Women Who Open Doors

Kelley Kempel, Owner & Creative Director of Hidden Path Creative, shares how she never pictured herself as an entrepreneur but over time found that it fit her passions and lifestyle. Kelley discusses how she finds joy in bringing her "big brand knowledge" and experience to help small to medium-sized, product-based businesses with their brand and packaging needs. She also talks about how she has fo...

Tara Laatsch & Christin Cilento, Co-Owners of CityTins, LLC, share how their company was born from a casual meeting on a playground and a yearning for more fun and interesting fundraising options for their daughters' elementary school. In this episode, not only will you learn about their entrepreneurial journey but also the impact they have made in the community. Get a more intimate peek into the...

Brittany Ballweg, Founder & Owner of Dolphin Swim Academy, shares her inspiring journey from jumping in the pool at age 8 to overcoming hurdles to build her own million-dollar pool facility where she teaches swim safety to children and adults. This is an amazing story of perseverance, finding one's passion, achieving dreams, and giving back to the community.

Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, is a power connector! She shares how her role allows her to bridge the gap between minority-owned enterprises and large corporations. She also chats about her experience being named a Women of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, and her advice to small businesses.

Janette Thornley, Retired Nitro Harley Pilot, Author, Speaker, and Coach, sits down with Julie this week to share her experiences on being a woman in a male-dominated sport, finding her life's passion, and not letting titles or society's expectations weigh her down.

Deirdra Lambright, Owner & Baker of Sweets 4 Dayz, truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. Deirdra shares her experience about how she found her passion at a young age and has carried that into her adulthood by taking the leap to start her own business.

Bridget Lazlo, President/CEO of Guardian Business Solutions, talks about problem-solving in the manufacturing industry, her own journey of becoming a business owner, and offers nuggets of wisdom for our listeners. Listen now to dive into the world of manufacturing!

Christina Wegner, VP of Marketing for the Vollrath Company, shares her words of wisdom for small businesses embarking on their marketing journey, but she is so much more than just her title and expertise. Christina is an advocate, outdoors person, and active community member. Listen now to learn what gives her the energy to work hard and play hard.

LaTasha Langdon, Creative Owner & Founder of  Divine Destinies Life Skills, LLC, s its  down with Julie this week to share how she empowers and helps youth and young adults achieve their personal and professional goals through her entrepreneurship. Listen now to learn about the power and influence of one!

On this very special episode of Women Who Open Doors Julie is joined by her daughter, Ellie Georgetta, who is a recent psychology graduate of the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Ellie shares the ups and downs of her time in college, while also giving listeners an intimate look at her relationship with her mother! Listen now to hear Ellie's story and what she plans on to do next!

On this episode of Women Who Open Doors Julie is joined by Erica Turner and Heidi Wheeler, Creators of Bridge the Divide. Bridge the Divide is a grassroots effort that began in a small suburb of Milwaukee because of a beautiful friendship and is a forum for discussion and action around racial repair, reconstruction, and eventually, reconciliation. Listen now to learn how to get the conversation st...

Kenge Adams, CEO and Founder of Connect Business Consulting, sits down with Julie this week to share how she is bridging the gap in corporate social responsibility by connecting corporations to philanthropic work and maximizing their impact in the community. Also, are you scared to take that leap of faith in your own entrepreneurial efforts? Listen now to find out how Kenge found passion and succe...

Get ready to get inspired by this episode of Women Who Open Doors! Julie had the pleasure to sit down with Emily Phillips, a Financial Advisor at Baird, and Immediate Past President for Professional Dimensions, who is breaking glass ceilings in her career. Emily shares the hard realities that entrepreneurship is tough, but not totally impossible with community support, financial planning, and beli...

On this episode of Women Who Open Doors, Julie is joined by Sandy Ceron, President and CEO of Expert Coatings & Graphics. Sandy exudes passion in everything she does and it's contagious! Growing up in the family coatings business instilled in Sandy a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to her customers that has only strengthened over time. She i...

Maggie Joos, Owner of the Real Good Life, joins us this week to share how she found her passion in life (spoiler: it's not 100% about cooking). And how community engagement, creating the perfect team, and balancing life around work are the secret ingredients helping her business thrive!

Ashley Town and Danielle Gagliano of Bay View Printing join us this week to share their views on what it takes to have a successful business partnership, the magic of good timing, and how to be intentional about expanding the business. When is the right time to partner?  Who is the right person?  How do you grow together not apart? All of the questions that business owners grapple with as they gro...

Julia Taylor, President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC), joins us this week to share how she finds life lessons through her art and the impact GMC makes on the Milwaukee community through collaborating with other community organizations, city officials and businesses. Julia highlights the importance of bringing the Milwaukee community together to improve the lives of those less fortunate...

On this episode of Women Who Open doors, Julie is joined by Clarene Mitchell, Owner of TCM Communications, who shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur, the importance of community advocacy, and best practices when creating a LinkedIn profile. Take that jump and believe in yourself! 

Allison Grealis, Founder & President of Women in Manufacturing Association (WMP), sits down with Julie to discuss the importance of men lifting up women in leadership roles, especially in industries that are male-domInated

A dynamic duo from The Paranet Group, CEO Linda Kiekdrowski and President Kelly Rudy talk with Julie about the magic that happens in their leadership and coaching business. How bringing a personalized approach to their membership fosters tight knit communities where they can learn, exchange ideas, and grow together. 

On this episode of Women Who Open doors Julie is joined by Jamie Andrzejewski, founder & owner of Nourish Natural Products, who shares her passion for natural wellness and beauty. Jamie tells the origin story of Nourish Natural Products, while also encouraging listeners to take time for themselves and spreading her message YOU matter!

Emerald Mills, founder & owner of Diverse Dining, sits down with Julie this week to discuss the unique experience of breaking cultural barriers, developing diversity, and fostering togetherness through food.

Stephanie Melnick, owner and attorney at Melnick & Melnick, S.C., shares the unlikely origins of her speaker series, She Stands Tall, and the importance of giving female entrepreneurs a platform.

Kira LaFond, Marketing President and Publisher for the Milwaukee Business Journal, sits down with Julie this week to offer her philosophy on mentorship and the importance of curating professional relationships. Kira's philosophy might shock you!

Julie Cosich Collins talks to Gerry Howze.