Dan Markussen joins the show to talk about sitting next to "that guy" on an airplane. Markussen is a "million miler," a frequent flier, and we talk airline etiquette — taking your shoes off, reclining your seat, who gets the window and other "do's and don'ts."

Understanding debt, running a business, cell phone etiquette and even shaking hands — these are all skills needed to be successful in life. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is teaching these skills in our schools with help from more than 120 volunteers.  Regional Director Susan Peterson joins to discuss the organization, its impact on students from elementary to college age, the evolution of their programs, partnerships with businesses, and the importance of financial literacy education. She also highlights a May 2 event at UW-La Crosse, and the group is always looking for volunteers. For more info check it out at Coulee.JA.org.

From fitness to guiding small businesses, powered by women, Stephanie Ross, co-owner of Sister Circle, joins. Ross is an entrepreneur, community leader and a realtor. She and her sister, Cathryn, run Sister Circle, which helps guide and coach women small business owners. We explore Ross’ entrepreneurial ventures, challenges faced, growth and transition into focusing on business education and coaching through the Sister Circle community. We talk about her passion for building communities, collaboration over competition, and creating a positive impact in the business world.

Being vulnerable is opening doors for many of our local, largest business employers with Jim Naleid’s group Epic 21 — which stands for Executive Peers in Conference: 21st Century Leadership. In this episode, Jim talks about his journey from financial advising to a retirement career coaching this group of leaders. The group has championed Junior Achievement and now brings speakers in for the greater community. Learn more and do some self-reflecting on your own journey — how you are growing, and what you need to focus on leading, as you listen.

Shobi Zietlow, owner of Referral Staffing Solutions, joins to share her journey of entrepreneurship — starting from humble origins to building her business. Zietlow discusses her upbringing, challenges in managing Referral Staffing, seeking professional development programs and her commitment to giving back to the community. Zietlow also talks of rebranding, celebrating 10 years in business, and her passion for making impactful connections between job seekers and employers.

Joe Ruskey, the owner of Dependable Solutions, an IT company, joins to discuss the latest protections you should have in place for your data. While you think it may not be vulnerable or valuable, imagine what you may have to pay if your photos, health information, or passwords get held hostage. Ruskey talks about how his business has grown, after moving from Chicago to Prairie du Chien, then expanding into La Crosse and now Madison — all by word of mouth. He describes the current environment as the Wild Wild West. The discussion revolves around the growth trajectory of his company, his emphasis on cybersecurity, partnerships, AI, automation, hiring, and the personal journey of realizing the need to delegate. Ruskey also shares his charity work through Rotary service and his goals for the future.

A high school passion for dance has turned into a career for West Salem native, Michelle Malone. When she figured out the marketing business she started wasn't enough, Malone opened I&E Dance Studio in La Crosse six months later. Now she's running both this studio where adults can get back into dance or take lessons for the first time, plus Collective Marketing. She joins to talk about the connections she sees in people -- and herself -- with dance, plus the hard work it takes running two businesses.

Joe Katchever, owner, brewmaster, and founder of Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse joins, as they're about to celebrate 25 years in business with the Feb. 17 Winter Ball. We discuss Katchever's Pearl Street Brewery journey — from its inception in Colorado to the basement of the Bodega and now at its current location. Katchever also discusses the challenges he faced to get here, the brewery's events, their community involvement and the company's expansion into things like hard ciders and seltzers. Katchever also explains the importance of the taproom to the business model and emphasizes his passion for brewing beer.

Artificial Intelligence is all the buzz, as nearly every software takes on an A.I. component. Schools are discussing how to detect if a student or the computer wrote a paper. Non-artists have A.I. creating pictures they describe. Even podcasts like this one uses A.I. to remove “ums” and “ahs.” And everyone is worried, ‘Will I be replaced by A.I.?’ So, we talked with local A.I. expert Rodney Holum, with Coulee Tech. We discuss how, if you’re not embracing A.I., you will be left behind. We also talk about how A.I. is integrated into everyday business operations and the various A.I. models — their uses, potential ethical issues and how A.I. will impact the workforce in the future. Holum also discusses his book on A.I., and the workshops conducted that aim to make A.I. more approachable and useful for businesses. If you want to attend Holum’s classes on A.I., check out the Coulee Tech website.

Oh look, someone is teaching public speaking — a lot of people's No. 1 worst fear. But Jon Reiner isn't just a public speaking coach, he's also a pastor, and wears both hats proudly. On Sundays, you may listen to him at First Free Church in Onalaska. Other days, he’s traveling the world, teaching others how to create a story around their product. Here, he talks of how a pastor became a sought-after public speaking coach and previews his event May 23-24 at the Charmant to share his gift with the Greater La Crosse area. We also discuss Reiner's technique of helping people gain confidence to speak publicly, and how to tell a story.

It was a social media buzz for companies last year when more than 700 high school students came to an event called Build My Future, at the La Crosse Area Builders Association, promoting all jobs in the trades — not just construction. Every booth was interactive — from removing tires to operating a backhoe. Joining the podcast to preview this year’s Build My Future event are Andy Olson of River City Truck & Trailer, Tena Bailey with the La Crosse Area Builders Association, and Adam Kirschner with Energy Line International. The three talked how Build My Future aims to introduce students to various trades and careers, building off the success from last year, the importance of hands-on activities for students, and the need for exhibitors and sponsors for the upcoming event. They also emphasize the value of apprenticeships, the different pathways available in the trades, and the benefits of participating in the event for both students and businesses.

Tom Miskowski, owner of Kitchen Solvers — a kitchen remodeling company — joins the show. We discuss his journey from being a corporate CEO to becoming a franchise owner and now a cabinetmaker. He talks about the benefits of owning a franchise and how Kitchen Solvers helps franchisees with systems and support. Tom also explains the services offered by Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse, such as kitchen remodeling and cabinet refacing. We touch on topics like digital marketing, vendor relationships, and Miskowski's background in manufacturing. We conclude with Miskowski's vision for Kitchen Solvers and his commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and franchisee success.

Phanat Lor joins to discuss her journey as a second language teacher, who started her own business called Crafted Copy.  She offers copywriting and resume writing services. We talk about how Phanat ventured into writing and how she helps individuals identify their skills and apply them to their resumes. We also discuss the importance of confidence, communication, and continuous learning in the job search process.

Each Friday, for nearly a year now, you’ve heard BizCast talk to local leaders. And, if you reached the end of each podcast, you'll know there's a common closer question: "What makes you passionate about what you do?" As we enter the time of New Year's Resolutions, here are some ideas to help you find your passion in 2024 — a compilation of answers to that question.

Paul Borsheim, one of the owners of Borton Construction, joins to talk about building industry challenges, the keys to their growth and having a philosophical mindset, including the rewards of coaching freshmen boys basketball. Borsheim got his start working for one construction company, which led to breaking off into Borton Construction. We also discuss how he’s learned to use development projects to keep employees working in winter. Plus, how construction is happening faster, and where he predicts construction is going.

One industry not having trouble growing is solar energy. Olson Solar Energy began in 2017 when two brothers from Holmen heard solar panel installation was a hot industry. Six year later they have gone from zero to 60 employees. Olson consultant Keith Molzahn joins to talk about the benefits and incentives of solar panels, the technological advancements in the field, how solar panels work, the financial aspects of investing in solar energy, the maintenance involved, and the growth of Olson Solar Energy as a company.

What began as a casual way to improve baseball and softball players during the pandemic has become a regional destination.Garage Ball just reopened in its new Highway Z location on Brice Prairie. Owner Brian Meeter joins to talk about how interest in the indoor batting cages took off, demand grew for other services and how they’re ensuring this facility stays in demand.

Many businesses hit a point where they need to grow. They’ve either saved up for years, asked friends and relatives to help, or they got bank funding. What banks can't finance, a company out of Minneapolis called Hill Capital just might. That's their specialty. Come learn how business can get connected and thrive with Hill Capital owner Patrick Donahue.

Phil Humphrey, the owner of 608 Brewing Company in La Crosse joins to discuss how they started, have grown and the effects of the pandemic, plus the challenges of operating in the ever-evolving craft beer industry. Humphrey also discusses the exciting future of the company, including the plan to open a new location in Holmen, as well as how proposed brewing laws in Wisconsin could affect the business.

Pepsi is celebrating 125 years as a beverage company. Along with that, Gillette Pepsi has been alongside Pepsi for more than 80 years. While delivering product to stores remains the same, the amount of products they now carry means soda is a small fraction. Megan Howard, Vice President of Human Resources talks how they are working extra hard to keep their people happy.

What causes someone to leave most of her possessions in California and move back home to La Crosse? Faith, literally. Faith Anderson dreamed of owning a cafe. She moved home with no plan but, with a great friend, three months later, she finds herself co-owner and manager of Bluebird Bakery & Cafe. Listen to how the company grew to the point of adding a drive through in Onalaska and how a group of owners comes to agreement on what’s next.

Brian Meeter has only been with the La Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for six months, but he already knows what makes it special. The new executive director joins to talk about life on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River. Meeter discusses the campaign La Crescent is launching to draw in more people and promoting walkability to restaurants, new businesses starting up, attracting bike races and much more.

Talking to Judson Steinback, co-owner of Coulee Region Ecoscapes, reveals a very deep individual — from his Waldorf teaching days to a very sick child to being a musician to knowing native plants, how they grow, and how to minimize harm through landscaping. Oh, and he’s also a world-record canoeist, and don’t get him talking about fishing. In this podcast you’ll learn how to handle plants, grass and water in your yard, as well as what it was like to spend more than two weeks in a canoe with three other guys, breaking the record for shortest canoe trip down the Mississippi River.

Many businesses would be envious of the budget Haleigh Doyle has, as head of marketing at Explore La Crosse - also known as the La Crosse Convention and Visitors Bureau or the tourism bureau. The more successful she is, the greater her budget. She gets to attract people for our birding, our outdoor activities, our festivals and more. From printed tourism guides to sharing visitors' Instagram posts to working with social influencers, come hear how Haleigh is bringing in people who spend money at our hotels, shops, restaurants, convention centers, meeting rooms, and more. 

Oh the things you can see in Holmen! Village President Patrick Barlow joined to talk about how their plan for growth years ago is paying off, as homes continue to be built. And, with them, businesses follow. Barlow discusses where all this growth is going, the infrastructure needs, how it is getting paid for and more.

From a local grocery store in 1920 to a regional manufacturer of sausage, hotdogs and more, Bakalars Sausage owner Mike Bakalars gives us an inside scoop on how the sausage gets made. Bakalars is growing through acquisition — taking on more markets and products and expanding distribution. Learn more about La Crosse-based Bakalars and the snap they give to any Minnesota Vikings.

Several more stores are leaving Valley View mall and headed to Onalaska. The city may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean redevelopment isn’t happening. Mayor Kim Smith joins to talk about: the last big box store getting filled in the OmniCenter being constantly full Don’t assume that ice is permanent Fundraisers for dogs, and parks Upcoming planning New Businesses going in And the new City Administrator, in addition to other staffing changes

More than 200 people in greater La Crosse can also call Luxembourg home thanks to dual-citizenship. As a result, they have a coveted passport to tracing their lineage to Luxembourg. In August, 25 students from La Crosse’s newest sister city, Junglinster, visited La Crosse in the first trip of an ongoing summer exchange. We talked to one of their teachers and chaperone, Marc Zimmer, about how Luxembourg is calling its descendants home to the world’s wealthiest country, what made it wealthy, and what the students are learning while in La Crosse.

Matt Curtis grew up singing. He didn’t know it could make him a lot of money starting in college. Curtis began recording different tracks to Gregorian chants while attending Viterbo. He pursued his signing career at the same time. Some investments took off, and he found himself holding millions of dollars. He moved back home and started to diversify — buying rental property, converting an old church into a performance hall and a historic home into a wedding venue. As if that’s not enough, he’s the new owner of Apothik Food Truck and Restaurant. Listen in to hear his path.

La Crosse's Jackson Plaza, at 19th and Jackson streets, took on a new owner when the tenant, Kat Soper and her husband, with Palm and Pine, took on ownership. There are nearly 20 small, locally owned businesses in the strip mall from candy to Indian food to coffee to vacuum sales and repair, marketing, and a child care center. The group banned together and is hosting a block party Wednesday. Kat talks about the party, why they bought the building and how Palm and Pine Yoga is doing. 

What do you do when a customer doesn’t pay you after your custom create a CBD cream to treat neuropathy? You sell it — and fast. Conquer Products in Mabel, Minn., uses its health product manufacturing expertise to now launch its second product — Favor Colostrum powder. You can buy the health superfood on Amazon, which is an entirely different experience. Head of marketing and Favor Colostrum co-founder Abby Rhude joins Vicki Markussen to talk about the business mistake into a business life of heath products with the newest launch of colostrum powder.

Two guys walked into Features in Wests Salem. They walked out. But the idea they sparked got built in May. Owners Jenn & Jason Slusser join to talk about the opening of the new Features Fieldhouse last spring with the idea that parents can bring their kids to play and practice sports, while they enjoy the restaurant and bowling alley. Hear how Features attracted the La Crosse Showtime basketball team, and more, to fill the space.

Filling your own need is often a place where entrepreneurs start a business. That’s what happened with the Anderson family in La Crescent. Kelsey and her husband Raymond had day-jobs, but their love for coffee caused them to start first a coffee trailer and now an actual coffee shop on Walnut Street in downtown La Crescent. Kelsey Anderson joins Bizcast about how Affogato (off-a-GOT-o) Lane Coffee got its start and how helping La Crescent business have been.

You may have a yearning to feel the wind in your hair as co-owner Brody Meier of Harley Davidson La Crosse Area talks about why he and his partner chose to own a Harley franchise and what it is like to be at the 120th Anniversary.

Nick Roush, co-owner of Root Down Yoga, joins to tell his story of a yoga studio with sold-out sessions. Its sense of community draws people, then, as Roush describes, the pandemic changed everything. Hear how his wife, co-owner Mandy’s transformation, sparked this business that created transformation in other lives. It’s closure during the pandemic and its hopeful slow upward path to reestablish the community it created.  Tune in to learn more.

The Parenting Place’s Michelle Sampson joins, as the organization receives a second year of $400,000 from the City of La Crosse’ ARPA funding to help with the childcare crisis. The nonprofit organization identified what’s pulling workers from centers - leaving many without care for their children so they, in turn, can work. The shortage began as the number of licensed childcare providers decreased steeply around 2015. Then the tight labor market pulled employees away. As you’ll hear in the podcast: the business model is tough for child care centers Regulation costs money La Crosse’s costs are much lower than true costs This is reflected in wages Employees feel undervalued

Apprenticeships used to be for the trades - carpentry, electricians, plumbers. Today there’s  more than 11 career fields available to students. CESA #4 provides many services to more than 26 school districts in Western Wisconsin. Amanda Langrehr, with CESA #4, joins to discuss: The many ways students can explorer careers What fields apprenticeships can be in What’s involved in apprenticeships How parents can direct their children to career options You will have a better idea of how students can begin working in their career at an early age - even if they rule it out. The experience teaches both them and their employer - even if it’s that they don't’ want to pursue that path after all.

The first housing endeavor for Nick Roush and wife Mandy was so bad, his mom though he hadn’t seen the inside when he bought it. After spending $60,000 — all on credit cards to fix it — Roush had to tear it down and start over. Roush Rentals has learned a lot in its 25 years of building. It now has 225 successful units. Rouch's philosophy: Find the win-wins for people, the cities he builds in, and his company. In this podcast you’ll hear: How they keep young professionals in the area How they can build more new homes in La Crosse, helping property taxes and schools What goes into developing property over time What tools city’s can bring to the table to help build more housing Why renting to the unsheltered is tough for property owners You’ll leave with a better understanding of the risks of developing properties, the vast need for housing, and the opportunities.

Linda’s Bakery is a staple, not just in West Salem, but throughout La Crosse County. They have been baking donuts for 50 years this year – and they even took over from someone else. It’s a local family business with all the stories to go with it. The new co-owner, Bob Anderson joins to talk sweets, health craze, online shopping, wholesale baking and forgetting ingredients mid-baking. Here, you'll learn what has made Linda’s Bakery a memory of generations.

Part 2 of our conversation with La Crosse Parks, Recreation and Forestry director Jay Odegaard and the role his agency plays in beautifying the city and making it a place where people want to live and visit.  Here Odegaard talks about: Special trees with pods are being planted downtown The Pearl Street Walkway should be completed The Hatchery, the former Fish Hatchery and Tourism Bureau building in Riverside ark is completing, and How the City is repairing its trails

The City of La Crosse plays a key role in helping those who live here, as well as visitors, have more fun. Jay Odegaard, La Crosse's Parks and Rec director joins. He's the man who heads most of that work. We had so much to talk about with Odegaard that this is just part one of that interview. Here, he talks about: Flood cleanup and how it impacted businesses New Northside transient dock Data shows boaters are coming from many Midwest locations to La Crosse The extension of the levy at Riverside Park is expected to bring more boats docking How Bass Masters – the Super Bowl of fishing – has brought even more tournaments to town.

Jason Gilman, owner of JBG Planning, LLC, is the project manager for the River Point District near downtown La Crosse. he joins to talk about how it’s taken 30 years to develop what used to be called the old Mobil oil site — the land that is being developed across from Festival Foods on Rose Street. In this podcast, you will hear:  What’s being built How it will get approved What it means for La Crosse

Ben Skinner and Chris Barton, owners of Paulin's Provision, join. The two grew up on the northside of La Crosse, but went on to work at esteemed restaurants in Minneapolis and Seattle. When COVID hit, however, they came back home and launched a business back in the old neighborhood. They bought the Vogue and named it Paulins Provision, a grocery store named after a family member, where they sell shelf-stable food products. 

When her business partner’s husband got a job on the West Coast, Tracy Endrizzi found herself owning two businesses in La Crosse — a sassy and snarky gift shop, plus her original art studio for people to make customized gifts and art. Tracy joins, and you’ll learn how she and her partner previously kept reworking how their businesses went together in two small spaces — both knowing something unique was there with the two operating jointly. Add in the expansion during the pandemic to incorporate Tracy’s husband, Joe, now doing glassblowing in preparation for retirement. But the store’s approach to its place in a quiet neighborhood makes it unique. Hear how Tracy successfully created a “third place” that recaptures the feel of friends and neighbors having a place to come together and connect. You’ll hear: How she bought a building with no vision yet Worked with the city to adapt it Changed her business model several times Unexpectedly bought her partner's business Learned about the cost of buying the wrong products, profit margins and other challenges in retail Connects the community Finds inspiration Helps local businesses All out of about 600 square feet on 16th & Market Streets in La Crosse.

A continuation of an interview with Inland Packaging owner Mark Glendenning. He is a founder of a group called The Upper Mississippi Manufacturing Association (TUMMA) that unites large and small manufacturers to encourage students to experience and pursue professional careers in manufacturing. It’s not just line workers, it’s engineers, human resources, marketing, and more than 11 different professionals often employed by manufacturers.

When you have a lot of customers and that industry begins to shrink, listen to how Inland Packaging in La Crosse identified new markets and grew. Owner Mark Glendenning shares the story of how his grandfather came to purchase what was then a business card and stationery business to how his father created a customer-centric culture and began producing labels for its biggest customer - G. Heileman Brewery. When Mark Glendenning took ownership, he diversified into flexible food products - like cream cheese containers through mergers and acquisitions. This once 70-employee company now employs 420 with locations in Neenah, Wis., and in Pennsylvania. La Crosse, however, remains its headquarters.

Many local boards are filled with individuals who care about our community — many of them are current or retired business leaders. In today’s spotlight, we focus on a West Salem dad with young kids, who is literally blazing trails by being heavily involved in the Outdoor Recreation Alliance, as it buys a large parcel of land on the outskirts of La Crosse. Stephen Cohen, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in West Salem, brings the biking fun to West Salem with a new trail-head and bike park. Then he even touches on how his board involvement with Explore La Crosse helps him monitor how the remaining room tax dollars for West Salem get spent. 

Every state has regions recognized by the federal government - the Economic Development Agency (EDA) - to help communities plan and to help businesses grow. On this episode, Jon Bingol, the head of Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission for western Wisconsin’s nine counties, joins. Bingol talks about how plans that impact how cities grow, handle hazardous situations and plan, including recreation. Bingol also helped hand more than 560 businesses a $10,000 check to put them into vacant commercial space to stimulate the economy as the pandemic eased. He talks about The Upper Midwest Manufacturing Alliance or TUMMA’s work to encourage people to get employed in manufacturing. We also learn about Revolving Loan Funds available to help businesses that just can’t get the final financing they need – called gap funding — and how they may be able to apply for these loans that can fill that gap. Once repaid, they get loaned to the next company. These are all funded with your taxpayer dollars. Listen in to learn more.

The building trades have said for years that they need more workers. Now the shortage is impacting our ability to get service for electrical, plumbing, remodeling and more. The La Crosse Area Builders Association (LABA) is trying something new. On April 18, it is launching “Build My Future,” which is an interactive way for students to engage with their possible career. LABA volunteer Adam Kirschner with Energyline and the Builders Association’s Executive Officer Tena Bailey discussed their work getting students to consider pursuing a well-paying, low-to-no debt career path in the trades. 

Roxanne Aubrey and Rachel McFarland join BizCast Greater La Crosse to talk about their newest in a series of publications, this one called Demystifying City Governments, which was released Thursday. The Ope! Publishing owners started about two years ago, putting out small magazines named Zines. Their newest series tries to help people engage with their government. Aubrey and McFarland sat down with host Vicki Markussen to talk about how they hope to grow these self-published booklets. Find the Demystifying City Governments zine at their ope.pub website or any of these places: 608 Brewing Co., Another Green World, Art Pop, Blue Bird Bakery, Bodega, Clocks of Main , Dan’s Shoe Repair, FJ Robers Library on French Island, Global Grounds, Gold Heart Tatoo, Grounded, Hope Restores, J’s Café, Kroners, Larson’s General, Main Library, Pearl Street Books, Pearl Street Brewery, Peoples Food Co-op, Planted Parenthood, REACH Center, Riviera Salon, Root Note, Turtle Stack, Wrench and Roll Bike Shop, as well as the high schools and UW-La Crosse.