Unvalley

#3 Sam Parr: From The Heartland to The Hustle | The Art of Business & Building a Network

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Sam Parr retired with over $20 Million by age 31, just a few years after losing his job offer at AirBNB. In this interview, Sam goes deep into his journey to share his biggest lessons learned while creating an impressive career and company.

Parr is the founder of The Hustle, a daily newsletter providing an entertaining delivery of the latest news in business and tech. He was born in Missouri, grew up in Tennessee, and moved to San Francisco after graduating from college. His media company The Hustle was acquired by Hubspot in 2021 for a reported $25-30 million dollars.

In today’s episode of UNVALLEY with Sam Parr you’ll learn:

7:30 Which Midwest values lay the foundation for Sam’s successful career in tech
14:05 The simple writing technique that helped Sam create enormous opportunities in his career
28:30 How to optimize your career for success, even if you don’t have money or connections
42:30 Why Sam is investing in real estate in Unvalley tech hubs like Austin

UNVALLEY is the show for tech leaders that want to unlock their full potential and connect with the biggest opportunities in tech beyond Silicon Valley. UNVALLEY is brought to you by Powderkeg — the only private member network focused on supporting tech companies and leaders in fast-growing communities beyond Silicon Valley. Join the community at Powderkeg.com.

#2 Arlan Hamilton: How to Break Into Tech and Build Wealth with Startup Investing

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Arlan is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBTQ. Backstage has raised tens of millions of dollars, invested in 200 startups led by underestimated founders, and has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Quartz. Arlan also founded Runner, a talent operations startup that connects outstanding operations talent with inclusive companies. She also published It’s About Damn Time, her book detailing her journey from homelessness to venture capital. In today’s episode of Unvalley you’ll hear Arlan’s incredible story and learn some of her best strategies that have helped her succeed in venture capital, startups, and tech, despite enormous challenges.

#1 Gary Vee: The Unvalley “Golden Era” | Business Opportunity Beyond Silicon Valley

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 14:23:22 GMT

Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) shouldn’t need an introduction. Revered as the king of content, he has an uncanny ability to spot trends in the market and skate to where the puck is going. Gary has his finger on the pulse of consumers and is one of the most forward-thinking voices in business today. He is also a prolific angel investor. His portfolio is bolstered by early positions in Facebook, Uber, Twitter, Coinbase, and his own NFT project VeeFriends.

Mickey Cloud is the Executive Director of The Sasha Group. A VaynerX company based in Chattanooga Tennessee. Mickey works with some of the biggest brands around the world helping them turn business objectives into actionable marketing plans.

In Episode 1 we hear Gary’s thoughts on the Unvalley and his approach to building a company with a dispersed team.

#0 UNVALLEY: New Podcast Launch | How and Why We’re Relaunching the Podcast

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:52:40 GMT

Six years ago we launched the Powderkeg Podcast Igniting Startups. We were featured in top publications like Entrepreneur and Forbes. Since 2017 we have interviewed over 100 execs at dynamic tech companies beyond Silicon Valley.

We are excited to bring this Podcast back in a way that honors both the Powderkeg community and the amazing growth that we have seen in the Unvalley community over the last several years.

In Episode 0 we are going to catch you up on what we’ve been up to for the last two years.

#152: 5 Startup Growth Stories and Lessons Learned While Leading through Change

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:00:22 GMT

The last two years have taught us so much. How to be flexible and adapt quickly to change. A whole new style of doing business in a virtual world. Even how to integrate your work and your life in a healthy way. Today we are hearing startup growth stories from 5 CEOs based in the Circle City. These five Indianapolis-based tech companies are doing incredible things and we are joined by their CEOs to hear some stories and lessons learned over the last two years. One CEO opened a 50-acre innovation community during the first year of the pandemic. She proceeded to lead her organization through the biggest mass-adoption of remote work ever. Another CEO started their company less than a year ago from his home office. One even wrote a book chronicling the whole journey! We are going to hear from; Emily Krueger, President and CEO, 16 Tech Jake Miller, CEO, The Engineered Innovation Group Jim Goldman, CEO, Trava Steve Johns, CEO, OneCause Lindsay Tjepkema, CEO, Casted These 5 CEOs share practice advice and stories that they have learned over the past two years that you can use in your professional career.

#151: Why You Should Prioritize Culture at Your Startup

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 19:37:15 GMT

Culture, when built correctly can be your key differentiator. When built incorrectly it can be your Achilles' heel. Today we do a deep dive into the founding story of Indianapolis darling startup Lessonly. Lessonly is a market leader in training software and was acquired by San Diego-based Seismic in 2021. We sit down with co-founders Max Yoder and Conner Burt to discuss Lessonly's development over the last decade and why culture has always been a North Star in the companies evolution. Max and Conner both started their professional career by means of the Orr Fellowship, a two-year, Indianapolis-based fellowship focused on developing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. Max began working on Lessonly after winding down his first startup. Conner was working in sales at ExactTarget (acquired by Salesforce) at the time. The two were roommates and Conner became an early adopter of the original Lessonly platform, where he used it to help train an international sales team of ExactTarget. Learn more about the Lessonly journey and hear the words of wisdom this dynamic duo has about growing a high-performing, venture-backed tech company. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher.

Why People Push Help 85 Million Times in a Year

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:39:15 GMT

Have you ever been stuck in a parking garage and couldn't quite figure out how to leave? Well, you're not the only one; according to reports, 85% of "help" calls in a parking garage are due to struggles with understanding the equipment, whereas only 15% of those calls are due to actual equipment failure. That’s why today, you'll hear from a company that saw the need for human interaction within the parking industry and set out to fill it—combining software-as-a-service, hardware, and a 24/7 call center to create personal, high-empathy interactions in the parking industry. On today's episode of the Powderkeg Pitch, you’ll be hearing a 5-minute live startup pitch between an entrepreneur and myself. You’ll be hearing from Brian Wolff, President & CEO at Parker Technology based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before joining Parker Technology, Brian, in 2006, co-founded Bluelock, Indiana's fastest-growing private company in 2010, with four other Indiana tech entrepreneurs. He has helped fund more than 30 local companies through angel funds Gravity Ventures, xCap Angels, and Momentum Ventures. Brian consulted several other organizations, including Purdue Research Foundation, where he was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at The Foundry. On today's show, Brian will be pitching Parker Technology, a company focused on providing parking facilities with a premium customer service experience platform through software. Brian will have just 5 minutes to pitch Parker and share more on the incredible team they're growing at Parker, and then I will have the opportunity to hit Brian with a few hard-hitting and rapid-fire-q-and-a, sort of shark tank-style questions right after his pitch. Tune in for more! Please enjoy this conversation with Brian Wolff! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#150: Innovation and Creativity in Minneapolis Startups

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:57:25 GMT

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area may not be as known for tech as San Francisco, but the city has seen huge potential in building a rising tech scene. And when it comes to the Midwest, you couldn't ask for a more tech-friendly city. Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to some of the top accounting firms in the country and overall has a healthy and satisfying tech environment. And with so much untapped potential left for opportunists to unlock...it's hard not to consider becoming a part of the incredible tech ecosystem that's brewing in the Twin Cities. In today’s episode, I speak with two leaders who are focused on investing and nurturing the innovation happening inside the heart of Minnesota Tech. The first guest is Mary Grove, Managing Partner at Bread and Butter Ventures. She brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in technology, early stage investing, and startup ecosystem growth. Mary served as the founding director of Google for Startups, leading the company’s global efforts to support entrepreneurs in over 100 countries. Mary also started a nonprofit called Silicon North Stars, which she now runs, to educate and inspire young Minnesotans from economically underserved backgrounds towards futures in tech. After her 15 year career at Google, Mary worked as an investment partner at Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund where she led dozens of investments in a range of sectors including healthcare, enterprise software, and fintech. Joining Mary today is Brett Brohl, a Managing Partner of Bread and Butter Ventures. He is also the Managing Director of the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator. Brett is an experienced entrepreneur, investor and mentor, driven to make a difference in the world through helping entrepreneurs succeed. He founded or has been CEO of several companies, leading three to exit and also experiencing failure firsthand. AndI hear he loves leveraging those experiences to help the next generation of startups to be successful. Tune in for More! In this episode with Mary Grove and Brett Brohl, you’ll learn: - How to find the best opportunities in tech during the new normal - Why having a culture is an important stage for startups - Great advice talent looking to break into tech - The most exciting things happening in and around Minnesota tech - Backstage look into the newly created Bread and Butter Ventures Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Mary Grove and Brett Brohl! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

How One Passionate BBQ Fan Started With "I Quit"

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:48:59 GMT

Every new beginning has its struggles, but getting a business started to call your own can be so fulfilling. Today we dive in with a founder who is ready to risk everything. He gives up his steady 9-to-5 job to chase his passion for the entrepreneurial dream beginning with the simple words "I Quit." On today's episode of the Powderkeg Pitch, we're bringing on Co-founder and BBQ expert of Durham based Mike D’s BBQ, Mike De Los Santos. Mike and his wife Gloria started building a BBQ sauce business with Mike having 'quit' his job. They launched the company back in 2014. And hit their sales goal that year, and have seen strong and steady growth ever since. In 2015, they introduced their Sweet & Spicy rub and, in 2016, had their biggest growth year to date (120%). As if that weren't remarkable enough, Mike is about to be featured on Discovery's Channel's new show called "I Quit," which is a show that will follow six businesses for one year as they are led by hopeful entrepreneurs who leave their steady incomes and retirement plans behind to go all-in on their dreams of launching their own unique business. Tune in to hear more! In this episode with Michael De Los Santos, you’ll learn: --What drew Mike to the path of entrepreneurship --How Mike and Discovery connected to start the show “I Quit” --Building the right sales strategy for your business --Backstage look into the entrepreneurial world of BBQ --Mike’s secrets and tips for barbecue enthusiasts Please enjoy this conversation with Michael De Los Santos! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#149: Why 90% of Startup Companies Fail

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:57:47 GMT

How much more impactful could your company's marketing strategy be if you could understand exactly what content to create and the best places to publish it in order to keep up with the present trends? Well in today’s episode, you’ll hear from Shawn Schwegman, Co-founder and CSO of Demandjump. DemandJump focuses on taking the uncertainty out of digital marketing by allowing you to see what your customers and competitors are doing, and what you should be doing next to get out ahead. Shawn had only 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch his company DemandJump to a live panel of investors and industry experts from our Marketing Tech in the Roaring 20’s pitch night we hosted this past February before the pandemic featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in Middle America. The four experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: --Syam Nair | Executive Vice President, Technology, Salesforce Marketing Cloud --Miloni Madan | Private Equity Technology Investor at Warburg Pincus LLC --Aaron Gillum | Senior Vice President at 50 South Capital --Lindsey Groepper | President at BLASTMedia Today’s Presenter, Shawn Schwegman, is a professional Entrepreneur, who has been heavily involved with more than a dozen startup companies over the last two decades, both advising and working in pivotal roles running sales, marketing, technology, strategy and operations for companies in early and high growth stages. Tune in to hear more from Shawn! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Shawn Schwegman of Lessonly!

#148: Building a Product Focused Culture

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:28:02 GMT

Leaders that are able to build and create a culture of openness and collaboration are able to encourage their team to better self-develop, communicate, and share what they are learning so they can capitalize on the actions they are or could be doing better, and promoting and pushing one another to do the same. But where do we begin in order to create and maintain this idea that we call product culture? In today’s episode, I speak with Marcus Cobb, a technologist, product designer, public speaker, and successful entrepreneur. Marcus is a highly sought-after investor, mentor, and strategist for numerous organizations. He’s also the CEO and co-founder of Jammber, a Nashville-based music technology company that focuses on streamlining the incredibly complicated process of creating a song, sharing it with the world and ultimately getting paid and getting credit for it. Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear Marcus discuss his role as an entrepreneur, his personal experiences with building an amazing team culture, and his current role as co-founder and CEO of Jammber. Find out more about how Marcus and his team are disrupting the music industry with their platform, Jammber. Tune in for More! In this episode with Marcus Cobb, you’ll learn: - How positive product culture can be a secret ingredient for team success - About the music tech industry and the opportunities available - Marcus’s personal experience and growth as an entrepreneur - How the Jammber platform is impacting the music industry Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Marcus Cobb! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

PITCH: Lessonly | Indianapolis, IN

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:08:09 GMT

Most companies understand the importance of employee training, with the highest priority being the need for creating the right training resources for increasing effectiveness talent training programs. But for most companies, it always seems to come with a struggle of creating the right training tools and applications for company talent. That's why on today's episode of Powderkeg Pitch, we're featuring a company focused on helping teams learn and practice, and do better work. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Kyle Lacy, Chief Marketing Officer of Lessonly. Lessonly is a simple learning management software that helps teams learn, practice, and do better work. Kyle had only 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch his company Lessonly to a live panel of investors and industry experts from our Martech Madness pitch night we hosted in February of last year featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in the Mighty Middle. The three experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: --Glenda Akers | GM, Messaging of Salesforce Marketing Cloud --Muhammad Yasin | Executive Vice President of Marketing of PERQ --Ryan Grable | VP Demand Generation, Diligent Today’s Presenter, Kyle Lacy, is the Chief Marketing Officer at Lessonly. Kyle brings over ten years of experience in marketing, strategy, and digital operations. Before joining Lessonly, Kyle held senior positions at OpenView Venture Partners, Salesforce and ExactTarget. He has spent the last seven years traveling the world speaking at marketing and technology industry events, including content marketing, digital marketing strategy, demand generation, and B2B marketing. And is an author of three books, Twitter Marketing for Dummies, Branding Yourself, and Social CRM for Dummies. Tune in for more! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Kyle Lacy of Lessonly!

#147: Why Tennessee Volunteered To Be The Next Home for Startups

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:53:56 GMT

In the last decade, the cities of Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville have grown Tennesse tech tremendously, attracting skilled talent, founders, and investors from across the country. Today, we talk with a CEO of a public-private partnership with Entrepreneur Centers in seven regions across the state focused on connecting and nurturing innovative startups, and tight-knit communities—mixed with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality—that has become a secret weapon on their journey toward startup success. On today's episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, we're talking with Van Tucker, CEO at Venture Capital Firm, Launch Tennessee. As CEO, Van Tucker supports the mission and vision of making Tennessee the best state in the nation for startups by empowering a network of resources. Before joining LaunchTN in early 2020, Tucker served as founding CEO of the Nashville Fashion Alliance, a trade organization that raised international awareness of its $6B economic impact. Before that, Van was a cofounder of Avenue Bank as Chief Creative Officer, responsible for award-winning brand development. Tune in to hear more! In this episode with Van Tucker, you’ll learn: --- How the Volunteer State is creating the next wave of entrepreneurs --- The best ways to show support for underrepresented founders --- What makes Tennessee Tech special for incoming talent --- More on this year’s 36|86 Festival hosted by Launch Tennessee --- Van’s greatest vision for entrepreneurship and startups in Tennessee Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Van Tucker! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#146: Growth and Opportunity in Indianapolis Startups

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:07:43 GMT

Indianapolis Tech is growing at full throttle, but there is still so much untapped potential. From startups to tech giants, high-growth companies have found Indianapolis (Indy) to be an ideal home. The city is outpacing the competition by providing experienced talent, lower cost of living, and a productive environment of innovative founders, investors, and leaders. That’s why Powderkeg teamed up with several Indiana organizations to gain insight into growth and innovation happening in the unique tech community in Indianapolis, IN. Our research results were compiled in the first-ever Indianapolis Tech Census Report and released to the public back in February of 2018. With responses from over 359 tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors representing and 138 companies in the Indianapolis area, the census used a combination of hard data and interviews with industry insiders to help paint an accurate picture of the Indy tech ecosystem as it stands today and what it can become. In this episode of Powderkeg Podcast, we feature a few of Indy's most innovative tech entrepreneurs and leaders that helped break down the report and get at the root of what's right and what's not so good about the state of Indianapolis tech. In this discussion, we share behind the scenes secrets behind Indy's rapid tech growth, explore possibilities for bringing more investment capital into the city, and share the best strategies for building more diverse and inclusive teams—in Indianapolis or any tech community across the country. Tune in for more! In this episode with four visionary Indianapolis tech leaders, you’ll learn: Secrets behind the rapid growth of the Indianapolis tech community. What tech communities can do to overcome a shortage of investment capital. Why building relationships in your community is the best way to grow your business. Strategies for finding and developing young professionals to close the tech talent gap. How to drive diversity and inclusivity in your company and the whole tech industry. Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation about the 2018 Indy Tech Census Report with Danielle McDowell, John Qualls, Haley Altman, and Yaw Aning! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

PITCH: BOS Framework | Nashville, TN

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:07:10 GMT

Being able to launch a tech product can always be a difficult step for startups. The technical issues in the first product are common, and user feedback during the early days of rollout often more focused on the problems than the product's actual features. This can make it difficult for teams to focus on what's working and what isn't. Luckily, in today's episode of Powderkeg Pitch, we brought on someone focused on eliminating this massive headache for startups. In today’s pitch episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from Sashank Purighalla, Founder and CEO of BOS Framework. BOS Framework is a product framework for Microsoft developers. It’s easy to use, eliminates repeat work, and enables individual developers to work with the capacity of an entire team and get an MVP to market quickly. Sashank had only 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch his company BOS Framework to a live panel of investors and industry experts from our Build Better Software pitch night we hosted last year featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in the Mighty Middle. The three experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: --Linda Calvin | Vice President of the School of IT at Ivy Tech --Darye Henry | CTO at DeveloperTown Starts --Ting Gootee | Founding Member & Chief Investment Officer at Elevate Ventures Today’s Presenter, Sashank Purighalla, is a technology leader with a strong product development background, a strategic business vision, and a keen entrepreneurial spirit. Over the past 20 years, Sashank has had the opportunity to work with various organizations in North America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and India in multiple industries. Using that combined experience and knowledge, he has helped start-ups and enterprises develop the right technology solutions quickly and cost-effectively. In 2011, Sashank developed and founded BOS Framework, a scalable, flexible, and extensible platform that quickly launches technology products. Tune in to hear more! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Sashank Purighalla of BOS Framework!

#145: Anti-Racism, VC, and Startup Careers in the Midwest

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 12:51:54 GMT

There’s no doubt that companies, big or small, can have a tremendous influence on the community. And in being a founder, CEO, and a leader, it can come with great responsibility. I'll avoid using any more famous superhero references but wanted to share the most important facts I gained from this conversation. Almost 81% of all VC firms don't have a single Black investor. In a sample of 160 firms with more than 2 people, only 5 have at least 2 Black investors. Another study found that Blacks are underrepresented in the executive ranks of startups by almost 82%. This is a major social issue that needs solving. There are so many great ways startups, founders, and venture capitalists in our tech community can use their powers for good and help solve this not only in our industry but in the country as a whole. That's why in today's episode, we're bringing on someone who believes in solving this issue and bringing in the good of our Midwest communities and leaders. On today's episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, we're talking with Mike Asem, Partner at Venture Capital Firm, M25. As a partner at M25, Mike has participated in nearly 100 investments in early-stage companies across the Midwest. Outside of his responsibilities at M25, Mike is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 24) and a board member at BLCK VC, leading initiatives in the Midwest to connect, engage, empower, and advance Black venture investors. Before joining M25, Mike founded The Anvil, a co-working space and startup incubator on Purdue University's campus, where he helped launch the first Purdue startup to be accepted to Y Combinator. Tune in for more! In this episode with Mike Asem, you’ll learn: --- How to find a career in Midwest Tech --- Key advice for tech entrepreneurs seeking to raise capital --- Mike’s thoughts on racism and adversity in tech --- Backstage look into the investment ecosystem in Chicago --- Mike’s greatest hopes for startups in Mighty Middle America. Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Mike Asem! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#144: Best Ways to Overcome an Entrepreneur's Challenge With Eric Tobias of High Alpha

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 12:57:39 GMT

When entering the world of entrepreneurship, it can come with a long list of challenges. Rewarding challenges, but many unpleasant challenges nonetheless. The biggest battle for most would-be entrepreneurs is taking the first step. It may be quitting a job, putting up a website, entering a startup accelerator program, approaching somebody with your first elevator pitch, or simply announcing your new venture to the world and family and committing the dollars and credit you have. That’s why on today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast we bring in experienced entrepreneur and venture investor, Eric Tobias. Eric has started several companies with successful exits to public companies, including Batteries.com and iGODigital. Most recently, Eric Tobias was VP of Product of Salesforce and Exact Target before being acquired. Today he is a Partner at High Alpha, a venture studio in Indianapolis that conceives, launches, and scales high-growth B2B software companies. They invest in software companies across North America, and Eric serves as a board member with many of these companies. Along with sharing his entrepreneurial journey, Eric dives in the leading factors of what it takes to lead and take the first entrepreneurial steps. Sharing the many challenges that can be tossed along the journey and the key difference between either startup growth or startup death. Tune for more! In this episode with Eric Tobias, you’ll learn: --- The massive growth happening in the Martech industry --- Why it’s critical to share your entrepreneurial idea before your ready --- The importance of staying up to date on the latest tools in Martech --- More about Eric’s background and journey through the world of entrepreneurship and tech Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Eric Tobias! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

PITCH: Roger Deetz of Springbuk

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 13:41:26 GMT

Our national fight against COVID still continues in round 1. And it has been a roller coaster ride for most digital health startups here in 2020 so far. After jumping out of the gates fast, U.S. digital health companies have raised an extraordinary $5.4 billion in venture capital support across the first six months of 2020. The first half of 2020 saw more support than any previous first half from years 2011 to 2019. And there is one Indianapolis company that is capitalizing on this growth and doesn’t plan on stopping. In today’s pitch episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from Roger Deetz, Vice President of Technology at Springbuk, a health analytics software solution focused on preventing disease through data. Roger had only 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch Springbuk to a live panel of investors and industry experts from our Future of Work pitch night we hosted last year featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in the United States. The three experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: --Mimi Nguyen | VP, Product Management at Genesys --Phil Powell | Associate Dean of Academic Programs, Kelley School of Business at Indiana University --Nicole Wallace | Managing Director at mAccounting Today’s presenter, Roger Deetz, Today’s presenter, Roger Deetz, is the VP of Technology at Indianapolis-based Springbuk, and the former Vice President of Engineering at ANGI Home Services. Roger has been a longtime member of Powderkeg and the tech community and has led multiple dev teams at Angie’s List. Throughout his career, he’s taken on several roles as a designer, developer, architect, and a leader. Tune in for more! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Roger Deetz of Springbuk!

#143: The Importance of Employer Branding and How to Scale It with Tiffany Sauder of Element Three

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 10:26:54 GMT

Branding. It’s one of the essential elements of any company, but it’s also something startup owners might not know how to create. Fortunately, our guest on this episode of the Powderkeg Podcast is a leading expert on all things related to the brand (including employer branding). She breaks branding down to its simplest components for time-strapped founders. Tiffany Sauder is the founder and CEO of Element Three, a full-service marketing agency in Indianapolis. In just 13 years, Tiffany has grown the company into the largest marketing agency in all of Indiana and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company for five years running. Tiffany joins us for something of a beginner’s guide to startup branding, focusing in part on a less-talked-about subject of employer branding. In my conversation with Tiffany, we focus our discussion on how to build external-facing and internal-facing branding for your company, scaling that branding, instill your values into every level of management, and why you might want to find the best mascot for your company. Tune in for more! In this episode on employer branding with Element Three President Tiffany Sauder, you’ll learn: --- How to start building a unique brand for your startup. --- The minimal brand identity that every company should have. --- Why employer branding is a necessity for any fast-growing organization. --- Proven strategies for creating and scaling an effective employer brand. --- How a strong support system can push you to realize your full potential. --- What’s next for Tiffany and Element Three as the company grows. Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Tiffany Sauder! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#142: How Personal Brand Can Help You Make a Bigger Impact with Chris Ducker of Youpreneur

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 09:51:17 GMT

Whether you’re an employee or entrepreneur, creating your personal brand has grown and become more critical. If you want to start trusting and valuing your instincts more and maybe even advance your career, it’s time to start setting yourself apart with personal branding. In a tech industry, that’s all about people; the importance of personal branding never goes away. There are 21 million salespeople in this country, and that number is set to keep growing. What are you doing to stand out in the crowd? Whether you’re looking to strengthen your sales, improve the relationships you have with clients, or leverage your professional network, personal branding is key. For these reasons, our guest on today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast believes in the importance of personal branding and how it’ll play an elemental impact on relationships. Chris Ducker, who is a serial entrepreneur. In late 2014, internationally acclaimed blogger and podcaster Chris Ducker coined the term “Youpreneur” to describe the rise of the personal brand entrepreneur, a new business model that very few people saw coming. Since then, the Youpreneur has risen to the top across sectors. The good news is, anyone can be a Youpreneur. A Youpreneur transcends the old rules of business and builds a sustainable business from the foundation of their experience, interests, and personality—their personal brand. Youpreneurs draw an engaged, loyal audience even as they pursue varying, changing interests. They play by their own rules, and they reap the benefits. Tune in to learn more! In this episode with Chris Ducker, you’ll learn: --- Think critically about what influences your brand --- Consider how your messaging impacts relationships --- Understand what it means to have a personal brand authentically Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Chris Ducker of Youpreneur! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

PITCH: Yaw Aning of Malomo

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 13:02:16 GMT

Most consumers are excited after they buy, so they check their tracking number according to UPS, 2.42 times after they have ordered an item. And if you're shipping 1,000 packages, that's 2,420 brand impressions. Some, if not most of the well-known brands, will always send that type of traffic to a shipping company like FedEx or UPS or any third-party company. Which entirely disrupts the customer's entire branded experience. It has never been more challenging to get and retain customer attention, so every touchpoint with the customer must be hit. But what if there was a company that was offering this kind of experience? That’s why in today’s pitch episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from Yaw Aning, Co-founder and CEO of Malomo, a platform that turns shipment tracking into a powerful marketing channel for eCommerce brands. Yaw had only 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch his company Malomo to a live panel of investors and industry experts from our CX & Customer Journey pitch night we hosted last year featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in the United States. The four experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: -Darcy Lee | Director of Sales at AIS -Alex Shortle | Vice President, Periculum Capital -Cathy Langlois | Executive Vice President at Peoplocity -Tiffany Sauder | President & CEO at Element Three Today’s Presenter, Yaw Aning, found himself bitten by the entrepreneurial bug at a young age. Yaw joined an entrepreneurial program called the Orr Fellowship, where he grew his entrepreneurial skills and led him on his entrepreneurial journey of growing and founding his company. Yaw has had a number of entrepreneurial successes but, currently, he’s killing it with Malomo, a platform that turns Shipment Tracking into a Powerful Marketing Channel for eCommerce Brands. Tune in for more! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Yaw Aning of Malomo!

#141: How to Build a LinkedIn Sales Strategy that Gets Results w/Morgan J. Ingram and Jake Dunlap

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:10:36 GMT

No one wants to hear a sales pitch on LinkedIn. But sales teams that use LinkedIn wish to create valuable connections, which can eventually lead to sales opportunities. By making a few minor tweaks, you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a remarkable lead generator and sales tool, but first, you have to focus on creating a positive impression. What are some key ways to accomplishing this? In today’s episode, you’ll hear an interview, and LIVE Q&A, we recently hosted with some of the leading influencers who are using LinkedIn that are using the platform to build incredible sales strategies. Our first guest will be Morgan J. Ingram, the Director of Sales Execution and Evolution at Jbarrows sales training, where he focuses on delivering to sales development teams to enhance their skill sets and performance. Morgan is also a motivational speaker that has been nominated for TEDxSBY and TEDxUGA. Joining him is Jake Dunlap, founder, CEO, and B2B Sales Leader at Skaled Consulting. As a C-level sales leader and entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience, Jake has been able to develop and lead high-performing sales and operational teams, who have specialized in building out repeatable, sustainable methods. Receive invaluable advice from some of Linkedin’s top influencers as they give thoughts on some of the best sale strategies, generate a list of valuable relationships, open new doors for opportunities, and help you reach your full potential with Linkedin. Tune in to hear more! In this episode with Morgan J. Ingram and Jake Dunlap, you’ll learn: --- How the LinkedIn Algorithm Works And How to Make it Work for You --- Best strategies to generate and connect with potential sales prospects --- How to build a list of potential clients on LinkedIn wanting to learn more about you --- Keyways to manage your Linkedin profile and build a sales platform Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Morgan J. Ingram and Jake Dunlap! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

The Spark LIVE! Featuring: Ruben Harris of Career Karma

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 11:39:48 GMT

Power is shifting in Silicon Valley. And the stories in today's edition of The Spark give you more context to the trends and opportunities that are worth keeping an eye on. Here are some of the top stories we'll be featuring that happened in tech beyond Silicon Valley on this week's edition of The Spark: 🏢Mighty Middle Tops Best-Cities Lists—Again 🦄+1 Midwest Unicorn Exit 🤓Calling all Entrepre-NERDs 💥And much more! Plus, in today's episode, we feature special guest Ruben Harris, founder & CEO at Career Karma and co-host of the Breaking Into Startups Podcast who has a huge announcement for the tech community on Juneteenth, called Reskilling America—a collective effort to help millions of Americans acquire new skills in tech and prepare for the Great Rehiring. We also featured one of the organizations helping support the Reskilling America Campaign. Based out of Indianapolis, Indiana, health tech startup HC1! During this Livestream recording, we had Talent Acquisition Manager, Keegan Jiles, from Indianapolis based health startup HC1 join the show to talk about what they see in their company and tech community pledge for support of the Reskilling America campaign. Tune in for more! Please enjoy this conversation with Ruben Harris and Keegan Jiles! And if you're interested in joining and helping Ruben's campaign for Reskilling America, be sure to go and check out this incredible initiative that he has helped put together. The goal is to give away 5,000+ laptops to communities who need them most to help them reskill and provide a blueprint to land a career in tech. Be sure to go check it out a https://careerkarma.com/reskill-america, and help donate what you can. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we'll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Can't always make the good news, Livestreams? No worries! Sign up for our hand-curated newsletter, The Spark, and have it delivered straight to your inbox each week with the tech news happening between the coasts. Sign up at powderkeg.com/.

#140: How to Make the Most of LinkedIn and Jumpstart Your Career w/Ashley Watkins and Ana Lokotkova

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:03:39 GMT

Whether you’re planning a full-scale job hunt in 2020 or simply thinking about your future steps, career-wise, you may have to do some prep work to reach your full potential on your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is one of the first places prospective employers scope you out. So what are some of the ways you can make the most out of your profile? For these reasons, our two special on today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast are experts when it comes to helping job seekers use the power of LinkedIn. Our first guest is Ashley Watkins, a Job Search Coach, and Nationally Certified Resume Writer. Ashley has experience in recruiting top talent for nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society and Gateway and multimillion-dollar companies in the banking and manufacturing industries. Joining her is Ana Lokotkova, a personal brand & career advisor, resume writer, and job interview coach at CV Labs in Calgary, Canada. Ana focuses on telling career stories to showcase job seekers’ unique qualities to gain an employer’s attention. With Ashley and Ana’s help, you’ll learn how to effectively network, build key relationships, and how to better design and better utilize your LinkedIn profile. This interview will prepare for your next big opportunity to bring your LinkedIn profile to its full potential. Tune in for more! In this episode with Ashley Watkins and Ana Lokotkova, you’ll learn: -The Most In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills in the Current Job Market -What Job Recruiters look for in a Great Candidate -Who’s Hiring Right Now (and How to Reach Them on LinkedIn) -How to grow your personal brand and attract an audience of fans Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this episode of the Powderkeg Podcast with Ashley Watkins and Ana Lokotkova! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

The Spark LIVE!

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 03:40:41 GMT

How have you been responding to some of the big shifts in tech that have been happening over the past week? Well in this very special mini-episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, we will be sharing some of the latest and greatest news stories that happened in tech between the coasts this past week. Here are some of the top stories happening in tech beyond Silicon Valley in this week’s edition of The Spark: 💥VCs Take Action 🚂Leaving Salaries in SF 💸10+ New Fundings & IPOs P.S. Make sure you check out our new section, Exploding with Opportunity, it has some of this week’s most notable startup fundings, acquisitions, and IPOs between the coasts. Can’t always make the good news Livestreams? No worries! Sign up for our hand-curated newsletter, The Spark, and have it delivered straight to your inbox each week with the tech news happening between the coasts. Sign up at powderkeg.com/.

#139: How To Break Into Tech With Ruben Harris Of Career Karma

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:20:14 GMT

The tech industry is growing rapidly. But there’s a shortage of skilled talent to match all the new positions being created. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that by 2026, careers in software development will increase by 24%. Which translates to a lot of open career opportunities in tech. Fortunately, there are many ways for people to learn these skills such as following the traditional path of a college. But for some, going to college isn’t an option – it’s expensive, it takes years and it can be difficult to get a career after graduation. Being self-taught is great, but can sometimes result in a learning plateau and lacks relevant networking and coding portfolios. On today’s episode of Igniting Startups, our guest is a major advocate of one popular alternative: coding schools and boot camps. Ruben Harris is the co-host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, he is also the CEO of Career Karma, an organization that matches people who want to learn to code with the right support circle and coding boot camp for their needs. Throughout this episode, Ruben will explain how learning certain skills in tech can ignite your career. He will also discuss the importance of making and building connections through networking, and choosing the right boot camp for your needs. Tune in for more! In this episode with Ruben Harris, you’ll learn: - What people should know about work in startups and how it’s different from a large company - Ruben’s thoughts on who the best companies are to work for - Ruben’s advice for people who want to break into tech - How to approach your tech job search after graduating from a bootcamp - Why networking is important for your career - How Career Karma finds the best boot camps Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this episode of the Powderkeg Podcast with Ruben Harris! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#138: Better Finance and Forecasting for When Plans Change with CLA & Peerview Data

Tue, 26 May 2020 13:41:23 GMT

As Advisors and VCs urge funded tech companies to cut costs and freeze spending. New forecasts and models are urgently needed to be created for the new world we live in (which is still changing day to day). CFOs will have to ultimately take charge of more significant strategic planning, budget distribution, and forecasting across their organization to help ensure essential changes are implemented successfully. But how do you go about prioritizing what may come next? In today’s episode, we’ll be sharing a recent interview and LIVE Q&A we hosted with special guests Patrick Smith, Managing Principal of Professional Search. Patrick has over 20+ years of experience working in various industry segments, including manufacturing/distribution, technology, and software/SaaS. The companies he serves range from closely held business to start-ups to multinational organizations with varying structures, including corporations, partnerships, and S-Corporations. Joining Patrick from CLA is Brandon Martin. As a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Brandon now serves as a principal within CLA’s Technology Industry Group, providing advisory and assurance services to software developers/SaaS, technology, high growth businesses, and other privately-held entities. Brandon has more than 13 years of public accounting experience working with entrepreneurs and leadership teams to drive enterprise value and manage business execution risk to build more reliable and more successful businesses. And joining them is Glenn Dunlap, CEO and Founder of Peerview Data, a SaaS firm that specializes in benchmarking and comparative analytics solutions for CPA firms. Peerview turns the company data accountants use for audits and taxes into competitive insights they can use to improve their clients and to improve their practices. Peerview works with firms across the country, including several Top 100 firms. We recorded this conversation back in April of 2020 during the pandemic, where we get into some important topics regarding financials and preparing for the worst. Our guests discuss how to establish clear goals, recognize employee efforts, and create a positive culture. Along with answering some great questions from the Powderkeg community on the focused topic of “Better Finance and Forecasting”. Tune in for more! In this episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll learn: - The most effective cash management and sash modeling techniques - Economic Injury Disaster Loans - The new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - More info on Tax Changes and Credits Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this episode of the Powderkeg Podcast with Patrick, Brandon, and Glenn! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

PITCH: John Rampton of Calendar.com

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:12:38 GMT

As more and more employees continue to shift to working remotely, our “new normal” of remote work has become demanding and a quick adjustment in how we continue to stay connected, stay productive and engaged. The critical factor is that productivity will always remain, especially during a time like these. So how are you managing your time and productivity? In today’s pitch episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from John Rampton, CEO and Founder of Calendar.com, a mobile application that allows event attendees to mix, meet and collaborate together through an online platform. John had just 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch his company Calendar.com to a live panel of investors and industry experts recently at our first-ever all virtual pitch event featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in the United States. The three experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: - Mandy Hasket, Leadership Consultant at ADVISA - Phil Powell, Associate Dean of Academic Programs at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University - J. Kelly Hoey, Angel Investor, Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host of BUILD YOUR DREAM NETWORK John Rampton is a serial entrepreneur that has helped people bring amazing products and services to scale. John was just recently named #2 on Top 50 Online Influencers in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine as well as a blogging expert by Forbes. Time Magazine also recognized John as a motivational speaker that helps people find a “Sense of Meaning” in their lives. He currently advises several companies in the bay area. Tune in to hear John’s pitch! Please enjoy this pitch with John Rampton of Calendar.com!

#137: How to Build Your Dream Network from Home: Kelly Hoey of Build Your Dream Network

Tue, 19 May 2020 13:41:52 GMT

Since the beginning of global coronavirus pandemic, companies have been asking employees to work from home while others are getting furloughed or laid off as the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to spread around the globe. For those searching for employment opportunities, this has been a cause for concern, with large group gatherings, daily activities, and even dining in restaurants being put on hold or banned for the foreseeable future, the chances to network and discover the opportunities we all once knew have entirely disappeared. On today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, we’ll be sharing a recent interview and LIVE Q&A where we learned and gained invaluable advice from networking expert and author of the “Build Your Dream Network,” Kelly Hoey. Who has been lauded by Forbes as a Woman who is Changing the World of VC and Entrepreneurship, by Fast Company as one of the 25 Smartest Women On Twitter”) and by Inc. as 1 of the 10 Most Well-Connected People in New York City’s Startup Scene. She is a frequent speaker at leadership conferences, Hoey helps businesses and professionals leverage their formal and informal social networks. Kelly has a whole new approach to the old topic of networking. And her fresh process for upping your social game does not require circulating in stale rooms or forcing awkward conversations. Instead, this conversation shows how small changes in your daily routine, simple generosity and your goal-focused efforts are all it can take to set you apart and lead to your next big opportunity. Tune in for more! In this episode with Kelly Hoey, you’ll learn: - The best ways you can continue to connect - How to establish and re-establish key relationships - Finding and setting the right directional goals - Ways to stay on-brand through remote connections Please enjoy this episode of the Powderkeg Podcast with Kelly Hoey!

#136: How to Sleep Better and Live with Less Stress: John Hunckler, Meditation Coach and Hypnotist

Tue, 12 May 2020 13:30:09 GMT

Life in lockdown has not been easy, with a large majority of the country still facing an increase of financial pressures and many families are under severe stress of canceled trips, separation from friends, and the large abundance of time being cooped up at home has been putting stress and restful sleep on everyone. Luckily, there are some positive practices to help us relieve this large amount of stress and restore our restful sleep cycles. On today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, we’ll be sharing a recent interview and LIVE Q&A we hosted with a special guest, my dad, John Hunckler. Hypnotist and Guided Meditation Instructor, he’s the owner of Bloomington Hypnosis, where he has helped many, many people reduce stress, quit smoking, get better sleep, lose weight, and all-around live healthier lives. John Hunckler was introduced to transcendental meditation, zen, and hypnosis in the 1970s, but did not become a certified hypnotist until 2011. He holds master’s degrees from the Universities of North Dakota and Notre Dame in education and business. And worked for eighteen months in a busy practice in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he conducted almost two thousand sessions before opening his full-time practice — Bloomington Hypnosis. In this episode, I talk with my dad John Hunckler about how to optimize your greatest asset, your mindset, to help reduce stress and live a better life. It’s a particularly relevant topic right now at the time of releasing, because of all the uncertainty surrounding the economy and the coronavirus pandemic which continues to spread around the globe. Tune in for more! In this episode with John Hunckler, you’ll learn: - Best practices in reducing fears and anxieties. - How to be mindful of language and change habits - Ways to gain deep, restorative sleep - How to become refreshed and energized. - And finding your key power pose Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with John Hunckler! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

Pitch: Ashlee Ammons of Mixtroz

Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

No matter how you approach it, networking is always inevitable, particularly for entrepreneurs. And the number one issue when it comes to a lot of networking events is that they don’t deliver the results they always promise. But attendees aren’t the only ones who suffer from poorly coordinated and awkward networking events. Event hosts and sponsors lose out on the opportunities to collect valuable data about their attendees that can be used to determine audience demographics and adjust marketing and planning for all future events. So who is tackling this opportunity to help event hosts collect valuable data to host a successful event? In today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from Ashlee Ammons, President and Co-founder of Mixtroz, a mobile application that allows event attendees to mix, meet and collaborate together through an online platform. Ashlee had just 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch her company Mixtroz to a live panel of investors and industry experts recently at our first-ever all virtual pitch event featuring some of the most innovative companies scaling in the United States. The three experts you’ll hear from in this episode include: - Mandy Hasket, Leadership Consultant at ADVISA - Phil Powell, Associate Dean of Academic Programs at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University - J. Kelly Hoey, Angel Investor, Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host of BUILD YOUR DREAM NETWORK Ashlee Ammons is the President and Co-Founder of Mixtroz. She is the 38th Black Female to raise over $1M in pre-seed funding. Ashlee also serves on the boards of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Tech Birmingham. She was a 2019 Birmingham Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient as well as Birmingham 40 Under 40 of the decade and Business Journals National Rising Star. Tune in to hear more! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Ashlee Ammons of Mixtroz! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#135: Managing and Building Teams in Difficult Situations with Dave Hickman and Sarah Conroy of CLA

Tue, 05 May 2020 12:44:31 GMT

There is not a successful company in the world that hasn’t faced its share of hard times. Whether it be a mass withdrawal of leadership, a shift in the company’s goals and objectives, or even a lack of resources and funding, there will be times when employees will find themselves extremely overwhelmed, confused, and on edge, especially right now. According to a recent study completed by Gallup, most disengaged employees can cost companies up to astonishing $550 billion a year in loss of productivity, not to mention the hiring and onboarding costs to replace them. This can become troublesome for some companies, especially those who might be facing the repercussions of a possible economic recession looming just around the corner. For those reasons, our guests on today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast believes that there is no higher calling than instilling value and supporting talent in times of difficulty. Our first guest is Dave Hickman, Managing Principal of Professional Search for CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). After 20 years as an entrepreneur with fast-growing domestic and international companies, Dave joined CLA. He believes that a “we before me” mindset is foundational for teams to serve clients best, solve their problems, and improve outcomes that help them achieve their dreams. Joining Dave is Sarah Conroy, HRCO Consultant CLA Washington, DC (Greenbelt). Sarah has more than 30 years of HR experience in human resources, both directly and consulting companies across the country. She’s got a ton of experience working with tech companies and scaled the team at a geospatial tech company in Maine. She’s in the trenches right now with HR leaders across the country, doing the work as well as consulting. In this episode, Dave and Sarah will share strategies on being transparent with your team, advice on instilling value in talent, and to continue building engagement and confidence. Along with the best ways to make a pipeline of talent, rethink, and prepare retention strategies during an economic downturn. Tune in for more! In this episode with Dave Hickman and Sarah Conroy, you’ll learn: -- The best ways companies can think about building a pipeline of talent -- How to rethink and prepare retention strategies during an economic downturn -- Trends that companies can capitalize on during isolation and remote work -- Ways the current environment can be advantageous for business -- Thoughts on a future surge of job seekers looking for remote work Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Dave Hickman and Sarah Conroy! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

PITCH: Incident Response Technologies | Denver, CO

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:36:45 GMT

The emergence of the novel coronavirus has led many tech leaders into a massive struggle on the ways to solve and respond to the pandemic crisis. Tech companies are now having to step up to the plate and help play a part in the coronavirus pandemic response, tapping into their wide-ranging resources to help experts get a handle on the spread of the virus and to fill in gaps in the government’s response. But it’s not clear yet how — or to what extent — those efforts could help bring the crisis under control. In today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you'll be hearing someone with years of experience when it comes to public safety and has a passion for helping organizations. Jarret Winkelman is the President & CEO and Cofounder of Incident Response Technologies, Inc. IRT is a fast-growing software company focused on developing affordable, user-friendly, incident management solutions for public safety, educational, and private sector organizations. Before creating IRT, Jarret served as an Assistant EMS Chief, a HAZMAT Technician for the Department of Homeland Security, and a police and air medical dispatcher. Jarret has extensive experience in the areas of Wilderness Search and Rescue, Technical Rescue, EMS, HAZMAT, NIMS/ICS, and Critical Incident Management and Dispatching. Tune in for more! In this episode with Jarret Winkelman, you’ll learn: --- Jarret’s experience in public safety and entrepreneurship --- How companies can better use their resources to prevent a crisis --- Gain an inside view on the impacts of the Colorado Tech Scene --- The exciting things happening at IRT and its vision for the future Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Jarret Winkelman of IRT! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#134:How to Execute Through an Economic Downturn with Scott Kraege of Techstars

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 10:00:58 GMT

All signs are pointing to the same thing: there is an economic downturn on the horizon. If you’ve just recently started or have been running your company for a while, you probably know that there are always ups and downs when it comes to owning or starting a business. Market conditions can change, outside events like the global pandemic can affect demand, and sometimes, growth can stall simply due to cyclical reasons. As a leader, you have to prepare for such inevitable downturns. Even as you gather the right resources towards growth, it’s also essential to create a contingency plan when things go south. At the same time, you must structure your company to be more resilient. A few changes in how you operate can make you more recession-proof. But how can you do this? Our guest on today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast believes there is no higher calling than helping entrepreneurs grow and improve. Scott Kraege is a serial entrepreneur who is no stranger to growing tech companies during a recession. He founded MOBI back in 2010, scaling the company from $0 to $40M+ ARR and leading to a successful exit (that was acquired by Tangoe in 2018). Before that, he founded and bootstrapped and drove Bluefish Wireless (2001-2009) to Inc 500 three years in a row. Today he is a co-owner of The Vogue in Broad Ripple, Indiana and is now managing director at Techstars Heritage Group Accelerator. Throughout this episode, Scott will share key ways of being transparent with your team, advice on managing and measuring the performance of remote teams. Scott will also share the ideas on how best to support local businesses that are struggling during the economic pandemic.Tune in for more! In this episode with Scott Kraege, you’ll learn: --- Bottlenecks and challenges you’ll face when executing goals --- Advice on being transparent as a leader and sharing with your team --- Ideas on how to manage in performance in a remote team --- Ways to execute goals, and profitably serve customers and potential stakeholders --- How can companies can stay ahead, during an...economic and pandemic crisis Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Scott Kraege! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#133: Leading Through a Crisis with Heather Haas of ADVISA

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:00:53 GMT

When confronted with a crisis like COVID-19, that has brought global uncertainty and record-high market volatility. Tech leaders are now forced to change the way their companies operate almost entirely overnight. This has had enormous ramifications for how companies are working. Leaders are now expected to be able to support and communicate with their teams with full transparency. But there is a silver lining, and that silver lining is that uncertainty can create opportunity–especially for companies that could be born or survive this uncertain period. This isn’t the first time our world has felt the burden of an economic downturn, and it definitely won’t be the last. So how can leaders better prepare and adapt themselves and their companies for times like these? On today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from a leader with an uncommon passion and authenticity in helping leaders build high-performance teams based on trust and shared purpose. Heather Haas is the President of ADVISA. ADVISA, provides talent optimization software and assessments, well as leadership development programs and strategic consulting to organizations across the country. Heather’s passion for fueling others’ success drove her from her beginnings as a classroom teacher and principal to her current role as President of ADVISA. Since making the leap into the business world, Heather has coached and trained thousands of leaders to understand and leverage their strengths, as well as build skills for engaging others effectively. Throughout this episode, Heather will share the importance of being transparent with your customers and how important transparency can be in order to reassure your members of your team in such a time of uncertainty. Heather will also share the important key values of what a leader needs to have and why those values can play a significant role in a time of crisis. Tune in for more! In this episode with Heather Haas, you’ll learn: --- Important values leaders should focus on in order to lead --- When’s the best time to be transparent with the team and with clients --- The biggest opportunities that exist for you during the COVID-19 situation --- What steps to take to better position a company and profitably serve Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Heather Haas! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#132: Communicating During Crisis: PR Expert Advice with Kim Jefferson

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:55:50 GMT

While most people don’t ever want to experience a crisis situation like we are all involved in now, it’s always important to be prepared. Being able to effectively communicate during a crisis has now become a necessary and essential skill that every person needs to understand, especially when sharing empathy—for each other, for the community, and for customers. As you consider the best way to communicate with customers and as we collectively navigate the coronavirus crisis, consider the best ways you can share empathy in your communication during this moment and how to effectively share your message with others. On today’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, you’ll hear from a PR leader with diverse leadership experience across PR and business communication who believes in using the power of empathy in communication. Kim Jefferson is the Senior Vice President at BLASTmedia and oversees all PR account teams. BLASTmedia is the nation’s only PR agency dedicated to SaaS, and Kim’s decade of media relations experience guides strategic direction for account teams and clients. The intersection of her genuine passion for news media and tech allows her to find the hook in clients’ stories. Throughout this episode, Kim will discuss the importance of having empathy involved with communication, how providing useful communication and advice can better serve your customers in a time of crisis. Kim also shares helpful information on communicating transparency with your team and the importance of reassuring them at a time of uncertainty. Tune in for more! In this episode with Kim Jefferson, you’ll learn: --- How to use the power of empathy and communication --- Ways to better serve you audience in a time of crisis --- Key ways to being honest with your team --- The importance of positive PR during difficult situations Figuring out your next career move doesn’t have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity, and get started today! Please enjoy this conversation with Kim Jefferson! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#131: How Entrepreneurs Can Turn Mistakes Into Opportunities with PJ Taei of Uscreen

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 10:00:43 GMT

As an entrepreneur, creating new paths and making mistakes are part of the expected journey and adventure that we can face. Taking risks, especially those that don't pay off when launching when trying to launch a tech product, can become a very rocky adventure for a startup. These rocky experiences can lead to problems, business mistakes, or even the common technical issues that surround the product you're trying to produce. And this all ends up as a waste of the entrepreneur's most valuable resources: time and money. So how can entrepreneurs turn those rocky entrepreneurial mistakes into a more significant learning opportunity? Our guest on today’s episode of the Powderkeg podcast is one who has faced all the challenges when it comes to the common and rocky entrepreneur’s journey. PJ Taei, is the Founder and President of Washington DC-based Uscreen, a video-on-demand company that helps people launch their own apps and online video streaming service. PJ is a serial entrepreneur and an expert in video streaming and monetization. PJ started his career as a network technician and founded a company called WebNet Hosting, that he built for 14 years until it was acquired back in 2016. PJ then shifted his focus over to Uscreen. Uscreen’s platform is home to over 5,000 video creators, enabling them to monetize their passions - from education to fitness, to yoga, and much more. Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear PJ discuss his role as an entrepreneur, his personal experiences with overcoming challenges of making mistakes and how he turned them into learning opportunities, and his current role as Founder and President of Uscreen. Find out more about how PJ and his team are disrupting the video-streaming service industry with their platform, Uscreen. Tune in for more! In this episode with PJ Taei, you’ll learn: --- How to turn failures and mistakes into learning opportunities --- The challenges of creating successful video content --- How to grow your personal brand and become a thought leader in your niche --- The best ways to succeed in building useful and engaging software --- Get an inside look at Washington DC tech ecosystem Please enjoy this conversation with PJ Taei! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#130: Personal Finance for the Tech Community with Pete The Planner

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:47:12 GMT

Have you been watching the economic roller coaster and wondering how it’ll affect your wallet? The fallout from coronavirus has been substantial, and economic cracks are beginning to emerge. Small business owners are beginning to share supply chain problems and a loss of sales. The travel industry is falling apart, and consumer spending has drastically decreased as consumers pull back from their usual daily purchases and routines. This has cause for alarm as many start to question their financial stability and outlook for the future, but being able to make the right adjustments and decisions in an ever-changing economic environment has now become more critical than ever before. Now might just be the time to tighten up your personal finances. Are you ready for it? For these reasons, our guest on today’s episode of the Powderkeg podcast believes in being ahead of the economic curve. Peter Dunn, aka Pete The Planner is an award-winning comedian and an award-winning financial mind. He’s a USA TODAY columnist, author of ten books, and host of the popular radio show and podcast The Pete the Planner Show. Pete appears regularly on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Fox Business, and many nationally syndicated radio programs. He’s also the CEO and Founder of Your Money Line and Hey Money. In this episode, you’ll get to hear Pete answer critical financial questions from our very own Powderkeg community. Along with his thoughts on the best moves for freelancers and realtor’s in this shaping economic climate. You’ll also get to hear his view and predictions on the future of the economy. Tune in for more! In this episode with Pete The Planner, you’ll learn: --- What’s the near-term and long-term economic impacts --- How people be thinking about their job right now --- What freelancers should do in a time of economic uncertainty --- Whether you should continue to invest or save --- How are real-estate markets being affected Please enjoy this conversation with Peter Dunn A.K.A Pete The Planner! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#129: How to Clear Your Mind, Calm Your Nerves, and Pivot Like a Pro with Jenny Blake

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:00:40 GMT

“Pivoting” might seem like a dirty word in business, but Jenny Blake has learned to embrace it. Not only that, but she’s built her career around it, becoming a business strategist, keynote speaker, and author who teaches others the positive value of pivoting. Blake is the author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, and the creator of the Pivot Method, which distills all the wisdom she’s gained throughout her career to teach you how to change your business direction without falling on your face. Blake learned the virtues of pivoting by doing it many times throughout her career. After spending two years at a technology startup in Palo Alto, she landed a job at Google as a product trainer for AdWords. She stayed there for five years, training more than 1,000 employees and building her public speaking and career coaching skills, before she pivoted once more and set out to become a solopreneur. She now speaks and holds workshops on the Pivot Method around the world, at companies like Intuit and Pimco, universities like Yale and MIT, and conferences like TEDxCMU and the World Domination Summit. She also runs the Pivot Podcast, which started as a passion project while she was writing Pivot and has grown into a forum for world-renowned authors and businesspeople to share their advice on how to seize opportunities and pivot like pros. Jenny has so many great stories and insights to share in our interview, from the health benefits of practicing yoga to why reading will make you a better person. She also talks about how to get over your fears of public speaking, how meditation will make you a better entrepreneur, and how you can use the Pivot Method to succeed in business and improve your personal life. To learn more or connect with Jenny, visit the Pivot Method website or her personal website. You can also check out Momentum, her private community for solopreneurs and side-hustlers, or consider signing up for Pivot Coaching if you’re looking for some help to make your own pivot a success. In this episode with Jenny Blake, you’ll learn: --- How to use your job as training for entrepreneurship (12:45) --- How to conquer a fear of public speaking (15:34) --- Why meditation will make you a better entrepreneur (23:30) --- How to use the Pivot Method to improve your personal life (36:18) --- How to make successful pivots in business and life (39:56) --- How to succeed in your career by embracing pivots (44:06) Please enjoy this interview with Jenny Blake. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#128: Remote Work: Liam Martin of Time Doctor & Staff.com on Benefits, Obstacles, and Best Practices

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:36:53 GMT

Here at Powderkeg, we believe the rising remote work movement goes hand-in-hand with our mission to connect the amazing tech communities growing and thriving across the country. In a previous episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, the CEO and COO of Indianapolis-based Formstack shared how they built an exceptional remote culture spanning seven countries. Today, serial entrepreneur Liam Martin joins us to share some remote work secrets of his own. Liam is no stranger to managing a remote team. As co-founder of employee time-tracking software Time Doctor and Staff.com, Liam oversees a team of over 80 people living in 27 countries around the world. He and his team were also behind Running Remote, the first global conference on building and scaling remote teams, back in June. In this second episode on remote work, Liam shares tactical tips and strategies that will change how you think about going remote. We discuss the huge benefits and noteworthy obstacles of managing a distributed team, dive into the critical importance of clear processes and documentation, and even touch on the pros and cons of synchronous vs. asynchronous communication. In this episode of Igniting Startups with Liam Martin, you’ll learn: His remote work experience that inspired the creation of Time Doctor and Staff.com. -- Why data analysis plays a key role in developing remote work best practices. -- Strategies for leveraging remote work to drive employee satisfaction at your company. -- The importance of clear processes and documentation within a remote business. -- Why asynchronous communication tools may be the right choice for your remote team. -- How Running Remote aims to educate and empower remote-first companies. Please enjoy this conversation with Liam Martin! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#127: Helping Podcasters and Marketers Be Successful with Lindsay Tjepkema of Casted

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 10:00:40 GMT

Podcasts are becoming more popular than ever. Just last year, Edison Research completed a study showing that 51% of Americans over the age of 12 have listened to some sort of podcast just in the year 2019. As a fan, it appears that while the demand for podcasts is increasing, the supply of shows available is growing at an extreme pace. To turn into competition in this deeply saturated market, current podcasts have had to be able to market themselves well but are struggling to find efficient tools in order to promote themselves than most other products. So what can they do to keep up with the growing trend of podcasts? And who can help them better market their podcast? On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups Podcast, you’ll hear from Lindsay Tjepkema, the CEO and Co-founder of Casted, the first B2B Podcasting Platform, helping B2B Podcasters and Content Marketers become more effective through better measurement and activation of their podcasts. Lindsey had just 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch Casted her startup to a live panel of investors and industry experts at our recent Powderkeg Pitch Night event featuring some of the most innovative Marketing Tech companies scaling in the middle of United States. The four experts you’ll hear from on this episode include: -- Senior Vice President at Chicago-based Venture Fund 50 South Capital, Aaron Gillum! -- Private Equity Technology Investor at New-York based private equity firm Warburg Pincus LLC, Miloni Madan -- Executive Vice President of Technology for Indianapolis-based Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Syam Nair -- President of the National SaaS-PR Firm BLASTMedia, Lindsey Groepper Lindsay is an experienced marketer and brand builder that creates well-planned and well-executed campaigns. Casted just announced their $2.35 Million round of seed funding just a few weeks prior to Lindsay taking the stage at Powderkeg to pitch in front of a LIVE audience. Tune in for more! Figuring out your next career move doesn't have to be so stressful. So why not try Powderkeg Matches? By joining Matches, you’re joining a community of thousands of top professionals in the Powderkeg community to get connected with outstanding people at the hottest tech companies between the coasts. Get matched with great employers, land your next major opportunity. Visit https://powderkeg.com/tech-jobs/ and get started today! Please enjoy this pitch with Lindsay Tjepkema of Casted! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#126: Minding The Gap Between Great Teams and Data with Mark Clerkin of High Alpha

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 10:00:20 GMT

There is no doubt about it: the tasks that happen in data science can be complicated and unpredictable. The way we do business, sell, promote, strategize, and grow in today’s world ultimately has become data-driven. That’s why you need to have a good team that can keep up with the data. Now most organizations, from small start-ups to large-scale companies, are using the help of data scientists and data-minded folks to tap into the many opportunities that data possesses. And some companies are only just getting started. Today’s episode is part of a recording of a live fireside chat we hosted just a few weeks ago here in Indianapolis, where we discussed the topic of “Unlocking the Power of Data Science and Visualization.” Joining me on this special podcast episode is the VP of Data Science at High Alpha, Mark Clerkin. Mark is an experienced data science leader with an exceptional track record of conceiving, developing, and delivering innovative processes and products. He is a mentor with Techstars and The Last Mile. Mark and his team are the architects of building statistical analysis, data pipelines, data visualization, and machine learning solutions for High Alpha’s portfolio companies. Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear Mark discuss the benefits of possessing soft skills, using data in startups, and bringing diversity to high performing teams. Also, you’ll get to listen to a featured interview with KSM Consulting’s Director of Talent, Louonna Kachur where she shares the fantastic energy and culture that KSM is building and the kind of talent they’re currently looking for on this episode of Powderkeg Igniting Startups. In this episode with Mark Clerkin, you’ll learn: -- How to make meaningful connections with other tech folks -- The biggest opportunities in data science and visualization -- Why startups should use data science to capture key data -- How Data Science has become inherently diverse -- Mark’s hope for the Indianapolis tech community and data science Please enjoy this conversation with Mark Clerkin! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#125: The Power of Data Science and Visualization with Brian Lehman of Honey

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:05:55 GMT

The world data science, analytics, and machine learning are rising up at an incredible pace, and companies are now searching for experienced data scientists and those who have a great fascination with data to sift through this growing goldmine of data and information to help them make and drive swift business decisions. Just recently, in a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they estimated that an incredible 11.5 million jobs will be available in the field of data science by the year 2026. So what’s sparking this incredible growth and demand of data science? And what is the area of data science going to look like these next few years? Today’s episode is part of a recording of a live fireside chat we hosted just a few weeks ago here in Indianapolis, where we discussed the topic of “Unlocking the Power of Data Science and Visualization.” Joining me on this special podcast episode is experienced Data Scientist Brian Lehman of Honey. Brian is an expert in data storytelling and visualization. He has led numerous data projects at Google, Twitter, Proofpoint, Tendril, and now Honey/PayPal in Boulder, Colorado. And previously, he taught mathematics at the Colorado School of Mines and Colorado public schools before making the switch from math teacher to data scientist. Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear Brian discuss his journey from math teacher to becoming an experienced data scientist, his personal experiences with data storytelling and visualization, and his current role as a data scientist at Honey. Find out more about the work in data science that Brian and his team are doing at Honey on this special episode of Powderkeg Igniting Startups. In this episode with Brian Lehman, you’ll learn: How Brian made the switch from math teacher to data scientist Finding a great mentor and how to work with them The benefits of being involved in a data science community How to identify the best culture fit for you The opportunities and future of data science Please enjoy this conversation with Brian Lehman! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#124: MBA In Corporate Innovation and Startup Disruption with LISNR Founder Rodney Williams

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 10:00:30 GMT

Hey there, Powderkeg fans! Nick here from the Powderkeg team. This is episode #124 of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, the show for entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators building remarkable tech companies in areas outside of Silicon Valley. Today we’re revisiting an interview where Matt spoke with entrepreneur Rodney Williams, Co-Founder, and CCO of LISNR, one of the most disruptive companies in the IoT space and the world of mobile connectivity. Rodney is a passionate entrepreneur with years of experience and tech expertise under his belt and is currently responsible for leading all of the LISNR’S commercial activities and strategy execution as their Chief Commercial Officer. He’s been with LISNR since its founding and served as the CEO till August 2018. In this episode, you’ll get hear Rodney shares his personal and most significant lessons in marketing, the entrepreneurial hustle, and building a technology that has the potential to disrupt massive industries. So let’s hop right in! In this interview, you’ll learn: -- How Rodney broke free from cubicle nation and started his own company -- Some creative and unique approaches to problem solving and corporate innovation -- And some very insightful perspectives on marketing -- Plus so, so much more. So, please enjoy this interview with Rodney Williams. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#123: How To Solve Customer Needs Through Product with Jason Smith of rMark Bio

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:00:20 GMT

Most, if not all, customers want better ways of solving their problems, whether it be with a service, an experience, or even a product. Being able to identify the real problem our customers experience every day can be the natural part of figuring out how to build a great product. The challenging part is being able to answer that problem or need with the right solution. When creating a great product, as entrepreneurs, we have to take a look at what our customer needs and what their problems are. But the challenging question we have to answer is, “How do we solve it?” For today’s episode of the Igniting Startups Podcast, we want to shout out to our friends over at Stout Street Capital, for inviting us to this past year’s UNMET 2019 conference. And for setting up this awesome opportunity of speaking with Jason Smith, co-founder and CEO of rMark Bio. rMark Bio, a personalized business intelligence solution that empowers life science companies to identify and partner with clinical/academic scientists. Jason is a leading-edge technologist and product executive with over 19 years of industry experience where he has held numerous positions in early-stage companies, large multinational corporations, and venture capital incubators, yielding a rich professional background. Throughout this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to hear how Jason and his co-founder were able to overcome the challenges of healthcare and pharma tech, their focus on building a great product platform for customers, and his current role as co-founder and CEO of rMark Bio. Find out more on how Jason and his team are disrupting the pharmacy industry with their data intelligence platform, rMark Bio, on this episode Igniting Startups Podcast. Tune in for more! In this episode with Jason Smith, you’ll learn: -- Finding and solving the needs of your customers through product -- Great tips on raising capital with the right VC’s -- Jason’s personal outlook on finding great tech talent in Chicago -- About the growing companies and investments happening in Chicago tech -- Jason’s visions for the future of rMark Bio in Pharma Tech Please enjoy this conversation with Jason Smith! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#122: Why Traction Stirs Excitement in Venture Capitalists with Joe Zell of Grotech Ventures

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 11:55:14 GMT

For most entrepreneurs, the word “traction” gets thrown around quite a bit, and it tends to be broadly defined for those in the startup scene who are looking for their first round of funding. But most startups have very little room or time to understand it before they hit a rock and hard place as the clock begins ticking as startup teams scramble to gain enough traction to obtain the next critical round of funding to survive. So why is this traction so essential and challenging to achieve? And how can we build more of that traction with customers? On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, we speak with Joe Zell of Grotech Ventures Joe is currently a venture partner at Grotech Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based out of Vienna, Virginia that focuses on Series A and B round high-growth tech/software investments. Joe joined Grotech Ventures back in 2002 as a General Partner and focused on investment opportunities in the IT infrastructure, cloud services, mobile, networking, and internet, and digital media sectors. And is active on several portfolio company boards for Grotech. In this episode, you’ll get to hear Joe shares his thoughts on how companies who have significant traction with their customers excite surprising investors and which is more valuable to a potential VC, Team, or Product. You’ll also get to hear how his view on the future of venture capitalists in the Rockies and Midwest regions, and actionable tips for companies looking for funding. Tune in for more! In this episode with Joe Zell, you’ll learn: When companies are a great fit for venture capitalist Whats a great balance between a good product and a good team How a company can be attractive and exciting for potential VC’s What differentiates certain venture capitalist from the others Joe’s vision on the future and potential of Midwest VC’s Please enjoy this conversation with Joe Zell! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#121: How Mobile Payment Sparks Local Innovation Around the Globe w/Ben Lyon of Hover

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:00:20 GMT

FinTech is well on its way to becoming one of tech’s hottest emerging technologies. From mobile payments to cryptocurrency, fintech startups are on fire. Investing in FinTech startups has been growing rapidly. Support for Fintech around the world has grown to a staggering $100 billion, fuelled by massive rounds of funding. With the expectation that FinTech companies are going to significantly continue to grow. But how is the world being affected by this growing investment in FinTech? And what will Fintech’s role become in growing and developing countries? In today’s episode of Igniting Startups Podcast, we’ll be speaking with Ben Lyon, founder, and CEO of Hover, an Android API platform that enables developers to integrate any mobile money service worldwide. While being Hover’s founder and CEO, Ben is also an Entrepreneur in Residence for Caribou Digital’s Digital Financial Services (DFS) Innovation Lab where he’s responsible for sourcing and supporting innovative financial technology startups throughout South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and in some cases building them from scratch. Prior to joining Caribou Digital, Ben helped co-found Kopo Kopo, the first merchant aggregator and merchant cash advance provider in the mobile money industry, which now serves thousands of merchants throughout East Africa. In this episode, Ben shares his experiences through the entrepreneurial path of FinTech and how he and his team at Hover are changing the lives and providing an awesome opportunity for people in the regions of Eastern Africa and changing the future of FinTech. Tune in for more! In this episode with Ben Lyon, you’ll learn: --- Ben’s beginnings into the world of entrepreneurship --- How to build a remote culture for remote teams --- The diversity of hiring through different countries and cultures --- About the future of financial technologies in developing countries of Africa --- Ben’s take on the developments of the tech-ecosystem in Africa Please enjoy this conversation with Ben Lyon! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#120: Believing and Investing in Underrepresented Founders w/ Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 11:00:20 GMT

As investors, we have a major role in building and creating opportunities for underrepresented geniuses — founders whose ideas and innovations are knowledgeable and led by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. It’s really surprising to know that the major difference between minority and majority startup founders is bleak. It's so bleak that less than 10% of all venture capital deals go to women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ founders. So how can we change the way VC’s think? And how can we best support underrepresented founders and innovators? On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast we’ll be speaking with Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis. Anastasia joined the team at Backstage in 2016 as Entrepreneur in Residence and ran Backstage Accelerator’s first cohort in Los Angeles as Managing Director. She now leads Special Projects at Backstage Capital, a VC firm that invests in women, people of color, and LBGTQ founders. She’s also the co-founder of bosa, a wellness and productivity app that enables consultants to provide the highest level of service to their clients. In this episode, you’ll get to hear Anastasia share her thoughts on why investors should believe and invest in underrepresented founders, how she found a great mentor, the amazing culture at Backstage, and finding a breakthrough in her product. You’ll also get to hear how she was able to get plugged into the culture of tech and the growing tech scene in the Los Angeles area. Tune in for more! In this episode with Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis, you’ll learn: How Anastasia broke into tech and entrepreneurship Finding and building a great relationship with a mentor in tech How Anastasia was able to plug into the L.A. tech ecosystem The exciting things happening at Backstage Capital The biggest determinants of success or failure for a startup or an entrepreneur Please enjoy this conversation with Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#119: Founding an Entertainment Community through Tech with James Norman of Pilotly

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 09:00:22 GMT

We’ve all heard about how the city of Oakland is becoming a rising counterpart to Silicon Valley. It’s becoming a rising and dynamic hub of innovation and creativity that is full of visionary innovators. But how is Oakland utilizing this amazing talent of creative, productive, and tech-savvy residents? And how is the entertainment industry in California collaborating with rising tech companies in entertainment tech? On today’s episode, we’ll be speaking with James Norman. James is a serial entrepreneur who started and launched his first company at the age of 16, an automotive e-commerce site called MJH Sound.com. While previously he has been known as a visionary in automotive product planning. In the past 7 years in the media and entertainment industry he has become a key thought leader in over-the-top media and consumer video consumption behaviors. And is currently the Founder and CEO of Oakland-Based Pilotly, an online platform that enables content creators to get feedback from a representative audience at a scale. In this episode, James shares his personal experiences into the world of entrepreneurship and how they have influenced and defined his role as the founder and CEO of Pilotly. Along with James’s thoughts on the power of the entertainment industry in Hollywood and how his company is becoming a leader in entertainment technology. Tune in for more! In this episode with James Norman, you’ll learn: What sparked James’s entrepreneurial journey What the tech ecosystem is like in Oakland, California The importance of culture at Pilotly and what it means James’s advice on raising capital as a beginning entrepreneur Please enjoy this conversation with James Norman! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#118: Growing Education through Technology with Jaime Martinez of Schola

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 09:00:03 GMT

We all know that technology is influencing the future. From easier ways to communicate to money-saving software – technology is surrounding every part of our everyday lives, including education. Just recently here in Indianapolis, edTech startup Mimir was acquired by Silicon Valley based HackerRank— a developer skills platform that helps businesses evaluate software developers based on skill. No doubt, “ed tech” is starting to make big moves to create major headlines. That’s why on today’s episode, we’ll be speaking with Jaime Martinez. Jaime started his entrepreneurial career after graduating from Arizona State University and started out as a teacher for Teach For America. He has consulted and worked with numerous companies with a strong focus on student education And is now the Founder and CEO of the Phoenix-based EdTech company Schola. Schola is an educational technology company that’s focused on streamlining the recruitment and enrollment process for all public and private Pre-K through 12 schools. In this episode Jaime shares his experiences through education and how it has inspired and led him into the realm of education technology. Along with Jaime’s thoughts on the evolving influences of education and how his company Schola is changing the way parents and schools are enrolling students for their educational future. Tune in for more! In this episode with Jaime Martinez, you’ll learn: --- Jaime’s experience in education and entrepreneurship --- About the Ed-tech ecosystem in Phoenix, Arizona --- Advice on best ways to raise capital as an Ed Tech startup --- How Schola is disrupting the education industry and its vision for the future Please enjoy this conversation with Jaime Martinez! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#117: Connecting Food and Entrepreneurship with Ashley Colpaart of The Food Corridor

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 11:00:43 GMT

Denver and Fort Collins for a longtime have been popular destinations for people across the country who are in search of beautiful scenery, fresh air, great food and healthy living. And over the past decade, the area has also become an amazing spot for entrepreneurs looking to build and launch their next great idea or even to find their next big investment. All I can say is… the Colorado tech scene is growing rapidly and it’s not looking to slow down anytime soon! On today’s episode, we’ll be speaking with Ashley Colpaart. Ashley is a Registered Dietitian and earned her Doctorate in Food Systems from Colorado State University. She has a unique systems understanding of food and human health in social, economic, and environmental spheres. And is currently the founder and CEO of The Food Corridor, a platform that connects food entrepreneurs to commercial kitchen spaces. In this episode Ashley shares her experiences of her journey into the world of entrepreneurship and how her experiences have influenced her as founder and CEO of The Food Corridor. Along with Ashley’s thoughts on the evolving influences of food entrepreneurship and how her company is becoming a leader in moving the shared kitchen industry forward. Tune in for more! In this episode with Ashley Colpaart, you’ll learn: --- Ashley’s journey and experiences through entrepreneurship --- About the tech ecosystem in Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado --- How the The Food Corridor was founded and its goals for the future --- Ashley’s advice on raising capital as a beginning entrepreneur Please enjoy this conversation with Ashley Colpaart! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#116: Building a Disruptive Brand with Innovation with Raz Razgaitis of FloWater

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 10:00:13 GMT

In a market that’s more crowded than ever, today’s brands want to be louder and achieve more if they’re wanting to capture the attention of their target market. The phrase “Disruptive Branding” has started to make an insurgence and has started to lead the way as many companies are searching for new innovations and for new ways of reaching out to their specific audiences. But how can we build a disruptive brand? And what is innovation’s role in building disruption? On today’s episode, we’ll be speaking with Raz Razgaitis. Raz is the Co-Founder and CEO at Denver-Based FloWater, a company that is revolutionizing the way people get safe drinking water. Raz started his career in Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson and Johnson and Eli Lilly. Since then he’s been the CEO at several high-growth companies, and Raz is combining his 20+ years of leadership & tech experience to deliver FloWater ---- a water refill station product that keeps 2.38 plastic water bottles from reaching our landfills and oceans every second (130 million to date). In this episode, you’ll get to hear Raz’s thoughts and ideas on how companies can successfully build successful brands with new innovations. You’ll also get to hear him share his views and thoughts on the water bottle crisis and how his company FloWater is innovating the way we drink safe drinking water. Tune in for more! In this episode with Raz Razgaitis, you’ll learn: --- How to build a disruptive brand through innovation --- The difficulties of choosing startup life over corporate life --- Best advice for people who work at startups providing the most value --- What inspired Raz to found and launch FloWater --- How you can help with the mission for FloWater Please enjoy this conversation with Raz Razgaitis! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#115: How to Find Product-Market Fit Faster

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:00:54 GMT

Today we’re revisiting an interview where Matt spoke with two entrepreneurs from Nashville, Tennessee. Sashank Purighalla is the CEO of BOS Framework, a product framework that helps developers get an MVP to market quickly. Andrew Goldner is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and founder of GrowthX, an investment firm that helps organizations commercialize innovation through capital, talent and know-how. Both Sashank and Andrew have a lot to say about building an awesome minimum viable product (MVP). Launching a tech product can be a very rocky road for a startup. Technical issues are common, and user feedback during the early days of rollout is often focused around bugs and glitches rather than the product’s core features. This makes it difficult for teams to hone in on what’s working and what isn’t, which can delay the process of reaching product-market fit. And this all wastes a startup’s most valuable resource: time. For these reasons, our guests on today’s episode of the Igniting Statups podcast believe the traditional process for developing a minimum viable product (MVP) is broken. The first is Andrew Goldner, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and founder of GrowthX, an investment firm that helps organizations commercialize innovation through capital, talent and know-how. Joining him is Sashank Purighalla, CEO of BOS Framework, which provides a pre-built suite of APIs, plugins and UI components for startups that are building software applications. According to Andrew and Sashank, the MVP process shouldn’t just be about building software—it should be about evaluating the market and creating a product that solves a real need. By leveraging in-depth research and tools that jump-start technical development, startup teams can discover what their market needs and spend their valuable resources building that solution. That means reaching product-market fit, revenue and profitability sooner, which could make the difference between startup growth and startup death. In this episode with Andrew Goldner and Sashank Purighalla, you’ll learn: Why a successful product has to do more than sound interesting. Reasons why venture funding might be the wrong choice for a startup. How GrowthX is fueling venture capital growth outside Silicon Valley. The big problem with the traditional MVP process. The benefit of market acceleration programs for discovering market truth. How a pre-built tech framework can help companies get to product-market fit. Andrew’s and Sashank’s greatest hopes for entrepreneurship in middle America. Please enjoy this conversation with Andrew Goldner and Sashank Purighalla!

#114: How Startup Founders Can Turn Regional Tech Differences Into Successful Fundraising

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 18:30:15 GMT

Today we’re revisiting an old episode where Matt spoke with two amazing guests. The first being David Hall, a partner at the Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, a role that has taken him around the country to meet some of the most innovative startups in America’s burgeoning tech hubs. Joining David is Mike Preuss, the founder of stakeholder-reporting software Visible, which helps more than 2,000 companies on six continents track and share key business metrics with investors and other business partners. Together, the two possess a great understanding of the ways that unique regional factors influence how entrepreneurs and investors successfully operate. As we discussed in our opening episode of Season 2, raising money for your startup works differently between the coasts than it does in Silicon Valley, New York, or Boston. Non-coastal founders need to build strong relationships and prove their business model if they hope to secure funding, and they also need to understand what makes their particular community tick. Because as it turns out, not all heartland tech ecosystems are created equal. This is a fact that our two guests for today’s show know all too well. David Hall is a partner at the Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, a role that has taken him around the country to meet some of the most innovative startups in America’s burgeoning tech hubs. And Mike Preuss (who has previously joined us on the podcast) is the founder of stakeholder-reporting software Visible, which helps more than 2,000 companies on six continents track and share key business metrics with investors and other business partners. Together, the two possess an intimate understanding of the ways that unique regional factors influence how entrepreneurs and investors operate. In this episode, David and Mike help us go beyond one-size-fits-all fundraising advice to explain how the characteristics of your tech community should influence the way you interact with investors and raise capital. They point out some of the most pertinent similarities and differences between regional tech hubs, break down what a healthy founder-investor relationship looks like, and ultimately illustrate how founders can use their community’s unique identity to their advantage when raising money. In this episode with David Hall and Mike Preuss, you’ll learn: -- Key similarities and differences between non-coastal tech hubs (15:46). -- An experienced investor’s high-level work and life advice for entrepreneurs (22:51). -- The benefits that thorough stakeholder reporting can provide for every startup (22:51). -- How to build a talented team and loyal customer base between the coasts (33:38). -- Proven strategies for nurturing healthy founder-investor relationships (37:33). -- How founders and investors should approach fundraising in non-coastal cities (49:16). If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#113: Exciting Trends In Digital Health w/ David DeRam of Greenlight Guru & Miles Sterrett of Olio

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:30:27 GMT

Today’s episode is a recording of a live fireside chat we had this past week in Indianapolis where we discussed the topic of “Trends in Digital Health”. Joining me on this special podcast episode are two absolutely amazing guests who have been in the Indy tech scene for a number of years and have entrepreneurial experience with a focus in the healthcare tech space. First up is David DeRam. David has been founding successful companies for almost 30 years across multiple sectors, including startups and finance, medical and nonprofit industries. Through his experience in digital health he has enabled countless hospitals, universities, research centers and pharmaceutical teams in 80 countries to manage complex genetic and clinical data and to bring key hereditary information to the electronic medical record record field. Today, he is the co-founder and CEO at Green Light guru, a healthcare company disrupting quality management in medical devices. Joining him is Miles Sterrett. Miles is an entrepreneur with years of experience. He currently runs the Indianapolis Ruby Brigade and is now the Director of Engineering at Olio, where he leads an awesome group of software engineers to help physicians and post acute providers collaborate and improve patient outcomes. Tune in for more! In this episode with David DeRam and Miles Sterrett, you’ll learn: -- How David and Miles got started in the entrepreneurial space -- What working at a health tech startup is all about -- The challenges that most startups face and how to overcome them -- How to scale and build a successful health tech startup -- The opportunities and the future of health tech Please enjoy this conversation with David DeRam and Miles Sterrett! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#112: Attracting The Greatest Talent in Raleigh, Durham, and Beyond

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 10:00:23 GMT

Maintaining the best talent was simple when there were few companies hiring and employees felt stuck in their jobs. But today, it seems that holding the cream of the talent crop is a struggle for some companies. Especially with so many tech startups and big companies networking and recruiting the best available talent in the job market. Just recently in 2017, (CBRE) ranked the Raleigh-Durham area as one of the top tech talent markets in the country along with Forbes stating that tech jobs in just the city Raleigh alone had grown a tremendous 38.5% from 2010 through 2015! So how are tech companies in the Raleigh area capitalizing on this extreme job growth and how are they filling those spots with extraordinary talent? On this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, you’ll hear from 4 different tech, executives, and leaders from our recently held event in Raleigh discussing “Attracting The Greatest Talent in Raleigh, Durham, and Beyond” You’ll get to hear from local tech leaders with years of experience sharing their thoughts on the growing need for talent in the Raleigh tech arena, how they are able to find and attract the greatest talent, and why the Raleigh-Durham area is one of the best areas in the country to be in tech. Tune in for more! Learn from experienced tech leaders: Jessica Mitsch, Co-founder and CEO of Momentum Learning Derrick Minor, Manager of Team Development & People Operations at K4 Connect Robert Ritchy, Senior Vice President of PureCloud Development at Genesys Karl Rectanus, Co-Founder & CEO of LearnPlatform In this episode, you’ll learn: --- What is takes to find the best fit for your team and company --- Cultivating talent in order to build a successful team --- What makes the Raleigh-Durham area attractive for talent --- How to retain the greatest talent in the Raleigh-Durham area Please enjoy this conversation with our featured guests from our panel! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#111: Raising Capital in Raleigh, Durham, and Beyond—from Startup to Scale-up to Exit

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:11:26 GMT

Raising money from investors is never simple. Particularly for entrepreneurs who are new to the game and lack the relevant experience. A major reason why startups fail is that they lack the funds they need in order to function and develop. But lately, in Raleigh, North Carolina, there has been a drastic rise in the investments of startups. In a recent study completed by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, there were ninety-four tech startups in the state have received more than $780 million in equity funding in just 2017, that’s a 232% increase from just 2016! So how have tech companies in the Raleigh area been consistently raising millions of dollars in capital over these last few years? And what are some ways to unlock that growing capital? On this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, we speak with 4 different tech, executives, and leaders from our recently held event in Raleigh discussing “Raising Capital in Raleigh, Durham, and Beyond—from Startup to Scale-up to Exit.” You’ll get to hear local Raleigh-Durham experts share their take on the area is becoming a high growth area for tech investors, how they’re capitalizing on this consistent rise of funding, and the best ways to make a great impression on a potential investor. Tune in for more! In this episode, you’ll learn: --- Best ways for companies to reach great investors --- Why investors invest in people and not just an idea --- Advice on how to grow your network to raise capital --- The future of tech in the Raleigh-Durham area Please enjoy this conversation with our featured guests from our 2nd panel! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#110: The Lessons of Being a Venture Capitalist with Minnie Ingersoll of TenOneTen Ventures

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 13:54:52 GMT

As an entrepreneur, you’re searching for investors that are a good fit for your business, and investors are searching for essentially the same thing in reverse: Investors invest in people. Not just an idea, the magnitude of the industry, or the product. Investors gamble on your team's ability to perform on the idea presented. So how do you prove to potential investors that you’re able to lead and build the right team for the job? And how do you prove that your idea is going to pay off in the end? On today’s episode, we talk with Minnie Ingersoll. Minnie is a partner at TenOneTen, a Los Angeles-based venture firm established in 2013, that invests in start-ups that apply data and technology to disrupt existing industries. Minnie is also the host of the LA Venture podcast, where her and fellow managing partner, David Waxman, provide opinion on the rapidly growing LA tech scene through conversations with fellow investors and other players in LA’s startup ecosystem. In this episode, you’ll get to hear Minnie share her thoughts on how investors should bet on people and not just the idea they’re investing in, the challenges of balancing home life and startup life, and the difficulties of launching her first startup. You’ll also get to hear her take on the constantly growing tech scene in the Los Angeles area and how venture capitalists are jumping in on this rapid growth. Tune in for more! In this episode with Minnie Ingersoll, you’ll learn: --- Minnie’s personal experience and growth in entrepreneurship --- Challenges of launching a startup --- The importance of investing in people and not just an idea --- What tech culture is like in the Los Angeles area Please enjoy this conversation with Minnie Ingersoll! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#109: The Future of Tech In the Triangle and Beyond (PART #1)

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 13:16:31 GMT

Recently there has been a brand wave of up-and-coming, mid-sized cities that have been building and developing tech economies of their own, as they compete to bring new jobs, more residents, and an innovative energy to the local area. One of those areas that are predominantly focused on this rise in tech is the Raleigh-Durham area. Just recently, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina did a study that showed a 13% growth from 2013-2017, simply put, North Carolina’s technology industry is growing at twice the rate of the national average. So what is igniting this growth? And where is this excitement coming from? And what do tech leaders in the area have to say on this rising trend? In this special episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, we talk with 4 different tech, executives, and leaders from our recently held event in Raleigh discussing “The Future of Tech In the Triangle and Beyond”. You’ll get to hear our experts share how the Raleigh area is capitalizing on tech growth, their thoughts on where the future of tech is going for area, the amazing opportunities available to those searching for their next tech career. Tune in for more! In this episode, you’ll learn: Advice on how to break into the tech industry Start-up opportunities in the Raleigh-Durham Tapping into the right resources to ignite your startup The future of tech in the Raleigh-Durham area Please enjoy this conversation with our featured panelists! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#108: How to Build an Engaging Culture with Scott Johnson of Motivosity

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:00:22 GMT

Company culture can be the lifeblood of your company, it can inspire and fuel the great talent that is your team. But you have to be able to maintain that level of inspiration to keep your team engaged. Just recently, a 142-country Gallup report showed that 63% of employees are not engaged in their work and another 24% are actively disengaged, leaving a mere 13% of workers who are engaged at work. Simply put, 900 million employees are not engaged and 340 million are actively disengaged across the world. So how do you inspire the disengaged people to become engaged? And how do you grow a company culture that is thriving, successful, and engaging for all employees? On today’s episode, we talk with Scott Johnson, a tech entrepreneur, startup mentor, and angel investor who has years of experience as a leader and executive starting and leading numerous companies of his own. Scott is the Chairman and Founder of project management software company Workfront and is also the Founder of Motivosity, an employee recognition software platform that improves employee engagement and builds company culture. In this episode, you’ll get to hear Scott share his thoughts and ideas on how companies can successfully build and develop thriving and engaging cultures. You’ll also get to hear his view and thoughts on the tech scene in the Salt Lake City area. Tune in for more! In this episode with Scott Johnson, you’ll learn: --- Scott’s experience through entrepreneurship and leadership roles --- What it takes to build a great culture --- How to inspire employees to embrace your company culture --- What the tech culture is like in Salt Lake City area Please enjoy this conversation with Scott Johnson! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#107: How To Build A Successful Startup with Jeff Ready of Scale Computing

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 10:00:36 GMT

The growth of the idea and understanding behind a startup can be a difficult task. Living and working the life of an entrepreneur in the startup world is really learning from mistakes, both your own and the mistakes others. So what's the secret to establishing a successful startup learning from mistakes? And how do know what realistic goals to set for improvement and growth when launching your startup? On today’s episode, we chat with Jeff Ready, a serial entrepreneur with years of experience as a leader and executive who has started and lead numerous companies, raising millions in venture capital for his own ventures as well as for others. Jeff is the Founder, and CEO of Scale Computing, an Indianapolis based company that is the industry-leading application platform for EDGE computing environments that covers anything from global retail and manufacturing to financial services and government. In this episode, you’ll get to hear Jeff share his entrepreneurial journey from just a young kid to becoming the founder and CEO of Scale Computing. Along with Jeff’s thoughts on how to build a successful startup, and whether or not an entrepreneurial lifestyle is a right choice for you! Tune in for more! In this episode with Jeff Ready, you’ll learn: --- How to build your company’s values --- What you should know before working in a startup --- What is the entrepreneurial lifestyle --- Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey Please enjoy this conversation with Jeff Ready! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#106: Startup Lessons for the Future of Fintech with Brandon Martin of CLA and Eric Mager of Bundle

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 18:34:40 GMT

It's been no surprise that ventures in FinTech have tripled in just this past year. According to recent research completed by data provider, CB Insights, venture capital-backed financial technology companies have raised an incredible record of $39.57 billion from investors globally in 2018, that’s up 120 percent from the previous year! The financial technology industry is trending worldwide with tons of open opportunities for entrepreneurs to take advantage of...so how can entrepreneurs and innovators jump on and capitalize on this continuously growing trend? On today’s episode of the Powderkeg podcast, you’ll hear from amazing two guests that have decades of experience working in the world of finance and years of experience in leading high performing teams and working with fellow entrepreneurs. Our first guest is Eric Mager, Founder & CEO of Bundle. Bundle is an app that gives home buyers and mortgage shoppers a starting point to learn, understand and manage the mortgage process. Joining Eric today is Brandon Martin, a principal at Clifton Larson Allen (CLA). CLA is a professional services firm and the eighth largest accountancy firm in the United States. In this episode, Eric and Brandon will share their personal stories on how they became involved in the world of entrepreneurship. You’ll also get to hear their views and thoughts on the fantastic growth of startup culture in Charlotte and the benefits of networking with other founders and startups in your local area. Tune in for more! In this episode with Brandon Martin and Eric Mager, you’ll learn: -Eric and Brandon’s journey through tech -The world of Fintech and the open opportunities of the industry -What the startup scene is like in Charlotte -The benefits of networking with fellow startups and founders Please enjoy this conversation with Brandon Martin and Eric Mager! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#105: The Innovator’s Guide To Pitching, Startup Funding, And Hiring A Players

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:36:01 GMT

For today’s episode, we’re going back to where Matt spoke with Chris Heivly who is currently the VP of Innovation at Techstars. Chris is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, investor, and startup founder. And was one of the original Co-founders of MapQuest, a free Web and mobile mapping service that empowers consumers to engage with and navigate the world around them. This interview is from all the way back in November 2016, and we’re bringing it out of the archives because later this month on October 16th, we’re hosting a VIP event at the Industrious location in Raleigh, North Carolina discussing the topic “Why Tech Thrives in Raleigh-Durham” where Chris will be featured as one of our featured guests. We’ll be livestreaming the event on Facebook, so be sure to check it out! Now let’s get started! ------- Our guest today is Chris Heivly, who just might be the world’s first actual map geek. I say that because he co-founded one of the first online navigation tools, MapQuest. Some of you listeners may be too young to remember MapQuest and the wonderful experience of searching your route on your home computer so you could print your directions and take them with you.. But back in the day, MapQuest was like pure magic. This company was Heivly’s first and it blazed the trail for other navigation-powered apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Uber. MapQuest went public in 1999 and was acquired by AOL for $1.1 Billion dollars in the year 2000. That’s billion with a capital B. That’s a lot of money by any measure, but it was especially enormous when they sold back in the year 2000. Since his successful exit, Chris Heivly has personally directed over $75 million in investment capital on behalf of large companies including Rand McNally, Accenture, and others. He recently closed down the Startup Factory, which was the largest seed investment firm in the Southeast. And this conversation with Chris is just before they made their last investment at The Startup Factory (or TSF as we sometimes refer to it in this interview). But they had already made over 30 investments in high-growth startups and we caught Heivly just after a demo day for a group of their portfolio companies, so it was the perfect time to get his insight. I want to make sure I give a shout out to his book based on his famous TEDx talk, Build The Fort, which you can find on Amazon, Kindle, or Audible. He’s super active on his personal website Heivly.com and on twitter @ChrisHeivly. So give him a shout and tell him I sent you! This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. In this episode with Chris Heivly you’ll learn: How to perfect your pitch. (7:30) What makes a good elevator pitch. (16:40) How to attract the right people. (30:50) Please enjoy! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#104: How to Develop Your Inner Visionary Superpower with Scott Hill of PERQ

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 16:57:05 GMT

Hey there Powderkeg fans! Nick here from the Powderkeg team. This is episode 104 of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, the show for entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators building remarkable tech companies in areas outside of Silicon Valley. Today we’re revisiting an old episode where Matt spoke with Scott Hill. Scott is an entrepreneur and the Co-founder of PERQ. PERQ is an Indianapolis based high-growth marketing technology company that empowers businesses with more visibility into their digital marketing efforts and sales. Scott shows what it takes to be a visionary leader, having succeeded at it himself at PERQ where he guided the company as it made a huge transition which you’ll hear more about. He’ll explain how he did it and help you understand what it will take for you to do the same. The interview is from August 2017, and we’re bringing it out of the archives because it’s so packed with great advice AND is one of our most popular episodes. Let’s get started! At Powderkeg, we believe every entrepreneur has their own personal superpower that makes them great at what they do. Scott Hill’s superpower is being a visionary—that is, being exceptionally capable of seeing opportunities that others can’t and understanding exactly how to prepare so he can seize them when the time is right. I met Hill at a pivotal time in my life, when I was still a college student in Bloomington, IN, and thinking about becoming an entrepreneur. Hill’s company, PERQ, was in print marketing at the time, and I was so inspired by what he was doing with his business that I committed myself to starting my own company shortly afterward. Hill later transitioned PERQ into the still-fledgling marketing tech space, taking the company in a groundbreaking new direction that has more than paid off in the years since. In this episode, Hill and I dive deep into what it truly means to be a visionary in business. We discuss some of the challenging tasks that visionary entrepreneurs are likely to undertake—such as developing an innovative product and pivoting their business to accommodate changing markets—as well as how founders can sharpen their own visionary skills (here’s a hint: it’s about practice more than anything else). We even touch on the special power that sharing stories has for entrepreneurs, which is a topic we’re both very passionate about. I hope this episode provides you with many helpful ideas for developing your own inner visionary. Follow Hill on Twitter @bizgamer for more great insights on being a visionary entrepreneur, and stay tuned to Powderkeg: Igniting Startups for more stories from innovative entrepreneurs, investors and top talent making waves outside Silicon Valley. In this episode with Scott Hill, you’ll learn: -What it really means to be a visionary (7:13) -Tips for developing your skills as a visionary entrepreneur (17:30) -How to socialize your ideas and work toward a final product (21:00) -Actionable advice for transitioning your company into the tech space (28:00) -The power of visualizing the future you want for your business (34:04) -Why sharing stories is so important for entrepreneurs (39:18) Please enjoy this conversation with Scott Hill! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#103: How to Overcome Challenges As Entrepreneurs with Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:10:36 GMT

Entrepreneurship and building a startup comes with a long list of challenges. Rewarding challenges, but unpleasant challenges nonetheless. Entrepreneurs, particularly first-timers, experience a whole list of startup challenges in their beginning years. A lot of them attempt to establish the brand, change and develop to match or surpass the competition, and try to be extremely profitable. And the challenges of starting a startup doesn’t stop just there. But it's possible to move past the challenges, as long as you have the right mindset and build the right team. On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, you’ll get to hear from two fantastic founders who met in college. Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel are the co-founders of EVAmore, a Nashville, Tennessee based company that connects event planners with vetted live entertainment. Since launching EVAmore in 2015, they have expanded into several different markets including Austin and Atlanta, with additional cities underway. In this episode, Channing and Makenzie will share their experience of going through Nashville Entrepreneur Center and the many challenges they faced along their entrepreneurial journey. Along with how it's possible to move past these difficult entrepreneurial challenges, as long as you have the right mindset and a great team. Tune in for more! In this episode with Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel, you’ll learn: --- How Channing and Makenzie founded EVAmore --- Advice on how to face challenges as an entrepreneur --- What’s it like working in music tech industry --- What makes Nashville’s / Tennessee’s tech industry so unique Please enjoy this conversation with Channing Moreland and Makenzie Stokel! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#102: Building a Start-up Culture Around Finance with Glenn Dunlap and Randie Dial

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 14:20:32 GMT

Successful start-ups go through several smaller milestones before they reach the first major financial milestone. These smaller milestones represent outcomes of smaller teams working on countless initiatives that help reach the ultimate milestone. It’s always beneficial to let your team know how their contributions and efforts fit into the bigger picture. Having a culture of transparency and that emphasizes your team's relevance and criticality of their work helps leads to the overall financial success of the organization. But how do you know what to make as the right important financial milestones for your company? And how do you develop a culture of transparency with your team on choosing those right financial milestones that are right for the company? On today’s episode of the Powderkeg podcast, you’ll hear from two guests that have decades of experience innovating in finance and helping small business leaders and entrepreneurs build successful companies. Our first guest is Glenn Dunlap, Co-Founder & CEO of Peerview Data. Peerview Data is a SaaS company that specializes in benchmarking and comparative analytics solutions for CPA firms. Joining him is Randie Dial, managing director of CLA Indiana. Clifton Larsen Allen is a professional services firm and the eighth largest accountancy firm in the United States. In this episode, Glenn and Randie will discuss the ways of getting in the entrepreneurial mindset of setting the right financial milestones to have a successful start-up. You’ll also get to hear how they're able to retain great talent and why it's important to build a culture that is transparent and that makes the on-boarding process for newcomers truly special. Tune in for more! In this episode with Randie Dial and Glenn Dunlap, you’ll learn: --- What are some important financial milestones for early-stage tech companies --- The most important metrics and goals every start-up should focus on --- Going from the start-up phase to the execution phase --- How you can attract and retain the best talent at a technology company Please enjoy this conversation with Randie Dial and Glenn Dunlap! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#101: Why Working Moms Make Great Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Employees with Sarah Lacy of Pando

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 17:52:08 GMT

This is episode 101 of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, the show for entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators building remarkable tech companies in areas outside of Silicon Valley. Today we’re revisiting an old episode where Matt spoke with Sarah Lacy. Sarah is a serial entrepreneur and a longtime journalist, founder of tech news site Pando Media, and founder of Chairman Mom, which launched in 2018. The interview is from March 2018, and we’re bringing it out of the archives because it’s one of our favorites. Let’s get to it! Let’s face it: In the tech world, motherhood is often viewed as something undesirable. Many employers and professional women think that having children will distract them from work, decrease their productivity, and make them less effective leaders. But what if the opposite is true? What if working moms actually make some of the very best entrepreneurs, investors, and employees? This is the opinion of Sarah Lacy, a Silicon Valley tech journalist turned entrepreneur. After writing and editorial stints at TechCrunch and Businessweek, Lacy launched PandoDaily, a web publication offering analysis and commentary on the Bay Area tech community, in 2012. She’s also the author of three books focusing on tech and entrepreneurship. Her most recent title, "A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug," focuses on empowering professional women and proving through cold, hard data that working moms are often better at their jobs than their childless peers. Lacy flew out to the Powderkeg headquarters in Indianapolis, IN for this candid and inspiring interview. During our conversation, she shares her thoughts on the importance of good role models, evidence that working moms are some of the best people you can hire or invest in, and strategies for getting and keeping them on your team. She also shares some exciting behind-the-scenes info on her latest company, Chairman Mom, a guilt-free, judgment-free, and troll-free community for professional women and moms. In this episode with Sarah Lacy, you’ll learn: * How good role models inspire people to live up to their full potential (5:25) * Why Millennial women will be instrumental in driving workplace gender reform (16:10) * Research that proves working mothers actually outperform their peers (21:59) * Strategies for attracting working moms to your team and making them feel valued (30:05) * About Chairman Mom and its mission to support and empower women professionals (37:12**) Please enjoy this conversation with Sarah Lacy! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#100: Building A Product Focused Culture with Marcus Cobb of Jammber

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 14:35:49 GMT

Leaders that are able to build and create a culture of openness and collaboration are able to encourage their team to better self-develop, communicate, and share what they are learning so they can capitalize on the actions they are or could be doing better, and promoting and pushing one another to do the same. But where do we begin in order to create and maintain this idea that we call product culture? On today’s episode, we chat with Marcus Cobb, a technologist, product designer, public speaker, and successful entrepreneur. Marcus is a highly sought-after investor, mentor, and strategist for numerous organizations. He’s also the CEO and co-founder of Jammber, a Nashville-based music technology company that focuses on streamlining the incredibly complicated process of creating a song, sharing it with the world and ultimately getting paid and getting credit for it. Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear Marcus discuss his role as an entrepreneur, his personal experiences with building an amazing team culture, and his current role as co-founder and CEO of Jammber. Find out more on how Marcus and his team are disrupting the music industry with their platform, Jammber. Tune in for More! In this episode with Marcus Cobb, you’ll learn: --- How positive product culture can be a secret ingredient for team success --- About the music tech industry and the opportunities available --- Marcus’s personal experience and growth as an entrepreneur --- How the Jammber platform is impacting the music industry Please enjoy this conversation with Marcus Cobb! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#99: Data Behind Growth of Tennessee's Tech Hubs

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 19:33:38 GMT

Today we’re bringing back an episode from a LIVE Powderkeg event in Nashville, Tennessee in November 2018 where we unpacked the data from the Tennessee Tech Census. The recording features 6 local tech leaders as they discuss the main findings about the grit - and growth - of the tech community across Tennessee. We’re re-releasing this episode because later this month, Launch Tennessee, one of our partners on the Tech Census, is hosting their annual 36|86 Entrepreneurship Festival. 36|83 brings together the best innovators and difference-makers for two days of networking, programming, and entertainment on the latest in technology and entrepreneurship. It’s on August 28th and 29th, 2019 in Nashville Tennessee, and you can sign up at launchtn.org/3686fest. We invited six tech leaders to help us understand what’s happening in markets like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga including: Margaret Dolan, President and CEO of Launch Tennessee Monique Villa, founder of ModernCapital Brian Mayes, Nashville’s head of engineering at Eventbrite Jim Horey, founder and CEO of ReviewBox Andrew Goldner, co-founder of GrowthX Clint Smith, co-founder of Emma

#98: How To Attract The Most Extraordinary Talent

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 13:04:52 GMT

Having the right talent acquisition process can give tech companies the upper hand to attract the most highly skilled and best culture-fit talent on the market. Creating an employer brand that aligns with your talent strategy can help attract top talent, and in exchange, lead to better performance and outcomes. But have you ever had a hard time trying to find the right person for a key position in your company? You’re not alone. A recent study done by Korn Ferry found that almost 60% of employers are struggling to fill open positions within 12 weeks. Giving companies a limited amount of time to find the right candidates who have the right skills and experience to build a thriving and successful team. So how can you attract and retain the best talent for your company? In this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast we asked 6 different CEOs, executives, and leaders around the Powderkeg community how they attract the most extraordinary talent. The result is a narrative that shows how leaders build thriving and successful teams: the legwork that’s needed, the right timing, and what to look for when you’re interviewing people for a new role. Tune in for more! In this Powderkeg episode, you’ll learn: --- How to find the right fit for your team and your company --- Ways to discover your personal core values --- How to cultivate talent to build a successful team --- What great talent is and how to find it, no matter where you are Please enjoy this conversation! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#97: How to Network and Build Relationships Like a Superconnector with Scott Gerber

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:09:12 GMT

Hey there Powderkeg fans! Nick here from the Powderkeg team. This is episode 97 of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, the show for entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators building remarkable tech companies in areas outside of Silicon Valley. Today we’re revisiting an old episode where Matt spoke with Scott Gerber. He’s the co-founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) and The Community Company, and he’s spent nearly a decade helping entrepreneurs and global brands alike intelligently grow their networks. Scott has based his entire career on business relationships and helping other people build them. The interview is from March 2018, and we’re taking this episode out of the archives because it’s one of our most popular interviews from last year. In this interview, Scott shares some of the strategies from his 2018 book called “Superconnector” and explains why taking the long view on relationship-building and being a connector instead of a networker will ultimately lead to greater business - and personal - success.

#96: How to Help Your Customers Succeed with Haresh Gangwani of Bolstra and Yaw Aning of Malomo

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:33:09 GMT

Delivering an impressive customer experience requires influencing the customers’ perception of your company. These perceptions affect their behaviors and build memories and feelings to drive their loyalty. If they walk out from the interaction with your team feeling like their wants and needs weren’t met, then they’ll associate those negative perceptions with your company forever... and likely never return. In other words: if customers like you and continue to like you, they are going to continue to do business with you and recommend you to others. On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, you’ll hear from two experts who are passionate about Customer Experience. Our first guest started his career as a software developer & systems engineer. Haresh Gangwani is the CEO & Co-Founder of Bolstra. Bolstra is a customer success work management solution that organizes and optimizes workflows through an agile framework enabling companies to prescriptively deliver a superior experience to their customers. Joining him is Yaw Aning, who got his start with the Orr Fellowship program and quickly became passionate about entrepreneurship. Yaw is currently the Co-Founder & CEO of Malomo. Malomo helps eCommerce brands generate more revenue and loyalty by turning their shipment tracking experience into brand marketing channels. In this episode, Haresh and Yaw will discuss the importance of building a positive customer perception through the use of successful customer experiences. Along with company perception, they will discuss the importance of how companies are using the customer experience to grow their brand and build positive growth. Tune in for more! In this episode with Haresh Gangwani and Yaw Aning, you’ll learn: --- How companies are personalizing the customer experience --- Building a positive perception with your customers --- How companies help customers succeed through great experience and product --- Haresh and Yaw’s hopes for the future of CX If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#95: Building a Remarkable Customer Experience with Mimi Nguyen of Genesys

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 14:12:03 GMT

The race to having the ultimate customer experience is on! Companies are recognizing the importance of delivering an experience that makes them stand out from the competition. According to a study done by Gartner, 89% of companies today are now competing on the basis of positive customer experience. But in order to create this positive experience, you have to ask the questions your customers would ask themselves: Are you blown away by the performance of the product? Are you happy with the attention the customer service rep gives you to help solve your problem? These are some common examples of what elements are in play when building an amazing customer experience. On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast you’ll hear from a product leader with diverse leadership experience across product development and business operations. Mimi Nguyen started her tech career at Interactive Intelligence and has advanced to her current role as the VP of Product Management at Genesys, a global leader in providing users seamless and consistent contact management solutions that enable them to engage customers across their journeys via multiple channels. Throughout this episode, Mimi will discuss her background with Interactive Intelligence and Genesys and how she stepped into a leadership role in product management. Mimi will also discuss the importance of customer experience and how its becoming an ongoing trend for companies to focus on. Tune in for more! In this episode with Mimi Nguyen, you’ll learn: --- How to build a positive Customer Experience --- Stepping into a product management position and supporting your team --- How companies are focusing more on customer experience --- How Genesys is assisting its customers through CX Mimi’s thoughts on the future of CX Please enjoy this conversation with Mimi Nguyen! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#94: Why Customer Success is Vital to Your Startup and How to Do It Right

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 18:45:24 GMT

Today we’re revisiting an old episode where Matt spoke with Haresh Gangwani, co-founder and CEO of Bolstra, a customer experience company based here in Indianapolis as well as Don Aquilano, co-founder and managing partner at Allos Ventures, a Venture Capital firm that invests in high-potential, early-stage tech companies in the heart of the Midwest. The interview is from all the way back in July 2017, almost 2 years to the day. We’re bringing this one back around because it’s a great insight into customer experience from 2 experts in the space. Haresh and Don walk you through why it’s important to be proactive on CX and how to do it, so you can reduce churn and increase revenue- all while making your customers happy. We thought we’d bring this episode out of the archives to revisit a huge problem every company needs to address, but many don’t know how. By the way, if you’re in the Indy area, Haresh will be pitching Bolstra at our Pitch Night on August 13th at VisionLoft. If you’d like to come and connect with Haresh and other leaders in CX go to https://powderkeg.com/events/ to get your ticket.

093- How to Raise Capital and Get Funded with CNBC's Alicia Syrett

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 17:15:31 GMT

Today we’re revisiting an old episode where Matt spoke with Alicia Syrett, founder and CEO of Pantegrion Capital, a seed and early-stage angel investment firm based in New York. However, you might know her better from her appearances on CNBC’s Power Pitch or MSNBC’s Your Business. The interview is from all the way back in April 2017. We’re bringing this one back around because her advice for when, why, and how to raise capital is as useful and relevant today as it was then. In fact, with capital leaving the coasts and looking to the middle of the country, it’s even more important to stand out among the other entrepreneurs raising capital. In this episode, you’ll learn how Syrett began her career in private equity after working for years in financial analysis, recruiting, and early-stage startup investing. Plus, she’ll talk about how she advises her portfolio companies and helps them connect with the right people. So, whether you’re looking to raise capital or invest, this conversation paints the full picture of the Angel Investment space. We thought we’d bring this episode out of the archives to revisit a key need to continue the growth of tech between the coasts.

#92: How to Build an Unstoppable Company Culture

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 16:11:28 GMT

If you’ve seen any of the buzz that’s been circulating the internet the last few years, you might think that tech company culture is all about catered lunches, ping pong tables and allowing dogs in the office. (Which totally misses the mark, but more on that later.) So does this mean that every company that has these perks has a great culture, or that more traditionally structured companies will never have a positive culture? Not at all! Having a great company culture has a lot more to do with things like leadership behaviors than beer-on-tap. And company culture isn’t just important for employees, it’s important for the bottom line too. Research from Gallup shows that companies that prioritize culture have 60% lower turnover, 10% happier customers, and 20% more sales than those that don’t. So what’s the best way to align company culture with your values and goals? And what can you do to ensure that everyone in the organization feels valued and respected? For this week’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, we wanted to try something a little different.We asked 10 different CEOs, executives, and other leaders around the Powderkeg community “What is company culture?” to hear their perspective company culture: what it’s made of, how to build it, and what to look for when you’re interviewing for a new role. Tune in for more! In this special Powderkeg episode, you’ll learn: --- Strategies to build company culture --- What to look for in a company’s culture during a job interview --- The bottom-line value of company culture --- How core values relate to company culture --- Methods to keep your culture authentic and organic --- What is culture fit, and how to find it If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#91: How to Break Into Tech with Ruben Harris of Career Karma

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:19:58 GMT

The tech industry is growing rapidly. But there’s a shortage of skilled talent to match all the new positions being created. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that by 2026, careers in software development will increase by 24%. Which translates to a lot of open career opportunities in tech. Fortunately, there are many ways for people to learn these skills such as following the traditional path of a college. But for some, going to college isn’t an option – it’s expensive, it takes years and it can be difficult to get a career after graduation. Being self-taught is great, but can sometimes result in a learning plateau and lacks relevant networking and coding portfolios. On today’s episode of Igniting Startups, our guest is a major advocate of one popular alternative: coding schools and boot camps. Ruben Harris is the co-host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, he is also the CEO of Career Karma, an organization that matches people who want to learn to code with the right support circle and coding boot camp for their needs. Throughout this episode, Ruben will explain how learning certain skills in tech can ignite your career. He will also discuss the importance of making and building connections through networking, and choosing the right boot camp for your needs. Tune in for more! In this episode with Ruben Harris, you’ll learn: --- What people should know about work in startups and how it’s different from a large company --- Ruben’s thoughts on who the best companies are to work for --- Ruben’s advice for people who want to break into tech --- How to approach your tech job search after graduating from a bootcamp --- Why networking is important for your career --- How Career Karma finds the best boot camps If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#90: How to lead a successful product team with Roger Deetz and Jeremy Leventhal of Springbuk

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:22:05 GMT

Product teams solve problems — problems that have never been solved. Therefore, product management teams must be extremely skilled in order to come up with great solutions to solve greater problems. Unfortunately, there is no tried and proven formula that can ensure higher performing teams. Different companies use different approaches, but knowing what has worked in the past can help business leaders build a successful team with a positive culture. On today’s episode of Igniting Startups, you’ll hear from two product-minded leaders from one of the fastest-growing companies in Indianapolis. First up is Jeremy Leventhal, Chief Product Officer of Springbuk. Springbuk is a health analytics and intelligence platform for employers and benefits consultants. Joining Jeremy is Roger Deetz, Springbuk’s VP of Engineering. Roger has been a longtime member of Powderkeg and the tech community and has led multiple dev teams at Angie’s List. Throughout his career he’s taken on several roles as a designer, developer, architect, and a leader. During today’s episode, Jeremy and Roger will discuss how they approach team organization and establishing team goals as leaders. You’ll also hear their take on knowing when to build product, how you can make better investments in product, and ultimately invest and build product teams that will continue to succeed and grow. In this episode with Jeremy Leventhal and Roger Deetz, you’ll learn: --- How product leaders approach team organization --- Guidelines for making great investments in your product --- How to build a successful team and build a great product --- Springbuk’s growth and impact in the Indianapolis tech scene If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#89: How raising capital evolves company culture

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:00:22 GMT

There is one problem that most entrepreneurs seem to face: a lack of funding to start their business. Regardless of whether you are working on an MVP in a garage, or writing code for an app in a local cafe, raising capital is never easy. But once you have raised the capital you need, how do you create and build a skilled team to reach your mission? And how do you build the right type of company culture, one that makes every team member inspired to collaborate and do their best work? In this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, you’ll hear from two leaders about the importance of raising capital and how it can contribute to company culture. The first is Nicole Wallace, Principal and Director at mAccounting, an Indianapolis based firm that provides outsourced accounting and CFO services to small and mid-sized companies. Joining Nicole is Yarkin Sakucoglu, Co-founder and CEO of Socio Labs, a venture-backed SaaS company that helps small businesses and large enterprises like Google, Microsoft and Electronic Arts optimize their events. In this interview, Nicole and Yarkin discuss where an entrepreneur’s focus should be, how that can affect your raise, and how to use the capital you raise to create and develop a positive company culture that attracts and retains great talent. Tune in for more! In this episode with Nicole Wallace and Yarkin Sakucoglu, you’ll learn: --- Where an entrepreneurs focus should be when raising capital. --- Why it’s important to have a strong company culture. --- How Yarkin was able to raise capital and grow Socio’s culture. --- What Nicole and Yarkin look for to see if someone fits the company mindset. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#88: A Master Class on the Scale-Up of Marketplace Models with Robert Preville of Kwipped

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 12:53:29 GMT

What is a marketplace business, and how does that model impact each aspect of a company’s strategy? How do you choose the right business model to succeed in a market-place driven world? In today’s episode, we talked with Robert Preville, an expert on marketplace businesses, serial entrepreneur, and investor that has founded and led several high-growth companies. Robert is the founder and CEO of Kwipped, a B2B marketplace platform headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina that matches businesses who need to rent equipment with a global network of rental suppliers. In this interview, Robert discusses his personal experience and growth in the marketplace platform industry, and how his company Kwipped, is managing and sourcing from a global network of equipment suppliers, reducing risk, and building a trusting relationship between renters and suppliers. Along with Robert’s personal experience, you’ll hear his thoughts on how other companies are being successful using similar platforms, advice on choosing the right business model to succeed in the marketplace world, and the core challenges of starting out and succeeding with a marketplace platform. Tune in for Robert’s discussion about his growth as a young entrepreneur during his formative years, his personal experience with marketplace models to his role as the founder and CEO of Kwipped. Find out more on how Robert and his fellow colleagues are disrupting the B2B equipment rental industry with their marketplace platform, Kwipped! In this episode with Robert Preville, you’ll learn: --- What a marketplace model is and how it’s evolving for the future --- How companies can win with a marketplace model --- The challenging pieces of a marketplace business --- How to choose the right model to succeed in the marketplace world ---The lessons of choosing the right business model in the marketplace industry --- Companies that are being successful using a marketplace platform --- How the Kwipped platform is impacting the B2B equipment rental industry If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#87: How To Create A Successful Venture Studio With Diversity And Mindfulness

Tue, 28 May 2019 23:19:06 GMT

#87: How To Create A Successful Venture Studio With Diversity And Mindfulness by Powderkeg

#86: How to Stand Out as a Software Developer and Become a Manager

Tue, 21 May 2019 09:00:27 GMT

Today’s episode is a recording of a live fireside chat with two amazing guests who flew in from the Valley and Portland, Maine to be here. This is the third of our Innovation Series in partnership with Kenzie Academy, a design and coding school right here in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before we begin the discussion with our guests, Chok Ooi, the founder of Kenzie Academy introduces the brand new General Manager of Kenzie Academy, Danielle McDowell. Chok and Danielle will update us on the amazing things going on at Kenzie Academy and tell us what’s new. Now, let’s meet our fireside guests... First up is Ian Peters-Campbell. Ian has an inspiring story having gone from being kicked out of high school and being homeless to a very successful career in tech. His background includes Mobile & Web Development, Enterprise Architecture, AI/Big Data, Business Intelligence, QA, and more. He got his start in tech as an intern at Napster. Since then, he’s worked with companies like Loopt, Green Dot, and Stickbuilt. He is now VP, Global Platform Services at WEX and living in Portland, Maine after spending his professional career in the Valley. Our next guest is Jayesh Sureshchandra. Jayesh has an extensive background in engineering and leading engineering teams, working with several Silicon Valley companies. He was one of the first developers at Salesforce, where he helped build the force.com program. He has spent the last 6 years as at Duetto, focusing on using data analytics to optimize hotel revenue. Jayesh is now managing a global team at Duetto as their VP of Engineering. In this episode with Ian Peters-Campbell and Jayesh Sureshchandra, you’ll learn: --- How to stand out as a software developer today --- What the future looks like for software developer jobs --- How the role of software developer changing --- The best ways to increase salary as a software developer --- Some of the best ways to continue to learn and hone the craft of programming --- Some of the lesser known expectations/duties of a software developer --- The most important skills needed to be an exceptional software developer --- How to make the transition from individual contributor to team leader If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#85: How to Clear your Mind, Calm Your Nerves, and Pivot Like a Pro

Tue, 14 May 2019 16:25:15 GMT

Find out how practicing mindfulness (one of our Powderkeg core values) can help you in business and life. Jenny Blake, author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, explains how she has managed multiple pivots in her career and in business through mindfulness practices.

#84: The Magic of Immersion for Startups and VCs with Upfront Ventures Partner Kara Nortman

Tue, 07 May 2019 10:11:29 GMT

Kara Nortman is the co-founder of Seedling and partner at Upfront Ventures. In this interview she recounts her evolution as a creative child from an adventurous family, to her role as a partner in the largest and most tenured venture capital fund in Los Angeles. Armed with an AB in Politics and an MBA from Stanford, Kara Nortman found herself the only person from business school attending a C++ class when she interned at Microsoft more than a decade ago. Before that, she delved deep into esoteric stuff, sailing across uncharted waters (talk DSL and IP switches) just to make her job as telecoms industry analyst at Morgan Stanley more fulfilling and meaningful. To Kara, so much lies beyond our comfort zones. For her, true entrepreneurs need to “dig past their limitations” to make the impossible possible. But for this to happen, entrepreneurs must have resilience, self-awareness, and passion for what they do. You can follow Kara (@KaraNortman) on Twitter and read her thoughtful writing on her blog, Venture Inside. Join Kara as she walks us through her formative years, from family trips that gave her a broader perspective, to her role as a VC evaluating the business viability of startups. Find out what makes a good pitch, and which traits differentiate successful entrepreneurs from those who won’t make the cut. In this episode you’ll learn: --- How Kara’s upbringing influenced her evolution as a top-tier entrepreneur. --- The important role love of learning and discovery plays in achieving entrepreneurial success. --- The importance of finding mentors even at the point where you can mentor budding entrepreneurs and leaders yourself. --- Why being passionate also matters in the art of investing. --- Which entrepreneurial traits venture capitalists commonly look for. --- Why entrepreneurs should also conduct due diligence on the particular investors they are pitching to as much as the other way around. --- The factors making Los Angeles a highly attractive venue for innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#83: Building Business Success Through Culture And Leadership with SendGrid CEO Sameer Dholakia

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 09:00:29 GMT

It takes guts, grit, and an uncommon dose of wisdom to lead a business team. Sameer Dholakia has all three qualities, plus two decades of leadership experience in enterprise software. Dholakia is the CEO of SendGrid, one of the world’s premier email delivery services. SendGrid serves 50,000 customers and delivers 1.3 billion emails each day—more than double Twitter’s daily Tweet volume. In addition to its classic transactional email API, SendGrid more recently rolled out an email marketing product that has already been adopted by 5,000 users. Dholakia is an experienced tech executive with a love of history and a passion for building strong teams and big businesses in the enterprise software industry. In our interview, he shares his most effective leadership habits, including the importance of humility, how to foster an outstanding company culture, and strategies for turning around a dire financial situation. I’m so grateful Dholakia took the time to share so much of his knowledge and experience with the Powderkeg community, and I admire his resolve to always keep improving himself and his company. Connect with him on Twitter @spdholakia to share your appreciation, and enjoy the show. In this episode with Sameer Dholakia, you’ll learn: --- How you can begin using email marketing tools for your startup (13:40) --- Strategies for launching a new product within your existing brand (21:27) --- The only mistake in business you can’t recover from (33:26) --- Why you should be a humble leader (36:30) --- How to dig yourself out of a bad financial situation (42:48) --- The two biggest challenges SaaS companies face (47:08) --- How to create an exceptional company culture (53:54) If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#82: The Most Efficient Way to Evolve Your Company Culture While Scaling-Up

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 12:58:06 GMT

Last week on the show, we heard some insight into what a tight-knit company culture looks like. This week we will be getting some insight on how a company can preserve this culture on a large scale. On today’s episode of Powderkeg Igniting Startups, we welcome three entrepreneurs and human resources specialists to share how they get companies ready to expand, and how they keep culture thriving as the company grows. First we have Co-Founder of Analytic.li Jana Fuelberth. She originally started in payroll sales, but quickly found herself trying to solve problems that would rise in the market. The technical side of Analytic.li wasn’t yet ready, but Fuelberth had a strong understanding of the market and where her company was going to fit. Kronos, in a partnership with Analytic.li, is helping the company thrive. Next we have Zach Linder, who’s currently the Vice President of Analytics and Machine Learning at Canvas, a software for text-based interviewing. Linder originally came on to work at a 50 person consulting firm. When the firm went from 50 to 250, he needed to find a way to hire the right people. Linder works on the technical side of things. He makes programs that streamline the hiring process, while acquiring the ideal candidates. Lastly we have Heather Haas, president of ADVISA. Haas began her career as a teacher. After a little soul searching, a predictive index placed her in a position to help train people in leadership roles. After a few years she was able to find a leadership role for herself. At ADVISA she helps over 300 companies optimize talent in the most efficient way possible. In this episode we will learn what the employment market looks like today. More importantly we will be getting three unique perspectives on what techniques and technologies are optimizing the employment process. In this episode with Jana Fuelberth, Heather Haas, and Zach Linder, you’ll learn: --- How to convey your company culture --- What biases you need to avoid when interviewing a candidate --- The difference between liking a client, and them fitting well with the work --- What issues can arise between generations at a workplace --- When to trust and when to ditch the data --- How the Midwest stands out If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

# 81: How to Build a Strong Company Culture with Jason Price of Covideo

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 09:00:24 GMT

Startups consider countless opportunities before getting a strong foothold in their market. They look for what products their audience wants, and why they don’t have it already. A lot of time can be spent researching, building and figuring the best course for product development. In the end the people making all these new ideas possible deserve a little recognition as well. This is where company culture comes into play. On this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups we have Jason Price, Co-Founder and President of Covideo right here in Indianapolis. Price started his ventures during college at Purdue University with one question: “How can I start making product for the people”? His first company was a food delivery service that catered to Purdue students. After that he started a number of companies, and learned when it was a good time to pause one project and begin another. In this episode Jason Price shares how to build a community at work. Along with getting the inside scoop on how a friendly work environment can cure a good case of the Mondays, you’ll learn how this can help a company flourish. Price has found that because his co-workers bond together outside of work, they care more about what they accomplish during business hours. Want to connect with Covideo? Check out their profile here: https://powderkeg.com/covideo In this episode with Jason Price, you’ll learn: --- How to read the market. --- Scaling the company through good and bad times. --- How to find your core values. --- What to look for when deciding if someone fits into the culture. --- The importance of a strong company culture looks like. --- Why it is important to fit into a community versus showing up just to work. --- How to keep company culture engaged as it expands. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#80: Practical Ideas, Habits, and Behaviors to Do Better Work with Max Yoder of Lessonly

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 12:29:06 GMT

Share before you’re ready. Leaders learn the answer. In this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, you’ll meet Max Yoder making his third appearance on the podcast. As the CEO of Lessonly, a rapidly scaling tech company in Indianapolis, Max views his job as helping people flourish, thrive and understand themselves. In this conversation Max shares his learnings as a founder and breaks down some of the core principles of his newest book, “Do Better Work.” The mantras and habits that he shares are applicable to everyone, whether you’re leading a team, working on a team, or spending any time with people. In this episode with Max Yoder, you’ll learn: --- Methods to create clarity, camaraderie and progress in life and work --- Why it’s important to share your work before you’re ready --- How changing a personal habit is similar to the steps in a marketing funnel --- Ways to model the behaviors you’d like to see on your team --- The importance of processing emotions and how to prevent emotion from spilling over --- Compassionate, thoughtful behaviors that inspire better work If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#79: How Successful Startup Teams Avoid Startup Failure

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 14:01:06 GMT

One of the most valuable experiences that entrepreneurs can learn from is the mistake that cost another entrepreneur their dream. Whether you’re building your first company or your tenth, entrepreneurship is full of uncertainty. And while success is always the goal, there are a thousand valuable lessons in startup failure. On today’s episode of the podcast you’ll hear from three serial entrepreneurs about the biggest mistakes to avoid when building a startup. First, you’ll meet Michael Cloran. This guy started his career on a bumpy road. His first hand in success was making a kid-safe internet venture. From there he started his biggest company, Interactions. While working there he got his first real display of technical debt. Learning from this experience, he founded Developertown to help other startups that don’t have extreme technical skills on staff. Dr .Todd Saxton teaches strategy and entrepreneurship at the IU Kelley School of Business and Kelley Direct, which is one of the best online MBA programs in the world. Dr. Kim Saxton is also a professor at the IU Kelley School of Business. Kim teaches marketing and works as an academic researcher studying how entrepreneurs work, fail and succeed. In addition to their lives in academia, both Todd and Kim are angel investors to several startups. The purpose of their book, The Titanic Effect, is to let founders know what to avoid in order to make a successful venture. The book launches next month, so this episode is a little bit of a preview. Tune into Igniting Startups to hear which mistakes broke good business ideas and how to avoid them yourself. In this episode on how successful startup teams can avoid startup failure with the authors of The Titanic Effect, Michael Cloran, Kim Saxton and Todd Saxton, you will learn: Which startup mistakes to avoid when building your new venture What market research you deserves your focus early on The importance of anticipating problems before they happen How to test the waters in a new market What you can do to build the most “unsinkable” startup in your market Please enjoy this conversation about how successful startup teams can avoid startup failure with the authors of The Titanic Effect, Michael Cloran, Kim Saxton and Todd Saxton! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#78: Professional Networking Tips from Evan Burfield from Union and Stephen Ozoigbo of LIONS@frica

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 10:00:49 GMT

Networking is similar to a contact sport like football, soccer or basketball. If you don’t really put in the work, then you might as well stay on the sideline. Building a network can be a little intimidating -- whether you are just starting out, navigating a career change or are even mid-career and just need a boost. On today’s episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, you’ll learn from two serial entrepreneurs that built entire networks full of career-changing relationships, all by using some really practical professional networking tips that you can start using today. First, you’ll hear from Evan Burfield. He is the CEO of Union, a digital platform that connects innovators around the globe, and one of the co-founders of 1776, the nation’s largest network of entrepreneurial incubators with 10 campuses across 5 states. Starting as a persistent young entrepreneur, Burfield has built up a successful set of businesses and helps startup ecosystems across the country thrive. Broadcasting live from Nigeria is Stephen Ozoigbo. He launched the African Technology Foundation to globalize innovative technologies of New Africa, and is Managing Partner of a US State Department program called LIONS@frica that helps launch and expand technology companies in Africa. Working largely on an international scale, he has been involved in a number of startups across the globe. This podcast episode was recorded in front of a LIVE studio audience as part of the Innovation Series at Kenzie Academy, a tech and coding school focused on apprenticeship as a way to skill-up the next generation of the tech workforce, located right here in Downtown Indianapolis. During this engaging conversation, Stephen and Evan share how they’ve built the relationships they needed to get their ideas off the ground, and their networks today as they change the world with their companies. In this episode you will learn: -- How to get a mentor to accelerate your growth -- Professional networking tips to grow your career. -- How successful professionals network and where they started from -- Why a network connection is more than just a tool for communication -- How making a business connection is similar to making a new friend -- Why it’s always, always better to give than take If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#77: A Master Class on Product Development Process with Innovatemap

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:44:34 GMT

The product development process needs far more than just an exciting idea and money. Your idea is just the beginning. You also need a team to get it out of the dream phase, and a plan to keep it on track. Not to mention, a marketing strategy that clearly defines the problem to your audience—and why your product is the solution. Today on the Igniting Startups podcast, you’ll learn how to take a product from concept to market. Joining us are two veterans in the field of new product development. First up, we have Mike Reynolds, founder and CEO of digital product agency Innovatemap. In just five years, Innovatemap has helped more than 125 startups, scale-ups, and tech-enabled large businesses launch, manage, and market beautiful digital products. In fact, six clients have already reached an exit. Joining Mike is Christian Beck, executive partner at Innovatemap. There, he has built a successful career working with tech companies and startups to build out design teams. Beck also helps startups strategize the right approach to get them through the product development life cycle. Between these two, you’ll get a master class in understanding the product development process. We will cover how to find out if your idea has any legs, what a product agency can do to help that idea develop, and the different roles design, management, and marketing play in developing a product. In this episode on the product development process, you will learn: -- What a results-driven product development process is … and isn’t. -- How to go through product design and development with success. -- The advantages of using a digital product development agency. -- How to decide if going through a new product development process is worth it. -- The importance of feedback throughout the product development cycle. -- Why the idea needs to be drawn out to some degree before beginning. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#76: Inside Corporate Innovation and Startup Collaboration with Chris Gray of Cummins

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:00:33 GMT

Corporate innovation marks an enormous opportunity for tech companies today. Large organizations are embracing innovation and disruption to stay competitive in their industries, sometimes partnering with startups that can provide efficient solutions. But these partnerships can be tricky to manage, as startups and corporations tend to work at different speeds and often have goals that aren’t clearly aligned. Fortunately, our guest on this episode is one of those rare tech professionals who understands innovation from the perspective of both startups and enterprises. Chris Gray is a director of the Electrification Digital Accelerator at Cummins, a global corporation based in Columbus, Indiana. There, he works to innovate the technology and processes of a 58,000-person company. He’s also led innovation on the startup side, founding and running an EdTech startup for seven years before joining Cummins. Thanks to his dual perspective, Chris knows what it takes for large companies and startups to work harmoniously toward corporate innovation. He helps us break down the nitty-gritty of corporate innovation in this episode, explaining how corporations and startups can find each other, and how they can work together in a mutually beneficial way. He also shares insights on the problems each side can encounter in an innovation partnership—and how to recover from them. In this episode on corporate innovation with Chris Gray of Cummins, you’ll learn: -- The importance of creating a vision for both startups and large corporations. -- Why startups should “plant seeds” with a variety of potential corporate partners. -- Tips to avoid wasting time on a partnership that goes nowhere. -- The best way to approach a pilot from both a startup and corporate perspective. -- How the most successful corporations foster cultures of innovation and disruption. -- Why commitments to diversity and inclusion are especially important for large organizations. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#75: How Thought Leadership Marketing Wins Customers with Chris Lucas and Nick Tippmann

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 04:11:50 GMT

Thought leadership marketing goes far beyond solidifying your industry expertise and authority. What’s more important (and more difficult) is establishing trust and influence. This is what creates an entry point for your customers. It’s often not a quick process, but when done right, it builds a steadily filling funnel of warm leads. On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, we’ll look at how to establish yourself—or another influencer at your company—as a thought leader in your industry. We have two experts on the subject to help you out. First is Chris Lucas, vice president of national PR agency BLASTmedia, who has a built his career on helping SaaS companies find their voice. Also joining us is Nick Tippmann, vice president of marketing at Midwest startup Greenlight Guru. Through smart use of thought leadership marketing, Nick positioned one of his company’s founders as a leading influencer in the medical device industry—and subsequently spurred impressive growth. Together, these two experts provide great complementary perspectives on thought leadership marketing. We’ll cover how your company can find it’s marketing foundation, and then build thought leadership by identifying niches, filling them with the right messaging, and delivering those messages over the right channels. In this episode on thought leadership marketing with Nick Tippmann and Chris Lucas, you’ll learn: -- The role of a thought leader in your marketing strategy. -- How to find a need in the market you can build a foundation around. -- How to figure out your message, and the best communication channels to use. -- What it takes to achieve thought leadership that drives conversions. -- How to set your business apart from the competition in an audience-friendly way. -- Where to find information that tells you how best to communicate with your audience. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#74: How to Promote Company Culture Through Clever Marketing w/ Max Yoder and Kyle Lacy of Lessonly

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 01:04:09 GMT

A well-defined company culture serves several purposes. First, it lays out the values that drive the company’s success. Second, it helps employees understand how to create that success. Third, it tells the world what makes the company unique. That last point is the focus of this episode of the Igniting Startup podcast. We explore how to promote company culture as a unique part of your overall marketing strategy. We’ve brought on two experts to help us dive into the subject today. Max Yoder, CEO, and Kyle Lacy, vice president of marketing, are two of the bright minds behind Lessonly, an Indianapolis startup that creates web-based learning software for organizations of all sizes. By hard-wiring company values like “do better work” and “share before you’re ready” into their product and marketing, Lessonly sells its customers a philosophy as well as a training solution. Max and Kyle have successfully transformed Lessonly’s culture into a movement that has culminated in Max’s new book, Do Better Work, releasing next month. Max, Kyle, and I talk in-depth on how to promote company culture and the marketing strategies that have gotten Lessonly to where it is today. We discuss how to build an extraordinary culture in the first place, and how to intentionally and intelligently market that culture to customers. You’ll also get a taste of what to expect in Max’s upcoming book and a preview of the talk that Kyle will deliver as one of the presenters at our MarTech Madness Pitch Night on February 28. In this episode on how to promote company culture with Lessonly executives Max Yoder and Kyle Lacy, you’ll learn: --- The importance of building your marketing around your company’s why. --- How marketing your culture can differentiate your company from competitors. --- Why your product should provide more than just ROI for customers. --- When writing a book might be a good marketing strategy for your company. --- How to build a culture that encourages trust, honesty and creativity. --- The story behind Lessonly’s Ollie Llama mascot and Golden Llama award. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#73: Why Employer Branding Matters, and How to Scale It with Tiffany Sauder of Element Three

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 01:04:41 GMT

Branding. It’s one of the most important elements of any company, but it’s also something startup owners might not know how to go about creating. Fortunately, our guest on this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast is a leading expert on all things related to brand (including employer branding). She breaks branding down to its simplest components for time-strapped founders. Tiffany Sauder is the founder and president of Element Three, a full-service marketing agency in Indianapolis. In just 13 years, Tiffany has grown the company into the largest marketing agency in all of Indiana and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company for five years running. And beginning today, Element Three has partnered with Powderkeg to help tech companies between the coasts build their brands and attract the customers and talent they need to grow. Tiffany joins us for something of a beginner’s guide to startup branding, focusing in part on a less-talked-about subject of employer branding. Over the course of our conversation, we talk about how to start building both external-facing and internal-facing branding for your company, how to scale that branding and instill your values into every level of management, and why you might want to find a mascot for your company. We also preview our upcoming MarTech Madness Pitch Night on February 28, which Tiffany will emcee as the evening’s host. (Get your ticket here!) In this episode on employer branding with Element Three President Tiffany Sauder, you’ll learn: --- How to start building a unique brand for your startup. --- The minimal brand identity that every company should have. --- Why employer branding is a necessity for any fast-growing organization. --- Proven strategies for creating and scaling an effective employer brand. --- How a strong support system can push you to realize your full potential. --- What’s next for Tiffany and Element Three as the company grows. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#72: How to Grow Your Business Through Strategic Acquisition with Jessica Mah and Tom Gabbert

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 04:46:37 GMT

Imagine you’ve founded a business and led it to profitability. Your growth plan is working, your company culture is strong, and there’s a clear path to sustained prosperity. But you discover another business owner whose vision complements yours. Then you meet, and slowly the idea of joining forces becomes a real possibility. Do you stay the course, or explore a deal? That scenario mirrors the one Tom Gabbert, founder and managing director of mAccounting, and Jessica Mah, founder and CEO of inDinero, found themselves in. Each had developed a healthy respect for what the other was building, yet it took time navigate if it made sense to bring their companies. For starters, one was a software company, the other a services company. One was headquartered in the Midwest, the other on the West Coast. But for Jessica and Tom, the potential synergies (not to mention culture fit) made it worth navigating such obstacles. On today’s episode, they discuss how their visions intersected, and what excited each of them about their companies joining forces. In this episode with Jessica Mah and Tom Gabbert, you’ll learn: --- How Jessica Mah first pitched inDinero to investors, and how her vision evolved after. --- How technology and outsourcing have rapidly changed the accounting industry. --- What impressed Tom Gabbert so much about Jessica Mah and inDinero. --- Why inDinero, a software company, felt it made sense to acquire a services company. --- Why you should focus on your vision, not what you think investors will like. --- The synergies of mAccounting and inDinero, and how culture fit impacts a merger. --- How outsourced financial services help companies stay exit- and transaction-ready. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#71: From Failure to Success: How Global Entrepreneur Kamran Elahian Co-founded 3 Unicorns

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 16:52:11 GMT

It wasn’t long ago that world-changing technology could only be built in a few places, by a few people, at prohibitively high costs. But that time has passed. High-speed internet and cloud computing have opened opportunities for people everywhere to build disruptive technologies at reasonable cost. The inspiring story of global tech entrepreneur Kamran Elahian shows not only how world-changing technology can be built by anyone from anywhere, but how also going from failure to success can be a joyous experience at every step. Elahian is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, venture capitalist, and self-described “innovation catalyst” who’s co-founded and scaled 10 companies leading to 6 exits, 3 unicorns, and $8 billion in market value. Building on his long career in Silicon Valley, Elahian now serves as chair of Global Innovation Catalyst, where he’s helped 38 governments around the world create innovation ecosystems so their countries can grow and thrive in the 21st century and beyond. As part of our Innovation Series collaboration with Kenzie Academy, Kamran Elahian flew out from San Francisco to join us for a candid chat about his entrepreneurial career. He also shares how he went from failure to success when he easily could have slid into a victim’s mindset. In this episode, Kamran details his journey from growing up in Iran to becoming a prolific Silicon Valley entrepreneur. He also defines his concept of “iTechpreneurship,” and explains what it means to be an innovation catalyst and “entrepreneur without borders.” In this episode with serial entrepreneur and innovation catalyst Kamran Elahian, you’ll learn: --- Why creating chaos and disruption is the best way to avoid chaos and disruption. --- How high-speed internet has changed the face of global tech innovation. --- How failure can teach you about your personal strengths and weaknesses. --- The importance of not “playing the victim” in life and business. What Kamran is doing today to advance tech entrepreneurship around the world. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#70: Why Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility Are Good Business: Josh Driver and Selfless.ly

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 04:25:47 GMT

With 2019 well underway, our third and final Pitch Night in-between-isode should be helpful for founders busy planning their startup’s goals and milestones for the year. The subject is social impact and the positive business results it can deliver, from sales to talent acquisition, when done correctly. Corporate social responsibility has become a major concern in the world today. Customers want to patron companies that give back to their communities. In fact, a study from Deloitte found that 87 percent of consumers use social impact metrics when deciding which product to buy. Corporations, large businesses,and even startups can bolster their public images and win customers by sharing the wealth with nonprofits and other charitable organizations. This is exactly what Selfless.ly and its CEO, Josh Driver, want to help companies do. Selfless.ly’s online platform removes the logistical roadblocks that often hinder an organization’s social impact efforts, such as managing volunteer time off and matching employee donations. Made for companies of all sizes, all industries, and at all stages, Selfless.ly helps businesses master social impact and do good more easily and efficiently. Josh presented this pitch last October at our “Diversity, Inclusion, and the Future of Tech Pitch Night,” which was hosted by fellow entrepreneur Kelli Jones and featured a special panel of diversity experts in addition to our startup advisors. Josh’s pitch demonstrates why companies should be proactive about corporate social responsibility and explains how robust social impact initiatives can ultimately boost their revenue. In this episode with Josh Driver of Selfless.ly, you’ll learn: --- Why corporate social responsibility is good for a company’s bottom line. --- What Selfless.ly is doing to help organizations grow their social impact. --- How nonprofits and charities can benefit from Selfless.ly’s referral program. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#69: How to Pour a Beer Investors Will Love: Josh Springer and Bottoms Up Beer Dispenser

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 03:11:08 GMT

We’re back with another special Pitch Night episode! This time, we’re exploring what successful tech disruption looks like in an industry not typically known for innovation or adoption of new technology: food and beverage, or F&B. Specifically, can technology show us how to pour a beer better? There’s far more at stake than maximizing the taste of your favorite brew. The average draft beer system delivers a surprisingly inefficient pour. About 30 percent of every keg is wasted on average, adding up to nearly $2 billion in wasted beer each year. Josh Springer, founder and CEO of Bottoms Up Beer, invented brand new technology to fix this problem. As the name implies, Bottoms Up’s innovative draft beer dispenser fill glasses from the bottom, through a special magnetically-sealed hole in the base. The result? Beers can be “poured” faster and hands-free, waste is cut to about two percent, and businesses increase their venue by 30 percent. Josh presented this unique (and funny) pitch on how to pour a beer that maximizes profit at a recent Powderkeg event cohosted with Cintrifuse. We’ve once again included the follow-up Q&A with the evening’s advisors in this episode of the podcast. On top of providing a few laughs, it should illustrate the huge potential for tech disruption in the food and beverage space and other traditionally non-tech industries. In this episode with Josh Springer of Bottoms Up Beer, you’ll learn: --- What’s wrong with the way every restaurant and bar serves beer. --- How Bottoms Up increases its customers’ revenues by 30 percent or higher. --- The unique opportunity for advertisers built into every Bottoms Up glass. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#68:How Disrupting Computer Science Education Makes Better Software Engineers: Prah Veluvolu & Mimir

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 03:42:07 GMT

With the year coming to a close and the holiday season in full swing, we at Powderkeg wanted to give you something special in this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast. For any listeners who’ve never had the pleasure of attending one of our pitch nights, we thought it would be fun to give you a sense of what it’s like to be there in person. And we picked a very timely pitch to share: how disrupting computer science education can help fill the tech talent shortage, especially the demand for software engineers. You’re probably familiar with the massive tech talent shortage that’s currently making it tough for companies to hire and retain skilled tech workers. Our recent EdTech + Talent Pitch Night touched on this issue, featuring one founder whose company helps universities scale their computer science education. Or put more bluntly, he helps schools graduate more software engineers in less time—all while improving their grades. That founder is Prahasith Veluvolu (“Prah” to his friends), CEO of Mimir. His edtech startup doesn’t stop at helping colleges such as UCLA and Michigan State improve their computer science education programs, either. It also connects their graduates with high-growth companies looking for software engineers and developers. In addition to Prah’s pitch, you’ll hear insightful questions and feedback from four tech professionals who served as our panel of advisors. Not only will you get to experience the energy and excitement that characterizes every Powderkeg Pitch Night, but you’ll also come away with a better understanding of how startups like Mimir can help you hire your own skilled tech talent. In this episode with Prahasith Veluvolu of Mimir, you’ll learn: --- What Mimir is doing to facilitate better tech education. --- How Mimir helps companies find the skilled tech talent they need. --- Insights from our panel of experienced tech professionals. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#67: How to Create a Minimum Viable Product Development Process with Andrew Goldner of GrowthX

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 04:30:37 GMT

Launching a tech product can be a very rocky road for a startup. Technical issues are common, and user feedback during the early days of rollout is often focused around bugs and glitches rather than the product’s core features. This makes it difficult for teams to hone in on what’s working and what isn’t, which can delay the process of reaching product-market fit. And this all wastes a startup’s most valuable resource: time. For these reasons, our guests on today’s episode of the Igniting Statups podcast believe the traditional process for developing a minimum viable product (MVP) is broken. The first is Andrew Goldner, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and founder of GrowthX, an investment firm that helps organizations commercialize innovation through capital, talent and know-how. Joining him is Sashank Purighalla, CEO of BOS Framework, which provides a pre-built suite of APIs, plugins and UI components for startups that are building software applications. According to Andrew and Sashank, the MVP process shouldn’t just be about building software—it should be about evaluating the market and creating a product that solves a real need. By leveraging in-depth research and tools that jump-start technical development, startup teams can discover what their market needs and spend their valuable resources building that solution. That means reaching product-market fit, revenue and profitability sooner, which could make the difference between startup growth and startup death. In this episode with Andrew Goldner and Sashank Purighalla, you’ll learn: -- Why a successful product has to do more than sound interesting. -- Reasons why venture funding might be the wrong choice for a startup. -- How GrowthX is fueling venture capital growth outside Silicon Valley. -- The big problem with the traditional MVP process. -- The benefit of market acceleration programs for discovering market truth. -- How a pre-built tech framework can help companies get to product-market fit. -- Andrew’s and Sashank’s greatest hopes for entrepreneurship in middle America. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#66: How Learning to Code Ignites Your Career in Tech: LIVE with Ruben Harris and Chok Ooi

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 03:06:05 GMT

The U.S. tech industry is booming, but there’s a shortage of skilled talent to match all the new positions being created. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Center for Education Statistics have estimated there will be 1.4 million open computer science jobs in 2020 and only 400,000 computer science graduates to fill them. That means anyone with tech skills such as coding will be in great demand for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, there are many ways to learn these skills besides the traditional path of a college degree. Our two guests today are huge advocates of one popular alternative: coding schools and bootcamps. Ruben Harris, co-host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, is also the CEO of Career Karma, an organization that matches people who want to learn to code with the right support circle and coding bootcamp for their needs. And Chok Ooi, who serves as chairman for his startup AgilityIO, also runs Kenzie Academy in Indianapolis, a coding school that focuses on helping students without a prior technical background break into the industry. In this episode originally broadcast live from the Powderkeg offices at Industrious Indianapolis, Ruben and Chok discuss how learning to code can ignite your career in tech. Drawing from their insider perspectives, they explain how to begin charting your career path, how to find the coding school that’s right for you, and why coding school models devoted to diversity and inclusion will be instrumental in closing the widening tech talent gap. In this episode with Ruben Harris and Chok Ooi, you’ll learn: --- Tips for charting your career path and telling your personal story. --- How to connect with people who can help you advance your career. --- Why nontraditional education is needed to close the tech talent gap. --- What to look for when choosing a coding school. --- The clear benefits of diversity and inclusion for tech talent pipelines. --- Ruben’s and Chok’s best advice for people who want to break into tech. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#65: The Big Opportunity in Midwest Tech Startups with Chris Olsen of Drive Capital and Mike Seidle

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 03:17:55 GMT

For decades, the communities to watch for the next batch of disruptive tech companies were along the coasts in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston. But that trend has started to change. Today, you’re just as likely to find the seeds of a billion-dollar startup in Cincinnati, Nashville, or Kansas City, and the venture capital industry is taking notice. Our first guest on today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast was among the earliest investors to see the potential in Midwestern tech communities. Chris Olsen was a partner at Sequoia Capital in Silicon Valley when he discovered the incredible tech opportunities going unnoticed in the state of Ohio. He moved to Columbus and founded Drive Capital in 2013, years before most coastal VCs had caught onto the tremendous business growth happening in America’s heartland. Over the last five years, Drive Capital has invested in more than two dozen Midwestern companies, which have earned a combined $30 billion in exits. In this episode, Chris is joined by Indianapolis-based entrepreneur Mike Seidle, COO of the location-based hiring software WorkHere, to discuss the abundant startup opportunities that remain to be leveraged in Ohio, Indiana, and beyond. In this episode with Chris Olsen and Mike Seidle, you’ll learn: --- The two core pillars of impactful venture investing. --- When to take a risk on an innovative new technology. --- Why the Midwest is attracting more and more attention from investors. --- How startups can leverage local talent populations to grow their business. --- One powerful strategy for finding investors who are right for your company. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#64: LIVE from Nashville Entrepreneur Center: How Community Resources Fuel Startup Growth

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 23:10:47 GMT

Starting a company is often a solitary journey. Until they have enough traction to hire their first employees, founders tend to spend much of their time working alone. A little support for a young startup can go a long way, and that’s where community initiatives and organizations can make a tremendous impact. Today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast takes an in-depth look at how one community empowers its local tech startups and entrepreneurs. Our two guests are Brynn Plummer and Clark Buckner, staff members at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center in Nashville, Tennessee. (Buckner is also co-founder and chief creative officer of Relationary Marketing). The EC (Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s nickname in the local community) is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with the critical resources needed to create, launch, and grow a business. Following the release of the “Grit and Growth: The 2018 Tennessee Tech Census Report” and the EC’s NEXT Awards honoring local entrepreneurs and companies, my guests and I sat down to discuss the many ways Nashville enables startup success. Our conversation showcases the organizational and institutional support that communities across the country can provide for their local entrepreneurs—and how entrepreneurs can leverage a variety of community resources for business growth. In this episode with Brynn Plummer and Clark Buckner, you’ll learn: --- How entrepreneurial organizations help founders create winning business models. --- Why interpersonal networks are crucial when it comes to fundraising. --- The big difference a good culture makes for a startup. --- The many ways investing in public transportation empowers entrepreneurs. --- How to tap into your city’s unique business landscape for startup success. --- Major forces and circumstances that attract people to tech hubs. --- The kind of content you can expect from the Nashville EC’s upcoming podcast. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#63: The Tennessee Tech Census: How a Culture of Grit Fuels Four Rising Tech Communities

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 03:34:03 GMT

Building and scaling a company takes determination. It takes a team with an indomitable spirit who won’t take “no” for an answer. The same is true for tech communities. To grow and thrive, a community and all its members must display perseverance and confidence in the face of obstacles and hardship. In a word, rising tech communities need grit. The tech communities of Tennessee have grit in spades. In just the last decade, the cities of Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville have grown their tech sectors tremendously, attracting skilled entrepreneurs and talent from across the country with low business and living costs, plus excellent quality of life. The innovative startups and tight-knit communities here share a powerful culture of entrepreneurial pluck—mixed with a healthy dose of Southern hospitality—that has been a secret weapon on their combined journeys toward success. The Powderkeg team recently traveled to Nashville in Middle Tennessee to unveil the 2018 Tennessee Tech Census Report, our fifth and final census report of the year. During a special reveal event at the co-working space Center 615, we dove into the findings with six influential members of the community. We came away with a better understanding of the unique culture that has supercharged Tennessee’s tech sector and where it will lead these communities in the future. In this episode with some of Tennessee’s top tech entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders, you’ll learn: ---- Meaningful ways heartland cities can invest in their tech communities. ---- How changing investment dynamics are benefitting rising tech hubs. ---- Why a good company culture is the best hiring asset for a startup. ---- What to look for and what to avoid in a corporate partnership. ---- Ideas and strategies for building a culture that goes beyond lip service. ---- Some of the most innovative startups in Tennessee to keep on your radar. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

# 62: How to Build Turnkey HR Processes with Dawn Lively of Fullstack & Mike Kelly of DeveloperTown

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 12:00:08 GMT

When you’re busy building an innovative tech company, your time is at a premium. Crucial concerns like developing your product and finding customers usually take center stage, making it easy to put off the more mundane matters of payroll and benefits for your employees. But ignoring these HR issues for too long could seriously hurt your startup when it comes time to scale up. Our two guests today have years of experience dealing with HR processes in startups and fully understand how important they can be. The first is Mike Kelly, a serial entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of DeveloperTown, which helps companies large and small build and launch tech products. Joining him is Dawn Lively, a long-time HR professional and COO of FullStack, a turnkey HR solution designed especially for emerging tech companies. On this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, Dawn and Mike explain why founders need to think about their HR policies and walk me through the essential processes any fast-growing startup should have in place to compete and grow in their market. We discuss how to keep teams running efficiently with clear-cut management processes, what policies you need to prioritize to hire and retain skilled talent, and which tasks you should try to outsource to HR service providers when you’re able. In this episode with Dawn Lively and Mike Kelly, you’ll learn: Why tech companies need good HR practices to attract and retain talent. --- How to balance your HR policies for the best impact on your team. --- Strategies and advice for building a winning company culture. --- How to handle performance reviews and the ideal way to let an employee go. --- Which team management and HR tasks you should try to outsource. --- The power of team rituals for developing culture. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#61: The Denver and Boulder Tech Censuses: How Investing in Culture Powers Thriving Tech Communities

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 12:00:23 GMT

Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Denver and Boulder have long been popular destinations for people in search of beautiful scenery, fresh air, good food and healthy living. And over the past decade, they’ve also become choice cities for entrepreneurs looking to build the next generation of innovative tech companies outside Silicon Valley. Bolstered by the influence of the global seed accelerator Techstars and the local presence of large corporations like Comcast, Amazon and Google, Denver and Boulder have attracted a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem that thrives on their tight-knit communities and high standards of living. Together, these economically-connected urban centers illustrate how “lifestyle cities” can successfully grow and compete against larger, more established tech environments. Just last week, the Powderkeg team traveled to Denver to unveil the findings from the 2018 Denver and Boulder Tech Census Reports, the latest in our series of inaugural censuses of rising tech communities between the coasts. While there, we spoke with eight influential members of the Denver and Boulder tech communities to break down how far the two cities have come, what factors have powered their growth and what obstacles they must overcome on their path to continued success. In this episode with some of Denver and Boulder’s top tech entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders, you’ll learn: ---How much a fledgling tech community can grow and evolve in five years. --- Why every tech ecosystem should be focused on attracting diverse talent. --- How a “give first” mentality among investors can lift entrepreneurial communities. --- The lifestyle city superpower for attracting entrepreneurs and tech talent. --- Tactics for large corporations to help lift up the startups in their ecosystem. --- Expert community-building advice for cities on the brink of a tech explosion. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

# 60: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Future for Tech: A Conversation with Four Local Leaders

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 12:00:03 GMT

Diversity and inclusion are arguably the most important issues in tech culture right now. Companies on and between the coasts, from startups to global corporations, recognize more and more the positive impacts of improving diversity and inclusion. In fact, our tech censuses in Indianapolis and Cincinnati this year revealed that it’s the top-ranked social issue by members of both communities. Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders are making efforts to honestly assess the state of diversity and inclusion in tech and, more importantly, determine how to create a brighter and more inclusive future. With this national trend in mind, we held a special pitch night in Indianapolis earlier this month called “Diversity, Inclusion, and the Future of Tech.” As part of our programming, we brought on a guest host and a panel of three champions for diversity in the local community. The conversation was so timely and full of wonderful insights that we decided it needed to be shared with the entire Powderkeg community. In this episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, Kelli Jones of Givelify leads Danielle Vetter of Cummins, Kelly Schwedland of Elevate Ventures and Rochelle Olaleye of Salesforce in assessing the state of diversity and inclusion in tech today. Over the course of an inspirational and informative discussion, they ultimately explain what entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders can do to help make their companies and communities more diverse, more inclusive, and more welcoming of different perspectives. And it’s not about optics. It’s about building high-performing companies that attract the best talent and understand their customers’ needs. In this episode with four champions for diversity and inclusion in tech, you’ll learn: --- Keyways companies can empower team managers to drive diversity and inclusion. --- How diverse founders can build “venture-backable” companies to help secure funding. --- Strategies for weaving diversity and inclusion into your company’s day-to-day operations. --- The best hiring practices for attracting and retaining diverse talent. --- Why you should make time to listen to everyone on your team. --- The crucial role training plays in promoting diversity and inclusion. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#59: Unveiling the Cincinnati Tech Census: Building a World-Class Tech Community Between the Coasts

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:00:49 GMT

Building a mature, flourishing tech ecosystem is far from an easy task. It takes the unwavering dedication of many talented people over many years, and success is never a guarantee. But it can be done, and those working “in the trenches” of tech entrepreneurship can look to other communities that are a few steps ahead on this journey for guidance and inspiration. Cincinnati is one such community. Nestled along the Ohio River and close to the borders of Indiana and Kentucky, Cincinnati harbors a fast-growing tech ecosystem that’s fueled by four nearby universities, large national companies such as P&G and Kroger, and dozens of innovative, venture-backed startups. The product of more than a decade of hard work and local initiatives, Cincinnati serves as a prime example of how to build a world-class tech ecosystem in the Midwest. During Techstars’ Cincinnati Startup Week, the entire Powderkeg team traveled to Cincy to unveil the findings of the just-released 2018 Cincinnati Tech Census Report. While there, we spoke with eight influential members of the Cincinnati tech community, from entrepreneurs and investors to journalists and thought leaders, to break down the factors that have powered the growth of Cincinnati’s tech sector and highlight lessons for other communities across the country. In this episode with some of Cincinnati’s top tech entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders, you’ll learn: --- Cincinnati’s secrets for attracting and retaining entrepreneurs and tech talent --- Why tech investors are committing more than ever to diversity --- The important role young people play in the growth of tech communities --- How large companies and startups can work together for mutual benefit --- Key steps a city must take to build a thriving entrepreneurial community --- A few of the most innovative Cincinnati-based startups to keep your eye on If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#58: Cross-Selling in Tech Communities with Stout Street Capital, Kirsten Moorefield & Jeb Banner

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 12:00:39 GMT

When tech startups use each other’s products and services, they give each other added opportunities to grow, and the entire startup community gets a lift. There’s good reason, then, for tech communities to support cross-selling between companies at the local, regional, and national level. Furthermore, there’s plenty that entrepreneurs, investors, and talent can do to help support this goal. Take our first guests on this episode, John Francis and Clay Gordon, the founding partners of Stout Street Capital in Denver. As venture capital fund managers, they’re dedicated to building meaningful cross-selling opportunities among their portfolio companies. Doing so enriches the startup ecosystem in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. Joining them are founders Kirsten Moorefield, COO of Cincinnati-based Cloverleaf, and Jeb Banner, CEO of the Indianapolis startup Boardable, who have each developed products centered on relationship-building and are active participants in their local tech communities. Our four guests today take us on a journey into the world of tech community cross-selling, illustrating how everyone involved in the industry can take steps to raise each other up. We discuss cross-selling from the perspective of both entrepreneurs and investors, touch on the role played by relationships and team building, and even get into some practical advice for marketing and business development. In this episode with John Francis, Clay Gordon, Kirsten Moorefield and Jeb Banner, you’ll learn: Why starting a venture capital firm is a lot like starting a company (5:50). How Stout Street Capital is helping to grow cross-selling tech networks across the country (11:50). Boardable’s best tips and strategies for marketing through affiliate networks (13:45). Why Cloverleaf’s whole business is founded on relationships and team building (24:35), Signs that your company has or hasn’t yet reached product-market fit (35:22). The best things Denver, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis have to offer for tech startups (42:04). If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#57: How to Leverage Regional Tech Differences for Fundraising Success w/ David Hall and Mike Preuss

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 12:00:16 GMT

As we discussed in our opening episode of Season 2, raising money for your startup works differently between the coasts than it does in Silicon Valley, New York, or Boston. Non-coastal founders need to build strong relationships and prove their business model if they hope to secure funding, and they also need to understand what makes their particular community tick. Because as it turns out, not all heartland tech ecosystems are created equal. This is a fact that our two guests for today’s show know all too well. David Hall is a partner at the Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, a role that has taken him around the country to meet some of the most innovative startups in America’s burgeoning tech hubs. And Mike Preuss (who has previously joined us on the podcast) is the founder of stakeholder-reporting software Visible, which helps more than 2,000 companies on six continents track and share key business metrics with investors and other business partners. Together, the two possess an intimate understanding of the ways that unique regional factors influence how entrepreneurs and investors operate. In this episode, David and Mike help us go beyond one-size-fits-all fundraising advice to explain how the characteristics of your tech community should influence the way you interact with investors and raise capital. They point out some of the most pertinent similarities and differences between regional tech hubs, break down what a healthy founder-investor relationship looks like, and ultimately illustrate how founders can use their community’s unique identity to their advantage when raising money. In this episode with David Hall and Mike Preuss, you’ll learn: -- Key similarities and differences between non-coastal tech hubs (15:46). -- An experienced investor’s high-level work and life advice for entrepreneurs (22:51). -- The benefits that thorough stakeholder reporting can provide for every startup (22:51). -- How to build a talented team and loyal customer base between the coasts (33:38). -- Proven strategies for nurturing healthy founder-investor relationships (37:33). -- How founders and investors should approach fundraising in non-coastal cities (49:16). If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#56: How to Fundraise in the Midwest w/ Venture Capitalist Don Aquilano, Shwetha Pai & Brian Powers

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:00:28 GMT

The data has shown that fundraising is a different kind of beast for Midwest-based startups. Unlike the investing scene in Silicon Valley, which is characterized by fierce competition and bullish investors, fundraising in the Midwest is grounded in a foundation of collaboration and strong relationships. There is funding out there for innovative, fast-growing tech companies in America’s heartland, but founders will struggle to secure it if they try to follow a coastal playbook. In this first episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups’ second season, we dive deep into the intricacies of fundraising in the Midwest with a new and improved episode format. Our first guest, Don Aquilano, is an Indianapolis-based venture capitalist who started his career at major firms in New York. With his decades of experience between the East Coast and Midwest tech ecosystems, he has an intimate understanding of the national investment landscape. He’s joined by Shwetha Pai and Brian Powers, two experienced startup founders who bring knowledge of what it’s like “in the trenches” for Midwest tech entrepreneurs today. Together, our three guests paint an in-depth picture of the non-Valley fundraising landscape and offer invaluable tips and strategies for finding funding the Midwestern way. Don, Shwetha, and Brian discuss such pressing topics as why you should or shouldn’t seek funding for your startup, which investors you should talk to and how to build relationships with them, and what the current state of Midwest tech investing says about the future. In this episode with Don Aquilano, Shwetha Pai and Brian Powers, you’ll learn: *Statistics that show why Midwest tech investing is on the rise (5:37). *How to start building relationships with investors before you fundraise (14:02). *Reasons why your startup should or should not seek funding (20:47). *Who you should raise from and how to approach dealings with coastal VCs (31:47). *What makes Cincinnati a great place to grow a tech startup today (37:19). Please enjoy this conversation with Don Aquilano, Shwetha Pai and Brian Powers! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#55: Investor Updates: The What, Why, and How w/ Ari Newman of Techstars and Mike Preuss of Visible

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:00:14 GMT

If your startup has secured funding or you’re currently seeking it, then you may have heard about the importance of investors updates. Keeping your investors informed about what’s going on within the company helps them better advise you and can directly benefit your business in the long run. However, exactly when and how to do this can be a bit confusing for first-timers, so we’ve brought on two experienced guests for today’s show to clear up the particulars. Our first guest, Ari Newman, is a Partner at the venture arm of startup accelerator Techstars, where he has advised and invested in dozens of startups over the last six years. He’s joined by Mike Preuss, co-founder and CEO of Visible, which sells robust stakeholder reporting software in use by more than 2,000 businesses around the world. Together, Ari and Mike have an intimate understanding of the investor-entrepreneur relationship and how they can most effectively communicate with each other. In this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, Ari and Mike offer their most valuable insider info on how to gather vital company metrics and share them with your investors, your team members and other important stakeholders. We also get into some of the “big picture” topics surrounding metrics reporting, such as why you always need to be honest and how a thorough reporting process will help your business succeed. In this episode with Ari Newman and Mike Preuss, you’ll learn: *The biggest mistakes to avoid when pitching your company to investors *How to craft timely investor updates that will benefit your business *Why you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes as an entrepreneur *The importance of transparency even when you only have bad news *How Visible helps companies track and report key metrics Please enjoy this conversation with Ari Newman and Mike Preuss! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#54: Superconnector Secrets: How to Stop Networking and Start Connecting with Scott Gerber

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 12:00:15 GMT

No one likes the person at the conference or cocktail hour who’s only interested in promoting their company and handing out business cards. This shameless “networker” mentality will not only annoy everyone else in the room, but also hurt your business by burning bridges with potential collaborators. Fortunately, serial entrepreneur Scott Gerber is an expert on the other way to build business relationships—the way of the “connector.” Scott has based his whole career on business relationships and helping other people build them. As the co-founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) and The Community Company, he’s spent nearly a decade helping entrepreneurs and global brands alike intelligently grow their networks. And in his recently released book “Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter,” he explains why taking the long view on relationship-building and being a connector instead of a networker will ultimately lead to greater success. In this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, Scott shares how to use the “superconnector” mindset and strategies to create meaningful relationships that fuel business growth. You’ll learn the importance of generosity in being an effective connector, how to more easily spot “takers” in business and life, and how to be the “Sherlock Holmes of discourse” to get the most out of every conversation you have. In this episode with Scott Gerber, you’ll learn: *How self-audits can help you move past your biggest failures (4:55) *Why it’s better to be a connector than a networker (17:04) *How to spot a “taker” who’s only interested in what they can get from you (26:25) *Proven superconnector strategies for building business relationships that matter (29:43) *The role generosity plays in a successful career and a fulfilling life (41:20) *What your family can teach you about giving to others (44:48) Please enjoy this conversation with Scott Gerber! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#53: Why Tech Census Data Is Critical to Startup Growth Between the Coasts - A Roundtable Talk

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 12:00:05 GMT

If you want a tech community to grow, develop and thrive, it helps to know where it stands right now—how far it’s come, what advantages it has and what’s still holding it back. That’s exactly why Powderkeg teamed up with Raidious, an enterprise-grade digital marketing agency, and a slew of other organizations earlier this year to take the temperature of the tech community in our hometown of Indianapolis, IN. The results of our research were compiled in the first-ever Indianapolis Tech Census Report and released to the public back in February. Drawing on responses from 359 tech professionals, entrepreneurs and investors representing 138 companies in the Greater Indianapolis area, the census uses a combination of hard data and interviews with industry insiders to paint an accurate picture of the Indy tech ecosystem as it stands today. For this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, I gathered a few of Indy’s most innovative tech entrepreneurs and business leaders to break down the report and get at the root of what’s good and what’s not so good about the state of Indianapolis tech. We shed light on the secrets behind Indy’s rapid tech growth, explore possibilities for bringing more investment capital into the city and share our best strategies for building more diverse and inclusive teams—in Indianapolis or in any tech community across the country. If you’d like access to all the growth and development insights the 2018 Indianapolis Tech Census Report has to offer, click here to download a copy free of charge. And if you want to help us compile a report on the tech ecosystem in your city, get in touch with us here! In this episode with four visionary Indianapolis tech leaders, you’ll learn: *Secrets behind the rapid growth of the Indianapolis tech community (8:30) *What tech communities can do to overcome a shortage of investment capital (20:12) *Why building relationships in your community is the best way to grow your business (26:41) *Strategies for finding and developing young professional to close the tech talent gap (31:21) *How to drive diversity and inclusivity in your company and the whole tech industry (40:28) Please enjoy this conversation about the Indy Tech Census Report with Danielle McDowell, John Qualls, Haley Altman and Yaw Aning! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#52: Remote Work 2 - Liam Martin of Time Doctor & Staff.com on Benefits, Obstacles, & Best Practices

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 10:19:42 GMT

Here at Powderkeg, we believe the rising remote work movement goes hand-in-hand with our mission to connect the amazing tech communities growing and thriving across the country. In a previous episode of the podcast, the CEO and COO of Indianapolis-based Formstack shared how they built an exceptional remote culture spanning seven countries. Today, serial entrepreneur Liam Martin joins us to share some remote work secrets of his own. Liam is no stranger to managing a remote team. As co-founder of employee time-tracking software Time Doctor and Staff.com, Liam oversees a team of over 80 people living in 27 countries around the world. He and his team were also behind Running Remote 2018, the first global conference on building and scaling remote teams, back in June. In this second episode on remote work, Liam shares tactical tips and strategies that will change how you think about going remote. We discuss the huge benefits and noteworthy obstacles of managing a distributed team, dive into the critical importance of clear processes and documentation, and even touch on the pros and cons of synchronous vs. asynchronous communication. In this episode with Liam Martin, you’ll learn: *His remote work experience that inspired the creation of Time Doctor and Staff.com. *Why data analysis plays a key role in developing remote work best practices. *Strategies for leveraging remote work to drive employee satisfaction at your company. *The importance of clear processes and documentation within a remote business. *Why asynchronous communication tools may be the right choice for your remote team. *How Running Remote aims to educate and empower remote-first companies. Please enjoy this conversation with Liam Martin! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#51: Why Working Moms Make Great Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Employees with Sarah Lacy of Pando

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 19:49:13 GMT

Let’s face it: In the tech world, motherhood is often viewed as something undesirable. Many employers and professional women think that having children will distract them from work, decrease their productivity, and make them less effective leaders. But what if the opposite is true? What if working moms actually make some of the very best entrepreneurs, investors, and employees? This is the opinion of Sarah Lacy, a Silicon Valley tech journalist turned entrepreneur. After writing and editorial stints at TechCrunch and Businessweek, Lacy launched PandoDaily, a web publication offering analysis and commentary on the Bay Area tech community, in 2012. She’s also the author of three books focusing on tech and entrepreneurship. Her most recent title, "A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug," focuses on empowering professional women and proving through cold, hard data that working moms are often better at their jobs than their childless peers. Lacy flew out to the Powderkeg headquarters in Indianapolis, IN for this candid and inspiring interview. During our conversation, she shares her thoughts on the importance of good role models, evidence that working moms are some of the best people you can hire or invest in, and strategies for getting and keeping them on your team. She also shares some exciting behind-the-scenes info on her latest company, Chairman Mom, a guilt-free, judgment-free, and troll-free community for professional women and moms. In this episode with Sarah Lacy, you’ll learn: * How good role models inspire people to live up to their full potential (5:25) * Why Millennial women will be instrumental in driving workplace gender reform (16:10) * Research that proves working mothers actually outperform their peers (21:59) * Strategies for attracting working moms to your team and making them feel valued (30:05) * About Chairman Mom and its mission to support and empower women professionals (37:12**) Please enjoy this conversation with Sarah Lacy! If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

#50: Secrets to Industry Disruption w/ Voicemail Inventor Scott Jones, w/Summer Crenshaw & Ry Walker

Tue, 15 May 2018 15:11:45 GMT

And…we’re back! Powderkeg: Igniting Startups returns after a brief hiatus with something of an experiment ahead of season two of the podcast. (We’re calling it an “in-between-isode.”) This show features a Q&A-meets-pitch event featuring one veteran entrepreneur and two founders who are earlier in their journey and have exciting startups of their own. Our first guest is Scott Jones, a serial tech entrepreneur and investor who’s perhaps best known as the inventor of voicemail (yes, you read that right), co-founder of Gracenote and ChaCha, and Chairman of the Indianapolis-based coding bootcamp Eleven Fifty Academy. Joining him are two entrepreneurs from Cincinnati: Summer Crenshaw, co-founder and COO of the recruitment app Tilr, and Ry Walker, CEO of the data engineering platform Astronomer. After diving into a few of the highlights and key lessons from Scott’s storied career, we give Summer and Ry a chance to pitch their companies and receive real-time feedback and actionable advice. In the process, Scott shares his expert strategies that should be of use to every entrepreneur, such as how to disrupt your space by “cross-pollinating” ideas from other industries and when to explore new business ideas versus when to go all-in on your best one. (P.S. All three of our guests will also be featured at the upcoming Fuse50 conference in Cincinnati on May 17, which we’re hosting in collaboration with Cintrifuse. This is part of Powderkeg’s new event series designed to help “fuse” together all of the awesome tech hubs growing and thriving outside Silicon Valley. In this episode with Scott Jones, Summer Crenshaw and Ry Walker, you’ll learn: --- How Scott became a successful serial entrepreneurial by always thinking outside the box (5:26) --- The secret to learning quickly and innovating in a space that’s brand new to you (10:25) --- How tilr is using tech to disrupt an industry that’s stuck in its ways (17:13) --- Tried-and-true tips for cross-pollinating ideas between industries (26:15) --- Why Astronomer thinks it’s time for a revolutionize data collection and management (28:50) --- Expert advice on when to explore new ideas and when to put your eggs in one basket (34:52) --- The most important things to do when you start scaling your company (42:37) --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#49: Mastering Remote Work Cultures and Company Acquisitions with the CEO and COO of Formstack

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:27:20 GMT

Modern technology has made telecommuting and working remotely easier than ever before, opening the door for businesses to find and hire the best talent no matter where in the world they live. However, Chris Byers and Dustin Sapp will tell you that hiring the right people is only the first step; building an exceptional culture to support your remote team is equally important. Byers and Sapp are CEO and COO of Formstack, an Indianapolis tech company that provides easy-to-use, online form-building software for 15,000 customers around the world. Although Formstack maintains an office of about 30 employees at its Indianapolis headquarters, the other 70% of its workforce live in 75 cities and seven countries around the globe. The team at Formstack has worked hard to create a culture that accounts for the unique benefits and challenges of remote work, empowering every employee to do their best work in spite of physical distance. In our interview, Chris and Dustin share many of Formstack’s secrets for building world-class remote cultures. They explain the importance of fostering genuine relationships between team members, how to do this through face-to-face and virtual interactions, and why the team must always be aligned around the company’s vision. As an added bonus, we also discuss Formstack’s just-announced acquisition of Visual Antidote and how the move will fuel Formstack’s continued growth in the future. In this episode with Chris Byers and Dustin Sapp, you’ll learn: --- Why your company needs a dedicated team aligned around a core vision (10:55) --- How to build and maintain a highly effective remote work culture (19:11) --- Key reasons why your company should or shouldn’t go remote (28:00) --- Tips for overcoming the unique challenges faced by remote companies (29:43) --- The Formstack method for executing a smooth, drama-free acquisition (36:49) --- How high-growth companies can succeed and scale even without raising capital (48:13) --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#48: Rise of the Rest Roundtable Part 2: Innovation, Inclusivity and the Indiana Advantage

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 05:00:57 GMT

Last Thursday was a huge day for the Indianapolis tech community. AOL co-founder Steve Case’s Rise of the Rest tour bus stopped by, and ten high-growth startups competed for a chance to win a cool $100,000. In the end, the grand prize went to the water-testing company 120WaterAudit. The company’s CEO, Megan Glover, was among our panel of guests on last week’s episode of the Powderkeg Podcast, which you can check out here if you missed it. Even though Rise of the Rest Indy is over, the founders who pitched at the event can still provide invaluable lessons and examples for fellow entrepreneurs to follow. In this second part of our RotR Roundtable, which was recorded two weeks ago, I speak with leaders from the final five companies that pitched on stage last Thursday. Our conversation touches briefly on the innovative work these company are doing in their respective spaces before diving deeper and exploring the inspiration behind each one. The real meat of the discussion centers on some of the unexpected benefits of starting up in Indiana—a state that most people don’t traditionally associate with tech innovation—and the ways that a commitment to diversity and inclusivity have given these founders a decisive edge in their industries. In this episode with the final five RotR founders, you’ll learn: --- The innovative work each company is doing in its space --- What inspired each founder to start their business --- How Indiana’s tech ecosystems and universities have given these startups an edge --- The critical roles diversity and inclusivity have played for their companies --- How they like to prepare for an important pitch --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#47: LIVE! Rise of the Rest Part 1: Stories & Strategies from 5 Breakthrough Tech Entrepreneurs

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 05:50:51 GMT

This Thursday, AOL co-founder Steve Case’s sixth Rise of the Rest tour is making a stop in Indianapolis, IN, where Powderkeg’s headquarters are proudly located. Ten local tech companies will participate in a pitch competition that showcases the best in Indy entrepreneurship and promises a $100,000 investment for the startup that comes out on top. In anticipation of the event, I gathered all ten finalists for candid roundtable discussions about their companies, their struggles and successes, and the state of Indianapolis as an ecosystem for tech innovation. In this first half of our two-part episode, I speak with the heads of DemandJump, 120WaterAudit, PoliticalBank, Torchlite and Fuzic. Our conversation is a great introduction to a few of the high-growth companies that will be competing at the sold-out event on October 12. If you didn’t manage to snag a ticket to Rise of the Rest or don’t live in Indy, don’t worry, because Powderkeg will be broadcasting the entire event from Union 525 in downtown Indianapolis with the help of our friends at Edge Media Studios. Just visit RotR’s Facebook page on Thursday to tune into the livestream and see which company goes home with the check. Until then, enjoy our exclusive chat with these five breakthrough entrepreneurs, and check back next week for our second roundtable featuring the remaining finalists. In this episode with the first five RotR founders, you’ll learn: --- Why Indianapolis is rapidly becoming the nation’s tech nucleus --- How the success of ExactTarget paved the way for Indy’s current generation of tech startups --- Key pivots each startup has made on its journey to becoming a successful business --- How their pitches have changed to reflect the evolution of their companies --- Ways Indianapolis can still improve as a hub for global tech companies --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#46: Expert Product Design 101: A Case Study with the CEOs of Canvas and Innovatemap

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 00:43:14 GMT

A company’s product is its lifeblood. It’s the one thing most responsible for a company’s success or failure, which is why smart product design is an absolute must for every business. And truly expert-level product design goes much deeper than nailing the visual aesthetic for your website. I called in help from Aman Brar and Mike Reynolds, two respected Indianapolis-area CEOs, to unpack this very loaded and very important topic. Brar is the founder of Canvas, the first ever recruitment platform based on text messaging. Reynolds heads up Innovatemap, a product design agency that has helped more than 75 clients dream, design and scale digital products and services. The connection here is that Innovatemap worked closely with Canvas during its own product design phase, helping Brar and his team craft a stellar application and raise $1.7 million in early-stage seed funding. The story behind how Canvas got its start is a great case study for every tech company that’s in the middle of product design or is preparing to tackle it in the future. In our conversation, Aman, Mike and I cover the journey from product ideation to launch, with a strong focus on the fundamental concepts of design. We also discuss why and how to conduct high-quality market research and the important ways that product interacts with brand and culture. In this episode with Aman Brar and Mike Reynolds, you’ll learn: -- The very first steps you should take when designing a product -- Three things you should keep in mind while planning your features -- How to get the most value out of conversations with potential customers -- Specific strategies for conducting user research and blind interviews -- How to create a cohesive brand that powers your product -- Why you need to distill your “big idea” into a narrower initial product --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#45: Tech Platform Scaling & User-Generated Content Secrets w/ Sarah Adler, CTO of Spoon University

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 06:08:06 GMT

Building and scaling a tech platform is no easy task even for someone with a background and years of experience in software development, let alone a recent college grad with no formal tech education. But that’s exactly what Sarah Adler did when she co-founded Spoon University with her good friend and business partner. Setting out to build an online media platform featuring food and cooking-related content created by and for college students, Adler taught herself to code and created the first several versions of the website out of her tiny New York City apartment. The tech continued to evolve as Spoon University grew, and the platform now includes content from nearly 250 universities across the country. Scripps Network Interactive acquired the company in May, and it’s now part of the Food Network media family. As the CTO of Spoon University, Adler has become an expert on scaling online tech platforms and managing content creators. I met with her at the Spoon University offices in New York to learn all about her experiences launching and growing the company, and our conversation covered topics like how to evolve a platform consistent with user needs and how to help users create compelling, high-performing content. We even touched on the importance of meditating and making time for yourself to maintain your sanity while leading a high-growth company. In this episode with Sarah Adler, you’ll learn: -- How meditation and taking time for yourself can help you be a better entrepreneur -- How to scale your tech product by delivering what your customers want -- Spoon University’s secret strategy for helping users generate great content -- Ideas for making video content less intimidating for content producers -- Reasons why you might want to stick to a niche audience rather than broaden it -- The resources and community New York City can offer entrepreneurs and startups --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#44: How Don Wettrick of StartEdUp Teaches Life-Changing Innovation Secrets to High School Students

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 08:41:52 GMT

An education in innovative thinking can change a person’s life, opening the door to more fulfilling careers and better opportunities to make a real impact on the world. Unfortunately, it’s not something most people are likely to receive in a traditional academic setting—unless they’re a student of Don Wettrick. Wettrick is a teacher at Noblesville High School just north of Indianapolis, IN and the co-founder of StartEdUp, an organization that’s changing education by empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in the classroom. Wettrick has 20 years of experience as a middle school and high school educator, and for the past five years, he’s been developing and teaching a curriculum that encourages students to follow their passions and work on projects that truly excite and inspire them. I met with Don in Noblesville High School’s awesome Library/Innovation Center for this interview, and he shared his best innovation education secrets that learners of all ages can apply. In this episode, we discuss how to brainstorm and develop innovative ideas, how to connect with influential people through social media, and how to push through fear to do the work you're meant to do. We even speak with two of Don’s students for a closer look at how his innovation course is having a positive impact on their lives. When you’ve finished listening to this episode, I highly encourage you to check out the StartEdUp podcast, in which Don and his student co-host interview experts in education, innovation and entrepreneurship and discuss how anyone has the power to change the world and live life to the fullest. And for deeper insights into Don’s innovation course and what he’s learned from teaching it, read his book, Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level. In this episode with Don Wettrick, you’ll learn: -- Why and how he’s teaching innovation and entrepreneurship to high school students -- Proven strategies for encouraging innovative thinking in a classroom setting -- Practical tips for connecting with anyone through social media -- About his special “ROTH IRA” process for innovation education -- How two of his students have been positively impacted by his curriculum --- If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes

#43: The Visionary and The Integrator: How Co-Founders of PERQ Work Together to Supercharge Growth

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 06:29:06 GMT

A talented co-founder can be an incredible asset to an entrepreneur, providing a second set of shoulders to bear the responsibilities of business and a second opinion to test ideas against. The right co-founder can compliment your strengths, compensate for your weaknesses and make every aspect of the company better than you could make it by yourself. But don’t just take my word from it. Instead, listen to business partners, Scott Hill and Andy Medley, co-founders of the marketing tech company, PERQ. In the last episode of the Powderkeg Podcast (that’s episode 42 for those keeping count), I talked with Scott about his strength as a visionary with unique ability to see business opportunities where others can’t. Medley, on the other hand, is a masterful integrator who harnesses Hill’s visionary ideas into detailed and effective business plans. The two have leveraged their individual strengths to build PERQ into an innovative, world-class tech company in Indianapolis, IN. For this interview with Scott and Andy, I’m joined by my own business partner and the CMO of Powderkeg, Kevin Bailey. Together, we probe the PERQ cofounders for insights into their business partner relationship and get some incredible strategies for maximizing the benefits of any business partnership. Our guests share everything from advice on developing your roles as founders to tips for handling leadership disagreements and the inevitable days when you’re both feeling burnt out. I hope this episode teaches you a few invaluable lessons on harnessing the power of your co-founder or business partner relationship. Enjoy the show, and then give a shout to Scott “The Cheetah” Hill and Andy “The Horse” Medley on Twitter (@bizgamer and @andymedley, respectively) to show your appreciation for their advice and expertise! In this episode with Scott Hill and Andy Medley, you’ll learn: -- The ways a co-founder relationship can help each person develop their role -- How Scott and Andy work together as visionary and integrator -- Strategies for co-founders to deal with disagreements, bad days and burnout -- Advice for building and maintaining an outstanding company culture -- The importance of discipline and having a “harness” for your vision -- Why education and guidance are essential elements of continual business growth --- This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#42: How to Develop Your Inner Visionary Superpower with Scott Hill of PERQ

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 06:12:51 GMT

At Powderkeg, we believe every entrepreneur has their own personal superpower that makes them great at what they do. Scott Hill’s superpower is being a visionary—that is, being exceptionally capable of seeing opportunities that others can’t and understanding exactly how to prepare so he can seize them when the time is right. I met Hill at a pivotal time in my life, when I was still a college student in Bloomington, IN, and thinking about becoming an entrepreneur. Hill’s company, PERQ, was in print marketing at the time, and I was so inspired by what he was doing with his business that I committed myself to starting my own company shortly afterward. Hill later transitioned PERQ into the still-fledgling marketing tech space, taking the company in a groundbreaking new direction that has more than paid off in the years since. In this episode, Hill and I dive deep into what it truly means to be a visionary in business. We discuss some of the challenging tasks that visionary entrepreneurs are likely to undertake—such as developing an innovative product and pivoting their business to accommodate changing markets—as well as how founders can sharpen their own visionary skills (here’s a hint: it’s about practice more than anything else). We even touch on the special power that sharing stories has for entrepreneurs, which is a topic we’re both very passionate about. I hope this episode provides you with many helpful ideas for developing your own inner visionary. Follow Hill on Twitter @bizgamer for more great insights on being a visionary entrepreneur, and stay tuned to Powderkeg: Igniting Startups for more stories from innovative entrepreneurs, investors and top talent making waves outside Silicon Valley. In this episode with Scott Hill, you’ll learn: -- What it really means to be a visionary -- Tips for developing your skills as a visionary entrepreneur -- How to socialize your ideas and work toward a final product -- Actionable advice for transitioning your company into the tech space -- The power of visualizing the future you want for your business -- Why sharing stories is so important for entrepreneurs --- This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#41: Startup Fundraising 101 with Serial Entrepreneur, Investor and Innovation Expert Rachael Qualls

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 06:08:51 GMT

A brief glimpse at Rachael Qualls’ resumé will convince you that she’s a true innovator in the world of venture capital and angel investing. A brief meeting with her at a Powderkeg pitch night in Kansas City, MO, convinced me that I had to invite her on the podcast to share her deep knowledge of fundraising and investing with our community of entrepreneurs. Qualls has a decade of experience building and investing in companies, first among the flourishing tech ecosystem in Nashville, TN, and now in her hometown of Kansas City. She’s seen firsthand how difficult it is for founders to raise money, and she’s passionate about making it easier. Her current company, Venture360, aims to do this through a private equity portfolio management platform that helps entrepreneurs and investors close deals and track investments with fewer hassles. In our interview, Qualls gives in-depth and practical advice on all things fundraising, touching on such topics as researching investors, generating interest, assembling an appealing pitch deck and making a good impression at your first meeting. Qualls is also an expert on innovation, and she provides insight into the latest industry trends—online investing, crowdfunding and ICOs—and how they’re likely to revolutionize investing in the near future. This episode is packed with insider information that should provide valuable context for any founder or investor looking to increase their fundraising IQ. It should also be an enlightening resource for anyone interested in the current state of investing and the exciting places the industry is headed. In this episode with Rachael Qualls, you’ll learn: -- What it takes to scale an innovative tech business -- The biggest obstacles that prevent entrepreneurs from getting funded -- What she’s doing to get more people interested in venture and angel investing -- How the nature of investment is changing in response to tech and government legislation -- Why you should always be raising capital and detailed steps for doing so -- Expert tips for assembling your pitch deck and meeting with investors -- Why ICOs will be huge for the future of digital investing --- This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#40: Top Finance Secrets for Overcoming Healthcare Obstacles with Susan Bratton and Stryker Warren

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:15:42 GMT

The U.S. healthcare industry is in the midst of a rapid evolution to accommodate changing government legislation, market pressures and technological opportunities. The environment is ripe for disruption by innovative startups, but health tech founders face a number of unique obstacles on the road to success. In this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, I sit down with health tech entrepreneurs Susan Bratton and Stryker Warren to learn more about these obstacles and how to surmount them. Bratton is a former Wall Street investment banker of 20 years and founder of Savor Health, a personalized nutrition solution for cancer patients. Warren, on the other hand, is a former founder and CEO of numerous healthcare companies, and he now primarily advises and invests in talented health tech founders like Bratton. Thanks to their combined years of experience in healthcare, Bratton and Warren provide me an insider's guide to overcoming operational and financial constraints and building high-growth health tech companies. In addition to this industry-specific knowledge, they also share insightful tips for assembling a team, conducting market research and planning for growth that can be utilized by founders in all industries. Enjoy the episode, and reach out to us on Twitter @PowderkegCo or in the comments below to let us know how we can continue making the podcast an invaluable resource for founders and startups across the country! In this episode with Susan Bratton and Stryker Warren, you’ll learn: -- Why and how the healthcare industry is evolving -- The importance of team building, perseverance and flexibility for startup success -- Strategies for conducting market research and planning your company’s growth -- Unique operational and financial obstacles faced by healthcare companies -- Why Nashville and New York are great cities to build a company outside Silicon Valley --- This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#39: How Customer Success Can Be Your Company’s Secret Weapon with Don Aquilano and Haresh Gangwani

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 05:14:33 GMT

Following last month’s announcement that Powderkeg has officially become a product company, my team and I have been doing some intensive planning on how to build a world-class customer experience (CX). With this in mind, I sought out Haresh Gangwani of Bolstra and Don Aquilano of Allos Ventures for this episode to get the perspective and advice of two experts in the SaaS Customer Success space. Gangwani and Aquilano have a combined 30 years of customer success experience, Gangwani as a business operator and Aquilano as an advisor and investor. Gangwani previously served in various VP roles at the enterprise software company Aprimo, where he developed such a passion for helping customers get value out of a product that he later launched his own customer success SaaS startup, Bolstra. Meanwhile, Aquilano invested in and sat on the boards of both Aprimo and Bolstra, which helped him form a close working relationship with Gangwani and taught him the incredible value of customer success from a financial and advisory perspective. Our guests provided some truly invaluable insights on why and how to make outstanding customer success practices a secret weapon for your SaaS business. I know I’ll be heeding their advice as we create our new customer experience strategy for Powderkeg. Enjoy the show, and please leave us a comment below to let us know if you liked the episode! You can also reach out to Gangwani and Aquilano on LinkedIn (links below) to thank them for sharing some of their wisdom on the podcast. In this episode with Don Aquilano and Haresh Gangwani, you’ll learn: -- How Gangwani conceived of Bolstra’s customer success platform -- What a true mentor/mentee relationship looks like, and why you need one -- The big difference between customer success and customer support -- Bolstra’s process for driving customer success with their SaaS product -- Why charging for customer success actually makes economic sense -- Why you need to commit to customer success early in the life of your business --- This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast.

#38: How to Announce and Build a Tech Product on a Bootstrap Budget with DeveloperTown Partner

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 19:35:10 GMT

Last Thursday evening, in front of an audience of more than 600 tech entrepreneurs, professionals and investors, I had the privilege of making a monumental announcement. My company, Verge—a community of over 10,000 members in 8 cities across the country—is merging with Powderkeg and reinventing itself as a product company that will continue to serve this incredible community in new and exciting ways. Over the coming months, my team and I will be building a software product that will connect our members to Events, Exposure and Education in ways that have never before been possible for us. In this episode of our podcast—which will continue to be a key component of our evolving mission—we’ve decided to share the pitch I delivered last week for the reimagined Powderkeg. I also pulled aside Mike Kelly from our Indianapolis-based partner, DeveloperTown, to provide high-level feedback on our initial product ideas as well as some expert insights you can apply to your own product-building process. As we embark on our new journey at Powderkeg, we’re so thrilled to be taking our whole audience with us and listening to your feedback at every step along the way.

#37: Time-Tested Tips for Building Winning Products from Powderkeg’s Kevin Bailey and Robert Harris

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 06:53:10 GMT

My ongoing search for the best and brightest tech entrepreneurs outside Silicon Valley leads me to a lot of remarkable founders building incredible companies all around the world. But for this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, I decided I’d look closer to home and consult with a few gifted minds inside my very own office. Robert Harris and Kevin Bailey are my colleagues at Powderkeg and its parent company, Verge, and they’re also two of the smartest and most talented people I know. They both have years of experience scaling tech companies and launching multi-million dollar products, and I’m thrilled to have them serving now as my CTO and CMO, respectively. I can personally testify they’ve both done amazing work over the past few months building a new and exciting product of our own (but that’s a story for another day). Harris, Bailey and I go deep into all things product-related in this episode. From identifying market opportunities to building the first MVP and evolving the product to meet business needs, we touch on many of the important decisions you’ll need to consider throughout your product’s life cycle. As an added bonus, the two also share some exciting and hilarious stories of their past adventures in entrepreneurship and product creation. Enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to thank Harris and Bailey on Twitter @ilaunchtech and @KevinJBailey for sharing some of the wisdom and advice they’ve accumulated over the course of their impressive careers. And you should definitely consider updating your reading list with a few of the outstanding business books they recommend! In this episode with Robert Harris and Kevin Bailey, you’ll learn: -- All about their first experiences with product development -- The power of a guiding ideal, or “north star,” for your business or product -- Why you sometimes have to fundamentally change your business to scale effectively -- The role knowledge and intuition play in leading a business -- Expert advice on validating a product and identifying your target market -- Great products you can use as inspiration and guideposts in your own product development -- Their top three business book recommendations ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#36: C-Level Brand Marketing and Innovation Secrets from ExactTarget CMO Turned VC, Tim Kopp

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 03:12:14 GMT

We talk a lot about the power of great mentors here on Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, and today I’m thrilled to introduce one of the most influential mentors I’ve had in my life. Tim Kopp is an experienced brand and digital marketer who’s taught me much of what I know as well as coached me throughout my evolving entrepreneurial journey. When I first met Kopp, he was CMO at ExactTarget, the Indianapolis SaaS startup that sold to Salesforce in 2013 for $2.5 billion. Prior to his time there, Kopp spent a decade with the world-renowned marketing teams at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, working on the front lines during the digital marketing revolution. He’s now a Partner at the Indianapolis branch of Hyde Park Ventures, where he continues to coach local tech startups and connect them to the access to the capital they need to grow. Kopp has learned many innovative marketing strategies over the years, and we dig into some of his best secrets in this episode. He also shares personal stories to illustrate his points, giving me an inside look into how he handled a marketing crisis at Coca-Cola and how he revamped ExactTarget’s marketing campaigns after taking over as CMO. Kopp is more than willing to share his wealth of knowledge, which extends far beyond what we had time to discuss in this interview. For even more industry-leading marketing advice, check out his blog at CMO to VC, which covers a wide variety of topics from leadership and venture capital to sales and marketing. Then find him on Twitter @tbkopp and let him know what you think about his insights! In this episode with Tim Kopp, you’ll learn: -- Why marketers are first and foremost agents for change -- Advice for finding a career path that suits your unique abilities -- How great mentors can help you discover your next career step -- Why marketers need to identify their company’s messaging and positioning first -- Proven strategies for revamping your company’s marketing efforts -- The true work VCs do above and beyond signing checks ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#35: Expert Finance Tips to Power Your Company’s Growth from the Founders of mAccounting and Emplify

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:18:40 GMT

“Cash is king,” the old saying goes, and every entrepreneur will realize at some point along their journey that their business can’t run smoothly without a good financial model. But the intricacies of bookkeeping and accounting can be a bit daunting without a knowledgeable guide, which is why I found two to help me navigate this thorny issue. My first guest, Tom Gabbert, has 25 years of experience in financial management under his belt. He’s also the founder of mAccounting, an Indianapolis-based firm that provides controllership and CFO services to startups and small businesses that need some help with their finances. Joining him is Santiago Jaramillo, an entrepreneur based in nearby Fishers, IN and the CEO of Emplify, a mobile SaaS platform that helps companies assess employee engagement through surveys and analytics. Gabbert and Jaramillo joined me at the recording studio of one of our partners, Edge Media Studios, for Powderkeg’s first ever livestreamed episode. In this episode, we break down financing from both an accountant’s and an entrepreneur's perspective, exploring the topics of recurring revenue models, top-down vs. bottom-up business perspectives, balancing optimistic and conservative projections and much more. The nuggets of wisdom you’ll find in this episode will set you on the right track to building a money-smart business with potential to scale. And once you’re finished listening, I’d also like to point you to our free proud to offer a free financial cheat sheet, put together by our friends at mAccounting, that you’ll definitely want to look at if you have plans to raise capital anytime soon. In this episode with Tom Gabbert and Santiago Jaramillo, you’ll learn: -- Common mistakes to avoid when building your company’s financial model -- Tips for combating churn under recurring revenue models -- Why you need both top-down and bottom-up perspectives to grow your business -- How to balance optimistic and conservative financial projections -- Financial and legal considerations for companies preparing for acquisition or IPO ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#34: Blazing Your Own Trail and Strategic Risk Taking with Vidyard Co-Founder and CEO

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 06:14:53 GMT

Michael Litt (@michaellitt) is the CEO and co-founder of Vidyard, a leading provider of video hosting software for businesses and the kind of high-growth company you might expect to find in Silicon Valley. Although the company completed the prestigious Bay Area accelerator Y Combinator, it began and continues to operate in Kitchener, Ontario. CEO Michael Litt co-founded Vidyard in 2011, and the company has since raised over $60 million and gained world-class brands like LinkedIn, Lenovo, Sharp, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell and Cengage as customers. Litt credits much of Vidyard’s success to the thriving entrepreneurial communities of Kitchener and nearby Waterloo, as well as the co-op program at his alma mater, the University of Waterloo, that helped him build a company that solved a real business need. Litt and I met last year at the Salesforce user conference, Dreamforce, to record this interview. As we sat in the green room on beanbag chairs, Litt shared some of his most valuable secrets behind Vidyard’s growth. Among them are the foresight he had to take an amazing opportunity over a quick paycheck, his perseverance in the face of investors and customers saying “no,” and of course, the power that video can hold for enterprise businesses. When you’re finished listening to this week’s episode, head over to Vidyard’s website to learn more about the company and its products, and reach out to Litt on Twitter @michaellitt to tell him what you thought of the show. In this episode with Michael Litt, you’ll learn: -- How a co-op education can help you launch a successful business -- The kind of traction you can find by solving real problems in your industry -- Why you should sometimes choose a great opportunity over a large paycheck -- The most important kind of validation a startup can have -- Why you shouldn’t give up when someone says “no” -- How you can use video to pitch customers and investors ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#33: How to Level Up Your Marketing Game with Sales Funnels and Storytelling

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 02:56:12 GMT

If your business doesn’t have a clear, step-by-step process for turning curious consumers into paying customers, you could be losing revenue in missed opportunities. Fortunately, marketing whiz Russell Brunson provides expert advice in this week’s episode on capturing leads through the use of sales funnels and storytelling. Taking an early interest to marketing, Brunson has become an evangelist for sales funnels and the ability to fuel rapid business growth. His company, ClickFunnels, has helped 43,000 entrepreneurs build effective sales funnels and landing pages that attract more customers for their web-based business. ClickFunnels is on track to earn $70 million this year and is one of the several highly successful startups based in Boise, Idaho, that are putting the city on the tech map nationally. Brunson has authored two books and boasts an expertise in the critical role storytelling plays in marketing and sales. In our interview, he explains his tested and proven method for engaging audiences with the “epiphany bridge” script, recounts how ClickFunnels evolved into the high-selling SaaS product it is today and shares an underutilized sales funnel strategy that could revolutionize the way software companies market their products. After the episode, head over to RussellBrunson.com for more expert sales advice and behind-the-scenes updates on his business. I’ll also be giving away a free copy of his latest book, Expert Secrets, to one lucky listener. To be eligible to win, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought of this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups. In this episode with Russell Brunson, you’ll learn: -- How inspirations early in your life can blossom into businesses later on -- Even big mistakes can be stepping stones to success -- How ClickFunnels evolved from in-house technology to a consumer software product -- The benefits of focusing your effort and attention on a single goal -- How to engage your audience using the “epiphany bridge” script -- Why business books can be incredible tools for generating leads ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#32: How Shane Mac of Assist Raised Funding for His Startup Without Ever Asking for Money

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 11:53:47 GMT

Shane Mac, a Silicon Valley transplant from his hometown of Pekin, Illinois, is a master of building authentic relationships based on trust and personal connection. In fact, he’s so good at winning people over with his honest Midwestern brand image, that he’s learned how to raise capital without ever asking for money. I met Mac a few years ago at the Big Omaha conference in Omaha, Nebraska, and he’s consistently blown me away with his ability to grow funded companies ever since. He’s worked on the Gist and Zaarly teams, and he now runs Assist, a free-to-use travel and shopping chatbot for SMS and Facebook Messenger. This interview was recorded early last year, shortly after Mac closed a $5.5 million Series A round for Assist, which he achieved based on the strength of his professional relationships alone. Mac believes relationships are the backbone of any business venture, and he’s a devoted practitioner of what he preaches. In our interview, he shares counterintuitive but proven strategies for creating authentic connections and gaining interest in your business. He believes in closing fundraising rounds by consciously refraining from making a direct ask. He also regales me with a too-crazy-to-be-made-up story of how he closed Assist’s $500,000 seed round in five days—over a holiday break. If you like the wit and wisdom Mac shares in this interview, be sure to check out his podcast, ask., as well as his very unique and enlightening business book, Stop with the BS. Mac is very active on social media, so feel free to reach out to him on Twitter, Instagram and elsewhere @ShaneMac. In this episode with Shane Mac, you’ll learn: Why the best way to raise money is to avoid asking for it (5:16) Step-by-step strategy for attracting investors, including one crazy success story (9:18) How to build authentic business relationships based on trust (20:07) Asking someone to tell their story is the best way to get them interested in you (30:36) Why humility and gratitude are the keys to an outstanding pitch (37:45) Actionable tips for making potential collaborators like you (47:20) ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#31: Unlocking Your Company’s Potential Through Commitments to Diversity and Personal Wellness

Tue, 30 May 2017 05:30:08 GMT

Heather Hartnett took a nontraditional path to the world of venture capital, and it’s ignited a great passion for enabling social change through technology and business. She now leverages her experience to help founders build better companies through commitments to diversity, personal wellness and positive impact. Hartnett began her career in venture capital but was quickly compelled to move into the philanthropy space, where she spent five years on the board of directors for the David Lynch Foundation. When she returned to venture capital, Hartnett decided to merge philanthropy and business through the lens of impact investing. She co-founded Human Ventures, a New York-based venture studio dedicated to building tech companies that make life easier and more fulfilling. Hartnett believes a company’s impact is determined by the people who run it. In our interview, she explains the benefits of diversity and how to nurture it in the tech industry, as well as how founders can avoid burnout through meditation and care for their emotional health. Ultimately, she illustrates how companies built on solid human foundations can be extraordinary forces for positive change in the world. Take a look at the Human Ventures website to learn more about the studio’s mission and portfolio companies, reach out to Hartnett on Twitter @HeatherHartnett to thank her for sharing her wisdom and enjoy the show! In this episode with Heather Hartnett, you’ll learn: --- How a background in philanthropy can help you in business --- Why the impact of your business is determined by its people --- The obstacles “non-traditional” founders should be prepared to face --- Strategies entrepreneurs and investors can use to nurture diversity in tech --- Why you need to take care of yourself as well as your business --- Tips for diversifying your knowledge base and creating your own luck ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#30: Cooperating and Competing with Large Companies to Grow Your Startup

Tue, 23 May 2017 03:20:10 GMT

Brand marketer and venture capitalist Dave Knox is an expert in relationships between large companies and startups, as he has extensive experience working in both worlds. Knox began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he consistently pushed the envelope in terms of marketing and digital innovation, eventually spearheading the company’s development of digital business strategies. He left the company in 2010 to co-found The Brandery, a startup accelerator in Cincinnati, OH, leveraging his seven years of corporate experience to advise local founders on their entrepreneurial journeys. In addition to his work with The Brandery, Knox also serves as Managing Director of WPP Ventures and CMO of Rockfish Digital. Knox has an astute understanding of the ways startups and corporations affect each other. In our interview, he explains why startups must strategically compete and cooperate with large companies to improve their capacity for innovation and disruption—which can ultimately lead to acquisition and profitable exits. If this episode leaves you eager for more of Knox’s keen insights into corporate-startup interactions, you’ll want to pick up his new book, Predicting the Turn: The High Stakes Game of Business Between Startups and Blue Chips. Purchase the book through the publisher’s website and enter the coupon code “powderkeg” for an exclusive $10 discount on your order. As bonus, I’ll also be giving away a free copy of the book to one lucky listener who comments on this episode! In this episode with Dave Knox, you’ll learn: -- The key to building your network outside of a major tech hub -- How to avoid falling prey to large companies that can “disrupt the disruptor” -- Corporate venture capital is the new R&D -- The difference between outsiders and disruptors -- The ongoing transition toward fully digital business models -- Why startups need to engage with large companies from the beginning -- Reasons you might want to work with corporate VC organizations ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#29: Startup CEO’s Guide to Bootstrapping to Profitability and Hosting Industry-Leading Conferences

Tue, 16 May 2017 04:11:14 GMT

Clint Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Emma, a SaaS company out of Nashville, TN, that has created a new standard of success for bootstrapping businesses and hosting innovative, engaging conferences. Smith and his co-founder conceived Emma’s email marketing platform in 2002 and took out a bank loan to fund their initial growth. By developing a healthy revenue model and focusing on customer acquisition from the start, they were able to break even on their cash flow only a year and a half later. Fast forward a decade of continued growth, and the Emma team started hosting its annual Marketing United conference, which is open to all marketing professionals in addition to the company’s customers. Nearly 1,000 people attended the 2017 conference last month, allowing the team to establish deeper relationships with their customers and re-energize the larger marketing community. In my interview with Smith, he shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he scaled Emma from an idea to an innovative email marketing company without investor funding. We also chat about how the Emma team is growing Marketing United into a leading conference for marketers between the coasts. In this episode with Clint Smith, you’ll learn: -- Why hosting a conference can benefit your customers and employees -- Mistakes to avoid when hosting your conference -- How he bootstrapped Emma from idea to profitability -- Why a solid revenue model is key for a young business -- The importance of finding an outstanding advisor -- Emma’s strategies for keeping pace with innovation ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#28: FOWNDERS Guide to Millennial Motivation and Audience Building with Gerard Adams

Tue, 09 May 2017 07:17:04 GMT

The “Millennial Mentor” Gerard Adams is a thought leader for his generation and is rapidly becoming a role model for young entrepreneurs around the world. You probably know Adams as the co-founder of Elite Daily, an online news platform and the “Voice of Generation Y,” which sold to DMG Media for $50 million in January 2015. After leaving the company, Adams did some soul searching and started Fownders, a coworking accelerator in Newark, New Jersey. The Fownders program focuses not only on scaling businesses from idea to profitability, but also on developing each entrepreneur’s emotional intelligence, social skills, and leadership abilities. Adams aspires to be a true mentor to his peers, not just another businessperson selling the entrepreneurial lifestyle on social media. He comes from humble beginnings and has seen his share of highs and lows, which makes him very relatable to young entrepreneurs. In our interview, he explains why he is passionate about giving back to his community and empowering others, shares his best tips for authentically building an audience, and illustrates the power millennials have to shape the future. Adams is an active voice on social media. I highly recommend checking out his Instagram and Twitter profiles @GerardAdams, as well as his outstanding YouTube show, Leaders Create Leaders. My thanks go out to Adams for coming on the show, and I hope you find our interview as inspirational and insightful as I did. In this episode with Gerard Adams, you’ll learn: -- How his big exit inspired him to become a mentor to other entrepreneurs -- Why it’s important for entrepreneurs to give back to their community -- Best practices for building an audience -- The power millennials have to shape the future -- How a huge failure can lead to new opportunities -- What makes the Fownders program so unique ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#27: Insider’s Guide to Raising Capital and Getting Funded with CNBC’s Alicia Syrett

Tue, 02 May 2017 09:31:24 GMT

Alicia Syrett is the founder and CEO of Pantegrion Capital, a seed and early-stage angel investment firm based in New York. You might know her better as a recurring panelist on CNBC’s Power Pitch or MSNBC’s Your Business, where you’ll see her fielding high-stakes pitches and coaching small business owners. Syrett began her career in private equity and has years of experience in financial analysis, recruiting, and early-stage startup investing. She brings her wealth of knowledge to our interview, giving me expert insights into all things fundraising. Syrett explains how to research investors for good fit with your business, what strategies you should use to approach them, and when you should start thinking about raising capital. You’ll also learn a few of her secrets for assessing a person’s character as well as netting high-visibility media exposure. Syrett is very active on Twitter, so follow her @AliciaSyrett and thank her for coming on the show. I also encourage you to read her book, MentHER, a practical business guide written especially for women entrepreneurs. Finally, if you’re a female startup founder and are looking for amazing advisors to serve on your board, you should consider applying to Synett’s Point 25 Initiative in New York City. The application deadline is May 15, so don’t delay! In this episode with Alicia Syrett, you’ll learn: -- An experienced recruiter’s tips for reading people (16:05) -- Her advice for anyone who wants to get into angel investing (29:23) -- The right way to research and approach investors (35:00) -- When to raise money and what kind of financing you should seek (42:28) -- Secrets for getting high-profile media exposure (52:58) -- How to use inexperience as an asset rather than a liability (59:25) ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#26: What I Learned About Business Strategy From Interviewing 25 Tech Entrepreneurs and Investors

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 04:39:45 GMT

On the first 25 episodes of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, we’ve been able to share dozens of best practices and actionable insights through interviews with leading tech entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. We’ve also learned the personal stories of each guest and have witnessed some powerful moments of vulnerability and authenticity. Some of our favorite segments on the show have come from these great spur-of-the-moment stories told by our guests. In this week’s special episode, we revisit six of the most engaging stories that provide crucial advice for founders and entrepreneurs. You’ll learn how to effectively tell your company’s story, start building an audience of followers, nail your pitch to investors, deal with rejection, and reframe your perception of adversity. This episode features the most compelling snippets from six conversations, but we highly encourage you to listen to the full interviews for even more knowledge and practical advice from some of the brightest minds in tech. You can find links to the full interviews in the “Links and Resources” section below, as well as a selection of related Powderkeg episodes that touch on the same topics. We promise you won’t be disappointed. In this episode featuring the Best of Powderkeg, you’ll learn: -- All great entrepreneurs are also great storytellers (KA) -- How to tell your story in a way that will interest others (CH) -- Why you need to build and audience and tips to help you get started (PS) -- Best practices for nailing your pitch to investors (KN) -- The importance of socializing ideas and dealing with rejection (JL) -- Why you should stop worrying and view challenges as opportunities (MY) ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#25: Startup Marketing Master Class with Growth Hacking Gurus Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:22:54 GMT

Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown are the world’s leading experts on growth hacking. The two first worked together at Qualaroo, a marketing SaaS solution they grew to millions in recurring revenue before Ellis sold the company in 2016. At the same time they were working on Qualaroo, they were also building a community of innovative marketers on Ellis’ GrowthHackers website. With Brown serving as the interim Head of Growth, the duo built GrowthHackers into a definitive learning platform, software solution, and talent pool for companies that want to supercharge their growth. Ellis and Brown sat down with me to chat all things growth hacking. In our conversation, they explain why marketing is crucial for startups, detail how they built the GrowthHackers community through hard work and commitment, and illustrate the transformational impact successful growth hacking can have on your business. If you’d like to dig deeper into growth hacking tips and strategies, you should check out Ellis and Brown’s upcoming book on the subject, Hacking Growth, which is scheduled to be released on April 25. They’ll also be speaking at the GrowthHackers Conference 2017 on May 24 alongside the Heads of Growth from high-profile companies like Spotify, Pandora, Uber, and more. Finally, I highly recommend GrowthHackers’ GrowthMaster Training Course, which you can enroll in at a special discounted rate by visiting growthhackers.com/training. In this episode with Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown, you’ll learn: --Why marketing makes or breaks startups --How great business partnerships can begin unexpectedly --Tips for making big business decisions --The hard work and dedication required to build a community --Hacking Growth’s playbook for companies looking to scale --How growth hacking principles created a breakthrough for LogMeIn ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#24: Content Marketing Magic for Business Growth with Brian Clark of Copyblogger & Rainmaker Digital

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 13:37:43 GMT

Brian Clark is a serial entrepreneur of several seven-figure online businesses, including Rainmaker Digital (which is actually now an eight-figure software company), where he currently serves as CEO. And guess what? He did it all without moving to Silicon Valley OR raising any venture funding. He did it with content marketing! Brian and I recorded this interview at an interesting time, just before he launched his Unemployable podcast, which now reaches more than tens of thousands of subscribers. And you’ll see why after this interview... Brian Clark is a pioneer in the $44 billion content marketing industry. He’s been building businesses with online content marketing since 1998, before anyone used that term. He’s amassed a massive following and you can find him on social @brianclark or even @copyblogger, which is the publication Brian launched in 2006. Copyblogger started as a simple one-man blog at Copyblogger.com. Today they're known as Rainmaker Digital — a digital commerce company with more than 200,000 unique customers — and they've grown using useful content, smart copywriting, and exceptional products and services. Taking an unusual path for a software company, Rainmaker Digital didn’t look for venture capital to fund the development of its new platform. Instead, the company grew to $12 million in annual revenue and more than 200,000 unique customers — without advertising — thanks to the power of content marketing that builds and serves an audience. Since 2010, they’ve grown from a small team to 65 smart, passionate people across the globe. The company is based in Boulder, Colorado, but everyone at Rainmaker Digital is free to live and work wherever they want. As I mentioned, this is an old recording, but I’ve never released it…. I’ve been sitting on it. Waiting for the right moment, until we had a big enough audience to really soak in the value and get the biggest impact of this episode. Since this recording, Brian launched Unemployable, a KILLER podcast with an incredible audience. You can check all of it out at unemployable.com. You’ll want to subscribe after listening to this episode because Brian’s a super-smart tell-it-like-is guy. Totally unconventional and if you’re anything like me... you’re going to love him. In this episode with Brian Clark, you’ll learn: — The unexpected benefits of being “unemployable” — Why you need to build an audience (using content marketing) before doing anything else — How big “level-up” moments can change your career — Tips for building a business with agile development principles — The importance of creating robust processes — Why you can’t let new technology distract you from the fundamentals Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#23: Startup Strategies from a 5-Exit Founder and NYC Venture Partner

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 02:54:44 GMT

Knowledge comes with experience, and Jeff Leventhal has 25 years of experience in the tech startup world, including leading five companies from idea to exit and investing in many others. It’s an understatement to say he’s learned a few things on his entrepreneurial journey. Leventhal’s great professional passion has been using technology to facilitate the delivery of professional services. His current iteration on solving this problem is WorkRails, a SaaS solution that helps other software companies sell and deliver their products. He’s also a Partner at BOLDstart Ventures, a “first check” investor for enterprise software founders. Leventhal is great at telling engaging stories, and he transfers much of his wisdom through personal anecdotes. She shares some of his best tales in our interview, providing insights on acting in harmony with your internal wiring, socializing your business ideas and evaluating feedback, and building a team that will impress investors. My thanks go out to Leventhal for letting me pick his brain and giving me with a few good laughs during our conversation. Check out Leventhal's LinkedIn page to learn more about his long and impressive career, and have fun listening to this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups. In this episode with Jeff Leventhal, you’ll learn: -- Why big career decisions often come down to your personal “wiring” -- A cheap, easy way to perform market research -- The six “value creation moments” of a startup -- How to win over VCs with the strength of your team -- High-level tips for socializing your ideas and receiving criticism -- Why New York City is a natural environment for entrepreneurs to flourish Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#22: Powerful CEO Habits for Getting the Most Out of Networking Events

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 04:44:12 GMT

Meeting the right people at the right time can catapult your business to the next level. But it’s difficult to make connections that go deeper than a LinkedIn invite, and it's far too easy to play it safe at networking events, which makes forging authentic relationships that much harder. David Olk is the cofounder and CEO of Voray, a company that facilitates small-group networking dinners. A Voray event is hosted by a key influencer in an industry who invites a select group of their close friends and colleagues to help create new connections between them. The intimate, curated nature of Voray events fosters meaningful and long-lasting business relationships between people who share common goals and have actually spoken in person. Olk has become a master connector over the course of his career and genuinely loves to help people build relationships. In our interview, he shares many of his secrets for meaningful networking and effective business building, including the most surefire ways early-stage businesses can find traction and how to work with four different types of people you’ll find in your network. I’m very grateful that Olk agreed to come on the show and teach the community how to create more valuable business relationships—a topic I'm personally passionate about. Enjoy the episode, and follow Olk on Twitter or through his personal blog for more insights into the mind of a networking expert. In this episode with David Olk, you’ll learn: -- How connections can change your career path for the better -- Keys to finding success with an early-stage business -- The importance of checking your ego and emotions -- The four types of people in your network and how to interact with them -- How and why to say “no” sometimes Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#21: Proven Business Leadership Habits from the CEO of SendGrid

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 04:49:16 GMT

It takes guts, grit, and an uncommon dose of wisdom to lead a business team. Sameer Dholakia has all three qualities, plus two decades of leadership experience in enterprise software. Dholakia is the CEO of SendGrid, one of the world’s premier email delivery services. SendGrid serves 50,000 customers and delivers 1.3 billion emails each day—more than double Twitter’s daily Tweet volume. In addition to its classic transactional email API, SendGrid more recently rolled out an email marketing product that has already been adopted by 5,000 users. Dholakia is an experienced tech executive with a love of history and a passion for building strong teams and big businesses in the enterprise software industry. In our interview, he shares his most effective leadership habits, including the importance of humility, how to foster an outstanding company culture, and strategies for turning around a dire financial situation. I’m so grateful Dholakia took the time to share so much of his knowledge and experience with the Powderkeg community, and I admire his resolve to always keep improving himself and his company. Connect with him on Twitter @spdholakia to share your appreciation, and enjoy the show. In this episode with Sameer Dholakia, you’ll learn: -- How you can begin using email marketing tools for your startup -- Strategies for launching a new product within your existing brand -- The only mistake in business you can’t recover from -- Why you should be a humble leader -- How to dig yourself out of a bad financial situation -- The two biggest challenges SaaS companies face -- How to create an exceptional company culture Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#20: Startup Accelerator Secrets Every Entrepreneur Should Know with NYC Angel Investor

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 04:00:57 GMT

Erica Duignan Minnihan knows what investors like to see in startups, and she knows the difficulties founders face meeting those expectations. She has more than 10 years of experience in early-stage startup investing, and now she’s out to help both investors and entrepreneurs be better at their jobs. Minnihan is currently the Managing Partner at 1000 Angels, a digital venture investment platform launched by OneVest that helps independent investors around the world assess potential deals and build their personal portfolios. She also runs the CoFoundersLab Virtual Accelerator, a six-week online program that teaches founders all the basics of starting up with fewer constraints than brick-and-mortar accelerators. Minnihan was kind enough to invite me into her New York City apartment and let me pick her brain on all things investing and starting up. In our interview, she lays out the basics of the CoFoundersLab accelerator program, explains how to draw up a roadmap for building your business or product, and shares some of the most important things that investors look for in founders and their startups. My thanks go out to Minnihan for taking some time to educate the community on the important topics of business planning and investing. Connect with her on Twitter @ericaminnihan, or check out the virtual accelerator if you’re interested in jump-starting your business, and enjoy this episode of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups. In this episode with Erica Duignan Minnihan, you’ll learn: — How 1000 Angels is unique from other angel groups — Why you need to have a marketing plan for your product — Why investors like founders with empathy — How to draw a roadmap for building a new business or product — The easiest way to determine if you have product-market fit — Why you need to have a sound financial model for your business — What you should and shouldn’t include in your investor pitch Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#19: How to Unleash Your Team’s True Power with Team Building, Team Learning, and Company Culture

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:56:48 GMT

Max Yoder is a lifelong learner and trailblazer who knows that clearly-defined processes empower employees to level-up their quality of work from average to exceptional. Yoder is the cofounder and CEO of Lessonly, a team learning software platform that lets companies capture internal knowledge, best practices, and team policies as searchable and assignable step-by-step lessons. Lessonly currently helps half a million users from hundreds of companies learn the processes they need to excel in their work (Lessonly.com). Yoder shares some of his most valuable insights on team building, team learning, and building a great company culture. Our conversation exposes how feats that look like magic are just processes, why you need to have difficult conversations with your teammates, how to be a great team player, and how to worry less and view challenges as opportunities. But Max and I also end up playing some of his original music, and he teaches me how to play one of his songs on his new album. We recorded this episode of Powderkeg with the help of our partners, Edge Media Studios, based in Indianapolis. And Max and I brought a few musical instruments with us to the studio, so make sure you check out the part where Max teaches me one of his latest songs he wrote. I had a blast recording this episode with Max. He’s a very down-to-earth guy with a great sense of humor who loves helping others succeed, and I’m honored he took the time to chat. Connect with him on Twitter and Instagram (@maxyoder) and on his website, MaxYoder.com. Enjoy this podcast with Max Yoder! You’ll learn: — How to approach things that look like magic and turn them into processes — How to be an effective team player — The 3 best culture tips for small teams — The power of hiring the right teammates — How the right investors will guide your business to success — Why you should stop worrying and view challenges as opportunities Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.com This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#18: Inside Innovation, Negotiation, and Virality with Emerson Spartz of Dose

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 04:38:01 GMT

Emerson Spartz has hunted down and capitalized on patterns in business since he was 12 years old. Fast-forward 18 years, and Spartz is the CEO of Dose, a digital media company that reaches 200 million Millennials every month with content designed to provide fresh ideas, knowledge and perspectives. Spartz is also one of the world’s leading experts on virality, having extensively studied its patterns and used what he learned to build his media company that was onced composed of more than 30 unique websites. In our interview, Spartz lets me in on his secrets for effectively learning new information, his best strategies for negotiating deals, the power of doing “comfort zone challenges,” and of course, how virality really works. He’s an extremely well-read guy who’s practically bursting at the seams with knowledge, and I’m grateful that he’s more than willing to share some of his insights. Head over to Spartz’s personal website to connect with him and learn more about his journey, and please enjoy the interview to learn about virality and the power of patterns in business. In this episode with Emerson Spartz, you’ll learn: — The secret to making any business project a success — How you can learn to be successful by studying the lives of successful people — Strategies you can use to get better at learning — The two best tactics for becoming a better negotiator — Why doing “comfort zone challenges” will make you a better businessperson — The art and science behind virality Please enjoy! ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powderkeg.co/itunes

#17: How to Clear Your Mind, Calm Your Nerves, and Pivot Like a Pro with Jenny Blake

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 12:33:07 GMT

“Pivoting” might seem like a dirty word in business, but Jenny Blake has learned to embrace it. Not only that, but she’s built her career around it, becoming a business strategist, keynote speaker, and author who teaches others the positive value of pivoting. Blake is the author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, and the creator of the Pivot Method, which distills all the wisdom she’s gained throughout her career to teach you how to change your business direction without falling on your face. Blake learned the virtues of pivoting by doing it many times throughout her career. After spending two years at a technology startup in Palo Alto, she landed a job at Google as a product trainer for AdWords. She stayed there for five years, training more than 1,000 employees and building her public speaking and career coaching skills, before she pivoted once more and set out to become a solopreneur. She now speaks and holds workshops on the Pivot Method around the world, at companies like Intuit and Pimco, universities like Yale and MIT, and conferences like TEDxCMU and the World Domination Summit. She also runs the Pivot Podcast, which started as a passion project while she was writing Pivot and has grown into a forum for world-renowned authors and businesspeople to share their advice on how to seize opportunities and pivot like pros. Jenny has so many great stories and insights to share in our interview, from the health benefits of practicing yoga to why reading will make you a better person. She also talks about how to get over your fears of public speaking, how meditation will make you a better entrepreneur, and how you can use the Pivot Method to succeed in business and improve your personal life. In this episode with Jenny Blake, you’ll learn: — Why you should be listening to the Pivot Podcast — How realizing that courage is hard will help you succeed — How to use your job as training for entrepreneurship — How to conquer a fear of public speaking — Exercises you can do to calm your nerves and clear your mind — How meditating will make you a better entrepreneur — Why you should be doing yoga — How to be more successful by taking care of your mental and physical health — How to use the Pivot Method to improve your personal life — How to successfully pivot in business and life — How to succeed in your career by embracing pivots — Why reading will make you a better person ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#16: Leading Remote Teams and Podcasting for Business Growth

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 03:42:16 GMT

Michael Sacca is a modern renaissance businessman who inspires tens of thousands of entrepreneurs each week with his podcast Rocketship.fm and has climbed the ranks to become the President of a multi-million dollar business that supports companies and creators across 30 countries. He’s leveraged his experience in a wide array of roles—like coder, podcaster, web design consultant, product developer and sales lead—to grow his skillset as an entrepreneur, leading to several successful business ventures and, eventually, a leadership role at someone else’s company. He recently became the President of Crew, a business that matches freelance web designers and coders with companies in need of their services. His ambition, leadership skills and experience as a jack-of-all-trades wowed his superiors and fueled his rise through the ranks after starting there as a partnership manager. Meanwhile, he continues to run Brandisty, a web platform for storing and distributing brand assets, and Rocketship.fm, a podcast for entrepreneurs that reaches tens of thousands of listeners twice a week. Michael has a truly impressive toolbox of talents, but he’s very down-to-earth and honest about the sometimes haphazard nature of his career progression, which has at times been motivated simply by the need to make a buck. In our interview, he also opens up about his teenage years buying and selling Smashing Pumpkins concert tapes online, how he’s managed to change his mindset as he moved from role to role, the stresses and challenges of becoming a leader, and how nobody in business has all the answers all the time. Michael is very active around the internet, and there are lots of different ways you can continue to follow his story. For starters, you can tune into Rocketship.fm to get exclusive insights from his interviews with the brightest minds in tech and entrepreneurship. You can also find him on Twitter @michaelsacca, follow his posts on everything that has to do with freelancing on the Crew blog, or read up on his latest adventures and musings over on Medium. In this episode with Michael Sacca, you’ll learn: — How trading concert tapes online prepared him for entrepreneurship — How to start a business as a web design consultant — Why necessity can be a good motivator for your career — Why you should quit your business if it’s making you miserable — How to decide to end one business venture and embark on another — How to transition from being your own boss to being someone else’s employee — How Crew helps freelancers and project owners work with each other — How to land a leadership position where you work — The stresses that come with leadership roles — How to lead and inspire a distributed team — Why you don’t have to be perfect to be an entrepreneur ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#15: How Startup Grind Bootstrapped from Zero to One Million with Derek Andersen

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 12:20:47 GMT

Derek Andersen was a bit of a world traveller growing up, as his family split their time between several countries in Europe and their home in Tampa, Florida. He kept traveling as an adult, jetting all around the globe to build startup communities and connect with entrepreneurs, wherever they were. These communities are part of Startup Grind, an organization that nurtures startup ecosystems through events, media and partnerships with organizations like Google for Entrepreneurs. Andersen founded Startup Grind in 2010 with one location in Silicon Valley. Today, it’s active in nearly 100 countries around the world, including over 200 cities. Over the years, Startup Grind has helped millions of entrepreneurs find mentorship, connect to partners and hires, pursue funding, and reach new users. Although Andersen is now settled in Redwood City, CA, it’s pretty obvious that his influence reaches far beyond the borders of California. In our interview, Derek talked with me about the beginnings of Startup Grind, how he gets the most out of every interaction at a conference, and why VC funding isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. He’s met a ton of famous business people over the years, and he also opened up about his favorite interviews and the fact that even tech giants are people, too. Startup Grind has a ton of exciting stuff going on these days, including the rollout of their new event-hosting software (discussed in detail in this episode) and their 2017 Global Conference later this month. The conference includes an exhibition of 125 startups, and you can visit StartupGrind.com/startup if you want to apply to showcase your company! Derek is a friendly, welcoming guy who’s happy to help you with your entrepreneurial journey if he can. You can find him on Twitter @derekjandersen, or you can shoot an email to derek@startupgrind.com if you’d like to get in touch. In this episode with Derek Andersen, you’ll learn: — How to work with people at big companies — What’s going on in Silicon Valley right now — How Startup Grind got started — Why the best startups usually begin as side projects — Why big names in tech are people like you and me — How to get the most out of a conference or event — Why he got into the events industry — Why you might NOT want to accept VC funding — All about Startup Grind’s new event-hosting software — What to expect at Startup Grind’s upcoming global conference ---- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#14: Paul Singh on Growing Startups and Investing Outside of Silicon Valley

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 12:18:45 GMT

Paul Singh is embracing the changing nature of the venture capital—or VC—game. Formerly a partner at 500 Startups, an international VC seed fund and startup accelerator, Singh noticed that high-growth tech companies were starting to pop up all across the U.S. If he wanted to invest in the very best startups in the country, then waiting for founders to fly out to Silicon Valley and come to him wasn’t the best method anymore. Singh decided he had to go to them. He founded Results Junkies with his wife and started road-tripping across the country in a pickup truck and custom Airstream trailer, hosting events for entrepreneurs, meeting investors and visiting incubators and coworking spaces. Last year, he stopped in 42 cities and met with 20,000 entrepreneurs and 1,200 early stage startups, seeking out the very best talent to invest in. And he’s doing it even bigger this year. I’m so grateful Paul took some time to chat with me about the lessons he learned working in his hometown of Ashburn, Virginia as well as San Francisco, the role he believes venture capitalists should play in improving cities and towns across the nation, and what drives him to keep achieving better things (it’s fear!). He also has insightful advice for anyone looking to build a company or create a startup community outside of the big coastal cities. The good news for entrepreneurs outside of Silicon Valley is that technology really is a great equalizer. Keep an eye on ResultsJunkies.com for more of Paul’s thoughts on starting up outside the Valley and to follow the progress of his traveling VC firm. If you want to get in touch, you can find him on Twitter @paulsingh and on Facebook. In this episode with Paul Singh, you’ll learn: — Why it's so important to be able to sell yourself (and how to do it) — What the most powerful motivating force is for Paul, and how he uses it — His plans for Results Junkies in 2017 — How technology gives you freedom to do what you want — How company building and community building are related — Ways to spread a business idea outside of the Valley Please enjoy this episode with Paul Singh! -- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#13: Masterclass On Customer Service and Loving Your Haters with Jay Baer of Convince & Convert

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:32:54 GMT

Jay Baer is a social media expert, consultant, thought leader, keynote speaker, podcaster, startup investor, and NY Times bestselling author of five books. He’s the most retweeted person in the world among digital marketers, which makes him practically a celebrity in that industry. Baer is best known for founding Convince & Convert, a conversion rate optimization (or CRO) blog turned consulting firm focusing on social media marketing and customer service. He and his team work with some of the best brands in the world, including Adidas, Allstate, Cisco, Oracle, and even the United Nations. Meanwhile, the C&C blog continues to be ranked among the very best content marketing blogs on the web, and their Social Pros podcast has been named one of the best podcasts for entrepreneurs in 2017. Last year, Baer published his fifth book, Hug Your Haters. It’s all about how critical it is to listen to feedback from your customers—especially the ones who hate you. This is the first modern book on customer service, and it’s essential reading for anyone who cares about their business. Jay sat down with me at the Convince & Convert headquarters in Bloomington, IN to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of networking, how to tackle customer service in the age of Yelp reviews, and so much more... In this episode with Jay Baer, you’ll learn: — How to handle disgruntled and dishonest customers — Why your business network is your most important asset (and how you can develop a world-class network like Jay) — How to approach customer service in the digital age — The psychology behind customer service — The importance of loving your haters Jay is an Amazing storyteller, so you’re in for a treat. Please enjoy this interview with Jay Baer. -- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#12: MBA in Corporate Innovation and Startup Disruption with LISNR Founder Rodney Williams

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:00:34 GMT

Rodney Williams is the Founder and CEO of LISNR, one of the most disruptive companies in the IoT space and the world of mobile connectivity. You can find Rodney on Twitter (@rodneybwilliams) on twitter and his company at LISNR.com. LISNR was launched in 2012 around the core premise that sound can do more. More specifically, using sound to connect more people and devices in ways that had never existed before. LISNR has grown into the world’s most advanced ultrasonic technology. Their team has created an ultrasonic or inaudible technology; a communication protocol that sends data over audio. They use ultrasonic audio called Smart Tones™ to transmit information. They’ve accomplished functionality that engineers and innovators said was impossible. LISNR is seriously one of the most disruptive companies in the IoT (or internet of things) space. They’ve raised nearly $15M in capital and have won awards such as a Gold Lion @ Cannes for Most Innovative Mobile Technology and CNBC’s Disruptor 50. And he’s done all of this headquartered out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Yes, he’s a fellow midwestern entrepreneur, so we were like kindred spirits from the first second of this interview. Rodney is an innovative strategic thinker who is obsessed with the ways technology will improve our everyday life. He has 4 degrees but most notably two masters, one of which is an M.B.A. from Howard University. And he’s got a cool story, because he spent 4 years at Procter & Gamble as a brand manager and is most noted for being the first marketer there to co-write digital patents. In this interview, you’ll learn: — How Rodney broke free from cubicle nation and started his own company — Some creative and unique approaches to problem solving — And some very insightful perspectives on marketing Plus so, so much more. In my conversation with Rodney, he shares his greatest lessons in marketing, hustle, and building technology that has the potential to disrupt massive industries. You’ll hear about what one tech entrepreneur learned throughout his business education, starting with his childhood startup, his 4 degrees (including two masters), and real-life experience at working at one of the world’s largest companies. Rodney is a fun guy to talk to, which makes him just as fun to listen to. So, please enjoy this interview with Rodney Williams… -- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#11: Mike Dillard on Reinventing Yourself, Thinking Big, and Food Innovation

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:17:07 GMT

Mike Dillard is a serial entrepreneur who is creating a new technology that you’ll be able to put in your house and will supply all of the organic produce that you would want on a monthly basis. In order to bring his idea to life, Dillard teamed up with some entrepreneurial heavy hitters including Peter Diamandis, who is the founder of X Prize and Singularity University. And Dillard’s entrepreneurial path prepared him to make a big impact with this audacious venture. Mike started first business over a decade ago in an unexpected industry — network marketing. That company turned into a multiple-eight-figure business as Mike mastered the art of internet marketing. He was young and did what a lot of young entrepreneurs do after an early success—he blew a bunch of money. That’s what prompted Mike to dive into the world of finance and investing. He started a business in that world, and did $3 million in revenue in first 7 days. He did eight figures in the first year, and served over 50,000 customers in the first 3 years. In this interview, Mike shares some insights and experiences that can help you make an incredible impact in the lives of others. We’ll talk about how he made his first millions in business during his twenties only to lose it all and fall into a depression. Mike’s comeback story is inspiring, but also includes actionable strategies to manage your psychology, leverage your strengths, and seize opportunity. In 2015, Mike launched company with the sole purpose to generate the funds to fuel his innovative ag-tech business that aims to completely disrupt the food and agriculture industry. That company he started in 2015 is SelfMadeMan, which has become the #1 Self-Help podcast on itunes. It has an enormous community that brings mentors into your world who can help you build a life of excellence in business, relationships, health, finance, and legacy. He’s interviewed people like Daymond John, Chris Sacca, and Chase Jarvis. In this interview, Mike shares how he built his platform and how it’s enabled him to bring on business partners like Peter Diamandis, founder of X-prize and Singularity University who has teamed up with Dillard on his new ag-tech company. In this conversation we talk about that new venture, as well as all of the ups and downs that led him to up to this pivotal moment. Follow Mike (@mike_dillard) on twitter and at www.MikeDillard.com. He’s got an amazing community there, so I suggest joining his email list. I’m so grateful for Mike’s transparency and humility in sharing the stories in this interview. And I’m so inspired by his mindset and execution that has helped him excel. -- Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#10: The Magic of Immersion for Startups and VCs w/ Upfront Ventures Partner Kara Nortman

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 03:39:54 GMT

Kara Nortman is the co-founder of Seedling and partner at Upfront Ventures. In this interview she recounts her evolution as a creative child from an adventurous family, to her role as a partner in the largest and most tenured venture capital fund in Los Angeles. Armed with an AB in Politics and an MBA from Stanford, Kara Nortman found herself the only person from business school attending a C++ class when she interned at Microsoft more than a decade ago. Before that, she delved deep into esoteric stuff, sailing across uncharted waters (talk DSL and IP switches) just to make her job as telecoms industry analyst at Morgan Stanley more fulfilling and meaningful. To Kara, so much lies beyond our comfort zones. For her, true entrepreneurs need to “dig past their limitations” to make the impossible possible. But for this to happen, entrepreneurs must have resilience, self-awareness, and passion for what they do. Join Kara as she walks us through her formative years, from family trips that gave her a broader perspective, to her role as a VC evaluating the business viability of startups. Find out what makes a good pitch, and which traits differentiate successful entrepreneurs from those who won’t make the cut. In this episode you’ll learn: — How Kara’s upbringing influenced her evolution as a top-tier entrepreneur. — The important role love of learning and discovery plays in achieving entrepreneurial success. — The importance of finding mentors even at the point where you can mentor budding entrepreneurs and leaders yourself. — Why being passionate also matters in the art of investing. — Which entrepreneurial traits venture capitalists commonly look for. — Why entrepreneurs should also conduct due diligence on the particular investors they are pitching to as much as the other way around. — The factors making Los Angeles a highly attractive venue for innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth. Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#9: How to Build Traction, Gain Customers, and Grow with DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 13:46:05 GMT

Gabriel Weinberg is the founder and CEO of DuckDuckGo, an Internet search engine that doesn’t track you or your personal data (https://duckduckgo.com/). And in an industry dominated by goliaths like Google and Yahoo, DuckDuckGo does more than 3 billion searches per year. Weinberg is the author of Traction: A Startup Guide to Getting Customers, and it has become the field manual for tech entrepreneurs, growth hackers, and marketers around the world. This framework has been used by founders like Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia), Alexis Ohanian (Reddit), and Paul English (Kayak.com) to build some of the biggest companies and organizations in the world. You can find Gabriel on Twitter at (@yegg), but he’s also a prolific writer on the blogging platform Medium, and fairly active on AngelList with more than a dozen investments he’s made into innovation-driven companies (@yegg). This conversation with Weinberg is a masterclass on getting more customers for your business or idea. Today Gabriel and I talk about: — The best strategies from his book Traction: A Startup Guide to Getting Customers — Why he decided to compete against big companies like Google — How he gained traction as a search engine — And why he’s growing his tech company from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#8: Masterclass On Building Influence with Luis Garcia of Ambition Media and AgentSteven

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 18:40:53 GMT

Luis Garcia is one of the most influential people on Instagram. As of the publication of this podcast, Garcia’s three Instagram accounts alone (@AgentSteven, @MotivationMafia, and @PositiveVibesQuotes) have more than 6 million followers and get more than 30 million impressions a week. Garcia is the founder of Ambition Media (www.ambitionmedia.co), an influencer marketing agency that has built a network of Instagram brands with more than 100+ million followers. Ambition Media has landed clients like Vayner Media founder Gary Vaynerchuk and Shark Tank star Daymond John, and is on track to have its first seven-figure year in 2017. You can follow Luis on Instagram at @LawOfAmbition and join in his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode you’ll learn: — How a 20-year-old kid from a North Philly ghetto went from the warzone in Afghanistan to become one of the most sought after millennial influencers on social media — Step-by-step marketing tips and tricks for Instagram and Periscope — How to build value-generating relationships from scratch — Tried and tested techniques for building, growing and enhancing your brand — Winning principles and best practices on social media — How to find a worthy mentor and leverage your learning experience — Why blindly following someone or something on social media erodes your brand — Why video has become indispensable in articulating your message Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#7: Build Wealth and Invest in Yourself with Jordan Wirsz at Savant Investments

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 18:19:51 GMT

Jordan Wirsz manages $100 million in real estate investments as CEO of Savant Investment Partners. Jordan is a nationally recognized real estate expert who has been recognized by members of the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, Nevada state government, and has been featured on numerous national television networks including CNBC, NBC, and Fox News. But today, we go a little off-script and go deep on business philosophy. You can find Jordan at JordanWirsz.com and @JordanWirz on twitter, so give him a shout and let him know what you liked about this interview. In this episode you’ll learn: 1.) About Jordan’s first business deal (3:40) 2.) About Jordan’s first failed investment (5:12) 3.) How Jordan opened his company, “Extreme Aviation” (6:31) 4.) Attitudes on persevering after failed investments. (8:55) 5.) About Jordan’s mentality of responsibility after going through a large failed investment (11:44) 6.) Jordan’s thoughts of the risks of leading an expensive lifestyle (15:59) 7.) Tips from Jordan for first time entrepreneurs (20:18) 8.) About building business relationships with people through the work that you do (24:59) 9.) Why responding to emails promptly is key to gaining trust from investors (26:30) 10.) How to be more organized and increase productivity (27:30) 11.) Why practice is more important than technology (29:17) 12.) How motivation without knowledge can be hurtful (32:05) 13.) Why quality is greater than quantity in terms of learning (34:22) 14.) Why separating your business time from your leisure time is important (37:17) 15.) The importance of “recharging” every now and again. (40:25) Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#6: The Power of Corporate VC and Startup Philanthropy w John Somorjai at Salesforce Ventures

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:02:08 GMT

John Somorjai is Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and head of Salesforce Ventures. Salesforce has over 3,000 partners and 150+ enterprise cloud and SaaS companies in their current investment portfolio. They’ve also had 30+ exits and five IPOs (on top of the 150!) You can look up more about Salesforce, its acquisitions, and investments at Salesforce.com. They’re @Salesforce on twitter, but also have various other handles including @SalesforceVC, and @MarketingCloud. But you can find John at @jsomorjai on twitter. He’s extremely smart and definitely worth a follow, so give him a shout. One of the things we didn’t get to discuss in this interview is that Somorjai has his JD from the Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley. I think that’s interesting context for how he got to where he is at Salesforce and how he might think in evaluating startup companies for potential investment. He was a senior director of corporate development at Oracle for almost 5 years before taking on a VP of Business Development role at Ingenio, a high growth company that was eventually acquired by AT&T. Somorjai then joined forces with Marc Benioff at Salesforce, and since 2005, John has led the evaluation, deal execution and integration for all mergers and acquisitions, and investments at Salesforce. His team has helped bring the company into insane growth areas through acquisitions including Demandware, Exact Target, Radian6, Buddy Media, Heroku, the list goes on and on…. Here’s what we discuss in this episode with John Somorjai EVP at Salesforce and Salesforce Ventures: 1.) How John progressed through his career to eventually lead investments with Salesforce Ventures 2.) How Salesforce investment has helped nurture growth in the ecosystem of enterprise cloud  companies.   3.) Lessons from Salesforce’s expansion into European markets, and how the set themselves apart from  other Corporate VCs 4.) Why Salesforce embraces corporate philanthropy and the 1/1/1 model   5.) Key strategies Corporate VCs for potential investment and maximizing the opportunities they offer 6.) What makes an attractive investment for a Corporate VC Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#5: From Hollywood to Hackathons: Inside Startups w/ Cooper Harris, Founder at Klickly

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Our guest today is Cooper Harris, who not only has an impressive background, but has an impressive background in two different fields! She started her career in New York, where she landed a part in the soap opera, As The World Turns. But she eventually moved to Los Angeles and stepped into the Hollywood scene. After appearing in several movies and other TV shows, Harris became interested in entrepreneurship and started attending hackathons. Harris won the AT&T Hackathon in Los Angeles, and then went on the first Innovation and Tech Summit during the Sundance film festival, called Collective. UKTI Innovation Award, alongside Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. And in February of 2015, she started a company named Klickly, an impulse buying platform and SaaS (or software as a service) product. It's built for those of us with very short attention spans. Her technology allows one touch purchases across social streams, and in emails. You can learn more about her company at Klickly.com, spelled KLICKLY and you can reach her @CooperHarris on twitter. Here's what you'll learn in this conversation I recorded at Klickly headquarters in Venice, California with award-winning entrepreneur and actress, Cooper Harris: 1.) The importance of having good story-telling skills as a tech entrepreneur. 2.) How to convince people to meet with you. 3.) Tips for perfecting your pitch. Download show notes and transcripts at www.powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#4: How to Fund Your Startup and Hire A Players w/ MapQuest Co-Founder Chris Heivly

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:29:59 GMT

Our guest today is Chris Heivly, who just might be the world’s first actual map geek. I say that because he co-founded one of the first online navigation tools, MapQuest. Some of you listeners may be too young to remember MapQuest and the wonderful experience of searching your route on your home computer so you could print your directions and take them with you.. But back in the day, MapQuest was like PURE MAGIC. This company was Heivly’s first and it blazed the trail for other navigation-powered apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Uber. MapQuest went public in 1999 and was acquired by AOL for $1.1 billion dollars in the year 2000. That’s billion with a capital B, my Powderkeg people. That’s a lot of money by any measure, but it was especially enormous when they sold back in the year 2000. Since his successful exit, Chris Heivly has personally directed over $75 million in investment capital on behalf of large companies including Rand McNally, Accenture, and others. He recently closed down the Startup Factory, which was the largest seed investment firm in the Southeast. And this conversation with Chris is just before they made their last investment at The Startup Factory (or TSF as we sometimes refer to it in this interview). But they had already made over 30 investments in high-growth startups and we caught Heivly just after a demo day for a group of their portfolio companies, so it was the perfect time to get his insight. I want to make sure I give a shout out to his book based on his famous TEDx talk, Build The Fort, which you can find on Amazon, Kindle, or Audible. He’s super active on his personal website Heivly.com (that’s HEIVLY) and on twitter @ChrisHeivly. So give him a shout and tell him I sent you! In this episode you’ll learn: 1.) How to perfect your pitch. 2.) What makes a good elevator pitch. 3.) How to attract the right people. Download show notes and transcripts at powderkeg.co This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Thanks again to everyone who has shared an episode of Powderkeg, subscribed to us on iTunes, or left us a review. It’s the only way we’re going to spread this message and reach new people and we could do it without you. We’re coming out with new episodes every Tuesday, so make sure you subscribe on iTunes or at powederkeg.co/itunes

#3: The Key To Building Real Wealth and Confessions of a Master Connector w Cole Hatter

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:30:41 GMT

This master connector has built a network that includes the likes of Robert Herjavec from Shark Tank, James Altucher creator of the James Altucher Show, Jack Canfield author of Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul and Lewis Howes from The School of Greatness. In fact, he recently connected with all of them in person at his global conference Thrive. He's an author, investor, speaker, and entrepreneur who has built a mission-driven business and life that has impacted millions. Cole's power comes from his perspective. After 2 accidents 2 months apart, he was left me in a wheel chair. His body was physically broken, his heart emotionally broken, and his bank account…it was “broke” too. Out of desperation and an uncertain future, Hatter pursued entrepreneurship. He has since launched several multimillion dollar businesses and lives what some might consider to be only a "dream" lifestyle. His motto is simple but powerful: "It’s important to know how to make the kind of money you’ve always dreamed of making, but it’s more important to not sacrifice actually living your life while you do it." In this episode with Cole Hatter you’ll learn: 1.) The art of manufactured urgency. 2.) The importance of authenticity. 3.) The importance of work/life balance. 4.) The true meaning of wealth, and the importance of for purpose business. This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. Download show notes and transcripts at http://powderkeg.co Sign up for our Powderkeg Insider newsletter with bonus interviews and behind-the-scenes access!

#2: How To Scale A Software Business + SaaS Leadership w/ Jeremy Roche, CEO At FinancialForce

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:04:58 GMT

A SaaS innovation and leadership conversation with FinancialForce.com CEO and President, Jeremy Roche (@Jeremy_Roche). With more than 20 years of experience building and leading both public and private technology companies, Jeremy brings a wealth of executive leadership experience. He has led businesses through IPO, de-merger and acquisition (both as acquirer and acquiree). And his work with growing FinancialForce offers insight into how to play the game of business at a rapid pace and growing scale. With $110 million in capital raised in 2015, the company’s growth has exploded, and Roche has led the team to disrupt the space of financial software. Roche also offers a global perspective on building companies. He holds or has held Board positions in technology companies in US, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Hungary, Estonia, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. And FinancialForce now has offices in the UK, Canada, Australia, Spain, and multiple offices in the US. In this episode with Jeremy Roche, you’ll learn: 1.) How Jeremy Roche got into ‘the emerging world of software’ and SaaS 2.) How to balance enthusiasm from a SaaS leadership perspective 3.) The importance and practice of ‘peoplecastiing’ in achieving your goals 4.) How to surround yourself with a strong team of people that are prepared to disagree with you 5.) How Salesforce and FinancialForce came together, and how they have worked together to the benefit of both businesses This episode of Powder Keg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg.

#1: How to Invest In Your Talents, Build Your Team, and Tell Your Story w/ Kristian Andersen

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:28:30 GMT

Learn from serial SaaS entrepreneur and investor Kristian Andersen (@KristianIndy). And while I had met a lot of people in school, I had never met anyone like him. Andersen is positive but direct, which I believe is the key to why he is able to accomplish so much in his companies, investments, and community. You can trace the start of his streak of successes back to 2003, when he founded Studio Science, a design and innovation agency where he still serves as CEO. He and his team have helped many B2B SaaS and innovation-driven organizations (including Verge and Powderkeg) find their brand voice, define their positioning, and design their customer journey. Kristian Andersen is also an active angel investor and co-founder of Gravity Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund that invests in tech-focused startups. He's gone on to co-founded a few startups of his own, including; Octiv, Lessonly, Visible.vc and Pathagility. In 2016, he also co-founded High Alpha, a New Venture Studio that conceives, operates and scales enterprise cloud companies. Beyond working on his direct startup investments, Andersen sits on a few non-profit boards, co-founded The Speak Easy & Indy Made, and serve as a mentor at The Iron Yard, RunUpLabs, and the ARK Challenge accelerators. He lives in Indianapolis full time, his wife and six (yes, six!) kids. So dive in with open ears and an open mind, and absorb some wisdom from my good friend and mentor, Kristian Andersen. In this episode you’ll learn: 1.) Why geography is not a factor in the success of your start up. The power of entrepreneurship and how it's transforming communities 2.) Why developing your narrative can mean the difference between success and failure. 3.) What separates the winners from the losers in terms of mindset. 4.) The importance of gratitude. 5.) How to hire A players into your company. This episode of Powderkeg is brought to you by DeveloperTown. If you’re a business leader trying to turn a great idea into a product with traction, this is for you. DeveloperTown works with clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 companies who want to build and launch an app or digital product. They’re able to take the process they use with early stage companies to help big companies move like a startup. So if you have an idea for a web or mobile app, or need help identifying the great ideas within your company, go to developertown.com/powderkeg. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powder Keg Podcast.