Self-Made Is A Myth - Make A Difference Together

Episode #33: Ron Brumbarger - Apprentice University

Ron is a life-long Hoosier and a serial entrepreneur. He has started, ran, and sold nine businesses in his career and started or been part of the startup of eight educational endeavors ranging from homeschool tutelages, statewide virtual charter schools, and Apprentice University. Apprentice University was created nine years ago to help solve staffing shortages at the technology firm, Bitwise Solutions, he started in 1991. He sold Bitwise in 2018 to focus his efforts on mentoring and growing tomorrow’s talent at Apprentice University.
Today Ron, along with the amazing team at Apprentice University, focuses on instilling the mindsets of innovation, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and creative problem-solving in their students. Apprentice University prepares students for careers in digital storytelling, marketing, innovation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, IT administration, project management, and much more. Students, also known as apprentices, gain high-demand skills through on-the-job training in their apprenticeships with Apprentice University’s elite Corporate Partner network of companies – which they’re always seeking new members.

Episode #32: Michelle Merritt - Circle City Coaching

Michelle Merritt is a business leader and career coach who guides professionals through the job search process, from resume creation to offer negotiation. After a 20+ year career in recruiting and corporate communications, she founded Circle City Coaching (formerly Merrfeld, LLC) in 2012 to serve clients throughout the US and beyond.
Known to be a ‘corporate cheerleader’, she embraces her unique blend of positivity and a direct communication style to teach others how to build strong networks and develop their personal talents and strengths. Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellem... or schedule a time to speak with her on the Circle City website, www.c3indy.com

Episode #31: Joe Finkam - iAIRE LLC

Joe Finkam was born in Dayton, Oh. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and currently reside in Carmel, In. with his wife. Joe has a son who is finishing his sophomore year at Indiana University. Joe spent his early working years working for large manufacturers like, General Motors, Frito-Lay and Keebler holding roles in engineering, maintenance and manufacturing. Once Joe received his professional engineering license, he worked for several years as a design and consulting engineering. Joe then worked for about 15 years with facility maintenance firms and HVAC manufacturing prior to starting iAIRE.
iAIRE was incorporated in 2014 and is an HVAC manufacturing company. iAIRE’s main products holds several patents. These patents are to products that provide cleaner indoor air quality and to Solar HVAC equipment that is 2-3 times more efficient than current HVAC technology. iAIRE’s goal is to expand Solar HVAC to all forms of HVAC equipment to help reduce the need for power to HVAC equipment.

Episode #30: Michelle Yagelski - MyBit AI & VS3

MyBit AI works in tandem with tech partners as a boutique consulting and dev group cultivating innovative SaaS solutions to the mid-size market with a hands-on, collaborative and goal-oriented approach to our client relationships. Our team identifies and provides a customized tech stack with cloud-based software to automate and optimize processes within all departments and levels to fit your needs and empower business growth. Any inquires can be directed to myagelski@mybitai.com

Episode #29: Joseph Stepke - Joe The Finance Guy

JOSEPH STEPKE, professionally known as “Joe the Finance Guy,” is an inspirational, award-winning sales leader, trainer, coach, and connector whose expertise encompasses creative financing and alternative funding programs for business-to-customer (B2C) retail clients.
He is known for his positive energy and giving nature, and prides himself on being accessible, transparent, and responsive. His own guiding principles echo the mission of Acima Credit, the company for whom he serves as an area sales manager: “To enrich the lives of our customers, merchants, and employees.”
Throughout his career, which has spanned multiple industries and market sectors, Joe has sought to add customer value. After serving as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, he moved into the business world, initially in staffing, and then into managerial roles of increasing responsibility with a focus on sales. He rocked the B2C retail vertical as a store/multi-unit operations manager and earned a sterling reputation as a team leader who could tailor solutions to enhance the customer experience, drive customer loyalty, and increase profitability for merchants.
UNIQUE AREAS OF VALUE By virtue of his rock-solid work ethic, previous leadership roles in the retail industry, and his immersive work with sales teams, Joe becomes an indispensable asset to the retail business owner. Whereas he is well versed on financial matters, he can offer a fresh lens and collaborative mindset to all areas of a business. His empathy, ability to build trust quickly, high emotional intelligence (EQ), and passion for mentoring others are what differentiate him as a servant leader.
IT’S NOT JUST BUSINESS, IT’S FRIENDSHIPS
Joe is community-minded and nourishes his LinkedIn network daily. He brings a can-do attitude, and a go-the-extra-mile approach that puts a personal stamp on his professional relationships. His customers became his friends, In the words of one merchant, who praised the no credit option as instrumental in the growth of the business, “I don’t know where I would be without Joe Stepke.”
Joe has opened up "Joe The Finance Guy" to a new level with his website, trademarked logo and name, along with his upcoming sales video series, and logo merchandise.
To contact Joe, please go to joethefinanceguy.com

Episode #28: Kirk Booher - OnGuard Security Solutions

The 'OnGuardMan' has nearly 40 years of experience implementing security systems (Intrusion and Fire Alarms, Video Surveillance, Access Control, Monitoring, etc). He began his career working for his father's company, Hoosier Alarm, while attending Lawrence Central High School, Indpls. IN, in 1983. He served in the US Navy along with several local alarm companies prior to joining Guardian in 1999. Career positions include the following: installer, central station dispatcher, sales, and sales management prior to founding OnGuard Security Solutions in 2011.
Kirk has personally secured 1,000's residential and commercial properties across Indiana over the past 30-plus years. OnGuard installs and services both business and home alarm systems, video surveillance, access control, and anti-kick, and door hardening systems. Our purpose is to 'professionally protect precious people and property' so that his clients have 'no worries'.
To learn more about OnGuard, you can do so by visiting www.WeAreOnGuard.com or by calling 317.572.5777 or you can connect with Kirk on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkbooher/

Episode #27: Todd Krause - The Cleaning Authority

Todd Krause was born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin, approximately midway between Madison and Milwaukee. He spent 34 years in the corporate world successfully managing finance and operations for numerous alternative investment, hedge fund, private equity, venture capital, and administration businesses. These businesses ranged in size from start-up to $34B. During these years, he set up companies and operations for many clients and even successfully founded and grew his own administration firm from a start-up to a firm servicing $2B of client assets.
He is the owner of the Silversun Group comprised of Silversun Cleaning LLC dba The Cleaning Authority, the Silversun Real Estate Group operating in three cities in three states, and Silversun Management Co. Following the acquisition of The Cleaning Authority business, he has worked to establish a solid foundation under the business to support future growth. To date, the business has grown 57% since he acquired the business in September 2020. His focus on cultivating the culture and the diversity of the staff working for The Cleaning Authority resulted in his nomination and selection for the award of Franchisee of the Year from the International Franchise Association, an organization with 1,400+ member franchise companies. He received this award at the end of February 2022.
Todd offers cleaning services through The Cleaning Authority to communities on the northeast side of Indianapolis. You can learn more at TheCleaningAuthority.com/fishers and you can book your service by calling 317-770-3360.

Episode #26: Tony Valle - Promethius Consulting

Tony Valle grew up in the Chicago area and started his IT career as a Programmer/Analyst for Northern Trust Corporation. Tony moved to Indianapolis in 2000 to help found Promethius Consulting with fellow IU Bloomington graduate Denver Abernathy. Promethius provides a well-managed and very experienced “outsourced IT department” for small and medium businesses across the United States. Tony’s main focus these days is educating clients on the proper network setup, best practices and employee policies to safeguard against ever increasing security risks in today’s modern business environment.
Tony is especially known for translating complicated technical topics into “plain speak” that any non-technical manager can understand and act upon. To learn more about Tony and Promethius Consulting, please visit www.promethius.com.

Episode #25: Denise Praul - Whiteboard Learning

Denise Praul is a Referral Marketing Strategist and the founder of Whiteboard Learning. She is committed to sharing practical real-world information to help business professionals create referral marketing strategies to help business owners stop wondering and worrying about where their next referral is coming from.
She put her referral knowledge to the test in her own property tax consulting business and grew it to a multiple 6 figure business with no additional investment of money or time. Using that experience and knowledge she developed a duplicatable system to help other businesses have the same success.
Denise has created a system called Roadmap to Unlimited Referrals that she now trains and shares with other business people to help them significantly grow and scale their own businesses.

Episode #24: Lisa Turner - ServiceMaster Advantage

Lisa Turner was born in Elkhorn Wisconsin, raised all over the Midwest, graduated high school from Cut Bank MT., proceeded to move back to the Midwest, Big Rapids, MI and attend college at Ferris State University. She spent 16 years growing up through the management ranks of McDonalds and even getting the opportunity to open & run a brand-new branch in Baldwin, MI. After that she went to work for her parents in their family business, ServiceMaster in Big Rapids, MI. From 1998-2002 she was the office & claims manager.
This prepared her for the opening of her existing business of ServiceMaster Advantage in April of 2002 with her husband. From a team of 2, Jeff & Lisa Turner, to two offices in Lafayette, IN & Stanwood, MI & approximately 40 employees. We focus on our Core Values of “ Doing What’s Right”, “Helping People”, “Getting the Details Right”, “Communicating” “Giving Back” & “Developing Leaders”. Our business consists of Disaster Restoration – Water, Fire, Mold, Trauma, Storm, Covid Services, Residential & Commercial; Carpet/Uphlostery/Duct Cleaning, Residential & Commercial; and Repair services.
We would like to be your resource for any cleaning or disaster needs – let us put your life back to normal. Go to www.svmadv.com to check us out or call 888.364.1188