In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Tim Fischer, CEO of ADA Lift Rentals of America and Southeast Elevator, to explore accessibility and how it’s shaping the future of business. From home elevators that allow people to age in place to ADA-compliant solutions for major sporting and music events, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of accessibility in creating inclusive experiences.

⏱️ Timestamps
Guest Introduction
00:00 — Welcome to Nexus + Tim Fischer Introduction
00:59 — How did you get started in the accessibility industry?
01:56 — What does it mean to you to have such a significant impact on people's lives?
Topic Introduction
03:36 — What is the purpose of the ADA?
04:50 — Educating others is an integral part of the job
05:16 — This episode primarily focuses on Title III of the ADA
Accessibility for Non-Accessibility Focused Businesses & Homes
05:33 — How are industries not traditionally focused on accessibility creating more inclusive environments?
06:54 — What’s the biggest challenge in organizing ADA-compliant large-scale events?
08:01 — Is accessibility becoming more of an expectation than a requirement?
08:43 — How is accessibility being integrated into home design from the initial planning stage rather than as an afterthought?
10:00 — Do companies handle accessibility in-house, or is it typically outsourced?
11:46 — Can you share examples of companies that have grown through inclusive design?
12:32 — What does the future of accessibility look like in traditionally non-accessible spaces?
13:40 — How are societal shifts influencing accessibility-focused marketing?
ADA Lift Rentals of America & Southeast Elevator Deep Dive
14:54 — What services do you offer?
17:03 — What sets your company apart?
18:37 — How do you approach marketing?
20:23 — How do most customers discover your business?
21:53 — How do you build and maintain relationships with repeat customers?
23:45 — What are some of the major and minor challenges you face?
25:44 — How does working with large organizations differ from working with homeowners when creating ADA-compliant environments?
27:49 — Does legal compliance tend to work in your favor?
Trends, Growth, Mergers & Acquisitions
28:31 — What are some emerging trends in the accessibility industry?
29:29 — How is AI influencing accessibility?
30:35 — How do you adapt year after year to changes in technology and legislation?
31:53 — In small companies, individuals often wear multiple hats
32:56 — How do mergers and acquisitions help expand your service offerings?
Conclusion
34:24 — What’s one key insight or piece of advice you’d offer to business leaders and entrepreneurs interested in accessibility services?
36:18 — Do you have any final thoughts or resources you'd like to share?
37:33 — Thank you for tuning in!

🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Connect with UCF
🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/
📊 College of Business on LinkedIn:

Clean data isn’t just numbers—it’s the key to safer, smarter, and more profitable business.

In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Cory Gunning sits down with Dave Kuketz, Vice President of MDM Global Strategies at Sphera, to explore Master Data Management (MDM) and how it’s shaping the future of business. From the challenges of data governance to the critical role of clean data in safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, this conversation dives deep into innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of data in driving success.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to Nexus + Dave Kuketz Intro
01:41 - What inspired your path to data strategy?
03:42 - What is Master Data Management (MDM)?
05:26 - When did MDM start becoming a critical business function?
07:26 - Are there industries that benefit more using MDM?
09:02 - Does every business need MDM?
09:18 - What are the key components of MDM?
12:23 - Is MDM more prevalent in 2025 than ever before?
14:26 - How do organizations begin to implement MDM?
14:59 - The 9P’s
16:12 - Agile supply chain
17:45 - Organizational communication
19:28 - Governance and keeping data clean
20:45 - KPIs
21:09 - Parts and equipment
22:47 - Can MDM be outsourced?
24:31 - What are the biggest challenges with MDM?
29:06 - How do you measure success with MDM?
33:16 - What are some emerging data management trends?
38:55 - What’s something we can take away from your experience?
40:45 - Race analogy
42:55 - Why do cars have brakes?
43:42 - Final thoughts
44:13 - Thank you for tuning in!

🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com/nexus-at-ucf
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Connect with UCF
🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/
📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all

🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/
💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all

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#DataStrategy #EnterpriseTransformation #MasterDataManagement #BusinessGrowth #FutureofWork

Theme parks aren’t just selling tickets—they’re selling worlds. Here’s how immersive design drives guest loyalty and revenue.

In this episode of Nexus at UCF, host Dwayne Jones sits down with Dr. Ray Eddy, award-winning UCF professor and former Disney stuntman, to explore how immersive experiences are transforming business. From the psychology of immersion to the future of AI-driven theme parks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in entertainment, tech, or innovation.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00:00 – Welcome to Nexus + Dr. Ray Eddy Intro.
00:01:50 - What was it like being Indiana Jones at Disney?
00:03:51 - What is immersion and how does it affect us?
00:06:05 - Tell us more about the research you've done.
00:10:08 - What makes an experience truly immersive?
00:13:23 - Are there levels of immersion designers aim for?
00:15:34 - What’s next for immersion and AI in entertainment?
00:17:42 - The business case for immersive lands in theme parks.
00:19:55 - How immersion drives attendance and revenue.
00:22:25 - Are storytellers writing with theme parks in mind?
00:23:45 - What does the future of immersion look like for the parks?
00:25:45 - How rapid are these innovations coming?
00:27:59 - Final thoughts: personalization, passion, and innovation.
00:29:25 - Thank you for tuning in!

🔗 Connect with Us
🌐 Website: https://nexusatucf.wixsite.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nexusatucf
📱 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nexusatucf
🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nexusatucf
▶️ More episodes: https://youtube.com/@nexusatucf
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Connect with UCF
🏛️ College of Business Website: https://business.ucf.edu/
📊 College of Business on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucf-college-of-business/posts/?feedView=all
🌐 UCF Website: https://www.ucf.edu/
💼 UCF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-central-florida/posts/?feedView=all

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected to the future of business.

#NexusatUCF #Nexus #Podcast #BusinessInnovation #ImmersiveDesign #ThemeParkStrategy #EntertainmentBusiness #AIandStorytelling #LeadershipInBusiness