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.
Episode Guide
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!
Episodes One Through Six
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.
Spark Series 05 – Building a Values-Led Company with Dr. Nassim Abdi
Dr. Nassim Abdi. Nassim is a learning scientist, DEI leader, and co-founder of StoryBolt, a platform that uses documentary storytelling and behavioral science to deliver empathy-driven inclusion training to corporate teams. Currently, Nassim is navigating a major transition as she prepares to sunset StoryBolt’s existing operations and pivot its core intellectual property into new markets.
In this episode of the Spark Series, we discuss what it means to raise investor capital, the challenges and opportunities that come with pivoting a mission-driven business, and how founders can stay true to their purpose through seasons of change. From DEI innovation to startup strategy, Nassim offers hard-earned insights into building, funding, and reimagining a values-led company.
Spark Series 06 – Innovating a Family Business with Sam Cooper
Sam Cooper is President and CEO of PolyJohn, a global leader in portable sanitation products headquartered in Whiting, Indiana. A third-generation family business leader, Sam has helped PolyJohn expand both its innovation capabilities and its commitment to serving essential infrastructure needs worldwide.
In this conversation, we talk about the future of manufacturing, developing new products in a legacy company, and what it means to serve customers in often overlooked but essential industries.
Episodes Seven Through Eleven
Spark Series 07 – Product Development and Launch with Emily D. Edwards
Emily Edwards is the founder of Paradise Spreads, a plant-based, allergen-friendly food brand that began in her home kitchen and has grown into a regional success story. A former mental health professional, Emily combined her love of baking with a desire to create inclusive, nutritious treats that bring people together.
In this conversation, we explore her transition from social work to entrepreneurship, what it takes to build a consumer brand from scratch, and how she stays grounded in mission and joy.
Spark Series 08 – Entrepreneurial Mindset and Product Innovation with DJ Moore
DJ Moore is the CEO of Erosion & Construction Solutions, Inc., and one of the innovators behind Siltworm, a sustainable sediment filtration product made from recycled wood waste. Based in Merrillville, Indiana, DJ and his team were inducted into the Society of Innovators for their environmentally friendly approach to erosion control.
In this episode, we dive into DJ’s entrepreneurial mindset, product innovation in construction, the challenges of scaling a green tech solution, and the leadership lessons he’s learned building a values-based company recognized on the Inc. 5000 list.
Spark Series 09 – Understanding Markets and Customers with Lewellen Blooms
Joellen and Lewis Matzat are co-founders of Lewellen Blooms, a small flower farm in rural North Judson, Indiana. What began as a pandemic-era gesture of kindness—leaving jars of flowers on doorsteps—has blossomed into a full-fledged farm and community-minded business. In 2023, Lewellen Blooms won the Starke Tank pitch competition, helping them expand with new growing infrastructure and a longer harvest season.
In our conversation, we talk about rural entrepreneurship, the emotional power of flowers, and how small acts of kindness can bloom into something much bigger.
Spark Series 10 – Innovating Authentically with Edward Garza
Edward Garza is the CEO of El Popular, a historic family-owned food company known for bringing authentic Mexican flavors to American kitchens for over a century. Under his leadership, El Popular has embraced product innovation, cultural authenticity, and strategic growth—introducing nearly 20 new products since he took the helm.
In our conversation, we explore how Edward balances heritage and innovation, what it means to lead a legacy brand into the future, and why staying curious, evolving with your consumer, and investing in new ideas are essential for long-term success in the food industry.
Spark Series 11 – Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership with Charita Lucas
Charita Lucas is the CEO and owner of dOSA Naturals and executive director and founder of Future Cycle Breakers, a nonprofit and social enterprise working to empower youth through entrepreneurship. A former advertising executive who broke cycles of poverty in her own life, Charita now runs leadership camps, mentorship programs, and product-based learning experiences for young people in underserved communities.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of business and social impact, how to create access and agency, and the importance of showing youth what’s possible.