Finding Fire

“I just keep thinking about how there were so many easy ways to opt out and to not keep going down the music path. I think there are a lot of times where it’s so easy to just turn around and go with a safer path.” – Justin Thunstrom On today’s episode of the Finding Fire Podcast, we sit down with Justin Thunstrom, music producer and entrepreneur. We talk with Justin about his love for music and ho...

On today’s episode of the Finding Fire Podcast we sit down with Sarah, Co-Owner of DLH Clothing. During this episode we talk about how to build a strong brand, having passion for the community you’re in, and the rewards and hardships of being an entrepreneur. Sit back and enjoy! 

With tax season upon us, the Finding Fire Podcast sat down with Tatiana Tsoir (@tatianatsoir.author), CPA, and author of "Dream Bold - Start Smart" (available March 16, 2021).  Tatiana not only highlights the key points of her inspirational and informative book, but  also talks about the tax and finance side of running a business and being an entrepreneur. We examine what tax themes busi...

“There’s a line drawn in the sand. What’s it going to take for you to cross that line to pursue your passion?” On today’s episode of the Finding Fire Podcast, we sit down with Chris Swanson – Mayor of Two Harbors, MN, Co-Founder of Destination Duluth, CEO of Pure Driven (a digital marketing firm) and owner of Garage Starts (a business to strengthen, support, and empower entrepreneurs).  We chat wi...

"We are learning a lot of this on the fly, but the cool thing is that we get to step outside of this box that's been painted for us." - Ryan Miller-Finding Fire  We had a blast recording this Valentines Day episode with our wives, Lyss Miller and Amy LaFlamme! We definitely couldn't pursue Finding Fire and our dream without their support! We had some amusing and deep conversati...

"If I leave this job, I’ll never be able to get it again. I knew if I left, that was it. I had to be really ready to give it up. I had a hard time leaving, It wasn’t something I wanted to give up, but I knew I had to make a choice.” On today’s episode of Finding Fire Podcast, we sit down with Missy Luukkhonen, owner of The Little Green Bean. The Little Green Bean specializes in handmade gnome...

"I came down the stairs, looked at the tree, and had a sinking feeling in my gut. I was struggling with my health and it was a crazy time for me. That sinking feeling was how am I going to explain to my son the next morning that Santa missed him?" - Don Liimatainen Tune in and listen to Don's entrepreneurship journey and how he turned that sinking feeling into a fire and created the...

“I felt like for years I was just settling for something good, until I walked out of that seminar and decided I was going to build a business where I’m hiring people and making adult woman income.” During this podcast episode we sat down with Erin, Founder of Living In Yellow, who is a lifestyle and fashion blogger. Erin talks about the early years of her 9-5 at the credit union while blogging on...

"Start asking yourself what am I good at, what am I not good at, and what do I want to give my life to? If you spend time in that section, the work becomes invitational, exciting and fun!" -Justin Juntunen   One of the things we wanted to focus on in 2021 was self care, so we went out and found Justin Juntunen of Cedar & Stone. Justin talks about pursuing his passion and goal to serv...

When was the last time you disconnected from the hustle? When was last time you reconnected with yourself? When was the last time you took a real look at your own wellbeing? Katie Quade, owner and visionary of Balanced Roots Retreats, aims to offer you the opportunity to do just that. She combines a number of elements to offer a luxurious lifestyle retreat, geared to create connection with others,...

For this episode, we reflected on our podcast guests during 2020 and put together a mix of advice from each guest. Thank you to all of our guests for sharing your stories and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, to find their passion, and most importantly to find their FIRE! Sit back, jot down some notes and enjoy the plethora of advice from these local entrepreneurs and business owners as we...

Happy holidays to you and your family from Finding Fire! We started this journey over a year ago and wanted to thank you all for your support and following us on our journey. On this short episode we look back and reflect on the past year, while looking at what's to come.  2021 is going to be FIRE!  Have a great holiday season everyone. -Finding Fire

It’s 3 p.m. on a Friday and your friends just got into town. They're at a local restaurant waiting for you. You'd go, but you have that feeling... that feeling that you'll get in trouble if you leave early... that you shouldn't... that you are CHAINED TO YOUR DESK.  During this episode with Alicia Lokke we sat down and discussed the journey of feeling trapped in a role that was...

“Turning sips into smiles, one cup at a time.” During this episode, we spoke with Dean from Mike & Jens Cocoa Mix. Listen in as Dean shares his story of taking his self-made Cocoa mix from his “little kitchen” to an international brand. 

What moment in your life has made you change directions completely? Was it a birth of a child, loss of a loved one, leaving a corporate job, or something else profound? For Kristina Amys, a few of those were the catalyst, and what’s sweeter than starting up your own baking shop to find fulfillment? For her, nothing. Listen to Kristina's journey about leaving her corporate job, raising three k...

“Don’t wait until something is perfect to push it out to the world.” During this episode, we sat down with Aubrey DeBettignies, owner of The Altered Abode, and discussed everything from interior design and tips, to stepping out of your comfort zone, not playing it safe and taking a leap to pursue your passion. Listen to Aubrey’s story about taking a childhood passion and turning it into a successf...

Reinvent Your Hustle and pursue your passions! We sat down with Kristine, owner of Reinvent Your Hustle, and discussed everything from being laid off, the emotions that follow, and then turning that into an opportunity of a lifetime. This Episode is fire and Kristine dishes out pure gold for anyone looking to take the next leap within their career. Tune in and if you enjoy the episode, follow us @...

Jamie Tolaas is owner of Wholehearted Health and Fitness and talks with us about how her pursuit of college cosmetology major didn’t pan out. She discusses how she eventually found her passion in health and wellness while also pursuing her desire to do something meaningful with her life by helping others. She provides a wealth of inspirational advice that anyone can apply to their own lives.

We sat down with Rob Stenberg of Stenberg and Associates, who has the expertise and art of sales running through his veins. A local expert who will provide you with a breadth and depth of knowledge on sales and leadership. Tune in and enjoy!

This week’s episode is a change of pace from our normal rigamarole. Matt, Ryan and Pete all offer one piece of advice that we’ve acquired through our personal and professional lives. Take it or leave it, love it or hate it, either way way it’s free advice!!!

Jay Belcastro needs no introduction, but we’ll humor you anyway. Jay is a long time friend who was our high school marketing teacher and DECA advisor. He is currently superintendent of Two Harbors High School and has a ton of great stories and advice for our listeners. He’s inspired us and he’ll inspire you. Sit back and enjoy!

You can take a simple crafting hobby and turn it into a successful side hustle. We interviewed Lyndsey Krenzen Manning who took her love of crafting and opened her own Etsy shop- The Bauble Fairy. She’s grown a following of over 16k on Instagram and built a strong customer base. Listen to her story and be inspired to pursue your own side hustle.

It’s Happy Hour on the Daily!!! For real? Nah, just kidding. The life of owning a high end cocktail bar means putting in the work behind the scenes that not everyone sees. Katie Fast strives for an environment that is "The place you go when you have a good day or a bad one. The place you come to hang out with friends or make some new ones. The place you feel most comfortable."  Take a li...

On today’s episode of Finding Fire, an interview with Noah Seiler, of Sift Legal Marketing, who dedicated himself to law school and a career in a prestigious law firm only to take a massive leap and pursue his passion in marketing. Learn about how he combined both expertise to create his own business and find his fire!

Listen to the finding fire guys interview Kevin Deering (aka Chevy), owner of L-Bow. Chevy comes from a successful business mindset family and started his career as an enthusiastic balloon salesman covering the entire Western Hemisphere of the U.S. He decided to purchase his family business and revamp the entire brand. Get inspired by his attitude and drive to be a successful business owner.