Renegade Ventures
For decades women have been climbing corporate ladders and asking for a seat at the table when we really should just buy the whole damn company. Welcome to Renegade Ventures Podcast where we uncover a different path to business ownership.
S2 E5 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Jenna Ahern on becoming the CEO of SEO
Today, Ellie and Maggie are joined by Jenna Ahern of Guardian Owl Digital. As a college student, she and two other women co-founded Bluegrass Premier, a field hockey club in Louisville, simply because they saw a need for it. She did not view this as business ownership at the time but rather as a practical solution to an unmet demand. After setting up the club, she decided to focus on her career in the automotive industry. It wasn’t until later that she recognized her entrepreneurial tendencies. The discussion turns to how both Jenna and Maggie began their careers in the male-dominated automotive industry. Recognizing the industry’s shift toward digital marketing, Jenna leveraged her expertise in Google Ads and analytics to help businesses optimize their digital investments. This led her to start Guardian Out Digital, a venture quickly grew, fueled by a demand for digital marketing expertise among small and mid-sized businesses struggling to navigate the online landscape. Jenna admits that she did not originally plan to build a company with employees; instead, her business evolved naturally out of a need she identified. At just 24 years old, she took a leap into entrepreneurship. Jenna draws strong parallels between her experience as an athlete and her approach to business leadership. Jenna also discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in the automotive and business sectors, where pushing back against established norms was often unwelcome. Early in her career, she had to learn how to strategically navigate workplace politics, often tempering her opinions to avoid conflict. However, this ultimately led her to realize that entrepreneurship was the best path for her. After taking full control of the company, Jenna faced the reality of sustaining and scaling the business. The conversation shifts to the nature of Jenna’s business, an SEO and digital marketing agency, and how many clients initially misunderstand the complexities of online advertising. Her motivation for starting the company stemmed from a desire to educate and guide small businesses toward smarter digital marketing strategies. The role of advisor and advocate solidified her purpose in the industry, helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. Jenna stresses the necessity for business owners to educate themselves on digital marketing fundamentals, even if they plan to outsource it later. By doing so, they can better understand how these platforms connect and when the right time is to invest in professional services. She emphasizes that SEO is a long-term strategy, not a quick fix, and that small businesses should only invest in it when it aligns with their financial and operational goals. Before investing in SEO or paid advertising, they need clarity on their customer base, their value proposition, and why their business exists. GuardianOwl has refined its expertise in digital marketing across various industrie
S2 E4 · Wed, March 12, 2025
Jessica Fialkovich thinks Prepping for an Exit is the Missing X Factor for your Business
What happens to your business if something were to happen to you? Who takes over when you retire? If someone walked in today and offered to buy your business, what would the magic number be? If you don’t have the answers, we get it. And so does Jessica Fialkovich, whose business consulting work at Exit Factor is designed to prepare business owners for all the above. Experiencing the layoffs of 2008 was an eye-opening moment for Jessica. She realized that no corporate job was truly secure and that she would rather take control of her future than be at the mercy of decisions made by corporate executives. This realization led her toward entrepreneurship, valuing the autonomy and risk-taking aspects of business ownership over the false security of traditional employment. After losing her corporate job, Jessica and her husband decided to open a luxury wine shop in Southwest Florida, using their savings and guidance from friends in the industry. Despite being new to the field, they embraced the challenge and foundsuccess by entering the market during an economic downturn when many competitors were struggling or closing. Jessica and her husband entered the wine business with complementary skill sets—Jessica’s expertise was in sales and marketing, while her husband had experience in finance and product buying from his family's fish business. At just 24 years old, they had the advantage of not having financial burdens like a mortgage or children. This minimized their risk and gave them the freedom to take a leap into business ownership. Jessica shares an important lesson for entrepreneurs: business success is not necessarily about industry expertise but about knowing how to run a business. After 39 months of owning the wine business, Jessica and her husband decided to sell the company and move back to Colorado. The experience selling her business exposed her to the flaws in the brokerage industry. While their broker found a buyer, he did little else to support the transaction. Jessica’s frustrating experience with her own business sale inspired her to launch Exit Factor , a company that helps business owners prepare for their exit. Many entrepreneurs, like Jessica, do not plan ahead and miss opportunities to maximize their sale price. Exit Factor works with business owners to improve profitability, reduce dependence on the owner, and ensure the company operates efficiently, ultimately increasing its value and making the exit process smoother. Jessica explains that franchising success depends on strong systems, leadership, and the ability to train others. Many business owners mistakenly believe they can simply convert their existing business into a franchise without considering the extensive support required. In closing, Jessica highlights how business owners can connect with Exit Factor for guidance in preparing for a successful exit. The company’s website provides resources, including a va
S2 E3 · Wed, February 26, 2025
Danielle Mann: OBGYN turned cocktail GIN-ious
Ellie and Maggie talk entrepreneurship with Rivergreen Cocktails' founder Danielle Mann. A former OBGYN and current practicing hospitalist, Danielle discusses how her love of learning and the research skills she acquired studying medicine played a crucial role in developing Rivergreen Cocktails and their flagship all-natural premium gin canned cocktail. The three discuss timing, taking breaks, and weighing risks and responsibilities while building a business.
S2 E2 · Wed, February 19, 2025
Jennifer Williams Cuddles up to an 8 Figure Exit
Ellie, Maggie, and Cuddle Clones Co-founder Jennifer Williams discuss how ideas in business are easy, getting them done is the hard part. From actuarial work to making fluffy ( even feathered) clones of customers' pets, executing ideas is the hallmark of all good business. What can we all learn from businesses nothing like ours? How can imagining solutions to other industry problems teach us about our own?
S2 E1 · Wed, February 12, 2025
New Season, New Co-Host: Meet Maggie Harlow
Welcome back to Renegade Ventures for Season 2! Ellie returns with a new co-host, Maggie Harlow. With years of business experience, Maggie brings an insightful perspective to the Renegade Ventures podcast. In this episode, Ellie and Maggie catch up on what they've been up to and share what’s in store for the season ahead.
S1 E11 · Tue, August 22, 2023
11. Start to Sold with your Spouse With Debbie Lowe
Debbie Lowe was a woman before her time creating and leading a Information Technology company in Healthcare in 1998. The business started with her husband and grew to a full family affair until the time came to sell. She talks about navigating family transitions, finding a buyer in the midst of 2020, and rebuilding her career and creating a new business. Thank you to our Guest! Connect + Follow Debbie on LinkedIn. Find out more about Lowe and Associates. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Cente r offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in making your own Exit Dreams come true? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future. Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Instagram | Facebook | Website Connect + Follow Ellie on LinkedIn www. renegade.biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz
S1 E10 · Tue, August 08, 2023
10. Get Ready to Sell your Business!
Reportedly, 78% of Business owners are planning on the sale of their business to fund their retirement, but they know nearly nothing about the process or what their business is worth. Today’s episode talks about the process of selling your business. The pathway isn’t an easy one and that’s why Brokers exist! Today’s guest is my business partner and mentor Phil Eleson. He talks about buying and selling his business, and how that led him to become a broker and help others too! We walk through the steps each seller will take whether you use a broker or not! We also talk about the places where Sellers get anxious and how to prepare for those moments. If you want to sell your business and are curious about the process this episode is for you! Thank you to our guest! Phil Eleson - p.eleson@murphybusiness.com Phil Eleson has over 25 years of professional experience with a variety of companies from small startup businesses to Fortune 500 companies. For a majority of Phil’s career, he has been self-employed having owned multiple businesses including those which he purchased and sold. He understands firsthand both the process of selling a business as well as the emotion involved in business transfers and is passionate about helping his clients manage the process & achieve their goals. Having been an equity partner in a lower middle-market business, Phil has a specific interest in assisting those businesses with revenues between $2 Million and $25 Million. He has earned a reputation for his ability to get complex deals across the finish line and has done so throughout the Midwest and Southeast U.S. In his career at Murphy Business Sales Phil has been recognized with multiple awards including the “Top Producer” award. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in buying or selling a business? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future. Call - 502-208-9326 or email e.puckett@murphybusiness.com __ Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. <a href="http
S1 E9 · Tue, July 25, 2023
09. Equity Financing with Elizabeth Rounsavall
The world of Venture Capital has captured headlines for years but there are many types of equity-based financing for different stages and styles of businesses. Today's episode is with Elizabeth Rounsavall, a woman who has worn many hats in the investing world! Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Private Equity, Real Estate, and Family office investing we touch on all of these types of equity financing and even the complexity of how the wealthy manage transitioning the family money. __ Thank you to our Guest! Elizabeth Rounsavall - Multi-asset-class investor, through a family investment platform, with a focus on direct early-stage venture investment, manager selection, and real estate both indirectly and through DRP Services, an owner and manager of industrial properties in and around Louisville. Involved in and support the Midwest startup ecosystem and community philanthropy. Broad business experience from years in venture capital and strategy consulting across a variety of industries, including media, technology, education, financial services, government, and health care. Lately, she is involved in impact investing and non-traditional funding and deal structures. __ Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in buying or selling a business? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future. Call - 502-208-9326 or email e.puckett@murphybusiness.com __ Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Instagram |<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090331067275" rel="ugc
S1 E11 · Tue, July 11, 2023
08. Debt Financing with Shirie Hawkins
Debt financing can be a confusing and scary path to take to fund your business. Not only that, it's an option that isn’t widely accessible unless you already have money. This week’s episode we walk through the business loan options and the process. Our guest Shirie Hawkins has spent her career dedicated to small business owners and helping them get the resources they need. She has been a Commercial Banker doing SBA lending and the President of Everything Equity at Community Ventures a CDFI, which specializes helping small businesses that might not otherwise be bankable. We cover the process, what bankers are looking for, different types of loans, and options outside of conventional banks. You won’t want to miss this show! Thank you to our Guest! With over 20 years expertise in Banking and Business/Economic Development, Shirie returns to Community Ventures after working as a commercial lender for Community Trust Bank and as the director of the Lexington Small Business Development Center. Community Ventures - We empower individuals to start and grow businesses, access inclusive housing, and live in thriving communities. Shirie Hawkins , President, Everything Equity Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future. Contact Ellie - e.puckett@murphybusiness.com or 502-515-9900 Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! Be a Renegade and Connect with us! Instagram | Facebook |<a href="https://www.renegade.biz/" targ
S1 E6 · Tue, June 27, 2023
07. Buying a Franchise with Maggie Harlow
Drive down any major road and you will see dozens of different franchise businesses. Have you ever considered what it would be like to own one? Today’s Guest Maggie Harlow is the owner of Signarama Downtown Louisville, and we walk through her process of deciding she wanted to own a business, to her choosing Signarama, to growing her business to a top-producing franchise in their 1500 locations. On today’s episode, we cover: Does franchising limit her creativity? Her process for choosing a franchise How she grew it to a top-producing franchise Working with her franchisor Moving her business to semi-absentee ownership And more! __ Thank you to our Guest! Connect with Maggie Harlow on Linkedin Check out Signarama Downtown Louisville for all your sign needs! __ Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Instagram | Facebook | Website Connect + Follow Ellie on LinkedIn www. renegade.biz | ellie@renegade.biz Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in buying or selling a business? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Rea
S1 E6 · Tue, June 13, 2023
06. Build, Lead, Sell, Inspire with Katie Blakely
Today’s guest took her entry-level position, and with time, talent, and some “dog”ged determination became CEO of Pet First pet insurance - just in time to manage their acquisition by powerhouse MetLife. Katie Blakeley has led teams through the excitement of fast growth, the anxiety of looming post-acquisition change, and the doldrums of extensive due diligence. Katie was unafraid to be aggressive in negotiations, standing confident in the talent of her team, and the result was beyond impressive. After ensuring the successful transfer of EVERY Pet First employee to Metlife, it was time for something new. Now a Senior Strategic Advisor with Louisville-based Execuity Value Advisors, Katie uses her hard-earned wisdom to assist others during major business transitions. We were so grateful for the opportunity to sit and talk with this true Renegade. Listen now to hear the full story! — Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Instagram | Facebook | Website Connect + Follow Ellie on LinkedIn www. renegade.biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz Thank you to our Guest! Connect + Follow Katie on LinkedIn. Find out more about Execuity Value Advisors. Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in making your own Exit Dreams come true? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future.
S1 E5 · Tue, May 30, 2023
05. Business Buying 101: The Basics (What, Why, How + How Much?)
05. Business Buying 101: The Basics (What, Why, How + How Much?) Host Ellie Puckett leads today’s conversation, a straightforward look at the initial steps you must take if you want to acquire a solidly-researched, revenue-generating, wealth-building real-life business. From exploring what kind of business you want to own, discovering your business buying boundaries, and the rarely discussed topic of Money - this not-to-be-missed episode provides academic answers and real-life insights to help you determine where your journey goes next. This is your first look at what it truly takes to create a Renegade. Let’s dive in! ---- Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Follow us on Socials - @Renegade.Biz Connect on LinkedIn - www. renegade.biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in making your own Exit Dreams come true? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future. Mentioned Book: “Buy then Build” by Walker Deeble, available here through Louisville's Oldest Independent Bookseller: Carmichael's Bookstore.
S1 E4 · Tue, May 02, 2023
04. Wealth Equity With Nikki Lanier
What does racial and gender inequality have to do with buying and selling businesses? Everything. The systemic issue of wealth inequality holds at its core a central question - who gets to own generational assets and why? A foundational and transferable asset that creates generational wealth is business ownership. Renegade Ventures is here to help close the wealth gap through buying and building businesses as assets. On this episode, we are talking with guest Nikki Lanier from consulting firm Harper Slade about why diversity and entrepreneurship is so vital to community-based economic development. And why access to business acquisition is key to generational wealth creation, and ultimately closing racial and gender equity gaps. Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Follow us on Socials - @Renegade.Biz Connect on LinkedIn - www. renegade.biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! The Louisville Small Business Development Center offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! Interested in making your own Exit Dreams come true? Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future. Data Source: Disparities in Wealth by Race and Ethnicity in the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances
S1 E2 · Tue, April 18, 2023
02. Banker turned Renegade with Jesika Young
Renegade Jesika Young went from commercial banking to acquisition entrepreneur and is now one of the most influential women in manufacturing. On today's episode we discuss the Buyer's Journey and how one woman combined her curiosity about business acquisition and her expertise in the commercial banking world to build an empire. Pivoting away from her successful career in banking to strike out on an adventure with her husband Jerod, Jesika Young closed on the purchase of Southern Indiana-based CimTech in 2018. In the years since CimTech has grown steadily through intentional culture building, strategic acquisitions and strong leadership. Join Ellie for this high impact conversation with Jesika - a wife, mother and CEO, about the reality of buying a business, while also ya know… having a life! Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Follow us on Socials - Facebook | Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Visit Renegade.Biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! Is it time to start thinking about your exit? The Louisville Small Business Development Cente r offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! In order to exit a business, you need to buy one first! Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future.
S1 E3 · Tue, April 18, 2023
03. Take the money & run! You need a exit strategy with Annette Manias
Roughly 80% of business owners are expecting the sale of their business to fund their retirement. A majority of them have no idea what their business is worth, and absolutely no exit plan to speak of. Not having a solid plan on why, when and how to step down from your business can mean losing key employees, disappointing family members, and most importantly - leaving with less money! After 30+ years at the helm of Oasis Solutions, today’s guest Annette had one of the smoothest and most well executed exit plans we have ever seen, and she was paid in full at close. Listen closely to learn from her brilliance and get inspired by her near perfect exit. Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Follow us on Socials - Facebook | Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Visit Renegade.Biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! Is it time to start thinking about your exit? The Louisville Small Business Development Cente r offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! In order to exit a business, you need to buy one first! Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve. Reach out today to start planning for your future.
S1 E1 · Tue, April 18, 2023
01. A Renegade is Born
The first time things just “don’t work out” is understandable, not everything is meant to be. The second time your career plans are thwarted by the poor choices of others is a wake up call. The third time you are sitting in front of yet another (typically male) CEO hearing why your role is being “reimagined” and you are out of a job? Well, that is how a Renegade is born. Faced with starting over yet again, your Host and resident Renegade Ellie Puckett was sure there was a better way. A better way to work hard, provide for her growing family, and build wealth - while following her OWN dreams, not the dreams of others. Listen now to hear how she is doing all of that and more, and then subscribe and join us to learn how to do it yourself. Welcome to the Renegade Ventures Podcast - your guide to a brighter and richer future through acquisition entrepreneurship. Renegade Ventures Podcast exists to close the gender wealth gap by educating women about acquisition entrepreneurship. Host Ellie Puckett has the knowledge and know-how, our expert guests offer insights and inspiration, and our Renegade Community provides support and encouragement. Subscribe today to join us on this challenging but worthwhile adventure! You deserve to be a Renegade. Follow us on Socials - Facebook | Instagram Connect on LinkedIn Visit Renegade.Biz | ellie@renegade.biz | mae@renegade.biz Thank you to our Podcast Sponsors! Is it time to start thinking about your exit? The Louisville Small Business Development Cente r offers support to all types of businesses. Contact the office to set up your first meeting with their expert team! In order to exit a business, you need to buy one first! Murphy Business Brokers has the expertise you need with the personalized experience you deserve.<a href="https://murphybusiness.com/louisville-east/our-business-brokers/ellie-puc
Trailer · Tue, March 28, 2023
Welcome to Renegade Ventures (Trailer)
Renegade Ventures Podcast is LAUNCHING April 18, 2023. We would love to have you at our party! Register Here Subscribe to learn more about a different path to business ownership!
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