Middle Tech

Brad Luttrell is a founder and storyteller who recently made the difficult decision to shut down his company, GoWild. Now, he’s building again—with more focus and experience behind his new company, Prologue.

What actually happens when a startup fails? How do founders know when it’s time to pull the plug—and what comes next?

Expect to learn how Brad came to the decision to shut down GoWild, what it felt like to have not one, but two 8-figure acquisition offers fall through, the lessons he’s carrying into Prologue, how he approached fundraising differently the second time around, and why starting again doesn’t mean starting from scratch.

Valvoline is known for its long history in automotive lubricants, but today, the company is pushing into a new frontier: data centers. As the demand for artificial intelligence grows and more data centers come online, the energy-intensive chips that power AI models are facing an overheating crisis. Enter Valvoline.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. George Zhang, VP of Research and Development, and Michael Morrison, Director of New Ventures at Valvoline, to explore how the company is leveraging its expertise in heat transfer to cool next-generation data centers.

Our conversation covers the science behind liquid cooling and why AI chips are overheating, how Valvoline is adapting its lubricant technology for data center cooling, and the role of Kentucky in Valvoline’s innovation efforts.

Logan and Evan sit down with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss Kentucky’s economic development successes, private sector investment, and the role of innovation in shaping Kentucky's future.

Under Governor Beshear’s administration, Kentucky has seen over $35 billion in private sector investment - more than any governor in Kentucky history - including major projects in battery manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. Our conversation explores:

- What’s driving business investment in Kentucky- The economic impact of projects like the BlueOval SK Battery Park and AESC Gigafactory- How the state is supporting innovation, startups, and workforce development

We’re excited to spotlight the impact of innovation on Kentucky’s economic future!

Help Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims:

Middle Tech is back for Season 8! In this episode, Logan and Evan dive into major personal and business updates, including Logan’s decision to go full-time with Middle Tech & DevelopLex and Evan’s launch of Valent, his startup leveraging AI to accelerate RFP responses.

They discuss the vision for 2025, upcoming high-production episodes, and the expansion of Middle Tech’s role in Kentucky’s innovation ecosystem. The conversation covers:

✅ Why Logan left Fooji to go all-in on Middle Tech
✅ Evan’s journey from Simba to launching Valent with over $1M raised
✅ The evolution of DevelopLex & how it fits into Kentucky’s economic future
✅ The rise of AI meetups & workshops—why they’re critical for Kentucky
✅ What’s changing in our content strategy and events for 2025

We’re making big moves this year, and we want you to be part of it!

On today's episode, we welcome back Colby Hall, the executive director of SOAR. SOAR was recently awarded $40 million through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, focused on revamping EKY's economic identity. We dive into the challenges of employment gaps in Eastern Kentucky, the importance of remote work, and how the geography of the region has impacted it's economic development. Colby emphasizes the need for a new economic identity, the role of entrepreneurship, and the success of the SOAR Summit in fostering innovation in the Appalachian region. Looking ahead, he shares his vision for the future and the importance of individual support in driving community change.

To learn more about SOAR and the grant they were awarded, you can check out this press release: https://soar-ky.org/soar-eda-recompete/

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket Innovation, to discuss the growing startup ecosystem in Western Kentucky. Monica shares her diverse career journey, from managing microgrants in East Africa to leading community revitalization projects and now spearheading Sprocket Innovation in Paducah, Kentucky.The conversation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of fostering innovation in a smaller regional ecosystem and how Sprocket supports entrepreneurs with programs like the West Kentucky Innovation Challenge and Next 50k. Monica emphasizes the importance of leveraging local resources, building strong networks, and collaborative efforts among Kentucky’s innovation hubs.The episode also delves into the future of entrepreneurship in Western Kentucky, focusing on the potential growth sectors and the role of regional storytelling and networking.

In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Destin George Bell, the founder behind the Card.io app, a gamified fitness platform that combines elements of Capture the Flag with fitness tracking. From his roots in Louisville to establishing his startup in Austin, Destin shares the challenges and triumphs of launching a business during the pandemic and his experience pitching on Shark Tank. We dive into how Destin started down the path of entrepreneurship while at UK, the role that self-taught hustle and community support played along the way, and what he hopes to accomplish with Card.io in the near future.

In this episode recorded live at the 2024 SOAR Summit, we talk with Cindy Sparks from Complete3D and Dr. Elijah Jensen from Black Box Energy Systems - two former winners of the Appalachia startup pitch competition. We discuss how Black Box Energy Systems is innovating in the energy sector with lightweight, efficient power solutions, and how Complete3D is making 3D printing accessible through maintenance and education. Learn about the challenges they faced, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them, and the unique opportunities Kentucky offers for startups.

In this episode, Logan sits down with Gaylord VanGuilder, CEO and co-founder of Buddle Skincare, an e-commerce brand set on solving diaper rash. The discussion traverses the importance of prevention in skincare, and Gaylord's extensive background in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, including his experience with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. The episode delves into the challenges of the baby skincare market, underlining the lack of R&D investment and the high costs of customer acquisition. Gaylord discusses partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, leveraging AI for business growth, and the fundraising grind for startups. Learn about Buddle's innovative approach, the impact of influencers, and insights on thriving in the competitive CPG market.

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sat down with Sam Razor, the former co-founder and CEO of Hippo Manager. They discuss Sam's journey building software in the veterinary space, ultimately leading to the acquisition of the business by a private equity firm.

In this episode, Logan Jones conducts an experimental podcast featuring an AI guest named Cove, a voice from ChatGPT's advanced voice mode. The discussion covers the impressive conversational capabilities of this feature, showcasing its human-like interactions and potential applications in education, brainstorming, and content creation. Logan explores various scenarios, such as using AI for personalized learning and the possibility of integrating AI as a podcast co-host. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns, technology's rapid advancement, and the increasing demand for sustainable energy to power AI operations.

In this episode, Logan, Evan, and TJ celebrate reaching the 300th episode of Middle Tech, diving into behind-the-scenes insights and reflecting on major developments in 2024. They share personal updates, discuss their founder-focused approach to storytelling, and explore significant trends in the tech industry, speculating on the biggest stories to watch in the future.

In this episode, Evan sits down with Julia Regan discusses the inception and growth of RxLightning, a healthcare technology company focused on improving access to specialty medications. She shares her journey from identifying a significant problem in the healthcare system to launching a drug-agnostic platform that connects various stakeholders. Julia emphasizes the importance of strategic fundraising, building a flexible company culture, and leveraging networks like Endeavor to support growth. She also reflects on the challenges of scaling a startup and the critical role of hiring the right team to navigate these challenges effectively.

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Travis Stanfield, co-founder and CEO of Stacklet. They discuss how Stacklet helps organizations save money and enhance security in the public cloud. Travis shares insights into the rapid growth of Stacklet, achieving their first million in revenue just seven months after launching their product. He also discusses the challenges and dynamics of running a fully remote company, timing their business inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unique lifestyle of managing a tech company from a horse farm in Kentucky. Travis talks about his career journey from Microsoft to Capital One, the inspiration behind Stacklet, and the future potential of the company. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about technology, innovation, and the startup ecosystem in Kentucky.

In this episode, Evan Knowles explores the latest developments in AI infrastructure buildout, focusing on data centers, energy consumption, and sustainability. The expansion of AI and data centers has led to supply chain issues, power challenges, and environmental concerns. NVIDIA's GPUs have become a major player in powering AI, with significant revenue growth. Countries like China and the UK are investing heavily in AI as an arms race for economic power. The power consumption of AI is unsustainable, leading to the need for innovation in data center design and energy sources. Liquid cooling and AI optimization are being explored to improve efficiency. The future of AI and energy lies in nuclear power, with fusion technology being safer and more efficient. The US needs to invest in nuclear power to stay competitive with countries like China. The AI boom will drive changes in energy and sustainability.

In this episode, Logan Jones sits down with Ian Gerard, the founder and CEO of The Cloud Minders, a GPU-as-a-service company. They discuss the high demand for GPUs and the innovative approach The Cloud Minders is taking to provide AI infrastructure affordably. The conversation delves into technical details about how AI and GPU work, the energy consumption challenges, and the future of nuclear energy. They also explore the broader implications of AI, including potential existential threats, and discuss the startup ecosystem in Kentucky.

In this episode, Evan Knowles sits down with Scott Koloms, the founder of Canopy Kentucky, to discuss the importance of businesses embracing social responsibility. The conversation covers the role of businesses in improving employee welfare, community development, and environmental preservation. Scott shares insights on how Canopy Kentucky is bringing B Corp certification to the state to promote social enterprise and stakeholder capitalism. They delve into the origins of Canopy, the benefits of being a responsible business, and how to integrate social impact into business operations. The episode highlights the growth of Scott's janitorial service, FMS, into a socially responsible enterprise and discusses the process and significance of Canopy certification.

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones sits down with Chris Goode, CEO of Climavision, along with Ben Toms, VP of AI Weather, and Peter Childs, Chief Scientist. They discuss the advancements and unique approaches Climavision is taking in the weather and climate industry, particularly through the integration of generative AI and traditional physics-based modeling. The conversation covers the importance of improved weather forecasting for sectors like energy and insurance, the recent acquisition of Ben's company Intersphere, and the deployment of Climavision's radar network. They also highlight the role of AI in extending weather forecasting accuracy and how Climavision is positioning itself strategically in the evolving marketplace.

In this episode, Logan Jones sits down with Scott Massey, co-founder and CEO of Anu, and Kirk Taylor, co-founder and president of Land Betterment. They discuss their partnership to develop and sell autonomous fresh produce growing systems using Eco Solutions' upcycled shipping containers. We explore the technology behind Anu's self-nurturing pods, the scalable solutions for food security, and the journey Scott Massey took from his days at Purdue University to creating a product aimed at fighting food insecurity. The episode also covers the business aspects, the impact on local communities, and the future aspirations of this pioneering project. Learn more about Anu at https://www.growanu.com/ Learn more about Eko Solutions at https://www.ekosolutionsllc.com/

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Larry Horn, CEO of Amplify Startups (formerly Amplify Louisville), to discuss the dynamics of the startup ecosystem in Kentucky. They explore themes like the distinction between entrepreneurship and innovation, the challenges and opportunities in Louisville, and the importance of collaboration with corporates and other organizations. Larry shares insights on Amplify's initiatives, the role of the state in supporting startups, and the future outlook for Kentucky's innovation hubs. The conversation also touches on how Amplify navigates the balance between urban and rural support and the need for affordable startup spaces in Louisville.

In this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Hannah Went and Varun Dwaraka of TruDiagnostic to discuss the cutting-edge science and technology behind biological age testing and longevity research. TruDiagnostic aims to offer biological age testing to healthcare providers, focusing on how understanding epigenetics can lead to preventative medicine. They delve into the importance of personalized medicine, share user experiences, such as those of Brian Johnson, and discuss the future potential of epigenetic testing in healthcare systems.

In this episode, Evan provides an overview of artificial intelligence (AI), its origins, and its various types. He discusses the potential impact of AI on society, including economic transformation, healthcare advances, scientific progress, ethical and societal considerations, and global governance. Evan also shares practical applications of AI, such as food label analysis and customer support automation. He delves into the components of AI, including large language models, prompts, context windows, vector databases, retrieval augmented generation, and AI agents. Finally, Evan shares his personal experience building an AI company and offers insights on the evolving AI landscape.

Logan Jones breaks down recent news coming out of the nuclear energy space, how AI is accelerating the growth of energy demand, and what the near future could hold for nuclear technology.

Brian Raney is the CEO and Co-Founder of Awesome Inc - a company that exists to create and grow high tech startups through a variety of initiatives, such as hosting community events, leading technology education courses, and offering a shared workspace environment.This episode was part of a live recording event in collaboration with Awesome Inc and Chase Bank. Brian shared stories from the early days of Awesome Inc, how permission to fail was the advice that encouraged him to start the company, and how they’ve built the startup community that we know today.

In this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Jake Budler, the Director of Entrepreneur Experience at Endeavor Midwest. They discuss various topics, including Jake's experience as a founder of a small business, the Indy Tech Tour, the strengths of the Midwest startup ecosystem, and the importance of building relationships. Jake emphasizes the value of in-person connections, the unique opportunities in the Midwest, and the need for founders to ask for help and advice. In the second part of the conversation, Jake Budler discusses the impact of trust-based relationship building and social currency in the startup world. He highlights the growth and success of Endeavor Midwest over the past 10 years, with entrepreneurs generating millions of dollars in revenue and creating thousands of jobs. Jake also emphasizes the importance of big exits and loud failures in the ecosystem, as they contribute to the growth and learning of future entrepreneurs. He shares a story of making a connection between Rabbit Hole, a bourbon company in Kentucky, and Wicklow Wolf, a craft beer distillery in Ireland, showcasing the power of networking and collaboration. Looking ahead, Jake is excited about the positive trend line of entrepreneurship in the Midwest and the potential for more big exits and impactful solutions to be developed.

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, hosts Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Dave Knox, Executive Director of Blue North. They delve into the mission and impact of Blue North, part of the Kentucky Innovation Hub network, and explore how it serves as a vital connector for high-growth tech entrepreneurs in Northern Kentucky. Dave shares insights on the importance of creating supportive environments for entrepreneurs, the launch of SparkHouse, and the significance of mental health in the startup journey. Listen in to learn about the transformative initiatives driving Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial ecosystem forward.

In this episode, Logan sits down with Aram Street and Eric Griffin from the CleanSpace team, winners of the recent Five Across pitch competition. They explore their entrepreneurial journey, the inception of CleanSpace, and how they are innovating the cleaning service industry. The duo shares insights on their transition from offering a traditional service to developing a comprehensive tech-driven solution that caters to on-demand cleaning needs, reshaping how cleaning services are delivered.

In this episode, Aaron Gani, Founder and CEO of RealizedCare (formerly known as BehaVR, from episode 150), discusses the journey of building their VR therapeutics company and the recent acquisition of Fern Health. After acquiring Fern Health, BehaVR rebranded as RealizedCare as they broadened the scope of their technology to include more than VR. RealizedCare is a digital therapeutics company that digitizes evidence-based therapies to improve access to care and address the high cost of healthcare by providing treatments via virtual reality.

In this episode, Logan and Evan delve into two major news stories that are shaping the business and technology landscape: the FTC's proposed ban on non-compete agreements and the potential ban or forced sale of TikTok in the United States. They kick off the discussion by exploring the FTC's initiative to restrict non-compete clauses, examining its potential economic impacts and the legal hurdles it may face. Logan argues that the ban could be an overreach by the FTC in how companies protect their intellectual property, while Evan counters that such agreements can suppress wage growth and limit opportunities for employees, highlighting the broad implications for both business owners and workers. Transitioning to the TikTok bill, they dissect the reasons behind the proposed legislation, focusing on concerns over Chinese ownership and control of the app. The hosts debate the implications of banning TikTok, weighing the arguments for safeguarding privacy and freedom of expression against national security risks. Throughout the episode, they present a balanced view, acknowledging the complexity of both issues and the significant effects these regulatory changes could have on the U.S. economy and its workforce.

In this episode, Evan and Logan interview Chase Minnifield, the CEO and co-founder of EZOS, a software platform for property management. Chase shares his journey from being an NFL player to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He started with a services-based company called Helping Hands and then transitioned to building Easy Turn, a software solution for property inspections and invoicing. Over time, Easy Turn evolved into EZOS, a comprehensive operating system for large commercial properties. Chase emphasizes the importance of selling a product while it's being built and continuously seeking customer feedback to improve and expand the offering. Chase Minifield discusses the decision to expand into the multifamily housing market and the challenges of raising capital. He emphasizes the importance of having the flexibility to build the product they want and the need for capital to reach their goals. Chase also highlights the unique position of his company in revolutionizing property management through the use of technology and data. He shares insights into the mindset of an entrepreneur, including the importance of delusional confidence, self-discipline, and not being swayed by others' opinions. He also discusses the challenges of fundraising in Kentucky and the need to explore opportunities outside the state.

In this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Amanda Ralston, founder of NonBinary Solutions. They explore her transition from applied behavior analysis to tech entrepreneurship, focusing on innovative solutions for neurodivergent conditions. Amanda discusses the challenges in standardizing autism treatment, her forthcoming SaaS product, and her unique approach to fundraising. The episode also delves into the importance of authenticity in entrepreneurship and using customer feedback in product development. Amanda shares insights into her mission to effect change in healthcare and technology and her goals for her company.

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles welcome back Stevens Bonhomme, CEO of Feedcoyote, a platform connecting freelancers globally. Stevens discusses his transition from Microsoft to launching Feedcoyote, driven by a passion to solve freelancing challenges. He sheds light on the journey of creating and growing Feedcoyote, including moving to Kentucky for its vibrant startup ecosystem and winning major pitch competitions. Insights into building a diverse, global team and strategies for user growth and funding are shared. Stevens’ experience highlights the realities of entrepreneurship, from initial concept to establishing a thriving business in the competitive tech world.

In this episode, Logan and Evan are joined by Professor Brian Frey, a law professor at the University of Kentucky's College of Law. They discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on copyright law, delving into the complexities and controversies surrounding AI's ability to generate texts, images, and videos. Frey shares insights into how AI challenges traditional notions of authorship and creativity, emphasizing how AI content lacks inherent meaning until consumed and interpreted by humans. The conversation also touches on the future of intellectual property rights in an AI-dominated landscape, exploring potential shifts from protecting specific works to valuing the brand associated with content creators. Frey's background in film art and his current role at UK provide a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, law, and creativity.

In this episode, Logan and Evan explore the world of 3D printing with Eric Sparks, founder and CEO of Complet3D. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Complet3D began by addressing the urgent need for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded into various sectors. Eric discusses how 3D printing technology has evolved, sharing insights into its applications in healthcare, including how it saved time and costs in a critical surgery. The episode also covers the technology's integration into education, highlighting its role in project-based learning and curriculum development. Additionally, Eric touches on the economic benefits of 3D printing in manufacturing and its potential to revolutionize the industry. Throughout the discussion, Eric offers personal insights and experiences, demonstrating how 3D printing is transforming our approach to problem-solving across different fields.

In this episode, Logan and Evan welcome Andrea Garrity, Chief Growth Officer, and Jameson Morgan, Director of Partnerships from Gotenna. They discuss goTenna's transition from consumer-focused products to vital communication technologies in defense and emergency situations. The conversation explores the role of goTenna's mesh network radios in ensuring connectivity for first responders in challenging conditions, and how the company's shift has impacted national security and emergency preparedness. Andrea and Jameson also share insights into Gotenna's collaborations within the Kentucky startup ecosystem and discuss the wider importance of reliable communication during disasters. This episode provides a thorough look at the intersection of advanced communication technologies, startup dynamics, and emergency response infrastructure.

In this episode of Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles talk with Adam Edelen, CEO of Edelen Renewables. The discussion explores Adam's transition from Kentucky state government to renewable energy, focusing on his goal to introduce sustainable energy solutions to overlooked regions in America. The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship in Kentucky, the role of renewable energy in economic development, and the importance of learning from failure. Adam shares insights on the renewable energy sector's growth, its impact on Kentucky, and the potential for innovation in energy technology. The episode also includes a dialogue on Kentucky's business environment and how it can better support entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles dive into the latest developments in the artificial intelligence space. They discuss the AI revolution, emphasizing NVIDIA's rise as a key player in the AI gold rush. The episode delves into the transformative impact of AI on media production, illustrating how tools like OpenAI's Sora are reshaping content creation. It also addresses the critical issues of AI ethics and safety, underscoring the importance of responsible AI deployment. Additionally, listeners will gain insights into the infrastructure behind AI advancements, with discussions on NVIDIA's strategic moves and Google's Gemini 1.5 model. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI.

In this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Matt Hunckler, the entrepreneurial mind behind Powderkeg – a platform connecting developers, investors, and employers in tech hubs outside of Silicon Valley. Matt shares his journey of starting the platform, the growing probability of tech opportunities in the Midwest, and the importance of cultivating an inclusive community in a tech ecosystem. We also delve into the resonating importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. The conversation winds up with some candid entrepreneurial advice and explore the realities of work-life integration in the startup world.

In this episode Logan and Evan are joined by Alli Truttmann, the founder of Wicked Technologies. They explore Alli’s entrepreneurial journey, from the conception of her idea while recovering from a sports injury, to building and scaling her business. The conversation dives into the details of her invention, Wicked Sheets, blogging as a key SEO strategy, managing supply chains, and transitioning from briefs to diapers with the Wicked Smart Pad. Alli also shares her struggles with fundraising, considerations while building a team, and enduring through numerous pitch meetings to secure funding. Tune in to listen to Alli narrate her inspiring journey of building effective solutions for night sweats, incontinence, and more.

In this episode, Logan and Evan talk with tech entrepreneur Buddy Bockweg. Buddy shares insightful and contrarian perspectives about entrepreneurship and the challenges he faced when integrating AI into his business platform, Vsimple. They delve into the importance of understanding the meaning of entrepreneurship, building strong partnerships, the role of AI in software business, and why building businesses in certain regions can have surprising advantages. You can also hear about Vsimple's unique focus on growing value for other businesses and their refreshing approach in creating a cash flow positive business in the tech industry.

Join us on this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast as we catch up with Mac Wilkinson and hear about his platform, Moolathon. As we walk through his journey from being a former athlete to the founder of a performance-based fundraising platform, our hosts Evan and Logan discuss Moolathon’s transformation, its impact, and how Mac harnessed the potential of his idea. From the inspiring community of Techstars to insightful conversations about overseas development and the nuances of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed full of valuable experiences and learnings for startup enthusiasts and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode, Logan and Evan discuss Evan's journey of building his startup, from inception to it's recent acquisition. We dive into the challenges encountered in fundraising venture capital, defining go-to-market strategies, and the mental toll of managing a business under pressure. Evan shares his insights about the importance of team dynamics, the significance of design in product development, and lessons learned from listening to user feedback. Evan also teases his next venture - a collaborative AI platform called Devyze.