Episodes
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4 days ago
69 - The Rise of New Wave Boys
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees and powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, meet Ashton Colson, Gabriel Brewer, and Nathan Brewer - the co-founders of the streetwear brand New Wave Boys. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, they share their inspirational journey from high school friends to college entrepreneurs at Florida State University. Learn about their brand's focus on innovation and standing out, their unique approach to marketing, and the challenges and triumphs they've encountered along the way. Tune in to discover how they're making a name for themselves on college campuses and beyond. Don't forget to follow New Wave Boys for the latest drops and updates!
Website: Www.Newwaveboyz.com
Insta: Newwaveboyz_
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Founders' Background and Journey
01:51 Starting New Wave Boys
02:37 Brand Philosophy and Target Market
05:29 Roles and Responsibilities
09:08 Challenges and Aspirations
10:59 Marketing Strategies and Social Media
24:19 School Experience and Influences
26:48 Advice and Conclusion
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Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset podcast, host Mark McNees sits down with Jack Carmignani, founder of Nextus Digital Solutions. Jack shares his journey from growing up in Philadelphia and moving to Florida, transitioning from a finance major at the University of Miami to starting his own digital branding and design firm. He discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, his company’s focus on helping brands scale online, and the importance of networking. Jack also offers valuable insights into improving podcast visibility and his plans for the future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Jack's Background and Company Overview
01:00 Journey into Entrepreneurship
04:53 Clientele and Services Offered
08:34 Support from Jim Moran College
12:23 Challenges and Rewards of Founding a Company
18:17 Identifying Team Resistance
19:41 Podcast Growth Strategies
20:44 Advertising and Brand Identity
25:59 Challenges and Future Plans
32:50 Networking and Final Thoughts
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Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Join host Mark McNees in this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, as he sits down with Junior Reed, the founder and CEO of 'Road to Open.' Junior shares his journey from high school football injuries to becoming a passionate beach volleyball player and entrepreneur. Learn about the origins of his athletic brand aimed at inspiring athletes to love the progression process. Junior talks about his experiences, challenges, and goals with his company, as well as his future plans and involvement with the Jim Moran College. Don't miss his insightful advice on perseverance and stacking small wins for entrepreneurial success!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:28 Junior Reed's Athletic Brand Journey
01:05 The Origins of 'Road to Open'
01:32 Meeting Junior Reed and Beach Volleyball
02:21 Junior's Volleyball Journey
03:50 Leadership and Skills Development
05:06 Road to Open: Vision and Challenges
06:50 Upcoming Product Launch and Goals
11:45 Entrepreneurial Support at FSU
17:03 Junior's Future Plans and Reflections
26:20 Conclusion and Farewell

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, hosted by Mark McNees and powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Ashley Guy, CEO and founder of Tallulah, shares her inspiring journey from a teacher to a successful entrepreneur. Ashley discusses her move from Seattle to Tallahassee, her foray into the CBD industry, and the evolution of her business. Listeners will learn about the diverse range of products offered at Tallulah, including CBD, THC, kava, kratom, and the latest addition, mad honey. Ashley also talks about her unique hiring practices, her rapid growth strategy, and the challenges faced in the political and banking landscape. This episode is a testament to innovation, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of success. Tune in to discover how Ashley navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and what the future holds for Tallulah.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:43 Ashley's Background and Journey to Tallahassee
01:51 Starting Tallulah: From Idea to Reality
04:09 Tallulah's Product Range and Market
06:47 Diving into Specific Products: CBD, THC, and More
14:55 Hiring and Training at Tallulah
17:52 Exploring the Mushroom Market
20:42 Trade Shows and Latest Trends
20:55 Customer Success Stories
21:24 Popular Products and Innovations
22:11 Business Evolution and Strategy
22:48 Expanding the Tallulah Brand
25:57 Navigating Challenges and Regulations
28:44 Personal Growth and Business Insights
38:44 Future Plans and Online Expansion
40:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Welcome back to the InNOLEvation Mindset podcast, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. In this episode, student host Alana Espenship sits down with KJ Forrestal, co-founder of the popular clothing rental app, RAID. KJ shares her journey from college student at FSU to successful entrepreneur, discussing how she got her start in women's fashion with a failed e-commerce venture which led to valuable lessons about manufacturing and sustainability. They delve into the creation and expansion of RAID, a user-driven marketplace app that empowers students to rent and lend clothing locally, fostering sustainability and reducing waste. KJ emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, the impact of supportive entrepreneurship communities, and encouraging others to take risks and innovate. Join us to hear exclusive insights into the world of collegiate entrepreneurship and the future of sustainable fashion.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 KJ's Entrepreneurial Journey
03:31 The Birth of RAID
07:47 Challenges and Lessons Learned
15:32 Future Plans and Expansion
22:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset, with Student Host, Meadow Manfredini and powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, we dive deep into the story of the Innovation Hub at Florida State University (FSU) with Ken Balduff, its founding director. Ken shares his journey from music theory to computer science and eventually to establishing the Innovation Hub. He discusses how the Hub provides students access to emerging technologies such as 3D printers and virtual reality headsets, and courses in Design Thinking and Systems Thinking. The episode also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the Hub, the valuable resources it offers, and the various events, including design sprints and ideathons that foster creativity and problem-solving skills among students. Ken also provides insights into the future goals for the Innovation Hub and offers valuable advice for budding entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on discovering how this unique space is pushing the boundaries of innovation and education! 00:00 Welcome to the InNOLEvation® Mindset 00:31 Ken Balduff's Journey to the Innovation Hub 02:36 Courses and Resources at the Innovation Hub 09:08 Events and Activities at the Innovation Hub 17:48 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 20:36 Future Goals and Impact of the Innovation Hub 24:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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Sunday Jan 05, 2025
63 - Meet the Innovators Behind Bebop: Revolutionizing Music Discovery
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
In this episode of InNOLEvation(r) Mindset powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, student host Menno Manfredini interviews FSU students Hugo Davies and Ryan, who share their entrepreneurial journey and current project, Bebop. Hugo, a STEM entrepreneurship major, and Ryan, a computer science major, discuss their backgrounds, how they met, and the innovative idea behind Bebop—an app aimed at enhancing music discovery by integrating AI and social connections. They delve into their goals for the app, strategies for marketing, and their participation in the FSU Innovation Challenge. This episode is a deep dive into the entrepreneurial spirit and the future of personalized music experiences. 00:00 Welcome 00:32 Meet Hugo and Ryan 00:43 Hugo's Journey in Entrepreneurship 02:14 Ryan's Path to Computer Science 03:15 The Birth of a Partnership 05:22 Introducing Bebop: The Music Discovery App 09:47 Marketing Strategies for Bebop 11:42 Competing in the Innovation Challenge 16:03 Future Goals and App Development 20:24 Differentiating Bebop from Spotify 24:47 Supporting Independent Artists 26:18 Conclusion and Launch Details
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Friday Jan 03, 2025
62 Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs with Professor Melissa Rauer
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, Student Marina Herrera hosts Professor Melissa Rauer from the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at FSU. They discuss her background, journey to FSU, and work with veteran entrepreneurship programs. Professor Rauer shares insights into the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans' Families and the Accelerate program, providing invaluable support for veteran business owners. They also delve into the various opportunities and resources available at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, including student engagement activities and the importance of pitching and public speaking. Join us to learn about the entrepreneurial journey of veterans and the exciting initiatives at FSU. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 Professor Melissa Rauer's Background 01:27 Veteran Entrepreneurship Programs 05:21 Teaching at FSU 10:10 Student Engagement and Opportunities 15:35 Personal Business Experience 20:09 Final Thoughts and Advice
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Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
61 - Embracing Experience: A Journey in Entrepreneurship with Prof. Bob Garner
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Join us for an insightful episode of the InNOLEvation(r) Mindset, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Student Host Jules Johannemann sits down with Mr. Bob Garner, a seasoned professor and FSU alumnus, to explore his extensive career journey from the logistics industry to franchising, and eventually teaching. Bob shares his experiences in scaling businesses, the dynamics of franchising, and valuable lessons in leadership. Discover the significance of cultivating a supportive work environment, the impact of community involvement, and the rewarding transition to academia. Bob also reflects on his proudest accomplishments and offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student, a professional, or an enthusiast of entrepreneurship, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 Mr. Garner's Teaching and Daily Routine 01:02 FSU Alumni Experience 02:04 Career Path and Entrepreneurial Journey 04:36 Teaching at FSU and Real-Life Lessons 05:21 Franchising Insights and Leadership 07:29 Proudest Accomplishments 09:55 Community Involvement and SAM Club 12:02 Challenges and Lessons Learned 15:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections 17:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Monday Nov 18, 2024
60 - Exploring Speech Therapy and Entrepreneurship with Calonda Henry
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
In this captivating episode of the InNOLEvation(r) Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees interviews Calonda Henry from Broad Horizons Speech Therapy. Calonda shares her journey from growing up in Jacksonville, obtaining her degrees, and starting her own speech therapy practice. She discusses the intricacies of speech and language pathology, her experiences working with children, and tackling speech issues like stuttering. Calendar also reveals what led her to entrepreneurship and details her experiences with the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship programs. Tune in to learn about the critical period for child language development, the science behind speech issues, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:51 Calonda's Background and Upbringing
03:24 Journey into Speech Language Pathology
05:45 Understanding Speech and Language Issues in Children
14:12 Exploring Stuttering and Its Implications
22:22 Calonda's Entrepreneurial Journey
28:46 Involvement with Jim Moran Institute
31:27 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs
34:23 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-off