Fearless Founders

What does building something after the CEO actually look like?In this episode of Fearless Founders, Ashton sits down with three CEO alumni, Lilly Miller, Leo Krueger, and Levi Zbinden, for an honest conversation about life, business, and growth after the program.Each of them is on a completely different path.Lilly launched her luxury wedding photography business while still in high school and now travels the country capturing elevated, cinematic love stories.Leo is preparing to step into a full-time role with Archer Daniels Midland while continuing to pursue his passion for global business and entrepreneurship in the food and snacking industry.Levi is the owner of Flatland Foam Solutions, building a hands-on service business focused on craftsmanship, efficiency, and serving his local community.Together, they share what it really looks like to take the next step, navigating uncertainty, building confidence, and staying committed to growth even when the path isn’t clear.This episode is a reminder that there is no single timeline or definition of success, just the decision to keep moving forward.

What happens when two small-town brothers take a single product idea and turn it into an $80 million brand in just five years?In this episode of Fearless Founders, Ashton Shultz sits down with Brock and Mitch Mammoser, the brothers behind Frost Buddy, one of the fastest-growing drinkware and lifestyle brands in the country.Raised in Newton, Illinois, Brock and Mitch grew up with a competitive spirit shaped by sports, discipline, and small-town values. In 2020, during one of the most uncertain economic moments in recent history, they decided to take a risk and launch Frost Buddy. What started as a single product quickly evolved into a vertically integrated company with a 150,000-square-foot warehouse, national retail partnerships, and a powerful e-commerce presence.Brock, the company’s CEO, leads brand vision, marketing strategy, and product innovation, while Mitch, as COO, focuses on operations, systems, and scaling the business.In this conversation, they share the real story behind building Frost Buddy, the risks they took, the mindset required to grow quickly, and the lessons they’ve learned while scaling a business from zero to $80 million.For young entrepreneurs and builders alike, this episode is a powerful reminder that big ideas can come from anywhere.

In this episode, Ashton sits down with Manda Goldberg, Founder & Chief Strategist of Cella Gold Media, a social media agency based in South Florida serving real estate and service-based brands. After being laid off, Manda chose to build instead of job-hunting, a decision that would lead her to scale beyond 60+ brands and consult with agencies looking to sharpen their strategy and scale smarter.We talk about the shift from freelancing to agency building, the systems that make social media feel effortless for clients, and why founders consistently underestimate social while overestimating trends. Manda shares how to get your first five clients from zero, what she’d do differently, and where she believes social media for brands is heading next. Her mission is simple but profound: giving entrepreneurs back their most valuable asset — time.

In this episode of Fearless Founders, I sit down with Elena DiStefano, the founder and inventor of the Cozy Clip®—a groundbreaking redesign of the classic claw clip created to eliminate pain and prioritize everyday comfort. After years of loving the look of claw clips but experiencing constant discomfort—especially while driving—Elena realized the solution she needed didn't exist. So, she built it herself.Starting with a 3D printer prototype in her college dorm, Elena transformed a simple problem into a purpose-driven product that is now making an impact on women's everyday lives. Her story is one of creativity and believing in an idea before anyone else could see it.This is a conversation for every builder, dreamer, and doer who is ready to turn inspiration into action. You're going to love this one.

In this special episode, the mic flips — and host, Ashton Shultz takes over! 🎙️Hear the story behind Ashton Jo Marketing, from a high school CEO student with a dream to a full-time entrepreneur leading brands and mentoring the next generation. Ashton shares real, actionable marketing insights, lessons learned from the journey, and how the CEO Program continues to shape her both personally and professionally.Whether you’re a student, creative, or entrepreneur, this conversation is your reminder that starting small can still lead to something extraordinary.

In this inspiring first episode, we sit down with Blaine Fuhs, CEO Alumni, author, speaker, and creator, to explore what true success really looks like. Drawing from his influential book, Your Platform Is Not Your Purpose, Blaine challenges the belief that influence equals identity. Instead, he reminds us that titles, followers, or recognition don’t measure real purpose—it’s discovered in how we serve, lead, and love in everyday life.Through his work as a writer, speaker, and storyteller, Blaine has helped countless individuals and organizations refine their message, amplify their impact, and discover clarity in their purpose. His wisdom will encourage you to stop living for applause and start living for meaning.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or dreamer, this episode will inspire you to rethink your definition of success and live with deeper intention.

Today’s episode features Jason Thomas, Director of Design and Product Development at RiverSmith USA. Jason is more than a designer—he’s an innovator, a creative force, and a true adventurer. With nearly two decades of experience, Jason has shaped some of the country's most cutting-edge outdoor products and climbing environments. He firmly believes that design should be both beautiful and functional—and that the outdoors has the power to connect and inspire us.In this conversation, we explore how Jason blends creativity with purpose, the role leadership plays in pushing boundaries, and what it really means to build a legacy of impact in the outdoor industry.

This episode is something special—a panel featuring three incredible CEO alumni who’ve taken their senior-year startup ideas and turned them into thriving businesses.You’ll hear from:Ben Flath, founder of Excursions Automotive in Indiana,Ashley Leman, founder of Revive Coffee & Roasting Company in Illinois,And Alex Eckhardt, owner of Q-Town Kicks sneaker store in Quincy, IL.Each of them shares what it was like starting a business in high school, what they’ve learned through real-world experience, and how faith, discipline, and community have shaped their journey. You don’t want to miss this powerhouse panel of young leaders.

In this month’s Fearless Founders episode, we spoke with Brent Oberink, co-owner of Laner Corp and host of The Better Contractor podcast. Brent shared his entrepreneurial journey, from launching a nationwide maintenance contracting business for the oil and gas industry in 2007 to growing it into a 50+ employee company with multiple locations. He also discussed creating a podcast to support contractors and entrepreneurs while building a vertically integrated brand.Tune in to hear Brent’s insights on embracing risk, the power of mentorship, and balancing a multi-faceted business with personal priorities. Brent shares how his drive for freedom and passion for strategic growth propelled him from quitting a corporate job to building a legacy business. He also offers practical advice on pricing strategies, time management, and the importance of being present in both business and life.WHERE TO LEARN MORE https://brentoberlink.com/  https://open.spotify.com/show/1tjPd8zKXx2oXT8WpjTwir 

In this month’s Fearless Founders episode, we spoke with Katie Clark, founder of Katie Clark Co., a fine jewelry business based in Houston, Texas. Katie shared her journey from working in corporate America at a jewelry store to leveraging her TikTok platform to launch her own custom jewelry company in 2023. She now balances entrepreneurship, motherhood, and content creation while building her growing brand.Tune in to hear Katie discuss the lessons she’s learned about time management, pricing strategies, and building trust with clients in the fine jewelry industry. She also shares how she used social media to connect with her audience, turn her passion into a business, and navigate challenges like sourcing materials and setting up operations.Katie’s inspiring story is packed with insights for CEO participants, including the importance of starting before everything is perfect and taking bold risks when the timing feels right!WHERE TO LEARN MOREhttps://katieclark.co/

Today, we’re joined by the fearless and inspiring Casey Capuano Sarai—co-founder of CAKES Body- the company completely redefining the traditional bra industry. With just $10,000 and no investor backing, Casey and her sister launched CAKES Body in 2022—and what started as a small product innovation quickly turned into a viral sensation and a $100 million valuation.We’ll talk about what it’s like to leave behind a decade in corporate America, how to turn adversity into innovation, and what it means to grow a mission-driven brand. Casey’s story is proof that impact and business can go hand in hand—and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Masterlasco, founder of Bad Boy Boating — a digital marketing agency laser-focused on the marine industry. Anthony’s entrepreneurial story started not with a business degree or a grand plan, but with a simple boat cleaning business and a strong work ethic. Over time, his passion for boating collided with his love for branding, and that’s when Bad Boy Boating was born.We’ll talk about how he navigated career uncertainty, how he built industry expertise that set him apart, and what it means to show up authentically in business. If you’re someone who’s wondering how your early hustle can lead to long-term impact — this episode is for you.

At CEO, we are a community of people who are always learning and evolving. Life changes, but part of being in the CEO family means celebrating each other’s journeys as it happens!The final episode of this season’s Fearless Founders podcast is a celebration of what’s to come for Karis Bell as she moves on from her role in Fearless Founders and transitions into her next chapter. Join Executive Director Austin Brooks and Karis as they sit down to discuss Karis' reflections on her experience as Fearless Founders host, her plans for the future, and how the Fearless Founders series will continue to equip its listeners with valuable tools from top entrepreneurs in the years to come.Follow along with Karis’ journey here: Instagram @2karisbell_. 

In this month's Fearless Founders conversation, we sat down with Anne Beiler, speaker, author, and entrepreneur who founded the world's largest pretzel franchise, Auntie Anne’s®. For years, she has inspired audiences with her authentic stories about nearly losing everything, finding purpose in the pain, and rising to a new level of success, and last week with our students was no different. Tune in to hear the story behind Anne's journey from a young woman with no formal education past 8th grade to the owner of an international business that impacts millions daily, how she persevered through challenges and loss, and what advice she'd give to CEO students as they venture forward on their own entrepreneurial journeys.Learn more about Anne on her website: https://auntieannebeiler.com/. 

In this month's Fearless Founders conversation, we sat down with internationally recognized style mastery coach and content creator, Bethany Leonardo. Known for her YouTube channel, Dearly Bethany, Bethany commands a following of over 1 million and has accumulated over 68 million views. Tune in to hear how Bethany reshaped the fashion landscape on YouTube, her journey to becoming a successful content creator, and the advice she'd give to herself looking back.Learn more through her website: https://www.dearlybethany.com/  or her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/dearlybethany. 

In this month's Fearless Founders conversation, we sat down with a special panel of alumni business owners who shared their insight into individual business creation with current CEO participants. Tune in to hear what advice they have to give to students as they venture on their entrepreneurial journeys this year and beyond. More about our guests: Ashley Leman, 2022 Woodford County CEO, Owner, Revive Coffee RoastersRevive Coffee and Roasting Company is a small-batch, artisan coffee roasting business located in Central Illinois. Ashley Leman, 2022 Woodford County CEO, started this business in August of 2021 as her CEO business in hopes it would turn into her dream, a coffee shop! Revive has grown enormously since then. Ashley’s journey has taken her from just a handful of monthly buyers to a thriving customer base, participating in multiple Farmer's Markets each week, and securing several store spaces along the way. Learn more on her website: https://reviveroasting.com/ Ashton Hemminger, 2022 Seneca OH CEO, Owner, AJ & COAshton Hemminger is the founder of AJ & Co. Marketing and a 2022 alum of Seneca CEO. She launched her marketing firm in her home community of Downtown Tiffin, OH, upon the completion of her CEO experience. Ashton says that CEO forever changed her life and transformed her into a young entrepreneur. Her company, AJ & Co., specializes in social media, digital advertising, and photography. Learn more on her website:https://ashtonjomarketing.com/ Drake Roach, 2020 Union County CEO, Owner, SI Pressure Washing, LLCDrake Roach, 2020 Union County CEO, is the Owner and Operator of SI Pressure Washing, LLC. He started his company in 2020 after using it as a model for his Union County CEO project. As his clientele increased, he purchased marketing tools to help build brand recognition. Drake has continued his education while running his business and has an Associate of Arts degree and a certificate of completion from the SBDCs "Launch That Business Program." He is currently a senior at SIUC and on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Science specializing in marketing and management. Learn more on SI Pressure Washing’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SoILPressureWashing/. 

In this Fearless Founders conversation, we sat down with author, founder, and advocate, Amanda Owen. As the founder of Puzzle Pieces, Amanda always knew her life would involve caring for and opening doors for those with disabilities. Little did she know, however, the journey this mission would take her on. Tune in to hear how she has transformed her own story into a business that helps others, the challenges she overcame along the way, and what advice she would give to herself looking back.Learn more about Amanda through her website (piecesofme.org), her podcast "Fuel Your Purpose," or on Instagram @piecesofmebyamanda.

In this week’s Fearless Founders conversation, we sat down with podcast host and author, Kevin Miller. As a former pro athlete turned personal development guide, Kevin is no stranger to pivoting his life's direction and finding new opportunities along the way. Tune in to hear Kevin's perspective on how to do just that, as well as his advice on the most important thing to consider when aspiring for success. Drawing from his own experience conducting interviews with some of today's most important influencers and changemakers, Kevin also shares some of the similarities he's seen among these successful individuals, and what advice he would give to himself looking back.To learn more about Kevin and his journey, visit his website (kevinmillerco.com), where you can purchase his newly released book, "What Drives You," and listen to his podcast "Self-Helpful."

In this interview, we sat down with disrupter, founder, author, and creator, Derek Laliberte. As the brains behind the brand engagement agency, Disruptur, Derek gave us a glimpse into how he's shaking up the world of sales & marketing. Tune in to hear Derek's perspective on what is needed to challenge the status quo, the importance of authenticity in the business world and beyond, and some of the best advice he'd give himself looking back.To learn more about Derek and his journey, find him on Instagram (@beadisruptur), Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok (@disruptur), and LinkedIn (@DerekLaliberte).

The CEO experience is one that is incredibly unique. It leaves its participants with tools and skills that many of their peers don't have. So how do they use those skills to the max? In this episode, we’re joined by two successful CEO alumni, Nick Smith (Sangamon CEO) and Emma Schoth (Land of Lincoln CEO), to hear how CEO has helped them get to where they are today. Find Emma and Nick on LinkedIn:Emma Schoth https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaschoth/ Nich Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-tyler-smith/ 

In this week's conversation with Dan Chancellor, co-founder and owner of So iLL climbing, we peel back the curtain into what it takes to build a product-based company completely from scratch. From insight into the value of selling direct to consumer to the importance of building a positive team around you, Dan walks us through the ups and downs that brought his business to where it is today, a now multi-million dollar international company making waves in the climbing space. Be sure to follow So iLL on all platforms! Facebook/Instagram @soillWebsite: soillholds.comYoutube: @TakeHold 

In this conversation, Lindsay Boccardo, a professional drummer turned millennial coach, shares her journey of how she got to where she is today. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways - from insights into how to find your passion at a young age to practical tips for identifying the direction you want to take in your life, and everything else in between.Be sure to follow Lindsey on all platforms! Website: www.lindsayboccardo.comFacebook/TikTok/Instagram: @LindsayBoccardoLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayboccardo/

In this conversation, Sam Rowen & Sam Abrahamson, founders of Onomy, share why they're so passionate about demystifying the "secrets" of adulthood by creating the educational content "we all wish we had growing up." From free courses to podcasts, Onomy is teaching millions of young adults personal finance, career-readiness, and more - all taught by the best content creators on the planet. Hear how they're taking the next generation by storm and helping them build their best lives. Follow Onomy on all platforms! TikTok/Instagram @Onomy.coTwitter @Onomyco

Dan Miller, world-renowned author of 48 Days do the Work and Life You Love, joined us for this episode to share how he created a life and work that he loved - from the ground up. Expect to hear insight from Dan about what he has seen to be the most predictive of an individual's success, the value of a growth mindset over a fixed mindset, and one of the most important tools that helped catapult him from a farm boy in Ohio to a New York Times Best-Selling Author and a nationally recognized career coach and podcast host.  Learn more about Dan’s work on his website: 48days.com. 

Ainsley Britain has built a movement around helping young adults embrace their confidence, date healthy, and discover their true identity. In this episode, hear how Ainsley found - and followed-  her passion to where she is today, how she encourages young people to find their own direction, and what it means to take risks, fail and pivot along the way. Learn more about Ainsley’s work at AinsleyBritain.com. 

In this conversation, Joan Pacetti, founder of The Cookie Dough Cafe, shared her entrepreneurial transformation from stay at home mom to co-founder of the edible cookie dough craze that has taken the world by storm. Expect to hear insight into Joan's experience on Shark Tank, what success means to her and what it looks like to continuously evolve a product to compete in an ever-changing market. Find out more about The Cookie Dough Cafe on their website:thecookiedoughcafe.com/

In this energetic conversation, Chris Farace shares his inspiring and unexpected entrepreneurial journey from drum teacher to serial entrepreneur, who would go on to lead the way in Real Estate virtual reality space innovation before founding Comet Global, a company offering a range of artificial intelligence software growth tools that help thousands of businesses world wide grow and scale. Look forward to insight into how Chris embraced the spirit of adapting to find continued success in his work, how he views business as a skill, and what we can learn as we try, fail, and learn our way into successTo learn more about Chris’ businesses and stay tuned into his entrepreneurial journey, connect with him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfarace/

Karis (Hortin) Bell, this season’s host, and Austin Brooks, Executive Director of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, kick off season two of the Fearless Founders podcast by revisiting the series’ mission, its inception, and the impact it's having on young people across the nation. Hear more about Karis’ story, how CEO impacted her own life's trajectory, and what our listeners have to look forward to in the season ahead!Follow Austin Brooks on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vanaustin/Learn More About Karis' Work on Her Website, Instagram or TikTok:  Website: https://www.socialssimplified.comPersonal Instagram: @Karisbell_Personal TikTok: Karisbellofficial Business Instagram: Socials.simplifiedBusiness TikTok: Socialssimplified 

Mark your calendars! Season 2 of the Fearless Founders podcast drops next week on Tuesday, August 7th.   Fearless Founders podcast is an audio adaptation of a live experience hosted for CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program participants across the nation each year. A part of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship’s ever-present mission to develop the next generation of thought leaders and innovators, this series was born out of a passion to share valuable life stories with high school entrepreneurs from across the country.  Now, we want to share these conversations with YOU! In this podcast, you’ll hear a collection of special conversations with highly, successful visionary leaders that touch on how they got to where they are, the failures they overcame, and what they learned along the way. To learn more about the CEO Program, visit DiscoverCEO.com.

In her conversations with high-level businesses and organizations all over the world, Kristen Hadeed talks a lot about giving yourself - and others - permission to fail. But recently, she's also been passionate about what it means to give yourself permission to pivot - which is exactly what she did in her business over the past year. In this conversation, Kristen and Alexis dig into what Kristen learned through this transition and what it looks like to treat others with courage, vulnerability, and compassion even in a leadership position - even in times of change. They unpack what it means to challenge the definition of success to create your own - even when it means failing big and messing up -  and explore what this looks like, why it's important, and how to move forward.Connect with Kristen on Facebook/Instagram @KristenHadeed and learn more about her work at KristenHadeed.com. 

In this special role-reversal episode, we have the unique opportunity to hear from Fearless Founder host herself, Alexis Teichmiller.  Expect candid conversation about how CEO helped prepare Alexis to build her own business at a young age, the challenges she overcame, and how the entrepreneurial mindset, in general, has supported her in both her entrepreneurial and intrapraneurial undertakings. In one of the fan-favorite conversations from this season, Alexis inspires listeners, through the stories that she shares, to explore where the entrepreneurial journey can take them.Connect with Alexis on Instagram/Facebook @AlexisTeichmiller and read more about her and her coaching business at www.AlexisTeichmiller.com. 

What’s the best social media platform for entrepreneurs today? In this episode, hear the perspective of Wilber You, CEO of Youtech, on that and more. He and Alexis discuss what it means to fail and why it is an important part of learning. No stranger to failure himself, Wilbur is a proponent of NOT letting your shortcomings dictate your success. Expect to hear his insight into building a team and a process around your business, as well as why the fear of being different will only hold you back from wanting - and getting - more out of life.You can connect with Wilbur on LinkedIn or read more about his business at www.Youtech.com. 

In 2008, Maya Elios was a freshman in college and designing Myspace pages for $35 a piece. By 2016, she was earning $10k a month. From there, she continued to build a wildly successful business as a personal brand strategist, coach, and consultant. Maya began her business early, so she understands how to struggle to be taken seriously when you're young. In this episode, we explore Maya's entrepreneurial journey and what it looks like to be open to the possibilities of what your business can be. Expect insight into what she has learned about overcoming and pushing through failures as well as the importance of developing the mission and vision for your life. Follow Maya’s entrepreneurial journey on Instagram/ Facebook @MayaElious and read more about her company on Instagram/Facebook @BuiltToImpact and www.builttoimpact.com.

In 2015, Cathryn Lavery launched a Kickstarter to crowdfund her first BestSelf journal. Just two years later, the company had grown to 8 million. In this refreshingly open and honest conversation, Cathryn and Alexis explore what that journey was like for Cathryn and her company. They touch on how important it is to set clear goals as well as a strategy to achieve them and share tips for pivoting in life and business. Expect also to hear insight into overcoming challenges when you're feeling stuck and Cathryn’s advice on one of the best ways to level up your skills.Explore Cathryn’s company on Instagram/Facebook @bestselfco and www.bestselfco.com and follow her on Instagram/Facebook @Cathryn.Lavery. 

In this energetic and inspiring conversation, Sarah and Alexis talk through the key differences between owning a brick-and-mortar business and an online business. Come ready to hear Sarah's expert insight around the importance of building strong relationships in business, as well as the role that photography and visual content play in growing an audience. You can follow Sarah on Instagram @Sarah.Petty, Facebook @sarahpettyphotographystudio, and her website www.sarahpetty.com. 

In this episode, entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author, Rory Vaden, and host Alexis Teichmiller discuss work ethic and how it plays a role in success. Stories will be shared as they unpack the topic of discipline and what it looks like in life and business. Be prepared, as well, for insight into Rory's expert perspective on attitude - what it is and the impact it has on the decisions you make. Follow Rory on Instagram/Facebook @RoryVaden and www.RoryVaden.com. 

When asked about his success, Brandon Wynn, Olympic Champion and Entrepreneur, always stressed that his mindset was the biggest factor in all of it. In this episode, Alexis and Brandon dig into what it means to build mental strength and how it can help navigate life, business, and personal challenges. Expect to hear personal stories about how to use failure as a tool to learn and grow, approaching the world with an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset, and how your dreams evolve and develop over time. Follow Brandon’s entrepreneurial journey @brandonwynngym on Instagram. 

In this inaugural episode of the Fearless Founders podcast, hear season three host, Alexis Teichmiller and Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship’s Executive Director, Austin Brooks, discuss the mission behind the series, how it became a reality, and the impact it’s having on young people across the nation. They put into perspective the importance of connecting young people with high-level leaders, and how it can transform their idea of what is possible for them. You can follow along with us @MIEHQ on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on when new episodes drop and for other insights into the work that CEO Programs are doing in communities across the country each day 

Fearless Founders – Fearless Founders podcast is an audio adaptation of a live experience hosted for CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program participants across the nation each year. CEO is an entrepreneurship program provided by the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship that is transforming young people across the nation into entrepreneurial thinkers. A part of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship’s ever-present mission to develop the next generation of thought leaders and innovators, this series was born out of a passion to share valuable life stories with these high school entrepreneurs and invite them to build their network on a national level. In this podcast, you’ll hear a collection of special conversations with highly, successful visionary leaders - from Olympic champions to New York Times bestselling authors - that touch on how they got there, the failures they overcame, and what they learned along the way. To learn more about the CEO Program, visit DiscoverCEO.com.