Inside The Box w/ Andrew Bartlett

In this episode of Inside the Box, Andrew sits down with Michael Thomas — Director of Business Development at Express Employment and a leader deeply rooted in the Springfield community.They cover:What it takes to perform at a top level in a competitive national systemHow the workforce is changing (and what employers are getting wrong)Why culture, flexibility, and development matter more than everThe power of consistency in business and lifeMichael’s journey to 12 years of sobriety — and the mindset shift that made it possibleThe impact of community involvement, leadership, and giving backThis is a conversation about growth — professionally and personally.If you’re building a business, leading a team, or working on yourself… this one’s worth your time.

On this episode, we welcome David Hilst.David helped build and sell six La-Z-Boy stores and is now the owner of an American Family Insurance agency. We dive deep into his entrepreneurship journey—what it took to grow, lead, and scale a team, plus the real challenges he faced along the way.If you're into:✔️ Entrepreneurship✔️ Leadership & team growth✔️ Real-world business challenges…this one’s for you.We also break down the insurance industry—what actually matters, what to look for in your policies, and how to make smarter decisions.

In this episode, Luke Luginbuhl, founder and CEO of Legacy Solar and Electric, shares his journey from being a high school physics teacher to starting a solar energy company. He discusses the benefits of solar energy, the importance of understanding incentives, and the future of solar technology, including battery storage. Luke also reflects on the challenges of balancing family life with running a business and emphasizes the significance of networking and partnerships in entrepreneurship. The conversation touches on personal experiences, including family trips and the impact of AI on the energy sector.

In this engaging conversation, Santrell Carson shares his transformative journey from a college dropout to a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, and author. He discusses the lessons learned from his early financial mistakes, the challenges of building a clothing brand, and the importance of financial literacy. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market, the significance of budgeting, and the value of diversifying investments. He emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to financial decisions and the cyclical nature of trends in business. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of train operations, the significance of real estate investing, and the importance of financial literacy. They discuss the dangers associated with train operations, the impact of real estate on achieving financial freedom, and the creation of a comprehensive real estate course. The conversation also touches on property management, the significance of knowledge in real estate, and the challenges of navigating a competitive market. Additionally, they explore the value of real estate as an investment, the subjectivity of value in art and real estate, and the importance of having multiple properties for financial stability. The discussion concludes with reflections on preparing for parenthood and the financial planning that comes with it.

🎙️ Dive into leadership insights with Jeff Nelsen! Discover how values shape business success and the importance of authentic connections. #Leadership #Podcast

🎙️ Just dropped a new episode of Inside the Box! Join us as we chat with Tina from United Way of Central Illinois about their mission to uplift our community. Discover how they’re making a difference in education, health, and financial security! 🌟 #InsideTheBox #UnitedWay #CommunityImpact

"If you make it easy, you make it convenient." Celeste and Brennan share their journey of creating healthy meal options for busy families. Tune in to learn how they did it! #Entrepreneurship #HealthyConvenience

Ever wondered what it takes to create an iconic brand? Join us as Calvin Stovall breaks down his unique framework for success. From being unique to staying consistent, this episode is packed with valuable insights! #IconicBrands #Leadership

🏆 Celebrating 15 seasons of creativity and innovation! Join us as Landon shares how Knob Hill has transformed outdoor spaces and won national awards along the way. Don't miss this inspiring episode! 🌿✨ #Landscaping #AwardWinning

From single mom to bar GM, Susan shares her inspiring story of balancing family life and running Brewski's Pub!

Dive into the world of sports and entrepreneurship with Paul Layton from Underdog Sports! Discover how he turned a passion for sports into a thriving business while giving back to the community. #InsideTheBox #UnderdogSports #Entrepreneurship

Dive into the sweet world of Scoop Du Jour with Shannon and Fran! 🍦 Discover how these two friends turned their ice cream dreams into a thriving business in Chatham, Illinois. Tune in to hear their journey, challenges, and delicious offerings! #InsideTheBox #ScoopDuJour

💡 "I left a ridiculous amount of money on the table just to get a job." Tune in to hear how Ben navigated the tough early days of his landscaping business and the lessons he learned along the way! 📈🌿 #LessonsLearned #SmallBusiness

📚 "Every disadvantage in life has something good to extract from it." Join us as we explore the power of mindset and personal growth with Darrin Watkins. His story is a reminder that we can all rise above our circumstances! #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset

🎉 Celebrating 95 years of Knights Action Park! Join us as Doug Knight reflects on the journey of this beloved local attraction and shares insights on keeping the fun alive! #Anniversary #InsideTheBox

Why go out to eat when you can have a hibachi chef come to you? 🏠🍽️ In our latest episode, we explore the convenience and intimacy of private hibachi dining. #FoodExperience #Podcast

Year two of "Sending Love Overseas" is here! In our latest episode, we dive into how Synergy HomeCare and Springfield Clinic are coming together to support our troops with care packages. Learn how you can get involved!

Hey everyone! Check out the latest episode of Inside the Box, featuring the incredible Beni Harmony, the lifestyle host from WICS. We had a fantastic conversation that touched on a variety of topics, and I wanted to share three key takeaways that really stood out to me:The Power of Community Engagement: Beni emphasized the importance of being involved in the community through her show, Marketplace. She shared how she actively seeks out local stories and events, showcasing the positive aspects of Central Illinois. This reminded me of how vital it is for us to support and uplift our local businesses and initiatives. Whether it's through media or personal involvement, we can all play a part in strengthening our communities.Finding Your Passion and Purpose: Beni's journey from politics to media is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the path we think we should take isn't the one that fulfills us. She spoke about her experiences in Washington, D.C., and how she ultimately found her passion in communications and journalism. This serves as a great reminder that it's okay to pivot and explore different avenues until you find what truly resonates with you. Don't be afraid to step through those open doors!The Importance of Real-World Experience: We discussed how traditional education often doesn't prepare us for the realities of the job market. Beni shared her belief that hands-on experience is invaluable, and I couldn't agree more. Whether through internships or self-directed learning, gaining practical skills is essential. As she mentioned, many people find they learn more in their first few weeks on the job than they did in years of schooling.I hope you all take the time to listen to this episode! Beni's insights are not only inspiring but also a call to action for all of us to engage more deeply with our communities and pursue our passions. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!#InsideTheBox #Podcast #Community #Passion #RealWorldExperience

From starting her career during the 2008 crash to building a thriving real estate business, Jane Hay's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Check out our latest episode for her valuable lessons! #BusinessGrowth #PodcastListen on your favorite platform: ⁠itbpodcast.com

From documenting the pandemic to capturing ballet performances, Zach's photography journey is anything but ordinary. Join us as we explore his creative process and favorite types of photography! #CreativeProcess #PodcastEpisode

Loved having a chat with Zach and Connor from Broadway Graham Wealth Partners. BGWP is an independent financial advisory firm committed to providing financial solutions to a diverse group of clientele. Listen in as we talk about the company and everything they have to offer.Listen on your favorite platform: ⁠itbpodcast.com

Ryan McCrady is CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. Tune in as we talk about the SSGA, their role in economic development and of course, dive into details about the new Scheels Sports Park.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

In this episode, we talk music with Lance Stone who is the lead singer of Lick Creek. We cover life before Lick Creek all the way to where the band is today! You are not going to want to miss this one!Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

In this episode, Desiree Logsdon, Senior Vice President of Bunn Gourmet, joins us for a great conversation. We dive into the history of the company, but we also learn a lot about what sets her company apart from just your ordinary candy store.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

In this episode, we sit down with Douglas Pope who not only restored the Broadgauge building, but he also is a co-founder of HotPads and is VP of Rentals Engineering at Zillow. You are not going to want to miss this conversation.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Fair from Habitat For Humanity. Habitat's goal is to create and sustain simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with the community. Robert talks about all they do in the community and what they have to offer to the Springfield area.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

In this episode, we sit down with Kirk Kellus, owner of Clean Impact. Clean Impact is a cleaning service that serves schools, clinics, churches, offices, and other amazing workplaces in the greater Springfield area. Listen to Kirk talk about his company from the start to where it is today.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

In this episode we sit down with the local rapper/producer CompositionC. We talk about everything from when he got started to future projects and everything in between.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

Last day for the $2 for $1 match to support Compass for Kids! For every $1 you donate $2 more will be donated! Venmo them @compassforkids Compass For Kids is an organization with the mission to provide academic and social-emotional support to empower children and families underserved by our community. Their vision is that all children in our community experience success and reach their full potential. Shout out to Jeremy @ Landmark Ford for bringing Sarah on to talk about this great organization for a great cause!

Nicholas Koch works at TechGuard Security. Their goal is to ensure people, processes and technology align with cybersecurity and compliance best practices, with a tailored holistic solution created specifically with your organization in mind.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

Robert Ferriell works with Student and Business Services at Capital Area Career Center. CACC's mission is to provide innovative career and technical education to our local school districts and the communities they serve.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

Jake Rourke has been a producer with TROXELL since 2016 and this last year, he took over as the president of Local First Springfield. The mission of Local First Springfield is to provide consumer education on decisions that affect independent businesses and to encourage spending with local independent businesses in and around Springfield Illinois and Sangamon County.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.com

Kenny Hyde is a Wellness and Fitness coach who focuses on helping his clients enjoy life, feel good again, and feel confident when they walk into a room!

Excited to have on Nick & Bailey with the new young professionals group, RISE Springfield. This group is a fantastic division of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce focused on fostering professional development, resources, and networking opportunities for young emerging leaders. They recently volunteered at the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS and have an event coming up Wednesday July 12 -- RISE & Shine with Young Professionals. Learn more about the group and see their full calendar here: https://www.gscc.org/rise/

The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS is back and Kate Peters is here to play Andrew in a game of ping pong.. and of course tell us some more about the Championship... Including FREE tickets courtesy of Visit Springfield, J&J Gaming VIP packages, FREE shuttle courtesy of Landmark Ford and much more! See the PGA stars of tomorrow today at this Korn Ferry event! Go get your tickets today at: https://www.memorialhealthchampionship.com

Excited to welcome Desiree Logsdon (CILCSA Board Member & Senior Vice President w/ Bunn-O-Matic) and Kim Leistner Root (CILCSA Advisory Board Member & Director of Patient Experience w/ Springfield Clinic) to help promote this amazing event coming up! Austin Hatch, TWO-time plane crash survivor, former basketball player at Michigan and inspirational speaker is coming to Springfield and this is your chance to hear him tell his story.Brought to you FREE by the Central Illinois Customer Service Association, in collaboration with Springfield Clinic. Join us June 7th!There is a limited number of seats available so please RSVP here: https://conta.cc/3LYSLGHLearn more about CILCSA and support their cause here: cilcsa-springfield.com

Loved having on local comedian Richard Bailey! Andrew met Richard years ago before he started doing comedy and then saw him recently at a comedy show that Ad Astra Wine Bar & Market had. Great to hear about his journey into comedy and learn a little more about the local comedy scene.Listen on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.comCheck him out at: twitter.com/RichardBComedy

Demeion & Brent are on a mission to bring the fastest internet to everyone in central Illinois! Side note, did you know i3 Broadband originated from Family Video?! Craziness!Tune in on your favorite platform at itbpodbast.comCheck out our guests at: i3broadband.com

Matt is the 5th generation of his family's 123 year old business here in Springfield, IL - O'Shea Builders. After battling addiction, Matt turned his life around and is now dedicated to his family and work. As the head of community engagement, he has helped with the Lanphier Trades Network, The Outlet, The Elite Program at the Peoria County Jail and much more. Tune in, hear his story and learn more about their amazing business!Enjoy on your fav platform here: itbpodcast.comCheck out our guest at osheabuilders.com

Remember when you bought your first bicycle? That excitement of having your very own bike.. Well Jeremy & Landmark Ford are trying to give that excitement to kids throughout the community. Tune in to find out how you can help, win a bike and of course for another great conversation!Follow & support on your fav platform: itbpodcast.comCheck out our guests at landmarkford.net

These guys make cars, planes, semis, boats, the weiner mobile, the peanut mobile and pretty much any other vehicle look their best on a daily basis. From vehicle reconditioning to Tsunami Ceramic Coatings and detailing, Derek and Mike with Recon Techs have a nationwide business based right here in Springfield, IL.Follow & support on your fav platform: itbpodcast.comCheck out our guests at recontechsspringfield.com

Kim Staff, owner of third generation family business Staff Carpet, stepped Inside the Box with us for an awesome conversation about the struggles of being a business owner, their businesses history and how marketing has changed for them over the years.Follow & Support on your favorite platform: itbpodcast.comCheck out our guest @ staffcarpet.com

Rachel Thomas is a local Jeweler that owns RLT Jewelry. Not only does she create custom jewelry, but she also specializes in some amazing keepsake pieces made from things like ashes of a loved one, flowers from things such as a wedding or funeral, breast milk and SO much more!Follow + Support on your fav platform: itbpodcast.comCheck out our guest at: rltjewelry.com

Starting a business or currently own a business?..... "You don't have to do it alone!" is a tagline used by Kevin with the Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois and trust us, you don't want to have to! The SBDC provides guidance for business growth at NO COST and Small Business Growth Corp can help you with your funding through their low, fixed interest 504 SBA loans. Perfect combination here for any business!Follow + Support on your fav platform: itbpodcast.comCheck out our guests at:https://www.growthcorp.com/https://www.cisbdc.com/

Nick & John are commercial lenders at Heartland Bank & Trust who have started their own podcast called "The Center of Influence". Nick is also the co-founder of RISE Springfield, a new young professionals networking group in Springfield. Listen / Watch / Subscribe @ itbpodcast.com

Jeff Dillman & Cress Maddox with Masco Packaging & Industrial Supply are very active in the community and even recently started their own Monday morning podcast. Step inside the box and learn a little more about some of the interesting aspects of their local business!Check out MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply @ https://www.mascopackaging.com

Taylor Stevens not only works for Synergy HomeCare, but she also is involved with the Springfield Chamber and helped start Rise Springfield. Oh... she does all that while still being a mom! Great conversation about everything Taylor is involved in and more!-Tune in wherever you get your podcasts or listen here: itbpodcast.comVisit Synergy HomeCare of Central Illinois @ synergyhomecare.com/il-springfield-62711/

Dr. Andrea Rediger is a Veterinarian at the Village Vet in Chatham, IL and she has some interesting ideas on how Veterinarian practices should look at restructuring to help better serve the community as a whole. 🐈🐶🐰🐹Tune in here to listen: itbpodcast.com-The Village Vet on Facebook ➡ www.facebook.com/VillageVetChathamOr visit their website ➡ thevillageveterinarian.com

Welcome to Creative Convo!... our new Inside The Box series where we discuss different things we create at OOT Box. Today we sit down with Andrew, Josh & Brendan to discuss a couple recent drone video shoots we completed of field tiling in Central Illinois. Let us know what you think! - Like + Subscribe + Share = Support 🧡 itbpodcast.com

Fred came from nothing and his desire for success has led him on the path to his own business.. The Capital Mortgage Team!"I really enjoy this industry because I was laughed out of a bank one time when trying to buy a home..." and now Fred helps people from all aspects of life to become home owners.Learn more here: https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/?team=capital-mortgage-team-Subscribe + Follow + Share = Support! Thank you!itbpodcast.com