SparkED: Spark Series
SparkED by The Society of Innovators is the hub for youth entrepreneurship and innovation education. It unites storytelling, hands-on learning, educator support and professional development to ignite curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking in classrooms and communities.
Spark Series
Welcome to the Spark Series, where we ignite conversations with innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers creating real impact. Our goal is to spark ideas, share journeys and inspire action. The goal for the Spark Series is to inspire students to think like entrepreneurs, reflect on key concepts and apply what they’ve learned to their own ideas and goals.
These short, documentary-style video interviews with local entrepreneurs and innovators bring real-world business and innovation concepts to life for students. Each episode highlights authentic stories, challenges and insights designed to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and creators.
Each Spark Series episode is paired with a Spark Lesson that includes a discussion guide and a short classroom activity. These “quick sparks” are designed for single class periods, helping students connect what they see on screen to hands-on learning, entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving.
Watch the First Season!
Spark Series 01 – Marketing and Branding with Wade Breitzke
Wade Breitzke is the founder and CEO of WeCreate, a full-service marketing agency rooted in brand storytelling and creative strategy. He’s also the visionary behind Lower Lincoln, a collaborative hub in Valparaiso, Indiana.
In this episode of the Spark Series, Wade shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, starting with concert production and growing into agency leadership. We explore the foundations of branding, how to build a compelling narrative, the power of digital marketing, and what it takes to earn your first 100 customers.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling your next big idea, this episode offers practical advice on building a brand that resonates and drives results.
Spark Series 02 – Product Development and Launch with Allyson Straka
Allyson Straka is the founder and CEO of Frozen Garden, a Valparaiso-based company making it easier to eat real fruits and vegetables, without added sugars or shortcuts. What began in 2016 as a small-batch smoothie startup has since grown into a multimillion-dollar brand offering Overnight Oats, Garden Bowls, and other plant-based foods available online and in stores nationwide.
In this episode of the Spark Series, we explore how Allyson turned a $500 website and a simple idea into a thriving venture. We discuss early-stage product development, customer feedback loops, MVP testing, and the lessons she learned launching and scaling a business grounded in health, sustainability, and innovation.
Spark Series 03 – Opportunity Recognition and Innovation with Carol Podolak
Carol Podolak is the co-founder of BNutty, a gourmet peanut butter company born out of a simple fundraising idea and fueled by entrepreneurial curiosity. In this episode of the Spark Series, we explore how Carol recognized an unmet need and turned a side hustle into a global snack sensation.
From local farmers markets to QVC and international export markets, BNutty’s journey is a masterclass in spotting opportunity, turning frustration into innovation, and scaling a product grounded in creativity and community. This conversation dives into the mindset behind evaluating ideas, solving real problems, and the lessons Carol learned along the way.
Spark Series 04 – Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership with Maurice Shelton
Better known as Chef Blāque, Maurice Shelton is the owner of Steel City Bakery and a nationally recognized pastry chef who first caught America’s attention as a winner on Netflix’s Sugar Rush. But Maurice’s story goes far beyond the kitchen.
In this episode of the Spark Series, we explore the mindset behind his journey, how he overcame obstacles, turned failure into fuel, and built a brand rooted in character and community. From the fundamentals of entrepreneurship to values-driven leadership, Chef Blāque shares powerful lessons on resilience, personal vision, and building a business that reflects who you are.