Joel Fleischman Happy Hour Podcast

Grab a drink and join the Happy Hour crew as we sit down with our very own Trevor Anderson! In this episode, the former UW-Madison Badger and Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball takes us inside his journey from the court to the business world. We dive into: -What the Mamba Mentality means to him and how nicknames stick. -How elite preparation translates directly into professional confidence. -What drew him...

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah of Lilla + Rose Sourdough Bakery and Steph of Velvet Revival Consignment Collective to talk about turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality. We discuss their professional journeys, the leap into opening a brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown Kewaskum, and the biggest challenges they've faced so far. Sarah shares the art and science behind sourdough...

In this episode of our Q&A series, we sit down with Joel to tackle the questions shaping our company, our culture, and our industry. From defying current economic trends by holding our prices steady to dismantling the "sacred cows" holding our productivity back, Joel breaks down how we are actively celebrating and leaning into our new normal. Resources: -Smile, or You're Doing it...

"There has to be a better way." In 2021, after seeing a youth sports culture that prioritized high fees over real player development, Mike Koehler decided to change the game. He founded Mammoth Basketball to give kids elite skills training without the exorbitant price tag. In Episode 169, we sit down with Mike - a Wisconsin High School Basketball Hall of Famer, law professor, and Varsity...

Most people just want an excellent meal served in a great atmosphere - they trust the chefs to make it happen. You deserve that same peace of mind with your builder. However, there is something special about an  "Open Kitchen"  where you can see the effort that goes into the craft. In this episode of  The Joel Fleischman Happy Hour , we’re pulling back the curtain. Alongside building sup...

Grab a drink and pull up a chair! In Episode 167 of the Joel Fleischman Happy Hour, we're sitting down with Dave Decker - founder of Decker Properties, seasoned landlord, and a published author. Dave opens up about his lifelong passion for real estate and what it really means to be a landlord in today's world. We dive deep into the power of ethical leadership, the importance of owning your...

What happens when you mix a lifelong passion for Legos with cutting-edge Revit software and a shareholder mindset? In this episode, we sit down with our very own Residential Designer, Sam Kottke, to celebrate his recent Shareholder Award. Sam isn’t just designing homes; he’s living out our core values by thinking and acting like an owner every single day. We dig into his unique origin story at Dre...

Pull up a seat for this week’s Happy Hour podcast, featuring Ken Marsh of Marsh Cabinets and Jake Kosloske of JK Cabinet Sales and Service. We’re bridging the gap between old-school craftsmanship and the new digital frontier in a candid conversation about legacy, grit, and innovation. In this episode, we explore the weight of family-owned businesses and why American-made jobs remain the industry’s...

Grab a drink and join us for a high-energy Happy Hour featuring Chris Hermansen of Wausau Supply. In this episode, Chris shares his professional journey and the strategic "why" behind Wausau Supply’s unique position in the market. The duo dives deep into the evolution of industry partnerships, the transformative power of the ESOP model, and the continued innovation of Diamond Kote. From...

In this episode, we sit down with our COO, Andy Rettler, to pull back the curtain on the five major initiatives shaping our company this year. Whether you are a business leader looking for scaling strategies or a partner curious about where we’re headed next, this episode offers a transparent look at the mechanics of our success in 2026!

This week, Jason Dedering of Engineered Floors joins the Happy Hour podcast to talk about the evolution of the flooring world. From the legacy of industry titan Bob Shaw in Dalton, GA, to the newest color trends spotted at the Surfaces Convention, we're covering it all. In this episode: Engineered Floors: The story behind the brand and Jason’s background. Trends: What is in and what is on its...

In this episode of the Happy Hour, Joel sits down with a man who has the history of Kewaskum in his DNA. Aaron Laatsch, owner of the Kewaskum Piggly Wiggly, joins us to celebrate a staggering milestone: 150 years in business. As a 5th-generation owner with 36 years of experience behind the counter, Aaron shares what it’s like to balance a massive family legacy with the modern-day hustle of the gro...

Grab a drink and pull up a chair! This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jon Vaughan - entrepreneur, speaker, and the former President of Brand Vaughan Lumber Co. After leading a family legacy and serving as Regional Vice Present for US LBM, Jon has transitioned into his most impactful role yet: Consultant and Strategic Advisor for Drexel. He’s spent his career in the trenches of the building m...

Think you’re priced out of the market? Think again. Mike Howe is on a mission to shift the mindset from "affordability" to attainability. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to build equity or looking for the low-maintenance living, Mike breaks down the roadmap to homeownership. Buy Dirt Song by Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryanhttps://mikehowebuilders.com/

Patrick Aldape from Midwest Tops joined the show and treated us to some Foxtown Brewing beverages for this Happy Hour conversation! Inside the Episode:-Patrick's background and how he got the job at Midwest Tops- What Midwest Tops does and their one stop shop approach- How their collaboration with Drexel streamlines the fabrication process.- 2026 Trends including printed Quartz- The Billboard...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul O’Brien from CertainTeed. He shares his professional journey and why CertainTeed focuses on being the "asked-for vendor" rather than just the biggest. We dive deep into the science of roofing, covering:-The Anatomy of a Shingle- Warranties & Trends-NorthGate® ClimateFlex® - Why this specific shingle is a game-changer-The Mission: How purpose-dri...

Join us for a high-octane Happy Hour with the founders of Carbliss, Adam and Amanda Kroener. Discover how this powerhouse duo tuned out the skeptics to turn a backyard dream into a nine-figure reality. Adam and Amanda get candid about the early days of bringing the drink to life, the mental toughness required to work through the obstacles of rapid scaling, and why they refuse to compromise on comp...

In this special Q&A, Joel dives into his personal reflection process, how he approaches the new year, and a new word he is focusing on. What we discuss: Process over Outcomes:  Why Joel is leaning into the  Burn Your Goals  philosophy—focusing on what you can control and measure rather than just the finish line. The Mental Game:  How to silence self-doubt and set yourself up for systematic suc...

On this episode of the Happy Hour Podcast, we welcome our Property Manager, Mandy Goeman. Hear her unconventional journey: how her job description got immediately flipped and why she believes passion fuels purpose more than checking boxes. We dive into the plot twists of the role and the principles for setting a new standard in maintenance, remodels, and new construction. We talk about the differe...

Our new Learning and Development Leader, Derek Campbell, shares his story of of how his home coffee brewing hobby provided the initial blueprint for his career in facilitation and training. He also shares the pivotal role faith and family played in his decision to leave the Corporate world and lead Drexel's new learning initiatives. Book Recommendation: God is Closer Than You Think by John Ort...

This week, we welcome Dave Roembke (VP of Sales & Partner at Victory Homes) and Reah Aitken (Area Executive Director at St. Jude). We cover the basics of St. Jude, including their groundbreaking promise that no family ever pays for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Dave shares his moving personal experience at the hospital. We also discuss the amazing Dream House Showplace project and put o...

Tune in as Jordan Carlton and Mason Schulteis unpack the ultimate career conversion: turning a summer internship into a full-time role. They reveal the projects that proved their value, the evolvement of their roles, and the skills that have set them up for success. They share the advice that every intern needs to hear. Plus, get an exclusive look at the supportive team culture and what truly driv...

In this episode of The Happy Hour podcast, Dr. Koonce details his extraordinary journey from the NFL to Senior VP for University Relations at Marian University. We discuss: How he forged his unique path to the NFL. The legacy of Reggie White and his profound influence. Building a "Culture of Success" on and off the field. The crucial work of the Dr. George E Koonce Scholars Program at Ma...

You walk in, and you should feel like a rockstar.  Andy Koehn shares the secrets behind Koehn & Koehn’s "rock concert" customer experience, and why the jewelry industry has failed to talk to the most important person in the room: the guy. Andy reveals how his no-BS book,  The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring , became the perfect training tool for his team and the guid...

It is time for a raw and real Q&A! In this episode, we dive deep into the Joel you don't get to see - including his passions projects outside of Drexel. We explore his calling for   "Lunch in the Park", the story behind the Sunshine Foundation's church purchase, and the current books you can find on his Kindle. Get to know the charitable, philosophical, and personal side of y...