Conquering Columbus Podcast

Lindsay Fork is the Founder and CEO of Luxe Brands, the parent company of La Jeune Mariee Bridal Collection, Luxe Redux Bridal, and Ohio Bridal Outlet. An award-winning entrepreneur, Lindsay has led the self-funded expansion of her companies into a multi-location bridal group delivering a luxury experience at every level — uniting multiple brands, price points, and …

Little Diggers is the fastest growing indoor children’s playspace featuring over 1200 sq. ft. of sandbox space and 200+ toys, including Tower Blocks and the Sand Stacker. Originating in Dublin, OH, and now opening locations across the U.S., the company emphasizes hands-on play by offering open play sessions, birthday party packages, private event rentals, and …

Randy Languis is the President of BSI, LLC, the Midwest’s leading provider of adaptive and remanufactured vehicles serving schools, healthcare systems, childcare organizations, public transit agencies, parking management operators, and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining BSI, Randy was a Division 1 Student Athlete for The Ohio State University, and professionally spent more than a decade &#8...

The Motivated Speaker is a collaborative work by Ruth Milligan, Acacia Duncan, and Blythe Coons. Drawing on their extensive experience coaching TED speakers, Fortune 500 executives, and other business professionals, they present a distinctive framework that transcends conventional public speaking guidance. Their expertise sheds light on the barriers that prevent individuals from becoming impactful...

Balanced Family Academy of Clintonville is proudly owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Rob and Courtney Lewis. The couple began their entrepreneurial journey together by launching their Balanced Family Academy franchise, only to face the immediate challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic. In this piece, we delve into their motivation for starting a Balanced …

The Brokerage House, founded in November 2024, is a revolutionary, agent-driven real estate agency created by six of Columbus, Ohio’s leading real estate experts. Designed to challenge conventional brokerage models, it promotes a collaborative, empowering, and high-performing atmosphere where agents can excel. This forward-thinking group, made up of once-rival agents who have joined forces a...

Elevate Human Performance introduces a revolutionary gym experience that prioritizes holistic wellness and encourages individuals to take charge of their health. Breaking away from traditional fitness models, Elevate offers more than just access to equipment—it provides a supportive community where people at all fitness levels can unite and explore innovative paths to healthier, happier living.

Huber Equity Group is a private equity firm focused on value-add multifamily investments throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Established in 2019 in Columbus, Ohio, the firm has successfully acquired 1,032 multifamily units and achieved $120 million in transaction volume. Additionally, the team at Huber recently founded a second venture, Verti Commercial Real Estate.

PANL is on a mission to be the future of home building, where innovation and sustainability lead the way. PANL is transforming the industry with faster, simpler, and eco-friendly solutions designed for modern living — reimagining homes and redefining what it means to build for a better tomorrow.

Ryan Burgess is at the helm of Goodwill Columbus as it celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. He and Marketing Director Simone Attles talk about intentional growth as they opened three new multi-faceted facilities under 12 months, nearly a century of local impact, and what’s ahead for one of the region’s largest job providers employing …

Randy Wilcox is a Managing Partner at Wilcox Communities, one of three leading the firm. Before this role, he was a serial entrepreneur with a notable track record, founding SARCOM and 4Privacy, co-founding Long & Wilcox and Insight Bank, and establishing the Quest Conference Center.

Monica Tellez-Fowler is the recently appointed CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Before assuming her current role, she served as Deputy CEO since 2023, and also briefly held the position of COO.

Kevin Knight, a distinguished builder and designer based in Central Ohio, is renowned for his passion for homes. With a unique blend of scientific precision and artistic creativity, Kevin and his team of skilled artisans approach each residential project through the individual perspective of the client, aiming to transform each house into a personal retreat. …

Chad is the Owner and CEO of Darby Creek Trading, a flourishing ecommerce venture specializing in high-end floral designs and wreaths. Under his leadership, Darby Creek has experienced an unprecedented 2863% growth between 2018 and 2023. In addition, Chad serves as the Senior Vice President at United Midwest Savings Bank where he specializes in SBA loans.

Traci Martinez is the Office Managing Partner of the Columbus, Ohio, office and an experienced civil litigation and labor and employment lawyer. She has a unique and broad practice that focuses on the business objectives of her clients, whether through counseling, litigation or transactional matters. Traci is also a demonstrated leader in the Central Ohio …

Denny Freudeman is the CEO of Hplex Solutions. Hplex’s areas of expertise include asset management, development, owner representative services, property management, master planning, strategic development planning, and physician partnerships for healthcare projects.

Michael Edwards is the Founder & Owner of Michael Edwards Building & Design. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, he heads one of Central Ohio’s top-rated home builders, specializing in exquisite custom-homes situated exclusively in the Upper Arlington area.

Tony Collins is the CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. Tony has been CEO of the YMCA since 2019, and before that was the Director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks department.

Maletz Architecture + Build is a highly esteemed home builder in Central Ohio. The founder, Andrew Maletz, is a licensed Architect and a second-generation home builder with 30 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Miami University in Ohio. Andrew is licensed to practice in …

Ghiloni Custom Builders, established in 1979 by Vince Ghiloni in Central Ohio, has emerged as a renowned leader in residential home design and development. As they gear up for several future generations of exceptional home building, Gino Ghiloni, Vince’s son, is taking the helm, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.

Brad is the founder and CEO of Lion Cub’s Cookies. What started as an idea Brad had while at the Fisher College of Business (Go Bucks) quickly grew from a one man show to a full business for Brad, complete with recipe developers, bakers, and drivers. Brad had a ton of success growing through instagram …

Jay Harkrider is the Managing Director of Foxen, a software company that started out by focusing on helping property managers better track and manage renter’s insurance across their tenants. However, over just a few years, Foxen has evolved into a FinTech company providing innovative financial solutions for residential and commercial real estate companies. On top …

Ed Porter is the founder of Blue Chip CRO, where he works as a fractional CRO for businesses from $0-$20 million in revenue entering growth mode or restructuring their businesses

FocusCFO provides fractional Chief Financial Officer support to small and medium-size businesses that are not large enough to need a full-time CFO. Brad Martyn, the founder of FocusCFO, started the company in Columbus in 2001. Today, FocusCFO operates in 10 states, has over 140 associates, and is the Top 5 in the US within the …

Lisa Arledge Powell is the President and co-founder of MediaSource, an award-winning creative agency that specializes in content-focused public relations, content marketing and national media exposure for major brands. The industry leader was named the Best HealthCare PR/Marketing Agency by Ragan Communications for four consecutive years. The company works with the nation’s top hospitals and &#823...