In The Thick of It

Hosted by Scott Hollrah

Business Entrepreneurship

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Join Scott Hollrah, founder of Venn Technology, as he takes you "In the Thick of It" with the real stories of founders who are actively navigating the challenges and triumphs of running their businesses. This podcast goes beyond the typical entrepreneurial success stories and delves into the messy, gritty, and sometimes chaotic world of building and growing a company. Get inspired, learn from the experiences of others, and gain insights into what it truly means to be in the thick of the entrepreneurial journey.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 641 hr 38 min

#49 Ben Laws, Co-Founder | 16 Days

Get ready to dive into the remarkable journey of entrepreneur, coach, Max Life Podcast host, and Co-Founder of 16 Days, Ben Laws. Join us as Ben takes us from his upbringing between Minnesota and rural Wisconsin, where character was built stacking hay bales, splitting wood, and mowing a steep hillside cemetery, to his emergence as a wealth coach, founder, and leader helping others pursue a life of deeper meaning and intention.During our conversation, Ben opens up about the formative experiences that shaped him, from hustling as a Target cashier, Domino’s driver, and cold-calling financial services intern to leaving college early, getting married young, and building a successful career in wealth management. He shares candidly about the pressure of tying his identity to achievement, the insecurity of not finishing college, the collapse of his first marriage, and the transformational relationship with his wife Jenna that helped him uncover who he really was beneath performance and success.Discover how Ben’s life was forever changed by the brief but profound life of his son, Benny, whose 16 days reshaped Ben’s understanding of what it truly means to live. From launching new ventures like SOM Stays, Max Life Coaching, and the Max Life Podcast to founding 16 Days, a nonprofit that helps parents be present with their babies in the NICU, Ben offers a compelling look at one entrepreneur’s journey from striving and survival to purpose, presence, and building a life that helps others experience their own sunrise.***About 16 DaysAt 16 days, our mission is to help parents stay by their newborn’s side during the most critical days in the NICU, easing financial stress so families can focus on what matters most—being present.To learn more, visit 16days.org***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

June 4, 2026Episode 631 hr 33 min

#48 Chris Lesner, Founder & CEO | Project World Impact

Let's dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Chris Lesner, founder and CEO of Project World Impact. Join us as Chris takes us from a childhood spent moving across the globe from Michigan to Japan, Australia, Germany, and back to the Chicago suburbs, to his emergence as a purpose-driven entrepreneur building businesses designed to honor God and impact people.During our conversation, Chris opened up about how growing up in 10 schools over 11 years shaped his resilience, adaptability, and optimism. He shares the story of launching his first marketing company in college at just 19, learning SEO by Googling it after pitching clients, walking away from a fast-growing business during his senior year, and turning down outside investment so he could build on his own terms. He also reflects on the early chaos of Project World Impact, burning through capital on failed software builds, being forced back into marketing to fund the vision, and navigating the uncertainty of building something meaningful before it was profitable.Discover the origin story of PWI, as Chris reflects on the early chaos of Project World Impact, burning through capital on failed software builds, being forced back into marketing to fund the vision, and navigating the uncertainty of building something meaningful before it was profitable.***About Project World ImpactAt Platform Transition, we're dedicated to educating and connecting nonprofits and individuals who want to make a positive impact on the world's most basic needs. We offer a range of affordable and innovative services for organizations seeking to communicate their mission effectively. To learn more, visit projectworldimpact.com***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

May 26, 2026Episode 621 hr 37 min

#47 Hugh Stewart, President | Platform Transition

Get ready to dive into the remarkable journey of Platform Transition's president, Hugh Stewart. Join us as Hugh takes us from his childhood in Jamaica, where a Blue Angels air show sparked a lifelong obsession with aviation, to his emergence as a leading data migration expert in the Sage Intacct ecosystem.During our conversation, Hugh opens up about the winding path that shaped him, earning his pilot's license at 17, graduating with a master's degree at 21, working as a nuclear and chemical engineer at GE, HP, Pratt & Whitney, and Merck, and ultimately starting 37 companies over 25 years. He shares candidly about the devastating moment employees stole $150,000 from his businesses, how that betrayal sparked his passion for accounting, and the mentor who has been whispering wisdom into his life for 30 years.Discover the origin story of Platform Transition, as Hugh shares valuable lessons on building partnerships with friends and family, creating an abundance mindset in a competitive market, and the power of choosing a direction and making it right. From rebuilding 15 years of QuickBooks history into pristine Intacct records to giving 10% of profits back to his team, Hugh offers a compelling look at one entrepreneur's journey of turning lemons into lemonade, again and again, while building a company that makes chaos fade away.***About Platform TransitionAt Platform Transition, our mission is to empower finance teams to go live in Sage Intacct® with all the data they want to streamline their accounting workflows, gain powerful insight into their operations, and leave their legacy system behind forever. We collaborate with implementation teams to offer the most comprehensive data migration services in the industry, with a flat-fee structure that incentivizes us to get it right the first time. To learn more, visit platformtransition.com***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

May 18, 2026Episode 611 hr 41 min

#46: Shane Bauman, President | RISE Wealth Strategies

Get ready to dive into the inspiring journey of Rise Wealth Strategies' founder, Shane. Join us as Shane takes us from his roots in the small farming town of Eaton, Colorado, to his emergence as a purpose-driven wealth advisor redefining what financial planning looks like.During our conversation, Shane opens up about growing up with two father figures, a 9-to-5 union worker and a farmer, and how their contrasting perspectives on career versus business shaped his worldview. He shares candidly about his prodigal years chasing debauchery in college bands, and meeting his wife Jenny (and the unforgettable wedding dance that almost ruined his chances).Discover why Shane believes money is simply a tool best used when aligned with purpose, and why liquidity isn't just a safety net, it's the key to freedom, opportunity, and making decisions from a position of strength. This episode kicks off the return of In the Thick of It with a compelling look at one advisor's journey from rural Colorado to building a firm that helps clients align their wealth with what matters most.***About RISE Wealth StrategiesRISE Wealth Strategies was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that every dollar of your wealth should have a clear purpose and move toward what matters most to you. What guides everything we do is different: our systematic approach to giving every dollar purpose, our commitment to servant leadership, and our dedication to walking alongside you as you build generous, contented, and impactful lives rooted in biblical stewardship principles.To learn more, visit risewealth.org***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

October 28, 2024Episode 601 hr 25 min

#45: Jeff Francis, Founder | ENO8

Get ready to dive into the entrepreneurial path of ENO8's founder, Jeff Francis. Join us as Jeff takes us from his roots in small-town Farmersville, Texas, to his emergence as a visionary tech entrepreneur.During our conversation, Jeff opens up about the transformative experiences that molded his technology career and the hurdles he's conquered. He delves into how he's built success by ensuring his personal values align with his business objectives, while also sharing candid insights about managing partnership relationships.Discover the origin story of ENO8, as Jeff shares valuable lessons on software development, building strong client relationships, and breaking through business growth barriers. This episode offers a compelling look at one entrepreneur's journey from rural Texas to tech industry leadership.***About ENO8ENO8 is a Dallas-based tech studio that empowers companies to design and develop innovative, impactful digital products. Our partners realize real business returns from new technology initiatives because we arm them with our proprietary innovation process and a best-in-class, experienced team. Through working with us, our clients move faster, reduce their risk, and increase the impact of bringing new digital products to life.To learn more, visit eno8.com ***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

October 21, 2024Episode 591 hr 32 min

#44: Matt Wensing, Founder & CEO | Summit

In this episode, we welcome Matt Wensing, founder and CEO of Summit, an innovative low-code/no-code automation platform. Matt shares his journey into the world of B2B tech services.From a young age, Matt has always been curious about his future career path. Initially pursuing political science in college, he soon discovered his true passion was in computer science. His first post-college job provided valuable hands-on experience in software development, igniting his interest in the field.Matt's entrepreneurial spirit took flight in 2007 when he launched a weather data startup. This venture taught him the importance of collaboration and understanding client needs. Listen in as Matt discusses his current project, Summit, and how it aims to revolutionize business automation.***About MattMatt is the founder of Summit, a no-code modeling platform that allows non-developers to create amazing new tools and programs for their automated workflows.Before Summit, he co-founded a company called Riskpulse (now Everstream AI). Matt built the initial product — the web's first interactive weather maps, and then led sales and marketing, selling enterprise contracts to the Fortune 1000. Many of the household items you use every day are shipped using a risk score my co-founder Brad and I invented.About SummitSummit is an automation technology company based in Austin, TX. The Summit platform empowers users to create custom triggers, actions, and models that open up a universe of new possibilities inside workflow automation software. Break the limits of no-code.To learn more, visit www.usesummit.com.***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

October 14, 2024Episode 581 hr 8 min

#43: Seth Frey, Founder & President | Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag Kits

Starting a business is a collaborative effort, as Seth Frey, founder and president of Big Frey, discovered while navigating partnerships and industry changes in promotional products.Seth's entrepreneurial journey began with family inspiration. Post-college, he and his brother established Granny's Goodies, offering exam survival kits to students.Building on this experience, Seth later founded Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag Kits. He encourages fellow entrepreneurs to savor small victories and prioritize long-term objectives over short-term challenges.This episode dives into Seth's lifelong entrepreneurial adventures, offering insights and lessons learned along the way.***About Seth & Big Frey Branded Goods & Swag KitsSeth Frey is the visionary and chief innovator behind Big Frey Promotional Products, where his creative expertise and strategic acumen have set new standards in the branding world. Under his leadership, Big Frey has grown into a leading provider of distinctive promotional items, helping businesses make memorable impressions with every product. Seth’s professional journey is rooted in a strong background in marketing and design. His commitment to transforming promotional items from simple giveaways into powerful brand tools reflects his dedication to excellence and innovation. This drive has positioned Big Frey as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their brand reputation and presence. Outside of the office, Seth balances his professional life with a rich personal life. A devoted family man, Seth and Karen - his greatest cheerleader of 27 years - are blessed with three wonderful daughters who keep their life vibrant and full of joy. Alongside his daughters, he has two energetic Labradors, whose playful antics and unconditional loyalty bring an extra layer of happiness to his family life. This blend of family dynamics and love for his dogs adds depth to Seth’s life, infusing his work with a sense of balance and fulfillment. Seth is also an avid skier. He finds exhilaration on the slopes and draws inspiration from the precision and thrill of skiing. This passion mirrors his approach to business—where calculated strategy meets creativity. With a strong commitment to both his professional and personal spheres, Seth Frey continues to drive Big Frey Promotional Products toward new heights, all while maintaining a solid dedication to his family, friends and zest for life.To learn more about Big Frey, visit www.bigfrey.com ***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

September 23, 2024Episode 571 hr 29 min

#42: Reagan and Elle Pugh

In this episode, we feature our first-ever husband and wife duo—Reagan and Elle Pugh—each with their own thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Together, they share the personal and professional experiences that not only brought them together but also fuel their mutual support in business.We explore key topics like the value of mentorship, navigating financial highs and lows, and the power of open communication with business partners. Reagan, a motivational speaker and author, and Elle, the founder of an Enneagram coaching business and luxury greenery company, Gracious Garlands, also reveal their future plans and insights on entrepreneurship.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on balancing marriage and business!***About ReaganReagan Pugh is a writer and speaker dedicated to helping individuals and teams find more meaning in life and work. With a focus on emotional intelligence and self-awareness, Reagan delivers keynote speeches and workshops to thousands of people each year, having worked with organizations like Facebook, Pepsi, Whirlpool, Cardinal Health, all branches of the US Military, Meals on Wheels, and the American Red Cross. Prior to writing and speaking full time, Reagan guided programs on storytelling and culture at companies like Nike, Western Digital, and Kimberly Clark as Chief Storyteller for a global management consulting firm. From 2009 to 2011, Reagan served as a tenth-grade English teacher with Teach for America on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. During that time, he launched a theater program that, in its inaugural year, won the state one- act play competition for the first time. Reagan has instructed at Texas State University, Trinity University, and Angelo State University. He continues to prioritize speaking to student audiences throughout the United States, having visited over 50 college campuses to date. Reagan is a TEDx speaker and frequent podcast guest. His first book, Too Emotional: Overcome the Thunderstorm of Feelings, Shame and Self-Doubt, was published in May of 2024. He lives with his wife, Elle, and their white Labrador, Lily, in Austin, Texas. To learn more, visit https://www.reaganpugh.com/About ElleElle Pugh is a Certified Enneagram Facilitator and Coach, Registered Nurse, and entrepreneur dedicated to holistic wellness and personal growth. Whether it’s one-on-one coaching, training leadership teams at multiple Fortune 100 companies, or designing workshops for startup teams, Elle is committed to helping individuals and organizations understand themselves so they can find healing and renewed connection with one another. Elle started her career in the pediatric cardiac ICU. After realizing the US healthcare system is not designed to heal people, she left the bedside to take a role as the first employee at a healthcare startup. There she grew the team to over 30 medical professionals and formed her working philosophy that healthy organizations are made up of healthy individuals. Elle's entrepreneurial endeavors also extend to Gracious Garlands, a luxury wreath company known for its farm-fresh products and a made-to-order catering company that helped her make money in college. An unabashed Swifty, she still loves to cook and her goal is to ski 50 plus days every winter. To learn more about Beyond Enneagram, visit https://www.beyondyourtype.co/To learn more about Gracious Garlands, visit https://graciousgarlands.com/***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/

September 16, 2024Episode 561 hr 1 min

Toolbox Series: Chris Hamilton on Employee Health Benefits

Navigating employee benefits can be a major hurdle for business owners. Selecting insurance plans—from health to dental to vision—can be daunting, with decisions affecting team members and their families.In this episode, we welcome Chris Hamilton of Hotchkiss Insurance. He shares valuable insights on choosing practical, cost-effective benefit plans for your workforce.Scott here: As a founder myself, I've experienced firsthand the weight of choosing employee benefits. Our conversation revealed strategies I hadn't considered before, and I'm sure listeners will gain a fresh perspective on this topic as well.***About Chris:Chris Hamilton is a partner at Hotchkiss Insurance and leads the employee benefits practice. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance and in the insurance industry, working with mid-market, regional and national employers. At Hotchkiss, he leads a team of employee benefits consultants and specialists focused on helping companies improve performance and profitability. Chris’s approach is to understand a client’s situation and offer creative solutions to help improve their business, while developing a long-term relationship as a strategic resource. He holds an MBA and BBA in finance.About Hotchkiss Insurance:At Hotchkiss Insurance, we know by safeguarding one's most valuable assets, people and businesses are better able to grow and prosper. We work with you to understand your unique business and deliver tailored insurance solutions and risk management to protect you from life’s uncertainties. With an advisory approach and an ability to reduce complexity, we demonstrate an abiding care for all of those who entrust themselves to us. Whether you know you need business insurance, risk management, employee benefits consulting, personal insurance, surety, or you just want to start the conversation, we've got you covered. Hotchkiss is Texas-based, with main offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio. For more than 40 years, we've protected businesses of all sizes and industries. (Including construction, education, restaurants, landscapers, nursery growers, manufacturing, religious institutions, commercial construction, technology, home builders, energy, more)To learn more, visit https://hotchkissinsurance.com/***If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us

September 9, 2024Episode 551 hr 20 min

#41: Steffie Tomson, Founder & CEO of Getaway Sticks

In this episode, we welcome Steffie Tomson, the innovative mind behind Getaway Sticks. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Steffie's journey from a cognitive neuroscience researcher to footwear entrepreneur is as unique as her product line.Steffie shares her mission to revolutionize women's shoes by marrying style with comfort. She recounts the hurdles she faced, from designing her initial high heel prototype to finding a manufacturer willing to produce her bespoke creations.Listen as Steffie delves into the intricacies of balancing innovation, running a business, and maintaining personal drive. This conversation offers insights into her remarkable path and provides a glimpse into what's next for Getaway Sticks.***About SteffieDr. Steffie Tomson is a native Houstonian and scientist who saw a gaping hole in the women's footwear market. Have you ever worn uncomfortable heels? Of course! We all have. Women deserve to be stylish and comfortable, and Dr. Tomson found a way to engineer heels for 10k steps a day. Join us for a morning of fashion and footwear as Dr. Tomson tells us about her journey from brains to bunions and everything in between.About Getaway SticksGetaway Sticks is a women’s fashion footwear brand dedicated to empower women through a simple idea: Create an elegant heel that is actually comfortable AND stylish. Steffie Tomson founded Getaway Sticks in 2020, on a mission to simplify women’s footwear without sacrificing style. Women know it’s what's inside that counts. That’s why Steffie designed Getaway Sticks using athletic foam throughout, rather than using the industry standard of hard plastics and metals. These unforgiving materials do not belong in the foundation of a shoe! When it comes to heels, the only hard consideration should be which pair of Getaway Sticks to wear.To learn more, visit https://getawaysticks.com***📧 If you or a founder you know would like to be a guest on In The Thick of It, email us at intro@founderstory.us📱 Connect with us on socials• https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-the-thick-of-it-podcast/• https://www.facebook.com/inthethickofitpodcast/• https://www.instagram.com/inthethickofit_podcast/