Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden

Joe Heidt, Executive Director of Marian University Preparatory School, joins the Elevate Powered by Braden podcast to share his incredible journey from Indianapolis to Colorado, California, commercial real estate, and ultimately educational leadership.In this conversation, Joe discusses:✅ His father's career advice that shaped his future✅ Teaching and school leadership experiences in California✅ Why he left commercial real estate to return to education✅ The mission of Marian University Preparatory School✅ How virtual learning is helping students succeed✅ The role of AI and technology in education✅ Supporting students with unique learning needs✅ Community involvement and student opportunities✅ His work with "WET The World" and providing clean water globally✅ Leadership lessons, family, faith, and personal growthWhether you're an educator, parent, student, nonprofit leader, or business professional, this episode offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and making a meaningful impact.Learn more about Marian University Preparatory School: https://www.marian.eduLearn more about the Elevate Podcast: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Elevate Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Keywords: education, leadership, education leadership, mentorship, college, online college, online classes, Marian University, online university, online learning, school administration, student development, future of education, teaching, business leadership, Joe Heidt, Elevate, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast #Education #Leadership #VirtualLearning #AIInEducation #MarianUniversity #Podcast #StudentSuccess #EducationalLeadership #OnlineSchool #NonprofitLeadership #CleanWater #CommunityImpact #elevatepodcast The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason Miller sits down with Greg Schahet, President and CFO of Schahet Hotels, to discuss his journey from Indianapolis to Cornell University's renowned Hotel Administration program and ultimately into leading a multi-generational family hotel business.Greg shares insights on hotel development, hospitality leadership, franchise partnerships with Hilton and Marriott, real estate investing, and the evolving role of technology and AI in the hospitality industry. He also discusses Schahet Hotels' exciting new boutique hotel project, The CantioLo, being developed on Ball State University's campus in Muncie, Indiana.Topics Covered:- Growing up in a family-owned hotel business- Attending Cornell's prestigious Hotel School- Building a career in accounting and real estate- Leadership in a multi-generational family business- Hotel ownership, development, and operations- Hilton, Marriott, and hotel franchise strategies- AI and technology in hospitality- The future of mixed-use hotel developments- Entrepreneurship, community impact, and business growthSchahet Hotels: https://www.schahethotels.comLearn more about the Elevate Podcast on our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comWhether you're interested in hospitality management, hotel investing, family business leadership, entrepreneurship, or commercial real estate development, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of Indiana's leading hospitality executives.Keywords: Greg Schahet, Schahet Hotels, hospitality, hospitality leadership, hotel management, hotel leadership, hotel development, hotel industry, hotels, hotel ownership, hotel operations, hospitality careers, Cornell University, leadership, business, leadership podcast, business podcast, elevate, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Braden Business Systems#hospitalityleadership #HotelDevelopment #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HotelManagement #CornellUniversity #HiltonHotels #MarriottHotels #RealEstateDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #HospitalityIndustry #Leadership #Indianapolis #BallStateUniversity #commercialrealestate The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with Deana Potterf, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, to discuss her inspiring journey from being a Girl Scout in Logansport, Indiana, to leading one of the largest Girl Scout councils in the country.Deana shares valuable leadership lessons, career advice, and the mentors who helped shape her path from marketing and communications roles to executive leadership. She discusses the importance of servant leadership, building meaningful relationships, showing up with a willingness to help, and staying prepared for opportunities.Topics Covered:• Leadership and career development• Girl Scouts of Central Indiana• Women in leadership• Nonprofit leadership• Servant leadership• Mentorship and professional growth• Girl Scout Gold Award• Community impact• Entrepreneurship and the Girl Scout Cookie ProgramWhether you're a nonprofit leader, business professional, parent, educator, or someone looking for career inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical insights and leadership wisdom.Learn more about Girl Scouts of Central Indiana: https://www.girlscoutsindiana.orgLearn more about the Elevate Podcast: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Elevate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Keywords: Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts of central Indiana, leadership, women in leadership, CEO, mentorship, mentor story, career growth story, nonprofit leadership, leadership development, servant leadership, elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Braden Business Systems#Leadership #GirlScouts #WomenInLeadership #STEMEducation #NonprofitLeadership #CareerGrowth #ServantLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GirlScoutGoldAward #ElevatePodcastThe Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems, with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

What does it take to build a successful company, survive economic downturns, navigate partnership challenges, and create a culture employees want to return to?In this episode of the Elevate Podcast Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Michael Webster, CEO of Engineered Solutions, to discuss his journey from a small-town Illinois athlete to engineering graduate, sales leader, entrepreneur, and business owner.Michael shares candid stories about launching a company with a young family, surviving the 2008 financial crisis, rebuilding after a partnership split, betting on himself multiple times, and leading a business focused on culture, innovation, and long-term relationships.Topics include:Entrepreneurship and business ownershipLeadership and company cultureSurviving economic downturnsGrowing a construction and mechanical services businessTechnology in the trades and service industriesHiring, retention, and employee engagementFamily, mentorship, and personal growthWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking for inspiration, Michael's story is packed with lessons on resilience, risk-taking, and building something that lasts.🎙️ Guest: Michael Webster, CEO of Engineered Solutions📍 Fishers, Indiana🚀 Powered by Braden Business Systems#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #CEO #SmallBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #IndianaBusiness #ElevatePodcast #EngineeredSolutions #BusinessLeadership #Innovation #SuccessStories

In this episode of Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with John Wechsler, veteran, entrepreneur, community builder, and CEO of SpokeNote.John shares his incredible journey from serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army to launching successful technology companies, helping build Fishers' entrepreneurial ecosystem, and leading innovative ventures focused on authentic human connection. John aspires to lead by making connections, and making others feel valued. We discuss:• John's military service and leadership lessons• Building and selling his first company• Entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and overcoming failure• The power of mentorship and community involvement• Launch Fishers and the growth of Indiana's startup ecosystem• SpokeNote and the future of personalized video communication• Why "Authentic AI" may be the next big movement in technology• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionalsWhether you're a founder, business leader, student, or someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical insights on innovation, leadership, resilience, and building meaningful connections. Check out spokenote: spokenote.comLearn more about the Elevate Podcast:Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comKeywords: John Wechsler, spokenote, Fishers Indiana, Entrepreneur Podcast, startup founder, CEO, business, business podcast, leadership podcast, business leadership, startup success, how to start a startup business, how to start a business, Entrepreneur Journey, leadership development, business strategy, professional development, business mentor, elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems#entrepreneurship #JohnWechsler #SpokeNote #StartupFounder #BusinessLeadership #AuthenticAI #Innovation #FishersIndiana #IndianaBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #Leadership #SmallBusiness #ElevatePodcast #BusinessPodcast #mentorship The Elevate Podcast is created by Braden Business Systems, and filmed and produced by Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason Miller sits down with Lori Winkler, Chief Experience Officer at BlueSky Commerce, to discuss leadership, customer experience, technology, entrepreneurship, and the moments that shape our lives.Lori shares her incredible journey from growing up in Northwest Indiana, overcoming personal loss, teaching fourth grade in inner-city Chicago, building a successful marketing agency, and eventually becoming a leader in the world of digital commerce and customer experience.Lori also shares the powerful story behind her involvement with Brooke's Place, a nonprofit that supports grieving children and families, and explains why helping others has become a central theme throughout her career.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, marketer, technology professional, nonprofit advocate, or someone looking for inspiration on your own career journey, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical wisdom.🎙️ Guest: Lori Winkler, Chief Experience Officer, Blue Sky Commerce🌐 Learn more about Blue Sky Commerce:https://blueskycommerce.ioLearn more about the Elevate Podcast: Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comKeywords: Leadership, customer experience officer, customer experience, CXO, CEO, leadership lessons, leadership podcast, business podcast, BlueSky Commerce, business, executive, career development, career shifts, leadership development, women in business, women in leadership roles, digital commerce, e-commerce, B2B marketing, B2B commerce, elevate, Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Elevate Podcast, Braden Business Systems#Leadership #CustomerExperience #CX #DigitalTransformation #Ecommerce #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #BlueSkyCommerce #NonprofitLeadership #WomenInBusiness #Technology #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems #CustomerJourney #Innovation #professionaldevelopment The Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this special episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason steps out of the studio and sits down with Jeff McDermott, CEO of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts at The Palladium in Carmel, Indiana. Jeff shares his incredible career journey from practicing law for decades to leading one of the premier performing arts venues. Jeff opens up about taking unexpected opportunities, leadership, organizational culture, and what it takes to build excellence at every level.We also go behind the scenes of The Palladium and the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, discussing:• How world-class performances and artists are brought to Carmel, Indiana• The mindset of pursuing excellence in every detail• Leadership lessons from running a major performing arts organization• Memorable experiences hosting renowned performers and public figures• How the organization invests back into employees and the community• The impact arts and culture can have on a cityThis episode is packed with leadership insights, inspiring career advice, and fascinating stories from one of the most respected performing arts venues in the Midwest.If you enjoy conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, career growth, business, arts, culture, and community impact, this episode is for you.A special thank you to the staff at the Palladium for hosting us and helping in the production and creation of this episode! Learn more about the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts: https://thecenterpresents.org/Learn more about the Elevate Podcast:Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740aBraden Business Systems: bradenonline.comKeywords: Jeff McDermott, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, The Palladium Carmel Indiana, Palladium Carmel, CEO interview, leadership podcast, business leadership podcast, entrepreneur podcast, Carmel Indiana, performing arts center, arts leadership, career change stories, executive leadership, organizational culture, community leadership, business podcast, leadership development, arts and culture, leadership lessons, career growth, professional development, nonprofit leadership, entertainment industry leadership, behind the scenes performing arts, leadership journey, Midwest business leaders, podcast interview, Elevate podcast, business success stories, public leadership, arts administration, company culture, inspiring leadership stories, professional growth, innovation and leadership, community impact, hospitality and entertainment leadership, Indiana business leaders#Podcast #Leadership #PerformingArts #CEO #CareerGrowth #BusinessLeadership #ThePalladium #CarmelIndiana #Entrepreneurship #ArtsAndCultureThe Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer. This episode was aided in production by the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana.

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden podcast, Jason sits down with Kevin Wright, President of STAR Financial Bank, to talk about leadership, family business, community banking, entrepreneurship, technology, and the lessons learned from sports.Kevin shares his journey from growing up in small-town Indiana and playing competitive basketball, to becoming a fourth-generation leader helping grow STAR Financial Bank into a $3.2 billion organization with 37 locations across Indiana.Kevin shares practical insights on:✔️ Team building✔️ Business growth✔️ Sales leadership✔️ Developing future leaders✔️ Community involvement✔️ Family business successionWhether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, banking professional, leader, or someone passionate about personal growth and community impact, this conversation is packed with valuable insight and real-world leadership lessons.About Kevin Wright:Kevin Wright is the President of STAR Financial Bank, a fourth-generation family-owned community bank headquartered in Indiana. STAR Financial Bank has grown from a small-town bank founded in 1943 into a multi-billion-dollar financial institution serving communities across the state.Star Financial: https://www.starfinancial.comKevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wright-7b393a12/More about the Elevate Podcast: Our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740aSubscribe for more conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders.#Leadership #Banking #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBanking #BusinessPodcast #IndianaBusiness #AI #Automation #BusinessLeadership #STARFinancialBank #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusiness #BasketballLeadershipKeywords: STAR Financial Bank, Banking, Finance, working in finance, finance podcast, leadership podcast, business podcast, CEO, career building, how to work your way up, how to be successful, business leadership, business growth, family owned business, fourth generation business, elevate, Elevate Podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, Indiana businessFilmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason sits down with Michelle Baker, Chief People Officer at FORUM Credit Union, to talk about leadership, company culture, talent development, and building high-performing teams.Michelle shares her journey from aspiring teacher to HR executive, how a “plot twist” changed the course of her career, and why investing in people is the key to long-term business success. From onboarding and leadership development to workplace culture and the future of AI in financial services, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders, HR professionals, and growing organizations.Michelle also shares how FORUM Credit Union creates an inclusive work culture, develops future leaders, and supports employees through intentional learning and development programs.If you’re passionate about leadership, culture, HR strategy, or personal growth, this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations, business insights, and inspiring stories from leaders across Indiana and beyond.Check out FORUM Credit Union: https://www.forumcu.comMichelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbaker826/Learn more about the Elevate Podcast: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740aWebpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comKeywords: leadership, leadership podcast, business podcast, elevate podcast, FORUM Credit Union, bank, credit union, leadership development, professional development, women in leadership, workplace leadership, career building, career growth, team building, leading a team, building a team, how to lead a team, women in finance, leadership strategy, credit union leadership, business culture, business strategy, Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, technology, technology in business#Leadership #HR #CompanyCulture #TalentDevelopment #PeopleFirst #FORUMCreditUnion #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #IndianaBusiness #AI #Recruiting #careergrowth Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with the President of Orr Fellowship, Steven Emch, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, a growth mindset, business development, and creating opportunities for young professionals in Indiana.Steven shares his journey from working in a family business and studying engineering to overcoming failure, rebuilding his confidence, and becoming a leader focused on mentorship, personal growth, and community impact through Or Fellowship.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, leadership podcasts, business growth, personal development, startup culture, mentorship, or professional networking, this episode offers valuable insights and real-world experiences from Steven Emch’s career journey.Check out Orr Fellowship: https://orrfellowship.orgLearn more about the Elevate Podcast:Our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comJason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community innovators.Keywords: entrepreneurship, leadership, business podcast, growth mindset, personal development, entrepreneur podcast, leadership podcast, business leadership, mentorship, community leadership, career growth, professional development, young professionals, networking #Leadership #GrowthMindset #BusinessPodcast #PersonalDevelopment #Mentorship #Entrepreneur #LeadershipPodcast #AI #communityleadership Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer