Grace sits down with business strategist Brad Herda for a candid look inside the challenges and triumphs of family-run businesses, leadership across generations, and blue-collar grit. Brad shares why asking tough questions is essential for successful family transitions, the surprising strengths of Gen Z leaders, and his philosophy for authentic business growth. With hard-earned insights from Vision Forward Business Solutions and his award-winning Blue Collar BS podcast, Brad delivers fresh strategies for small business owners ready to level up.Brad’s pragmatic yet empathetic approach brings clarity to complex transitions, leadership development, and the evolving multi-generational workforce.Episode Highlights:01:50 - There's a lot of usually blunt questions that need to be asked that the family tiptoes around and does things and it's like, yeah, no, we need to have that conversation and may not like it, but yet you still got to go to dinner tomorrow night at the same time and celebrate the birthday, the anniversary or whatever it might be.03:33 - Now I got to figure out how to pay mom and dad differently so I can hire somebody to do the work that mom and dad were doing.08:11 - Other dynamic that's happening that we have older Gen Z's that are now going to be leading much older people than themselves in these teams, which is going to create a very large different dynamic, particularly in the service world and even in the blue collar world.Grace BruinsLinkedInBrad HerdaLinkedIn
Grace sits down with Mackie Diedrichson, branding and operations manager at LC Marketing Corp, along with Rick and Beth, founders of Great Plate, to unravel the secrets behind their meteoric Walmart success and the art of bold business pivots. Mackie shares how a surprise buyer meeting flipped their business plan upside down—turning a reusable party plate into a viral, eco-friendly disposable that hit Walmart shelves in a million-unit order. The episode dives into sustainable innovation, the importance of staying agile, and the energizing reality of getting “bootstrappy” in a rapidly changing market.Mackie’s first-hand retail expertise and the relentless spirit of the Great Plate founders will inspire anyone who dreams of seeing their product in major retailers, or is facing a make-or-break business crossroads.Episode Highlights:10:20 - I can only imagine what the inside of his brain is like trying to configure all of these various components. But I think that is entrepreneurship in and of itself—going into a meeting with a product you’re looking to sell and coming out with a completely different product that doesn’t exist with an ask. And coming from the retail side, that’s all you can ever ask for is to be a buyer’s answer.14:49 - When one of the comments that was just made when we were at Costco, one of the new design iterations, the buyer looked at us and said, now you're sure that this doesn't exist out there? I said, no, it's brand new. Something that's out there.38:14 - It's being open-minded, open to changes, open to the uses of it. And as Rick and Mackie were open to that meeting, so saying open to making it a disposable product. And now that we have it, we look at all of those positive things that occurred by being open-minded.39:16 - Don't underestimate any of the type of things where you have.It's a word. You can do it, you can do it, you can do it.Connect with Grace BruinsLinkedInRick Kellow and Beth KuehlWebsiteMackie DideriksenLinkedIn
Grace Bruins sits down with Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, for a heartfelt look at how one nonprofit is redefining the food pantry experience and community engagement in Ozaukee County. Julie shares powerful stories, straight from the thrift shop floor and from the heart of their client-first approach, while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes sense of what Running a modern-day resource hub looks like.Julie and Grace talk thrifting trends, out-of-the-box partnerships, and the nuts and bolts of running a business that supports dignity and real human connection. Julie’s contagious passion shines through, from tales of taxidermied chickens to strategies for elevating volunteer impact and business partnerships. Episode Highlights:07:38 - That was the big aha is if we want to serve more people, we need to be going out to where the people are. So, it was 2021. We launched our Bags and Backpack Program that you mentioned for kids on the weekends when they're not in school and facing food insecurity. Senior delivery, which is groceries right to the door of seniors in low income housing. So, if they have a hard time with steps and you have the physicality of carrying groceries upstairs, we're taking care of them, and then our mobile pantry. 11:00 - A lot of times our pantry leads will connect someone who has a food need and we're taking care of that. They'll connect them with the Community Service Navigator that can help with whatever other need they have and help kind of walk alongside them through that challenge. It's amazing.20:18 - We do our best to keep things out of landfills, but there are times you think, why didn't someone just throw this out at their house? But then there are just as many times where you think, oh, my gosh, somebody donated this. This is amazing.24:08 - If they gave us a dollar instead of that can of green beans, that enables us to put that money toward fresh items: milk and eggs and dairy and that kind of thing.Connect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Julie HooverLinkedInWebsite
Grace sits down with glass art visionary Amy Moorefield, Executive Director of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, for a captivating dive into the transformational power of niche focus and community in the business of arts. Amy dishes on resilience, redefining museum missions, and making art truly accessible—all while building an environment where creativity and business thrive together.Amy brings her signature blend of industry insight and heartfelt leadership, sharing why glass—neither liquid nor solid—illuminates more than just galleries, but entire communities. It’s an episode brimming with energy, practical wisdom, and yes, a little jazz hands magic.Episode Highlights:18:23 - We're the largest paperweight displayer in the world, ranked in the top five glass museums, but we also have been accredited by by the American Alliance of Museums since 1974. And that also is something to be very proud of. And what that is, as I like to say, it's the FDA stamp of approval on anything we do.19:25 - We're seeing more business support, and we're very grateful for it, partially because we spent a lot of time moving on to becoming a glass museum. That was a lot of work on a national level, international level, where the community that really supports this institution felt somewhat neglected in the business community.21:27 - So they they can be challenged moments, but there's also a lot of getting to know each other for the institution, for us to get to know the business and for the business to get to know the museum and for museums to understand that this is a symbiotic symbiotic relationship.34:18 - I think that people to this analogy, business people really need to pay attention to those culture shifts and not be on the end of the train on that, having to make those sometimes difficult decisions or changes that need to happen, but to be more proactive and really take it as a I like to use the word not challenge, but an opportunity to either reinvent your business or making those nudge moves, like becoming a glass museum and focusing really on community to really kinda harness that, trying to pay attention in a real focused way on when those changes are going to happen.Connect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Amy MoorefieldWebsite
Grace Bruins engages with Chad Schultz, the owner of Innovative Signs in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Unveiling the multifaceted world of signage, Chad elaborates on how signs act as a silent salesman and the diverse services offered by Innovative Signs. From large format digital printing to outdoor electrical signs and managing installations, Chad shares his journey from finance graduate to successful entrepreneur. This episode provides practical insights into navigating business challenges with resilience and strategies for fostering a collaborative work culture that's built to last.Listen in to discover how Chad’s leadership and innovative approach drive not just the success of his signage business, but also empower his team to see the big picture—one sign at a time.Episode Highlights:07:04 - What's nice about our product with the printing side is that we can be a an annual sponsor and donate all the signage. So, as an example, Commercial Association of Realtors is an association we're a part of and we look at the entire year for what they have coming up for programs. And we'll donate at their events they need like a registration sign, a banner behind the podium, a podium sign, or if it's a golf outing, the golf outing signs that–this whole sponsored by, this tee box sponsored by–so we'll donate all that and we'll become a gold level sponsor. And then for that, we go to all the events and we meet people as a sponsor. And that's been how we've done it for a long time. 16:19 - I'm also looking for ways to make my business more valuable, and that is, in essence, eliminating me. So that's where I hired a business development person to eliminate that side of things. So I was getting to the point where if I had someone doing business development, then I'm just running the company. If I ever wanted to sell it, then it's more valuable because the business isn't just me. The business operates on its own. It's sufficient or efficient.24:09 - One of our values is integrity, and it's live above the line. So you can live below the line and blame somebody else or hide it, but that's not going to help us long term. Something that drives me crazy is when somebody does something but doesn't tell anybody what the next step is.Connect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Chad SchultzLinkedInWebsite
Grace Bruins sits down with Pete Rettler, the dynamic campus dean of Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend. Pete shares insights into the transformative changes happening at Moraine Park and how these developments are equipping the future workforce with essential skills. They discuss the impact of a $55 million referendum that led to significant infrastructural improvements, highlighting the expanding opportunities in advanced manufacturing and healthcare training. Pete also shares his perspective on the evolving perception of two-year degrees and the growing interest in technical education among young students and adult learners alike.Learn the importance of embracing change and discovering opportunities in technical education when you tune in. For listeners interested in exploring more, visit morainepark.edu to learn about Moraine Park Technical College's programs and offerings.Episode Highlights:08:26 - Parents want their kids to go to college. They don't want them to go to tech school. So I always push people to say we're a two-year college. If you want to choose, we've got articulation agreements with just about everybody. We recently signed 50 some with UWM. So if you want to continue your education, move on then. But I would say the only thing that pushes people now to four-year degrees or pushes students is parents. 14:09 - With the new center now, that's all moving back to campus. Those students now will get the same services that when they're in Jackson, we can't give them all the student life activities and everything. Free meals that we can do at the campus. 17:30 - UWM has bent over backwards for us, and we see them as a real partner. The plan is to have a presence on our campus in West Bend where there could be a university center. I'll say there will be a university center where we're looking at different degrees right now. So two-year degree at Moraine Park in A, B, or C, transfer, and now we can go face to face if that's what the student chooses at the West Bend campus getting UWM credit. So we're looking at 2026 to start some of those classes. We're looking in the area of IT and Business and other areas.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Pete RettlerLinkedInWebsite
This episode is a compilation full of the insights and inspiration for small business owners from Small Business Owners Community Conference and Awards held last October 16 & 17, 2024 at the Miller High Life Theatre in Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Hosted by Grace Bruins, the episode features an incredible panel of guests sharing their wisdom.Key Takeaways:Build Your Tribe: Talmar Anderson highlighted the importance of having a supportive community of peers for business owners. Your team is not your emotional support system—seek out masterminds, accelerators, and coaching to build those valuable connections. Trust Your Instincts: Sara Deacon drew an interesting analogy with butterfly feet, reminding us that trusting our gut feelings can guide us to make the right business decisions. It's crucial to tap into that 6th sense to find your path and opportunities. Adapt and Move Forward: Nikki Lee discussed resilience by drawing inspiration from kangaroos and hippos. Instead of focusing on the past, small business owners should look forward and keep moving, just like kangaroos. And like hippos, even if things seem tough on the surface, keep pushing and running towards your goals.Personal Healing for Business Success: Christine Welch, founder of Clarity Collab, talks about overcoming psychological blocks and transforming personal and professional trauma. Christine shares insights from her journey, including her new initiative, IGNITE-Women of Integrity, and offers advice on business ownership, delegating tasks, and focusing on strengths.Creativity and Trust in Business: Kimberlee Grob talks about blending creativity with commerce in the floral industry. She shares her journey, crafting personalized arrangements that capture emotions and celebrations, while also offering valuable insights on customer trust, navigating challenges, and building loyalty through exceptional service.Mastering Business Pitches: Precious Williams, founder of Perfect Pitch Group, talks about her journey from overcoming challenges as a plus-sized African-American woman in business to becoming an international speaker and corporate sales trainer. Precious shares her powerful insights on defining your narrative, authentic self-presentation, and creating unforgettable pitches. She offers actionable advice on positioning, packaging, and pitching to help entrepreneurs amplify their message and stand out in competitive markets.Making Women's Voices Heard: Sharon Ringier, editor-in-chief of Possible Woman Magazine and host of a new podcast, discusses about the power of visibility and voice for women in business. Sharon shares how the magazine, originally a one-time project, became a global platform for women to share their stories without the pressure to “sell.” She also talk about her podcast’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs, focusing on storytelling, overcoming self-doubt, and prioritizing impact over sales.Listen now to the unique perspectives from our amazing guests. Let's empower each other and grow stronger together!ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Talmar AndersonLinkedInConnect with Sara DeaconLinkedInConnect with Nikki LeeLinkedInConnect with Christine...
Grace chats with entrepreneurial maven Sharon Ringier about the transformative power of visibility and voice for women in business. Sharon shares insights from her journey as the editor-in-chief of the Possible Woman Magazine and her newly launched podcast, underscoring the importance of giving women a platform to thrive.Originally launched as a one-time publication, the magazine quickly became a global project, helping women share their expertise and stories without feeling pressured to “sell.” Sharon also talks about the joys and challenges of launching her podcast and her mission to empower women entrepreneurs worldwide. This conversation explores the power of storytelling, overcoming self-doubt, and focusing on impact over sales.Episode Highlights:01:10 - It is giving women a voice. I run a a mastermind as well, and the thing I kept hearing was they were trying to understand how to get visibility, how to even articulate themselves and get their voice out and let people know that they were there without it always being so salesy and pitchy because people are tired of being sold to.06:40 - The women I meet are so dynamic. I've been so blessed to meet so many amazing women, and it doesn't matter their walk. Their stories are just phenomenal.08:29 - If this is in people's hands, how many babies are you saving? So it's like we have to get out of our own way and start thinking, who can we save? It's not a sale. It's who can we save? When I started thinking that way and helping others think that way, it changes how we respond to our fears.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Sharon RingierLinkedIn
Join Grace Bruins as she sits down with Precious Williams, the unstoppable force behind the Perfect Pitch Group. In this episode, Precious shares her journey from facing challenges as a plus-sized African-American woman in the business world to becoming a renowned corporate sales trainer and international speaker. Known for her vibrant personality and authentic approach, Precious explains the importance of defining your own narrative, showing up as your authentic self, and making an unforgettable impression. Her insights on packaging, positioning, and pitching offer small business owners the tools to amplify their message, connect with audiences, and stand out in competitive markets.Tune in as Precious brings her vibrant energy and profound insights, peppered with personal anecdotes and actionable advice to inspire entrepreneurs to redefine their paths.Episode Highlights:02:57 - I'm great at pitching, but let me show you how I can train your sales team in innovative practices, client acquisition, business development, and being able to do that on such a massive scale for companies that I don't get hired because I'm black. I don't have a Brazilian butt lift nor 6 pack abs. I am black on both sides, and yet I'm winning because they're hiring someone who can change the game and transform how they think about sales and business development and still keep it funky and fresh.04:46 - My typical client looks nothing like me because I'm working with companies and corporations. So when you hear Blackstone, Verizon, LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, my clients are like world leaders in their zones of genius, yet they're trying to enter new industries, or they need to change the narrative on how they're seen. And so they bring in someone like me, who's not going to give them the same thing that they've been getting from other sales trainers. 08:01 - Here's one business lesson I wish I had learned earlier in the game is to teach people how to define who I am. So I define the narrative. So many people want to put me in a coach category. I'm not a coach. I'm a trainer and international professional speaker. I am a 5-time number one best-selling author. And so some people, they've been hearing coach so long, they think that everything that I do is coaching. No, it's not. ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Precious WilliamsLinkedIn
Grace talks with floral business expert Kimberlee Grob about the intricate balance of creativity and commerce in the world of flowers. Kimberlee shares her journey in the floral industry, emphasizing the unique art of crafting customized floral arrangements that speak to individual emotions and celebrations. From navigating the pandemic’s challenges to insights on understanding customer needs beyond price, Kimberlee’s experiences are a blooming inspiration for small business owners. Kimberlee brings her wealth of experience and heartfelt stories from her journey as a florist, showcasing her dedication to making every arrangement a meaningful gift. Tune in to learn how Locker’s Florist built a loyal customer base through trust, creativity, and top-notch service. Episode Highlights: 03:08 - I often say that being a florist is very much like being a hairdresser or bartender. We are there at the very best and worst times, and we hear everything. You're getting married. You had a fight with your wife. It's your big anniversary. You had a new baby. I mean, all those highs and lows.04:57 - It's a psychology thing. You have to train yourself to be open to what the customer needs and what's going to have the best effect for that, because that's what keeps them coming back. If it costs a little bit more than what they expected, but they get a bigger reaction to it, that's a win, and they're still going to call you again.07:15 - As business owners, you have to be like a hummingbird and be willing to backtrack and rethink something, and approach it from a new direction. I hate to use the word pivot, but being able to hover and maybe back up and reassess is a great skill to have.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Kimberlee GrobLinkedIn
Grace chats with trauma coaching expert Christine Welch, exploring the core of overcoming life's unseen obstacles. Christine unpacks the psychological blocks that hold us back and shares transformative strategies from her three-year journey as the founder of Clarity Collab. They discuss the profound impact of personal and professional trauma and the steps necessary for overcoming them, along with Christine's newly launched IGNITE-Women of Integrity initiative. Christine shares her rich background in emergency services and how it has shaped her approach to trauma coaching and life coaching. Their engaging conversation is peppered with insights into the struggles of business ownership and practical advice for delegating and focusing on one's strengths.Episode Highlights:02:51 - What I have discovered is that very often there's some underlying components to what's keeping you stuck, and usually that's some type of icky safety trauma something.03:40 - Sometimes we carry around trauma in a backpack forever. Like this thing happened to me or around me, and there's some belief that I have to carry this around forever. It keeps me safe.04:32 - The key to trauma is that it doesn't always have to be a great big thing. Sometimes it's little tiny events that occur over and over and over again. Sometimes it is that one big event, but trauma can look different, feel different, and sound different to everyone. But we all experience it at some point in our lives.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Christine WelchLinkedIn
Join host Grace Bruins as she explores the power of AI for business with Nikki Lee from Genhead. In this episode, Nikki shares her journey from film to tech and highlights the transformative potential of AI in the business world.We get to hear how Genhead’s innovative AI solutions can help small businesses thrive and maintain a personal touch in an increasingly digital world. Nikki also offers inspiring advice for business owners on the importance of moving forward and embracing new technologies without fear.Nikki brings her unique perspective and practical strategies aimed at helping small businesses compete and succeed in a competitive market.Episode Highlights:01:25 - AI lead generation, that's finding leads, bringing them into our CRM that we refer to as Gensuite, and then dripping them into highly personalized AI messaging so we can give that personal touch to that prospect at a capacity and rate that just---let's be real---no normal person can do. That is such an essential part to growing a business, especially in a world where paid media is just becoming increasingly more expensive and harder for smaller businesses to sort of get that skin in the game.03:17 - By learning that myself, I saw all of the possibilities that AI could help and benefit my life, and I'm just so inspired to help bring that to business owners and also customers.07:51 - AI can be a really great way to help you get to that place where you can hire a proper executive assistant that can then use those processes that we're helping put in place to make even their job better.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Nikki LeeLinkedIn
Grace Bruins connects with award-winning event emcee, Sara Deacon, from 360° Emcee. Sara shares her journey from coaching to finding her true passion as an event facilitator and emcee, offering invaluable insights for business owners looking to host impactful events.In this episode, Sara is a beacon of wisdom, revealing the significance of trusting your instincts and the value of authentic engagement. Hear about her remarkable experiences, including sharing a stage with celebrity surfer Bethany Hamilton and her unique approach to event facilitation that ensures attendees feel seen, heard, and engaged long after the event is over.Episode Highlights:01:45 - I realized that was really where my passion was, being on stage and then event facilitation. Event emcee-ing was something that that came into my world, and I could be happy doing nothing else but this.05:48 - The magic happens when I can have a little bit more of a back and forth and conversation around what's the vision of the event and what are we trying to accomplish, and offer input and suggestions in a way that still leaves the person in-charge in charge.07:22 - Businesses like yours that as you're starting and growing, you know what you're doing. As far as your craft, you understand your business, but do you understand the money side of it? And that's hopefully where you can find a good partner or a mentor to help you along the way.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Sara DeaconLinkedIn
Grace Bruins sits down with hiring expert Talmar Anderson to unpack the unique challenges faced by small business owners in building effective and loyal teams. Tamara brings her seasoned insights on hiring and managing staff, drawn from her experience at Boss HQ.Together, they discuss practical strategies for overcoming the common pitfalls in recruitment and leadership, emphasizing the importance of defining success in roles and understanding the true cost of hiring for potential rather than capability. Talmar shares her patented "bossification" process, designed to streamline hiring and foster a stronger leadership culture within small businesses.Episode Highlights01:26 - We are serving clients with our first in-person event in Savannah, Georgia in January. We're teaching business owners how to really step into that CEO and how to hire a trusted second-in-command, how to really build that leadership team that they can count on so they can step out.02:51 - The key is we have to take the time to sit down and decide and define what success is in this role before we start to write employment ads and job descriptions and interview people because we can't build positions around personalities.06:43 - We're spending too much time fixing people's mistakes. We're spending too much time trying to get them to truly understand what they need to do or worse, trying to get them to care about moving up when they're like, "I kind of like just being this person."ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Talmar AndersonLinkedIn
Grace Bruins sits down with Pat Miller, founder of the Small Business Owners Community, to discuss the exciting and ever-evolving role of AI in today’s business world.Pat shares his journey from a two-decade career in broadcasting to becoming a leading advocate for AI integration in small businesses. Pat unveils practical strategies for leveraging AI to boost productivity, create stellar content, and maintain a competitive edge. Listeners can expect a relaxed, yet insightful discussion as Grace and Pat unpack the practical side of AI, with plenty of actionable takeaways. Tune in to hear Grace and Pat talk through real-world strategies and how AI is shaping the future of small business growth. This is one conversation you won't want to miss!Episode Highlights13:20 - You can hold a meeting with someone and then run that transcript through ChatGPT or whatever your AI tool might be and ask it to interpret what it heard or what it read in the transcript from the person you were working with.15:30 - The thing that you should be scared about is if you're trying to ignore it or wish that it's not part of your reality. If that's you, you should be scared.23:54 - When you start with a pen and a paper and you start writing down repetitive tasks, tasks that take way too long, and tasks that you hate, because we all have tasks that we don't like to do. You'll end up with a list of stuff that's repetitive, time-consuming, not fun, not fulfilling.39:09 - That's why you need others around you that will challenge you, will support you, and will honor you and most of all, will understand.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Pat MillerWebsiteLinkedIn
Grace unveils the secrets of brand storytelling magic with co-founders Dave & Michael Neelsen of StoryFirst Media. Learn how storytelling goes beyond marketing to become the core of a successful business strategy.Dave and Michael share insights from their unique father-son collaboration and reveal how they transitioned from production to powerful storytelling consultation. Grace dissects the art of turning animal facts into inspirational advice, proving that even armadillos have their wisdom!Episode Highlights:07:25 - The biggest power is when you can show it through your actions. So that's what we do every day in a business. But when you're talking about a marketing perspective, bringing it to life. One of the greatest things about video is because it can tell a story in a way that other mediums can't because you have the power of the visual to actually be able to bring it to life. 25:27 - We are trying to deliver that storytelling clarity, that action-based story guide that comes in a similar kind of packet, but it's not about graphics. It's not about brand colors. It's not about all that stuff. It is about how does this brand behave in the pursuit of success for the customer. 32:28 - Understand that the story you're telling is not yours. It's your customer story. And that what that really means is everything that you're doing is in some way playing a scene or a role in the customer's narrative.ContactConnect with Grace BruinsLinkedInConnect with Dave and Michael NeelsenWebsite
Join host Grace Bruins as she chats with Dr. Stacia Thompson, President and CEO of Sherman Phoenix, about the power of community and collaboration in supporting Milwaukee's entrepreneurs.Dr. Stacia Thompson, a recognized figure for her leadership and innovation, shares about the transformative role of Sherman Phoenix as a non-traditional incubator and entrepreneurial hub. Discover compelling stories of success, resilience, and the importance of community support in fostering business growth.Episode Highlights05:18 - We're a marketplace, but we really are an entrepreneurial hub. So we are a non-traditional incubator. In addition to that, we also have event space that we use for ourselves. Some of our business owners in-house use it, but then others come and rent it out. 08:41 - The beauty of us being the foundation is everything doesn't have to happen in the building. We've got some amazing partnerships around the city and around the state in which we can go there, they can come here to do this programming, and to work together and to partner and collaborate.34:08 - Don't be afraid to ask or seek out resources because there are so many resources or spaces that can help when you feel like you're struggling. No matter if it's financial, physical, mental. If you're entrepreneur starting your business, there are so many resources out there right now if you just look for them or go talk to the right people to tell you who has them.Connect with GraceLinkedInConnect with Dr. StaciaLinkedIn
Join us for an enlightening episode as we explore the intricacies of communication with Brian Hendricks, CEO of Dynamic Developments Training and Leadership. Brian shares his wealth of knowledge on fostering effective communication in both personal and professional settings, highlighting methods to tailor your message and enhance understanding across various communication styles.Brian's journey from a college basketball coach to a leader in training and development offers inspiring insights into resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous improvement. With practical advice and engaging anecdotes, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to refine their communication skills.Episode highlights02:22 - My belief is that the number one conflict in any situation, whether it's personal or professional, is either a miscommunication or a misperception of communication.14:02 - We're not just here to give you theory. We're here to give you actual things that you can do to make you a better communicator, to make you a better leader, to help you be a better presenter.36:16 - When it comes to communication, you have to be able to read that person in front of you and tap into what they need and what part of communication that they're going to get from me.Connect with GraceLinkedInConnect with BrianLinkedInThe Communicator's Playbook
Grace chats with local community catalyst Robert Kos about the integral role of music and events in revitalizing downtown areas. They explore how strategic partnerships and unique community initiatives can transform small towns into vibrant hubs of activity. Robert shares his journey from musician to downtown director, offering keen insights into the importance of collaboration and community engagement.Robert brings his deep experience in event planning and his passion for community building, weaving in stories from his time in the music industry and local Wisconsin towns to highlight the impact of effective community-driven projects.Episode Highlights:07:48 - In my role, what I've really enjoyed is working with local businesses and getting to know them, because many of them totally get it. They understand that, and I love working with with them, and they have a clear vision of what it is that they're trying to accomplish, who they're trying to get in front of, and how can they help. Then there's other business owners who aren't as clear on that, and I love sort of introducing them to this concept of community and giving back, and how can we as Menomonee Falls Downtown or Village of Wauwatosa BID, how can we help you and your business achieve your goals, in addition to you helping us in the community.10:21 - Don't forget what we're doing is trying to drive traffic to the downtown areas to help our businesses, but also create things that will help enhance the quality of life for residents, to make it more attractive for people to to live there, and then more attractive for businesses to move there. And at the same time if those events generate revenue, then we then can put that revenue back into the community.21:34 - I think the importance of realizing that you're part of a community and seeing how can I work together with my neighbors, residents and businesses to really benefit all of us, and give back to the community which will benefit all of us together.Connect with GraceLinkedInConnect with RobertLinkedIn
Welcome to Banking On Business Podcast where we provide practical strategies to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. In today’s episode, we are diving deep into the world of employee training and onboarding with our special guests, Kerry Murphy and Kailey Bauer from Horicon Bank.Kerry and Kailey bring a wealth of experience, having transitioned from informal training roles to formal ones, driven by their passion for teaching and commitment to helping others succeed. We'll explore the evolution of training programs and how adapting methods to individual needs, soliciting feedback, and maintaining flexibility are vital for employee retention and satisfaction.Join us as we discuss the innovative "Take Flight Day" and "Greater Heights Day" programs, which offer comprehensive onboarding experiences for new employees, and hear insightful stories about staying calm in challenging situations, the unexpected success of referral programs, and even some light-hearted moments about manatees and first CDs.Whether you’re a small business owner looking to improve your training processes or just interested in employee development, this episode has something for everyone. Let’s get started!Episode Highlights09:23 - I can step in and be this person for you, because it also creates consistency. So, if you can come to me for that kind of a question, I know that if I say it to you and have you go out and do it that way, perhaps somebody else will catch on who might not quite be doing it that way, and it can kinda create that trickle effect of consistency, which is so important not only as an organization, but certainly for our customers, too.17:47 - Every person has a unique reason why they're coming into the bank. So, you can open a perfect checking account for a joint couple or whatever it is, and then they come in and they just have this one off situation because they've got something unique and special going on in their life.23:18 - One of the biggest takeaways that we brought back from this conference was that people were taking a day, sometimes more than a day, during somebody's initial onboarding experience, and they were teaching them about culture. They were completely submersing them into this is the company that you're coming to work for. Let us tell you about it.32:26 - I'm not going to sugarcoat that, but it's what we did. But especially with so many people who have never been in banking are coming in now. It became very apparent. It was too much at once. So, we had to adjust, pivot, and start to change our our training programs to reflect the skills level that is coming in. Connect with GraceLinkedInConnect with KerryLinkedInConnect with KaileyLinkedIn