Self-Made Is A Myth - Make A Difference Together

Episode #38: Eli Skinner - Simplify @ Fathom Realty | The Eli Skinner Team

Eli Skinner was born and raised in the country on a small apple orchard in Plainfield, IN. After college, he spent 15 years working in local churches on the southside of Indianapolis as a musician/creative, staff culture developer, and event designer.
During his time in church-world, he began some small time real estate investing. After personally winning in real estate for about 8 years, 4 years ago he transitioned to helping others win in real estate as well. He now runs one of central Indiana’s largest real estate teams, Simplify @ Fathom Realty | Eli Skinner Team. Dozens of investors all over the country rely on him, his 5 team agents, and their transaction coordinator to invest Central Indiana real estate, not to mention the hundreds of more typical retail buyers and sellers that are really the bulk of his business. He personally is heavily invested in long and short term rentals, flip houses, hard money lending and more. He’s always on the go, full of creative craziness, and strives to be the problem-solver, solution-finder, and deal-maker that almost everyone needs at some point.

Episode #37: Taylor Simpson - Halo Lending Company

Taylor is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker. He has a passion for building technologies that make life easier and bring people closer together. His love for building started at a young age and matured into a bachelor's degree from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University. Taylor began his career at Nussi Group, the world's largest modular stadium builder, and left after four years to start his own business.
He is now the co-founder & CEO of Halo App. Halo App's focus today is to uproot Payday Loans, a traumatizing industry for most Borrowers. In Indianapolis alone, nearly $50 Million returns to the Community if lenders cap their interest rates at 36%. Halo App connects Borrowers to Backers (other people in their Community), instead of payday loan stores, for loans up to $1,000. All of this is possible through Halo App, a mobile app on Google Play and App Store. Taylor lives by this quote: "What you are is the Lord's gift to you, and what you do with that gift is your gift to the Lord."
Taylor invites you to schedule a Discovery Meeting with a member of the Halo team to discover how Halo App transforms the way your Community defines being free. Go to thehaloapp.com to learn more.

Episode #36: Jay Bilunas - Angry Ape Creative

Jay Bilunas was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, but his family moved around a lot when he was younger. They eventually made their way back to Valparaiso. A graduate of Purdue University with a BS in Visual Communication Design, Jay has worked for a variety of larger companies such as Guideposts Magazine, USA Gymnastics, CP Morgan and the Finish Line. He started his business, Angry Ape Creative, in 2010.
Jay works with mostly small businesses, but has a few medium and larger businesses as clients. He provides graphic design, web design and marketing services for companies. A few companies rely on Angry Ape Creative to be their marketing/design departments. Jay provides a multitude of services for his clients and they appreciate the one stop shop approach. He can get the job done or find someone who can.

Episode #35: Travis Sims - Accelerated Global Connections

Travis Sims is a Coach, Networking Expert, Motivational Speaker, and Thought Leader committed to helping you become a better person, leader, and networker. Travis is a powerful Keynote Speaker engaging audience as large as 3,000 people from all over the world in 49 different countries.
For 14 years Travis was a high-level executive for a global business networking organization breaking records of achievement nationally and internationally. Travis is known worldwide as the Magician of Networking. He has been teaching & coaching the best business leadership minds across the country how to do networking, build networks, and create community.
Travis is the CEO of AGC Accelerated Global Connections the fastest growing business networking organization in the country. He is on a mission to help accelerate local business connections in social settings around the world that foster relationships resulting in global opportunities.
Travis is a two-time Amazon #1 Best Selling Author Featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC with his books "Networking In the New normal" and "The Magic of Networking."
Eight years ago, Travis set a goal to lose 100 pounds in one year. He not only accomplished this goal, but he has kept the weight off. Travis has completed some of the toughest competitive Mud Obstacle Courses on the planet, running in the following races: Warrior Dash, Rugged Maniac, Spartan, Battle Frog and the Tough Mudder. Travis enjoys Kickboxing and Martial Arts. He holds a blue belt in Kempo Karate and enjoys riding his Harley on a sunny day.
Travis believes his success can be attributed to setting goals reviewing them regularly and a strong desire to accomplish them.
Let’s bring him to stage with a huge round of applause! Welcome Travis Sims AGC Founder & CEO!!!!

Episode #34: Jason Barnaby - Firestarters

Jason Barnaby is the Chief Fire Starter and Tribe Leader of Fire Starters Inc—a company he founded after receiving the gift of severance in 2018. His vision is simple: change the world one fiery heart at a time. His mission is simpler. Two hashtags: #ignitehope and #torchfear.
To assist in this vision and mission, Jason has authored two books, Igniting the Fire Starter Within and the 30 Days to Blaze Journaling Workbook. Whether it’s guiding a leadership group through 30 Days to Blaze for leaders, an interactive keynote, or executive coaching, Jason delivers his content with great passion and energy and a lifetime of experience while helping his clients bring their skills, gifts and purpose into fiery alignment. You can find out more at his website: www.firestarterstribe.com

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