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Pathways Podcast

Pathways to Rural Prosperity

Welcome to Pathways to Rural Prosperity

The Pathways to Rural Prosperity Podcast provides strategies to empower rural community success and vitality. Hosted by e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems' Don Macke, episodes will feature interviews with cutting edge rural development thought leaders and community practitioners; remarkable entrepreneurs including business, nonprofit, and government professionals; and the learnings of e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. Connect with Don, learn more about e2, and subscribe!

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Recent Episodes

This episode of Espresso with Entrepreneurs features Mr. Clifton Taulbert, noted Entrepreneur, Author and Businessman. Clifton is the man who introduced Stairmaster to the world, and is known as “One of America’s Most Outstanding Black Entrepreneurs” – Time Magazine. He is also the speaker of choice for Harvard University, US Federal Reserve, Bank of America and US Pentagon.  On top of all that….he is the President and CEO of both Freemount Corporation, and Roots Java.  Grab your cup and settle back for some incredible insight on Entrepreneurship and success from Clifton Taulbert!

 

In this edition of Pathways to Rural Prosperity Podcast, Don Macke with e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems hosts Jackson Swearer, the Entrepreneur Navigator and Director with STARTUP Hutch serving Hutchinson and Reno County, Kansas. This community in South Central Kansas is both urban and rural with a rich history of entrepreneur-focused community economic development. In this episode Don and Jackson reflect on this entrepreneurial ecosystem story with lots of lessons for other communities seeking to make entrepreneurship the foundation for all development.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Espresso with Entrepreneurs!  Today we’re joined by Dave Hill, from Mid-America Bank. Get ready for a deep dive into Dave’s extensive banking experience and his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Dave is not only a banker, he’s a community-driven visionary who has transformed Baldwin City and Douglas County, Kansas, through his commitment to entrepreneurship and redevelopment. 

He discusses how important mentorship and a commitment to personal finance is to entrepreneurs. Grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and explore how Dave’s passion is fueling the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Kansas!

In this edition of Pathways to Rural Prosperity Podcast, Don Macke with e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems hosts Sarah Sinnett from and Pam Abbott from Nebraska focusing on entrepreneurial community initiatives in their communities. Sarah and Pam have become leaders in ecosystem building initiatives in their respective western Nebraska communities. Their experiences provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of pivoting communities toward community-centered entrepreneurial ecosystem building and operation. Both are community leaders and ecosystem champions.

In this edition of Pathways to Rural Prosperity Podcast, Don Macke with e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems hosts Sarah Sinnett from and Pam Abbott from Nebraska focusing on entrepreneurial community initiatives in their communities. Sarah and Pam have become leaders in ecosystem building initiatives in their respective western Nebraska communities. Their experiences provide insight into the challenges and opportunities of pivoting communities toward community-centered entrepreneurial ecosystem building and operation. Both are community leaders and ecosystem champions.

In this edition of Espresso and Entrepreneurs Podcast, Lea Ann pulls up a chair and enjoys a cup of coffee with Ellie Bowman of Prickly Pear Farm and Home in Kinsley, KS.  As the average age of small business owners in our rural communities keeps bumping upward, Ellie is bucking that trend.  Arguably one of the youngest lumberyard owners in America, Ellie purchased her lumberyard last year, at age 21, and has been working hard all year to make improvements and expand its offerings – all while being mindful to give back, and mentor other young entrepreneurs along the way. 

Join us, as we meet Ellie and find motivation and valuable insights from  her journey.