Podcast
UNHIRED
Hosted by Allison Nordenbrock Brown · EN
Unhired is a conversational podcast by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.
Allison Nordenbrock Brown and guests dive into the unsexy reality of running a business- beyond the highlight reel.
Subscribe for new episodes every other week.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 32: Every Startup Was Supposed to Make Me Rich (with Grant Chapman)
Jul 1600:57:18Tap to summarizeGrant Chapman is no stranger to failure, and that's exactly what makes his story compelling. As the CEO and co-founder of Glassboard, Grant opens up about his long, messy path to building a successful business, including multiple startups that didn't pan out and lessons learned the hard way. From founder-led sales to finally building a team that can sell without him, this episode dives into what it takes to stay in the game long enough to win. If you've ever felt like you're one mistake away from closing shop, Grant's unfiltered honesty will feel like a lifeline.
Transcribe →Episode 31: Building Tomorrow Bookstore (with Jake Budler & Julia Breaky)
Jun 1600:40:54Tap to summarizeJake and Julia are the husband-and-wife team behind Tomorrow Bookstore, a thoughtfully curated shop on Mass Ave near Bottleworks District in Indianapolis. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to run an independent bookstore whose mission goes beyond selling bound pages. Julia's love of curation is front and center in the shop's shelves, and together she and Jake have created a true community for readers in the Circle City. We explore what it's like to work with your partner, the challenges of brick-and-mortar retail, and the magic of helping folks find the right story at the right time. If you've walked through the doors of Tomorrow Bookstore, you'll quickly realize that Jake and Julia have built something truly special and are making their mark on our city. In this episode, we talk about the mission behind Tomorrow, the logistics of running a brick-and-mortar business in a digital world, and what it means to create something with your partner that's as meaningful to others as it is to you. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. –ANB
Transcribe →Episode 30: Growing Indie Mane Salons (with Belinda Benham)
Jun 3, 202500:35:01Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your first salon fills up and you open a second… only to realize you're juggling two entirely different ecosystems? Belinda Benham, founder of Indie Mane Salons at Ironworks and Virginia Avenue, joins us to talk about the reality of growing a brick-and-mortar business while continuing to serve clients and teach across the country. In this episode, Belinda shares what she's learned about leading two teams, building culture across locations, and staying creative while running the show. It's a conversation about growth, grit, and juggling the many personalities involved in the beauty industry.
Transcribe →Episode 29: How Heather Jackson Is Using VR to Change the Way We Recruit
May 20, 202500:49:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we're joined by Heather Jackson, founder and CEO of iXplore—a company that creates immersive VR experiences that help employers recruit their next generation of talent. Heather shares how she went from teaching high school English to leading a tech startup, and why she believes the future of recruiting lies in storytelling, empathy, and immersive technologies. We talk about what it's like to build a business from the ground up, and how her background in education has shaped not only how she sells, but how she leads, hires, and builds systems that serve both clients and end users.
Transcribe →Episode 28: Your Business Will Evolve, And So Will You (with Jenn Schimmelpfennig)
May 5, 202500:35:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we're joined by Jenn Schimmelpfennig, President and Founder of Pivot Brands, for a conversation about growth, space, and what it means to keep evolving after nearly two decades in business. Jenn recently moved her team out of their longtime office in Fletcher Place—where they'd been based for many years—and into CoHatch Polk Stables, a coworking space that's brought renewed energy and momentum. We talk about the symbolism of that move, what's shifted in her leadership, and how she's continuing to scale the business with focus and clarity. Jenn's story is a real-time look at what it takes to build something that lasts—and still adapts to what's next.
Transcribe →Episode 27: Reconnecting with Yourself So You Can Lead Others (with Kendra Stoll)
Apr 14, 202500:48:48Tap to summarizeKendra Stoll, a designer and leadership wellness guide, joins us for a powerful conversation about connection, healing, and the unseen toll of how we work. In this episode, we dig into her transition from running a design business to focusing on leadership wellness—helping leaders reconnect with themselves so they can lead others more effectively. Kendra shares what she's learned from launching wellness offerings inside corporate spaces, why our gut health is more important than we think, and how small shifts in self-awareness can transform leadership from the inside out. It's an honest, refreshing, and timely look at how to build a career (and a life) that feels more human.
Transcribe →Episode 26: What VCs Look for When Making an Investment (with Michael Kelly)
Mar 31, 202500:44:56Tap to summarizeMichael Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Developertown, joins us for a deep dive into his 15+ year journey building businesses in Indianapolis. From consulting solo at age 13 to managing a portfolio of over 60 companies, Mike shares how he's navigated the highs, lows, and chaotic middle of entrepreneurship. We talk about everything from why equity-for-services is a trap (don't do it), to how venture studios actually work, to what he looks for in early-stage founders when investing through Start Something Ventures. If you're thinking about raising capital or building a portfolio of your own, this one's packed with perspective.
Transcribe →Episode 25: Making it Up as We Grow (Featuring Daniel Herndon)
Mar 17, 202500:53:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Unhired, I sit down with Daniel Herndon to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the unexpected twists of building a business, and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating challenges to finding clarity in the chaos, Daniel shares insights that every founder can relate to. We also dive into how he approaches problem-solving, what fuels his drive, and why sometimes the best business moves come from the most unexpected places. If you've ever felt like you're making it up as you go (spoiler: we all are), this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Episode 24: What Comes After the Exit? (Featuring John Harden)
Mar 3, 202500:40:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Unhired, we chat with John Harden about the intersection of business, non-profits, and acquisitions. John shares insights from his experience building Saaslio and how the acquisition has affected his career trajectory in joining the acquiring company, Auvik. We also discuss leveraging community organizations like CompTIA to grow a network of like-minded peers, and what it takes to navigate major industry shifts. If you're curious about what happens after the acquisition, this one's for you.
Transcribe →Episode 23: Avoiding Your Books Won't Save You (Featuring Matt Tait)
Feb 17, 202500:29:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Unhired, we sit down with Matt Tait, CEO and founder of Decimal, a company that provides bookkeeping and tax services for small businesses. Matt shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, discussing the ups and downs of running multiple businesses (including his background as a recovering lawyer). He opens up about lessons learned, the realities of business finances, and why bookkeeping isn't just a necessary evil—it's a crucial piece of building a sustainable business. We also dive into what it takes to grow a company, why founders often struggle with financial management, and how Matt and his team at Decimal have helped over a thousand businesses get their books in order. Whether you're a numbers person or not, this conversation will change the way you think about the financial health of your business.
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