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In The Thick of It

Podcast by Scott Hollrah

English

Business

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About In The Thick of It

Join Scott Hollrah, founder of Venn Technology, as he takes you "In the Thick of It" with the real stories of founders who are actively navigating the challenges and triumphs of running their businesses. This podcast goes beyond the typical entrepreneurial success stories and delves into the messy, gritty, and sometimes chaotic world of building and growing a company. Get inspired, learn from the experiences of others, and gain insights into what it truly means to be in the thick of the entrepreneurial journey.

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61 episodes

episode #45: Jeff Francis, Founder | ENO8 artwork

#45: Jeff Francis, Founder | ENO8

Get ready to dive into the entrepreneurial path of ENO8 [https://www.eno8.com/]'s founder, Jeff Francis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisjeff/]. Join us as Jeff takes us from his roots in small-town Farmersville, Texas, to his emergence as a visionary tech entrepreneur. During our conversation, Jeff opens up about the transformative experiences that molded his technology career and the hurdles he's conquered. He delves into how he's built success by ensuring his personal values align with his business objectives, while also sharing candid insights about managing partnership relationships. Discover the origin story of ENO8, as Jeff shares valuable lessons on software development, building strong client relationships, and breaking through business growth barriers. This episode offers a compelling look at one entrepreneur's journey from rural Texas to tech industry leadership. *** About ENO8 ENO8 is a Dallas-based tech studio that empowers companies to design and develop innovative, impactful digital products. Our partners realize real business returns from new technology initiatives because we arm them with our proprietary innovation process and a best-in-class, experienced team. Through working with us, our clients move faster, reduce their risk, and increase the impact of bringing new digital products to life. To learn more, visit eno8.com [https://www.eno8.com/] *** 📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us 📱 Connect with us on socials • https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/ • https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/ • https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

28 Oct 2024 - 1 h 25 min
episode #44: Matt Wensing, Founder & CEO | Summit artwork

#44: Matt Wensing, Founder & CEO | Summit

In this episode, we welcome Matt Wensing, founder and CEO of Summit, an innovative low-code/no-code automation platform. Matt shares his journey into the world of B2B tech services. From a young age, Matt has always been curious about his future career path. Initially pursuing political science in college, he soon discovered his true passion was in computer science. His first post-college job provided valuable hands-on experience in software development, igniting his interest in the field. Matt's entrepreneurial spirit took flight in 2007 when he launched a weather data startup. This venture taught him the importance of collaboration and understanding client needs. Listen in as Matt discusses his current project, Summit, and how it aims to revolutionize business automation. *** About Matt Matt is the founder of Summit, a no-code modeling platform that allows non-developers to create amazing new tools and programs for their automated workflows. Before Summit, he co-founded a company called Riskpulse (now Everstream AI [https://www.everstream.ai/?ref=mattwensing.com]). Matt built the initial product — the web's first interactive weather maps, and then led sales and marketing, selling enterprise contracts to the Fortune 1000. Many of the household items you use every day are shipped using a risk score my co-founder Brad and I invented. About Summit Summit is an automation technology company based in Austin, TX. The Summit platform empowers users to create custom triggers, actions, and models that open up a universe of new possibilities inside workflow automation software. Break the limits of no-code. To learn more, visit www.usesummit.com. [https://usesummit.com/] *** 📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us 📱 Connect with us on socials • https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/ • https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/ • https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

21 Oct 2024 - 1 h 32 min
episode #43: Seth Frey, Founder & President | Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag Kits artwork

#43: Seth Frey, Founder & President | Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag Kits

Starting a business is a collaborative effort, as Seth Frey, founder and president of Big Frey, discovered while navigating partnerships and industry changes in promotional products. Seth's entrepreneurial journey began with family inspiration. Post-college, he and his brother established Granny's Goodies, offering exam survival kits to students. Building on this experience, Seth later founded Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag Kits. He encourages fellow entrepreneurs to savor small victories and prioritize long-term objectives over short-term challenges. This episode dives into Seth's lifelong entrepreneurial adventures, offering insights and lessons learned along the way. *** About Seth & Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag Kits Seth Frey is the visionary and chief innovator behind Big Frey Promotional Products, where his creative expertise and strategic acumen have set new standards in the branding world. Under his leadership, Big Frey has grown into a leading provider of distinctive promotional items, helping businesses make memorable impressions with every product.   Seth’s professional journey is rooted in a strong background in marketing and design. His commitment to transforming promotional items from simple giveaways into powerful brand tools reflects his dedication to excellence and innovation. This drive has positioned Big Frey as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their brand reputation and presence.   Outside of the office, Seth balances his professional life with a rich personal life. A devoted family man, Seth and Karen - his greatest cheerleader of 27 years - are blessed with three wonderful daughters who keep their life vibrant and full of joy. Alongside his daughters, he has two energetic Labradors, whose playful antics and unconditional loyalty bring an extra layer of happiness to his family life. This blend of family dynamics and love for his dogs adds depth to Seth’s life, infusing his work with a sense of balance and fulfillment.   Seth is also an avid skier. He finds exhilaration on the slopes and draws inspiration from the precision and thrill of skiing. This passion mirrors his approach to business—where calculated strategy meets creativity.   With a strong commitment to both his professional and personal spheres, Seth Frey continues to drive Big Frey Promotional Products toward new heights, all while maintaining a solid dedication to his family, friends and zest for life. To learn more about Big Frey, visit www.bigfrey.com [https://www.bigfrey.com/] *** 📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us 📱 Connect with us on socials • https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/ • https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/ • https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

14 Oct 2024 - 1 h 8 min
episode #42: Reagan and Elle Pugh artwork

#42: Reagan and Elle Pugh

In this episode, we feature our first-ever husband and wife duo—Reagan and Elle Pugh—each with their own thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Together, they share the personal and professional experiences that not only brought them together but also fuel their mutual support in business. We explore key topics like the value of mentorship, navigating financial highs and lows, and the power of open communication with business partners.  Reagan, a motivational speaker and author, and Elle, the founder of an Enneagram coaching business and luxury greenery company, Gracious Garlands, also reveal their future plans and insights on entrepreneurship. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on balancing marriage and business! *** About Reagan Reagan Pugh is a writer and speaker dedicated to helping individuals and teams find more meaning in life and work. With a focus on emotional intelligence and self-awareness, Reagan delivers keynote speeches and workshops to thousands of people each year, having worked with organizations like Facebook, Pepsi, Whirlpool, Cardinal Health, all branches of the US Military, Meals on Wheels, and the American Red Cross. Prior to writing and speaking full time, Reagan guided programs on storytelling and culture at companies like Nike, Western Digital, and Kimberly Clark as Chief Storyteller for a global management consulting firm. From 2009 to 2011, Reagan served as a tenth-grade English teacher with Teach for America on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. During that time, he  launched a theater program that, in its inaugural year, won the state one- act play competition for the first time. Reagan has instructed at Texas State University, Trinity University, and Angelo State University. He continues to prioritize speaking to student audiences throughout the United States, having visited over 50 college campuses to date. Reagan is a TEDx speaker and frequent podcast guest. His first book, Too Emotional: Overcome the Thunderstorm of Feelings, Shame and Self-Doubt [https://www.amazon.com/Too-Emotional-Overcome-Thunderstorm-Self-Doubt/dp/B0D452MCBC], was published in May of 2024. He lives with his wife, Elle, and their white Labrador, Lily, in Austin, Texas. To learn more, visit https://www.reaganpugh.com/ [https://www.reaganpugh.com/] About Elle Elle Pugh is a Certified Enneagram Facilitator and Coach, Registered Nurse, and entrepreneur dedicated to holistic wellness and personal growth. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching, training leadership teams at multiple Fortune 100 companies, or designing workshops for startup teams, Elle is committed to helping individuals and organizations understand themselves so they can find healing and renewed connection with one another. Elle started her career in the pediatric cardiac ICU. After realizing the US healthcare system is not designed to heal people, she left the bedside to take a role as the first employee at a healthcare startup. There she grew the team to over 30 medical professionals and formed her working philosophy that healthy organizations are made up of healthy individuals. Elle's entrepreneurial endeavors also extend to Gracious Garlands, a luxury wreath company known for its farm-fresh products and a made-to-order catering company that helped her make money in college. An unabashed Swifty, she still loves to cook and her goal is to ski 50 plus days every winter.  To learn more about Beyond Enneagram, visit https://www.beyondyourtype.co/ [https://www.beyondyourtype.co/] To learn more about Gracious Garlands, visit https://graciousgarlands.com/ [https://graciousgarlands.com/] *** 📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us 📱 Connect with us on socials • https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/ • https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/ • https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

23 Sep 2024 - 1 h 29 min
episode Toolbox Series: Chris Hamilton on Employee Health Benefits artwork

Toolbox Series: Chris Hamilton on Employee Health Benefits

Navigating employee benefits can be a major hurdle for business owners. Selecting insurance plans—from health to dental to vision—can be daunting, with decisions affecting team members and their families. In this episode, we welcome Chris Hamilton of Hotchkiss Insurance. He shares valuable insights on choosing practical, cost-effective benefit plans for your workforce. Scott here: As a founder myself, I've experienced firsthand the weight of choosing employee benefits. Our conversation revealed strategies I hadn't considered before, and I'm sure listeners will gain a fresh perspective on this topic as well. *** About Chris: Chris Hamilton is a partner at Hotchkiss Insurance and leads the employee benefits practice. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance and in the insurance industry, working with mid-market, regional and national employers. At Hotchkiss, he leads a team of employee benefits consultants and specialists focused on helping companies improve performance and profitability. Chris’s approach is to understand a client’s situation and offer creative solutions to help improve their business, while developing a long-term relationship as a strategic resource. He holds an MBA and BBA in finance. About Hotchkiss Insurance: At Hotchkiss Insurance, we know by safeguarding one's most valuable assets, people and businesses are better able to grow and prosper. We work with you to understand your unique business and deliver tailored insurance solutions and risk management to protect you from life’s uncertainties. With an advisory approach and an ability to reduce complexity, we demonstrate an abiding care for all of those who entrust themselves to us. Whether you know you need business insurance, risk management, employee benefits consulting, personal insurance, surety, or you just want to start the conversation, we've got you covered. Hotchkiss is Texas-based, with main offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio. For more than 40 years, we've protected businesses of all sizes and industries. (Including construction, education, restaurants, landscapers, nursery growers, manufacturing, religious institutions, commercial construction, technology, home builders, energy, more) To learn more, visit https://hotchkissinsurance.com/ [https://hotchkissinsurance.com/] *** If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us

16 Sep 2024 - 1 h 1 min
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