People and Places and How We Use Spaces

In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, CPA, and Austin Fowler founder Stephanie Fowler to discuss the journey from Big Four accounting to building a nationally recognized luxury bag brand.  Stephanie shares how one everyday frustration sparked a business idea, why she wasn't afraid to start without experience, and how persistence, thoughtful leadership, and a willingness to "fig...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with one of Minnesota's most influential business leaders, Marilyn Carlson Nelson , for a conversation about leadership, family, purpose, and the responsibility that comes with influence. Marilyn reflects on her remarkable journey from being one of the first women to serve on corporate boards to leading Carlson Companies through a period of tremendous glo...

 In this deeply personal episode, Lisa sits down with two of the most influential people in her life—her parents, Larry and LuAnn Fransen. Together, they reflect on the family stories, values, and experiences that shaped generations. From Larry's father's remarkable journey from Sweden to Minnesota and the transformation of a small corner grocery store into a thriving garden center, to L...

Liz's journey was never part of a carefully written business plan. A nurse practitioner by training, she unexpectedly found herself rebuilding a life she never imagined after the devastating loss of her husband. What began as a small roadside flower stand during the uncertainty of 2020 transformed into something far bigger: a thriving flower farm, event venue, educational platform, bestsellin...

In this episode, Lisa sits down with journalist and innovator Allison Kaplan for a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling, retail, and the evolving way we experience the world around us. Allison shares her journey from traditional print journalism to becoming a leading voice at the intersection of media, entrepreneurship, and retail. From launching her own platform to spotlight local businesses...

From the hardwood to the heart of Minneapolis, Rich Melzer’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. A former professional basketball player, Rich now serves as CEO of YouthLink, supporting young people experiencing homelessness. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life — from being expelled in high school to experiencing homelessness in college — and how those challen...

Kojo Boadi’s journey begins thousands of miles from the coastline he is now helping transform. Born and raised in Ghana, he came to the United States at nineteen with a purpose that, even then, felt bigger than simply earning a degree.  In this episode, Kojo shares how he’s working to reshape coastal communities in Ghana through bold, purpose-driven development. He pulls back the curtain on his fl...

Jared Brewington doesn’t describe himself as a chef, but rather an inventor.  In this episode, Jared, founder of Official Fried Chicken, talks about turning curiosity into a nationally scalable business. From his early days in South Minneapolis to becoming a fan favorite at Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, he shares how innovation, technology, and resilience shaped his entrepreneurial journey....

In Sault Ste. Marie, long winters, hockey, and relentless work ethic forged the foundation of Lou Nanne's life. Now a Minnesota hockey icon, Lou reflects on the formative moments that shaped his journey—from a legendary hockey career to his success in business and lasting impact on the community. He shares powerful lessons on character, leadership, and why work ethic will always matter more t...

In this episode, Sean Sweeney's path into real estate development was anything but traditional. From growing up with no exposure to investing, to pursuing acting, to starting his career as a receptionist, Sean shares the winding road that ultimately led him to build thousands of housing units and launch his own development firm. Sean reflects on what it was like to start at the bottom, the pe...

What if real change doesn’t come from one organization—but from an entire community moving together? Sondra Samuels, President and CEO of the Northside Achievement Zone, shares her remarkable journey—from corporate leadership and Peace Corps service to building one of the country’s most collaborative, community-driven models of support. She unpacks the importance of building community-wide systems...

In this episode, commercial real estate veteran Bob Six reflects on a 40+ year career shaped by resilience, reinvention, and relationships. From cold-calling Chicago office buildings to advising companies today as a consultant, Bob shares lessons on leadership, anxiety, mentorship, and why becoming “comfortable with being uncomfortable” is key to long-term success—both in business and in life.  Bo...

Jill Renslow has lived and breathed the Mall of America's rhythms, its reinventions, and its endless surge of energy. Today, she is one of its most recognizable leaders and the heart behind countless experiences that have shaped the mall into a global destination.  After 28 years, Jill still speaks with the awe of someone experiencing the mall for the first time. Her story is more than a care...

When Nick Netley sold his dog daycare business after 15 years, he didn’t slow down — he shifted gears entirely.  He launched SotaShine, a Minnesota car-wash brand redefining what “clean” means. From the world’s longest wash tunnel to a million-dollar dog wash, Nick shares how passion, persistence, and local pride fuel his success. SotaShine SotaPup Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to transform a market into more than just shopping? In this episode, we sit down with Mich Berthiaume, the creative force behind the Dayton’s Project and countless curated retail experiences that spark emotion, drive community connection, and inspire future growth. Mich shares her journey to becoming one of the most respected voices in retail curation. She explains how thoughtful...

What does it take to thrive in commercial real estate for nearly four decades? In this episode, veteran broker Jim Freytag shares his remarkable journey from CBRE’s early days to becoming the guy who seems to know every tenant and every building in the market. Jim reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the family roots that sparked his passion, and the cycles he’s weathered. Jim's LinkedIn C...

From a rib-loving kid in Chicago to the founder of a national restaurant empire, Dave Anderson’s story is a masterclass in persistence, vision, and flavor. Known as “Famous Dave,” he built more than a barbecue joint—he created a lifestyle brand that became part of America’s dining culture.  In this episode, Dave shares how a childhood memory sparked his passion, why he ignored the doubters who sai...

For Mark Kolsrud, real estate isn’t just about buildings — it’s about people, culture, and purpose. With 40 years in the industry, Mark has led landmark deals, built lasting partnerships, and discovered that the real win is in relationships. From closing billion-dollar transactions to leading mission trips in the Dominican Republic, Mark shares how faith, resilience, and storytelling have shaped h...

For Bill Foussard, hospitality and community go hand in hand. Known as the face of White Bear Lake, Foussard has built a career that proves success in business is not just about balance sheets and property—it’s about people, perseverance, and giving back. Bill explains that the strength of community, the loyalty of a team, and the difference made in someone’s life each day is bigger than business...

Ryan O’Neill’s path to building one of Minnesota’s largest real estate teams began in an unexpected place—a music stage. In this inspiring conversation, Ryan shares how his early years performing dueling pianos with his brother sparked a lifelong passion for connecting with people, eventually leading him to real estate. He reveals how a humble Bloomington duplex purchase in 2001 grew into the 225-...

Veteran real estate developer Bill Katter shares the wisdom earned from over three decades in commercial real estate. From navigating market cycles and taking bold risks to mentoring the next generation, Bill opens up about what it takes to build not just projects—but people, purpose, and long-term value. Now, at the helm of Hempel Real Estate as part owner, Bill is leading the company’s developme...

Annalisa and Cody Bermel’s story is an inspiring example of how shared vision, resilience, and honest partnership can turn a historic building into a beloved community gem - The St. James Social. The Bermel's share an unfiltered look at the leaps they've taken - both personally and professionally. From high school sweethearts to living out of a snowmobile trailer with two kids - they sha...

Long before Jon Yanta became one of Minnesota’s most respected industrial brokers, he was just a kid from Eagan with grit — and a paper route.  Jon credits his mother who gave him his greatest inheritance: a relentless work ethic and zero excuses.  This discipline shaped every chapter of Jon's career. Listen to how his story is a lesson in hustle, loyalty, and surrounding yourself with good h...

For nearly four decades, Erik Condra’s identity was deeply tied to ice hockey. Eventually playing in the NHL with teams like Ottawa, Tampa, and Dallas, Erik faced a choice familiar to many high-achievers: keep chasing the grind or refocus on what matters most — family and a sustainable second act.    Now as the Director of Business Development at Schafer Richardson, hear how Erik transitioned into...

In a candid and inspiring conversation before a live audience at the Women in Real Estate and Development Retreat at Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, Wisconsin - real estate trailblazer Linda Donaldson shared her journey from a pioneering businesswoman to a celebrated force in affordable urban development.  Her story reflects not only the evolution of a career, but the reshaping of Minneapolis'...