What's the Startup?!

In this episode of What’s the Startup?! , Kevin Klepeis shares how small businesses can use a video-first marketing strategy to make a big impact without big-agency budgets. After years in corporate marketing, Kevin founded Kentucky Fried Creative in Paducah, KY, to help local small and mid-sized businesses create smart, affordable marketing that works. He explains what a true video-first approach...

In this episode, we’re sharing a powerful excerpt from one of our most popular mentor-led workshops—an intro to venture capital with Diego Rubio from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Diego unpacks how venture capital really works, what VCs are looking for, and whether this funding path makes sense for your startup. You’ll learn: The structure behind VC funds and why they chase big wins How e...

A strong network doesn’t have to be a big one—it just has to be built right. In this episode, Josiah Wright of Optrivo breaks down what actually works when it comes to networking as a founder. Spoiler: it’s not about cold DMs or handing out business cards to strangers. Josiah shares how building real relationships, doing consistently great work, and showing up as a trusted expert can open the door...

Thinking about starting a business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Harned , Center Director of the Paducah Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to unpack what really goes into launching and growing a business. From funding myths and feasibility checks to business plans and buying an existing business, Aaron shares real-world insight from working with hundr...

What if one weekly gathering could change the game for your startup community? In this episode, mentor Terri Lundberg sits down with Amie Tooley to talk about how to create and sustain a thriving community Coffee Hour—no matter where you live. Together, they unpack what makes these gatherings work, how to grow from a few people to a full room, and why ownership, engagement, and mentorship matter m...

🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. In this episode of “What’s the Startup?!”, we sit down with Brandi, co-founder of PreventScripts, to uncover the decade-long journey behind building a...

Think cold outreach has to be awkward or spammy? It doesn’t. In this video, Josiah Wright of Optrivo—startup founder, sales pro, and SprocketWKY mentor—breaks down how to approach outreach with confidence, clarity, and zero cringe. Want more? Josiah has a few free workshops in the SprocketWKY platform, and you can even book a mentor call with him. Just head to sprocketwky.com and make a free accou...

🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Kentucky Fried Creative—authentic marketing for the Common Wealth, from the Commonwealth. From strategy to video to web, they help small businesses grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more at kyfriedcreative.com. What does it take to build a startup in a region where the nearest investor, accelerator, or founder meetup might be hours away? In this episode, Sproc...

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Sprocket Podcast! If you’re ready to dive into the world of startups and innovation, visit us online at Sprocket WKY to learn more about our mission and how we support entrepreneurs like you. Ready to check out the space? Book a tour with Tiffany, our Community Coordinator! Got a business idea? Apply for a mentorship session with one of our experience...

In this episode, we sit down with Stevens Bonhomme, founder and CEO of FeedCoyote, a fast-growing freelance collaboration platform that’s redefining how freelancers connect and grow their businesses. Stevens shares how FeedCoyote scaled from 10,000 to nearly 80,000 users in just one year—without relying on traditional marketing tactics. Instead, the platform’s growth was fueled by a community-firs...

What’s it really like to learn from a mentor? In this episode, we sit in on a real conversation between Aaron Goodman of OMADA Marketing and his mentee, Liam—a rising marketing talent finding his footing. They talk through: Why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the future of SEO How to build confidence in your skills The power of simple marketing wins Why mentorship isn’t just professional—i...

In this episode of What’s the Startup?! , we’re joined by Maggie Choate , Sprocket’s newest team member, to celebrate the launch of the Sprocket WKY platform . Maggie, who has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality, shares the heart and purpose behind this groundbreaking initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs across Western Kentucky. We discuss: • What the Sprocket WKY platfor...

Western Kentucky just got a major upgrade. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Monica Bilak, Executive Director of Sprocket, to introduce the brand-new Sprocket WKY Platform —a free digital resource built to connect and empower entrepreneurs across all 22 counties of Western Kentucky. Whether you’re just exploring a business idea or scaling a tech-enabled company, this platform is for you. It...

Building something in Western Kentucky takes vision, resilience, and a lot of heart — and sometimes, it can feel like you’re doing it all alone. But the truth is, you’re just one connection away from the clarity, momentum, and support you’ve been looking for. This episode dives into a new opportunity created specifically for entrepreneurs, founders, and builders across Western Kentucky. Learn how...

What does it take to build a startup in one of the most complex—and resistant—industries out there? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jawad Popolzai, physician and co-founder of DataRovers, to explore how his team is tackling the hidden inefficiencies in healthcare, one problem at a time. From co-founder dynamics to product-market fit and the realities of building from a small town, Jawad shar...

What kind of marketing support does your business actually need? Josiah joins us to break down the five levels of marketing support—from doing it all yourself to hiring a full-blown head of strategy—and how to figure out where you are (and what to do next). We talk cold email, copywriting, digital presence, networking as marketing, and why so many small businesses stall out after their first hire....

When disaster strikes, some communities rebuild. Others reimagine. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Lemle—President of Graves County Economic Development and Director of the Mayfield Industrial Development Authority—for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to fuel resilience across a region. Jason shares how Graves County is bouncing back from devastation with bold plans for i...

What does real startup momentum look like? Since 2021, Sprocket has helped launch 55 startups, supported the creation of 89 new jobs, recruited 12 companies to Western Kentucky, and hosted 759 founder meetings. Together, our startups have raised $4.71 million in venture capital—and that’s just the beginning. This episode breaks down the big wins of 2024, from a packed Innovation Challenge and stat...

Ines Rivas-Hutchins has worn many hats at Sprocket—board member, treasurer, secretary, and now board chair. In this episode, she shares her journey from architecture and construction to leading a startup hub, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how Sprocket continues to evolve as a resource for entrepreneurs in Western Kentucky. From navigating pivots to spotting the right opportunities,...

How you show up as a founder can make or break your success—whether you’re pitching investors, building a team, or selling your vision. In this episode, we sit down with Terri Lundberg , executive coach, attorney, and Sprocket board member, to unpack the power of executive presence . Terri shares why executive presence isn’t just about confidence—it’s about how you’re perceived and how that shapes...

In this episode, we sit down with Akashdeep Randhawa, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Smart MS3, to uncover how his startup is revolutionizing physical therapy. Akash shares the personal inspiration behind his journey, the challenges of building a health-tech company, and how Smart MS3’s innovative medical devices are helping patients recover faster while empowering providers. Listen as Akash...

Want to build your startup without wasting time and money? In this episode, we sit down with John Truitt, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Sprocket , to talk about what makes or breaks a startup—and how to get it right from the start. John has worked with countless founders and has seen firsthand what separates successful businesses from the ones that fizzle out. He breaks down: The biggest mindset sh...

What does it take to pivot your way to success? In this episode, we sit down with Noah, founder of Ewagers, to hear how he turned his passion for gaming into a groundbreaking esports platform. From overcoming the challenges of a failing B2C model to finding scalability with a B2B2C approach, Noah shares his journey of adapting, learning, and building a sustainable business. As a past winner of Spr...

In this episode of What’s the Startup , we sit down with Maurice, founder of Doggy Eats , to hear the inspiring story of how a love for his dog and a problem-solving mindset turned into a growing business. Maurice shares how he went from baking homemade dog treats to solving real issues for pet owners, all while navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. We dive into: •The moment Maurice r...

In this episode of What’s the Startup , we sit down with Michael Ramage, Director of Cyber Education and Research at Murray State University, to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical topics for startups: cybersecurity. Michael breaks down why small businesses and startups are prime targets for cyberattacks and shares practical, low-cost steps you can take to protect your business today. F...