Spotlight

What happens when you grow up inside a family-run business and use that foundation to launch a multi-pronged career? In this episode, Chris Pederson reveals how his entrepreneurial path started with washing chairs at 11 and evolved into a life centered around events, creativity, and community-driven collaboration. His story is a must-hear for anyone wondering how to build a business while staying...

What happens when a musician stumbles into tree work... and discovers his purpose in the branches? In this heartfelt and down-to-earth episode, Perry Eggert, founder of Eggert’s Tree Service in Albertville, MN, shares his journey from creative wanderer to climbing 100-foot pines — and how he’s using that hustle to serve his community. This episode is packed with grit, humility, and the surprising...

What if divorce didn’t have to be a battleground? In this emotionally resonant episode, Christie Lea Schroetter-Thompson shares how her personal story inspired a professional mission — transforming one of life’s most painful transitions into a path for peace, growth, and healing. As a paralegal and mediator at Christie Legal, Christie guides families through divorce and child custody cases with ne...

What does it take to completely reinvent your career—and your life—in a new state, a new industry, and a sea of competition? In this heartfelt episode, Nikki Popko shares her journey from corporate retail to real estate, the pivotal moment that changed everything, and why serving others—regardless of budget—is her true calling. Listeners will walk away inspired by Nikki’s resilience, her strategic...

What if your beauty routine could be more than skin deep? In this heartfelt Spotlight Session, Abigail Hilgendorf of farfromsuperficial shares her journey from bathroom dye jobs in high school to running a thriving beauty business in Rogers, MN — all rooted in faith, authenticity, and connection. With a mission to help women feel seen , not just styled, Abigail uses her salon chair as a place of t...

What if healing came not just from medicine, but from being deeply seen, heard, and cared for? In this powerful Spotlight episode, Ashley Kunza shares her journey from caregiving her son to founding Garden Of Healing Massage in Maple Grove, MN. Ashley’s story is a raw, honest dive into resilience, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to be of service — not just in business, but in life. Tune...

This episode goes beyond the numbers and dives into the heart of homeownership. Jeff Winship, known as the Mortgage Loan Ranger, brings over 27 years of experience—but what really sets him apart is his people-first philosophy. In a world of transactional deals, Jeff’s story reminds us why human connection is the real key to success in the mortgage industry. From childhood uncertainty about the fut...

When a schoolyard fight with a bully ended with a broken nose, Chris McCune didn’t seek revenge — he sought mastery. That pivotal moment launched a lifelong journey into martial arts, leading to the creation of McCune’s Martial Arts in Brooklyn Park, MN. This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’ve always wanted to try that,” but never took the first step. Whether you’re a curious beginner...

From cold Minnesota hailstorms to warm homeowner referrals — Mitch Lauer’s journey from 9–5 to roofing sales success is anything but average. In this episode, Mitch shares how one Saturday of running leads changed everything — and why trust, transparency, and the right approach still win in a skeptical industry. You’ll hear: The exact moment Mitch knew he had to leave his salary job What most home...

What starts as a creative hobby can evolve into a calling — especially when it's rooted in love, motherhood, and the desire to give back. In this touching episode of Spotlight , Ivette Enright shares how photography became more than just a skill — it became a way to honor her daughters and uplift the stories of women in her community. Named after her children, Anastasia Rose and Inara Marie,...

🚀 “If you’re the smartest in your friend group, you’re in the wrong group.” Xavier Thurman, founder of X-Traordinary Development (MN), shares why surrounding yourself with the right people is the ultimate growth hack. 📞 Connect with Xavier: (763) 742-4823 | xtraordinarydev@outlook.com 🎥 Watch the full Spotlight Session 👉 https://youtu.be/JWtrdmFQ4qA?si=QGFZr89odmdAOQh3 🎥 Filmed at PodcastCrew...

What does it take to turn a side hustle into a thriving digital marketing agency that helps businesses grow organically online? 🚀 Meet Sama Ali-Berchem, founder of Portkey, who went from building websites for her husband’s construction company to running a full-service SEO and web development agency serving clients across Minnesota — and beyond. As an immigrant, entrepreneur, and trailblazer in t...

What if the key to growing your business wasn’t working harder… but finally letting go? Meet Lisa Wichmann, Twin Cities entrepreneur, realtor, and founder of Find My VA’s (Your Perfect Virtual Assistants). After 17 years running her own landscaping company and wearing every single hat, Lisa hit a breaking point. That moment of truth sparked a bold reinvention—one that not only transformed her care...

What if your wardrobe could heal more than your closet? In this deeply empowering episode, Brenda Mendlik of Mindful Styling shares her personal journey from self-doubt to soulful confidence—and how she's helping women do the same through holistic personal styling. For Brenda, fashion isn’t about trends—it’s a tool for transformation. In a world that often demands women shrink or harden to su...

What if your deepest pain held the key to your greatest healing? In this soul-stirring episode of Spotlight, we sit down with Michelle Aalbers, intuitive coach, trauma-informed healer, and founder of Jai Dee | Choose Yourself, to explore what it truly means to come home to yourself. Michelle opens up about her own transformation—from buried trauma to embodied joy—and how she now helps others move...

What happens when a former college hockey player, mom, and process improvement consultant decides enough is enough? In this powerful Spotlight Session, we sit down with Sarah Becker—co-host of Two Women Who Give A Puck and founder of Clear Simple Business—to explore what it really means to change systems, whether in the boardroom or on the ice. From building business efficiency to coaching youth h...

In this energizing and transparent conversation, Will McLeod shares how his global media journey—from military storytelling in the Middle East to founding a full-scale podcast studio in Minnesota—led to the creation of PodcastCrew . For anyone who’s ever felt called to share their message but stuck on where to start, this episode is a permission slip to begin. Will dives deep into what separates s...

Meet Brad Gudim — magician, marketer, event visionary, and connector.  @FollowMagicBrad   In this inspiring Spotlight Session, Brad shares how one childhood magic trick sparked a lifetime of reinvention. From performing for corporate giants to sleeping on a karate studio floor, launching expos to weathering strokes and shutdowns — his story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and finding y...

In this Spotlight Session, we meet Alosha, founder of Endless Poxybilities, a Minnesota-based concrete coating company transforming garages, patios, and basements with high-durability, UV-resistant surfaces. ✨ Learn how Alosha launched his company with zero industry experience — and turned a leap of faith into a growing local business. 🚗 Discover the truth about polyurea vs. epoxy, lifespan myth...