Leading the Way - November 6, 2026 | | Leading Moments From Across the District | | |
From a Business School Idea to Building a Brand!
Indian Hill High School students recently had the opportunity to learn from IH parent, President of Techbrite, and Co-Founder of Hoist, Mr. Brett Heekin, who shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey of transforming a business school concept into a successful brand. Through authentic stories of launching a business, developing strategic partnerships, and navigating unexpected challenges, Brett emphasized that entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path. Success requires vision, adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and make things happen!
Beyond building a business, Brett shared powerful lessons applicable to any future career. Students explored the importance of embracing change, cultivating meaningful relationships, and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth through what Brett calls "successful failure." He also reinforced that leadership requires commitment to others, while meaningful success demands patience, resilience, and a willingness to play the long game.
Experiences like these bring career exploration to life, connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges and opportunities. A tremendous thank you to Brett Heekin for investing in our students and reminding them that success isn't simply about having a great idea; it's about having the courage, determination, and resilience to bring that idea to life!
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IHExp: "IH Capital Gains"
Alumni Insights into the World of Finance Continues
From high school to the college quad and straight into career mode. The Capital Gains cohort was thrilled to host 2026 alumni Beckett Heimann and Charlie Warfel for an insightful, real-talk session about navigating their first few months on campus at UT and OSU.
Beckett and Charlie dropped incredible wisdom on what it really takes to set yourself up for success early on, giving our students a realistic look at just how competitive college student organizations can be. They emphasized the massive advantage of securing internships and hands-on experience before even stepping foot on campus, while highlighting actionable networking habits, like keeping your LinkedIn active and scheduling frequent coffee chats to explore different career paths and company cultures.
They also covered essential professional etiquette, reminding everyone to keep a well-fitted suit and tie ready for sudden campus opportunities and to always send a prompt follow-up thank-you email after connecting with someone. Most importantly, they left the cohort with a powerful reminder on resilience: learning how to handle rejection, whether from a selective club or a competitive internship, without taking it personally.
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Passing on Lessons Learned to their Peers
Last week the EC was absolutely buzzing with energy! Along with having a Career Connections Guest Speaker every day, four IHEXP Advisory Board members hosted resume review sessions for the Fall 2026 Cohort applicants. So proud of these students for taking initiative, showing true leadership, and constantly pushing themselves!
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IH "Hard Knocks" Video Series is HERE!
We interviewed Brett Heekin, President of Techbrite and Co-Founder of Hoist, and asked him what it’s like to balance the responsibilities of being president of one company while also serving as co-founder of another. We asked him about the biggest financial risk he has taken throughout his career and what he learned from that experience. We also asked him to share his advice for the younger generation and what he believes is important for long-term success. Lastly, we asked him what advice he would give to the next generation as they prepare to enter the workforce and make important decisions about their futures.
Check out ALL of our Hard Knocks Videos on Instagram @IHExperienceships
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Explore, Compare, and Plan Your Future with SHMACS!
Finding the right college is about more than choosing a name—it's about discovering the best fit for your interests, goals, and future aspirations! SHMACS College Compare is a FREE online resource, designed by Class of 2023 Alumni Jacob Tan and two friends, to help students and families make informed decisions as they navigate the college exploration process.
With information on more than 6,200 U.S. colleges, students can compare institutions side by side, exploring everything from tuition and financial aid to admissions requirements, campus life, athletics, graduation rates, and potential career earnings. Personalized search filters also allow students to narrow their options based on academic interests, location, budget, school size, and more!
Even better, SHMACS requires no account and allows students to download or print their college comparisons to share with families and school counselors. For students who have already selected a college, more than 100 institutions also offer additional tools to explore actual course offerings and begin planning their first-semester schedules. Whether you're just beginning your college search or preparing for your next chapter, SHMACS provides another valuable tool to help you explore your options and take ownership of your future!
Have additional questions, feel free to reach out to any of our HS Counselors and check out their monthly newsletter for more essential information like this.
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Beyond the Business Plan: Grit, Growth & Leadership with Thunderdome’s Joe Lanni
Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting Joe Lanni, Co-Founder and President of Thunderdome Restaurant Group, for an honest and practical conversation about entrepreneurship, grit, and leadership. Growing up watching his father run a restaurant, hard work clicked for Joe early on, whether he was cutting grass, lifeguarding, or working on the line. He reminded our students that time is currently on their side, encouraging them to take bold risks and fail early before heavy bills and life responsibilities set in. Emphasizing that there is no such thing as a perfect business plan, he explained that failure is often where the most critical lessons are learned.
Beyond the hustle, Joe spoke candidly about what it truly takes to sustain a business through adversity, noting that entrepreneurship ultimately tests how much you can handle. He highlighted Thunderdome’s intentional approach to internal culture, explaining why they refer to human resources as their Team Member Experience department: the frontline staff are the genuine difference makers, and keeping them supported, clear on expectations, and happy is what drives real success.
Reflecting on navigating restaurant closures during the COVID-19 pandemic—the most challenging period of his career—he shared how that shared endurance united the broader restaurant community under the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. We are deeply grateful to Joe for sharing his time, transparency, and hard-earned wisdom with our students.
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