Get Deep

Josh Vanderberg: Building a Business Leaders Can TrustIn Episode 147 of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Josh Vanderberg—President and CEO of Vanderberg Clean and a second-generation leader in Southern Minnesota’s janitorial industry.Josh’s story begins in Mankato, learning the business from his grandparents, founders of Sharon’s Cleaning Service in the 1970s. But early in this episode, he opens up about something far more personal—his mother’s mental health struggles and how those challenges shaped his resilience, faith, and drive to build something stable and meaningful.Today, Vanderberg Clean is far more than a residential carpet cleaning company. Over 90% of its work serves commercial clients across Southern Minnesota. Under Josh’s leadership, the company delivers more than a clean environment—it delivers confidence. Confidence that your facility will be handled professionally. Confidence that your space will remain secure. Confidence that the job will be done right, every time.We also dive into scaling, culture, and Josh’s commitment to learning from leaders in every industry to continually improve his team and systems.This is a conversation about faith, growth, resilience, and building a company local leaders can trust.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:Chankaska Winery, Community Bank Mankato, and the Small Business Development Center#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #JoshVanderberg #VanderbergClean #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WesOtto #AaronJones

Sheryl Meshke: Leading America’s Dairy Cooperative, One Block of Cheese at a TimeIn this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Sheryl Meshke—President and CEO of AMPI (Associated Milk Producers Inc.), the nation’s largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative specializing in American-style cheese. From humble beginnings on a Good Thunder farm to leading an operation that markets 10% of the nation’s American cheese, Sheryl’s story is one of grit, generational values, and strategic leadership in the world of agriculture and food systems.Sheryl reflects on her small-town upbringing, growing up alongside her brothers on the family farm—doing chores, operating equipment, and learning firsthand the work ethic that would shape her path. With deep roots in 4-H and public speaking, she credits her high school speech coach with instilling the confidence that carried her into journalism, communications, and ultimately, executive leadership.We dive into Sheryl’s unique path from newspaper reporter to agricultural publisher, and how a timely connection launched her career at AMPI—an organization she’s helped lead through market volatility, innovation milestones, and literal fires. From creating the Dinner Bell Creamery brand to becoming a global exporter of processed cheese, Sheryl shares what it means to steward a farmer-owned cooperative through rapid change while keeping values at the center.She also walks us through the realities of milk as a 365-day commodity, the importance of young leadership on AMPI’s farmer board, and the role cooperatives play in America’s food future.Stick around for insights into rural leadership, food systems, and the “trophies” AMPI proudly puts on the mantle—from cheese competition medals to feeding families across the globe.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠, Community Bank Mankato, South Central Small Business Development Center, and ⁠iWealth⁠.#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #SherylMeshke #AMPI #DairyLeadership #WesOtto #AaronJones

Justin Montemurno: Systems, Strategy, and the Power Behind the PowerIn this high-voltage episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Justin Montemurno—a Southern Minnesota native whose journey from wrench-turning teen to global infrastructure strategist is anything but ordinary. Justin shares his story of growing up in St. James, tinkering with engines, learning from uncles, and developing the work ethic that would power a career spanning technical sales, engineering, and global energy infrastructure.We dive into Justin’s early experiences in manufacturing and process improvement at Kato Engineering, where he helped redesign workflows that massively increased output—and caught the attention of leadership. From there, he took the leap into technical sales, finding his sweet spot translating complex systems into strategies clients could actually understand.Now working with IPS, Justin operates at the intersection of business development, engineering, and hyperscale infrastructure, helping to design and deliver the massive power systems that fuel data centers, cloud computing, and the AI revolution. He breaks down exactly what a data center is, why power demand is spiking globally, and what it all means for the future of tech—and your electric bill.This episode is packed with insight on leadership, problem-solving, power systems, and the long game of building infrastructure that keeps the modern world running.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:Chankaska Winery, Community Bank Mankato, and iWealth#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #JustinMontemurno #PowerInfrastructure #DataCenters #WesOtto #AaronJones

Rachel Wilke & Molly Jones: Breaking Cycles and Building “Therapy is Cool”In this personal and powerful episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Wilke and Molly Jones—licensed therapists and co-founders of Therapy is Cool, a Mankato-based mental health practice focused on helping children, families, and entire generations heal.Rachel and Molly share their winding paths into the world of therapy—from childhood experiences and early career burnout to their first meeting at a local mental health center, where their shared vision for a new kind of practice began to take shape. The two bonded over a belief that therapy should be approachable, proactive, and rooted in long-term impact.Together, they explore intergenerational trauma, emotional patterning, and the life-changing power of understanding your own coping mechanisms. Rachel also opens up about her experience working in high-intensity environments across multiple states, her family’s battle with infertility, and how those experiences shaped her empathy and drive.We also dive into the behind-the-scenes journey of building Therapy is Cool—including how the South Central SBDC helped them turn their vision into a thriving private practice. Throughout the episode, Rachel and Molly share practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and mental health in the workplace—reminding us that therapy isn’t just for when things go wrong. It’s a tool for anyone, at any time.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠, Community Bank Mankato, South Central Small Business Development Center, and ⁠iWealth.⁠#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #TherapyIsCool #MentalHealthMatters #RachelWilke #MollyJones #WesOtto #AaronJones

Ritchie Schaefer: Hive Minds, Bee Drama, and the Rise of B2B HoneyIn this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Ritchie Schaefer—beekeeper, entrepreneur, and founder of B2B Honey. A Mankato native with a love for agriculture, Ritchie takes us deep into the world of bees, hives, and honey with a mix of science, passion, and raw honesty.Ritchie’s path to business ownership was anything but conventional. After studying ag at North Dakota State and spending years in agricultural sales, he was moved to start beekeeping following the sudden passing of a young beekeeper whose hives were kept on his family’s farm. That moment sparked a personal transformation—and a new calling.Now the founder of B2B Honey, Ritchie shares how he built his operation from the ground up, starting at the Mankato Farmers Market and Schell’s Brewery before scaling into a migratory beekeeping business, with hives moving between river valleys in Minnesota and heading south for the winter. Along the way, he’s faced steep learning curves and major setbacks—including losing bees in California and a particularly angry hive incident that required help from the fire department’s water truck (no flames, just a creative rain simulation).We dive into the fascinating social structure of bees—how they pick homes, the ruthless competition to become queen, and what makes hive life tick. Ritchie also treats the hosts to a tasting of his ever-expanding product line, proving that honey is just the beginning.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠, Community Bank Mankato, South Central Small Business Development Center, and ⁠iWealth⁠#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #WesOtto #AaronJones

Paul Bunkowske: A New Chapter Shaped by Collecting and CommunityIn this heartfelt episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Paul Bunkowske—the founder of Bunk’s Card Corner, Mankato’s go-to destination for sports cards, Pokémon, Disney memorabilia, and more. Paul shares his honest and powerful journey from struggling with alcoholism to finding purpose and community through sobriety. Recovery was not the end of the story—it became the starting point for purpose, community, and a new direction. That path eventually led him into the world of trading cards and to launching his own business.Paul opens up about his early years selling cars across the Midwest, his lifelong love of sports, and how that passion became the fuel behind Bunk’s Card Corner. What started as a personal interest grew into a retail and wholesale operation that has become a hub for collectors, hobbyists, and fans of all ages.Now, Paul is preparing to open a brand-new storefront next to Crumbl Cookies off Adams Street in Mankato. The space will be Minnesota’s largest dedicated trading card retail location and the central home for his growing wholesale business—exciting news for the local collecting community and for small business in Southern Minnesota.Tune in for a raw, honest, and uplifting conversation about recovery, the joy and obsession of collecting, and what it takes to turn passion into purpose—and a business that brings people together every day.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠, Community Bank Mankato, South Central Small Business Development Center, and ⁠iWealth⁠#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #WesOtto #AaronJones

Colleen VanBlarcom: McDonald’s Operator, Legacy Builder, and Culture ChampionIn this episode, we sit down with Colleen VanBlarcom—owner/operator of 11 McDonald’s restaurants across Southern Minnesota. With a career spanning four decades and roots in one of McDonald’s most storied family lineages, Colleen shares what it takes to lead a growing, values-driven organization under the Golden Arches.From scrubbing floors as a teen to managing multi-unit operations in Mankato, Owatonna, Waseca, Medford, and Eagan, Colleen’s story is steeped in grit, growth, and generational wisdom. She opens up about her father’s early days with McDonald’s—back when there were just over 200 locations nationwide—and how his legacy shaped her path as both a business leader and community builder.Colleen reflects on small-town adjustments, lessons learned from corporate legends, and how a surprise visit from Ray Kroc changed the course of her family’s journey. She shares insights on leadership, problem-solving, and what it takes to maintain a strong culture in one of the world’s most recognizable brands.And in a Get Deep exclusive, Colleen reveals the future location of Mankato’s newest McDonald’s restaurant—news you’ll hear here first.Stick around for a heartfelt conversation about service, resilience, and the human side of fast food—plus powerful stories about her team’s impact through the Ronald McDonald House Charities.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠, Community Bank Mankato, South Central Small Business Development Center, and ⁠iWealth⁠#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #McDonalds #ColleenVanBlarcom #BAMCO #WesOtto #AaronJones

Ashley and Nick Rehder, Founders of Ruby Ranch Barn: Join us for a conversation with Ashley and Nick Rehder, founders of ⁠Ruby Ranch Barn⁠, a nine-acre property just east of Pemberton, Minnesota, where education and community meet in fresh, hands-on ways.In this episode, Ashley and Nick share about their journey building Ruby Ranch from a dream into a space for connection and experiential learning, hosting workshops, events, and summer camps for all ages. They talk about Little Rubies, their preschool/kindergarten farm and nature program for ages 3-6, that uses nature as the daily classroom, complete with animal interaction, garden and pond time, and walks through their trials. They also open up about integrating their personal home on the farm into the operation, pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into a fast flip that expanded what they could offer to the community.As Ruby Ranch continues to grow (with 29K followers on Instagram!), Ashley and Nick reflect on the values that drive their work, the joy of seeing people connect through nature, and how they’re helping redefine what learning looks like in Southern Minnesota. 🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠⁠⁠, ⁠iWealth⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Community Bank⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠South Central MN SBDC⁠#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota#WesOtto #AaronJones#RubyRanch #LittleRubies #farmandnatureschool

Art Westphal: Coaching Legend and Advancement Leader at Bethany LutheranJoin us for an in‑depth conversation with Art Westphal, a cornerstone of Bethany Lutheran College athletics and institutional advancement. Over decades, Art has shaped programs as head coach of both baseball and men’s basketball, led as athletic director, and now pours his passion into advancing the college mission as a Senior Development Officer.  In this episode, Art reflects on resurrecting Bethany’s baseball program in 1984, earning multiple Coach of the Year honors in Region XIII, and building winning basketball teams that claimed division titles and state tournament berths.  He also shares what it was like balancing coaching, administration, and campus life through transformational years at Bethany.Now in advancement, Art discusses the shift from the court to stewardship—how he channels lessons from coaching into fundraising, alumni relations, and institutional growth. We also explore his roles in community foundations, the joys of mentorship, and the legacy he hopes to leave.  🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: ⁠⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Community Bank⁠⁠#AaronJones #WesOtto #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #BethanyLutheran #ArtWestphal #CollegeAthletics #Advancement

Jenna Fromm: CEO of Palmer Bus Service and Community-Focused LeaderClimb aboard for a conversation with Jenna Fromm, a second-generation owner and the driving force behind Palmer Bus Service. From cleaning bus floors as a teenager in St. Clair to co-leading a fleet that spans communities across Minnesota, Jenna’s journey is rooted in faith, family, and fierce dedication to safety and service.In this episode, Jenna reflects on her early days behind the wheel, her time as a teacher and mother of four, and the moment she and her sister Hollie took the reins of the business from their parents. She shares the values that keep Palmer Bus on the road—from integrity to treating every student like their own—and how those values earned them the 2024 National School Transportation Association’s Contractor of the Year award in their 50th year of operation.Stay tuned for stories of leadership, legacy, and how Jenna balances responsibility and gratitude on every route she travels.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠ and ⁠iWealth⁠#GetDeepPodcast #WesOtto #AaronJones

On this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Allen Eskens, Mankato’s own best-selling author and former criminal defense lawyer. Allen shares how his years in the courtroom shaped his storytelling, the discipline it takes to master the craft of writing, and the real-life experiences—and daydreams—that fuel his imagination. We also talk about his breakout first novel, The Life We Bury, which became a best seller and set the stage for his writing career, as well as his newest release, The Quiet Librarian. Find Allen’s full collection of books at https://alleneskens.com/books🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: ⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠ and ⁠Community Bank⁠#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #AaronJones #WesOtto #AllenEskens

Jenny Barnes & David Hruska: Life, Loss, and “Dam Pie” at the Rapidan Dam StoreIn this heartfelt episode, we sit down with siblings Jenny Barnes and David Hruska—second-generation owners of the beloved Rapidan Dam Store. Known far and wide for their famous “Dam Pie,” Jenny and David reflect on a childhood spent along the Blue Earth River, the family legacy they inherited, and the joy of serving travelers from around the globe.In June 2024, their world changed when flash flooding eroded the Rapidan Dam, claiming their family home and forcing the demolition of their iconic store. With deep emotion and unshakable resilience, Jenny and David recount the loss—and the community support that followed.But this story doesn’t end in tragedy. Jenny and David have reopened the Dam Store in Mankato, in the former Wagon Wheel Café location, and they share what the move has meant, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and their hopes for the future.Stick around for stories of serving pie to the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves—moments that prove joy and generosity are still on the menu.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery and iWealth#GetDeepPodcast #DamPie #RapidanDamStore #WagonWheelCafe #WesOtto #AaronJones

Andy Donahue: Minnesota State Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Join us for a conversation with a statewide leader who has dedicated his career to supporting small businesses. Andy’s journey has taken him from his early days at Wells Fargo, to serving as a regional SBDC director in Wisconsin, and ultimately back to his hometown of Duluth to lead Minnesota’s SBDC network. Across nine regional centers, Andy and his team help entrepreneurs at every stage—whether launching a startup, expanding their operations, or navigating the challenges of long-term growth and sustainability. In this episode, he shares the collaborative efforts driving local economic development and the inspiring stories of working shoulder-to-shoulder with small business owners.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery, South Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Community Bank#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AaronJones #WesOtto

Tim Johnson: Owner/Operator of High Spirits Liquor and Hooligan’s Neighborhood Pub, cornerstones of Mankato’s local retail and hospitality scene. Join us for a conversation with a local entrepreneur who has spent years creating spaces where people gather, connect, and make memories. Tim shares his journey of building and running successful businesses, the unique relationships that have shaped his career, and stories from his one-of-a-kind team—including a current NHL player who returns to work at Hooligan’s between contracts!🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery and iWealth#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #AaronJones #WesOtto

Tom Miller: memorial sculptor and owner of Monuments by Miller. Join us for a conversation with a master craftsman whose work is etched into the very fabric of Mankato! Tom reflects on his path as a sculptor and storyteller—shaping stone and legacy alike. As one of the most visible artists in the region, he shares the stories behind some of Mankato’s most iconic monuments, including the Winter Warrior at the Blue Earth County Library and the Buffalo at the intersection of Front and Main. Stay tuned for minute 1:22:20, where Tom recounts his unforgettable trip into an abandoned marble quarry with “Mad Mountain Jim” and the discovery of the very stone used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery and Community Bank#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #AaronJones #WesOtto

Mike McGowan: third-generation owner of ⁠⁠McGowan Water Conditioning and longtime volunteer firefighter. Join us for a conversation with a hometown business owner who’s been keeping Southern Minnesota’s water clean for over 70 years. Mike breaks down his sink-or-swim journey stepping into the family business—navigating generational pressure while carving out a path of his own. From water systems to fire calls, he shares about leadership, responsibility, and serving his community. Stay tuned for minute 1:42:31, where Mike reflects on how firefighting has evolved and how rural departments are finding new ways to work together.🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:⁠⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠⁠⁠ and iWealth #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #FamilyBusiness #AaronJones #WesOtto

Carter Person: co-owner of Cork & Key, and partner in the ATOM hospitality group! Join us for an expansive conversation with seasoned entrepreneur Carter Person. With deep roots in a family dedicated to hospitality and community, Carter shares what it was like growing up in the family business — giving us an honest breakdown of the rewards and challenges of working closely alongside relatives. From catering for the Vikings to unexpected setbacks, our guest shares firsthand industry insight that reflect his career immersed in service, growth, and community. Stay tuned for minute 8:27, where Carter shares the story of one of his earliest infamous moments at family-run Tav on the Ave

Nicole Panko: owner of Ember Wellness Studio! Join us for a conversation rooted in health and wellness - at the heart of our community! Nicole’s entrepreneurial experience extends beyond her current venture, and we were so engaged with how her previous business successes led her to creating the community at Ember. From her own journey to healthier living to the lessons she’s learned from testing her own limits, our guest’s wealth of knowledge shines in this open and honest interview. Stay tuned for minute 48:59, where Nicole shares how she weeds through her wealth of ideas for which concepts to develop - and which to let go

Jeff Holmin: our local award-winning taxidermy expert and owner of North Star Taxidermy! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our guest this week, who shares with us how his appreciation for the natural world at a young age translated into a robust career in taxidermy. Fully embracing a trade (and art form) that most would find difficult to perform, we loved hearing Jeff’s unique perspective into honoring life in all its forms. From his strangest taxidermy requests to the thrill of competition, Jeff is truly an expert in his field! Stay tuned for minute 29:21, where our guest explains the intricacies that go into successfully preparing a large game animal for preservation.

Shane Bowyer: professor of management at MSU Mankato and local community pillar! Our guest this week has an incredible range of expertise in the business sector; overseeing the Northwoods League Baseball Franchise as a general manager, owner of the Sports Institute training facility, and so much more right here in our community. Join us as Shane takes us through his most memorable experiences, and the core mission of service that’s kept him active in Southern Minnesota. Stay tuned for minute 1:44:03, where Shane shares some of his favorite experiences working with the Minnesota Vikings