Episode 5: The Regional Blueprint - How Collaboration Fuels Growth

Episode 5: The Regional Blueprint - How Collaboration Fuels Growth

In this episode of Hoosier Hustle & Heart, we sit down with Josh Alsip, Vice President of Regional Engagement at the West Central Indiana Partnership, to explore the collaborative efforts moving our region forward. Josh shares his journey from the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to leading regional talent attraction, emphasizing why "showing up" is the most critical step for any aspiring leader. We discuss the strategic importance of the READI initiative and how intentional partnerships across county lines are transforming West Central Indiana into a destination for growth. This conversation is a deep dive into how small businesses can engage with regional leadership to help shape the future of their communities.

Episode 6: Beyond the Building: The Emporium as a Small Business Incubator

In this episode of Hoosier Hustle & Heart, host Jared (West Central Indiana SBDC) talks with Chris Godfrey, owner of the Emporium in Brazil, Indiana, about turning a real estate investment into a “mini mall” incubator built intentionally around synergy, mentorship, and a non-competitive tenant mix. Chris shares how he recruited early interest, underestimated the time required outside his nine-to-five, and applied lessons from Army leadership to stay in the trenches, host roundtables, and solve building-wide challenges like inconsistent hours through events such as “Shop and Stroll.” He explains how feedback and community complaints shaped marketing decisions, why philanthropic giving matters personally and professionally, and his long-term hope that the Emporium stays full, adds gathering spaces like a coffee shop and bookstore, and continues launching businesses into their own brick-and-mortar locations.

Episode 4: Building Community In Rural Indiana - The 51 Bridges Crossfit Story

In this episode of Hoosier Hustle & Heart, we sit down with Jen Pendleton of 51 Bridges CrossFit to discuss her inspiring journey of launching a rural business at 51. We dive into the "dual bottom line," exploring how a commitment to community impact and "forging elite health" can drive more sustainability than focusing on the numbers alone. Jen shares candid advice on the power of patience, the reality of cleaning your own toilets as a CEO, and why your personal brand is the ultimate key to customer retention. We also highlight a 1% growth mindset for nutrition and business, alongside shout-outs to several new entrepreneurs making waves in the Wabash Valley. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to turn a long-simmering dream into a focused, actionable reality.

Episode 3: Dr. Dion Jackson on The Growing Green and Gold Together Initiative

In this episode of Hoosier Hustle and Heart, Jared sits down with Dr. Dion Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Equity at DePauw University, to explore the transformational Growing Green and Gold Together initiative shaping Greencastle and Putnam County. Backed by a $32 million Lilly Endowment investment, this community-wide effort includes new housing through the Seminary Square project, downtown public space enhancements, a YMCA aquatic center upgrade, and a powerful partnership-driven business accelerator supporting local and student entrepreneurs. Dr. Jackson shares how DePauw and the City of Greencastle are working side-by-side with organizations like Main Street Greencastle, the YMCA, and the ISBDC to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, expand opportunities, and build long-term sustainability. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at what collaboration really looks like, why this initiative matters, and how residents can get involved—from First Fridays to future accelerator cohorts and student pitch competitions. Tune in for a forward-looking conversation about community development, innovation, and the vision for a thriving Greencastle over the next five years—and why this work is poised to impact the entire region.

Episode 2: Healthcare with Heart: Building Bright Soul Wellness

What does it look like to build a healthcare business that truly serves its hometown? In this episode, Jared and Olivia talk with Miranda McKinney of Bright Soul Wellness Center, Clay County’s New Business of the Year, about spotting a local healthcare gap, betting on her community, and building a clinic that blends primary care, holistic wellness, and heart-first service. Miranda shares the real story of entrepreneurship—long hours, family sacrifices, faith, and fierce community support—and why she believes mission matters just as much as margins.