Zero Excuses

There is time to start difficult things with Tiffany Sauder, Indianapolis

Tiffany Sauder is the President of Indianapolis-based marketing firm Element Three. She took over as President at age 24 and since then has grown the agency into a six-time Inc 5,000 Fastest Growing Company. She's been a Top 40 Under 40, and is well-known as a talented keynote speaker contributing to Harvard Business Review and Harris School of Art and Design.   Most importantly, she's raising four daughters with her husband JR. How does she do it? She makes Zero Excuses.   In this c...

There is time to start difficult things | Tiffany Sauder

Tiffany Sauder is the President of Indianapolis-based marketing firm Element Three. She took over as President at age 24 and since then has grown the agency into a six-time Inc 5,000 Fastest Growing Company. She's been a Top 40 Under 40, and is well-known as a talented keynote speaker contributing to Harvard Business Review and Harris School of Art and Design.   Most importantly, she's raising four daughters with her husband JR. How does she do it? She makes Zero Excuses.   In this c...

There is time to plan with Jason Wuerfel, Indianapolis

Jason Wuerfel is the founder of Books and Brews, an Indianapolis-based bookstore-brewery mashup. He is also the CEO of Rad Brewing and Bookworm Media Company. He’s even taught himself carpentry and built most of the furniture in his stores.  Jason is a master of making the most out of every opportunity, whether it’s launching a new business or pursuing a hobby. How does he do it? He makes Zero Excuses. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Jason’s love for books and business inspired him...

There is time to plan | Jason Wuerfel

Jason Wuerfel is the founder of Books and Brews, an Indianapolis-based bookstore-brewery mashup. He is also the CEO of Rad Brewing and Bookworm Media Company. He’s even taught himself carpentry and built most of the furniture in his stores.  Jason is a master of making the most out of every opportunity, whether it’s launching a new business or pursuing a hobby. How does he do it? He makes Zero Excuses. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Jason’s love for books and business inspired him...

There is time for change with Matt Troyer, Indianapolis

Matt Troyer is a newly-minted ultra marathoner and actively involved philanthropist with the Indianapolis community. Recently, these two passions collided to create OneThousandOneCity, an organization that donates shoes to underprivileged kids and builds connections across the city by running 10 miles per day for a hundred days. Matt is a husband, father, and CEO of Emergent Construction, which focuses on historic neighborhoods in the Indianapolis area. How does he do it? He makes Zero Exc...

There is time for change | Matt Troyer

Matt Troyer is a newly-minted ultra marathoner and actively involved philanthropist with the Indianapolis community. Recently, these two passions collided to create OneThousandOneCity, an organization that donates shoes to underprivileged kids and builds connections across the city by running 10 miles per day for a hundred days. Matt is a husband, father, and CEO of Emergent Construction, which focuses on historic neighborhoods in the Indianapolis area. How does he do it? He makes Zero Exc...

There is Time for Zero Excuses

Seth Morales is the CEO of the Morales Group, and he is passionate about the process of building something from nothing and doing it with purpose. He describes the Morales Group as a cause disguised as a company, and lives each day with the knowledge that businesses don’t grow, people do. He lives out the Zero Excuses lifestyle as well as anyone.  However, on this episode of Zero Excuses, we are flipping the script. Instead of Nick doing the interviewing, he’ll be on the hot seat while Set...

There is time for reflection with Kelly Garrett, St. Louis

With a mission to change the state of education in St. Louis, our next guest is nothing short of amazing. Kelly Garrett is the Executive Director of the KIPP St. Louis Charter School and one of the most significant education leaders in the city. During his six years there, they've opened up six new schools, serving hundreds of students. He also balances work with soccer practice and cello lessons for two growing boys. How does Kelly do it? He makes Zero Excuses, and he uses his passion for...

There is time for reflection | Kelly Garrett

With a mission to change the state of education in St. Louis, our next guest is nothing short of amazing. Kelly Garrett is the Executive Director of the KIPP St. Louis Charter School and one of the most significant education leaders in the city. During his six years there, they've opened up six new schools, serving hundreds of students. He also balances work with soccer practice and cello lessons for two growing boys. How does Kelly do it? He makes Zero Excuses, and he uses his passion for...

There is time to take action with John O'Leary, St. Louis

When my next guest, John O'Leary, was just nine years old, he wasn’t expected to live. Having suffered burns over a hundred percent of his body after a terrible accident. Now, his life's mission is to teach others how to truly live through his inspirational books, coaching podcasts, and speaking engagements.  How did he do it? He makes Zero Excuses, and without question, he truly embodies the ethos of what this show is all about. After You Listen:  Connect with John: https://johnolearyi...

There is time to take action | John O'Leary

When my next guest, John O'Leary, was just nine years old, he wasn’t expected to live. Having suffered burns over a hundred percent of his body after a terrible accident. Now, his life's mission is to teach others how to truly live through his inspirational books, coaching podcasts, and speaking engagements.  How did he do it? He makes Zero Excuses, and without question, he truly embodies the ethos of what this show is all about. After You Listen:  Connect with John: https://johnolearyi...

There is time for listening | Kristen Wild and Ryan McClure

There is time for listening with Kristen Wild and Ryan McClure, St. Louis

This episode we’re doing something a bit different featuring two guests, who have a passion for others, a passion for pouring into St. Louis, and who have made careers out of giving back.  Kristen Wild, Executive Director at Operation Food Search and Ryan McClure, Executive Director at Gateway Arch Park Foundation, highlights the opportunity to use our gifts for good. How do they do it? They know their values and seek the Zero Excuses mentality of continual improvement for themselves and t...

There is time for others with Mike Reynolds, Indianapolis

Leaving a stable job at a reputable company with a one-house income of five kids to launch your venture is not something many would have the courage to do. Mike Reynolds, father, husband, and digital product agency owner, took a leap of faith when launching Innovatemap seven years ago.  How did he decide to do something that inevitably takes up more mental and physical bandwidth? He made Zero Excuses. And by pursuing passions vigorously with a supportive network,  you can too.  I’m Nick Sm...

There is time for others | Mike Reynolds

Leaving a stable job at a reputable company with a one-house income of five kids to launch your venture is not something many would have the courage to do. Mike Reynolds, father, husband, and digital product agency owner, took a leap of faith when launching Innovatemap seven years ago.  How did he decide to do something that inevitably takes up more mental and physical bandwidth? He made Zero Excuses. And by pursuing passions vigorously with a supportive network,  you can too.  I’m Nick Sm...

There is time for learning | Tracy Hutton

One of the largest real estate companies in Indianapolis is Century 21 Scheetz. And it’s run by CEO and Co-owner, Tracy Hutton. Tracy is the mother of two grown children, an influential leader fighting for the homeless community, and a fierce advocate for young girls. Growing up she didn’t have a role model for what it looked like to be a mother with a career. Yet, through a strong support network, the partnership of her business mentor, Mick Scheetz, and a refusal to take ‘no’ for an answ...

There is time for learning with Tracy Hutton, Carmel

One of the largest real estate companies in Indianapolis is Century 21 Scheetz. And it’s run by CEO and Co-owner, Tracy Hutton. Tracy is the mother of two grown children, an influential leader fighting for the homeless community, and a fierce advocate for young girls. Growing up she didn’t have a role model for what it looked like to be a mother with a career. Yet, through a strong support network, the partnership of her business mentor, Mick Scheetz, and a refusal to take ‘no’ for an answ...

There is time for the three B’s with Norris Cunningham, Indianapolis

Norris Cunningham serves on the board of directors of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, is co-founder of Katz Korin Cunningham, a well-known attorney and an advocate for diversity initiatives across the country. Outside of all this, he's passionate about bringing more persons of color into the legal community.  In our conversation, Norris shares how his career in the military and the education he’s received has inspired him to advocate for diversity. As a society, we are in a critical ...

There is time for the three B’s | Norris Cunningham

Norris Cunningham serves on the board of directors of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, is co-founder of Katz Korin Cunningham, a well-known attorney and an advocate for diversity initiatives across the country. Outside of all this, he's passionate about bringing more persons of color into the legal community.  In our conversation, Norris shares how his career in the military and the education he’s received has inspired him to advocate for diversity. As a society, we are in a critical ...

There is time for giving with Tina Cloer, Indianapolis

The Children’s Bureau of Indianapolis is an organization with close ties to Nick Smarrelli, which specializes in delivering child abuse prevention and intervention services throughout the entire state of Indiana. Featuring CEO Tina Cloer, CEO of the organization is both an honor and a privilege as she shares her Zero Excuses Mentality.  After you listen to Tina, we hope you leave inspired because she had every reason to live a life of excuses yet she chose differently. Hear Tina’s story in...

There is time for giving | Tina Cloer

The Children’s Bureau of Indianapolis is an organization with close ties to Nick Smarrelli, which specializes in delivering child abuse prevention and intervention services throughout the entire state of Indiana. Featuring CEO Tina Cloer, CEO of the organization is both an honor and a privilege as she shares her Zero Excuses Mentality.  After you listen to Tina, we hope you leave inspired because she had every reason to live a life of excuses yet she chose differently. Hear Tina’s story in...

There is time for loving others with Derrin Slack, Indianapolis

Derrin Slack is the founder of ProAct a nonprofit organization based out of Indianapolis with a focus on empowering today’s youth through service. As the leader, Derrin is vulnerable and transparent about the challenges he faced in his darkest moments and how those moments have led him to where he is today.  This year has been difficult, to say the least, from COVID-19 to civil unrest. In our conversation, he provides insights you can embrace to take action in supporting the Black communit...

There is time for loving others | Derrin Slack

Derrin Slack is the founder of ProAct a nonprofit organization based out of Indianapolis with a focus on empowering today’s youth through service. As the leader, Derrin is vulnerable and transparent about the challenges he faced in his darkest moments and how those moments have led him to where he is today.  This year has been difficult, to say the least, from COVID-19 to civil unrest. In our conversation, he provides insights you can embrace to take action in supporting the Black communit...

There is time for renewal | Heather Haas

This episode features Heather Hass who describes herself as a regular person doing hard things. Heather is the president of Advisa, a mother, and incredibly involved in the Indianapolis community. Before leading her current company, Heather was a sixth-grade teacher. True to this day, being a teacher is at the core of who she is and how she leads. She’s spent a lot of her career focusing on two things: growing her family and her business.  How does she do it? She makes Zero Excuses. And ...

There is time for renewal with Heather Haas, Carmel

This episode features Heather Hass who describes herself as a regular person doing hard things. Heather is the president of Advisa, a mother, and incredibly involved in the Indianapolis community. Before leading her current company, Heather was a sixth-grade teacher. True to this day, being a teacher is at the core of who she is and how she leads. She’s spent a lot of her career focusing on two things: growing her family and her business.  How does she do it? She makes Zero Excuses. And ...

There is time for community with Jason Hall, St. Louis

Many guests on our show have a passion for giving back to their respective communities. This week’s guest is no different, in fact, his desire for pouring into the St. Louis community is the backbone for why he launched his organization, Arch to Park.  As the CEO, Jason Hall keeps busy growing his company with an eye on how to foster growth in his own backyard. In and outside of his civic-minded pursuits, Jason is passionate about entrepreneurship and the notion of being able to leave an i...

There is time for community | Jason Hall

Many guests on our show have a passion for giving back to their respective communities. This week’s guest is no different, in fact, his desire for pouring into the St. Louis community is the backbone for why he launched his organization, Arch to Park.  As the CEO, Jason Hall keeps busy growing his company with an eye on how to foster growth in his own backyard. In and outside of his civic-minded pursuits, Jason is passionate about entrepreneurship and the notion of being able to leave an i...

There is time for relationships | Marcia Barnes

Before running her most recent agency Valve+Meter, Marcia Barnes spent fourteen years leading DEFENDERS, which was recently acquired by ADT. Outside of her business success, Marcia is a mother and key influential community member with one key mission: 10x the valuation of one hundred companies.  Marica shares her perspective and the philosophies that keep her focused during uncertain times. The one thing she never misses a chance to do, help others.  Hear the values she holds true no mat...

There is time for relationships with Marcia Barnes, Indianapolis

Before running her most recent agency Valve+Meter, Marcia Barnes spent fourteen years leading DEFENDERS, which was recently acquired by ADT. Outside of her business success, Marcia is a mother and key influential community member with one key mission: 10x the valuation of one hundred companies.  Marica shares her perspective and the philosophies that keep her focused during uncertain times. The one thing she never misses a chance to do, help others.  Hear the values she holds true no mat...

There is time for laughter | Max Yoder

Do Better Work is more than a book title. It’s Max Yoder’s mission in leading Lessonly, a growing training software company based in Indianapolis. Outside of work, Max is an accomplished author, musician, and soon-to-be first-time dad.  Max is fascinated by human psychology and understanding relationships. He brings a unique approach to leadership, discussing nonviolent communication, compassion, and mirroring within the workplace. While taking home these practices of self-reflection and o...

There is time for laughter | Max Yoder

Do Better Work is more than a book title. It’s Max Yoder’s mission in leading Lessonly, a growing training software company based in Indianapolis. Outside of work, Max is an accomplished author, musician, and soon-to-be first-time dad.  Max is fascinated by human psychology and understanding relationships. He brings a unique approach to leadership, discussing nonviolent communication, compassion, and mirroring within the workplace. While taking home these practices of self-reflection and o...

There is time for laughter with Max Yoder, Indianapolis

Do Better Work is more than a book title. It’s Max Yoder’s mission in leading Lessonly, a growing training software company based in Indianapolis. Outside of work, Max is an accomplished author, musician, and soon-to-be first-time dad.  Max is fascinated by human psychology and understanding relationships. He brings a unique approach to leadership, discussing nonviolent communication, compassion, and mirroring within the workplace. While taking home these practices of self-reflection and o...

There is time to build the life you want to live with Jim Brown, Denver

Jim Brown lives his life based on a mantra, ‘show up, sit up front, and say hello.” As an angel investor, entrepreneur and world traveler, Jim shares his insights on how to build the life you want to live.  In 2019, Jim, his wife, Kathy, and their then five-year-old son took a trip quite literally around the world. They spent one month in a new country for 12 months. It was an experience of a lifetime and one they were intentional about planning while they still had life to live.  Listen...

There is time to build the life you want to live | Jim Brown

Jim Brown lives his life based on a mantra, ‘show up, sit up front, and say hello.” As an angel investor, entrepreneur and world traveler, Jim shares his insights on how to build the life you want to live.  In 2019, Jim, his wife, Kathy, and their then five-year-old son took a trip quite literally around the world. They spent one month in a new country for 12 months. It was an experience of a lifetime and one they were intentional about planning while they still had life to live.  Listen...

There is always time to improve yourself | Tracy Hart

Working through issues related to your job can be done in a couple of different ways, one: working more or two: working differently. This week’s guest, Tracy Hart, President of Tarlton Corporation in St, Louis, has chosen to work differently by training as an athlete.  Tracy shares her insights on how to incorporate exercise into a daily routine while ensuring her business priorities are never compromised. She also shares a tactic around protecting her time by removing any evening commitme...

There is Always Time to Improve Yourself | Tracy Hart

Working through issues related to your job can be done in a couple of different ways, one: working more or two: working differently. This week’s guest, Tracy Hart, President of Tarlton Corporation in St, Louis, has chosen to work differently by training as an athlete.  Tracy shares her insights on how to incorporate exercise into a daily routine while ensuring her business priorities are never compromised. She also shares a tactic around protecting her time by removing any evening commitme...

There is always time to improve yourself with Tracy Hart, St. Louis

Working through issues related to your job can be done in a couple of different ways, one: working more or two: working differently. This week’s guest, Tracy Hart, President of Tarlton Corporation in St, Louis, has chosen to work differently by training as an athlete.  Tracy shares her insights on how to incorporate exercise into a daily routine while ensuring her business priorities are never compromised. She also shares a tactic around protecting her time by removing any evening commitme...

There is always time to not work | Chris Byers

Focusing on the family can be hard when you’re moving every two years and scaling a large tech company in the Midwest. Yet, Chris Byers, CEO of Formstack manages to balance family with work in an awe-inspiring way. And he does it all while empowering his kids to approach life in the same nontraditional ways.   If you’d like to learn more about Chris you can check out this podcast, Ripple Effect. In the meantime, we’d love for you to subscribe - you have zero excuses not to. See you next ti...

There is Always Time to Not Work | Chris Byers

Focusing on the family can be hard when you’re moving every two years and scaling a large tech company in the Midwest. Yet, Chris Byers, CEO of Formstack manages to balance family with work in an awe-inspiring way. And he does it all while empowering his kids to approach life in the same nontraditional ways.   If you’d like to learn more about Chris you can check out this podcast, Ripple Effect. In the meantime, we’d love for you to subscribe - you have zero excuses not to. See you next ti...

There is always time to not work with Chris Byers, Indianapolis

Focusing on the family can be hard when you’re moving every two years and scaling a large tech company in the Midwest. Yet, Chris Byers, CEO of Formstack manages to balance family with work in an awe-inspiring way. And he does it all while empowering his kids to approach life in the same nontraditional ways.   If you’d like to learn more about Chris you can check out this podcast, Ripple Effect. In the meantime, we’d love for you to subscribe - you have zero excuses not to. See you next ti...

001: There is time to travel | Raed Zidan

Raed Zidan is the first Palestinian man to summit Mount Everest and the first Palestinian man to reach all Seven Summits, which he documented earning him a notable 8 Golden Global Awards. Among these achievements, he’s a father of three, married 25 years and runs a fast-growing property management company in Indianapolis.  His advice is simple, write down everything you want to accomplish no matter how crazy it sounds.  If you want to take a glimpse into his bucket list, simply shoot Nic...

There is time to travel | Raed Zidan

Raed Zidan is the first Palestinian man to summit Mount Everest and the first Palestinian man to reach all Seven Summits, which he documented earning him a notable 8 Golden Global Awards. Among these achievements, he’s a father of three, married 25 years and runs a fast-growing property management company in Indianapolis.  His advice is simple, write down everything you want to accomplish no matter how crazy it sounds.  If you want to take a glimpse into his bucket list, simply shoot Nic...

There is time to travel with Raed Zidan, Indianapolis

Raed Zidan is the first Palestinian man to summit Mount Everest and the first Palestinian man to reach all Seven Summits, which he documented earning him a notable 8 Golden Global Awards. Among these achievements, he’s a father of three, married 25 years and runs a fast-growing property management company in Indianapolis.  His advice is simple, write down everything you want to accomplish no matter how crazy it sounds.  If you want to take a glimpse into his bucket list, simply shoot Nic...

Zero Excuses: There is time to listen

With the time demands and commitments we have on our plates -  it’s easy to think “I can’t do it all - there just isn’t enough time.” Zero Excuses sets to prove that statement wrong. On this show, you’ll hear rapid conversations between host Nick Smarrelli and exceptional guests who take on ultra marathons, hikes up Mt. Kilimanjaro, campaigns for political office all while running multi-million dollar companies.

Zero Excuses: There is time to listen

With the time demands and commitments we have on our plates -  it’s easy to think “I can’t do it all - there just isn’t enough time.” Zero Excuses sets to prove that statement wrong. On this show, you’ll hear rapid conversations between host Nick Smarrelli and exceptional guests who take on ultra marathons, hikes up Mt. Kilimanjaro, campaigns for political office all while running multi-million dollar companies.