Awesome Inc
By Awesome Inc
Episodes will focus on those who have been inspirations to our entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout Kentucky. Additionally, we aim to highlight up-and-coming entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech-savvy individuals.
Email podcast@awesomeinc.org for inquiries.
Awesome IncFeb 02, 2021
5 Across February 2024 Winner - Value Buddy | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 147
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from the University of Kentucky, Ace McGill began his finance career in corporate America. During his tenure in corporate finance, Ace led Procter & Gamble’s valuation projects for billion-dollar brands like Bounty, Charmin, Gain, and Tide. To strengthen his business knowledge, Ace attended an entrepreneurship-focused MBA program at the Grazadio Business School at Pepperdine University. Ace also was a finance leader for Whirlpool and most recently Brown-Forman.
Today, Ace continues his entrepreneurial journey as a business-finance influencer with a diverse investment portfolio including a valuation app, real estate, hemp distribution, cannabis consulting, money lending, and software development. In addition to pursuing new business ventures, Ace enjoys consulting other entrepreneurs in their quest for financial independence and business ownership. He hopes that his latest project, Value Buddy, a fintech software, can be a catalyst to help those he mentors be able to scale their businesses and leverage technology to advance their overall business objectives.
Recorded March 2024
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Ace McGill on Linkedin
• Value Buddy on Linkedin
• Guide Book website
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• awesomeinc.org
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From Fly Fishing Hobbyists to Full-Fledged Founders | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 146
Ben Roberson and Stuart Jordan are cofounders of Guide Book, a platform built to empower outdoor guides by getting them in front of new clients and providing them the tools they need to manage their business all in one place.
Ben is a fly fishing guide and has used that experience to inform Guide Book's growth so far, Stuart brings a lifetime of outdoor experiences and business prowess to the table, and their combined efforts have allowed Guide Book to flourish. They are excited about the future of the business and the changes it will bring to the outdoor guide industry.
Recorded November 2023
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Ben Roberson on Linkedin
• Stuart Jordan on Linkedin
• Guide Book on Linkedin
• Guide Book website
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Night Sweats and Hot Flashes From Keeping Up With the Boys | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 145
Alli Truttmann is the Founder and CEO of Wicked Technologies, which specializes in smart bedding and sleep products. Their newest product, the Wicked Smart Pad is a washable, sensorized bed pad that detects moisture and alerts caregivers in real-time for smart incontinence care.
Alli is a graduate of Bellarmine University and The University of Louisville. She is passionate about education, entrepreneurship, and the Autism community. Her superhuman trick is being able to recite all of the U.S. Presidents to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy while jumping on a pogo stick.
Recording from November 2023
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Alli Truttmann on Linkedin
• Wicked Technologies' Linkedin page
• Wicked Sheets website
Leave Some Feedback:
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One in Thirty-Six Diagnosed With Autism | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 144
Amanda (“Mandy”) Ralston is a queer, neurodivergent serial Founder. She is a 25-year veteran practitioner and has been certified as a behavior analyst since 2002.
During her career she has founded two clinics that provided applied behavior analysis services to hundreds of families, schools, and individuals with autism or other developmental or intellectual disabilities. She successfully exited to the 4th largest ABA provider group in 2019.
Mandy has served as a Subject Matter Expert to several international workgroups and panels related to Behavior Analysis, Ethics, Outcomes, and Practice. She is a featured speaker in several mediums globally. She has twice been nominated for Small Businessperson of the Year in 2015 and 2017. She was the recipient of the Autism Innovation Award at the Autism Investor Summit in 2023.
Ralston creates unique solutions by synthesizing her own history of reinforcement and punishment with evidence-based practices, Clinical and Business Intelligence, and Technology to further support clinicians, funders, businesses, and founders in changing the world for Quality of Life, Outcomes, neuro/diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Her behavior continues to be shaped by its impact on a world where autism exists, and the field of behavior analysis.
Her most recent venture is NonBinary Solutions - a data analytics and technology firm making Clinical Decision Support Systems for providers and other constituents of Applied Behavior Analysis and neurodiversity.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• NonBinary Solutions website
• Founder, Mandy Ralston on Linkedin
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2023 5 Across Finals Winner - Wicked Technologies | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 143
Recap of Wicked Technologies winning the 2023 5 Across Finals on December 6th, 2023:
Alli Truttmann is the Founder and CEO of Wicked Technologies, which specializes in smart bedding and sleep products. Their newest product, the Wicked Smart Pad is a washable, sensorized bed pad that detects moisture and alerts caregivers in real-time for smart incontinence care.
Alli is a graduate of Bellarmine University and The University of Louisville. She is passionate about education, entrepreneurship, and the Autism community. Her superhuman trick is being able to recite all of the U.S. Presidents to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy while jumping on a pogo stick.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Alli Truttmann on Linkedin
• Wicked Technologies' Linkedin page
• Wicked Sheets website
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
• Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.
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Launch of the Awesome Fund | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 142
The Awesome Fund is the next step in the cultivation of the Kentucky Startup ecosystem. The first investments were made on 8/1/2023!
Founded after more than a decade of helping promote and incubate Kentucky startups, Awesome Inc has launched a venture capital fund to help provide funding for companies in this overlooked region.
Focused on early stage software companies, the Awesome Fund is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the infrastructure that Awesome Inc has spearheaded in building since 2009.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Benjamin Strevy on Linkedin
• Keith McMunn on Linkedin
• Awesome Fund website
Leave Some Feedback:
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Donna Salyer's 2023 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction Speech | Awesome Inc Video Podcast - Episode 141
Donna's speech from the 2023 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame ceremony in Lexington, KY on November 2, 2023.
Donna Salyers
President and Founder, Fabulous Furs
Beginning with a faux fur sewing kit she designed and assembled in their basement, Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs has grown into a majority asset of Salyers Group, a diversified investment company. Her products are sold through catalog, Internet, retail, and wholesale accounts in over 4,000 hotels, stores, and boutiques including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, plus TV shopping networks Shop HQ and Australia’s TVSN.
Inspiration occurred in the late 80’s when, on her way to purchase a mink coat, Donna chanced to hear a broadcast describing kittens being skinned alive for “mink” teddy bears. Instead of buying a coat, she set out to create a luxurious alternative.
Known as the World’s finest faux furs, her designs have appeared in hundreds of Broadway productions, movies, and TV shows, plus every major fashion magazine. Donna was profiled in People Magazine and twice in the Wall Street Journal. A retail showroom in Covington houses Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs and Fabulous-Bridal.
Salyers Group opened Hotel Covington in late 2016 and added 23 suites in 2023, complementing the Madison Event Center they opened in 1989. Donna wrote a syndicated newspaper column for 17 years, leading to a video series, a national TV show and eight books.
Links:
Tony Lamb's 2023 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction Speech | Awesome Inc Video Podcast - Episode 140
Tony's speech from the 2023 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame ceremony in Lexington, KY on November 2, 2023.
Tony Lamb
Founder & CEO, Kona Ice
Founder & CEO, Travelin' Tom's Coffee
Tony Lamb is the founder and CEO of Kona Ice and Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck. When Tony launched Kona Ice in 2007, he wanted to give families a better ice cream truck experience after his 3-year-old daughter had an awful encounter with an ice cream truck man.
Since then, Tony Lamb has revolutionized the food truck space and Kona Ice has grown to the World's Largest Food Truck Company with more than 1,700 franchisee-owned trucks in 49 states and Canada.
Keeping the same vision, Tony launched Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck in 2020. With 150 franchised trucks on the road by the end of 2023, Tom's Coffee is growing exponentially with over 300 reservations for future trucks.
Kona Ice has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500, rated #1 New Franchise in the US in 2013, and regularly in the Top 25 Fastest Growing Franchises. Kona Ice has been consistently ranked #1 and #2 in Franchisee Satisfaction by Franchise Business Review for the past 12 years.
Additionally, Tony was named the 2021 Chief Executive Officer for a Large Private Company by Cincinnati Business Courier. This program honors executives who’ve shown outstanding leadership and stellar performance at Greater Cincinnati businesses and nonprofits.
Links:
Jimmy Kirchdorfer's 2023 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Induction Speech | Awesome Inc Video Podcast - Episode 139
Jimmy's speech from the 2023 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame ceremony in Lexington, KY on November 2, 2023.
Jimmy Kirchdorfer
Chairman & CEO, ISCO Industries, Inc.
James Kirchdorfer, Jr. (or Jimmy as he’s known) is the chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries. A proud alum of the Catholic school system in Louisville, Kentucky, Jimmy then went on to graduate with a degree in business from Miami University.
Jimmy began his career at ISCO in the early 90s, working summers during college. In 1993, he became one of the first ISCO sales representatives to live outside of Louisville. Working his way through the ranks, he was named general manager, then president, and has been Chairman and CEO since 2010. With humble beginnings in a family hardware store, ISCO has seen tremendous growth over the years and has become a global leader in HDPE piping solutions.
In 2022, along with three other partners, Jimmy purchased Valhalla Golf Club. He is the General Chair of the 2024 PGA Championship. He was named Ernst & Young 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Kentucky/Ohio region, named one of the Most Admired CEOs by Louisville Business First Magazine in 2019, received the 2020 J.W. Janes award for his contribution to the growth of amateur golf in Kentucky, and was inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame 2021 class.
Jimmy currently serves on several boards, primarily supporting youth golf programs and advancing educational opportunities in Kentucky. He resides in Louisville with his wife, Dana, and their two children, Jay and Emma.
Links:
• Jimmy Kirchdorfer's Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame profile
Fellowship Demo Day Fall 2023 | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 138
Here's an insight to our fourth bi-annual showcase of the Awesome Inc Fellowship Program's startup portfolio.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Graduating Portfolio Companies
• Party Horses || Founder, Chris Wiedmar on Linkedin
• MiniGrip || Founders, Kirk Selenberg and Bill Meehan on Linkedin
• UJOIN || Founder, Kory Payne on Linkedin
• PrepSharp || Founders, Moshe Ohayon, Grace Lee, Ross Thompson on Linkedin
Halfway Accelerated Portfolio Companies
• Feedcoyote || Founder, Dr. Stevens Bonhomme on Linkedin
• C2 Keep || Founder, Roland Achenjang on Linkedin
• Cartoonize My Pet || Founder, Jennifer Williams on Linkedin
• Smoove Creations || Founders, Isaiah Kelly and Vivi McCloy on Linkedin
Newly Onboarded Portfolio Companies
• Guide Book || Co-Founders, Stuart Jordan and Ben Roberson on Linkedin
• kyndly || Co-Founders, Waleed Bahouth and Erik Anderson on Linkedin
• NonBinary Solutions || Founder, Mandy Ralston on Linkedin
• Wicked Technologies || Founder, Allie Truttmann on Linkedin
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
• Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.
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5 Across August 2023 Winner - Wicked Technologies | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 137
Recap of Wicked Technologies winning the October 2023 5 Across on October 25th, 2023:
Alli Truttmann is the Founder and CEO of Wicked Technologies, which specializes in smart bedding and sleep products. Their newest product, the Wicked Smart Pad is a washable, sensorized bed pad that detects moisture and alerts caregivers in real-time for smart incontinence care.
Alli is a graduate of Bellarmine University and The University of Louisville. She is passionate about education, entrepreneurship, and the Autism community. Her superhuman trick is being able to recite all of the U.S. Presidents to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy while jumping on a pogo stick.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Alli Truttmann on Linkedin
• Wicked Technologies' Linkedin page
• Wicked Sheets website
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
• Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.
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Be the Spark Plug | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 136
Lee Webb is the CEO/Owner of Alton Webb Commerical Real Estate which recently celebrated their 25th anniversary in the real estate brokerage business. He is a graduate from the University of Kentucky with an emphasis in Business Marketing. Specializing in all facets of commercial real estate, Lee is holds the distinguished CCIM designation. He is very active throughout Kentucky and has served on various boards as a director. Lee was named the University of Kentucky Young Alumni of the Year in 2010.
In 2016, Lee authored and published the book, Go Outside and followed with his second book, Now Then in 2022.
Lee and his wife Rachel live in central Kentucky with their three kids: Walker, Warren, and Wells.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Lee Webb on Linkedin
• Go Outside book link
• Now Then book link
• Alton Webb Real Estate website
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
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5 Across August 2023 Winner - CleanSpace | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 135
Recap of CleanSpace winning the August 2023 5 Across on August 30th, 2023:
Eric Griffin and Aram Street are a dynamic duo combining over 15 years of expertise in technology and cleaning. They have teamed up to disrupt the cleaning industry with CleanSpace Corporation. Eric, a seasoned tech entrepreneur, and Aram, the founder of LexClean, identified a gap in software solutions for cleaning services.
Combining Eric's tech expertise with Aram's industry insights, CleanSpace aims to revolutionize an industry known for high turnover and low morale through intuitive software applications. Together, they exemplify the transformative power of technology in service-based entrepreneurship.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Aram Street on Linkedin
• CleanSpace website
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The Entrepreneur Rollercoaster | Awesome Inc Video Podcast - Episode 134
Garrett Fahrbach is the Director of Outreach and Student Engagement for the Awesome Inc team. He works closely with startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, students and community across Kentucky.
In this episode, he covers three lessons after reading “The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster” by Darren Hardy. They are sure to recharge your passions in work and life.
Read the blog: https://www.awesomeinc.org/blog/the-entrepreneur-roller-coaster
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/XL2Hk2LTrU0
Check out our resources for entrepreneurs:
awesomeinc.org/fellowship
awesomeinc.org/idea
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Garrett Fahrbach on Linkedin
• Awesome Inc Fellowship Resources
• Awesome Inc "I Have an Idea" form
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
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3 Tips for Photography | Awesome Inc Video Podcast - Episode 133
Hannah Eberts is Project Manager and Photographer at Awesome Inc. A jack of all trades, she helps event planning, community involvement, photography, and graphic design.
Hannah also has a freelance photography business that shoots weddings, events, and portraits. In this episode, tune in for 3 quick and essential tips for capturing events like a professional.
Read the blog: https://www.awesomeinc.org/blog/3-tips-for-capturing-memorable-moments-of-your-community
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/G97k0YX-Gmk
Want to Awesome Inc at our next event? Go to awesomeinc.org/events for more.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Hannah Eberts on Linkedin
Leave Some Feedback:
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Questions About Enrolling in Software Bootcamps | Awesome Inc Video Podcast - Episode 132
Stephen Ruh is the Director of Marketing for Awesome Inc U. He works closely with the Web Developer Bootcamp Program, which trains people with no prior coding experience to be Web Developers in 16 weeks.
In this episode, learn the answers to 7 common questions that people have about bootcamps. If you want to discover more specifics about our course and apply, head to our website: awesomeinc.org/bootcamp
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Stephen Ruh on Linkedin
• Awesome Inc U Bootcamp website
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5 Across June 2023 Winner - Kyndly Benefits | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 131
Recap of Kyndly Benefits winning the June 2023 5 Across on June 21st, 2023:
Waleed Bahouth has spent the last 17 years in healthcare trying to fix broken things. His co-founder, Erik, and he founded Kyndly in 2022 to help everyone access affordable health benefits. Kyndly Benefits simplifies the process of finding and enrolling in an ACA Marketplace (aka Obamacare) health plan. Their Kynd Choice application leverages consumer data and uses simple language to help people find the best health plan in 3 simple steps.
In prior roles, he led business development for Handle Global where he formed new strategic partnerships with Google and Medtronic. In 15 years of progressive leadership at Humana he oversaw various functions including the transformation office. Before that, he helped to make bourbon. He has a law degree from the Brandeis School of Law and a BA in Economics from Trinity University. He loves playing tennis, watching the 49ers and cooking Middle Eastern food.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Waleed Bahouth on Linkedin
• Kyndly Benefit's website
Leave Some Feedback:
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Fellowship Demo Day Spring 2023 | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 130
Here's an insight to our second bi-annual showcase of the Awesome Inc Fellowship Program's startup portfolio.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Inphlu || Founder, Joshua Reid on Linkedin
• 13 Layers || Founder, Justin Perron on Linkedin
• VRTogether || Founder, Richie Hoagland on Linkedin
• Active Therapy Systems || Founder, Bennett Gatto on Linkedin
• Party Horses || Founder, Chris Wiedmar on Linkedin
• MiniGrip || Founders, Kirk Selenberg and Bill Meehan on Linkedin
• UJOIN || Founder, Kory Payne on Linkedin
• PrepSharp || Founders, Moshe Ohayon, Grace Lee, Ross Thompson on Linkedin
• Feedcoyote || Founder, Dr. Stevens Bonhomme on Linkedin
• C2 Keep || Founder, Roland Achenjang on Linkedin
• Cartoonize My Pet || Founder, Jennifer Williams on Linkedin
• Smoove Creations || Founders, Isaiah Kelly and Vivi McCloy on Linkedin
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
• Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.
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5 Across April 2023 Winner - TitleWise | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 129
Recap of TitleWise winning at the April 2023 5 Across on April 26th, 2023:
TitleWise is a title abstraction software developed by industry veterans. From typed reports with quick turnarounds to smart legal descriptions, custom language according to your underwriter’s requirements and easy updates, TitleWise is ready to serve your needs.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Jennifer Mason on Linkedin
• TitleWise's website
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
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Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee... it's Muhammad Ali | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 128
Bennett Gatto is the founder and CEO of Active Therapy Systems (ATS), DBA their brand Total HealthWorks Online, which is a digital health and remote monitoring platform for People with Parkinson's Disease.
Their mission is to help clients regain control of their health through personalized exercise and wellness programs while monitoring disease progression to help improve clinical decision making and disease management strategies. They launched their online exercise classes in 2020 and will be launching their personalized, premium service in Q2 of 2023. If you or someone you know has Parkinson's, check them out at totalhealthworks.com!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Bennett Gatto on Linkedin
• Active Therapy Systems website
Leave Some Feedback:
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Policy Across the Pacific | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 127
Kory Payne is the co-founder and CEO of Ujoin Advocacy. Ujoin helps people communicate easily and effectively with policy makers, giving nonprofits, business, and citizens all of the tools they need to be effective policy advocates.
Kory is from a small town in Ohio and eventually found himself running a small nonprofit in Hawaii. He needed an advocacy platform and all he found was clunky and very expensive solutions, so he set out to create Ujoin.
He met his wife in Hawaii and she brought him back to the Paducah area where she's from. They're raising two kids in Paducah and Kory plans to grow the Ujoin business there.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Kory Payne on Linkedin
• Ujoin's website
Leave Some Feedback:
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It Takes a Thief | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 126
Justin Perron is co-founder and CEO of 13 Layers, which is a Managed Cybersecurity Services company on the frontlines protecting companies globally from hackers. 13 Layers empowers Executives and IT professionals with the education, strategy and tools required to defeat the most sophisticated cyber-criminal groups in the world.
Justin's daily goals include teaching IT professionals how to build zero trust networks with proactive security as the first layer of defense and teaching Executives how to analyze and reduce risk from cyber-attacks. When he's not fully connected, you can find him purposely disconnected and hiking, kayaking, playing soccer, traveling, or cooking and being a foodie with family.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Justin Perron on Linkedin • 13 Layers website
Leave Some Feedback:
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Getting Stuck on Vacation | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 125
Bill Meehan and Kirk Selenberg are the Co-Founders of MiniGrip, which is the World’s First Portable Gripper – A high-quality accessory that people carry with them and use to open twist-top bottles, jars, and other items!
Kirk and Bill met in Business school at Carnegie Mellon in 2010 and have been friends since. Kirk (Chief Product Officer) is a Mechanical Engineer by education with 7 Years in R&D and 15 Years in IT. Bill (CEO) has and Finance and Operations background with 20+ years of experience leading businesses in both High-tech and Retail. Bill and Kirk launched MiniGrip in 2020 and have both always wanted to start a new business.
Bill and Kirk both live in Lexington with their families.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Kirk Selenberg on Linkedin • Bill Meehan on Linkedin • MiniGrip website
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
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48 Hours to Bring in $1M in Revenue | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 124
Chris Wiedmar is co-founder and COO of Party Horses, which is an experiential company that plays in the web3 and spirits space.
Chris and his team started Party Horses back in January 2022 and have generated close to 2M in revenue over the past year. They are looking to expand more into the spirits business in 2023. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring other startups and collecting rare Nike sneakers in his spare time.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Chris Wiedmar on Linkedin
• Party Horses website
Leave Some Feedback:
• Email podcast@awesomeinc.org with what you want to hear about next.
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Going Mach 15 | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 123
Matt is co-founder and CEO at Canopy. Previously, he was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and spent an 8 year career as a B-52H Weapons Officer. In this role, he flew, managed, and operated weapon systems ranging from conventional munitions to nuclear armed cruise missiles. As a supervisor and operator of Air Force weapon systems, Matt developed expertise on the technical capabilities and limitations of all weapons in the Air Force’s inventory and adjacent military branches.
During this time, he also served as a mission commander on dozens of missions during two combat deployments overseas. Matt then took his expertise to Europe as an Air Liaison Officer, advising NATO partners and U.S. military forces on how to utilize U.S. Air Force capabilities. He developed strategy and planned operations at the highest levels, while managing and integrating the Air Force’s special operations tactical air controllers, known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).
Matt has an MBA from the University of Chicago and is married with a son.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Matt Shieh on Linkedin
• Caopy Aerospace website
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5 Across February 2023 Winner - Feedcoyote | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 122
Recap of Feedcoyote winning at the February 2023 5 Across on February 22nd, 2023.
Stevens is the Founder & CEO at Feedcoyote, an AI-powered collaboration network platform with built-in productivity tools that empowers freelance business.
Stevens is an Economist with a Doctorate in Business, and has gained his tech experience at Microsoft for many years. Now he aims to help take loneliness out of freelance work and improve productivity so that freelancers can make more money together. Join the Feedcoyote community today on the Web, or download the App on iOS & Android.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Stevens Bonhomme on Linkedin
• Steven's February 2023 5 Across pitch (41:33)
• Feedcoyote website
Leave Some Feedback:
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5 Across FINALS WINNER - Xena Intelligence | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 121
Recap of XENA Intelligence winning at the 2022 5 Across FINALS on December 7th, 2022.
XENA is an AI-powered growth platform that helps e-commerce brands automate and optimize ad campaigns on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart through data intelligence, proprietary algorithms, and predictive analytics.
In 2022, we grew revenue 12X, managed over $14.5M in ad spend, with 40+ brand clients (including Nestle), and grew the team to 25 FTEs.
Founded by Akhil Nair, an experienced strategic consultant and marketer out of Louisville, XENA is a Techstars NYC Accelerator alum, and gearing up for a Seed Round in Q2, 2023.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Akhil Nair on Linkedin
• Akhil's October 2022 5 Across pitch
• XENA website
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5 Across October WINNER - Xena Intelligence | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 120
XENA is an AI-powered growth platform that helps e-commerce brands automate and optimize ad campaigns on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart through data intelligence, proprietary algorithms, and predictive analytics.
In 2022, we grew revenue 12X, managed over $14.5M in ad spend, with 40+ brand clients (including Nestle), and grew the team to 25 FTEs.
Founded by Akhil Nair, an experienced strategic consultant and marketer out of Louisville, XENA is a Techstars NYC Accelerator alum, and gearing up for a Seed Round in Q2, 2023.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Akhil Nair on Linkedin
• Akhil's October 2022 5 Across pitch
• XENA website
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5 Across August 2022 WINNER - Water Warriors | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 119
Steve Chamberland is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Water Warriors, a scientifically driven company providing innovative products and technologies to protect our waterways from nutrient pollution. At Water Warriors we believe that water is the world's most valuable resource, we treat water how water should be treated.
Steve competed in and won the August 2022 5 Across and earned a spot in the 2022 5 Across FINALS.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Steve Chamberland on Linkedin
• Water Warriors website
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Behind the Scenes of Unbridled Spirit Volume 2 | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 118
Hussein Al-Baiaty from Scribe Media interviewed Garrett Fahrbach of the Awesome Inc team who led the charge on publishing the next book in the series from the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
Unbridled Spirit Volume 2: Lessons in Life and Business tells 19 stories of 2015-2019 inductees from the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame classes.
Pick up your copy today on Amazon or at the Awesome Inc space!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Unbridled Spirit Volume 2: Lessons in Life and Business from Kentucky's Most Successful Entrepreneurs on Amazon
• Hussein Al-Baiaty on Linkedin
• Garrett Fahrbach on Linkedin
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Peeling Back the Layers Like Shrek | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 117
Sue Spencer has many years' experience with cybersecurity and network management for NASA and other government agencies. She took a career break to raise a family then rejoined the tech world with her ground-breaking design technology that removes ethnic bias from clothing design. She has presented at graphic design conferences and conducted multi-week workshops from Madrid to Shenzhen, from Montreal to Seattle. Sue's startup Seamly Systems produces Seamly pattern design software. The Seamly beta application is available for download at https://seamly.net.
We enjoyed having Sue compete in the August 2022 5 Across Pitch Competition.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Sue Spencer on Linkedin
• Seamly website
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Dentist Appointment At Noon, Test Prep At One | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 116
Dr. Kyle Mann is founder and CEO of UpScore Test Prep which provides equitable access to ACT test prep by partnering with schools and educational programs. UpScore utilizes user friendly dashboards, analytical reports, and personalized learning to radically improve learning efficiency. Kyle is passionate about healthcare, education, and rural Kentucky.
We enjoyed having Kyle compete in the August 2022 5 Across Pitch Competition.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Kyle Mann on Linkedin
• UpScore Test Prep website
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Baking Fresh Raspberry Pi for a Stale Industry | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 115
Dakota Hoskins is the owner-operator of Safari Solutions - a technology start-up company that focuses on the latest high-tech car wash innovations. Safari Solutions’ barcode scanner module enables car wash operators to add barcode scanning capabilities to any existing kiosk without breaking the bank!
We enjoyed having Dakota compete in the August 2022 5 Across Pitch Competition.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Dakota Hoskins on Linkedin
• Safari Car Wash Solutions website
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The World Needs People Who Are a Little Crazy | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 114
Awesome Inc team fan-favorite, Steve Huey (Angel Investor, Mentor, and Serial Entrepreneur) leads the Saturday night session at the 2022 Awesome Inc Startup Summer Retreat.
For the past two decades, Steve has been a leader in integrating cutting-edge technologies into already existing markets that desperately need them. Most recently he founded TYP64, a venture studio meets buyout fund, that helps legacy companies implement digital transformation solutions to reinvigorate their business. Prior to starting TYP64, Steve was the founder and CEO of Capture Higher Ed, an industry-leading technology firm that provides predictive modeling and marketing automation software to university recruitment offices.
Featured in Forbes’ Built to Sell and 2018 Kentucky Mentor of the Year, Steve is also a part of the prestigious Endeavour Entrepreneur network honoring high-impact entrepreneurs across the world. Steve has had several successful exits, most recently as the Chair of the publicly-traded sales software firm, Sharpspring. He also chairs several boards for start-ups in Louisville and has mentored 100+ CEO’s across the country. He helped lead the acquisition of both The Learning House Inc. and RentalHouses.com after landing in Louisville, and prior to that, Steve helped lead $4B in M&A for CMGI during the height of the .com era and held director positions at software firms Earthlink and Alluria. In the few hours when he’s not mentoring, speaking, or investing, you can probably find Steve geeking out to tech books or manning his Playstation.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Steve Huey on Linkedin
• Capture Higher Ed on Linkedin
• Endeavour website
• Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Investor and Mentor Award recipient list
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Guiding Your Fragrance Journey With Pomander Tech | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 113
Kelly Wright is the founder and CEO of Pomander Tech, which is a fragrance sampling kiosk that drives sales through a better customer experience.
At the Pomander Tech kiosk: take a quiz; get personalized recommendations; receive a sample card with chosen fragrance.
Kelly is a software developer for Inc 5000 company APAX Software in Lexington, KY, Christian, mother, and Girl Scout troop leader.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Kelly Wright on Linkedin
• Pomander Tech's website
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Full-Time Students Can Start Businesses, Too | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 112
Lindsey Grass is the founder and designer of Trends by Linds, an up-cycled fashion and vintage finds brand. Lindsey started her business during the pandemic in 2020 when she saw an issue within the fashion industry, and a solution she could bring to the table. Lindsey is passionate about sustainable clothing, empowering the world around her, and designing new things!
Kara Smith is a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky, currently a Team Alpha Marketing Intern. Her interest in starting her journey of creating a business, and selling her own art, led her to discover how a young entrepreneur begins.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Lindsey Grass on Linkedin
• Kara Smith on Linkedin
• Trends by Linds on Instagram
• Awesome Inc Team Alpha internship application
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From Retail to Disc Golf to Developer, Seizing Opportunities As They Arise | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 111
Samuel Wheeling is the owner of Bang-A-Chain LLC, which he runs with his wife Jennifer Wheeling.
While growing his disc golf business, he recalled many skills learned over the years while being a manager of retail and fast food establishments. And when an opportunity to change his career paths presented itself, he decided to learn how to code and become a web developer.
Currently, Sam works for Blueframe Tech which was recently acquired by Hudl. He has been with them since graduating from Awesome Inc U's Bootcamp.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Samuel Wheeling on Linkedin
• Bang-A-Chain website
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Success Without My Family Isn't Worth It | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 110
Philip Devine is co-founder of Quill, which enables real estate agents to write, sign, and submit offers for their clients without their laptops, in less time than it takes to send a text. They're currently getting ready to launch the beta version this fall. Philip is passionate about building things that make life easier, doing CrossFit with his family, and spending time with friends.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Philip Devine on Linkedin
• Quill website
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5 Across June 2022 WINNER - MiniGrip | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 109
Bill Meehan and Kirk Selenberg are the Co-Founders of MiniGrip, which is the World’s First Portable Gripper – A high-quality accessory that people carry with them and use to open twist-top bottles, jars, and other items!
Kirk and Bill met in Business school at Carnegie Mellon in 2010 and have been friends since. Kirk (Chief Product Officer) is a Mechanical Engineer by education with 7 Years in R&D and 15 Years in IT. Bill (CEO) has and Finance and Operations background with 20+ years of experience leading businesses in both High-tech and Retail. Bill and Kirk launched MiniGrip in 2020 and have both always wanted to start a new business.
Bill and Kirk both live in Lexington with their families.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Kirk Selenberg on Linkedin
• Bill Meehan on Linkedin
• MiniGrip website
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Not Every Startup Has the Same Diet | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 108
Gary Ditsch is on a mission to help others live happier and healthier lives. He utilizes technology, data analysis, entrepreneurship, and education as his tools to empower those around him to make behavioral changes and meet their personal goals. Gary is currently the Director of Product at VividCharts, which is a Lexington-based company that makes reporting and data visualization with ServiceNow data much easier for their customers.
When not building products or teaching others how to program, you will likely find him out on a run training for an upcoming race.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Gary Ditsch on Linkedin
• Vivid Charts website
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Do the Thing That Excites You On the Weekends | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 107
Jason Mize is a Co-Founder, CEO, and Developer at Stellar TechWorks, a software development house in Lexington, KY. What Jason loves best about his job is helping Stellar TechWork's clients find their path towards delivering their vision to the world.
He's a former Awesome Inc U Bootcamp grad and APAX Software employee. And his local band is about to release a new album!
For more information or to connect with Jason, please visit https://stellartechworks.com/
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Jason Mize on Linkedin
• Stellar TechWorks website
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Give Less to Caesar and More to Your Future | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 106
Jordan Guess is a CPA and entrepreneur helping small business owners spend more time scaling their business instead of worrying about taxes. At his core, Jordan is an educator committed to empowering people to lower their lifetime tax expenses through legal means so they can scale their business faster and build generational wealth for their families.
Jordan is a co-host of the weekly podcast “Not All At Once” where he discusses current events related to Bitcoin. You can find out more about Jordan and all he is working on by following him on Twitter @guess_jordan.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Jordan Guess on Linkedin
• Trusted Advisors CPA website
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Push Play On Purpose | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 105
Steve Seidel is your Virtual CMO and Award-Winning Founder of The Seidel Agency with 15+ years of experience consulting and marketing health & wellness, entertainment, and technology firms. Seidel helps established corporations and emerging entrepreneurs grow by delivering socially conscious campaigns, as well as cultivating a culture of positivity.
Recently Seidel has spearheaded multiple 8-figure acquisitions using his proprietary "From Looking to Booking" method and MorePayingPatients.com Instagram Masterclass. Originally from Philadelphia, Seidel's biggest dream was to become a father, and he continues to cherish that role each and every day.
Whether you're a Forbes 400 company or just starting up, his mission is to take you to greatness, while leaving our world a better place. Please connect with him personally on social with @StephenSeidel and professionally with @TheSeidelAgency across all platforms.
Do Good. Give Back and Make an Impact!
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Steve Seidel on Linkedin
• The Seidel Agency website
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You Don't Have to Be Lonely Anymore | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 104
Richie Hoagland is the founder of VRTogether and a two-time Fellowship Founder. VRTogether is a virtual reality (VR) application that connects people together in virtual spaces to take a walk in the forest, watch a sunset on the beach, and more.
Their technology is evidence-based, improving health and happiness through research. We focus on touch and feelings of "being near" someone, something Zoom and telephone calls can't do.
He's a Lexington native solving the problem of isolation within Senior Care Facilities and Seniors Aging-at-Home.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Richie Hoagland on Linkedin
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5 Across April 2022 WINNER - Resound | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 103
Jacob Bozarth is co-founder and CEO of Resound which is a mobile-first AI Editing tool for podcasters that saves creators time so they can focus on their message, not their mess-ups.
Resound was birthed out of Jacob's first company, Resonate Recordings, a leader in the podcast production space, working with over 3,000 podcasters including top brands and podcasts. Jacob and his team are currently closing their pre-seed Resound and will be releasing Resound Beta in the Summer of 2022. You can sign up for early access to their beta at https://resound.fm. Jacob is passionate about startups, audio engineering, podcasting, and the great outdoors.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Jacob Bozarth on Linkedin
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Deviate From Denial | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 102
Sam Perez is a first-time author of Deviate from Denial and a senior journalism major at the University of Georgia. She has written the book based on her parents' work with DV8 Kitchen, a restaurant and bakery in Lexington that hires people in recovery from substance use disorder.
Sam hopes to erase the stigma surrounding addiction by telling inspirational stories in her book, which is available for preorder. Sam is passionate about storytelling, good food among great company, and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Rob Perez on Linkedin
• Sam Perez on Linkedin
• Deviate From Denial - Sam's book
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Bring a Higher Purpose Into Your Work With Rob Perez and DV8 | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 101
This is to prepare for the next episode, highlighting Rob's daughter, Sam Perez's book titled Deviate From Denial: Erasing the Stigma of Addiction and Recovery Through Inspirational Stories
With 30 years of restaurant experience, Rob Perez has seen first-hand how to build restaurant brands and how prevalent addiction is in the industry he loves. Along with his wife Diane, he founded Dv8 Kitchen as a social enterprise focused on giving second chance employment opportunities to people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction through vocational, on-the-job training.
Dv8 Kitchen focuses on providing top-quality food, service, and atmosphere for every guest, and by providing “a better-than-expected” dining experience, the hope is to build a new standard for the second chance employee to live by and to change the way the guests perceive people in addiction recovery.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Rob Perez on Linkedin
• Deviate From Denial - Sam Perez's book (next episode)
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Startups Assemble at Fellowship Demo Day (Live From Awesome Inc) | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 100
Did you miss out on our Fellowship Demo Day and 13th Birthday Celebration? All of the donuts were eaten, but we've got you covered with audio from the event! Our Director of the Fellowship, Keith McMunn, leads the way in this episode, introducing the Fellowship program and each of its current companies.
Curious about what all of the startups do? Buckle in and take off with us as we celebrate local entrepreneurship in Lexington and the life of Awesome Inc.
HUGE thanks to Chase for sponsoring this Fellowship Demo Day.
If this episode peaked your curiosity about startups, entrepreneurship, or what's happening around town... we've got the perfect event for you. Later this month (April 2022), Awesome Inc is putting on a Startup Pitch Competition where 5 startups will share their companies with a live audience for a chance to win up to $500 and a $5000 founder-friendly investment. Plus, attendees will get a free meal and a chance to network before and after the event! Register here.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Keith McMunn on Linkedin
• Awesome Fellowship Portfolio
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Guess Who's Turning 13 Years Old? | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 99
Awesome Inc is turning 13 years old on April 1, 2022.
We're celebrating with three of our cofounders (Brian Raney, Luke Murray, and Nick Such) sitting down and reflecting on Awesome Inc's inception and goofy memories that go back to the beginning.
** "Go it Alone" by Beck is not our original work and does not belong to us.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
• Brian Raney on Linkedin
• Luke Murray on Linkedin
• Nick Such on Linkedin
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5 Across February 2022 WINNER - Party Horses | Awesome Inc Podcast - Episode 98
Chris Wiedmar is a technology leader and entrepreneur with a focus on operations, partnerships, and business development. He has experience building applications, IOT solutions, and is currently building in the web3 and NFT space with Party Horses. He is born and raised in Louisville and lives in the Highlands with his wife, Erin, and 3 children.
5 Across is a year-long series of pitch competitions and highlights some of the most exciting tech companies to be growing in Kentucky. 5 Across is Kentucky's premiere pitch competition. If you've ever seen NBC's Shark Tank then you'd enjoy 5 Across.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Party Horses website
Chris Wiedmar on Linkedin
Kinetic by Windstream - 5 Across 2022 Title Sponsor
Chase - 5 Across February 2022 Presenting Sponsor
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