What happens when childhood dreams of entrepreneurship blend with transformative mentorship experiences? Join us as Jesse Erickson, a proud ONU alum and accomplished entrepreneur, uncovers the story behind Pathfinder, his full-service marketing agency. Jesse's tale is one of passion and purpose, fueled by his early exposure to business and a pivotal encounter at ONU that shaped his journey. Discover how Jesse's commitment to authenticity and strategic storytelling has guided him through the challenges of merging businesses and adapting to the dynamic marketing landscape.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the boardroom. Jesse shares his approach to navigating the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship, where storytelling and strategic platform selection take precedence over fleeting trends. His candid reflections on balancing innovation with stability offer a blueprint for long-term success in the ever-evolving world of marketing. As we traverse these professional landscapes, Jesse's insights into risk-taking underscore the importance of calculated decisions in both business and life.

Beyond the business, Jesse opens up about his personal life, revealing how his role as a father to a son with a rare genetic disorder has influenced his entrepreneurial mindset. This episode illuminates the heart behind Pathfinder's community-driven mission in Kankakee County, emphasizing resilience and support for local businesses. And as a whimsical finale, Jesse envisions a mascot that embodies the adaptable, resilient spirit of entrepreneurship. Don't miss this episode filled with genuine storytelling and powerful lessons for aspiring business leaders.

To learn more about other entrepreneurship opportunities and the McGraw School of Business’s very own Createur Conference and Pitch Competition, go to Createur.Olivet.edu.

In this conversation, Kate Klavohn shares her extensive experience with Chick-fil-A, focusing on the company's approach to customer satisfaction and genuine hospitality. She discusses the 'Winning Hearts Every Day' strategy, which emphasizes creating a clean and safe environment, providing quality food, ensuring fast and accurate service, and delivering genuine hospitality. Kate also highlights the importance of developing confident leaders within the organization and adapting to customer feedback to improve service. Looking ahead, she expresses excitement about the future of hospitality and technology in the fast food industry, emphasizing Chick-fil-A's commitment to innovation and maintaining a personal touch in service.

To learn more about other entrepreneurship opportunities and the McGraw School of Business’s very own Createur Conference and Pitch Competition, go to Createur.Olivet.edu.

Curious about how a former aspiring law student became a CEO and turned a collaborative workspace into a thriving entrepreneurial hub? This week, Carly and I chat with Addison Newell, who has navigated an extraordinary journey from the corporate ladder to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Addison shares compelling stories of taking the reins at Refinery46 in Indianapolis, a place that buzzes with innovation and connectivity. He reveals how this unique workspace model fosters growth through diverse office options and co-working memberships, even in a post-COVID world where micro office spaces remain a hot commodity.

In our conversation, we explore how the idea of "work near home" is reshaping the traditional office landscape. These local, flexible workspaces have become game-changers for solopreneurs and small business owners looking for community and support without the commute. With Addison's background as a public school teacher, he brings a fresh perspective on building vibrant work environments. His insights on building a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs show how successful ventures can uplift an entire community, blending personal experiences with professional wisdom to inspire and empower.

Touching on failure, risk, and resilience, Addison shares valuable lessons from both the entrepreneurial and missionary fields. His stories about embracing challenges and making strategic choices — like selecting the perfect location for Refinery46 — highlight the importance of risk-taking and learning from setbacks. From brainstorming expansion ideas to considering food truck destinations, Addison’s bold decisions illuminate the path to growth and innovation. Join us for an inspiring discussion that champions taking action and seizing unforeseen opportunities in the entrepreneurial journey.

To learn more about other entrepreneurship opportunities and the McGraw School of Business’s very own Createur Conference and Pitch Competition, go to Createur.Olivet.edu.