ConversActions

What's the difference between surviving and thriving as a small business owner? In this episode, Tina Lockwood, co-founder of Lockwood Enterprises, reveals how proper financial structure and strategic thinking can transform a new or struggling business into a profitable, scalable enterprise.From starting in their home office to establishing a brick-and-mortar presence after 15 years, Tina and her husband Doug have built a comprehensive accounting and business advisory firm that serves Wisconsin and Arizona. Their three-part approach – stabilize, strategize, and scale – has helped countless entrepreneurs move from "receipts in a paperclip" chaos to predictable profitability and compliance readiness.In this episode, we explore:(00:00) Opening thoughts on peace of mind versus profit in business(02:10) Tina's journey from home office to brick-and-mortar success(03:25) The three-part structure of Lockwood Enterprises(04:53) Scale Up Milwaukee program experience and networking benefits(06:11) The power of mentorship through SCORE(08:19) What business owners commonly overlook about their finances(09:39) The stabilize, strategize, and scale process(15:27) Success story: moving a client from crisis to profitability(18:13) What drives their passion for client empowerment(19:32) Leveraging AI in accounting and business advisory services(21:54) Key lessons learned: structure, compliance, and mindset shifts(25:27) Building a business for generational impact and legacyResources MentionedScale Up Milwaukee: 10-week entrepreneurial development programSCORE: Mentorship program for small business ownersSBA 504 loan programLockwood Enterprises

A great meal is about more than just the food – it’s about connection, seasonality, and a dash of storytelling. In this episode, Chef John Bogan, founder of the Lake Geneva School of Cooking, invites us behind the scenes of his high-energy kitchen and reveals how he’s reimagining culinary education by making it as welcoming as a gathering at home.From humble roots on an upstate New York "farmette" to opening acclaimed restaurants and teaching classes that feel like family reunions, Chef John Bogan has built a culinary community that celebrates local farms, changing seasons, and the joy of cooking together.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Culinary evolution with Chef John Bogan(05:03) Elevating your home cooking and culinary skills(11:47) Why seasonal ingredients matter(16:09) Food holidays and dining trends(17:41) Restaurant dreams and hard lessons(21:22) A chef’s emotional connection to food(28:51) Reflecting on John’s journey and community supportLinks mentioned in this episode:Lake Geneva School of CookingChef John Bogan’s InstagramRecipes from the Seasons of My Life – Cookbook

Despite all our technology, one in three adults in America reports regular loneliness. This week’s guest, Brad Steckart, founder of Sit By Me, shares how his own experience working remotely inspired him to create an app that helps people break down social barriers in everyday spaces like cafes, bars, and libraries.You’ll hear the research behind the loneliness epidemic, the surprisingly scrappy sticky-note origins of Sit By Me, and how the app makes real-world connections safe, consensual, and effortless. Brad Steckart breaks down the user journey, startup launch lessons, and why community-driven relationships are a win for people – and the local businesses that bring them together.In this episode, we explore:(00:00) Loneliness and why connection matters(06:10) Turning loneliness into real connection(07:30) The sticky note experiment that sparked it all(11:31) Simple icebreakers that actually work(16:56) How conversations build real relationships(20:36) How social media became passive consumption(22:44) Creating real-world community connection points(25:41) Why consistency and belief drive momentum(27:57) Lessons on traction, timing, and startup realityLinks mentioned in this episode:Sit By Me AppBrad’s Executive Briefing: Reconnecting in a Digital WorldConnect with Bradley Steckart on LinkedIn

Meet Paul Scharfman, the founder of Specialty Cheese Company and one of the most unconventional innovators in American dairy. From getting fired in corporate America to building an award-winning specialty cheese business in Wisconsin, Paul shares the origin story behind his journey, and how a Boston outsider became a Paneer Cheese pioneer.He breaks down lessons from corporate life, innovation in dairy, and why compassion, adaptability, and honest facts are key to winning in specialty food.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Finding purpose in building a small business(06:56) Making handmade cheese the traditional way(10:49) Patents vs trade secrets in food innovation(12:24) Flexible assets vs brittle business models(15:08) Dairy trends, diet drugs, and a growing dilemma(17:53) Why adaptation drives long term success(22:51) Safety first inside the cheese plant(24:55) Building trust with facts and transparencyLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Paul Scharfman on LinkedInSpecialty Cheese Company

Today we meet Steve Glynn, the founder and Chief Milwaukee Officer of Experience Milwaukee, and the force behind Milwaukee's Walkers Point Innovation District.Steve’s entrepreneurial journey includes the start-up Sprinklr, a creative agency built by empowering college students. After selling the business, Steve shifted to connecting people, ideas and opportunity.In this episode, Steve shares his origin story, the resilience needed to build without an inherited network, and why community is the real growth engine. From margarita-fueled tech meetups to developing the Walker’s Point Innovation District, this conversation explores entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and community-driven growth.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Experience Milwaukee and the power of giving back(04:18) The first iPhone moment that changed everything(07:00) Why entrepreneurship is really about human connection(10:43) Rebuilding connection through community and innovation(15:59) Building a vision while life keeps moving(18:31) Why you must participate in your own rescue(20:01) Survival, leverage, and the founder mindsetLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Steve Glynn on LinkedInExperience MilwaukeeWalker’s Point Innovation District

Guy Rehorst is the founder and CEO of Great Lakes Distillery, Wisconsin’s original post-Prohibition distillery. From hobbyist homebrewer to pioneering entrepreneur, discover how curiosity, experimentation, and an engineer’s perspective led him to transform the Wisconsin’s spirits landscape.Find out about the challenges of building a craft distillery from the ground up, from navigating regulatory hurdles to sourcing local ingredients and championing sustainability. This episode also delivers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs – including the hard realities of sales, market volatility, and the power of adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Pioneering Wisconsin craft distilling(04:05) Trailblazer’s journey into craft spirits(06:22) How bourbon is made and planned(10:06) Reviving absinthe after re-legalization(15:37) Making spirits vs selling them(17:37) THC cocktails and production challengesLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Guy Rehorst on LinkedInGreat Lakes Distillery

Mary Brazeau Brown is the president of Glacial Lake Cranberries and the fourth generation of her family’s farm. She joins ConversActions to explore the traditions, stories, and sustainable practices behind Wisconsin’s iconic fruit. From the fascinating origin of Glacial Lake Cranberries to the year-round work of growing and harvesting, Mary shares wisdom passed down through generations and lessons in patience, resilience, and gratitude - a wonderful fit for our Thanksgiving episode!In this episode, we explore: (03:57) Spring frost protection and pollination(07:31) Harvest: tradition and progress(11:17) Farming: a lesson in faith(16:07) From idea to product(19:42) How big is local?(21:42) Be true to yourself(23:36) Reality check through honestyLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with:Mary Brazeau Brown on LinkedInGlacial Lake CranberriesHonestly Cranberry

Grant Pauly, founder of 3 Sheeps Brewing, shares a story that starts in his family’s concrete business and takes a bold turn into beer – after a handshake deal at a local brewpub launched what’s now a thriving, award-winning brewery known for creativity and craftsmanship. He built 3 Sheeps Brewing from the ground up, balancing passion with practicality, and along the way learned how to build a brand that stands out in a crowded market, manage supplier relationships the right way, let customer demand drive innovation, and keep cash flow king while staying creative. He calls this creative twist 'one off of normal'. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Barrel-aging beer explained(04:13) How barrel aging enhances flavor(07:41) Hops, prices and recipe stability(11:27) Rebel Kent, a unique amber(15:12) Crafting drinks for Wisconsin(18:00) Boosting grocery store sales(21:50) Why entrepreneurship takes grit(23:06) Teamwork, challenges, and beerLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Grant Pauly on LinkedIn3 Sheeps

Andrew Hutchison is the president and head baker at Madison Sourdough. What starts as a story about bread becomes one about craft, resilience, and legacy.Andrew shares how a fine arts degree – and even getting fired from his first bakery shift – led him to discover the discipline and patience behind great bread and great leadership. He and Bill explore how fermentation, teamwork, and time shape not only dough but culture and business.If you believe success is built through consistency, not shortcuts, this one’s for you.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Passion forged through persistence(05:44) Why the French prefer milder bread(08:14) Crafting unique, fresh-milled loaves(10:36) Guiding the magic of fermentation(13:16) The patience behind perfect shaping(16:48) Building connections in the Midwest grain network(19:59) Breeding winter wheat for Wisconsin(26:23) Planning for business legacy and exitLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Andrew Hutchison on LinkedInMadison Sourdough

Host Bill Mitchell sits down with Eric Lund, CEO of S&L Hospitality and a driving force behind Great Wolf Resorts, the brand that reinvented family vacations with the indoor water park.Eric shares how Great Wolf grew from a clever idea into a nationwide phenomenon, the hurdles of financing a brand-new resort model, and why a people-first culture still drives success. He also looks ahead at the future of hospitality: tech, personalization and keeping family experiences at the core.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Birth of Great Wolf Lodge(04:53) First indoor water park success(06:40) Family-centric water park culture(11:30) Family fun at Great Wolf Lodge(14:29) Entrepreneurial journey and business culture(19:26) Building a smart, leisure-driven culture(21:05) Sharing unique experiences(26:57) Adapting to next generation needs(28:04) Passion for hospitality industryLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Eric Lund on LinkedInS&L HospitalityGreat Wolf Lodge

Meredith Baciak, Wellness Coordinator at Miron Construction, joins the show to share how meeting people where they are – whether on bustling job sites or in quiet one-on-ones - is reshaping mental health in a traditionally tough industry. Meredith explains why wellness at Miron goes far beyond tracking steps or reducing insurance costs. It’s about human connection, fostering a culture where it’s okay not to be okay, and making sure every worker hears the same message: tomorrow needs you.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Holistic workplace wellness approach(04:24) Redefining strength in construction(06:39) Workplace stand-down initiative(11:47) Conversations save lives(13:46) Persuasion through active listening(19:10) Tomorrow Needs You campaign impact(22:03) Evolving values at Miron(23:38) Focus on one priority at a timeLinks mentioned in this episode:Miron'sMental Health HubConnect with Meredith Baciak on LinkedIn

Sometimes the most essential innovations are the ones you never see. In this episode, Cindy White, President and CEO of Channeled Resources Group, takes us inside the surprising world of release liners – the unsung heroes behind labels, bandages, and packaging.Cindy shares how the company evolved from traditional recycling to innovative manufacturing, all while championing sustainability and navigating the challenges of tariffs and global trade. You’ll also hear insights on leading a multi-generational family business, adapting to supply chain turbulence, and building a culture of continuous learning. And if you’ve ever received a package at your door, you’re already part of this story.In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Wisconsin’s specialty paper industry insights(04:22) Label blanks diversification success(09:00) Environmental leadership in the label industry(11:20) Challenges and success in family business(15:51) Tariff uncertainty amid trade agreement(18:52) Navigating tariffs in global markets(21:05) Networking boosts business knowledge(21:51) Cindy’s top success lessonsLinks mentioned in this episode:Cindy welcomes you to reach out to her!Contact Channeled Resource GroupConnect with Cindy White on LinkedIn

Sara Antonson is co-owner of Riverbend Winery & Distillery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She joins ConversActions to share how her family transformed Riverbend into a welcoming community hub after taking ownership in 2022, blending family values, hospitality, and innovation. From navigating supply chain hurdles to leveraging social media, she offers candid insights into the challenges and rewards of running a family-owned winery. You will also hear practical lessons on teamwork, customer experience, and staying true to your market.In this episode, we explore: (02:01) The origin story of Riverbend Winery(05:13) The family dynamics with two generations in the business(06:28) Modern communication in winery operations(09:18) Technology’s impact on winery operations(12:52) Wisconsin-inspired wine label design(15:41) Winery marketing strategy reimagined(18:26) Customer care and knowledge(22:24) Chippewa Valley grape-based wineryLinks mentioned in this episode:Riverbend Winery & DistilleryConnect with Sara Antonson on LinkedInThe Experience Economy – Book

Team-Driven Veterinary SuccessListen in as Dr. Kara Nelsen, founder of Allied Emergency Veterinary Services shares her journey from emergency vet to building a five-location clinic network. Discover how her commitment to harmony and empowering her team fuels resilience in a competitive industry. 3 Key TakeawaysTeam Focus Drives Quality CareThrough an ‘administration-light’ structure Kara makes sure the teams are directly involved in decision-making. Allied maintains a strong culture where teams feel heard and are invested in quality care. Privately OwnedKara experienced the limitations of corporate veterinary practices and applied those lessons to her privately-owned clinics which benefit from autonomy and team members with a true stake in their workplace.Growth and EfficiencyAllied’s organic growth benefits from careful investments in technology, internal talent development and accuracy in patient services (for patients who cannot speak!).

Nurturing Dreams at Work: The Evolution of Coaching atMiron ConstructionIn this episode, Eric Marcoe shares the story behind Miron Construction’s innovative Dream Project, how coaching has evolved within the company and lessons for fostering personal growth and safe conversations at work.3 Key Takeaways:Dream Project OriginsInspired by the book The Dream Manager by Mathew Kelly, Miron Construction embraced the concept of supporting employees’ personal and professional growth. Over time, Eric’s role grew into “Dream Coach 2.0”, broader leadership and life coaching.Safe Spaces Boost EngagementEric emphasizes the importance of creating safe, judgement-free environments for employees to open up about work or personal matters. Trust and confidentiality are the core of this work, and even resource-limited businesses can create these trusted spaces. Coaching is Most Effective When WelcomedCoaching only works when employees are ready and willing to engage. Tune in for practical advice for fostering growth, connections and well-being in any workspace!The Dream Manager by Mathew Kelly. Beacon Publishing, 2007

LinkedIn Success with Wayne BreitbarthIn this episode, host Bill Mitchell welcomes Wayne Breitbarth, one of the nation’s top LinkedIn trainers, to talk about all things LinkedIn for business professionals and entrepreneurs.Wayne shares his journey from office furniture salesman to LinkedIn authority, discusses how the platform evolved from a job search site to a broad business hub, and reveals practical strategies for leveraging LinkedIn for sales, networking, recruiting, and personal branding. Here are 3 Key Takeaways1. LinkedIn is a powerful business database, not Just a social media platform. Wayne’s “aha!” moment came when he realized LinkedIn allowed users to see not just who their friends are, but also who their friends know—a game-changer for expanding business networks and finding decision-makers.2. Successful LinkedIn profiles start with authenticity: a compelling LinkedIn profile should genuinely represent you—avoid marketing jargon and instead write in the first person, using your own voice. When sending connection requests or messages, make them personal, specific, and reflective of your personality (within the 200-character limit). This builds trust and encourages meaningful engagement.3. Engagement is about quality conversations, not just posting content. Don’t feel pressured to post constantly—engagement comes from starting conversations. Use   post ‘likes’, comments, and “who’s viewed your profile” to initiate relevant dialogues with your audience. Posting is only effective when it leads to real interaction; proactive outreach and follow-up are where business opportunities flourish.Connect with Wayne BreitbarthBookConnect with Bill Mitchell

Betting the Farm: A 5th-Generation Dairy Farmer Tees Up Golf Success Ever wondered what it takes to swap milking cows for managing fairways? In this episode, Jessica Blaska-Grady, the general manager at Kestrel Ridge and The Oaks golf courses shares the inspiring journey from her family’s dairy tradition to running two thriving Wisconsin golf courses. Tune in as she uncovers the lessons in a Midwest work ethic, family business dynamics and succeeding in a local community. Here are 3 Key Takeaways:Farmer’s Grit Builds Business Resilience:  Jessica credits the 24/7 work ethic from her dairy farming roots as a key driver of success in golf course management. “You reap what you sow” pays off both in the fields and the fairways.Community Connection is Essential: Honoring community commitments is non-negotiable for the family owners. Hosting local events, supporting clubs and offering a welcoming space for customers and visitors is an uncompromising standard. Family Business: Jessica’s experience reveals the challenges and successes of a family business and how Thanksgiving dinner features both. Listen in and learn how entrepreneurship runs its course in two very different industries.

Healing Inflammation with Chef Lauren Posa This week ConversActions welcomes Chef Lauren Posa, wellness advocate and energy force behind The Farmacy –A Restorative Eatery. We learn why so many common foods are making you sicker – often without you realizing it. In this episode Lauren explains how the right foods can fight inflammation and improve our overall wellbeing. Chef Lauren reveals her journey through a devastating illness, the business mistakes she made and a few strategies to help us master healthy eating. Here are 3 Key Takeaways: 1.Food as Medicine: Chef Lauren revealed how conventional “comfort” foods can fuel inflammation and slow healing, while brain-friendly foods like avocados, turmeric and berries actively fight disease. 2.Self-Development Fuels Success: Chef Lauren learned herbusiness would only grow as far as she did. By prioritizing personal growth, setting boundaries, and making downtime non-negotiable, her restaurant thrived – proving you can’t pour froman empty cup. 3.Educate to Elevate: The Farmacy isn’t just about serving meals,it’s a vehicle to teach. Chef Lauren empowers customers and staff with nutrition education, hands-on classes, and a vision for online learning to spread knowledge far beyond her kitchen. Lauren shared her anti-inflammatory recipe for Avocado Mousse:Ingredients:2 ripe avocados1/3 cup maple syrup¼ cup cacao powder (not cocoa powder)¼ cup coconut milk1 tsp. vanilla extractPinch of sea salt (preferably Celtic Sea Salt)Blend all ingredients untilsmooth and creamy. Chill for 30+ minutes.

Octopi Brewing is another great example of our guest business leaders revealing success lessons, in this case the ability to weather mistakes along the way. This week, we chat with Isaac Showacki, the mastermind behind Octopi Brewing. He distills the basics of the craft beer scene and how he built Octopi into one of the Midwest’s biggest contract brewing companies. Here’s what’s on tap in this episode:The Magic of Contract Brewing: It’s more than brewing beer—it’s a smart, scalable business model that’s all about growth by catching the next product wave. Rolling with the Punches: Growth isn’t without speedbumps. Isaac talks about preparing for things to go wrong and maintaining sufficient cash – the fuel of growth.Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Blending a killer team culture (rooted in values like best-in-class quality) with curiosity. Then peppering suppliers for insights and trends makes for a winning formula.If you’re not driving, grab a brew and tune in for some actionable tips and inspiration from Isaac's journey!

Zebras and Camels and Geckos – Oh My!How does an electrical engineer create an innovative early childhood education model? Bob Davis, founder of Little Explorer and Inspire Early Childhood Learning Center, faced countless funding rejections before breaking through. In this episode, learn how Bob turned every setback into an opportunity, engineering a unique educational model that fosters creativity and future success.3 Key Takeaways from This Episode   Turning Passion into Impact – Bob’s journey proves that passion, paired with persistence, can lead to groundbreaking innovations in childhood education.The Science Behind Early Learning – Discover the key personality traits that shape a child’s future success and how educators can nurture them from an early age – building a love for learning. Scaling for a Better Future – Why collaboration among struggling childcare centers could be crucial for improving teacher pay, resources, and overall educational outcomes.Tune in to see how innovation and determination can reshape entire industries.Check out Bob’s Website HERE.Connect with Bill HERE.Connect with our Sponsoring Partner’s Website HERE.

In today’s ConversActions podcast, we explore the twists and turns of authentic Bavarian soft pretzels with Matt Wessel, the co-owner and CEO of Milwaukee Pretzel. Matt’s origin story begins with unforgettable beer garden experiences in Munich with his wife and soon-to-be business partner Katie. Matt shares that journey of turning a love for German culture (and irresistible pretzels) into a business built on quality, customer service and inspired leadership.Here’s what you’ll discover:From Munich to Milwaukee: Matt and Katie experienced the flavor of genuine Bavarian pretzels during their year-long stay in Munich. This connection to German culture and the amazing quality of the pretzels sparked a dream. They brought that dream home to Milwaukee, founding their business in 2013 with serious commitment to authenticity.Scaling with Purpose: For Matt and Katie, growth is all about focusing on what truly matters: quality, customer care, and most importantly, their people. They leverage their individual – and complementary - strengths for effectiveness as leaders.  Innovation and Community Spirit: While honoring their core Bavarian pretzel product, they’re expanding into exciting new areas like craft mustard and gourmet cheese spreads. They’re also committed to making a difference, with a fundraising division that has already given back over $1 million to local organizations. It’s all part of their vision: The best pretzels come from Milwaukee!

Lettuce Learn: Where Food Intersects With LifeExplore the transformative power of localized food systems with groundbreaking Flex Farm technology. President Alex Tyink shares how Fork Farms is making fresh food accessible, revolutionizing indoor farming and fostering sustainable growth. We Harvested 3 Takeaways:Food Systems Innovation: Learn how Alex took his passion for fresh food and turned it into a scalable technology that operates on 75% less energy. Fork Farms' innovative approach is revolutionizing how we think about eating local and sustainable produce. Iterate with Intention: Alex shares how a relentless focus on the "why" of the company enabled him to ‘fail fast’ with over 30 prototypes on the way to a customer-centric product. Find out why agility, reactiveness and iteration are essential to long-term startup success. Community Engagement: Fork Farms is more than food technology; it's about engaging communities and educating future generations on the importance of fresh food. Learn how Fork Farms is impacting local food systems and improving community health.

Showing Their Mettle: A Trio of Leaders Builds Success Explore the inspiring story of Benz Metal Products and learn how strategic relationships have propelled this family-owned business to new heights. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind their nearly 100% customer retention rate.Here are 3 Key Takeaways:Building Strong Relationships:Benz Metal's incredible customer retention rate is a testament to the power of fostering strong, problem-solving relationships rather than treating customer interactions as mere transactions. 2. Strategic Growth: CEO Jacob van der Kooy emphasizes the importance of strategic investments and partnerships, demonstrating how to turn vision into reality with smart, forward-thinking decisions. 3. Transparency in Decision-Making:In a ‘Google world’, almost any information is public, so letting team members know the ‘why’ in decisions that affect their role builds commitment. It shows leadership integrity and builds a caring culture. 

Success Insights from a Pizzaiolo: A Dude Who Slings PizzaA pizzaiolo (peet-suh-yoh-loh) can refer to anyone contributing to the success of pizza making, whether chefs, restaurants, or manufacturers of pizza like our podcast, guest, Nick Fallucca. Palermo's Pizza transformed from a small family bakery and restaurant into an innovation leader in the frozen pizza industry. Nick shares many insights that would be of value to entrepreneurs and growing business owners alike.Here are 3 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Embrace Fast Innovation: Learn how Palermo's Pizza quickly brought a "Stranger Things" (Netflix) - themed pizza to Walmart, cutting typical time-to-market significantly. This success story highlights the power of agile thinking and rapid market tests.2️⃣ Leadership With a Heart: Discover Nick's approach to leadership, balancing inspiration, accountability, and autonomy. He emphasizes servant leadership, respectful communication, and the importance of being supportive with your team. 3️⃣ Innovation via Customer Feedback: Nick speaks to the critical importance of staying adaptable and responsive to consumer feedback. His advice on "failing fast" and pivoting based on market readiness can transform your approach to product development. Tune in to uncover more of Nick’s industry insights, leadership tips, and the role of endless curiosity – asking why-why-why?

Life-Long Learning: Leaders ‘Thinking in Centuries’Ever wondered what it takes to thrive in a multi-generational family business? Join us as we uncover the journey of Matt Powell, CEO of Century Companies, and learn the secrets of leadership, stewardship, and personal growth. Here are 3 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Legacy of Resilience: Understanding your organization's origin is crucial. Matt shares how his great-grandfather's perseverance during the Great Depression shaped the company's DNA and how maintaining that legacy fuels long-term success. 2️⃣ Leadership Through Self-Improvement:Leadership starts from within. Matt emphasizes the importance of reading, listening to podcasts, self-reflection, and having great mentors for developing effective leadership skills. 3️⃣ People-Centric Vision: Putting humanity at the forefront can inspire incredible loyalty and effort. Matt’s focus on creating an environment where employees feel inspired, safe, and fulfilled drives the organization's success. Discover more at ConversActions: www.conversactionsllc.com