 34:23 Writing A Full Hour 36:22 Script Versus Riffing 38:38 Old Jokes New Opener 40:49 Alanis Opener OCD Stories 43:34 Speechwriting Performance Tips 49:04 Embrace Fear Of Bombing 53:15 Rapid Fire Indiana Round 58:16 Hidden Gems And BBQ 01:00:37 Letterman Story And Wrap Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
June 24 · 1 hr 4 min
How a Tech Entrepreneur Reshaped Indianapolis' Live Music Scene | Scott Kraege, Forty5, The Vogue, and Rock the Ruins
On today's show I sat down with Indianapolis entrepreneur and entertainment operator Scott Kraege, who shares his 18-year "overnight success" journey and today is a managing partner at Ivy Ventures, Forty5 partner, and co-owner of The Vogue Theatre, a concert venue in Broad Ripple. Kraege's journey started with him selling cell phones out of his car in 1999 to founding the enterprise device-management software company MOBI (later Tangoe), growing it to 350 employees, and selling in 2018. He explains his approach to investing and mentorship, emphasizing that founders and people matter most and that startups often evolve far from their original idea. He describes post-exit life, joining The Heritage Group's venture program, and later buying The Vogue in 2019 with partners, then navigating COVID shutdowns, staffing losses, and creative pivots. He also details how Forty5 expanded into multiple venues and outdoor series like Rock the Ruins, plus launching Opendate software, and discusses sponsorships, public-private partnerships, and future concert infrastructure needs in Indianapolis. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - Scott Kraege's Journey from Cell Phones to Indianapolis' Live Entertainment Scene - The Origin of Rock the Ruins and How Park Concerts Work - Indy's Future with Live Music Thank you to our partners: Keller & Keller Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Ten-Year Success Myth 01:30 Guest Introduction: Scott Kraege, Forty5, The Vogue, and Rock the Ruins 02:56 First Startup Cell Phones 04:45 Inc 500 Growth Lessons 05:18 Building MOBI To Exit 07:17 Ten-Year Founder Mindset 09:20 Mentors Indy Culture 14:20 Post-Exit Identity Reset 17:10 Venture Investing 19:30 How VCs Pick Founders 21:45 Buying The Vogue 23:03 Vogue History Legends 26:48 COVID Shutdown Survival 30:34 Forty5 Opendate Launch 33:15 Rock The Ruins Origin 37:19 Turntable Venue Pipeline 38:45 Making Park Concerts Work 40:39 Rock the Ruins Vibe 41:20 Big Venues vs Easy Shows 42:05 Final Four Mall Concerts 43:28 How ALM Happened 44:37 Beach Festival Inspiration 45:21 Sponsor Village Strategy 47:04 Why Sponsors Matter 49:44 Broad Ripple Park Shows 52:20 Future of Indy Live Music 54:08 Dream Venues and Infrastructure 57:03 Why Indiana Home 58:39 Concert Memories and Dream Acts 01:05:12 Hidden Gems and Hoosiers Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
June 22 · 1 hr 10 min
Can Bloomington Become the Midwest's Next Startup Hub? | John Fernandez, Amplify Bloomington
On today's show I sat down with John Fernandez, CEO of Amplify Bloomington and former Bloomington mayor and Obama administration economic development leader. Fernandez explains how the former Showers Brothers Furniture Factory site became an innovation hub through public-private partnerships, infrastructure investment, and entrepreneur-driven community building, expanding from The Mill to The Forge and nearby private initiatives like The Kiln. We discuss why homegrown companies like Cook Group matter, the need for economic diversification, and Bloomington's challenges and strengths in talent retention and storytelling. He highlights founder support, peer groups, local "sleeper" companies, and the Flywheel Fund's early-stage investing. Amplify's goals include scaling 10 firms from $1M to $10M revenue by 2031 and retaining more IU graduates in Bloomington. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How a Furniture Factory Site Evolved to a Community Hub - Amplify Bloomington's Five-Year Vision - Bloomington's "Sleeper" Companies Thank you to our partners: Kelley School of Business Berne Apparel Check out these great clips from the show: 00:00 Indiana Startup Vibe 01:40 Guest Introduction: John Fernandez, Amplify Bloomington 02:27 Inside The Mill District 05:10 From Warehouses to Hub 07:09 Revitalization Playbook 08:41 Cook Group Impact 11:07 Why Entrepreneurs Matter 12:37 Selling Bloomington Life 14:20 John's Kokomo Origins 18:24 Politics and Public Service 19:46 Keeping Talent Local 24:31 Midwest Culture and Grit 27:31 Bloomington Startup Stars 31:04 Founder Challenges Today 31:35 Founder Talent And Integration 31:52 Peer Groups And Community 32:35 No Net Founder Stories 33:57 Why Innovation Helps Workers 36:53 Spillover Economics And Events 39:10 Building An Ecosystem 42:09 Five-Year Vision And Goals 44:46 Pride And IU Alumni Network 47:39 Keeping Graduates In Indiana 49:53 Why Indiana Home 50:26 Obama Call And Clearance 53:42 Bloomington First Impression 54:16 Local Government Advice 55:54 Indiana Lightning Round 57:51 IU Championship Memories 59:01 Wrap Up Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
June 19 · 1 hr
"Dabblers Die." The Advice That Built Her Business | Jenn Schimmelpfennig, Pivot Brands
On today's show I sat down with Jenn Schimmelpfennig, founder and president of Indianapolis agency Pivot Brands. Pivot Brands launched in 2006 after Jenn built a brand-strategy segment inside Print Resources and spun it off with support from its owners. She describes learning business early from her father, starting her career post-9/11, and developing a strategy-first approach that uses research to define a brand's core idea and tone, with examples like GreenCycle's "GreenCycle equals mulch" focus and dog-loving Metazoa Brewing's "drink beer, help animals" positioning. She discusses earning credibility as a young woman by relying on customer and employee insights, insisting on a leadership-table posture, and staying focused on branding rather than taking every project. Our conversation also covers place branding through No Mean City in 2013 and the rapid-response Indy Welcomes All campaign in response to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. You are going to learn about: - How Pivot Brands was Founded - The Process of Defining a Brand Identity - Place Branding Concepts Thank you to our partners: Visit Wabash County Bloomrank Check out these great clips from the show: 01:23 Guest Introduction: Jenn Schimmelpfennig, Pivot Brands 03:18 Early Business Spark 05:06 First Jobs And Learning 07:16 From Printing To Strategy 10:02 First Big Win GreenCycle 12:53 Finding Brand Voice 14:47 Launching Pivot In 2006 21:57 Building Credibility Young 22:50 Leading As A Young Woman 26:23 Growing Pivot With Purpose 27:53 Narrowing To Branding Lane 29:06 Saying No And Referrals 32:17 Starting Later And Niche 33:58 Quit Dabbling Commit Fully 35:48 Branding Places In Indiana 36:37 Authentic Place Branding 37:56 Measuring Place ROI 38:42 No Mean City Origins 41:03 Telling Hard Truths 42:41 80 Creators Collective 44:02 Name Meaning Layers 46:40 From No Mean City Forward 49:51 Indy Welcomes All Crisis 54:43 Branding Indiana Strategy 56:31 Word Association Game 01:01:50 Why Indiana Home Get IN. is brought to you by our friends at Sweetwater. Whether you are looking to start a podcast or level up your current show you need to hit them up.
June 17 · 1 hr 6 min

Get IN. with Nate Spangle

Canoeing 84 Miles on the White River + Indiana's Biggest Stories | Lindsey Erdody, Free Press Indiana

He Went Bankrupt… Then Built One of Indiana's Best Breweries | Brian Graham, Four Day Ray

He Turned Down ESPN to Stay in Indiana | Dave Calabro, Playmakers Podcast

From a Strip Mall to a $2.5 Billion Sale | Scott Dorsey, ExactTarget

From Barely Graduating High School to Leading a Billion-Dollar Business | Pete Hilger, Allied Solutions

The Truth About Modern Farming Most Americans Never Hear | Denise Scarborough, Indiana Soybean Alliance

He Became CEO Without Ever Selling Insurance | Kevin Murphy, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

They Bet Everything on a Restaurant Everyone Said Would Fail | Mark & Lauren Weghorst, Slapfish

50% of Downtown Is Empty… Here's The Plan | SaraBeth Drybread, Town of Edinburgh

A 17-Year-Old Ran 100 Miles for Riley + Inside the Indy 500 Flyover | Charlie Rolfsen & Colonel Scott Oden

How Victory Field Helped Build Downtown Indianapolis | Randy Lewandowski & Bruce Schumacher, Indianapolis Indians

The Passion Project That Took Him From Indiana to Patagonia | Steve Haigh, Destination Angler Podcast

Why Indiana Isn't a Flyover State Anymore | Danny Lopez, Indiana State Representative (R)

Why You Shouldn't Blindly Follow a Political Party | Lindsay Gramlich & Beau Bayh, Indiana Democratic Candidates

The Car Dealer Who Caddied for Presidents and Built an IndyCar Team | Tom Kelley, Kelley Automotive Group

He Bought a Boat Dealership Doing $375K… Now It Does $23M | J Hurless, Reeder Trausch Marine

He Quit Comedy for 20 Years… Then Came Back at 48 | Chris Ryan, Comedian

How a Tech Entrepreneur Reshaped Indianapolis' Live Music Scene | Scott Kraege, Forty5, The Vogue, and Rock the Ruins

Can Bloomington Become the Midwest's Next Startup Hub? | John Fernandez, Amplify Bloomington

"Dabblers Die." The Advice That Built Her Business | Jenn Schimmelpfennig, Pivot Brands