In The Thick of It

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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/

Gut feelings in hiring decisions are a common but flawed approach. Rick Girard's experience in recruitment revealed that many companies often lean on personal biases when selecting or rejecting candidates. This insight led him to create Intertru, a platform leveraging generative AI to promote more objective hiring practices.Rick's story demonstrates that while technological expertise isn't a prerequisite for developing a stellar product, assembling an exceptional team is crucial—good thing he's nailed down an interviewing methodology for hiring the best of the best. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Rick's journey underscores the importance of full commitment to your venture and maintaining an open mind to feedback and diverse viewpoints throughout the process.***About RickRick Girard is the Founder & CEO of Intertru, an AI-powered platform designed to help hiring managers with method-driven interviewing analytics & insights. He is also the host of Hire Power Radio Show & Podcast—a weekly series on LinkedIn Live. Rick enjoys helping business leaders hire accurately for core value alignment and transferable skills. Over the past 9 years, he’s developed a proven methodology for interviewing that backs decision-making with data & facts over personal biases & opinions. When he’s not helping other founders and business leaders, you can find Rick competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, surfing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and running with scissors (so dangerous!).About IntertruIntertru is a method-driven interviewing accuracy platform that uses AI and HireOS® methodology to ensure that your company hires the strongest people, every time. Their mission: eliminate bad hiring from planet Earth! To learn more, visit https://intertru.ai/***📧 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

Recently we celebrated 1 year of In The Thick of It podcast with a live-streamed episode featuring past guests, including:👤 Justin Smith, Founder of Ebenezer Consulting 👤 Roy Keely, Founder of FirmStudio👤 Taylor Brooks, Founder of SimpleWe hope you enjoy our banter and discussion around business, leadership, and professional development. It was a great time sharing the space with fellow founders—stay tuned for more panel episodes like this one!--🎧 Listen to the show & view featured guests: https://founderstory.transistor.fm/📧 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• LinkedIn • Facebook • Instagram 

As we near one year since starting In The Thick of It, we're working on a celebratory episode. In the meantime, we'd love for you to catch up on some founder stories you may have missed.In this episode, we learn from Jonathan Lusk, an entrepreneur who grew up in a small town in Texas before going on to attend Texas A&M and build a career in wealth management. Jonathan started out at AT&T and Goldman Sachs, but eventually left to launch his own independent investment firm. More recently, Jonathan co-founded BirdDog, an online marketplace that connects landowners with hunters looking for places to hunt. We’ll hear about Jonathan’s journey from small town kid to successful entrepreneur, the lessons he learned along the way, and how he’s bringing technology and innovation to the hunting industry. Jonathan is all about living life to the fullest, taking risks, and constantly learning and growing, so I think listeners will find his outlook inspiring regardless of their background or industry.***About Jonathan:Jonathan grew up in North Texas on a fish farm where he developed a love for the outdoors. Upon graduation from Texas A&M, he joined the workforce, married his college sweetheart, and started a family. After completing his MBA at Rice, he worked on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs and then launched his own finance company. Jonathan loves relationships and finds great joy in making sure BirdDog hunters are changed through the friendships they make in the outdoors. Jonathan now resides in Washington, TX where he lives on a little piece of land with his wife, Kat, and kids, Jackson, Sam, and Charlotte. They enjoy fishing, hunting, and being outdoors.To learn more about his latest venture, BirdDog, visit birddogit.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

As we near one year since starting In The Thick of It, we're working on a celebratory episode. In the meantime, we'd love for you to catch up on some founder stories you may have missed.In this episode of In the Thick of It, host Scott interviews Taylor Brooks, founder and CEO of Simple Donation. Taylor shares his journey from growing up in Atlanta to attending Auburn University and working various jobs before starting Simple Donation, a software company that builds online donation platforms for nonprofits and churches. He discusses the challenges of balancing a full-time corporate job while also running his startup on the side for many years. Taylor provides insights into building company culture, hiring the right people, learning from mistakes, and focusing on solving customer problems rather than just selling features. He emphasizes creating long-term value and building relationships. Throughout the interview, Taylor stresses the importance of persistence and consistency in business. He aims to continue leading Simple Donation for 30-40 more years with a stewardship mindset.***About Taylor:Taylor Brooks is the Founder and CEO of Simple - a company that provides financial tools for churches such as online giving, event registration payments, donor analytics, and corporate card programs.He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, graduated from Auburn University, and moved to Texas in 2010. #texasforeverTaylor has been married to Rachel for 14 years and has three children: Wyatt, Lyle, and June. For fun he likes to hunt, fly-fish, read old books, listen to old music, and play tennis.About Simple:An easy-to-use giving platform for churches that use Rock RMS, with personal consultation tailored to your congregation's needs. All in service of helping you grow the generosity of your people. We're here to support your mission so you can focus on your ministry. With expert guidance, analytics, and custom giving software designed for your Rock RMS church, we're your partner for community impact and giving that's cheerful, meaningful, and … simple.To learn more, visit simpledonation.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