The Launchpad Innovators Podcast with Bill Kalivas

In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Bill Kalivas sits down with Mark Norton, Executive Director of the Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA)—an organization helping connect and strengthen one of the most important manufacturing and innovation corridors in the Northwest.Mark shares how the region spanning Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and into Montana has quietly become a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and medical device innovation. The conversation dives into workforce development, the role of universities and community colleges, and why collaboration across industries is critical to the region’s continued growth.If you’re interested in the future of manufacturing and innovation in the Inland Northwest, this is one to tune into.📍 The I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference returns May 26–27, 2026 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Welcome to this special edition of the LaunchPad Innovators Podcast.Today, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Wayne Williams—a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, innovator, and outdoor enthusiast whose journey spans everything from tech start-up to restorative work on a ranch in Montana.Wayne’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership. We’ll discuss his early days in business, lessons from the dot-com era, building a culture of innovation, and what it means to live your legacy every day.We’ll also dive into how Wayne is helping prepare our region for the future—especially as AI and emerging technologies reshape the economic landscape.Want a sneak peek of Wayne’s book?Text GEAR to 33777 to get the introduction and first two chapters of 'Grab Another Gear.'

Marty Dickinson is one of Spokane’s most trusted voices when it comes to community building, civic leadership, and collaboration that drives real change.From her early days working in telecom to becoming CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership—and now leading community and marketing efforts at STCU—Marty has spent her career at the intersection of business, government, and grassroots impact.In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Marty shares how her family’s move from British Columbia to Spokane shaped her path, and how she’s remained focused on creating opportunities for others ever since.We talk about building coalitions, addressing complex issues like homelessness, supporting innovation through strategic partnerships, and the role women are playing in shaping Spokane’s economic future. Her insights are a masterclass in leadership rooted in empathy, resilience, and results.

Today’s guest is Pete Chase — a veteran entrepreneur whose name is synonymous with innovation and impact in the Inland Northwest.Pete is best known for founding Purcell Systems, a company he scaled from a scrappy Spokane startup into a global telecom force, serving major clients like T-Mobile. Now, he’s back at it with Easy Street — his latest venture focused on deploying telecom towers faster and more efficiently to meet the skyrocketing demands of modern connectivity.In this conversation, Pete opens up about his entrepreneurial journey — from his early days growing up in Kellogg, Idaho, to weathering industry downturns, navigating investor relationships, and ultimately exiting Purcell Systems. He shares what he’s learned about leading through uncertainty, aligning teams around a clear mission, and staying adaptable in a market that’s constantly shifting.Whether you’re a founder, startup operator, or C-suite leader, Pete’s story is packed with actionable wisdom, real talk about entrepreneurship, and insights you can apply to your own journey.

On this episode of the LaunchPad Innovators Podcast, host Bill Kalivas sits down with global brand strategist Kevin Keohane, Managing Partner at Brandpie. Kevin shares his journey from the U.S. to Australia and London, where he worked with top-tier firms such as WPP, Capgemini, and Coca-Cola, before landing in Spokane.With wisdom shaped by decades of international experience, Kevin unpacks what startups often get wrong about branding, how established companies should evolve, and why Spokane has untapped potential as a creative and business hub. From narrowing your target to aligning internal culture with brand promise, this episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, CMOs, and anyone building something new.

Skye Henderson is a Spokane native who’s spent his career bridging finance, community, and innovation across the Inland Northwest.From collegiate soccer at Whitworth University to managing financial operations for the Seattle Sounders, Skye’s journey reflects a unique blend of grit, strategy, and local pride.In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Skye shares how his path led him from Big Four accounting to managing venture investments at Cowles Ventures—supporting startups at every stage of growth while helping build Spokane’s innovation ecosystem from the ground up.We talk about what founders need to succeed, how investment strategies are evolving, and why community-driven innovation is critical to the region’s future.This is the Launchpad Innovators Podcast. I’m Bill Kalivas — and this is my conversation with Skye Henderson.

Greg Green is a visionary entrepreneur with decades of experience shaping the telecom industry in the Inland Northwest and beyond. A longtime supporter of Launchpad and advocate for innovation in our region, Greg brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to recognize opportunity, build with intention, and adapt through shifting markets.In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Greg shares the story of how he went from sports and minor league football to building and scaling companies like Tel-West, Nextlink, 180 Communications, and Fatbeam. From taking a company public to bringing high-speed fiber networks to underserved school districts, Greg’s story is packed with lessons for founders at every stage.We talk about strategic partnerships, anticipating market needs, knowing when to pivot, and why innovation—especially around AI—is more critical than ever.

In this Launchpad micro-episode, Bill Kalivas sits down with cybersecurity leaders Heather Stratford (Drip Seven, INCH 360) and Christina Richmond (Richmond Advisory Group) to talk about the evolving cybersecurity landscape in the Inland Northwest.They dive into the upcoming INCH 360 conference, the importance of education and inclusion in tech, and practical steps for protecting yourself from phishing attacks.From awareness to action—this episode is your quick guide to cybersecurity in our region.

Allen Battle has spent decades building businesses, mentoring others, and forging real, lasting relationships — all grounded in values he learned growing up in Columbus, Ohio. Now a respected entrepreneur and community leader in Spokane, his journey is a powerful example of how integrity and relationships can drive both personal and professional success.In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, host Bill Kalivas sits down with his longtime friend and fellow Launchpad co-founder to explore Allen’s path from a career at the postal service to launching his own ventures and becoming a trusted voice in the region’s innovation ecosystem.This conversation goes deep on the value of authentic networking, the importance of leading with humility, and the mindset it takes to build a legacy rooted in purpose.

At just 21 years old, Lucas Desgrosellier, better known as Ghoulz, has built a business and brand with global reach — powered by a loyal fanbase, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes content connect.In the first episode of Launchpad Innovators Podcast, host Bill Kalivas sits down with Ghoulz and Julie Delaney, his Chief Operating Officer, to explore the journey behind the viral videos, the business mindset that came next, and the values that keep their team grounded.From Fortnite fashion shows to building a company with purpose, this episode dives into what it really takes to turn a passion into something sustainable — and how staying focused on your community can lead to unexpected success.Follow Ghoulz:🌐 Website: ghoulz.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ghoulz🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/GhoulzOfficial💬 Discord: discord.gg/ghoulz🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/ghoulz_official

The Launchpad Innovators Podcast is all about the people behind the ideas — the founders, creators, and leaders turning vision into action. In this trailer, host Bill Kalivas shares what to expect from the show: honest conversations with innovators from across the country who are building bold businesses, solving real problems, and shaping the future of their industries. If you’re inspired by grit, creativity, and stories of innovation, you’re in the right place.