Elevate Podcast: Powered by Braden

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Braden Podcast, Jason sits down with entrepreneur and marketing leader Jacob Leffler, founder and president of The Basement, a full-service advertising agency based in Central Indiana.Jacob shares an incredible entrepreneurial journey — from working construction jobs as a teenager, studying broadcasting at Ball State, and spending time in radio, to helping grow startups, working with McDonald’s, and ultimately launching his own digital agency.This conversation dives deep into:- The early days of digital marketing and advertising- How technology disrupted traditional media- Lessons learned from working at McDonald’s corporate marketing- The evolution of SEO, digital strategy, and AI- Building a successful business from scratch- Leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact- Why raising good people matters more than anything elseWhether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, business owner, creative professional, or someone interested in technology and leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world experience.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.Keywords: entrepreneur podcast, business podcast, digital marketing podcast, advertising agency podcast, startup founder story, Jacob Leffler, The Basement agency, Indiana entrepreneur, Indianapolis business podcast, marketing leadership, creative agency, AI in marketing, future of AI, SEO marketing, branding strategy, entrepreneurship journey, startup business growth, digital advertising, marketing innovation, business leadership podcast, entrepreneur interview, Ball State alumni,#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #AdvertisingAgency #AI #businessleadership #MarketingStrategy #StartupJourney #SEO #Technology #IndianaBusiness #CreativeAgency #Leadership #businesspodcast Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this inspiring episode of Elevate Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Bree Katulak, the former President & CEO of Polygon Composites Technology, who in the past couple of months, recently decided to take a step in the direction of launching Unstoppable Momentum, a community built to uplift working women to embrace their passions, no matter what it is. In this episode, we dive into Bree's journey, and discuss leadership, resilience, innovation, and what it truly means to build a successful life and career on your own terms.🔥 In this episode, we cover:- Bree’s path from accountant to CEO- Leadership lessons from mentors and career pivots- The power of embracing uncertainty and change- Building confidence in male-dominated industries- Manufacturing innovation and the future of composites- Apprenticeships, workforce development, and supporting the next generation- The importance of travel, fitness, family, and self-growth- Bree’s upcoming podcast and organization for ambitious working womenYou’ll also hear:✔️ Why Bree requires her kids to study abroad✔️ The story behind the “Velvet Hammer” nickname✔️ How Polygon products are used in construction and industrial equipment worldwide✔️ Her vision for creating meaningful careers and retirement opportunities for employeesWhether you're an entrepreneur, executive, working parent, or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, motivation, and real-world insights.👇 Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more leadership stories and business conversationsCheck out Bree: Bree's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bree-katulak-cpa-96b27122/Unstoppable Momentum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unstoppable-momentum-llc/Check out Polygon: https://polygoncomposites.com/More on the Elevate Podcast:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevate-podcast-84493740a/Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comJason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/#leadership #WomenInBusiness #Podcast #Manufacturing #CEO #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #Technology #AI #CareerGrowth #IndianaBusiness #ElevatePodcast #PolygonComposites #WomenLeaders #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Jimmy Rayford, CEO of Dealers Wholesale, to talk about leadership, mentorship, culture, career growth, and the relationships that shaped his journey.Jimmy shares his story growing up in a small textile town in South Carolina, attending Clemson University, starting his career at IBM, and eventually becoming CEO of Dealers Wholesale in Indianapolis. Along the way, he opens up about mentorship, overcoming self-imposed limits, building company culture, and why relationships can completely change the direction of your life and career.This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.Check out Dealer's Wholesale: https://www.dealerswholesale.comConnect with Jimmy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyrayford/Learn more about the Elevate Podcast: Check out the Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/Like this episode? Don't forget to like and subscribe for more Elevate content, with new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! #Leadership #CEO #BusinessPodcast #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #CompanyCulture #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #Indianapolis #Clemson #PodcastKeywords: Dealer's Wholesale, Jimmy Rayford, manufacturing, CEO podcast, leadership podcast, business podcast, mentorship story, mentorship, mentor, career mentor, leadership, leadership lessons, leadership and mentorship, elevate, elevate podcast, elevate powered by braden, Braden Business Systems, CEOFilmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode, Ben Brydges, CEO of Wood-Mizer, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling candy out of a wagon to leading a global manufacturing company. 🚀Ben dives into the power of betting on yourself, building a strong foundation through diverse experiences, and embracing risk to unlock growth. From working his way through engineering school to leading major operations and eventually becoming CEO, his story is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and career development.We also explore Wood-Mizer’s global impact, innovation in the sawmilling industry, and how technology like AI is shaping the future of manufacturing. Plus, Ben opens up about family, community involvement, and what success really means beyond the workplace.If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking to take the next step in your career, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think bigger.Topics covered:- Entrepreneurship from a young age- Career growth & leadership development- Taking risks and betting on yourself- Building a global business- Technology & innovation in manufacturing- Work-life balance and familyCheck out Wood-Mizer: https://woodmizer.com/us?srsltid=AfmBOorZHACHThPmWw9XD4BfVvE14jXa2x7-0aFusvEd0cas71EEc0IVBen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbrydges/Learn more about the Elevate Podcast on our webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Learn more about Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comJason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring leadership stories!Keywords: how to become a CEO, manufacturing leadership, manufacturing company, Wood-Mizer, leadership, leadership podcast, non traditional career path, career growth, business podcast, elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate Powered by Braden, Elevate Powered by Braden podcast, Braden Business Systems

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast Powered by Braden, we sit down with Carmel, Indiana Mayor Sue Finkam to unpack a career journey that’s anything but traditional.From growing up in a small town in northern Michigan to pursuing sports medicine, breaking into business development, and eventually stepping into public service—Sue’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, resilience, and betting on yourself.Whether you're a business leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own career path, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways.🎧 Listen now and discover how one decision to “throw her hat in the ring” changed everything.Learn more about Carmel on their website: https://www.carmel.in.govMayor Finkam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suefinkam/Fun Fact: Carmel, Indiana is the city with the most roundabouts than any other city in the U.S! Check out our Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Learn more about Braden Business Systems: bradenonline.comJason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/About the Elevate Podcast:We bring you conversations with leaders, innovators, and change-makers across industries to explore career journeys, leadership lessons, and the ideas shaping our communities.Keywords: Carmel, Indiana, City of Carmel, Sue Finkam, mayor, mayor of Carmel, Government, leadership, government leadership, business leadership, leadership podcast, public service, local government, local government leadership#ElevatePodcast #Leadership #CarmelIndiana #PublicService #businessleadership Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

Big announcement for the Elevate: Powered by Braden podcast! We're updating our release schedule to releasing episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, starting on May 5th, 2026. We've got so many exciting guests coming on the show, and want to share their stories as soon as possible, so we can all gain from their leadership. Don't forget to subscribe to stay tuned for the exciting episodes we've got coming up, and maybe even a few more different surprises too...Learn more about Braden Business Systems on our website: bradenonline.com Check out our Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Keywords: elevate, elevate podcast, Elevate: Powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems, leadership, leadership podcast, business podcast, video podcastThe Elevate Podcast is filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of Elevate powered by Braden, we sit down with Greg Looney, founder of Inherent Commercial, to talk about his journey from a high school job at Subway to building a fast-growing commercial construction company in Indiana.Greg shares how his early work ethic, education at Purdue University, and hands-on internships shaped his career in construction management. He opens up about navigating the 2008–2009 recession, gaining rapid experience early in his career, and ultimately taking the leap to start his own business.Greg also shares insights into balancing business, family life, and personal passions, including raising two boys and teaching them about hard work. If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone interested in construction, leadership, or growth, this episode is packed with real-world insights and practical advice.Greg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-p-greg-looney-11b4b557/Inherent Commercial: https://inherentco.comJason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/Check out our Elevate Podcast Webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders and innovators.Keywords: Inherent Commercial, construction, construction company, company scaling, startup business, startup company, construction management, commercial construction, entrepreneur journey, business growth, business podcast, leadership podcast, elevate podcast, elevate powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems#Entrepreneurship #Construction #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #IndianaBusiness #Purdue #StartupJourney #CommercialConstruction #AIinBusiness #ElevatePodcastFilmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

In this episode of the Elevate Powered by Brain Podcast, Jason sits down with Anderson Schoenrock, CEO of Memory Ventures, to unpack a journey that spans Wall Street, 9/11, entrepreneurship, and building a multi-brand business from the ground up.Anderson shares the story of how a single moment—oversleeping on the morning of September 11th—changed the trajectory of his life forever. From starting his career at Lehman Brothers in New York City to ultimately walking away from the traditional finance path, this conversation dives deep into risk, perspective, and what really matters.This episode is about more than business, it’s about perspective, resilience, and making intentional decisions about your life and career.🎧 Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or just someone looking for inspiration, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Check out Memory Ventures: https://memoryventures.comAnderson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anderson-schoenrock-0360112/Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/Check out our Elevate Podcast webpage: https://bradenonline.com/about-us/elevate-podcast/Keywords: leadership, Wall Street, entrepreneurship, business, business leader, business podcast, career, career shifts, career goals, career growth, CEO, career transformation, elevate, elevate podcast, local leaders, leadership podcast, elevate powered by Braden, Braden Business SystemsFilmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

Discover how Chance Benbow went from launching a small college marketing agency to leading a full-service firm making real impact.In this episode, Chance shares his journey through entrepreneurship, marketing strategy, and leadership, highlighting the lessons learned from starting a business in college, scaling an agency, and ultimately joining and growing JDA Worldwide. From football discipline to real-world business challenges, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to build something meaningful.We also explore what makes a full-service marketing agency different, how values shape business decisions, and how AI is changing the future of marketing.👉 Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right away.🔔 Don’t Forget:Like 👍 | Comment 💬 | Subscribe for more conversations on business, leadership, and growth.Keywords: marketing agency, entrepreneurship story, startup journey, business growth, leadership podcast, digital marketing strategy, branding agency, AI in marketing, entrepreneur interview, full service marketing agency, business podcast, technology, marketing podcast, elevate, elevate podcast, elevate powered by Braden, Braden Business SystemsFilmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer

Randy Lewandowski, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Indians, shares his incredible journey from being an intern to leading one of the most respected organizations in minor league baseball. In this episode, we dive into the business of baseball, fan experience strategy, leadership lessons, and how technology is shaping the future of sports. With over 30 years in baseball, Randy offers behind-the-scenes insights into player development, working with MLB organizations like the Pittsburgh Pirates, and what it really takes to build a winning sports business. From old-school ticketing systems to modern AI-driven engagement, this conversation covers it all. We also explore how the Indianapolis Indians create unforgettable fan experiences, impact their local community, and stay relevant in an ever-changing sports landscape. If you're interested in sports management, leadership, business growth, or baseball, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Randy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randylewandowski-indy/ Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ulm-0919123/ 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations like this!#baseball #SportsBusiness #Leadership #MinorLeagueBaseball #FanExperience #Indianapolis #entrepreneurship Keywords: Indianapolis Indians, Indy Indians, Randy Lewandowski, minor league baseball, baseball, sports leadership, sports management, sports business, business podcast, leadership podcast, elevate, elevate podcast, elevate powered by Braden, Braden Business Systems Filmed and produced by Braden Business Systems with Jason Ulm and Lauren Knauer