Entrepreneurs are most successful when they fit and have passion for what they are undertaking. The answers to critical questions such as these indicate the probability of making it: How do they relate to the solution they are bringing into the world? Do they have grit and determination, especially in the early stages? Are they humble enough and willing to seek help and support when and where they need it? Are they crazy enough to invest in?
In this episode, I (Daniel) interviewed Matt Hunckler, Founder and CEO of Powderkeg, and Christopher (Toph) Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures. Together with their friend, Nate Spangle, Matt and Toph are also the co-hosts of the podcast Get IN. As we spoke, Matt and Toph shared about their entrepreneurial journeys, invigorating connections, and founder market fit. They also talked about finishing well with excellent execution, safety and encouragement in community, empowering mental energy, and the upcoming Global Cross-Sector Innovation Rally Conference.
“How do you relate to the problem and the pain point?... Do I see what I’m doing as part of something bigger? And not from an ego standpoint… Even if I benefit nothing from this endeavor, do I feel good about making this contribution?” -- Matt Hunckler
What You’ll Learn
- Addressing problems
- Invigorating connections
- Founder market fit
- Grit and staying power
- Crazy enough to invest in
- Finishing well
- Safety and encouragement in community
- Empowering mental performance
- It’s about relationships
- Rally Conference
Recommended Resources
Rally Conference: The Largest Global Cross-Sector Innovation Conference will be held in Indianapolis, IN on AUGUST 29 - 31, 2023. Rally forges and celebrates cross-sector connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors and universities from across the globe and features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, content sessions and more!
Matt and Toph’s Podcast: Get IN
Connect with Matt Hunckler
Matt Hunckler is the Founder and CEO of Powderkeg, a digital community that helps startups and professionals thrive in the fastest growing tech hubs in the U.S. With more than 10,000 active members, Powderkeg cuts through the noise, amplifies reach, and helps high-growth tech ventures connect with the resources they need to grow and scale in areas beyond Silicon Valley.
Matt believes life is too short to work at a boring job. That’s why he created Powderkeg. They help match smart people with the best tech jobs so they can love their work and live their best life.
In previous roles at various fast-growing tech companies, he led Marketing, Product, Sales and a smattering of just about every other role right up to the CEO and founder. He’s started and bootstrapped companies and helped scale venture-backed businesses. Matt loves helping people level up in their career, connect with their calling, and reach their fullest potential.
Website: powderkeg.com
Innovation Capital of the World, Indiana Tech Hub: powderkeg.com/tech-hubs/indiana
Linkedin - Matt Hunckler
Linkedin - Powderkeg
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube
Connect with Christopher (Toph) Day
Christopher (Toph) Day is the CEO of Elevate Ventures, an Early-Stage Venture Capital company that invests in high-potential cross-sector innovative companies with a minimum $500M TAM at the pre-seed, seed, and early stages. As the #1 Most Active Seed & Early-Stage Venture Capital Firm in the Great Lakes Region, Elevate has invested capital in more than 500 Indiana-based startups and provided assistance to nearly 4,000 companies across 86 counties.
As an investor and entrepreneur, Toph feels it an honor to lead Elevate Ventures, and he’s been blessed to be a part of starting 8 different companies in 7 different verticals over his career. Toph is also a Rally Visionary, an organization that helps bring companies and organizations together from across the world.
In addition to these endeavors, Toph is a best selling author and servant leader. His co-authored book, Pillar-Based Marketing, was a best seller on its launch day. And as a servant leader, Toph says the most exciting thing in life is seeing those around you achieve their dreams.
Website: ElevateVentures.com
Book: Pillar-Based Marketing: A Data-Driven Methodology for SEO and Content That Actually Works
Linkedin - Christopher (Toph) Day
Linkedin - Elevate Ventures
Twitter
Facebook
CONNECT WITH DANIEL FULLER
Daniel is a partner and the VP of Business Development for FullStack PEO and co-host of the Savage to Sage podcast. He is passionate about seeing people, leaders, cultures, and organizations develop. He says, “When I have the honor of being a part of that maturation process, it's even more satisfying. My life and work are given to empowering teachable, humble, and hungry leaders and teams to create and sustain joyful, strategic, and productive environments.”
Linkedin
daniel.fuller@fullstackpeo.com
savagetosage.com
CONNECT WITH KYLE MALONEY
Kyle Maloney is a Senior Account Executive at FullStack PEO and co-host of the Savage to Sage podcast. As a high energy Human Resources professional with a strong cross-cultural background and experience, Kyle brings the ability to lead and implement effective Change Management. His policies and procedures enhance overall morale and productivity of both employees and companies.
Linkedin
kyle.maloney@fullstackpeo.com
savagetosage.com
CONNECT WITH FULLSTACK PEO
FullStack PEO is turnkey HR for emerging companies. They provide a wide ranging, comprehensive, scalable solution that removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list. Their motto and driving value is “You take care of your company, we’ll take care of your people.”
Fullstackpeo.com
