Default Profitable
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to sharpen your skills and grow your business? The Default Profitable podcast delivers powerful lessons from real bootstrapped business owners who have navigated the ups and downs of starting, running, and scaling their ventures.
Join Matt Nettleton and tap into a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences, learn to avoid common pitfalls, and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re launching your first venture or optimizing an established one, each episode provides actionable insights and fosters a community of support, helping you achieve sustained, profitable success.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to sharpen your skills and grow your business? The Default Profitable podcast delivers powerful lessons from real bootstrapped business owners who have navigated the ups and downs of starting, running, and scaling their ventures.
Join Matt Nettleton and tap into a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences, learn to avoid common pitfalls, and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re launching your first venture or optimizing an established one, each episode provides actionable insights and fosters a community of support, helping you achieve sustained, profitable success.
Default Profitable Podcast with Matt Nettleton
The Default Profitable podcast is about learning from other small business owners. It's pretty common for business owners to make mistakes and miss simple details that could save them money and time. These lessons don’t come from textbooks or billion-dollar successes. Hands-on owners tell us what they've done right, what they've done wrong, and what they wish they knew when they started.
Episodes

Jul 9, 2025
Ep139 Andrea Simpson, Co-Founder of Orangily
Jul 9, 2025
Jul 9, 2025
25 min
In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Andrea Simpson, co-founder of Orngeli, a wellness bottle shop and community space. Andrea shares her journey of starting a specialty business with her sister, the challenges and successes they've faced, and the importance of building relationships in entrepreneurship.
The inspiration behind Orangily and its rebranding journey. The impact of going alcohol-free on Andrea's life and business. Insights into the growing trend of alcohol-free beverages and zebra striping. The importance of community and customer experience in retail. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on starting a business and maintaining resilience.
You can find more information about Andrea on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamarley/ or on her company's website orangily.com
Jul 9, 2025
25 min

Jul 2, 2025
Jul 2, 2025
29 min
In this episode host Matt Nettleton talks with Derek Hammer, CEO of the Hammer Companies, to discuss the journey of starting and growing multiple businesses. From the inception of Hammer Lighting and Grip to the challenges faced during the pandemic, Derek shares insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of having a business plan, and the value of a supportive team.
Key Points:
Derek's transition from video production to business ownership. The story behind each of Derek's four brands. Navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of having a business plan and understanding your market. The role of a business coach in Derek's journey.
You can learn more about Derek on LinedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-hammer-b420691/ or his company website https://www.hammermetalwerks.com/
Subscribe to the Default Profitable podcast on your favorite podcast platform or visit http://defaultprofitable.com for 100+ episodes about how Indianapolis businesses get built
Jul 2, 2025
29 min

Jun 25, 2025
Jun 25, 2025
22 min
In this episode host Matt Nettleton interviews Jenn Lisak Golding. Jenn is Founder and CEO of Sapphire Strategy, a digital marketing agency that blends rich data with experienced-back intuition to optimize marketing performance for service-based businesses and nonprofits. An award-winning strategist, Jenn’s developed the Marketing Lifecycle Model: an evidence-based audit tool and blueprint for high-performing marketing investments. This model has helped numerous organizations create an effective foundation to optimize their marketing efforts, driving millions of dollars in revenue. She is also a certified Enneagram coach that helps individuals and organizations on their personal and professional growth journeys.
You can learn more about Jenn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennlisak/ or the Sapphire website: https://sapphirestrategy.com/ or Uncovered Gems: https://theuncoveredgems.com/
Jenn also reccomends one book Give and Take by Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/
Subscribe to the Default Profitable podcast on your favorite podcast platform or visit http://defaultprofitable.com for 100+ episodes about how Indianapolis businesses get built
Jun 25, 2025
22 min

Jun 18, 2025
Jun 18, 2025
22 min
In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton speaks with Darren Cooper, the founder of 1898 Creative. They discuss Darren's journey from musician to entrepreneur, the challenges of building a creative business, and the importance of mindset and finding a niche in content creation. Darren shares valuable insights on surrounding oneself with the right people, the necessity of a strategic plan, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Darren Cooper is the Founder and CEO of 1898 Creative, a story-driven video agency that helps coaches and consultants grow their authority with video. He’s also the creator of the Content Creation Operating System, a done-for-you video strategy system that takes the stress out of showing up online. When he’s not geeking out over storytelling frameworks, he’s wrangling four kids with his wife Lauren—Story, Vinyl, Indiana, and Valor. Yes, those are their real names… and yes, it’s exactly as wild as it sounds.
You can find Darren on instagram (@darrenandrewcooper) and/or LinkedIn and learn more about 1898 Creative at 1898creative.com
Darren recommend s a few books right now:
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
Vision Driven Leader by Michael Hyatt
Jun 18, 2025
22 min

Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
26 min
In this episode host Matt Nettleton interviews Andrew Curtis. Andrew is president and founder of FUEL VM. He and his company have been leaned on as a marketing leader for such organizations as Boy Scouts of America, Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. He’s a pragmatic marketing mind who embraces both creative talents and technical advancements in equal amounts. He opened FUEL VM in 2003 and has made himself more “unemployable” every day since.
You can learn more about Andrew on LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuelvm/ or his company website www.fuelvm.com
Jun 12, 2025
26 min

Jun 10, 2025
Jun 10, 2025
22 min
Chuck recommends a few books
It's the Manager - Jim Clifton and Jim Harter (any Gallup Book is a must read)
The 7 Day Weekend - Ricardo Semler (made me rethink culture)
The Growth Delusion - David Pilling (made me realize how what we measure matters)
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James (Just oner of the best inspirational stories and a good movie)
You can learn more about Chuck on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/crgillespie/
Jun 10, 2025
22 min

Jun 5, 2025
Ep133 Jeff Farren How to Sell a Business
Jun 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
29 min
In this episode, host Matt Nettleton and guest Jeff Farren discuss the intricacies of selling a business. They explore the importance of preparing for an exit strategy well in advance, the psychological aspects of letting go of a business, and the necessity of having proper documentation and financial records. The conversation also delves into the risks associated with customer concentration and how to find buyers in a competitive market. Jeff emphasizes the need for business owners to prepare their businesses as valuable assets for potential buyers, ensuring a smooth transition and successful sale.
takeaways
The best time to prepare for selling a business is 3-5 years in advance.
Business owners should document processes to ensure business continuity.
Psychological readiness is crucial for owners selling their business.
Sales concentration over 10% poses a significant risk to business stability.
Having a clear vision for life after selling is essential for owners.
Documentation and record-keeping are vital for a successful sale.
Understanding your ideal customer profile can help in business growth.
Strategic buyers often pay more than financial buyers for businesses.
Preparing a business as a valuable asset increases its sale potential.
Finding the right advisor can help expose business opportunities in the market.
You can learn more about Jeff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefffarren/ or his company website http://www.accretivevalue.com/ to contact Jeff call him 317-513-4016 or send an email Jeff@AccretiveValue.com
Subscribe to the Default Profitable podcast on your favorite podcast platform or visit http://defaultprofitable.com for 100+ episodes about how Indianapolis businesses get built
Jun 5, 2025
29 min

Jun 3, 2025
Ep132 Jeff Farren How to Buy a Business
Jun 3, 2025
Jun 3, 2025
24 min
In this episode, Matt Nettleton and Jeff Farren discuss the intricacies of buying and selling businesses. They explore the motivations behind purchasing a business, the transition from employee to owner, and the importance of financial transparency. Jeff shares insights on identifying good business opportunities, evaluating customer relationships, and understanding the risks associated with sales concentration. The conversation emphasizes the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship and the necessity of clear communication and documentation during the buying process.
takeaways
The entrepreneurial spirit drives many to consider buying a business.
Buying an existing business can provide a strong foundation for growth.
Transitioning from employee to business owner requires a significant mindset shift.
Stable and predictable cash flows are crucial for business valuation.
Financial transparency is essential for successful business transactions.
Customer relationships and satisfaction metrics are key to business stability.
Sales concentration can pose significant risks to business valuation.
Clear expectations and communication are vital when the previous owner stays on post-sale.
Entrepreneurship involves emotional and mental resilience.
Meeting payroll is a significant stressor for business owners.
You can learn more about Jeff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefffarren/ or his company website http://www.accretivevalue.com/ to contact Jeff call him 317-513-4016 or send an email Jeff@AccretiveValue.com
Subscribe to the Default Profitable podcast on your favorite podcast platform or visit http://defaultprofitable.com for 100+ episodes about how Indianapolis businesses get built
Jun 3, 2025
24 min

May 29, 2025
Ep131 Ray Mills CEO RM Media
May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025
23 min
In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton interviews Ray Mills, a seasoned video producer and entrepreneur. Ray shares his journey from working in a Christian organization for 20 years to becoming the owner of RM Media, a video production company. He discusses the challenges he faced while transitioning from a stable job to entrepreneurship, the importance of networking and mentorship, and the lessons he learned along the way. Ray emphasizes the significance of making video content in today's digital landscape and encourages aspiring filmmakers to pursue their passions.
takeaways
Ray Mills transitioned from a 20-year career in a Christian organization to filmmaking.
He founded RM Media as a side hustle before going full-time.
Networking and mentorship are crucial for success in business.
Ray emphasizes the importance of making video content.
He wishes he had a business background and a partner when starting.
The creative world differs significantly from the business world.
Ray encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start sooner.
He learned valuable lessons from his early challenges.
Ray's experience highlights the importance of adaptability.
He finds satisfaction in helping clients succeed through video.
You can connect with Ray on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymills/ or at his company website https://www.raymillsmedia.com/
Subscribe to the Default Profitable podcast on your favorite podcast platform or visit http://defaultprofitable.com for 100+ episodes about how Indianapolis businesses get built
May 29, 2025
23 min

May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
21 min
In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton interviews Jen Edds, the head of Brassy Broadcasting Company. They discuss Jen's journey from a corporate job to starting her own podcasting business, the importance of clarity in identifying ideal clients, and the significance of community in the podcasting world. Jen shares valuable insights on navigating the podcasting landscape, feeding souls instead of algorithms, and the importance of networking.
As the founder of The Brassy Broadcasting Company, Jen helps business owners craft podcasts that forge relationships. She’s a relentless experimenter, a passionate educator, and a firm believer that the best podcasts aren’t just heard—they’re felt.
Jen had a couple of book recommendations, The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin and Happiness Become You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good by Tina Turner
Here are some ways to connect with Jen
Website: https://brassybroad.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-edds-470351b/
Instagram: @brassybroadjen https://www.instagram.com/brassybroadjen/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BrassyBroadJen
Subscribe to the Default Profitable podcast on your favorite podcast platform or visit http://defaultprofitable.com for 100+ episodes about how Indianapolis businesses get built
May 27, 2025
21 min






