BizNews Greater La Crosse with Vicki Markussen

Sarah Fecht, owner of Best Self Leadership, joins to discuss her approach to leadership coaching, the importance of recognizing individual strengths, and the value of emotional intelligence in leadership. Sarah shares insights from her experience in Human Resources and her transition to launching her own business. We also cover strategies for creating high-performing teams and fostering trust within organizations..

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Katie Walters co-owner of Walt's Restaurant and Tavern in Bangor with her husband, Ryan join to talk about launching their new menu June 1 to compliment their expanded craft beer selection, wine selection, and cocktail offerings.

Walters also mentions the balance between traditional Wisconsin menu items and new, elevated dishes.

Shawn McManus, a consultant, helped in updating the menu to match their vision and target demographic.

We discuss how they wish to attract a diverse customer base and creating a unique dining experience. Additionally, there is a focus on the importance of the menu in making the restaurant a destination. 

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We continue our conversation with Cate Hollowitsch, the chief marker for Nesnah Ventures in La Crosse, discussing how her expertise became a challenge to do a TED Talk, focusing on the theme of self preservation. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of what it takes to get on the stage and speak. She provides her journey into speaking, shares insights into the TED Talk application process, the importance of unique ideas, and explores the concept of self-sabotage in corporate settings.

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Cate Hollowitsch, marketing chief for Nesnah Ventures in La Crosse, joins to talk about how Nesnah turned its sale of Kwik Trip shares, decades ago, into an acquisition and management company. Nesnah has more than 200 employees and a diverse portfolio of companies. It is constantly looking at growing more. Listen and learn about this local hidden gem.

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

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Understanding debt, running a business, cell phone etiquette and even shaking hands — these are all skills needed to be successful in life. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is teaching these skills in our schools with help from more than 120 volunteers. 

Regional Director Susan Peterson joins to discuss the organization, its impact on students from elementary to college age, the evolution of their programs, partnerships with businesses, and the importance of financial literacy education.

She also highlights a May 2 event at UW-La Crosse, and the group is always looking for volunteers. For more info check it out at Coulee.JA.org.

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

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

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Shobi Zietlow, owner of Referral Staffing Solutions, joins to share her journey of entrepreneurship — starting from humble origins to building her business.

Zietlow discusses her upbringing, challenges in managing Referral Staffing, seeking professional development programs and her commitment to giving back to the community. Zietlow also talks of rebranding, celebrating 10 years in business, and her passion for making impactful connections between job seekers and employers.

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

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