Renegade Ventures

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tiffany Nugent, founder of Salt Wellness, as she shares her remarkable journey from C-suite executive to wellness entrepreneur. In this episode, Tiffany opens up about the bold decision to acquire an established business while launching her own, the challenges of blending family and business, and the importance of authenticity in leadership. We dive into the world of alternative healing, discuss the realities of running a wellness business, and explore how community, risk-taking, and personal growth all play a role in entrepreneurial success. Whether you’re a business owner, wellness enthusiast, or just love a good story of reinvention, this episode is for you!

Step into the world of Phoebe Wood, a trailblazing Louisville executive whose career spans leadership roles on major corporate boards, strategic investments in startups, and advisory work through her firm, KirtleyWood LLC. In this episode of Renegade Ventures, Phoebe shares insights from her path in psychology and finance, her decades of board experience with companies like Invesco and PPL Corporation, and how she approaches complex challenges with clarity, collaboration, and strategic foresight. Tune in for a smart, engaging conversation on leadership, governance, and the mindset required to thrive at the highest levels of business.

In this episode, the founders of Martin and Muir, Lauren Muir and Renesha Martin, discuss their journey from high school aspirations to becoming successful entrepreneurs in the mental health field. They delve into their personal challenges, professional experiences, and the pivotal moments that led them to start their own counseling practice. They also share how their practice grew exponentially due to their unique approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Breonna Taylor protests. Additionally, they talk about their expansion into consulting and other entrepreneurial ventures. Lastly, they provide insights into their current operations, which include various therapeutic services and community involvement.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Guests00:59 High School Reflections: Lauren's Journey03:04 High School Reflections: Ranisha's Journey05:58 College Years and Early Career: Lauren's Path10:50 College Years and Early Career: Ranisha's Path17:06 The Birth of Martin and Muir Counseling22:11 The Birth of a New Business22:43 Community Outreach and Growth23:42 Official Launch and Expansion25:38 Challenges During the Pandemic26:43 Supporting Protestors and Community28:14 Rising to the Occasion32:40 Becoming Community Leaders39:28 Current State and Future Plans44:08 Entrepreneurial Ventures47:30 Additional Business Ventures50:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

Ellie Puckett, CEO of Resonate Recordings, shares her journey into acquisition entrepreneurship, discussing her transition from technology startups to buying a portion of Resonate Recordings. She introduces two other entrepreneurs, Brian and Lydia, who have also made the switch from startups to acquisitions. Brian, a traditional software entrepreneur, and Lydia, an expert in tech systems and team building, share their experiences and criteria for selecting businesses to acquire. They highlight the importance of understanding personal and professional goals, leveraging strengths, and focusing on specific industry criteria. Both emphasize the unexpected challenges and learning experiences in acquisition entrepreneurship, while underscoring the significance of maintaining community-based businesses. The discussion is aimed at demystifying acquisition entrepreneurship and encouraging individuals to explore this rewarding pathway.

In this episode, hosts Ellie and Maggie sit down with entrepreneur Tawana Bain to explore her journey of resilience and self-discovery. Reflecting on her high school graduation, Tawana shares feelings of fear and uncertainty, admitting she hadn't yet recognized her own gifts. Despite personal struggles, she recalls an innate ability to solve problems and connect with people. The discussion highlights the challenge of identifying and nurturing unique talents, especially when they don't align with traditional expectations.After high school, Tawana chose to attend Brockport College, initially without a clear direction. Living in the inner city, she made intuitive choices, eventually majoring in French and minoring in computer science, later swapping them. The conversation delves into her self-directed nature and the challenges it posed within her family dynamics. She reflects on parenting her own grandchildren, recognizing similar traits and striving to nurture them differently. Her early career included a year in France to hone her language skills, followed by work in a call center where she utilized both her French and tech background. Facing career roadblocks, she pivoted to a small design firm, where her problem-solving skills shone in high-level meetings. The hosts discuss the importance of speaking up, unlearning fear, and the value of supportive mentors—or the lack thereof.Tawana's entrepreneurial journey takes her to Miami for a commission sales job, and later to Louisville, Kentucky. Balancing work and motherhood, she eventually leaves a job to help launch a payroll business for an entrepreneur. After building the business, she departs to start her own company, Back Office Marketing, leveraging her network and skills in telemarketing and lead generation. The group discusses the challenges of control, equity, and incentivizing key team members in small businesses. Tawana shares her philosophy on rewarding dedication and the lessons learned from not having ownership in ventures she helped build. Her ventures expand to include TBA & Co., a company that blends for-profit business with nonprofit values, emphasizing community connection and social impact. She also opens a boutique and purchases Black Jockey’s Lounge, using delayed receivables to fund new ventures.The conversation shifts to Tawana's role as a Black woman entrepreneur in underrepresented spaces and the importance of visibility for inspiring others. She discusses her latest venture as CEO of American Clean Resources Group, a publicly traded firm focused on building a massive renewable energy industrial park in Nevada. The project aims to generate clean energy while boosting industrial production, economic growth, and job opportunities. Tawana describes the project's scale, innovation, and bipartisan support, as well as her excitement in combining creativity with operational expertise. The hosts and Tawana discuss the tension between leading with social good and articulating a strong business value proposition. Tawana shares her evolution: learning to balance doing good with making money and helping others see the value in both. The episode wraps with encouragement for entrepreneurs to embrace both profit and purpose, with the hosts expressing excitement for Tawana’s future chapters and thanking her for sharing her journey and insights.

Amy Meredith, co-founder and executive director of UP for Women and Children, has transformed her personal and professional experiences into a mission to combat homelessness in Louisville. Drawing from her early involvement in her family's manufacturing business and subsequent roles in marketing and business development, Amy co-founded UP in 2017 with Andrea Scott. Recognizing a critical gap in services for women and children experiencing homelessness, they established Louisville’s first and only women-only day shelter. Since opening its doors in 2018, UP has provided essential services such as showers, secure storage, and case management, serving over 3,000 individuals and assisting more than 500 in securing permanent housing. WLKYUnder Amy's leadership, UP operates as a hub, connecting guests with vital resources including legal aid, housing assistance, and healthcare services. The organization has seen a significant increase in demand, with a 60% rise in service needs reported in 2023. Currently open three days a week, UP plans to expand its hours and physical space to accommodate the growing need. Amy emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment, stating, "Sometimes it's just having a safe space to be for the day." WLKYAmy's dedication to social impact has been recognized through several accolades, including the 2023 Nonprofit Visionary Leader Award from Louisville Business First. She was also nominated for the 2024 Today’s Woman “Most Admired Woman” award in Community and Sisterhood. Her approach to nonprofit leadership mirrors that of running a business, focusing on sustainable staffing, strategic growth, and community collaboration. In 2024, UP received a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 Louisville, enabling further expansion of services to meet the increasing needs of women and children facing homelessness. UP For Women and ChildrenLooking ahead, Amy and the UP team are preparing to address emerging challenges, such as the maternal health crisis, while continuing to advocate for vulnerable populations. Their commitment to providing comprehensive support and fostering community partnerships positions UP as a vital resource in Louisville's efforts to combat homelessness. Through resilience and innovation, Amy Meredith exemplifies how entrepreneurial skills can drive meaningful change in the nonprofit sector.Key Topics: 1:08 - Introducing today’s guest Amy Meredith. 2:15 - Amy’s Early Career and Influences. 6:01 - Business Challenges, Loss, Personal Life Struggles. 11:41 - Amy’s Career Shift and Finding New Purpose. 14:16 - The Need for a Day Center for Women and Children. 20:31 - ​​Growth and Expansion Amidst Challenges. 22:59 - Serving Diverse Community Needs. 26:02 - The Growth and Financial Aspects of Nonprofits. 29:09 - Preparing for Future Challenges. Links: Learn more about Ellie Puckett and Maggie Harlow. Learn more about Up for Women and Children.

In this episode Maggie and Ellie sit down with a rising-star and all around MVP - Olivia Wang of Wang’s Window Washing. From Olivia’s TWO master’s degrees, early itch for entrepreneurship, to her professional women’s tackle football career - Olivia tackles every goal head-on. This episode discusses the long-term goals of starting a small business, and how the lessons can be replicated and scaled. Young Dreamer’s FundWang's Window Washing is empowering underserved Louisville & Lexington youth (ages 13-21) with financial support, mentorship, and resources to turn their innovative ideas into reality, fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and community connections. More information about the Young Dreamer’s Fund here.