Default Profitable

Matt Nettleton
  • 5.0 (13)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to sharpen your skills and grow your business? The Default Profitable podcast delivers powerful lessons from real bootstrapped business owners who have navigated the ups and downs of starting, running, and scaling their ventures. Join Matt Nettleton and tap into a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences, learn to avoid common pitfalls, and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re launching your first venture or optimizing an established one, each episode provides actionable insights and fosters a community of support, helping you achieve sustained, profitable success.

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep172 Why Financial Discipline Matters More Than Talent: Ryan Schwartz on Bootstrapping a Sustainable Window Business

    Ryan Schwartz shares the unfiltered story of building Fenster Components—a niche manufacturer of wood window repair parts and replacement sashes—into a 25-year, nationwide, almost-entirely-online business that helps homeowners avoid costly full-window replacements. From spotting an opportunity in rotting clad-wood windows during his warranty job days, to surviving the 2008 housing crash, selling off service/install sides to focus on manufacturing, and shifting to e-commerce in 2013, Ryan delivers grounded lessons on profitability, perseverance, and why “being good at the work” is very different from running a profitable company. Listeners walk away with clarity on managing cash flow like your life depends on it, adapting to generational shifts in teams, the real weight of being responsible for people’s livelihoods, and why smart financial habits early on matter more than most founders admit. Learn more about Ryan Schwartz and Fenster Components at https://fensterusa.com   Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform. Takeaways Managing people—both employees and difficult customers—remains one of the hardest, never-ending parts of owning a business.   Being skilled at your craft does not automatically mean you will be skilled at running a profitable, sustainable business.   Early financial discipline (living below your means even in good years) is the single biggest regret many long-term founders carry.   Generational differences in what makes employees feel valued have shifted dramatically—today’s teams often want experiences, camaraderie, and flexibility more than traditional perks.   Perseverance through ugly economic storms separates businesses that survive 25 years from those that don’t.   Niche focus combined with solving a painful, underserved problem (expensive full-window replacements) can create lasting competitive advantage with little direct competition.   Transitioning from service/install to pure manufacturing and online sales can unlock scalability and dramatically reduce day-to-day chaos. Owning a business means you are personally responsible for your team’s livelihoods—treat that duty with the seriousness it deserves.   No matter how many hard lessons you learn, the challenges never disappear; they simply change shape over time. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Podcast Intro   00:34 Meeting Ryan & Quick Personal Background   01:54 Fenster Components – What They Actually Make   04:21 Solving the Rotten Sash Problem for Homeowners   05:14 The Origin Story – From College Entrepreneur to Warranty Wake-Up Call   07:34 Launching in 2000 & Early Window Repair Growth   09:46 Surviving 2008, Buying a Shop, Splitting the Company in 2012   11:38 Going All-In on Manufacturing & Online Sales (2013 Pivot)   14:58 Hardest Ongoing Lesson: Managing People & Generational Shifts   19:29 Blunt Advice for Anyone Thinking About Quitting Their Job to Start a Business   23:52 What 2026 Ryan Would Tell 2001 Ryan the Night Before Launch   27:48 Where to Learn More & Wrap-Up

    29 min

  2. MAR 3

    Ep171 Thomas Cox: Football to Finance —Building Multiple Revenue Streams & Mastering Money

    In this episode of the Default Profitable Podcast, host Matt Nettleton interviews Thomas Cox, who shares his journey from coaching college football to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the food and finance industries. Thomas discusses the importance of having multiple revenue streams, the concept of infinite banking, and his passion for educating others about personal finance. He emphasizes the significance of giving back and setting financial goals that focus on generosity rather than just income. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the insurance business and the importance of networking and building relationships in achieving success. Learn more about Thomas Cox and Cox Capital at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascoxco. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform. Takeaways Thomas Cox transitioned from coaching college football to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for multiple revenue streams in business. People often lack understanding of personal finance and money management. The concept of infinite banking is crucial for financial growth. Setting giving goals can be more fulfilling than income goals. Networking and building relationships are key to business success. Understanding the logistics of the insurance business is essential. Meeting with clients regularly is vital for success in finance. Inflows and outflows are necessary for a thriving business. Education and resources are important for understanding infinite banking. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thomas Cox and His Journey 03:01 Transitioning to Finance and Infinite Banking 06:44 The Importance of Financial Education 10:00 Understanding High W2 Earners and Business Ownership 11:32 Key Strategies for Success in Business 13:39 The Flow of Life: Inflows and Outflows in Business

    21 min

  3. JAN 21

    Ep170 Health Insurance Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Insights from Matt Allen of Iconic Insurance

    Join host Matt Nettleton in a candid conversation with Matt Allen, founder of Iconic Insurance, as they unpack essential health insurance strategies for self-employed entrepreneurs and small business owners. Discover why ditching marketplace plans for personalized coverage with a dedicated agent can slash costs, simplify claims, and provide reliable protection—plus, get motivated by Matt's insights on shifting from scarcity to service, building accountability as a solo founder, and why entrepreneurship offers true security for your family. Whether you're launching a venture or optimizing benefits, this episode delivers actionable tips to stay healthy, focused, and profitable. Learn more about Matt Allen and Iconic Insurance at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewalleniconichealth. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

    25 min

  4. JAN 13

    Ep169 Building a Profitable Agency with Transparency and Grit: Bill Reynolds of Element 502

    In this episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton chats with Bill Reynolds, founder and president of Element 502, about his unexpected journey from consultant to agency owner through an asset purchase in 2015. Bill shares raw insights on overcoming financial hurdles, earning team buy-in with transparency during tough times, and mastering sales as a non-sales guy—plus why trust is the ultimate currency in marketing and business growth. Aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders will gain motivational strategies for grinding through startup challenges, pricing right, and treating people differently to build lasting profitability without compromising values. Learn more about Bill Reynolds and Element 502 at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reynolds-element502. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

    24 min

  5. JAN 6

    Ep168 Building Resilience: Kelly Sundsvold's Journey from Side Hustle to Thriving Marketing Agency at Gold Bear Media

    Join host Matt Nettleton as he chats with Kelly Sundsvold, founder of Gold Bear Media, about launching a full-service marketing agency amid the chaos of 2020. From navigating personal health crises like her husband's paralysis and her own breast cancer diagnosis to turning a necessity-driven side gig into a profitable venture, Kelly shares motivational insights on delegation, hiring experts early, and setting boundaries for sustainable growth. Discover how embracing creativity and relationships can transform challenges into opportunities—perfect for entrepreneurs wondering if they can build a business that fuels both passion and profit. Learn more about Kelly Sundsvold and Gold Bear Media at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysundsvold. Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

    27 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Ep167 From Hurricane Ruins to Thriving Restaurant Empire: Ron Ladner of Shaggy's

    Discover how Ron Ladner accidentally launched Shaggy's restaurant chain amid Hurricane Katrina's devastation, transforming a small-town spark of hope into a powerhouse brand focused on employee growth and customer happiness. In this motivational episode, Ron shares entrepreneurial insights on building a resilient business culture, investing in your team for long-term loyalty, and prioritizing revenue even in recessions—perfect for founders and leaders dreaming big about profitable ventures. Tune in to uncover how passion and people-first strategies turned cheeseburgers and beer into sustainable success, and gain actionable tips to elevate your own business journey. Learn more about Ron Ladner, Shaggy's and his new book at https://ronladner.com  Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

    24 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Ep166 From Second Thoughts to Second Chances: Grant Kirsh on Building Families, Businesses and Family Businesses

    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.

    27 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Ep165 From Elite Athlete to Social Entrepreneur: Tom Hanley's Lessons in Building a Thriving Nonprofit

    In this inspiring episode of Default Profitable, host Matt Nettleton chats with Tom Hanley, founder and CEO of Nine13sports, about transforming a life-altering accident into a mission-driven organization that empowers Indianapolis kids through cycling and education. Discover how Tom pivoted from elite cycling to launching a nonprofit that now serves 45,000 students annually, survived the pandemic by innovating into logistics, and grew through community networks and corporate partnerships—offering real-world strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs on resilience, valuing your worth, and turning passion into sustainable impact. Whether you're starting a business or nonprofit, you'll gain motivational insights on bootstrapping, building meaningful relationships, and embracing Indianapolis's unique supportive spirit to create lasting success. Learn more about Tom Hanley and Nine13sports at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanleyiv.   Listen to more Indianapolis Business Leaders at https://defaultprofitable.com or subscribe to Default Profitable on your favorite podcast platform.

    23 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to sharpen your skills and grow your business? The Default Profitable podcast delivers powerful lessons from real bootstrapped business owners who have navigated the ups and downs of starting, running, and scaling their ventures. Join Matt Nettleton and tap into a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences, learn to avoid common pitfalls, and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re launching your first venture or optimizing an established one, each episode provides actionable insights and fosters a community of support, helping you achieve sustained, profitable success.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Nettleton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Default Profitable