An Indianapolis Business Podcast: Off the Circle

Latest Episodes:

Episode 43: Why Indiana? We Discuss the Incredible Business Culture of Our Great State Feb 11, 2019

Show notes

Joined by Frank Leonard and Harry Howe, on this episode, we speak with attorney Wes Zirkle who was part of a sports talent representation firm that went international and Emily Schoenbaechler, who worked extensively in the State House and is passionate about female representation in our technology space.

The conversation about our business climate was frank and honest. We're all proud Hoosiers who have invested heavily in our home state and want it to move forward. No doubt, we've had some setbacks, but that shouldn't stop every company that works here from helping one another drive their businesses forward!

Special Guests: Emily Schoenbaechler and Wesley Zirkle.

Sponsored By:

Lifeline Data Centers: When thinking about data protection and recovery, there is the age-old question of whether you should keep it in-house or use an outsourced data. Promo Code: Off the Circle

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Wesley Zirkle — Business executive and attorney with nearly two decades of experience counseling startups and mature businesses on strategic planning, administration, complex transactions, intellectual property licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and global growth.
Indy Grit Community — We are a community of successes, failures, and everything in between. Indy Grit was created to embrace the messy reality of entrepreneurship and professional development. If you are tired of soul-sucking networking events, then you will be right at home here. Participating in the Indy Grit community means sharing your struggles, failures, and challenges. Our events focus on speakers who are willing to be transparent about their ups and downs, and group discussion where we encourage and lift up one another.
Leonard McDowell — Leonard-McDowell improves productivity with innovative technologies that fit your unique data storage, protection and recovery needs. By delivering the industry’s most cutting-edge IT solutions with integrity and personal involvement, we optimize the investment you have in your staff and resources and streamline the data storage and protection process.

Episode 42: Richard Banta of Lifeline Data Centers Explains the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Rich Banta, founder and Chief Compliance Officer of Lifeline Data Centers. Rich leads the country in compliance and certifications and has been instrumental at driving innovation in the Data Center industry. His certifications include:

CISSP (ISC²) Certified Information Systems Security Professional - April 2017 - Present
CCSP (ISC² & CSA) Certified Cloud Security Professional - May 2017 - Present
CISA (ISACA) Certified Information Systems Auditor - September 2010 - Present
CRISC (ISACA) Certified in Risk & Information Systems Control - December 2010 - Present
CFCP (FISMA Center) Certified FISMA Compliance Practitioner - October 2014 - Present
CDCDP (CNet/BTEC) Certified Data Center Design Professional - February 2014 - Present
CDCAP (CNet/BTEC) Certified Data Center Audit Professional - February 2018 - Present
DCIE (IDCA) Data Center Infrastructure Expert - February 2018 - Present

The defense acquisition system exists to manage the investments of the United States in technologies, programs, and product support necessary to achieve the national security strategy and to support the United States Armed Forces. The primary objective of DoD acquisition is to acquire quality supplies and services that satisfy user needs with measurable improvements to mission capability and operational support at a fair and reasonable price.

Rich is an expert in compliance and the regulations associated with them. Rich speaks regionally and nationally on all topics related and is a saught out speaker.

Special Guest: Rich Banta.

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2019 Cyber Technology Conference and Policy Summit — January 8-9, 2019 at the Conrad in downtown Indianapolis. Rich is speaking on the Federal Agency Perspectives Panel.
Lifeline Data Center Lunch & Learns — Lifeline Data Centers hosts lunch & learns almost every week to bring leaders in the technology out to their facility to speak, discuss, or just learn about the latest in compliance, security, and other issues facing technologists and business owners.

Episode 41: Steve Sanner: Growing People Through Work - The Hoosier Jiffy Lube Story You've Never Heard Dec 11, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Steve Sanner, President of Hoosier Automotive Services. In 1985, Steve Sanner and his partners started what is now known as Jiffy Lube of Indiana. Since that time, the Indianapolis-based business has expanded to 48 Jiffy Lube locations (46 in Indiana, two in Illinois) with more than 400 employees, creating one of the largest systems of franchised service centers in the industry. In 2017 alone, the company performed nearly half a million oil changes.

While Jiffy Lube of Indiana is well-known for providing superior vehicle care, its commitment to employees is what Sanner says has led it to become one of the leading Jiffy Lube franchises in the U.S. Through the company’s “Growing People Through Work” program, lives of employees and their families have been transformed.

Recognized for several years by Training Magazine as one of the best training programs in the country, highlights of Growing People Through Work include:

$5,000 loans for managers who are first time home buyers to use as a down payment
Tuition reimbursement and college scholarships for employees’ children
Seminars with experts, designed to coach employees on financial literacy, health and wellness, and attitude/pride-in-work
A Jiffy Lube Cares Fund that has provided more than $220,000 in no-interest loans to employees for emergency situations

Lonnie Hinkle, COO of Jiffy Lube of Indiana, is a living example of how Growing People Through Work can change lives. He started at Jiffy Lube with a part-time job vacuuming cars, moving up through the ranks to become manager and eventually COO and company partner. He credits Jiffy Lube with paying off his student loans, helping him buy his first home – and even helping him lose 120 pounds!

Special Guest: Steve Sanner.

Sponsored By:

My IT Indy: My IT Indy is a complete technology solution provider. We are 100% committed to making sure business owners have the most reliable and professional IT service in the United States. Promo Code: offthecircle

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Jiffy Lube Indiana — Jiffy Lube Indiana has 52 locations in the Indianapolis area and around the state of Indiana, there is sure to be one near you! They are the largest system of franchised service centers in the fast lube industry. Their mission is to provide Indiana drivers with expert preventive maintenance services in order to prolong the life of their vehicle.

Episode 40: Robert Bogue: Building Out An Audio and Video Studio for Your Corporation Nov 14, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Robert Bogue. Robert has a driving passion for delivering solutions through both teaching and learning. His drive for resolving problems is fueled by his creativity and innovation – by his ability to find solutions that others cannot find. His experience in the technical world has given him a unique opportunity to learn how to solve problems both in a technical sense and an organizational sense well before problems arise.

Robert is an Indianapolis leader and has owned his business, Thor Projects, for over 10 years. He has authored 26 books and has been an editor for over 100 additional books. Robert has received the prestigious Microsoft MVP designation fifteen times. He combines his love for emotional intelligence, communication skills gleaned from working in the IT world and having to talk to others, and his dynamic presentation skills to help change lives one at a time.

Robert is an engaging presenter who speaks at local, regional, national, and international events. He has spoken to tens of thousands of professionals. Robert has fine-tuned his ability to focus others into effective communicating to create a wonderful experience for his audiences. He can bring together all departments of an organization to help build communication bridges to increase employee satisfaction and therefore increase efficiency within the organization. He is committed to making the complicated, simple. His approach to continual learning has led him to be an expert in instructional design and video production.

Which led our host, Douglas, to travel to Robert's home studio where Thor Projects can sit down and record a podcast or video lesson at the click of a button. It's truly an exceptional resource for Robert and his wife who both provide content for learning management systems. On this episode, we speak to Robert about the studio, the equipment, and the lessons learned along the way.

Special Guest: Robert Bogue.

Sponsored By:

DK New Media: If you're a marketing and technology firm that isn't driving leads through your online presence, we can help. We help you develop and execute a digital marketing strategy while educating your staff and providing all the resources. Promo Code: offthecircle

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Thor Projects — Thor Projects has helped dozens of large and small organizations be more effective. Rob Bogue has authored 25 books and has more than 15 years of running his own education and consulting business.
Burnout: Prevention and Recovery — Join Rob and Terri at the MAC as they discuss how to prevent and recover from burnout. There’s no cost to attend this event, and a light dinner will be provided.

Episode 39: How Indiana is Leading the Country in Broadband Opportunities Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Scott Rudd, who works for Indiana's Lieutenant Governor's office as the Director of Broadband Opportunities. We discuss how Indiana is leading the country in driving innovation with broadband access. As well, we interview

Scott's work in Brown County got the attention of the state, where he's been hired to help transform the broadband accessibility in our state. Scott wworks closely with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to work with farmers and farm businesses within the community on ways to make sure they are keeping up with the advancing technology that will keep the agriculture industry thriving.

Scott also works closely with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to collaborate with communities and identify the best ways to attract reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet to rural Indiana. As a part of the task set forth for the director of broadband opportunities, Rudd is working with OCRA on their Broadband Readiness Plan in the Community Development Block Grant Planning Grants program.

Special Guests: Nik Thomas and Scott Rudd.

Sponsored By:

Lifeline Data Centers: When thinking about data protection and recovery, there is the age-old question of whether you should keep it in-house or use an outsourced data. Promo Code: Off the Circle

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Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs — OCRA works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community economic development. A privilege of our agency is to award grants to fund public gathering places, fix water/sewer infrastructures, restore historic structures, build community facilities and revitalize commercial districts. These funds help communities improve their quality of life and ensure the health and safety of their citizens.
Xiber — Headquartered in Indianapolis with facilities in 18 states, Xiber LLC provides high-performing network and Internet services across the nation. Our firm specializes in multi-format transport and access networks that help us provide services quickly and cost-effectively. Whether you’re a MDU operator, commercial business, service provider, or small cell operator, we will not only provide you with network services unavailable by the incumbent carriers, we will do it quickly and with great SLAs. We bring extensive experience and professionalism to every build and customize our SLA to your individual needs and application.

Episode 38: Torchlite's CEO and Technology Entrepreneur Susan Marshall Sep 28, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Susan Marshall, a 20-plus year technology veteran who's been deeply involved in the rapid evolution of digital marketing, video, audio, mobile, social and data management technologies.

Digital marketing is complex. Marketers today need guidance on how to identify what's truly a top priority and help to get it done. At Torchlite, they believe it's not enough to just create another software solution. It's about bringing people and technology together to create a fast, nimble, and tech-enabled approach to get marketing done.

Susan's excitement is contagious and Indianapolis' Torchlite continues to evolve as a leader for companies to attract and assemble their outsourced digital marketing teams. Unlike most freelance directories, Torchliters are vetted and their performance monitored to ensure the highest quality resources are assembled.

The Torchlite management platform provides a new way to get digital marketing done right by seamlessly combining people, technology, and campaigns into a single interface. And their marketplace of experts helps you make the most of your digital marketing - inspiring you to focus on the work you love most.

Special Guest: Susan Marshall.

Sponsored By:

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Torchlite — Torchlite helps marketers turn big ideas into wildly successful campaigns by showing them what to do, how to do it, and who can get it done.
Become a Torchliter — Partnering with Torchlite is a no-brainer for freelance marketers. We send business your way and take care of all the admin work, keeping you focused on the part you love most – marketing.

Episode 37: How the King Park Development Corporation and the Build Fund are Transforming Central Indiana Sep 19, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Evan Tester and Steven Meyer of King Park and discuss how Community Development Financial Institutions are helping to play a key role in developing underserved parts of our community.

King Park Development Corporation is a non-profit community development corporation (CDC) committed to improving housing, economic development, and quality of life in the King Park area. Founded in 1987 by concerned residents and neighborhood groups, King Park has helped drive the revitalization of neighborhoods in the northern downtown area of Indianapolis through various public and private partnerships.

King Park focuses on comprehensive community development by:

Revitalizing neighborhoods by renovating and building affordable housing.
Driving economic growth and sustainability with our business services.
Directly impacting and contributing to the quality of life through public programs.

The King Park service area includes the following neighborhoods: Old North Side, Herron Morton Place, Kennedy King, Reagan Park, Fall Creek Place, Friends & Neighbors, and Crosstown. Each neighborhood offers a unique experience, and our efforts have helped create vibrant, growing communities in the heart of Marion County.

Special Guests: Evan Tester, Jenn Golding, and Steven Meyer.

Sponsored By:

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King Park Development Corporation — Just minutes north of downtown Indianapolis, the Neighborhoods of King Park are vibrant, livable, sustainable, connected, and welcoming communities that are a model for neighborhood revitalization. Founded in 1987 by concerned residents and neighborhood groups, King Park has helped drive the revitalization of neighborhoods in the northern downtown area of Indianapolis through various public and private partnerships.
Build Fund — The Build Fund is the only Community Development Financial Institution solely devoted to supporting economic development in Indianapolis.
Sapphire Strategy — Sapphire Strategy combines analytics-backed insight and experienced-based intuition to help B2B businesses optimize their marketing performance.

Episode 36: Author and CIO Jeffrey Ton: How IT Leadership Has Evolved Sep 10, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Jeffrey Ton, a Hoosier native who has worked in IT for over 35 years. Jeff has written hundreds of blog posts about technology and technology leadership and most recently published his first book, Amplify Your Value: Leading IT with Strategic Vision. His articles have appeared on Forbes, CSO Online, People Development Magazine, Intel’s IT Peer Network, and his own blog, Rivers of Thought.

Throughout his career in business, Jeff has developed and fine tuned his leadership skills to become a business focused leader who drives results. He brings a strategic view of business and identifies innovative approaches to achieve business objectives by leveraging technology where and when appropriate. Adept at building and leading teams, both in-line and cross-organizational, he has been a catalyst for change across the businesses he has served.

In this discussion, we speak about the evolution of the IT industry, its products and services. Jeff's insight into the business is incredible. Regionally, he's also launched the Indy CIO Network that holds monthly lunch and dinners with over 250 CIOs in attendence.

Special Guests: Frank Leonard and Jeffrey Ton.

Sponsored By:

DK New Media: If you're a marketing and technology firm that isn't driving leads through your online presence, we can help. We help you develop and execute a digital marketing strategy while educating your staff and providing all the resources. Promo Code: offthecircle

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Amplify Your Value: Leading IT with Strategic Vision — Are you tired of being treated like an afterthought? Discover the step-by-step methods to put your IT department front and center in the minds of senior management.
Rivers of Thought — With Rivers of Thought, Jeff started out to write a technology blog, after all, it is where he has dedicated his entire career and shouldn’t every CIO write a technology blog? However, as Ton looked around the internet at technology blogs, they were all about, well, technology. “Yes”, he thought to himself, “I am passionate about technology, but not the latest gadget or hype-cycle. I am passionate about the way technology can be leveraged by businesses to help them do what they do better.”
Zionsville Century Club — The Century Club is group of men who are interested in supporting our local community in the greater Zionsville and Indianapolis area. We come from all walks of life and varying financial backgrounds. As individuals it is challenging to make a meaningful impact in our community, but as a group we have the ability to contribute to the growth of our community in ways that we never thought possible!
Indy Irish Fest — The Indianapolis Irish Festival is in its 23rd year. The festival is an opportunity to share Irish heritage through music, dance, cultural activities, and family fun. The festival was the vision of a small group of people who wanted to showcase the heritage, music and culture of the Irish people and the contributions of that culture to our city and state. The Irish are the second largest ethnic group to settle in the Indianapolis area. They have served the community in the fields of religion, education, medicine, law, the arts, politics and commerce.

Episode 35: Harry Howe: Our Wise Indianapolis Business Mentor Who Is Developing Grit in Entrepreneurs Aug 29, 2018

Show notes

On this episode, we interview Harry Howe. Harry has mentored hundreds of young people, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the community. As soon as you meet him, you'll understand why. We wanted to put the spotlight on Harry as a thank-you for all he's done for us and to find out more about his story. We discuss his military service, his education at Bucknell University, his corporate career at General Electric, and what brought he and his family to Indianapolis.

Harry is now launching a community to spread his influence and wisdom, the Indy Grit Community. Indy Grit was created to embrace the messy reality of entrepreneurship and professional development. It's not a networking event, it's a community of peers that will share the truth of their failures and how they were overcome with grit, a character asset that every entrepreneur must muster.

Special Guests: Chris Hoyt and Scott Taylor.

Sponsored By:

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Indy Grit Community — Participating in the Indy Grit community means sharing your struggles, failures, and challenges. Our events focus on speakers who are willing to be transparent about their ups and downs, and group discussion where we encourage and lift up one another.
Howe Leadership — Howe Leadership is predicated on the observation that entrepreneurs too often fail to achieve their dreams because they desire to improve their results without a commensurate change in their thinking and their actions.

Episode 34: Oscar Moralez: Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of Indianapolis' Largest Angel Investment Firm Aug 15, 2018

Show notes

Indiana leads the way in life sciences and agri-business, areas critical to global interests. Information technology companies are exploding here, creating a wealth of technology, talent, and support for other companies. Advanced manufacturing thrives here. Leadership across all sectors—business, government, universities and health care—is strong and forward thinking in Indiana.

On this episode, we interview Oscar Moralez, a Serial Entrepreneur from the Life Sciences industry and Founder of Indianapolis' Largest Angel Investment Firm, VisionTech Partners. The Angel investment group is composed of inventors, entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and strategic partners who converge to share, develop, fund, and launch innovative technologies.

VisionTech Partners brings a thoughtful, systematic, and proven approach to deliver financial and strategic support to promising entrepreneurs and startup companies. They provide investors with meaningful opportunities to invest and build companies based on extensive due diligence. They engage a network of seasoned business, industry, and technology partners who are available to lend their expertise. And they also maintain a national network of angel and venture capital firms, leveraging their ability to find and procure capital and commercialization opportunities.

Special Guest: Oscar Moralez.

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VisionTech Partners — At the center of Indiana’s innovation ecosystem is VisionTech Partners and VisionTech Angels. We are where inventors, entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and strategic partners converge to share, develop, fund, and launch innovative technologies.

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