Default Profitable

In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Hunter Beale, Executive Director of High School Hustle, the Indianapolis nonprofit that teaches teenagers to build real businesses—gutter cleaning, car detailing, power washing, thrift flipping—and turn a summer side hustle into something that lasts. Hunter traces his own path from a fifth-grade snow cone stand through the Orr Fellowship and the Jiffy Lube system, then breaks down how the program uses incentives, mentorship, and a gamified leaderboard to push thousands of students past the one thing that stops most people from ever starting: fear. His whole philosophy comes down to two words: action provides information. The kids who get it learn more from knocking a hundred doors than they ever would planning the perfect launch, and founders at any stage will recognize the lesson—stop perfecting the logo, get in front of a customer, and let the work teach you. Whether you're raising a future entrepreneur or just trying to get out of your own way, it's a reminder that a structure and a scoreboard will take you further than waiting for permission. Learn more about Hunter Beale and High School Hustle at https://highschoolhustle.org. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Grant Kirsh, managing partner of Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C. to explore the realities of succeeding in a second-generation family business focused on adoption law in Indiana. Grant shares candid insights on leadership transitions, managing family employees, and balancing delegation with hands-on involvement while keeping a proven firm thriving amid competitive challenges. Founders and aspiring leaders will gain motivational takeaways on building a positive culture, staying in your lane, and discovering fulfillment in unexpected career paths—perfect for making profit your default through smart, sustainable strategies. Learn more about Grant Kirsh and Adoption in Indiana at https://indianaadoption.com Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Jesse Porter, founder of Porter Roofing & Restoration, to unpack his pivot from an accounting degree to building a thriving exterior remodeling business in Indianapolis. Hear how Jesse turned five years of roofing sales experience into his own company amid the 2020 COVID storm, tackling hiring hurdles, cash flow crunches, and rapid growth to 30 employees—while sharing candid lessons on quick decision-making and surrounding yourself with the right team. Aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders: What if one bold leap could transform your career, and how do you adapt when success hits harder than expected? Learn more about Jesse Porter and Porter Roofing & Restoration at https://www.linkedin.com/company/porterroof. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton sits down with Rachel Firestone Mohammad, co-owner of 9th Street Bistro in Noblesville, to explore the real strategies behind launching and sustaining a profitable restaurant—from pivoting during the pandemic to building deep community connections. Discover how embracing flexibility, prioritizing staff well-being, and staying true to your passion can turn unexpected challenges into long-term success, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned business leader. Tune in for motivational insights on organic growth, market adaptation, and why starting small often leads to big wins in the competitive world of hospitality. Learn more about Rachel Firestone Mohammad and 9th Street Bistro at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-firestone-12117040. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Default Profitable, We sit down with Dave Gulas to unpack his shift from two decades in pharma sales to launching EZDC 3PL, a warehousing and fulfillment powerhouse for e-commerce brands. We dive into the raw realities of starting up – from spotting gaps in customer service to navigating pivots, building an online presence, and why resilience beats any perfect plan when you're bootstrapping a business in a crowded field. Ever wondered what it takes to ditch a stable career and build a logistics outfit from scratch? How landing the "wrong" clients can teach you more than any win? What happens when you overload your team and learn the hard way about capacity? And why prioritizing sales activity is the ultimate game-changer, even when you're at full throttle? Oh, and Dave's got six kids – including five teens in a row – keeping the home front as chaotic as startup life. Learn more about Dave Gulas and EZDC 3PL at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegulas. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome aboard another episode of Default Profitable, where we get real about the strategies that turn businesses into consistent cash machines. This time, I sat down with Mikkel Thorup, the expat expert who's bootstrapped his way from a tough school experience to running a 32-person team at ExpatMoney.com. We dive into his wild backstory—getting labeled with a learning disability as a kid, ditching public education early, and turning global travels into a powerhouse consulting firm that helps high-net-worth folks with offshore taxes, immigration, investments, and more. It's all about spotting market gaps, outsourcing everything but your genius, and making profitable your everyday reality. Have you ever wondered what happens when a "special school" kid flips the script on the system and builds an empire without a single loan or investor? What does it take to circumnavigate the globe 400 times, live in nine countries, and consult ultra-wealthy clients on dodging stress while going offshore? How do you bootstrap a business from solo hustler to a team of 32, all while outsourcing cooking, cleaning, and driving to focus on family and flow? And speaking of family, Mikkel's got four kids (with a fifth on the way) and still crushes 10-hour workdays—turns out, that dyslexia his teachers called a brain glitch is now his superpower for hyper-focus, leaving him billing at $1,200 an hour without burning out. Learn more about Mikkel Thorup and ExpatMoney.com at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikkelthorup. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.