Indiana Success Happy Hour

Bradley Niccum
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  • Investing

A podcast about real people, real stories, and what success actually looks like. Hosted by Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum, each episode brings you candid, laid-back conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and interesting individuals from all walks of life. From big wins to hard lessons, we dig into the journeys behind the success—what worked, what didn’t, and what it really took to get there. It’s part insight, part storytelling, and part just hanging out—complete with laughs, honest moments, and the kind of conversations you’d have over a drink with good company.

  1. 3d ago

    Behind the Camera: Building a Video Production Business in Indianapolis | Joe Toth

    ndianapolis video production, content marketing, photography, and brand storytelling take center stage as Joe Toth of Toth Media joins Indiana Success Happy Hour. Joe built Toth Media into a family-owned video production and photography company serving organizations locally, regionally, and nationally. He joins Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum to talk about how he got started, what businesses actually need from professional video, and how the content-production world continues to change. Joe's path started with music and percussion before a high school radio and TV class opened the door to visual storytelling. That journey eventually took him through Ball State and Indiana University, where sound production and sound design became specialties—and ultimately helped lay the foundation for Toth Media. The guys get into commercial video production, product photography, brand content, product launches, working alongside marketing and PR teams, and the difference between having an in-house content team and bringing in an outside production company. They also touch on AI voice tools versus professional voice talent and where Joe believes the human element still matters. And because this is Indiana Success Happy Hour, the conversation doesn't stay on business forever. Joe happens to be a serious tequila enthusiast and collector, which sends Brad and Joe down the agave rabbit hole. They talk about what separates traditionally made tequila from the mass-market stuff, the connection between the people, land and production process, and some memorable bottles—including an old-school Cabo Wabo that brings Brad's tequila journey full circle. Throw in Indiana University stories, Little 500 memories, Brian's PA announcing career, a few questionable college stories, and some exceptional bottles, and you've got a Happy Hour.

  2. Aug 23

    He Turned a 1912 Grain Elevator Into One of Indiana’s Most Unique Restaurants

    The Depot in Greenfield, Indiana transformed a historic 1912 grain elevator into one of Indiana’s most unique restaurants, live music venues, and downtown destinations. This week on Indiana Success Happy Hour, Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum sit down with The Depot owner Thomas Moore to hear how a $38,000 grain elevator became a centerpiece of downtown Greenfield. Thomas shares how his career as a master electrician wiring restaurants gave him a front-row seat to what makes restaurants succeed—and fail. Eventually, he decided to take the leap himself. They get into the massive undertaking of preserving the historic grain elevator, the original features that remain inside The Depot, its incredible views, and why the building itself has become such an important part of the restaurant’s identity. Thomas also talks about The Depot’s live music scene, Greenfield’s summer concert series and Freedom Fest, plus the growth happening throughout downtown Greenfield. And, naturally, Brian and Brad spend a little time trying to convince Thomas that another historic grain elevator might be waiting for The Depot somewhere else in Indiana. It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, taking risks, preserving Indiana history, building something people want to experience, and what can happen when a local business becomes part of a community’s identity.

  3. Aug 16

    Is College Necessary for Success? This 24-Year-Old Realtor Says No

    Terre Haute, Indiana real estate, affordable homes, investing, and building a real estate career at 24—Josh Rixner shares how he went from serving pizza to leading agents at Century 21. Josh Rixner joins Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum on Indiana Success Happy Hour to talk about taking an unconventional path into real estate and quickly turning it into a career. Josh skipped college, started working, and discovered real estate after a conversation with an agent he happened to be serving at a pizza restaurant. Four years later, he’s the Sales Manager at Century 21 Elite Realty in Terre Haute, helping agents set goals, navigate transactions, and grow their businesses. Josh shares what it was like entering real estate at such a young age, how he overcame concerns that clients wouldn’t take him seriously, and why knowledge and relationships became his biggest competitive advantages. The guys also dig into the Terre Haute housing market, including the affordability difference between Terre Haute and Indianapolis, opportunities for real estate investors, lower-cost properties, rental potential, and why some Illinois residents are choosing to live across the state line in Indiana. Plus, Josh tells the story of discovering a squatter inside one of his listings, explains why moving his business back home nearly doubled his opportunities, and discusses what he’s learned transitioning from producing agent to real estate leadership.

  4. Aug 9

    He Became a Surgeon for the Wrong Reason—Then Everything Changed

    Indianapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Jones shares his remarkable career in reconstructive surgery, massive weight loss surgery, medicine, success, and lessons learned over four decades. Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum sit down with Dr. Christopher Jones for a conversation that goes far beyond what most people imagine when they hear “plastic surgeon.” Dr. Jones explains how he originally entered medical school for what he now calls the wrong reasons—and the experience with patients that completely changed his perspective on medicine. He went on to become one of Indianapolis’ early microsurgeons, performing hundreds of complex tissue transplants and helping reconstruct patients after traumatic injuries, cancer, and massive weight loss. But some of his greatest career accomplishments have nothing to do with an operating room. Dr. Jones shares the unforgettable story of patients asking him to walk them down the aisle, why discovering he was one of the lowest-earning plastic surgeons in his area changed his perspective on success, and what his office manager told him that put everything back into focus. The conversation also takes some classic Indiana Success Happy Hour detours into art, creativity, movie memorabilia, an Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber, Aston Martins, McLarens, aliens, quantum physics, the pyramids, and whether humanity really belongs among the stars.

  5. Aug 2

    Insurance Companies, Exotic Cars & Entrepreneurship | Dana Voelkel on Indiana Success Happy Hour

    Indiana entrepreneur Dana Vocal shares how he built one of Indiana's most respected collision repair businesses, the realities of working with insurance companies, succession planning, real estate investing, and what it takes to build a family business that lasts for generations. In this episode of Indiana Success Happy Hour, Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum sit down with Dana Vocal of Vocal Collision Repair. Dana discusses: Starting in the collision repair business at just 14 years old Growing Vocal Collision Repair into one of Central Indiana's most respected shops Lessons learned from nearly 50 years in business Working with insurance companies and luxury vehicle repairs Passing the business to the next generation Why real estate became an important part of his long-term wealth strategy The importance of determination, consistency, and investing in yourself Building a business your family can be proud of

  6. Jul 26

    Caitlin Clark Drama, Mortgage Rates & What Happens Next

    Caitlin Clark controversy, Indiana property taxes, mortgage rates, AI, and real estate myths—this episode covers it all. Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum dive into the biggest conversations happening right now, from WNBA headlines to the future of homeownership and why one of real estate's most repeated sayings may not hold up anymore. This episode includes: Why Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines The debate over eliminating Indiana property taxes Are today's mortgage rates actually "normal"? The truth behind "Marry the House, Date the Rate" How low interest rates affected home prices AI, robotics, and what the next decade could look like Ancient civilizations, impossible construction, and why history may not be as settled as we think The future of data centers and technology A few entertaining rants along the way

  7. Jul 19

    Buc-ee's Drama, Daylight Saving Time & Other Things Hoosiers Love to Complain About

    Why do people complain about everything? Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum dive into the biggest debates happening in Indiana and beyond—from Buc-ee's coming to Greenwood to daylight saving time, summer heat, soccer, AI, aliens, ancient civilizations, and everything in between. This episode takes a different approach than our usual interviews as Brian and Brad sit down together for an entertaining conversation about the topics that seem to spark the biggest online arguments. They also sample a few unique drinks, discuss why Buc-ee's has people so fired up, debate whether Indiana should be on Central or Eastern Time, laugh about summer versus winter complaints, compare soccer to motocross, and finish with a surprisingly deep conversation about artificial intelligence, UFOs, ancient history, and the future of humanity. If you've ever found yourself scrolling through social media wondering why people argue about absolutely everything, this episode is for you.

  8. Jul 5

    Why 6 Degrees Snoballs Is More Than Just Shaved Ice | Indiana Success Podcast

    6 Degrees Snoballs, New Orleans shaved ice, Indiana small business, entrepreneurship, and community impact come together in this episode of Indiana Success Happy Hour as Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum sit down with Jeff and Lauren Calvert, owners of 6 Degrees Snoballs. Jeff and Lauren share the incredible story of how a family idea inspired by New Orleans turned into one of Central Indiana's favorite mobile businesses. They discuss balancing full-time careers while building a thriving business, raising six boys, creating memorable customer experiences, and why investing in relationships has been the secret to their success. From authentic New Orleans-style shaved ice to community partnerships, youth sports, schools, and local events, this conversation highlights what it really takes to grow a business that people genuinely love.

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About

A podcast about real people, real stories, and what success actually looks like. Hosted by Brian Quinlan and Brad Niccum, each episode brings you candid, laid-back conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and interesting individuals from all walks of life. From big wins to hard lessons, we dig into the journeys behind the success—what worked, what didn’t, and what it really took to get there. It’s part insight, part storytelling, and part just hanging out—complete with laughs, honest moments, and the kind of conversations you’d have over a drink with good company.

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