How The CATALYST Helped Jän Simon Launch His Dream Podcast
For many business owners, dreams often take a back seat to the demands of day-to-day operations. That was true for Jän Simon, CLCS, a respected Gilbert business owner and the founder of Foundation Insurance Services. For years, he carried the vision of creating a podcast—one that would go beyond business and dive into the personal journeys of local leaders. But like so many visionaries, he faced a roadblock: where to begin?
That changed when Jän discovered The CATALYST, Gilbert’s Business Resource Center.
Housed within the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation as a strategic partnership with the Town of Gilbert’s Office of Economic Developoment, The CATALYST is more than just a workshop space. It's a launchpad for ideas, a community hub for collaboration, and—perhaps most importantly for Jän—a place equipped with professional-grade resources that make bold dreams possible. Among those resources is the Audio & Advice Room, a fully equipped podcasting studio designed to make content creation accessible and approachable for everyone.
“The CATALYST gave me the courage to go out on my own,” said Jän. “It created a safe space for me to experiment, learn, and ultimately realize that my vision was possible.”
In that environment, Jän recorded episodes and built confidence behind the mic. He experimented with format, storytelling, and interviewing—all while knowing he had the support of a community that believed in big ideas.
That experience sparked the launch of his own independent podcast: Above & Beyond.
Today, Jän’s influence is gaining momentum, and so is his podcast. Beyond his work as a business owner, Jän remains actively involved in Gilbert’s civic life, serving on the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission and contributing to the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee. With Above & Beyond, he’s found a new way to serve—by telling stories that inspire, inform, and connect.
💡 The CATALYST Effect
Jän’s story is exactly what The CATALYST was built for. It's a space where curiosity is welcomed, risk-taking is encouraged, and community support is a given. Whether you're testing an idea, launching a new initiative, or just looking for a place to plug in and create, The CATALYST offers the tools—and the environment—to help you succeed.
So, what dream have you been putting off?
If you're ready to take your business or creative idea to the next level, stop by The CATALYST and explore what's possible. You just might find the courage to go above and beyond.
Learn more about The CATALYST and how it can support your next big idea: www.CatalystGilbert.com