Homegrown Hustle

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle , we step into a world of imagination with Nicole Fenstad, the dynamic founder of Princess Party Pals. With a 20-year entrepreneurial journey rooted in professional theater, Nicole has mastered the art of turning childhood dreams into scalable business experiences. From small birthday parties to corporate events and school enrichment programs, Nicole ha...

SUMMARY: In this thought-provoking episode of Homegrown Hustle , host Matt Eickman sits down with Annette and Brad Hall, co-founders of Bridal Aisle Boutique , to dissect the evolution of a business that dared to defy convention in one of the most traditional markets: bridal retail. More than a story about wedding gowns, this conversation is a deep dive into entrepreneurial ingenuity—blending bric...

SUMMARY: In this compelling episode of Homegrown Hustle , host Matt Eickman sits down with marketing strategist and public speaker Jill Morrison of Bee Memorable Marketing, LLC . Jill reveals the methodical, data-informed, and psychologically attuned foundations of her marketing philosophy—offering a masterclass in strategy, execution, and human behavior. Together, they explore how generational ps...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle , we sit down with Andrew Lindholm, the CEO of Tim’s Quality Plumbing, to uncover the entrepreneurial strategies that transformed a small plumbing operation into a thriving business. Lindholm shares his insights on leadership, scaling a service-based company, and adapting to market challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur in the trades or leading...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle , we dive into the evolving world of cannabis entrepreneurship with three industry trailblazers Matthew Robidou, Margi Scott, Nate Milstein from the Minnesota cannabis scene. From breaking stigmas to navigating regulatory gray areas, these pioneers are redefining how cannabis is grown, marketed, and consumed. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Cannabis entrepreneurship req...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle , host Matt Eickman sits down with Gary Kramlich, CEO of Otter Analytics, to explore the power of data-driven decision-making in business. With a background that spans from West Point to the Pentagon to working with manufacturing firms, Gary shares his expertise on how businesses can leverage data to drive growth, mitigate risk, and make better strategi...

SUMMARY: Welcome to Homegrown Hustle, where local brilliance takes center stage. In this episode, host Matt Eickman sits down with Kyle Scott (NorthWing Digital) and Tracy Kelly (Paperboy Marketing)—two of Minnesota’s top marketing minds—to discuss what really drives business growth. From the power of kindness in business to the changing landscape of digital and paper marketing, this episode is pa...

SUMMARY: In this compelling episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with his father, Scott Eickman, to unpack a lifetime of leadership insights, personal philosophies, and the impact of a values-driven career. Scott, an experienced corporate leader and father of six, shares his unconventional career path, emphasizing purpose over ladder-climbing, the importance of relationships in...

SUMMARY: 💡 Thinking about hiring in 2025? You might be doing it wrong. In this power-packed episode of Homegrown Hustle , host Matt Eickman sits down with Kirstyn Sansom , CEO of Sansom Staffing , to uncover the real state of hiring, staffing, and leadership in today’s job market. From leaving corporate America to building a people-first business, Kirstyn shares her raw, no-BS insights on finding...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle , host Matt Eickman sits down with Andrew Seifert , an executive sales coach from Southwest Consulting and a seasoned entrepreneur. They dive deep into the art of sales , the psychology of coaching , and how yoga, storytelling, and horses can transform your approach to business. Andrew shares powerful insights from his time at Oracle , his experiences r...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Gabe Steinberg, a digital media expert, shares insights on content creation for small businesses. He discusses the evolution of content strategy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and understanding target audiences. Gabe highlights the role of social media in business growth and the necessity of engaging employees in content creation. He also explores how busines...

SUMMARY: In this episode of the Homegrown Hustle Podcast, Chris Carr, area manager for Union Home Mortgage, shares his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of company culture, the misconceptions first-time home buyers have, and the emotional aspects of the home buying process. He discusses how business owners navigate the mortgage landscape and the significance...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Matt Eickman chats with Kathi Schaff, Senior Account Executive at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, about the Chamber's role in supporting local businesses. They discuss advocacy, sustainability initiatives, networking opportunities, and small business resources. Kathi highlights collaboration with local chambers, leadership development, and success stories showcasing th...

In this insightful conversation, Matt Eickman, CEO of Abra Kadabra, highlights the critical role of tenant satisfaction and proactive communication in pest control for commercial real estate. He explores the importance of building trust with tenants, implementing effective pest management strategies, and maintaining clean environments to prevent infestations. Matt also delves into the value of cle...

SUMMARY: In this episode, Glennen Quyn, CEO of Cal-Pro Pest and Home Inspection, shares his entrepreneurial journey from bartending to running a successful home inspection and pest control business. He discusses the challenges he faced in the early days, the importance of customer service, and the strategies he employed to scale his business. Glennon emphasizes the significance of hiring the right...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman speaks with Josh John, CEO of the Creative Business Council. They discuss Josh's journey from being a classically trained musician to a business consultant, the importance of understanding enterprise value, and the mindset of business owners. The conversation delves into the significance of working smarter, the role of masterminds in...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, the hosts interview Wilson and Richard Christner from Whitmore Pest Control, a family-owned business in Denver. They discuss the journey of starting the business, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of family dynamics in business, the evolution of customer experience, and the defi...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman reflects on the growth and learning experienced throughout 2024. He shares memorable moments from the podcast, highlights inspiring guest stories, and discusses the unexpected lessons learned from hosting. The conversation also delves into the evolution of the podcast, its impact on the local business community, and offers valuable ad...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, Kyle Smith shares the rich history of Tomahawk Live Trap, a family business that has been operational for nearly a century. He discusses his childhood memories of the business, the transition of leadership from his father, and the innovative practices they employ to ensure environmental responsibility. Kyle emphasizes the importance of treating employe...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman interviews Jim Watkins, the visionary behind Sociable Cider Werks. They discuss the unique approach to cider making, the challenges and opportunities in the beverage industry, and the importance of profitability and team development. Jim shares insights on navigating market changes and building a full-service beverage brand, emphasizi...

Join Phil and Matt as they sit down with their Grandma Shiela in a heartfelt conversation about the journey of their family business. This episode dives into the wisdom passed down through generations, the importance of community values, and the proactive solutions that drive success in pest control. Discover how strong customer relationships, personal growth, and a commitment to serving the commu...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman engages with Todd Rooker from Rooker Financial Consulting and Josh Swisher from Northface Construction to explore the profound impact of parenting on personal and professional development. They discuss their own upbringings, the importance of instilling a strong work ethic, and the balance between nurturing and challenging children. T...

SUMMARY: Join the Eickman brothers—Matt, Andy, and Phil—as they take on the Historic Riverfront 5K Run/Walk, a beloved community tradition since 2005. Organized by the STAWNO Fundraising Committee, this annual event has grown into a cornerstone of local pride, attracting participants from near and far to celebrate their achievements with prizes and camaraderie. In 2023, the event partnered with th...

SUMMARY: The conversation revolves around Back Channel Brewing's commitment to community engagement, innovative beverage offerings, and local event participation. The hosts discuss how their brewery serves as a communal hub, providing a variety of beverages beyond just beer, and their involvement in local events and causes, showcasing their dedication to the community. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Beer is a cat...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman interviews Anna Colbenson, the founder of Miss A Crochet, who shares her journey of starting a crochet business during the pandemic. Anna discusses her experiences with social media, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and the challenges of balancing her business with her college studies. She emphasizes the significanc...