The Franchising Cheat Sheet: Growth, Community, and People-First Leadership | Alex Yeater, Franchise Growth Advisor
Release Date: 01/09/2026
Turning Grief into Fundraising for Cancer Awareness | Alex Baker, Ketchup to Cancer
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On today’s show I sat down with Alex Baker, a marathoner and cancer awareness fundraiser based in Brownsburg, Indiana. Alex shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing his wife Amanda to colorectal cancer in 2019 and how it inspired him to start 'Ketchup to Cancer,’ a movement channeling his love of running and hatred of ketchup and cancer into fundraising for leading cancer research institutions. From participating in notable marathons like New York in 2023, Chicago and Boston in 2024, and London in 2025, to raising tens of thousands of dollars, Alex's journey is filled with emotion....
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Boots and Business with Indiana’s Western Wear Leader | Jeff Boone, Cowpokes
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Giddy-up! On today’s show I saddled up with Jeff Boone, co-owner of Cowpokes Work and Western, an established Western apparel retailer in Indiana. Jeff shares the origin story of Cowpokes, which began in 1993, and discusses the challenges and growth phases the business has experienced over the years. He also dives into the importance of community and the expansion of Cowpokes to a new location in Cloverdale in 2022. Additionally, Jeff touches on his involvement in the auction industry, highlighting his family's long-standing history in auctions and how it has influenced his career. If...
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The ABA, the NBA Merger, and Former Players Waiting for Pay | Michael Husain, Filmmaker
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On today’s show I had a thorough discussion with documentary filmmaker and media producer Michael Husain about his latest project, 'The Waiting Game.' The 2024 film centers on the story of the Dropping Dimes Foundation, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that supports former American Basketball Association (ABA) players who are now struggling financially and fighting for their pensions from the NBA. Michael dives into the history and significance of the ABA, the players’ contributions to modern basketball, the origin of the Indiana Pacers, the merger with the NBA in 1976, and the ensuing...
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What Does it Take to Win in College Sports? | Luke Bosso & Ben Howlett, IU Indy
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On today’s show I sat down with Luke Bosso, the director of athletics at Indiana University Indianapolis, and Ben Howlett, the head coach of IU Indy men's basketball. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in revitalizing IU Indy’s basketball program and creating a culture of winning. Bosso and Howlett share their personal journeys, strategies for building a competitive team in the current college sports landscape, and the importance of community and alumni support. They also discuss the new James T. Morris arena, its projected opening in late 2026, and how it will enhance the...
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How NIL Deals Have Impacted College Sports | Kelleigh Fagan and David Holt, CCHA Law
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On today’s show I sat down with Kelleigh Fagan and David Holt from CCHA, a law firm with a 145-year history based in Indiana. Kelleigh, who pioneered the firm's nationally recognized sports law practice, and David, COO of CCHA, discuss the complexities of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) in college sports, the evolution of their practice, and Indiana's role in this evolving landscape. They share how NIL impacts athletes and institutions, the legal intricacies involved, and their efforts to maintain integrity in sports. Additionally, they dive into the firm's community contributions and the...
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How a 15-Year-Old Made $25K in Two Months | Hunter Beale and Jackson Nunnery, High School Hustle
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On today’s show I sat down with Hunter Beale, executive director of High School Hustle, and Jackson Nunnery, a 15-year-old high school entrepreneur. Jackson shares how he started his power washing business, knocking on over 1,000 doors to earn more than $25,000 in just two months. He also talks about his plans for the future and the lessons he's learned on his entrepreneurial journey. The discussion touches on the concept of hustle, the value of entrepreneurship, and the support from High School Hustle, a nonprofit empowering high schoolers to build real businesses. Hunter elaborates on the...
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Transforming Butler's Entrepreneurship Program | Nick Smarrelli, Butler Entrepreneurship
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On today’s show I sat down with Nick Smarrelli, the director of Butler Entrepreneurship and a full-time professor at Butler University. Nick discusses his journey from a reluctant entrepreneur to CEO of multiple successful companies, his transition into higher education, and his vision for the future of entrepreneurship instruction at Butler. He explores the transformative initiatives at Butler, including student-run businesses and industry partnerships designed to give students real-world experience. In fact, Get Indiana is a customer of Yalla Solutions, founded by Butler Entrepreneurship...
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The Rise of Major League Volleyball and Women’s Sports in Indiana | Lauren Bertolacci and Ainise Havili, Indy Ignite
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On today’s show I learned the ins and outs of professional volleyball with Indy Ignite head coach Lauren Bertolacci and player Ainise Havili. The Ignite are one of eight Major League Volleyball teams and play their home matches at the Fishers Event Center. We discuss the rapid growth of women's sports in Indiana, the establishment of Major League Volleyball, and the volleyball experiences of both Lauren and Ainise. Lauren, an Australian-raised volleyball player turned coach, shares her journey through professional leagues in Europe before joining the Ignite. Ainise, a setter with an...
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Teaching Kids to Think Like Entrepreneurs in an AI Economy | Mitch Thiem, Minor Chores
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On today’s show I sat down with Mitch Thiem, CEO and Founder of Minor Chores, an all-in-one business software designed to help kids launch and manage neighborhood and micro businesses. Mitch shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his first business 'Poop Patrol' at age 10, through his career in renewable energy, to founding Minor Chores. You will learn how Minor Chores empowers children by providing them with tools to create websites, generate marketing materials, and invoice customers, all while teaching them valuable business and financial skills. Mitch emphasizes the importance...
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Convicted Criminal Aims to Clear His Name | Vernon Bateman, Artist, Author, and Activist
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Disclaimer: Parts of the conversation you are about to hear are challenging and at times uncomfortable. With that said, we believe it's important to hear stories from every corner of Indiana to better understand our Hoosier neighbors. Vernon Bateman was convicted of crimes in 1998 and served over 20 year in prison and is now pursuing exoneration for the crimes he was convicted of. I encourage you to do your due diligence, there are many journalists who have covered how this has unfolded over the last 10 years. This episode does give a look into what it was like growing up in Gary...
info_outlineOn today’s show I sat down with Alex Yeater, a business growth advisor with over 20 years of experience in franchising, business ownership, and mergers and acquisitions.
Alex shares his journey from teaching and working at Cracker Barrel to scaling a Verizon dealership from 3 to 32 stores and eventually selling it.
Our conversation covers Alex's current ventures, including leading development for everbowl in 13 states and co-founding Bowls & Business, a rapidly growing entrepreneurial community in Indiana.
Alex also touches on the challenges and benefits of franchising, finding creative financing solutions, and the importance of community and people-first culture in business.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
- Alex Yeater’s Journey in Franchising and Business Ownership
- The Challenges and Benefits of Franchising
Check out these great clips from the show:
00:50 Guest Introduction: Alex Yeater, Business Growth Advisor
02:01 Alex’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
04:26 Transition to Wireless Industry
05:46 Building and Expanding Verizon Stores
07:24 Challenges and Strategies in Business Growth
16:16 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
19:16 Decision to Sell the Business
23:05 Entering the Franchise World with everbowl
28:42 Franchising Insights and Strategies
36:01 Identifying Key Demographics for Franchise Success
36:34 Becoming an Expert Franchise Operator
37:02 Pros and Cons of Opening a Franchise vs. Independent Business
38:36 The Concept of Dirty Soda and Its Popularity
39:36 Supporting Local Businesses Through Franchises
39:54 Qualities of Successful Franchise Operators
42:19 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in the Family
46:41 The Dream of a Family Entertainment Center
48:52 Bowls & Business: Building a Supportive Community
51:04 Challenges and Advice for Small Business Owners
55:33 The Importance of Serving Others in Business
01:08:16 Hidden Gems and Future Business Concepts in Indiana
01:09:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs
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