The Launchpad Innovators Podcast with Bill Kalivas

In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Bill Kalivas sits down with Mark Norton, Executive Director of the Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA)—an organization helping connect and strengthen one of the most important manufacturing and innovation corridors in the Northwest. Mark shares how the region spanning Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and into Montana has quietly become...

Welcome to this special edition of the LaunchPad Innovators Podcast. Today, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Wayne Williams—a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, innovator, and outdoor enthusiast whose journey spans everything from tech start-up to restorative work on a ranch in Montana. Wayne’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership. We’ll discuss his early days in bus...

Marty Dickinson is one of Spokane’s most trusted voices when it comes to community building, civic leadership, and collaboration that drives real change. From her early days working in telecom to becoming CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership—and now leading community and marketing efforts at STCU—Marty has spent her career at the intersection of business, government, and grassroots impact. In t...

Today’s guest is Pete Chase — a veteran entrepreneur whose name is synonymous with innovation and impact in the Inland Northwest. Pete is best known for founding Purcell Systems , a company he scaled from a scrappy Spokane startup into a global telecom force, serving major clients like T-Mobile. Now, he’s back at it with Easy Street — his latest venture focused on deploying telecom towers faster a...

On this episode of the LaunchPad Innovators Podcast, host Bill Kalivas sits down with global brand strategist Kevin Keohane, Managing Partner at Brandpie. Kevin shares his journey from the U.S. to Australia and London, where he worked with top-tier firms such as WPP, Capgemini, and Coca-Cola, before landing in Spokane. With wisdom shaped by decades of international experience, Kevin unpacks what s...

Skye Henderson is a Spokane native who’s spent his career bridging finance, community, and innovation across the Inland Northwest. From collegiate soccer at Whitworth University to managing financial operations for the Seattle Sounders, Skye’s journey reflects a unique blend of grit, strategy, and local pride. In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast , Skye shares how his path led him f...

Greg Green is a visionary entrepreneur with decades of experience shaping the telecom industry in the Inland Northwest and beyond. A longtime supporter of Launchpad and advocate for innovation in our region, Greg brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to recognize opportunity, build with intention, and adapt through shifting markets. In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast , Gre...

In this Launchpad micro-episode, Bill Kalivas sits down with cybersecurity leaders Heather Stratford (Drip Seven, INCH 360) and Christina Richmond (Richmond Advisory Group) to talk about the evolving cybersecurity landscape in the Inland Northwest. They dive into the upcoming INCH 360 conference, the importance of education and inclusion in tech, and practical steps for protecting yourself from ph...

Allen Battle has spent decades building businesses, mentoring others, and forging real, lasting relationships — all grounded in values he learned growing up in Columbus, Ohio. Now a respected entrepreneur and community leader in Spokane, his journey is a powerful example of how integrity and relationships can drive both personal and professional success. In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators...

At just 21 years old, Lucas Desgrosellier , better known as Ghoulz , has built a business and brand with global reach — powered by a loyal fanbase, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes content connect. In the first episode of Launchpad Innovators Podcast , host Bill Kalivas sits down with Ghoulz and Julie Delaney , his Chief Operating Officer, to explore the journey behind th...

The Launchpad Innovators Podcast is all about the people behind the ideas — the founders, creators, and leaders turning vision into action. In this trailer, host Bill Kalivas shares what to expect from the show: honest conversations with innovators from across the country who are building bold businesses, solving real problems, and shaping the future of their industries. If you’re inspired by grit...