BizNews Greater La Crosse with Vicki Markussen

A high school passion for dance has turned into a career for West Salem native, Michelle Malone. When she figured out the marketing business she started wasn't enough, Malone opened I&E Dance Studio in La Crosse six months later. Now she's running both this studio where adults can get back into dance or take lessons for the first time, plus Collective Marketing. She joins to talk about the connections she sees in people -- and herself -- with dance, plus the hard work it takes running two businesses.

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Joe Katchever, owner, brewmaster, and founder of Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse joins, as they're about to celebrate 25 years in business with the Feb. 17 Winter Ball. We discuss Katchever's Pearl Street Brewery journey — from its inception in Colorado to the basement of the Bodega and now at its current location. Katchever also discusses the challenges he faced to get here, the brewery's events, their community involvement and the company's expansion into things like hard ciders and seltzers. Katchever also explains the importance of the taproom to the business model and emphasizes his passion for brewing beer.

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Artificial Intelligence is all the buzz, as nearly every software takes on an A.I. component. Schools are discussing how to detect if a student or the computer wrote a paper. Non-artists have A.I. creating pictures they describe. Even podcasts like this one uses A.I. to remove “ums” and “ahs.” And everyone is worried, ‘Will I be replaced by A.I.?’ So, we talked with local A.I. expert Rodney Holum, with Coulee Tech. We discuss how, if you’re not embracing A.I., you will be left behind. We also talk about how A.I. is integrated into everyday business operations and the various A.I. models — their uses, potential ethical issues and how A.I. will impact the workforce in the future. Holum also discusses his book on A.I., and the workshops conducted that aim to make A.I. more approachable and useful for businesses. If you want to attend Holum’s classes on A.I., check out the Coulee Tech website.

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Oh look, someone is teaching public speaking — a lot of people's No. 1 worst fear. But Jon Reiner isn't just a public speaking coach, he's also a pastor, and wears both hats proudly. On Sundays, you may listen to him at First Free Church in Onalaska. Other days, he’s traveling the world, teaching others how to create a story around their product. Here, he talks of how a pastor became a sought-after public speaking coach and previews his event May 23-24 at the Charmant to share his gift with the Greater La Crosse area. We also discuss Reiner's technique of helping people gain confidence to speak publicly, and how to tell a story.

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It was a social media buzz for companies last year when more than 700 high school students came to an event called Build My Future, at the La Crosse Area Builders Association, promoting all jobs in the trades — not just construction. Every booth was interactive — from removing tires to operating a backhoe. Joining the podcast to preview this year’s Build My Future event are Andy Olson of River City Truck & Trailer, Tena Bailey with the La Crosse Area Builders Association, and Adam Kirschner with Energy Line International. The three talked how Build My Future aims to introduce students to various trades and careers, building off the success from last year, the importance of hands-on activities for students, and the need for exhibitors and sponsors for the upcoming event. They also emphasize the value of apprenticeships, the different pathways available in the trades, and the benefits of participating in the event for both students and businesses.

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Tom Miskowski, owner of Kitchen Solvers — a kitchen remodeling company — joins the show. We discuss his journey from being a corporate CEO to becoming a franchise owner and now a cabinetmaker. He talks about the benefits of owning a franchise and how Kitchen Solvers helps franchisees with systems and support. Tom also explains the services offered by Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse, such as kitchen remodeling and cabinet refacing. We touch on topics like digital marketing, vendor relationships, and Miskowski's background in manufacturing. We conclude with Miskowski's vision for Kitchen Solvers and his commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and franchisee success.

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Phanat Lor joins to discuss her journey as a second language teacher, who started her own business called Crafted Copy. 

She offers copywriting and resume writing services. We talk about how Phanat ventured into writing and how she helps individuals identify their skills and apply them to their resumes. We also discuss the importance of confidence, communication, and continuous learning in the job search process.

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Each Friday, for nearly a year now, you’ve heard BizCast talk to local leaders. And, if you reached the end of each podcast, you'll know there's a common closer question: "What makes you passionate about what you do?"

As we enter the time of New Year's Resolutions, here are some ideas to help you find your passion in 2024 — a compilation of answers to that question.

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Paul Borsheim, one of the owners of Borton Construction, joins to talk about building industry challenges, the keys to their growth and having a philosophical mindset, including the rewards of coaching freshmen boys basketball. Borsheim got his start working for one construction company, which led to breaking off into Borton Construction. We also discuss how he’s learned to use development projects to keep employees working in winter. Plus, how construction is happening faster, and where he predicts construction is going.

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One industry not having trouble growing is solar energy. Olson Solar Energy began in 2017 when two brothers from Holmen heard solar panel installation was a hot industry. Six year later they have gone from zero to 60 employees. Olson consultant Keith Molzahn joins to talk about the benefits and incentives of solar panels, the technological advancements in the field, how solar panels work, the financial aspects of investing in solar energy, the maintenance involved, and the growth of Olson Solar Energy as a company.

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