Fast Break

Health care costs are still climbing, but employers are not powerless. In this episode of Fast Break , M3’s Ryan Barbieri and C2’s Jill Palmer unpack M3’s 2026 Momentum Report and share how businesses can move beyond renewal-season reactions to build smarter, data-backed benefits strategies. From pharmacy pressures and high-cost claims to employee navigation and long-term planning, this conversati...

Every organization has a safety plan. But what happens when that plan is suddenly put to the test? In recognition of National Safety Month, Matt Cranney is joined by M3’s Chris Halverson and Dylan Schroeder to discuss how businesses can prepare for, respond to, and recover from serious workplace incidents, operational disruptions, and other crisis events. From the critical first few hours of respo...

In this Fast Break episode, Joe Hamilton of Vortex Optics shares how authentic care, strong service, and a focus on customer experience help businesses stand out. He explores Vortex’s CARE philosophy and why doubling down on your “bright spot” can build lasting loyalty.

The property and casualty market is not shifting through headline shocks. It is changing through quieter misalignments that many organizations do not see until renewal day. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt Cranney sits down with Paul Connor of M3 and Jamie Gregory of Assurex Global to break down what is really happening across the commercial, personal, property, and casualty landscape as we mov...

This special Women’s HERstory Month takeover of Fast Break brings three remarkable nonprofit leaders to the mic for a conversation about impact, resilience, and the power of women shaping their communities in real time. Guest host Becky Menefee sits down with Brenda Campbell of Secure Futures, Tara Panasewicz of the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, and Jane Graham Jennings of The Women’s Community...

Organizations invest heavily in leadership development and employee benefits, but rarely design them to work together. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt Cranney and Alex Simmons unpack why that disconnect is limiting performance and how a more integrated approach is reshaping engagement, culture, and retention outcomes. Whether you're running a 20-person team or a 2,000-person organization, the...

Today’s “tap-to-buy” world has made has made spending almost effortless and saving feel harder than ever. Many people don’t know where to start, don’t know who to trust, and often feel intimidated asking financial questions. That’s why education and having a trusted advisor matter now more than ever. Join host Matt Cranney and M3 Wealth Advisor Nick Natsky as they explore the real barriers to fina...

Cyber threats aren’t just an IT problem, they’re a business reality. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt Cranney sits down with M3’s Cyber Liability team —Matt Thomson, Megan Peyton, and Alex Friedl—to discuss how the threat landscape has evolved and what every organization can do today to stay ahead. From AI-driven scams and deepfakes to supply chain breaches and class action lawsuits, the conver...

For growing companies, health benefits remain a top tool for recruitment and retention, yet traditional group plans can be costly or out of reach for startups and small employers. That’s where the individual market and ICHRAs come in, offering flexibility and controlled costs, provided employees have the right support to make confident choices.   Uncertainty around the Big Beautiful Bill is creati...

The personal insurance landscape is changing, with rising premiums, severe weather events, and evolving underwriting guidelines. Being proactive has never been more important. Fast Break host Matt Cranney sits down with Amy Schroeder and Tim Hoel from M3 Elevate’s Personal Lines team to unpack why the “set it and forget it” mindset no longer works. The conversation outlines the drivers behind incr...

Safety isn’t just a compliance issue; it’s a strategic business decision. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney is joined by Chris Halverson of M3 Insurance and Kyle Ricely of The Employer Group to explore the critical role of risk management and safety for small and growing businesses. Workplace safety isn’t just about preventing accidents—it’s about protecting employees, reducing insu...

Nonprofits are essential to our communities, yet they face increasing challenges from funding cuts to shifting engagement trends. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney welcomes Jeff Burkhart, a nonprofit leader and founder of Mission Forward, to explore the state of the sector and how businesses can step up to drive lasting impact. With insights on collaboration, leadership, and communi...

In this episode of Fast Break, we are celebrating Small Business Week by recognizing the critical role small businesses play in our economy. Host Matt Cranney sits down with Sadie Howell, CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, to discuss why small businesses are more important than ever in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Explore the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the agility of small business...

Nearly one in five workers are leaving jobs due to mental health concerns, and this latest Fast Break episode is more relevant than ever. Matt Cranney is joined by Celie Valentin, Director of the Employee Assistance Program at Family Service Madison, and M3’s Jodi Riley, Senior Director of HR, to break down the impact of mental health on today’s workforce. Mental well-being isn’t just about offeri...

In honor of Women’s History Month, Becky Menefee, VP of M3 Elevate, takes over the mic to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. Joined by two powerhouse guests— Coreen Dicus-Johnson , President and CEO of Network Health , and Heather Dunn , Senior VP and CFO of West Bend Insurance Company —this Fast Break episode dives into their career journeys, the challenges they've face...

Tax planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy and trust. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney sits down with Brooke Weitzer, partner at Baker Tilly, to tackle the biggest tax challenges small business owners face. Hear how proactive planning, strong advisor relationships, and continuous collaboration can help you make informed decisions, minimize risks, and maximize savings...

Are you leading your business with a short-term mindset or crafting a vision that lasts? In this episode of Fast Break, Matt sits down with Matt Pletzer to tackle the art of goal setting and strategic planning for small business owners. Learn why thinking beyond the next 12 months can transform your organization, how to include your team in a way that truly inspires collaboration, and how to avoid...

Fast Break Takeover is a special student-produced episode of M3 Insurance’s podcast, Fast Break. Hosted by Dax Anderson, Greta Euclide, and Orlando Pino, students from Sun Prairie’s Business Leadership Academy, this episode dives into the world of small business success through an interview with Brian Euclide, President of TEC Mailing Solutions. Brian shares his journey of building a successful so...

Since the pandemic, hybrid work has become the norm, making it crucial for businesses to keep employees and clients connected and productive. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney talks with Shaun Trudell, President of Automation Arts, about how thoughtful tech design can elevate remote and in-office experiences. Effective AV setups now play an essential role in making virtual collabora...

In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney as he explores the transformative power of start-ups and their monumental impact on industries across the globe. Matt sits down with Kevin Little from the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Travis Hedge, co-founder of Vouch Insurance, to uncover how their organizations are fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech ecosystem. Tune...

In this episode of Fast Break, Second Harvest CEO Michelle Orge and M3's Beth Dettman discuss how businesses of any size can drive real change through philanthropy. It’s not just about financial donations—it's about offering time, skills, and creativity to make a lasting impact. They introduce the "Learn, Give, Do" approach for businesses looking to partner with nonprofits. First, learn about the...

Join host Matt Cranney as he welcomes returning guests Becky Menefee and Natalie Damro from M3 Elevate to explore the rapidly emerging topic of Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). Small business owners often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities, and offering health insurance can feel like an added burden. Today’s discussion dives into whether ICHRAs could be the superhero solution for...

In the fast-paced world of small businesses, staying ahead of the competition means mastering efficiency and productivity. Leveraging cutting-edge IT services is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses aiming to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive growth. Imagine a seamless digital infrastructure where every task, from mundane to mission-critical, is optimized and aut...

In a single minute, more than 230 million emails are sent around the world. For businesses, this massive volume of information highlights how important it is to manage data appropriately. Handling data efficiently helps keep things running smoothly, protects sensitive information, and allows for better decision-making. Good data management boosts productivity, ensures data security, and helps busi...

In this episode of Fast Break, Matt and his guests, Beth Ridley (Founder & CEO of Ridley Consulting Group) and Alicia Kiser (Vice President of Human Resources at M3), discuss supporting employee authenticity and well-being, and building a work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Tune to learn how to access language and resources you can use to help your work force f...