West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center

Hoosier Hustle and Heart

Business EN ↓ 6 episodes

Hoosier Hustle and Heart shines a light on the people, programs, and partnerships strengthening the small business ecosystem of the Wabash Valley. Hosted by Jared Ell, the show blends real-world entrepreneurship, local resources, and practical insight to help business owners move from idea to action. Through conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and support organizations, each episode offers clarity, connection, and momentum. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling what you’ve built, this podcast keeps hustle grounded in heart.

Author

West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center

Episodes

Episode 5: The Regional Blueprint - How Collaboration Fuels Growth 24.03.2026 31:44

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 leade...

Episode 6: Beyond the Building: The Emporium as a Small Business Incubator 23.03.2026 23:04

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-...

Episode 4: Building Community In Rural Indiana - The 51 Bridges Crossfit Story 23.03.2026 57:36

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, t...

Episode 3: Dr. Dion Jackson on The Growing Green and Gold Together Initiative 23.03.2026 20:31

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, dow...

Episode 2: Healthcare with Heart: Building Bright Soul Wellness 23.03.2026 25:00

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...

Episode 1 - From Idea to Action: How the ISBDC Helps Entrepreneurs Succeed 03.02.2026 26:02

In this kickoff resource episode of Hoosier Hustle and Heart, Jared and Courtney Chip introduce the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and how it supports entrepreneurs at every stage. From one-on-one advising and business planning to marketing, capital access, and community connections, this episode breaks down what the ISBDC does—and how local business owners can put it to wo...