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ConversActions

Bill Mitchell

ConversActions cuts through the noise with conversations that lead to action. Hosted by Bill Mitchell, each episode brings you unique perspectives, practical advice, and strategies from business leaders that you can apply to your own life or business.

With over 20 years of experience connecting companies to growth opportunities, Bill Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge to the ConversActions podcast. His mission? To help you learn from the best and apply those lessons to your journey.

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20 episodes
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Avg 27 min
English

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S1 · E131
September 10 · 30 min
Matt Curtis on Building Capella: Culture, Community, and Creating an Experience
What does it take to turn a historic 1886 church into a thriving wedding and events business? In this episode, Matt Curtis, founder of Capella Weddings and Events, sits down with Bill Mitchell to share how a background in music, an interest in real estate, and a willingness to take on a new challenge led him into the hospitality industry. Matt shares what he’s learned about creating a seamless customer experience, building a team culture around hands-on leadership, and financing an ambitious renovation project. He also explains why patience and persistence matter when building a reputation, and how Capella’s new Sweet Beats Jazz and Dessert Lounge is helping turn the venue into a year-round destination for the La Crosse community. In this episode, we explore: (02:18) From professional singer to weddings and events entrepreneur (03:45) Transforming an 1886 church into a thriving venue (06:21) How changing trends are reshaping modern weddings (07:28) Serving Millennial and Gen Z couples and families (09:47) Turning history and location into competitive advantages (10:46) Creating seamless events through detail and great staff (13:13) Building culture through hands-on, lead-by-example leadership (15:08) Financing a major project and planning for uncertainty (17:45) Becoming a gathering place for the local community (20:51) Creating year-round revenue with a jazz lounge (23:32) Turning today’s guests into tomorrow’s wedding customers (25:50) Courage, persistence, patience, and embracing entrepreneurial risk Resources Mentioned: Capella Weddings and Events: https://www.cappellaweddings.com/
S1 · E130
July 9 · 35 min
James Hillmeyer on Honeybees, Hard Work, and the Partnerships That Feed America
What if one of the most important parts of our food system worked almost entirely while the rest of us were asleep? In this episode, James Hillmeyer, co-owner of LB Werks and a second-generation commercial beekeeper, takes us inside the demanding world of commercial pollination. He shares how healthy partnerships with growers, year-round hive nurturing, and a relentless commitment to customer service keep bees, farms, and America's food supply thriving despite rising environmental challenges. In this episode, we explore: (02:45) Growing up allergic in a beekeeping family (03:37) How commercial pollination really works behind the scenes (09:15) Following bees across America throughout the year (12:21) Why grower relationships matter as much as hives (17:23) The biggest threats facing honeybee populations today (22:36) Why young people should still consider beekeeping (27:23) Customer service lessons every business owner can apply (31:23) Building a rewarding life through agriculture and family Resources Mentioned Wisconsin Honey Producers: https://wihoney.org/ WI Honey Producers Resources: https://wihoney.org/resources/ Youth Scholarship: https://wihoney.org/inside-whpa/youth-beekeeper-scholarship-program/ American Honey Producers Association: https://ahpanet.com/
S1 · E129
June 25 · 27 min
Building Trust, Community Legacy, and Seven Automotive Locations
What does it take to build a business people can count on when their plans fall apart? Kohl and Jessie Adamson of Cordell's Automotive have turned car trouble into community trust, expanding from one inherited shop to seven locations across Wisconsin and Minnesota. In this episode, they share how they've built a business on "old school excellence" while navigating industry technology changes, creating a culture where team members work "in the trenches with the wrenches," and investing deeply in small-town communities through hands-on philanthropy that goes far beyond writing checks. Their motto? Be Quick, be clear and be kind. In this episode, we explore: (02:13) From one location to seven automotive shops (04:33) Being there when customers need you most (05:21) Working on the business versus in it (08:30) Technology changes that customers don't realize exist (13:31) Community investment philosophy and approach (18:00) Communication across multiple locations (20:12) Hard lessons from expansion and COVID challenges Resources Mentioned Cordell's Automotive: https://www.cordellsauto.net/ Onalaska YMCA Child Watch Center: https://www.laxymca.org/locations/houser-branch
S1 · E128
June 11 · 31 min
Food Videography, Visual Storytelling, and Finding Authentic Connection Through Content
What happens when passion meets practicality in the content creation world? In this episode, Steve Ray, Head of Brand Marketing at Foodist Films, takes us on an unexpected journey from driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to building a successful food videography business – and ultimately pivoting back to what truly matters. From humble beginnings filming farmers markets in Austin, Texas, to creating content for household names like I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Siete Foods, Steve and his wife Alexandra built Foodist Films into a thriving visual content agency. But as the industry shifted toward six-second ads and algorithm-driven content, they found themselves further from the authentic food storytelling that originally inspired them. Now, they're using their video expertise to help people connect with something entirely different – the meditative world of tongue drums – rediscovering the joy of creating content that genuinely helps people. In this episode, we explore: (01:57) Meeting on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and "Hot Dog High" training (03:16) Building a food video business from a roommate's kitchen (08:43) Standing out from visual clutter: why authenticity matters more than trends (11:32) What food brands misunderstand about video content and the importance of trust (14:18) The evolution from recipe videos to six-second ads and losing the creative spark (18:50) Finding optimism through authentic connection (23:45) Lessons on intuition, technology adoption, and knowing when to say no to opportunities Resources Mentioned Foodist Films: https://foodistfilms.com/team/ Root Rhythm: https://rootrhythm.com/ Root Rhythm sample YouTube video, Tongue Drum Tips for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vksWCdXUncM&t=156s Information on Oscar Meyer Wienermobile drivers (Hotdoggers): https://omwienermobile.com/meatthehotdoggers.html
S1 · E127
May 21 · 30 min
Nick Netley on Innovation, Risk-Taking, and Competitive Advantage in the Express Car Wash Industry
What does it take to compete with billion-dollar companies when you're a small business owner? In this episode, Nick Netley, founder of Sota Shine Car Wash, reveals how he's disrupting the booming car wash industry through bold innovation and calculated risks. From selling the #1 Camp Bow Wow franchise in the United States to building what will be the world's longest car wash at 305 feet, Nick shares his journey of creating unique customer experiences that set his business apart from corporate giants. Broadcasting from his million-dollar self-service dog wash called Sota Pup, Nick discusses how he combines sustainability, customer experience, and creative thinking to build a competitive moat against private equity-backed competitors. In this episode, we explore: (02:15) From exercise science degree to dog daycare empire in Minnesota (05:29) The million-dollar dog wash gamble and the power of animals (07:51) Engineering complexity behind modern express car washes (09:41) Building environmentally responsible washes with solar and water reclamation (13:49) Finding diamond-in-the-rough employees/leadership lessons learned the hard way (18:06) Creating customer experiences that build loyalty when things go wrong (23:22) Success lessons on traffic counts, site selection, and taking calculated risks (26:18) The fun of brainstorming and building something no one has seen before Resources Mentioned Sota Shine Car Wash Sota Pup self-service dog wash Camp Bow Wow franchise WBD SBA Lending SBA 504 loan program
S1 · E126
April 23 · 26 min
Digital Innovation in Survey Tech: Bridging Physical and Digital Infrastructure with Mike Klonsinski
How do you transform a 50-year-old metal foundry into a cutting-edge digital technology company? In this episode, Mike Klonsinski, President of Berntsen International, reveals how his company made the dramatic leap from forging metal survey markers to developing RFID-enabled smart infrastructure that connects the physical world to digital twin systems. From providing Lewis and Clark Trail markers to enabling election security through digital tracking, Berntsen International has quietly evolved from a Wisconsin foundry into a technology innovator serving over 6,000 surveyors nationwide. Mike shares insights on managing dual businesses, fostering innovation in traditional industries, and why the future belongs to companies that can bridge the gap between physical assets and digital data systems. In this episode, we explore: (02:15) Berntsen International's origin story (04:17) Shifting from shaping metal to communicating digital data (06:09) How RFID gives physical infrastructure a digital signature (08:53) Customer stories: Lewis and Clark Trail to 200-year mountain surveys (11:47) Leadership: clear visions, small wins, and passionate consistency (16:25) Connected survey markers in an AI-driven world (18:22) Real-world uses: ballot bag tracking and chain of custody (21:22) CEO lessons: aim 5-10 years ahead and look outside your industry Resources Mentioned Berntsen International Geo Week Esri GIS software platform Dinosaur bone tracking video
S1 · E125
March 19 · 28 min
Building Strategic Financial Foundations for Small Business Success
What's the difference between surviving and thriving as a small business owner? In this episode, Tina Lockwood, co-founder of Lockwood Enterprises, reveals how proper financial structure and strategic thinking can transform a new or struggling business into a profitable, scalable enterprise. From starting in their home office to establishing a brick-and-mortar presence after 15 years, Tina and her husband Doug have built a comprehensive accounting and business advisory firm that serves Wisconsin and Arizona. Their three-part approach – stabilize, strategize, and scale – has helped countless entrepreneurs move from "receipts in a paperclip" chaos to predictable profitability and compliance readiness. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Opening thoughts on peace of mind versus profit in business (02:10) Tina's journey from home office to brick-and-mortar success (03:25) The three-part structure of Lockwood Enterprises (04:53) Scale Up Milwaukee program experience and networking benefits (06:11) The power of mentorship through SCORE (08:19) What business owners commonly overlook about their finances (09:39) The stabilize, strategize, and scale process (15:27) Success story: moving a client from crisis to profitability (18:13) What drives their passion for client empowerment (19:32) Leveraging AI in accounting and business advisory services (21:54) Key lessons learned: structure, compliance, and mindset shifts (25:27) Building a business for generational impact and legacy Resources Mentioned Scale Up Milwaukee: 10-week entrepreneurial development program SCORE: Mentorship program for small business owners SBA 504 loan program Lockwood Enterprises
S1 · E124
March 5 · 30 min
Chef John Bogan on Seasonality, Local Pride, and Creating Unforgettable Culinary Experiences
A great meal is about more than just the food – it’s about connection, seasonality, and a dash of storytelling. In this episode, Chef John Bogan, founder of the Lake Geneva School of Cooking, invites us behind the scenes of his high-energy kitchen and reveals how he’s reimagining culinary education by making it as welcoming as a gathering at home. From humble roots on an upstate New York "farmette" to opening acclaimed restaurants and teaching classes that feel like family reunions, Chef John Bogan has built a culinary community that celebrates local farms, changing seasons, and the joy of cooking together. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Culinary evolution with Chef John Bogan (05:03) Elevating your home cooking and culinary skills (11:47) Why seasonal ingredients matter (16:09) Food holidays and dining trends (17:41) Restaurant dreams and hard lessons (21:22) A chef’s emotional connection to food (28:51) Reflecting on John’s journey and community support Links mentioned in this episode: Lake Geneva School of Cooking Chef John Bogan’s Instagram Recipes from the Seasons of My Life – Cookbook
S1 · E123
February 12 · 31 min
Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in a Hyper-connected World
Despite all our technology, one in three adults in America reports regular loneliness. This week’s guest, Brad Steckart, founder of Sit By Me, shares how his own experience working remotely inspired him to create an app that helps people break down social barriers in everyday spaces like cafes, bars, and libraries. You’ll hear the research behind the loneliness epidemic, the surprisingly scrappy sticky-note origins of Sit By Me, and how the app makes real-world connections safe, consensual, and effortless. Brad Steckart breaks down the user journey, startup launch lessons, and why community-driven relationships are a win for people – and the local businesses that bring them together. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Loneliness and why connection matters (06:10) Turning loneliness into real connection (07:30) The sticky note experiment that sparked it all (11:31) Simple icebreakers that actually work (16:56) How conversations build real relationships (20:36) How social media became passive consumption (22:44) Creating real-world community connection points (25:41) Why consistency and belief drive momentum (27:57) Lessons on traction, timing, and startup reality Links mentioned in this episode: Sit By Me App Brad’s Executive Briefing: Reconnecting in a Digital World Connect with Bradley Steckart on LinkedIn
S1 · E122
January 29 · 27 min
Embracing Change in Cheese: Family, Technology, and Global Tastes
Meet Paul Scharfman, the founder of Specialty Cheese Company and one of the most unconventional innovators in American dairy. From getting fired in corporate America to building an award-winning specialty cheese business in Wisconsin, Paul shares the origin story behind his journey, and how a Boston outsider became a Paneer Cheese pioneer. He breaks down lessons from corporate life, innovation in dairy, and why compassion, adaptability, and honest facts are key to winning in specialty food. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Finding purpose in building a small business (06:56) Making handmade cheese the traditional way (10:49) Patents vs trade secrets in food innovation (12:24) Flexible assets vs brittle business models (15:08) Dairy trends, diet drugs, and a growing dilemma (17:53) Why adaptation drives long term success (22:51) Safety first inside the cheese plant (24:55) Building trust with facts and transparency Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Paul Scharfman on LinkedIn Specialty Cheese Company
S1 · E121
January 15 · 22 min
Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and Community-driven Growth Engines
Today we meet Steve Glynn, the founder and Chief Milwaukee Officer of Experience Milwaukee, and the force behind Milwaukee's Walkers Point Innovation District. Steve’s entrepreneurial journey includes the start-up Sprinklr, a creative agency built by empowering college students. After selling the business, Steve shifted to connecting people, ideas and opportunity. In this episode, Steve shares his origin story, the resilience needed to build without an inherited network, and why community is the real growth engine. From margarita-fueled tech meetups to developing the Walker’s Point Innovation District, this conversation explores entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and community-driven growth. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Experience Milwaukee and the power of giving back (04:18) The first iPhone moment that changed everything (07:00) Why entrepreneurship is really about human connection (10:43) Rebuilding connection through community and innovation (15:59) Building a vision while life keeps moving (18:31) Why you must participate in your own rescue (20:01) Survival, leverage, and the founder mindset Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Steve Glynn on LinkedIn Experience Milwaukee Walker’s Point Innovation District
S1 · E120
Dec 11, 2025 · 19 min
How an Engineer Built Wisconsin’s First Craft Distillery
Guy Rehorst is the founder and CEO of Great Lakes Distillery, Wisconsin’s original post-Prohibition distillery. From hobbyist homebrewer to pioneering entrepreneur, discover how curiosity, experimentation, and an engineer’s perspective led him to transform the Wisconsin’s spirits landscape. Find out about the challenges of building a craft distillery from the ground up, from navigating regulatory hurdles to sourcing local ingredients and championing sustainability. This episode also delivers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs – including the hard realities of sales, market volatility, and the power of adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Pioneering Wisconsin craft distilling (04:05) Trailblazer’s journey into craft spirits (06:22) How bourbon is made and planned (10:06) Reviving absinthe after re-legalization (15:37) Making spirits vs selling them (17:37) THC cocktails and production challenges Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Guy Rehorst on LinkedIn Great Lakes Distillery
S1 · E119
Nov 25, 2025 · 25 min
The Heart of the Harvest: Resilience, Patience and Sustainable Cranberry Farming
Mary Brazeau Brown is the president of Glacial Lake Cranberries and the fourth generation of her family’s farm. She joins ConversActions to explore the traditions, stories, and sustainable practices behind Wisconsin’s iconic fruit. From the fascinating origin of Glacial Lake Cranberries to the year-round work of growing and harvesting, Mary shares wisdom passed down through generations and lessons in patience, resilience, and gratitude - a wonderful fit for our Thanksgiving episode! In this episode, we explore: (03:57) Spring frost protection and pollination (07:31) Harvest: tradition and progress (11:17) Farming: a lesson in faith (16:07) From idea to product (19:42) How big is local? (21:42) Be true to yourself (23:36) Reality check through honesty Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with: Mary Brazeau Brown on LinkedIn Glacial Lake Cranberries Honestly Cranberry
S1 · E118
Nov 13, 2025 · 25 min
How a Brewer Turned Passion into Profit and Built Wisconsin’s Most Creative Craft Brand
Grant Pauly, founder of 3 Sheeps Brewing, shares a story that starts in his family’s concrete business and takes a bold turn into beer – after a handshake deal at a local brewpub launched what’s now a thriving, award-winning brewery known for creativity and craftsmanship. He built 3 Sheeps Brewing from the ground up, balancing passion with practicality, and along the way learned how to build a brand that stands out in a crowded market, manage supplier relationships the right way, let customer demand drive innovation, and keep cash flow king while staying creative. He calls this creative twist 'one off of normal'. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Barrel-aging beer explained (04:13) How barrel aging enhances flavor (07:41) Hops, prices and recipe stability (11:27) Rebel Kent, a unique amber (15:12) Crafting drinks for Wisconsin (18:00) Boosting grocery store sales (21:50) Why entrepreneurship takes grit (23:06) Teamwork, challenges, and beer Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Grant Pauly on LinkedIn 3 Sheeps
S1 · E117
Oct 30, 2025 · 28 min
Discipline, Dough, and Doing the Work: The Madison Sourdough Story
Andrew Hutchison is the president and head baker at Madison Sourdough. What starts as a story about bread becomes one about craft, resilience, and legacy. Andrew shares how a fine arts degree – and even getting fired from his first bakery shift – led him to discover the discipline and patience behind great bread and great leadership. He and Bill explore how fermentation, teamwork, and time shape not only dough but culture and business. If you believe success is built through consistency, not shortcuts, this one’s for you. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Passion forged through persistence (05:44) Why the French prefer milder bread (08:14) Crafting unique, fresh-milled loaves (10:36) Guiding the magic of fermentation (13:16) The patience behind perfect shaping (16:48) Building connections in the Midwest grain network (19:59) Breeding winter wheat for Wisconsin (26:23) Planning for business legacy and exit Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Andrew Hutchison on LinkedIn Madison Sourdough
S1 · E116
Oct 16, 2025 · 29 min
Innovating Family Travel – Water Parks, Staycations and the Future of Lodging
Host Bill Mitchell sits down with Eric Lund, CEO of S&L Hospitality and a driving force behind Great Wolf Resorts, the brand that reinvented family vacations with the indoor water park. Eric shares how Great Wolf grew from a clever idea into a nationwide phenomenon, the hurdles of financing a brand-new resort model, and why a people-first culture still drives success. He also looks ahead at the future of hospitality: tech, personalization and keeping family experiences at the core. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Birth of Great Wolf Lodge (04:53) First indoor water park success (06:40) Family-centric water park culture (11:30) Family fun at Great Wolf Lodge (14:29) Entrepreneurial journey and business culture (19:26) Building a smart, leisure-driven culture (21:05) Sharing unique experiences (26:57) Adapting to next generation needs (28:04) Passion for hospitality industry Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with Eric Lund on LinkedIn S&L Hospitality Great Wolf Lodge
S1 · E115
Oct 2, 2025 · 28 min
Tomorrow Needs You: Lessons in Employee Wellbeing & Engagement
Meredith Baciak, Wellness Coordinator at Miron Construction, joins the show to share how meeting people where they are – whether on bustling job sites or in quiet one-on-ones - is reshaping mental health in a traditionally tough industry. Meredith explains why wellness at Miron goes far beyond tracking steps or reducing insurance costs. It’s about human connection, fostering a culture where it’s okay not to be okay, and making sure every worker hears the same message: tomorrow needs you. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Holistic workplace wellness approach (04:24) Redefining strength in construction (06:39) Workplace stand-down initiative (11:47) Conversations save lives (13:46) Persuasion through active listening (19:10) Tomorrow Needs You campaign impact (22:03) Evolving values at Miron (23:38) Focus on one priority at a time Links mentioned in this episode: Miron's Mental Health Hub Connect with Meredith Baciak on LinkedIn
S1 · E114
Sep 18, 2025 · 23 min
Building a Resilient Specialty Paper Business in a World of Tariffs and Change
Sometimes the most essential innovations are the ones you never see. In this episode, Cindy White, President and CEO of Channeled Resources Group, takes us inside the surprising world of release liners – the unsung heroes behind labels, bandages, and packaging. Cindy shares how the company evolved from traditional recycling to innovative manufacturing, all while championing sustainability and navigating the challenges of tariffs and global trade. You’ll also hear insights on leading a multi-generational family business, adapting to supply chain turbulence, and building a culture of continuous learning. And if you’ve ever received a package at your door, you’re already part of this story. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Wisconsin’s specialty paper industry insights (04:22) Label blanks diversification success (09:00) Environmental leadership in the label industry (11:20) Challenges and success in family business (15:51) Tariff uncertainty amid trade agreement (18:52) Navigating tariffs in global markets (21:05) Networking boosts business knowledge (21:51) Cindy’s top success lessons Links mentioned in this episode: Cindy welcomes you to reach out to her! Contact Channeled Resource Group Connect with Cindy White on LinkedIn
S1 · E113
Sep 2, 2025 · 24 min
Blending Family, Hospitality, and Innovation at Riverbend Winery & Distillery in Chippewa Falls
Sara Antonson is co-owner of Riverbend Winery & Distillery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She joins ConversActions to share how her family transformed Riverbend into a welcoming community hub after taking ownership in 2022, blending family values, hospitality, and innovation. From navigating supply chain hurdles to leveraging social media, she offers candid insights into the challenges and rewards of running a family-owned winery. You will also hear practical lessons on teamwork, customer experience, and staying true to your market. In this episode, we explore: (02:01) The origin story of Riverbend Winery (05:13) The family dynamics with two generations in the business (06:28) Modern communication in winery operations (09:18) Technology’s impact on winery operations (12:52) Wisconsin-inspired wine label design (15:41) Winery marketing strategy reimagined (18:26) Customer care and knowledge (22:24) Chippewa Valley grape-based winery Links mentioned in this episode: Riverbend Winery & Distillery Connect with Sara Antonson on LinkedIn The Experience Economy – Book
S1 · E112
Aug 5, 2025 · 28 min
All Creatures Great & Small
Team-Driven Veterinary Success Listen in as Dr. Kara Nelsen, founder of Allied Emergency Veterinary Services shares her journey from emergency vet to building a five-location clinic network. Discover how her commitment to harmony and empowering her team fuels resilience in a competitive industry. 3 Key Takeaways Team Focus Drives Quality Care Through an ‘administration-light’ structure Kara makes sure the teams are directly involved in decision-making. Allied maintains a strong culture where teams feel heard and are invested in quality care. Privately Owned Kara experienced the limitations of corporate veterinary practices and applied those lessons to her privately-owned clinics which benefit from autonomy and team members with a true stake in their workplace. Growth and Efficiency Allied’s organic growth benefits from careful investments in technology, internal talent development and accuracy in patient services (for patients who cannot speak!).

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