Homegrown Hustle

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman speaks with Michelle Sharp, founder of Meet the Minnesota Makers. They discuss the importance of local businesses, the journey of building a community around artisans and farmers, and the impact of storytelling in connecting consumers with local products. Michelle shares her experiences in creating a platform that supports local maker...

SUMMARY: In this conversation, the speaker from Homegrown Hustle shares insights about their long-standing involvement in the mortgage industry and the importance of community engagement through local chambers. They discuss unique customer experiences, the significance of networking, and innovative business ideas, including a smoothie product developed with their daughter. The conversation highlig...

SUMMARY: In this conversation, Josh Ferri, owner of Lakeside Decking, shares valuable insights into his business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the role of community involvement. The Wayzata Chamber of Commerce recognizes Abra Kadabra for outstanding service, while Blake Sandvold from Sandvold Financial Group reflects on unique customer experiences, the meaning of hustle, and future proj...

SUMMARY: In this very first collaboration episode of Homegrown Hustle and Abra KadaBros with host Matt, Andy and Phil Eickman engage with representatives from Clay Health & Care and the Brost Clinic, discussing innovative approaches to healthcare, the importance of longevity metrics, and the value of community networking. The dialogue highlights the proactive measures taken by these clinics to...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman interviews Joe Holman, the director of sales and marketing at Insight Restoration. They discuss Joe's upbringing, the influence of sports on his work ethic, and the importance of building relationships in business. Joe shares insights into the disaster response industry, emphasizing the need for effective communication and strategic p...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman speaks with Joe Lofboom, CEO of Lofboom Insurance, about his journey from college athletics to the insurance industry. Joe shares insights on transitioning to independent insurance, the importance of building circles of influence, and understanding business insurance needs. They discuss the role of public adjusters, current trends in...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman interviews Wymond Wong, CEO of Twin Cities Heating, Air and Electric. Wymond Wong shares his journey from technician to entrepreneur, discussing the challenges of starting a business, the importance of work-life focus, and the role of business coaches. He emphasizes the need for financial awareness, building trust within a team, and t...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman speaks with Tou Lo, CEO of Yelo Autosports, about his diverse journey from being a Marine and firefighter to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of military experience in shaping mindset and resilience, the challenges of mental health in high-stress professions, and the significance of coping mechanisms. To...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman interviews Jay Mawas, a young and ambitious commercial real estate professional. Jay shares his journey from early entrepreneurial ventures to finding mentorship in the industry. He discusses the importance of family influence, the challenges of moving to a new city, and the innovative marketing strategies employed at the Wyn Group. T...

SUMMARY: Annie and Ryan Balow, co-owners of Thai Pop Restaurant, share their journey from pop-up model to brick and mortar establishment. They started with small pop-up events in their community, serving Thai food to meet new people and share their cuisine. The demand grew, and they eventually moved into a permanent location in the basement of a brewery. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they quickl...

SUMMARY: Mike Fisher, owner of Premier Commercial Properties, shares his journey from being a naval air crewman to entering the world of real estate. He talks about his decision to join the Navy, the rigorous training he went through, and the challenges he faced. After leaving the Navy, Mike joined his father's real estate company and learned the ropes of property management, sales, and leasin...

SUMMARY: Richard Farrand, CEO of Farron Claim Consulting, explains the role of a public insurance adjuster and the challenges faced by homeowners and business owners when filing insurance claims. He emphasizes the need for homeowners and business owners to understand their insurance policies and the importance of having a public adjuster to represent their interests. Richard also discusses the cha...

SUMMARY: Anthony Heggerston, owner of ATD Services, shares his journey from starting as a handyman to becoming a successful real estate entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of getting a college education in entrepreneurship and the challenges of starting and running a business. Anthony also talks about his experience in buying and selling homes, the value of having access to capital, and the...

SUMMARY: Abra Kadabra is a second-generation pest control company that focuses on creating opportunities for growth and success. The company's mission is to provide excellent service and build trust with customers, employees, and the community. The core values of Abra Kadabra include taking pride in what they do, building trust, being trailblazers, and embracing innovation. The company has fac...

SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman interviews Andrew Myers, a state representative, about his campaign and the impact of his work on local communities. Myers discusses his door-to-door sales approach to connecting with voters and listening to their priorities. The main themes of the conversation include education, affordability, environment, community safety, and reduc...

In this special recap episode of Homegrown Hustle , we revisit the stories of Minnesota's most inspiring business owners. From humble beginnings to thriving enterprises, these entrepreneurs share their journeys of building successful businesses in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. We'll highlight key moments from their interviews, including insights into the challenges they faced, the innovative s...

SUMMARY: Jared, the CEO of Lajaunie’s Pest Control, shares his journey of scaling his business from a small operation to one of the biggest pest control companies in Louisiana. He started in 2008 with just a used truck and some equipment, and grew his business through door knocking, networking, and various marketing strategies. Jared emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being w...

SUMMARY: Broken Clock Brewing is a co-op brewery in Northeast Minneapolis that was founded with the goal of giving people a voice and creating a business that had meaning and community. The idea for the brewery came after the founders decided to create a co-op first, and then realized that a brewery would be a natural fit. They faced challenges in raising money and navigating the co-op structure,...

Sarah Jensen, CEO of Lumos Growth, highlights strategic marketing in real estate. She stresses understanding target demographics, creating a resonant brand voice, and providing value before sales. Emphasizing social media's role and empathy, she recommends using tools like Google Trends for market research. Sarah shares a success story from the pandemic and discusses business scaling, automati...

SUMMARY: Zac Gleason, founder of Hackamore Brewing, shares his journey from property management to brewing and the challenges of starting his own business. He discusses the importance of creating a unique taproom experience and the community support he has received. Zac talks about the success of his Let's Go Hazy beer and the collaboration with Paisley Park. He shares his plans for the future...

Jake Johnson, founder of Sisu Window Cleaning, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the growth of his business. He started his business in college and has since scaled it, adding employees and expanding into commercial window cleaning. Jake discusses the challenges and lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of networking, rebranding, and providing a world-class customer exper...

SUMMARY: Nick Dreher, a real estate agent, author, and public speaker, shares his journey in the real estate industry and the lessons he has learned over the past 20 years. He emphasizes the importance of treating real estate as a business and having a strong mindset for success. Dreher also discusses his book, 'Mindset, Methods, and Metrics,' which explores the mindset, activities, and me...

SUMMARY: Invisible Wounds Project is an organization that focuses on mental health within the first responder community. They provide support and resources for military, police, fire, EMS, and frontline medical staff. The organization started as a small fundraising event in 2009 and has since grown into a one-of-a-kind support center in Forest Lake. The mission is to positively impact and enhance...

SUMMARY: Karen Morehead, a long-time member of the Forest Lake community, shares her experiences and involvement in various organizations such as the Good Samaritan Group, the school board, and the Substance Prevention Education Activity Coalition. She also discusses her 22 years of involvement in the Rotary and the impact they have on local businesses and international initiatives. Karen emphasiz...

SUMMARY: Dale Wills, CEO of Centra Companies, discusses his real estate investment opportunity and the importance of understanding the tax code in real estate. He shares his journey in land and community development, highlighting the complexities and considerations involved. Wills emphasizes the significance of core values in his company and the importance of treating each individual and situation...