BizNews Greater La Crosse with Vicki Markussen

Cheri Haug, owner of Gossamer Wings, joins to share her journey. It went from practicing law to following her creative passions, which Haug to jewelry making and eventually aromatherapy. Haug discusses her business evolution — from craft shows to opening a bead store, and now, a retail shop at the Collective on Main Street in downtown La Crosse. Haug also details her unique service of custom fragrance blending and the various experiences offered in her studio. Tune in to hear about her creative process, patenting her Easy Bracelet tool, and her passion for helping people create personalized fragrances.

00:00 Introduction to BizCast and Guest Sherri Haug
00:20 Sherri's Journey from Law to Jewelry Making
02:47 Building a Successful Jewelry Business
05:28 Transition to Aromatherapy and COVID Impact
06:50 Opening a Retail Store and Joining the Collective
09:06 Custom Perfume Blending Experience
21:45 The Art of Perfume Blending
22:44 Creating Custom Fragrances
24:00 Selling and Marketing Perfumes
25:06 Inspiration Behind Unique Scents
28:24 The Popularity of Milkweed Fragrance
32:18 The Easy Bracelet Patent
36:43 Future Plans for Gossamer Wings
38:41 The Emotional Connection of Fragrances

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A bit of a switcheroo, as Vicki is the guest and Rick Solem the host, for a La Crosse Talk segment on WIZM. We discuss my role as interim director and consultant on the Western Workforce Development Board, what the development board does and some of the challenges its facing, including a changing job market and the rapid implementation of A.I. 

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Jeff LeClaire, President of the Insurance Center (TIC) located in Onalaska joins. Jeff discusses the significant evolution of the company, which started in 1966, and its current focus on serving individuals and companies facing catastrophic health issues and insurance claims.

Highlighting TIC's structural changes, mission of perpetual growth, and culture rooted in servant leadership, Jeff shares insights on balancing ethical sales with proactive solutions, navigating a competitive industry, and maintaining high retention through a strong community presence and continuous improvement.

He also opens up about his personal journey in leadership, the company's upcoming expansion, and the importance of being prepared to support clients during their most challenging times.

00:00 Introduction to Biz Cast Greater Lacrosse
00:39 History and Evolution of The Insurance Center
01:27 Changes in the Insurance Industry
06:04 Jeff LeClaire's Personal Journey
09:11 Leadership and Culture at The Insurance Center
15:56 Conflict Resolution and Healthy Communication
20:38 Transforming Insurance: From Transactional to Relational
22:05 Three Uniques: Transparency, Development, and Proactive Solutions
25:09 Navigating Insurance Costs and Inflation
28:10 The Role of Insurance in Catastrophic Events
36:17 Expanding the Insurance Center: Growth and Vision
41:15 Passion and Preparedness in the Insurance Industry

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Katie Walters of Walt's Restaurant and Tavern, and Sean McManus of Savory Creations join to discuss the ins and outs of restaurant etiquette and the elements that contribute to exceptional service. They cover topics such as the importance of communication, the role of ambiance, handling wait times, ensuring consistency in the kitchen, and tips for customers to improve their dining experience.

00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Etiquette
00:22 Meet the Experts: Katie Walters and Sean McManus
01:19 The Customer Experience: From Entry to Seating
03:42 Managing Wait Times and Communication
06:38 Timing the Meal: The Art of Service
11:52 Consistency in the Kitchen: Behind the Scenes
15:58 Encouraging Experimentation and Handling Allergies
23:55 Tipping Etiquette and Payment Challenges
31:24 Final Thoughts and Advice for Diners

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Mike Kreiling, owner of multiple Express Employment Professionals franchises, joins. We discuss the shifting dynamics in employment, including wage inflation and the importance of leadership skills. Kreiling, who lives in La Crosse with his family, helps connect people with jobs at Express Employment Professionals from Winona to Eau Claire and beyond. Kreiling shares insights from his personal journey, including his unexpected entry into the staffing industry, the impact of his father's sudden passing and his mission to help others through writing and mentoring. Additionally, Kreiling highlights an upcoming educational session focused on leading teams through economic uncertainty.

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This week, a bit of a highlight reel from past guests. At the end of each episode, we ask, "What makes you passionate about what you do?" Here are their answers.

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Sometimes starting a business begins by looking at your children. For Lane and Shannon Peters, the husband-wife team behind Hallmark Homecare, they wanted to provide a learning experience for their children and give back to their community. 

The franchise provides caregiver services to seniors, as the two discuss their motivations, including personal family experiences and a desire to teach their children about entrepreneurship. 

They explain the franchising process, the advantages of their business model and the importance of providing customized care. 

We also highlight the growing need for homecare services in rural areas and the significant impact Hallmark Homecare aims to have on the community.

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Estina Hanes’s La Crosse roots run deep. 

Despite being a makeup artist at Fashion Week in New York or glamming up socialites in California, La Crosse keeps calling her back. 

This Central High School graduate moved away, came back, got recruited to do makeup for the stars, and now flies back to La Crosse when she is done. 

On July 8, Hanes opens E-Spa and TLYN Studios in The Village — which is where her grandpa had his construction business and, of course, next to her alma mater. She’s surrounded by the comforts of home.

She shares her story of being a single mom and becoming an inspiration, as she focuses and achieves her dreams. 

She’s traveled a rough road to get here but faces it with positivity — because, after all, apparently we all have cows for pets. Just ask a socialite.

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Colin Luz, a versatile entrepreneur with multiple business ventures, including Copperhead Carts, Holiday Heroes Lights and a new venture called Stoneworks Sign & Monuments, joins. Luz shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, which began in high school and evolved through various business ventures — from a moving company to custom golf carts and holiday lighting services. Emphasizing the importance of identifying market demand and forming strong partnerships, Luz discusses his approach to starting and managing businesses. He also highlights his commitment to community service, such as providing free moving services for domestic violence victims and organizing fundraisers. Despite his busy schedule, Luz, a new father, manages to balance his professional ambitions with a supportive family life, driven by his passion for creating value in his community.

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He caters. He consults. He offers boutique cooking classes. And he joins the show this week. Shawn McManus, owner of Savory Creations. We talk about how Shawn’s love of family gatherings with food, prepared by his grandma and mother, sparked his culinary passion. Shawn’s dietary consulting brought him from California to Gundersen in La Crosse, where he made the connections to pursue the dream of owning a boutique cooking school. Listen to how his initial path has changed, how he got into consulting, and is now influencing menus throughout the Coulee Region.

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