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On The Fly!

Author: Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub

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Certified Flywheel Coach Joan Kaup, an accomplished business woman, shares interesting and friendly conversations with entrepreneurs and those who support them. Each episode is a conversation with a business coach, an entrepreneur, or an expert in the social impact ecosystem.

ON THE FLY! features the community of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, located in Cincinnati Ohio, who have supported more than 35 founders and generated more than $5,000,000 in revenues. Flywheel is fostering innovation, building stronger communities, and creating meaningful change.

ON THE FLY! highlights businesses that have the double bottom line - both a return on investment and a positive social impact. This podcast will give you reason to smile and think. It aims to motivate you to act on ideas and personal passions.


Welcome to ON THE FLY! and our community where business drives change. Listen in!
19 Episodes
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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 businessHow financial models reveal operational blind spotsCommon red flags Joe sees when founders first share their spreadsheetsWhy “everyone is your customer” is almost always the wrong answerHow iteration, failure, and erasing the whiteboard are part of healthy growthThe surprising similarities between nonprofit and for-profit financial managementWhy coaching founders has been one of the most rewarding chapters of Joe’s careerJoe 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 startupWhy AARON Wearable Tech operates at the intersection of SaaS and social impactThe realities of funding a company through grants, bootstrapping, and sheer persistenceWhat makes funding tech startups different from funding social enterprisesHow Flywheel’s milestone-based grants helped turn an idea into a viable productWhy accelerators, advisors, and community are essential for founders building complex solutionsValda 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 careersWhat founders get wrong about manufacturing and supply chainsWhy sustainability is a design challenge—not just a materials challengeThe power of advisory boards, mentors, and diverse support networksHow Flywheel creates collisions that turn founders into collaboratorsWhy Cincinnati is one of the most supportive environments for social entrepreneursThis 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 EcoShellWhy eggshells are a powerful agricultural waste with massive sustainability potentialWhat makes EcoShell’s patented material different from typical fillersHow major brands are exploring EcoShell’s eggshell-based innovationHow Flywheel’s Sustainability Accelerator helped refine Andrew’s pitch, financial story, and U.S. market strategyWhy 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 reachLaunched a collaboration with a leading plastics manufacturer to create sustainable films and trays designed to extend product shelf lifeEntered large-scale trials with a major global footwear brand using EcoShell’s material innovationsSpoken on a Startup Cincy Week panel about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the new entrepreneurial landscapeEcoShell 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® programHow $500 “Changemaker” opportunities open the door to impact investingWhy milestone stipends are game-changers for early-stage foundersSuccess stories like Last Mile Food Rescue and Cincinnati Recycling & ReUse HubThe personal rewards of seeing your investment multiply through community impactCall 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 lifeThe 3 S’s of affordable housing: stabilization, subsidy, and stockHow Cincinnati used its first-ever Impact Award to address eviction preventionThe role of hackathons in creating tech-enabled housing solutionsWhy government, entrepreneurs, and social services must collaborate to solve systemic issuesCall 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 mattersHow MadTree integrates environmental and social impact into every aspect of its operationsHow MadTree’s internal culture of volunteering and green values attracts talentLessons for emerging entrepreneurs on patience, progress, and building a vision over timeLearn 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 problemThe birth of the Cleanup Cart from Product Refinery, a startup launched through a Flywheel hackathonWhy housing stabilization is an economic, human, and entrepreneurial issue, and how Cincinnati piloted an innovative grant to prevent evictionThe ripple effect of bringing together government, community, and entrepreneurs to solve shared challengesHow policies around childcare, housing, and transit connect directly to workforce growth and business successMentioned in this episode:Product Refinery – Startup that developed the Cleanup CartStrategies to End Homelessness – Partner in the housing stabilization hackathonMain Street Ventures – Funders supporting startups born from civic innovationAt 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.
Founders Keeping Busy

Founders Keeping Busy

2025-07-1936:41

What do native pollinators, backyard blooms, and AI-powered problem solving have in common? In this buzzing episode of On The Fly!, Paul Szydlowski dives deep with Flywheel alumni Brandon Reynolds and Johnny Avant—two founders turning passion for nature and human behavior into powerful, purpose-driven ventures.From B The Keeper, a Cincinnati-based ecological landscaping business, to Sprout, a growing tech company making knowledge more accessible for everyday problem-solvers, these entrepreneurs are rethinking how we build sustainable systems—from the soil up.Listen to hear more about:How B The Keeper evolved from backyard beehives to city-wide pollinator habitatsThe birth of Sprout—a tool that connects lived experience with automation to solve everyday problemsWhy coaching is the “secret sauce” of Flywheel’s accelerator modelHow real-world tension and pivoting can clarify a founder’s visionThe intersection of AI, cognitive science, and conservation—and what it means for the future of local ecosystems Check them out online:🐝 B The Keeper: bthekeeper.co | Instagram: @b_thekeeper 🌱 Sprout: gosprout.usAt Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we don’t just talk innovation, we cultivate it. From backyard gardens to bold tech ventures, we support founders with the coaching, structure, and community they need to create lasting impact. Learn how to get involved, join a cohort, or support our mission at flywheelcincinnati.org
In this lively episode of On The Fly!, Donna Zaring sits down with two passionate builders shaping the next generation of social entrepreneurship: Josie Dalton, the originator of Flywheel’s accelerator programming and now at the UC Center for Entrepreneurship, and Samuel Baker, current Program Director at Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub.Together, they reflect on what it takes to support founders who are building with both purpose and grit. From unlocking capital in an underserved middle space to showing up emotionally for dreamers with world-changing ideas, Josie and Samuel share the backstage realities of running programs that turn community-minded entrepreneurs into impact-driven leaders.Listen to hear more about:The evolution of Flywheel’s cohort model and the early days of social enterprise in CincinnatiThe unique funding challenges social entrepreneurs face, and how Flywheel is bridging the gapHow mission-driven founders are reshaping what entrepreneurship looks like and why “crazy passion” is a feature, not a bugWhy emotional intelligence, not just business acumen, is a critical ingredient in supporting entrepreneursPLUS some unexpected real-life behind-the-scenes momentsWhether you're a founder, mentor, or future coach, this episode offers a powerful reminder: creating change is messy, personal, and totally worth it. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in coaching the whole entrepreneur—not just the business plan. Our programs give social impact founders the structure, community, and belief they need to scale good ideas into real results. Learn how you can get involved, support our work, or become part of a cohort at flywheelcincinnati.org.
In this energizing and eye-opening episode of On The Fly!, Donna Zaring is joined by two powerhouse leaders in the world of impact investing: Marcia Dawood, Vice Chair of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and author of Do Good While Doing Well, and Sue Bevan Baggott, executive advisor, innovation catalyst, and contributor to You Can, You Will.Together, they break down what angel investing really means and why putting your dollars (and time!) into purpose-driven startups is one of the most meaningful ways to drive change. From their work on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money to supporting women founders and redefining who gets funded and why, Marcia and Sue are reshaping the investing landscape and proving that profit and purpose don’t have to be opposites, they can be partners.Listen to hear more about:What angel investing is and why it matters for social entrepreneursWhy more women and everyday people should step into the investing spaceReal examples of startups disrupting systems in women’s health, mental health, and community financeThe power of equity crowdfundingThe story behind the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money and how storytelling is helping close the gender funding gapExplore Marcia’s work at marciadawood.com, and learn more about Sue on LinkedIn. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in the power of social entrepreneurs and the angels who champion them. Whether you're ready to invest or just eager to learn, explore how Flywheel supports founders, educates investors, and fuels social impact at flywheelcincinnati.org.
A Coaching Mindset

A Coaching Mindset

2025-06-2125:12

What does it take to guide a social entrepreneur from vision to venture? In this insightful episode of On the Fly!, host Joan Kaup sits down with seasoned Flywheel coaches Mishawn Styles and Paul Szydlowski to explore what coaching really looks like behind the scenes—and how empathy, active listening, and honest guidance can transform a founder’s journey.Both coaches bring decades of leadership, business, and human insight to Flywheel’s social enterprise accelerator. But it’s their coaching mindset—not just their resumes—that truly supports founders as they balance passion and profitability.💡 You’ll hear:The difference between coaching and mentoring—and why both matterHow Flywheel coaches help founders refine their business model, develop their pitch, and face personal blocksWhy entrepreneurship is more about mindset than mechanicsReal stories from the front lines of startup growth, founder breakthroughs, and the power of team coachingWhat it really means to “get out of your own way” as a founderWhether you're launching your first social enterprise or guiding others to do so, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to stay grounded, focused, and supported through it all.Learn more about Mishawn’s work: StylesHR.comAt 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.
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of On the Fly!, Joan Kaup sits down with Ruth Anne Wolfe, the passionate founder of Community Happens Here, a grassroots social enterprise proving that deep, meaningful community can’t be mass-produced—it must be built, cup by cup. ☕From her unexpected path through Japan, law, and motherhood to founding a brick-and-mortar community space in Cincinnati, Ruth Anne shares the journey that led her to reimagine what local connection really looks like. Through hospitality, art, and conversation, Ruth Anne is cultivating a place where children, entrepreneurs, and neighbors meet, learn, and build trust across differences.Listen to hear more about: The origins of Community Happens Here and its mission to combat loneliness through radical localism.Ruth Anne’s experience in Flywheel’s accelerator and the “aha” moments that shaped her approach to social enterprise.How sliding-scale coworking, youth-led coffee service, and sidewalk tea transform a neighborhood block.The importance of being your own angel investor when your vision doesn't fit traditional funding models.Why “you can't be what you can't see”—and how that philosophy shapes everything from mentoring to measuring impact. Visit communityhappenshere.org to explore coworking options, attend an event, or stop by for free coffee on a Saturday from 11am–1pm at 6238 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati. Follow Community Happens Here on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. At Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, we believe in the power of social entrepreneurs like Ruth Anne to drive equity and impact in our neighborhoods. Learn how Flywheel supports founders, invests in big ideas, and helps social enterprises thrive: flywheelcincinnati.org
Welcome to ON THE FLY!ON THE FLY! highlights businesses that have the double bottom line - both a return on investment and a positive social impact. This podcast will give you reason to smile and think. It aims to motivate you to act on ideas and personal passions. ON THE FLY! is brought to you by Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, a Cincinnati-based organization focused on supporting social entrepreneurs and impact investing.
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