Banking On Business 2

Erik and Becki sit down with Andrew Zimdars, Director of Partner Services at GPS Education Partners, for a myth-busting look at the future of work-based learning and talent pipelines. Andrew shares bold insights into why the traditional four-year degree isn’t the only path to prosperity and why Wisconsin employers must shift gears to survive the “silver tsunami” of retirements. Vibrant stories fro...

Ben Westra, fourth-generation builder and president of WDS Construction, joins the show for an inspiring conversation on family legacies, leadership, and giving back. Known for steering his company to national prominence while staying rooted in core values, Ben Westra shares real stories from his journey and reveals how partnership and perseverance are the foundation for business success. From hum...

Is your bank doing more than just processing transactions? In Part 2 of this episode, we spotlight how Horicon Bank’s “heart” sets it apart, fueling community transformation, supporting arts and education, and championing a CARE-driven mission. Community impact isn’t a talking point here; it’s woven into every decision, from building athletic fields and supporting hospitals, to empowering staff fo...

Some banks chase profits; Horicon Bank builds legacies. Erik Waisanen and Becki Schimpf sit down with Horicon Bank’s Chairman & CEO Fred F. Schwertfeger, President Fred C. Schwertfeger, and Strategic Financial Analyst Solanki for a deep dive into 130 years of community banking, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership. Fred shares powerful family anecdotes, pivotal milestones, and timeless...

Grace Bruins sits down with travel specialist and neurodiversity advocate Angela Gorske to uncover how transformative experiences and educational travel can empower communities. Angela shares her inspiring mission to “improve the world” through hands-on adventures and uniquely tailored trips, especially for those with extraordinary needs. From field trips that bring history to life to creative bus...

Grace Bruins sits down with web design strategist and former event planner Kristin Adkins to uncover how asking for help—and expanding her perspective—became the defining catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey. Kristin gets candid about transitioning from custom work to high-demand packages, building a client base by leveraging her unique industry experience, and embracing collaboration as the u...

Grace Bruins sits down with Money Masters founder Barbara Fausett for a candid conversation about building a legacy business, the real risks small owners overlook, and how collaboration—not competition—unlocks true growth. Barbara shares wisdom from decades in finance and operations, revealing why a holistic approach to business advisory makes all the difference. Episode Highlights: 02:30 - At the...

Grace Bruins sits down with the ever-inspiring Sara Deacon of 360° Emcee to unpack what it truly means to thrive as a small business owner. Fresh off a year of business evolution, Sara shares her insights on building resilient networks, learning from setbacks, and finding the “smoothest pebble” to stand out—wisdom she now brings to her clients and her new book. Together, they explore the power of...

Grace Bruins welcomes powerhouse pitch master Precious Williams, CEO of Perfect Pitch Group, for an episode packed with energy, insight, and practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to stand out. Broadcasting live from the Small Business Owners Community Conference, Grace and Precious dive into the art and science of pitching, the power of owning your uniqueness, and the journey of celebrating suc...

Grace Bruins sits down with business growth strategist Tyler Nielsen, founder of VAST Insight Partners, to unpack the actionable strategies that mid-market manufacturers can use to make more and keep more, all without sacrificing speed for perfection. Fresh from the Small Business Owners Community Conference, Tyler shares why ditching the pursuit of perfection and embracing rapid, data-driven deci...

Grace sits down with business strategist Brad Herda for a candid look inside the challenges and triumphs of family-run businesses, leadership across generations, and blue-collar grit. Brad shares why asking tough questions is essential for successful family transitions, the surprising strengths of Gen Z leaders, and his philosophy for authentic business growth. With hard-earned insights from Visio...

Grace sits down with Mackie Diedrichson, branding and operations manager at LC Marketing Corp, along with Rick and Beth, founders of Great Plate, to unravel the secrets behind their meteoric Walmart success and the art of bold business pivots. Mackie shares how a surprise buyer meeting flipped their business plan upside down—turning a reusable party plate into a viral, eco-friendly disposable that...

Grace Bruins sits down with Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, for a heartfelt look at how one nonprofit is redefining the food pantry experience and community engagement in Ozaukee County. Julie shares powerful stories, straight from the thrift shop floor and from the heart of their client-first approach, while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes sense of what...

Grace sits down with glass art visionary Amy Moorefield, Executive Director of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, for a captivating dive into the transformational power of niche focus and community in the business of arts. Amy dishes on resilience, redefining museum missions, and making art truly accessible—all while building an environment where creativity and business thrive together. Amy bri...

Grace Bruins engages with Chad Schultz, the owner of Innovative Signs in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Unveiling the multifaceted world of signage, Chad elaborates on how signs act as a silent salesman and the diverse services offered by Innovative Signs. From large format digital printing to outdoor electrical signs and managing installations, Chad shares his journey from finance graduate to successful en...

Grace Bruins sits down with Pete Rettler, the dynamic campus dean of Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend. Pete shares insights into the transformative changes happening at Moraine Park and how these developments are equipping the future workforce with essential skills. They discuss the impact of a $55 million referendum that led to significant infrastructural improvements, highlighting the...

This episode is a compilation full of the insights and inspiration for small business owners from Small Business Owners Community Conference and Awards held last October 16 & 17, 2024 at the Miller High Life Theatre in Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hosted by Grace Bruins, the episode features an incredible panel of guests sharing their wisdom. Key Takeaways: Build Your Tribe : Talmar Anderson...

Grace chats with entrepreneurial maven Sharon Ringier about the transformative power of visibility and voice for women in business. Sharon shares insights from her journey as the editor-in-chief of the Possible Woman Magazine and her newly launched podcast, underscoring the importance of giving women a platform to thrive. Originally launched as a one-time publication, the magazine quickly became a...

Join Grace Bruins as she sits down with Precious Williams, the unstoppable force behind the Perfect Pitch Group. In this episode, Precious shares her journey from facing challenges as a plus-sized African-American woman in the business world to becoming a renowned corporate sales trainer and international speaker. Known for her vibrant personality and authentic approach, Precious explains the impo...

Grace talks with floral business expert Kimberlee Grob about the intricate balance of creativity and commerce in the world of flowers. Kimberlee shares her journey in the floral industry, emphasizing the unique art of crafting customized floral arrangements that speak to individual emotions and celebrations. From navigating the pandemic’s challenges to insights on understanding customer needs beyo...

Grace chats with trauma coaching expert Christine Welch, exploring the core of overcoming life's unseen obstacles. Christine unpacks the psychological blocks that hold us back and shares transformative strategies from her three-year journey as the founder of Clarity Collab. They discuss the profound impact of personal and professional trauma and the steps necessary for overcoming them, along with...

Join host Grace Bruins as she explores the power of AI for business with Nikki Lee from Genhead. In this episode, Nikki shares her journey from film to tech and highlights the transformative potential of AI in the business world. We get to hear how Genhead’s innovative AI solutions can help small businesses thrive and maintain a personal touch in an increasingly digital world. Nikki also offers in...

Grace Bruins connects with award-winning event emcee, Sara Deacon, from 360° Emcee. Sara shares her journey from coaching to finding her true passion as an event facilitator and emcee, offering invaluable insights for business owners looking to host impactful events. In this episode, Sara is a beacon of wisdom, revealing the significance of trusting your instincts and the value of authentic engage...

Grace Bruins sits down with hiring expert Talmar Anderson to unpack the unique challenges faced by small business owners in building effective and loyal teams. Tamara brings her seasoned insights on hiring and managing staff, drawn from her experience at Boss HQ. Together, they discuss practical strategies for overcoming the common pitfalls in recruitment and leadership, emphasizing the importance...

Grace Bruins sits down with Pat Miller, founder of the Small Business Owners Community, to discuss the exciting and ever-evolving role of AI in today’s business world. Pat shares his journey from a two-decade career in broadcasting to becoming a leading advocate for AI integration in small businesses. Pat unveils practical strategies for leveraging AI to boost productivity, create stellar content,...