On The Fly!

What if you could identify a family at risk of homelessness before they lose their home — and intervene early enough to keep them there? On this episode of On The Fly! , Joan Kaup talks with Kevin Finn, President and CEO of Strategies to End Homelessness in Cincinnati, about a radically different approach to preventing homelessness: using data to identify families at the highest risk of eviction and reaching them before they become homeless. Kevin shares his journey from working with homeless teenagers to leading a coordinated community effort involving dozens of organizations across Greater Cincinnati. He explains how Cincinnati's unusually comprehensive homelessness data helped make predictive analytics possible, and how a Flywheel innovation lab and housing stability hackathon helped lead to the creation of Tenant Guard, a tool that allows people to identify themselves as being at risk of losing their housing. The results are striking. Kevin explains why helping a family remain in their apartment can cost about $3,600 , compared with an average of $22,500 after a family enters a homeless shelter. while also producing better outcomes. The conversation also explores the role of 84.51º, the City of Cincinnati's Impact Award, research with Notre Dame, the potential to take Cincinnati's model to other communities, and the policy changes Kevin hopes could shift more resources toward prevention. Most importantly, Kevin talks about what those numbers mean for real families, especially children who can avoid the disruption of homelessness, including repeatedly changing homes and schools. Learn more Strategies to End Homelessness: strategiestoendhomelessness.org Tenant Guard: tenantguard.org About On The Fly! On The Fly! is a podcast from Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, coaches, investors, and community leaders working to create meaningful social impact. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we pair experienced professionals with purpose-driven founders to make a real difference in our communities. Interested in coaching, mentoring, or starting your own social venture? Visit flywheelcincinnati.org to learn how you can get involved. On The Fly! is produced by Joan Kaup and Joey Scarillo, with support from Gianna DiMona. Music by Ben Hammer. It is recorded at 1819 Innovation Hub, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati.

What if financial success and social impact aren’t competing goals? On this episode of On The Fly! , Donna Zaring talks with Jenna Nicholas, a social entrepreneur, investor, founder, and author whose career has focused on bringing purpose and financial models together. Jenna shares the personal experiences that led her toward social entrepreneurship, from growing up in London to studying at Stanford and discovering the work of pioneers like Muhammad Yunus and Bill Drayton. She talks about her work with Calvert Funds, the World Bank, One Planet VC, Impact Experience, and her current work with Lightpost Capital. The conversation explores one of the biggest misconceptions in impact investing: that you have to choose between financial returns and social and environmental impact. Jenna shares examples of companies demonstrating that both can reinforce one another, and explains what investors look for when evaluating purpose-driven founders. Jenna also introduces the HEAL framework — Hope, Empathy, Abundance and Legacy — and explains how these ideas can become practical guideposts for entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations. From building strong founder communities to thinking seven generations into the future, this conversation asks a bigger question: What does it look like to build businesses around a deeper sense of purpose and meaning? Connect with Jenna 🌐 Jenna-Nicholas.com 🎧 Enlightened Bottom Line Podcast 📖 Enlightened Bottom Line Book ✏️ Jenna’s Substack About On The Fly! On The Fly! is a podcast from Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, coaches, investors, and community leaders working to create meaningful social impact. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we pair experienced professionals with purpose-driven founders to make a real difference in our communities. Interested in coaching, mentoring, or starting your own social venture? Visit flywheelcincinnati.org to learn how you can get involved. On The Fly! is produced by Joan Kaup and Joey Scarillo, with support from Gianna DiMona. Music by Ben Hammer. It is recorded at 1819 Innovation Hub, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati.

What happens when you see something missing in your community and decide to build it yourself? For Allyson West, it started with a question: Why didn't Cincinnati have a film festival where independent filmmakers could bring their work, connect with audiences, and learn from one another? In 2018, she took the risk and launched the Cindependent Film Festival. In this episode of On The Fly!, Joey Scarillo talks with Allyson about the journey from filmmaker to founder and executive director of one of Cincinnati's independent film institutions. She shares what she learned from taking an idea that wasn't fully polished and putting it into the world, why being willing to make mistakes is part of leadership, and how community has sustained Cindependent through the years. Allyson also talks about her experience in Flywheel's 2025 cohort, where she focused on strengthening Cindependent's financial model and turning years of volunteer effort into something sustainable. And she shares the story behind Cindependent's next big project: helping bring the Marymount Theatre back to life as a nonprofit community cinema. Along the way, we talk about mascots, grassroots marketing, working boards, fundraising, popcorn, and why sometimes the most important leadership lesson is simple: somebody's gotta do the work. Connect with Allyson & Cindependent 🎬 Cindependent Film Festival: cindependentfilmfest.org 🎭 Marymount Theatre by Cindependent: Learn more and support the effort to bring this historic community cinema back to life through Cindependent. Get Involved with Flywheel At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we pair experienced professionals with purpose-driven founders to make a real difference in our communities. Interested in coaching, mentoring, or starting your own social venture? Visit flywheelcincinnati.org to learn how you can get involved. About On The Fly! On The Fly! puts a spotlight on social enterprises with the double bottom line—making a positive impact in the world while building sustainable businesses and organizations. Produced by Joan Kaup and Joey Scarillo, with support from Gianna DiMona. Music by Ben Hammer. Recorded at 1819 Innovation Hub, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati.

What does it take to solve the biggest challenges facing our communities? According to social entrepreneur and thought leader Suzanne Smith, it starts with bringing the right people together—even when they don't agree. In this episode of On The Fly!, Joan Kaup talks with Suzanne Smith, founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects and one of the original co-founders of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub. Suzanne reflects on the early days of Flywheel, how the social enterprise ecosystem has evolved over the past 15 years, and why the lines between nonprofit, business, and government are becoming increasingly connected. Suzanne breaks down the differences between social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and social enterprise, and explains why she believes “innovation happens through collision”—when diverse perspectives come together in an environment where people feel safe enough to disagree, challenge assumptions, and stay curious. She also shares the thinking behind her new book, The Nonprofit Flywheel: A Playbook for Sustainable Growth, Smarter Strategy and Lasting Impact , coming October 1, 2026. The conversation offers a challenge to anyone who wants to make a difference: you don't have to start an organization to be a changemaker. You can start right where you are. Connect with Suzanne Suzanne Smith is the founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, a social change agency that works with changemakers to create transformative solutions to social issues. 🌐 Social Impact Architects: socialimpactarchitects.com 📝 Social TrendSpotter: Social TrendSpotter Weekly Blog 📖 The Nonprofit Flywheel — coming October 1, 2026 🌐 Trosa: trosainc.org 🌐 Aileron: aileron.org Get Involved with Flywheel At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we pair experienced professionals with purpose-driven founders to make a real difference in our communities. Interested in coaching, mentoring, or starting your own social venture? Visit flywheelcincinnati.org to learn how you can get involved. About On The Fly! On The Fly! puts a spotlight on social enterprises with the double bottom line—making a positive impact in the world while building sustainable businesses and organizations. Produced by Joan Kaup and Joey Scarillo, with support from Gianna DiMona. Music by Ben Hammer. Recorded at 1819 Innovation Hub, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati.

If you’ve listened to On The Fly! this season, you’ve heard his name come up again and again. From founders to coaches to investors, so many stories begin with the same phrase: “Bill told me…” or “Bill connected me to…” In this season-closing episode of On The Fly! , host Joan Kaup sits down with Bill Tucker —the visionary who helped shape Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub and, in doing so, helped launch hundreds of founders, careers, and community-changing ideas. Bill shares the origin story of Flywheel, from early conversations about social enterprise in the mid-2000s, to winning the RFP that formally launched the hub, to the hard truth that Flywheel’s original business model simply wasn’t sustainable. 💡 Listen to hear more about: How Flywheel came to life—and why it almost didn’t survive its early years Why access to talent, customers, and capital matters for every startup The shift from “building companies” to equipping founders What success really looks like... How Bill thinks about legacy, wisdom, and giving back in his “third act” Rather than pointing to a single “most successful” company, Bill reframes success through the people who’ve gone on to build again, pivot, lead, and mentor others. His philosophy is simple and enduring: bet on the jockey (the founder), not the horse (the company). This episode is a love letter to founders, coaches, and anyone who believes lasting impact is built through relationships, shared learning, and a willingness to step out of the spotlight so others can shine. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we exist to help founders turn purpose into sustainable businesses—through coaching, capital, and community. Whether you’re launching your first venture or looking to give back with your time, talent, or treasure, there’s a place for you in the Flywheel ecosystem. Learn more at flywheelcincinnati.org . On The Fly! will take a little break and be back with new episodes later this year.

In this powerful episode of On The Fly!, host Joan Kaup sits down with Eileen MacDermott Budo , CEO of Last Mile Food Rescue , to unpack how a bold idea, smart logistics, and community-powered technology are transforming food waste into meals for neighbors across Greater Cincinnati. Eileen shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Last Mile Food Rescue evolved from a rocky early concept into a tech-enabled nonprofit that has rescued more than 14 million pounds of fresh, healthy food —preventing waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and delivering over 12 million meals to people facing food insecurity. Drawing on her background at Procter & Gamble and the U.S. Air Force, Eileen explains why execution, logistics, and human connection are just as important as a mission. From volunteer drivers using their own cars, to dispatch teams managing rescues in real time, to large-scale event recovery at festivals like Taste of Cincinnati and Oktoberfest, this conversation highlights how innovation and people come together to solve what Eileen calls a “dumb problem” – good food going to landfills while people go hungry . Listen to hear about: Why food waste is both an environmental and social crisis—and how rescuing just 25% could eliminate food insecurity How Last Mile Food Rescue blends technology and human relationships to scale impact The logistics behind real-time food rescue and volunteer coordination What it takes to grow a nonprofit from a kitchen-table idea into a regional operation How mobile markets are bringing free, fresh food directly into underserved neighborhoods Why failure, pivots, and the right partners were critical to Last Mile’s success To learn more about Last Mile Food Rescue , visit lastmilefoodrescue.org to explore how technology, volunteers, and partnerships are helping redirect surplus food to neighbors who need it most. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we believe stories like Eileen’s show what’s possible when mission-driven leaders combine purpose with execution. Learn how Flywheel supports social entrepreneurs, builds strong leadership teams, and helps bold ideas take flight at flywheelcincinnati.org .

In this thoughtful and grounded episode of On The Fly! , Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring sits down with Mark Davis , CEO of TableSense and longtime Flywheel board member, to unpack what it really means to create social impact that lasts. Mark describes his journey from CPA and consultant to social entrepreneur working at the intersection of research, investment, and advocacy in the child welfare space. Along the way, he challenges some of the most common assumptions founders make about nonprofits, funding, and impact. Rather than starting with tax status or funding mechanisms, Mark offers a simple but powerful lens: Who are you creating value for—and how? This episode is a must-listen for founders navigating social enterprise models, nonprofit leaders rethinking sustainability, and anyone who believes impact work deserves clearer thinking and braver conversations. 💡 Listen to hear more about: Why nonprofit vs. for-profit is often the wrong first question How social enterprises differ when the beneficiary isn’t the payer What “wicked problems” really are—and why they require partnerships Why jobs are a critical catalyst for housing, education, and childcare The role of investment capital as permanent social capital How TableSense blends research, investing, and policy to drive change Why common sense, honesty, and “directionally correct” decisions matter more than perfection Learn more about TableSense’s work and resources at tablesense.org , and follow their insights on LinkedIn for updates on how they’re advancing opportunities in child wellbeing, workforce stability, and community resilience. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we help founders and nonprofits start with value—building businesses and organizations that deliver both financial sustainability and social impact. Learn how Flywheel supports entrepreneurs, coaches leaders, and strengthens Cincinnati’s impact ecosystem at flywheelcincinnati.org .

In this thoughtful and grounding episode of On The Fly!, host Joan Kaup sits down with Joe Vallo , one of Flywheel’s longest-serving subject matter experts and a trusted guide for founders navigating the world of finance. With decades of experience spanning Big Eight consulting firms, startup leadership, and independent advisory work, Joe brings clarity to a topic many entrepreneurs avoid: money. But as he explains, finance isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s about operations, customers, and asking the right questions at the right time . Together, Joan and Joe explore the holistic nature of entrepreneurship and why financial models are really just operational stories told with numbers. 💡 Listen to hear more about: Why your customer—not your product—should dictate how you build your business How financial models reveal operational blind spots Common red flags Joe sees when founders first share their spreadsheets Why “everyone is your customer” is almost always the wrong answer How iteration, failure, and erasing the whiteboard are part of healthy growth The surprising similarities between nonprofit and for-profit financial management Why coaching founders has been one of the most rewarding chapters of Joe’s career Joe also shares why Flywheel’s coaching model works so well—and why experienced business leaders should consider giving back as coaches, mentors, and supporters of social enterprise. This episode is a must-listen for founders who want to feel more confident about money, coaches who want to ask better questions, and anyone who believes business is as much about listening as it is about leading. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we bring together founders, coaches, and subject matter experts to help social enterprises build strong, sustainable businesses. Learn how Flywheel supports entrepreneurs and strengthens Cincinnati’s impact ecosystem at flywheelcincinnati.org .

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of On The Fly! host Joan Kaup sits down with Valda Freeman-Karmo , electrical engineer, mother, and social entrepreneur whose company, AARON Wearable Tech , was born from love, urgency, and lived experience. Inspired by her sons with cognitive disabilities and the realities families face during interactions with first responders, Valda set out to design technology that could save lives. The result is a wearable system—part hardware, part software—that uses GPS and communication tools to help first responders quickly understand when someone has a cognitive disability or mental health challenge. Together, Joan and Valda unpack: How personal experience sparked a mission-driven tech startup Why AARON Wearable Tech operates at the intersection of SaaS and social impact The realities of funding a company through grants, bootstrapping, and sheer persistence What makes funding tech startups different from funding social enterprises How Flywheel’s milestone-based grants helped turn an idea into a viable product Why accelerators, advisors, and community are essential for founders building complex solutions Valda also shares candid insights on patience, humility, and why hearing the basics over and over again —from different perspectives—can be the key to long-term success. This episode is a must-listen for founders navigating funding, caregivers advocating for safer systems, and anyone interested in how technology can be designed with dignity, empathy, and purpose at its core. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we support founders who build solutions where purpose meets profit. Learn how Flywheel coaches entrepreneurs, funds early milestones, and helps social impact ventures grow at flywheelcincinnati.org .

In this high-energy episode of On The Fly! , host Joan Kaup brings back to the pod two globally minded founders whose paths collided inside Flywheel’s accelerator — and sparked a collaboration grounded in sustainability, product innovation, and a shared history of building businesses across Asia. Flywheel is excited to welcome back Andrew Bliss , and Lucas Williamson , for a bonus conversation with both amazing founders. Andrew is the founder of EcoShell , who turn discarded eggshells into breakthrough materials used in plastics, packaging, footwear, and more. Lucas is the founder of Product Refinery , he is the design and engineering mind behind hundreds of consumer products brought from sketch to shelf. Though their companies are different, their values align: design with intention, build sustainably, fail forward, and always tell the truth about what it takes to create physical products that last. Their work spans continents — from Cincinnati to Asia and back — transforming discarded materials into sustainable plastics and turning bold product ideas into market-ready reality. 💡 Listen to hear more about: The unexpected ways Taiwan and China shaped their careers What founders get wrong about manufacturing and supply chains Why sustainability is a design challenge—not just a materials challenge The power of advisory boards, mentors, and diverse support networks How Flywheel creates collisions that turn founders into collaborators Why Cincinnati is one of the most supportive environments for social entrepreneurs This episode is a masterclass in global entrepreneurship, product innovation, and the gritty reality of building things that matter. Learn more at EcoShell.eco and Product Refinery.co ! 📣 Call to Action: At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we believe in founders who build for both profit and purpose. Explore how we support entrepreneurs, connect coaches, and help social impact ideas grow at flywheelcincinnati.org .

On this episode of On The Fly! , Joan Kaup sits down with Lucas Williamson , founder of Product Refinery and a serial entrepreneur who’s helped creators around the world turn ideas into reality. From electric skateboards to baby gear, Lucas has spent his career helping founders take their ideas from napkin sketches to market-ready products—while learning what it truly takes to build something that lasts. Lucas shares how a local litter hackathon sparked his social enterprise Clean Up Collective , why self-awareness matters more than a Shark Tank deal, and how defining your own version of success can reshape the way you work and live. Listen to hear more about: How Lucas took a design hobby and turned it into a global product development company. Lessons learned from nearly making it to Shark Tank—twice. The creation of Clean Up Collective and how it’s tackling litter with entrepreneurial innovation. Why he believes “people over profits” should be the guiding principle for every founder. How Flywheel’s accelerator helped refine his pitch, sharpen his business model, and connect him to Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we believe in founders who build for both profit and purpose. Learn how we support entrepreneurs, connect coaches, and help social impact ideas grow at flywheelcincinnati.org

On this fascinating episode of On The Fly! , host Joan Kaup sits down with global entrepreneur Andrew Bliss , founder and CEO of EcoShell , a company transforming agricultural waste into sustainable materials used in plastics. Andrew’s journey is anything but ordinary, from teaching abroad in Asia, to launching multiple companies in Taiwan, to discovering an innovative eggshell-based technology that brought him back home to Cincinnati. With humor, humility, and candor, he shares how cultural immersion, language learning, and early failures sharpened his entrepreneurial instincts. EcoShell’s patented technology is already making waves around the world, replacing a significant portion of traditional plastics with repurposed eggshells—reducing environmental impact without compromising performance. Andrew talks about what it takes to build trust overseas, why he returned to Cincinnati to launch EcoShell, and how accelerators like Flywheel helped him translate a breakthrough material into a viable business. 💡 Listen to hear more about: How a “life reset” launched Andrew into global entrepreneurship and shaped the creation of EcoShell Why eggshells are a powerful agricultural waste with massive sustainability potential What makes EcoShell’s patented material different from typical fillers How major brands are exploring EcoShell’s eggshell-based innovation How Flywheel’s Sustainability Accelerator helped refine Andrew’s pitch, financial story, and U.S. market strategy Why Andrew believes connections—not ideas—are the most powerful fuel for entrepreneurs 🗓️Since the Podcast EcoShell has skyrocketed forward. Andrew and his team have: Joined the competitive MassChallenge accelerator in Switzerland, building global partnerships and expanding EcoShell’s international reach Launched a collaboration with a leading plastics manufacturer to create sustainable films and trays designed to extend product shelf life Entered large-scale trials with a major global footwear brand using EcoShell’s material innovations Spoken on a Startup Cincy Week panel about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the new entrepreneurial landscape EcoShell is quickly becoming an international force in sustainable material innovation, and Flywheel is proudly part of its origin story. You can learn more and connect with EcoShell at EcoShell.eco or on their LinkedIn . 📣 Call to Action: At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we believe in entrepreneurs building for both profit and purpose. Explore how we support founders, invest in big ideas, and strengthen Cincinnati’s innovation ecosystem: flywheelcincinnati.org

In this special bonus episode of On The Fly! , host Joan Kaup flips the script and sits down with Joey Scarillo —the producer of the show and a Flywheel coach—to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to make a podcast. From his early days stage managing theater productions and curating road-trip podcasts, to launching award-winning branded podcasts in New York, Joey shares the journey that led him to Cincinnati and to producing On The Fly! for Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub. Along the way, he offers practical advice for founders considering podcasting as part of their storytelling toolkit. ✨ Listen to hear more about: Joey’s path from theater to advertising to podcasting. Lessons from producing Grey’s Matter and #5Things podcasts—both recognized with Webby and Adweek Awards. Why Flywheel needed a podcast and how On The Fly! was born. Practical tips for entrepreneurs: when to start a podcast, when to hold off, and why guesting on shows can be just as powerful. The importance of clarity, consistency, and avoiding “podfade.” 📌 Learn more about Joey’s work at joeyscarillo.com . Check out other podcasts: Grey Matter , #5Things , and the 4-part fiction podcast: The Box . At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in the power of storytelling to amplify social entrepreneurs, coaches, and investors driving change in Cincinnati. Explore how we support founders and fuel impact: flywheelcincinnati.org .

Recorded LIVE at StartUpCincy Week 2025, this episode of On The Fly! brings together leaders from city government, business, and the social impact ecosystem to explore how collaboration powers innovation in Cincinnati. Host Joan Kaup moderates a lively conversation with Cincinnati Council Member, Evan Nolan, First Financial Bank’s CMO, Jenny Powell, and Flywheel’s Program Director, Samuel Baker about how social entrepreneurship, civic partnerships, and creative problem-solving are transforming the region—from filling potholes to fueling startups. 💡 Listen to hear more about: How the Pave the Way Innovation Lab helped Cincinnati rethink infrastructure using entrepreneurial talent. The role of collaboration between the city, local businesses, and Flywheel in tackling community challenges. Examples of startups creating tangible social and economic impact from affordable housing to renewable energy. Why coaching and mentorship are vital to building a thriving innovation ecosystem. How social enterprises strengthen local economies, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of changemakers. 📣 Reach out: At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we connect social entrepreneurs, coaches, and community partners to drive double-bottom-line impact across Cincinnati. Learn more about how we support founders and fuel innovation for good at flywheelcincinnati.org 📢 Shout out: The producers of On The Fly! would like to thank Evan Garcia, and the team at StartUp Cincy Week for their support and contributions to making this episode possible!

In this energetic episode of On The Fly! host Joan Kaup sits down with Shailah Maynard, co-founder and CEO of Sew Valley , alongside Madeleine “Maddie” Tepe Misleh and Aubrey Krekeler, co-directors of operations. Together, these three women are reshaping what apparel manufacturing can look like, based in Cincinnati. From providing living-wage jobs in a historically exploitative industry to innovating zero-waste solutions and creating custom stage jackets for the Cincinnati Pops, Sew Valley proves that clothing can be designed, produced, and celebrated in ways that honor both people and planet. Listen to hear more about: Why Sew Valley launched as a nonprofit and how it sustains its mission in a tough industry. The power of collaboration and co-leadership in running a small but mighty team. Tackling sustainability challenges with creative solutions, from fabric scrap recycling to thoughtful design practices. How Sew Valley supports students, entrepreneurs, and brands through education, incubation, and cut-and-sew services. What it takes to rebuild an industry that barely exists in the U.S.—and why they’re ringing a thrift-store bell to celebrate wins along the way. Explore Sew Valley’s workshops, services, and mission at sewvalley.org or follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @sewvalley . Since the podcast: Sew Valley’s craftsmanship reached an international stage at New York Fashion Week in September. Partnering with designer Gabe Gordon and his team, Sew Valley transformed recycled gray T-shirts into a striking dress that appeared in Gordon’s Autoerotic collection , garnering praise from Vogue and spotlighting Cincinnati’s role in pushing sustainable fashion forward. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in the power of social entrepreneurs like Sew Valley to drive equity and impact in our neighborhoods. Learn how Flywheel supports founders, invests in big ideas, and helps social enterprises thrive: flywheelcincinnati.org

On this episode of On The Fly!, Flywheel board member and Inclusion Building Solutions founder Byron Stallworth steps in as guest host for a conversation with Brooke Foley, CEO of Jayne Agency and Donna Zaring, Executive Director of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub. Together, they explore the art and science of brand clarity—and why mastering your pitch matters more than perfecting your slides. From her early career in Chicago’s high-powered ad world to building a methodology that brings clarity to Fortune 500s and startups alike, Brooke shares her insights into how entrepreneurs can refine their message, practice with intention, and deliver a pitch that resonates—whether it’s to investors, customers, or neighbors at the zoning board. Listen to hear more about: Why your brand’s position and promise form the foundation of every pitch. How practice (yes, in front of the bathroom mirror!) transforms nerves into confidence. What investors are really listening for when you pitch—and how they assess risk. The role of mentorship, coachability, and feedback in winning investment. How staying true to your brand strategy protects against scope creep and burnout. Learn more about Brooke’s work at Jayne Agency and explore her Clarity University offerings at jayneagency.com You can also connect with her on LinkedIn . Information about Jonathan Preedom can be found at www.jonathanpreedom.com . At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we know that brand clarity and storytelling are powerful tools for founders balancing profit and purpose. Explore how Flywheel supports social entrepreneurs through coaching, mentorship, and accelerator programs: flywheelcincinnati.org

What exactly is a Philanthropreneur—and why are they so important to Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem? In this inspiring episode of On The Fly! , host Joan Kaup sits down with Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring along with seasoned philanthropreneurs Melisse May, Sandy Hughes and Bob Ziek to explore how combining the mindset of an entrepreneur with the generosity of a philanthropist is transforming our community. From milestone-based funding for social impact startups to deep mentoring relationships and hands-on board involvement, this is impact investing with heart. You’ll hear how Philanthropreneurs help early-stage founders scale their ideas into sustainable enterprises—and why you don’t need to be a millionaire to make a difference. Listen to hear more about: The origins of Flywheel’s trademarked Philanthropreneur® program How $500 “Changemaker” opportunities open the door to impact investing Why milestone stipends are game-changers for early-stage founders Success stories like Last Mile Food Rescue and Cincinnati Recycling & ReUse Hub The personal rewards of seeing your investment multiply through community impact Call to Action: At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we connect social entrepreneurs with the coaches, investors, and resources they need to thrive. Whether you want to be a $500 ChangeMaker or a $5,000 Philanthropreneur, there’s a seat at the table for you. Learn more at flywheelcincinnati.org .

In this forward-looking episode of On The Fly! , Flywheel’s Program Director Samuel Baker sits down with Cincinnati City Council Member Meeka Owens. Elected in 2021, Meeka is helping lead one of the first local government climate committees in the nation to prioritize sustainability, racial equity, and measurable results. From updating the Green Cincinnati Plan to centering equity in climate action and launching the city’s first Housing Stabilization Hackathon, Meeka shares how innovation and government can—and must—work together to address housing, climate change, and community resilience. Listen to hear more about: How climate policy intersects with housing, transportation, and quality of life The 3 S’s of affordable housing: stabilization, subsidy, and stock How Cincinnati used its first-ever Impact Award to address eviction prevention The role of hackathons in creating tech-enabled housing solutions Why government, entrepreneurs, and social services must collaborate to solve systemic issues Call to Action: At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub , we believe in bringing together innovators, policymakers, and community leaders to solve our city’s toughest challenges. Learn how we’re helping founders build sustainable, equitable solutions at flywheelcincinnati.org .

What does it look like when a company brews more than beer, it brews lasting impact? In this energizing episode of On The Fly! host Joan Kaup welcomes Rhiannon Hoeweler, VP of Experience & Impact at MadTree Brewing, a Cincinnati-based company redefining what a brewery can be. From composting and green energy to urban tree planting and employee-led volunteering, MadTree is leading by example as Ohio’s first and only Certified B Corporation brewery. Rhiannon shares how MadTree went from a garage startup to a three-location force for sustainability and equity. With a bold goal of delivering $5 million in community impact by 2030, this isn’t just a craft beer brand — it’s a full-fledged social enterprise. Listen to hear more about: What it takes to become a Certified B Corp and why it matters How MadTree integrates environmental and social impact into every aspect of its operations How MadTree’s internal culture of volunteering and green values attracts talent Lessons for emerging entrepreneurs on patience, progress, and building a vision over time Learn more: MadTree and their taproom locations, events, and impact stories: MadTree Brewing , Instagram , and LinkedIn Mad Tree’s annual tree-planting events: Let’s Grow Local Nonprofit partners: Strategies to End Homelessness At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we love partnering with companies like MadTree that blend vision with accountability, community with commerce. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just someone who loves seeing good business done well, learn how Flywheel supports social innovation at flywheelcincinnati.org .

In this dynamic episode of On The Fly! , Flywheel Executive Director Donna Zaring sits down with Liz Keating, former Cincinnati City Council member and current VP of Government Affairs at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, to explore how civic innovation can thrive when entrepreneurs and policymakers join forces. From tackling litter and recycling to addressing eviction and housing instability, Liz shares how hackathons—intensive, solution-driven events—are changing the way governments approach problem-solving. With Flywheel as a key partner, these collaborations have not only led to community-wide improvements but have sparked new startups, fostered empathy, and reimagined how public funding can drive long-term, people-first impact. Listen to hear more about: How a groups co-created winning solutions to Cincinnati’s litter problem The birth of the Cleanup Cart from Product Refinery, a startup launched through a Flywheel hackathon Why housing stabilization is an economic, human, and entrepreneurial issue, and how Cincinnati piloted an innovative grant to prevent eviction The ripple effect of bringing together government, community, and entrepreneurs to solve shared challenges How policies around childcare, housing, and transit connect directly to workforce growth and business success Mentioned in this episode: Product Refinery – Startup that developed the Cleanup Cart Strategies to End Homelessness – Partner in the housing stabilization hackathon Main Street Ventures – Funders supporting startups born from civic innovation At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe entrepreneurs are some of our greatest problem solvers. From the litter on our streets to the housing crisis in our neighborhoods, Flywheel brings together innovation, empathy, and real-world application to drive double-bottom-line solutions. Learn how to get involved or support our mission at flywheelcincinnati.org .