On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Steve Kelly, Chief Executive Officer for One Earth Energy. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Steve Kelly: Chief Executive Officer, One Earth Energy Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bn…

Nikita and Eli catch up and talk about the rituals they follow when arriving in new places, such as gathering around campfires, along with a range of other related topics.

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Tyler Cravens, Chief Operating Officer for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠Tyler Cravens: Chief Operating Officer, McLean County Chamber of Commer…

On this week's episode of the Building BN Podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Kristin Rae, founder of Inspire Travel Luggage. She shares her journey from fashion design student to successful solopreneur, highlighting local manufacturing, community support, and the entrepreneurial spirit in Bloomington Normal. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban:…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Melissa Breeden, Region Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Melissa Breeden: Region Council Manager, Birth to Five Illinois Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ht…

In this episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban sits down with Casey Peterson to reflect on his experiences and time at the BNEDC. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban, CEcd, EDFP: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Casey Peterson, CEcd Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Samantha Mlot, the City of Bloomington Economic Development Advocate. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Samantha Mlot: Economic Development Advocate, City of Bloomington Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠h…

Summary: In this podcast, Patrick Hoban and Ryan Whitehouse discussthe challenges and opportunities facing the Illinois Farm Bureau and theagricultural community as they enter the new year. They explore Ryan's advocacyrole, the importance of economic development in rural areas, the pressingchallenges for farmers, and the significance of agriculture…

It's always on our minds as we seek to make this lifestyle sustainable -- the financial aspect of location independent work. Because let's not sugar-coat it: building a career that lets you enjoy such freedom requires work. It requires asking some tough questions and finding your particular answers. Here, Eli touches on how to approach tackling unc…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Rachel Huser and Mike O'Grady with Wabash Valley Power Alliance. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Rachel Huser: Senior Economic Development Manager at Wabash Valley Power Alliance Mike O'Grady:…

What does it mean for a location to be "winning" for nomads? This is something Eli thinks a lot about -- as he plans his next flight and as he continues the work of his main project, StartupBlink. In this ep, we dive into what trends, factors, and overall values determine a location's nomadic potential. And, of course, we name a handful that fall i…

Summary: In this conversation, Patrick Hoban interviews Marin Moss, an intern from Illinois Wesleyan University, discussing her background, educational journey, and insights into economic development. Marin shares her experiences in creating demographic profiles for rural communities and reflects on the importance of economic development for qualit…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Jamie Mathy, Owner of Red Raccoon Games. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠Jamie Mathy: Owner, Red Raccoon Games Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.redraccoongames.…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Jennifer McDade, Public Relations Manager at Country Financial. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Jennifer McDade: Public Relations Manager, Country Financial⁠ Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.or…

Our star listener Nikita Smelyanskiy is back! This time to ask Eli some deep questions about his nomadic journey. They chat about how Eli started moving around (at age 31!), his early approaches to making income, simplifying your lifestyle into "first-level principles," maintaining nomadic relationships, how this lifestyle impacts your larger persp…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with B.J. Wilken, Executive Director/CEO at the YMCA. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: B.J. Wilken⁠ ⁠:⁠YMCA Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.bnymca.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

We often talk about the values of nomadic freedom. But nomadic freedom also includes the freedom to stop being nomadic for a while. After all, there are many ways of living true to the nomadic spirit -- even when you're stationary. Here, Eli & Dan discuss Dan's recent less-nomadic exploits en route to bigger questions about the long-term nature of …

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Kristen Barnlund, Business Development Specialist for OSF HealthCare. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠Kristen Barnlund⁠⁠:⁠ OSF HealthCare Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, https://…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with our summer intern, Ethan Shellito. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Ethan Shellito Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Topics: Get To Know, Fun Facts, Perfect Day in Bl…

Today we have a special guest episode with our friend Nikita, a long-time listener of the show. He takes us through his unique approach to digital nomadism which started with some creative adventures in his home country -- perfect inspiration for anyone thinking about starting out. He and Eli move on to a grab bag of related nomadic questions about…

Let's dig in to some essential nomadic FAQs: How do you choose a place for new residency? How do you handle taxes while on the road? How does it all play with your origin country? In this quick "emergency pod," Eli outlines some advantages, considerations, & interesting countries worth exploring when thinking about residency & related logistics. (W…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Cheryl Magnuson, Founder of Majestic Interior Design, Inc. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Cheryl Magnuson⁠:⁠ Majestic Interior Design, Inc. Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, https://ww…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, we say farewell to our Illinois Wesleyan University Intern, Ernie Waterson. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Ernie Waterson Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't come to this episode hungry! Eli & Dan discuss some of their favorite locales for food and try to get a bit deeper: How much can food play a role in our perception of a location? What's the best way to really experience a local flavor? And what's our strategy for staying healthy while still experiencing food culture? Furthermore, we'll plant …

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Heather Young, Owner of OhmFit Activewear. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠Heather Young:⁠ OhmFit Activewear Websites: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, https://ohmfitactivewear.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

Every few years we like to check in & ask: What digital tools are we most heavily leaning on? What are we using on a daily basis during our nomadic journeys? In this ep, Eli & Dan cover categories such as social life, learning, navigation, and fitness. Hopefully giving you some helpful tips... but very likely just demonstrating our own ignorance :)…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Mark Adams and Ray Lai from the McLean County Regional Planning Commission. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Mark Adams:⁠ Community Planner for McLean County Regional Planning Commission Ray Lai: Executive…

It's our eternal question: Where next? Eli's constantly thinking of how to answer this question -- not just with places as answers... But with principles & concepts that always stand true. In this episode, he talks about some of his new and undiscussed principles to make sure the next destination is a place you connect with.…

On this week’s episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Ryan Whitehouse, Associate Director of Local Government & Political Engagement with the Illinois Farm Bureau and current #BNEDC Board Chairperson, about One Voice 2024. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Ryan …

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Brian Plath:⁠ ⁠⁠Founder of Hive 309 and Owner of Wayfinder Websites: ⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, https://hive309.com/, https://saleswayfinder.com/⁠Info: Hive 309 Wayfinder Internship Training Program ⁠⁠⁠Topics: Get to know Brian Plath, Fun Facts, Hive 3…

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Krishna Balakrishnan:⁠ ⁠Owner of Parke Regency Hotel & Conference Center Websites: ⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Info: Park Regency Hotel and Conference Center https://www.parkeregency.com/ Bon Chon https://locations.bonchon.com/ll/US/IL/Bloomington/1413-Lesli…

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Diane Cote: Chief Executive Officer at Mid-Illinois Realtors AssociationWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠, Mid-Illinois Realtors AssociationTopics: Get to know Diane Cote, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why does Economic Developmen…

Host: ⁠⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠⁠ Guest: John Quarton: Inaugural Director of The Petrick Idea Center at Illinois Wesleyan University Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠⁠, The Petrick Idea Center at Illinois Wesleyan University ⁠ Topics: Get to know John Quarton, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomingt…

Derek from Wandering Earl is back! To share more of his endless insights from 20+ years on the road. He & Eli touch on the classic question faced by lifelong nomads: Where's the finish line? Or, more accurately, is there a finish line? And they discuss what it's like to stop and start nomading again. Plus a grabbag of other topics: Building communi…

It's definitely not the sexiest part of our nomadic adventures... but it may be the most vital. Still, banking's tricky because, more than most, it's not a one-size-fits-all topic. In this episode, Eli & Dan try to tackle the distinct financial "tiers" and the different opportunities nomads have -- all to eventually establish some universal truths …

Host: ⁠⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠⁠ Guest: Craig McLauchlan Website: ⁠⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠⁠ Topics: Get to know Craig McLauchlan, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why does Economic Development Matter? Info: https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2023/11/harriett-steinbach-named-director-of…

You pack your bags and hit the road with a certain expectation in your mind. You imagine what you might experience, how you might change, what you might see, and who you might meet. But after years on the road, once the honeymoon phase has worn off... What unexpected realities might the digital nomad lifestyle bring? In this episode, we look past t…

Host: ⁠Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council ⁠ Guest: Ernie Waterson Website: ⁠https://www.bnbiz.org/⁠, https://www.iwu.edu/ Topics: Get to know Ernie Waterson, Fun Facts, The Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why does Economic Development Matter?

On this ep, Eli's joined by a special guest: James Clark, founder of the travel blog Nomadic Notes. They discuss the ups & downs of being on the nomadic journey for so long, how the landscape has changed since James hit the road in 2003, the importance of holding onto hobbies & interests, and a whole lot more. ... & if you have any thouhts of Qs, g…

Eli has spent years of nomadic working on both sides of the aisle. Looking back on his experiences, he shares the pros & cons, the rewards & tradeoffs, of both working solo and managing a team. Plus: He shares how starting a remote company wasn't a product of ambition or courage as much as a product of necessity. And he dives into how this change i…

Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guest: Alan Sender Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://cira.com/about-the-airport/airport-authority/ Topics: Get to know Alan Sender, Fun and Interesting Facts about Alan Sender, and hear why he thinks Economic Development Matters.…

You know about the Chiang Mai's and Medellin's of the world -- the established digital nomad hubs mentioned in every other blog post. But which places might become the next Chiang Mai? The next Medellin? In this episode, Eli & Dan scour the global map to identify a few dozen places on our BecomeNomad radar -- some have long been emerging, some have…

Accommodations! We start with Eli looking back at the early days of finding a place to stay via travel guides & simple spontaneity... And then see how things have drastically changed in the past ten years. Have they changed for the worst? Is the convenience gained by the Airbnb's and Booking.com's worth the dilution of nomadic adventure? What matte…

Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guest: Robbie Osenga Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://catalystconstructs.com/ Topics: Get to know Robbie Osenga, Catalyst Construction Inc., Fun Facts, Why does Economic Development Matter?

Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guests: Meghan O'Neal-Rogozinski Laura PrittsWebsite: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://axis360.co/ Topics: Axis 360, Fun Facts, Why does Economic Development Matter?

Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guests: Thomas Keyser Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://illinoisstate.edu/ Topics: College of Engineering, Fun Facts, Why does Economic Development Matter?

We may not be doctors, but we do have a few useful principles for approaching personal health on a day-to-day basis. Because the nomadic life inherently complicates our ability to stabilize our routines. Meaning that something like health, which so fundamentally requires stability, is more vulnerable to frequent disruption. So how can we reduce tha…

Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guests: Jamie Mathy, Leon Lewis, Charles Edamala, Craig Jackson Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://www.bninnovationalliance.com/ Topics: BN Innovation Alliance, Central Illinois Cyber Security Summit

We say farewell to our Illinois State University Stevenson Center Fellow, Randall Dimmette- Schweigert, and recap her time at the #BNEDC. Bios: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Courtney Schafer: Community Marketing Manager, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Randall Dimmette- Schweigert: ISU Stevenson…

Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Courtney Schafer: Community Marketing Manager, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Carl Teichman: Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Website: https://www.bnbiz.org/ Topics: Destihl Brewery, Life Multiplied, Illinois…