On this episode of Business Over Beer Untapped, I catch up with longtime friend and fellow Passages to Success member, Todd Brefeld, a mortgage industry veteran with over 25 years of experience.

Todd’s journey has taken him from Chicago to Hawaii, Japan, and finally the Pacific Northwest, but one thing has stayed consistent: his commitment to building authentic relationships. In this episode, Todd shares how personal connections—not algorithms—continue to drive his business forward, even in a challenging mortgage market.

We dive into:

• Todd’s unique career path and his time living abroad
• The entrepreneurial mindset required in the mortgage world
• His strategy of making 20 calls a day to build and maintain relationships
• Mortgage market insights: why now could still be a great time to buy
• How buyers can leverage seller concessions and rate buy-downs
• Why balancing social media with in-person networking matters more than ever

Whether you’re in real estate, lending, or just running your own business, Todd’s insights on consistency, authenticity, and strategic thinking will resonate.

🎧 Grab your favorite beer and join us for this conversation all about connection, business, and finding success the relationship-first way.

💻 Connect with Todd Brefeld:

Website: www.financingbytodd.com

Instagram: @toddbrefeld.lender

Facebook: Todd Brefeld-Mortgage Lender

🔗 Stay Connected with Business Over Beer:

X: @bizoverbeer

Instagram: @bizoverbeerpodcast

TikTok: @bizoverbeer

Website: www.bizoverbeer.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Bizoverbeerpodcast

Follow Ben: @ben_surratt on Instagram

Follow Passages to Success: @passagestosuccess

I'm back at Copper State Brewing in Green Bay, WI for a reunion episode with Owners, Jon and Missy Martens, who first joined the BOB Pod back in 2020. A lot has changed—and they’ve grown through it all.

From hiring struggles and family-run kitchen shifts to evolving as leaders and finding their place in the community, this conversation is rich with honesty, laughs, and serious entrepreneurial insight.

💡 Whether you’re a beer lover, a small biz owner, or someone who’s ever wondered what it takes to keep a dream alive during tough times—this one’s for you.

🎧 Prost and press play!

👇 Connect with us:

🔗 www.bizoverbeer.com

📲 Linktree: linktr.ee/Bizoverbeerpodcast

📩 Contact: [email protected]

Follow us!

X: @bizoverbeer

IG: @bizoverbeerpodcast

TikTok: @bizoverbeer

Ben: @ben_surratt

Passages to Success: @passagestosuccess

#BusinessOverBeer #CraftBeerPodcast #WisconsinBeer #CopperStateBrewing #GreenBayWI #Entrepreneurship #MidwestCraftBeer #SmallBusinessLife #BeerAndBusiness #SupportLocalBreweries #BreweryStory #PodcastDrop #LeadershipJourney #FamilyBusiness #Prost🍻

On this episode of Business Over Beer, I sit down with Yvonne Murray — the voice (and lens) behind the popular Milwaukee Beer Blog 🍻. What started as a fun way to share her beer pics turned into something much bigger: an influential voice in Milwaukee’s craft beer scene.

Yvonne opens up about how she built her following organically while juggling grad school, a career in nursing, and life with her husband and their very social dog, Woody 🐶. We talk about:

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• The moment she realized beer blogging could be something more
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• Her favorite styles (spoiler: blond ales and West Coast IPAs)
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• Why brewery atmosphere matters just as much as the beer
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• The surprising impact of a thoughtful Instagram post
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• And what she hopes is next for the beer community in Milwaukee and beyond
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Plus, we dive into the importance of supporting small breweries, why social media content isn’t as effortless as it looks, and how the Midwest's blue-collar roots are baked into its beer culture.

This episode is for the beer lovers, content creators, and anyone who believes that building community can start with something as simple as sharing a pint.

🎙️ Listen now: www.bizoverbeer.com

🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/BizOverBeerPodcast

📲 Follow us:

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• IG: @bizoverbeerpodcast
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• TikTok: @bizoverbeer
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• X: @bizoverbeer
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• Follow Ben: @ben_surratt
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• Follow Yvonne: @milwaukeebeer.blog
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📬 Questions or collab inquiries?

Email Ben at [email protected]

#BusinessOverBeer #MilwaukeeBeerBlog #CraftBeerCulture #BeerInfluencer #SupportLocalBreweries #WisconsinBeer #BeerBloggers #WomenInBeer #DrinkLocal #MKEBeerScene #PodcastEpisode #MidwestVibes #CommunityOverCompetition #BeerDogApproved #BreweryVibes

After a few months of trying to line up schedules, I finally got to sit down with Jared, the creator of Wisco Dive Bars — and it was absolutely worth the wait.

In this episode of Business Over Beer: Midwest Edition, we dive into Jared’s journey building Wisco Dive Bars, a passion project that shines a spotlight on the character, culture, and charm of Wisconsin’s legendary dive bar scene. From the spark of inspiration to navigating sponsorships, community impact, and the challenge of balancing a full-time job with a growing brand — Jared keeps it real, honest, and deeply authentic.

We talk about:

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• The origin and mission behind Wisco Dive Bars
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• What makes a dive bar a true dive
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• His connection to small business and local community
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• How Wisconsin culture fuels everything he creates
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• The hustle of building a brand on the side
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• And where he hopes to take it next
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This conversation is full of laughs, reflection, and genuine admiration for the bars and people that make Wisconsin what it is.

🔗 Website & Links

Listen now: www.bizoverbeer.com

All platforms & socials: linktr.ee/bizoverbeerpodcast

📣 Follow Business Over Beer

Instagram: @bizoverbeerpodcast

Facebook: Business Over Beer

TikTok: @bizoverbeer

Email: [email protected]

📣 Follow Wisco Dive Bars

Instagram: @wiscodivebars

More: linktr.ee/wiscodivebars

#WiscoDiveBars #BusinessOverBeer #WisconsinPodcast #CraftBeerCulture #MidwestPubs #SupportLocalBars #DiveBarWisconsin #BarstoolStories #EntrepreneurLife #BeerWithAStory #BizOverBeer #PouringInTheHeartland 🍻

In this special hometown(ish) episode, Ben sits down with the passionate team behind Yard 65, Kiel’s new brewery and events space that’s already turning heads in the Wisconsin craft beer scene.

Although Ben didn’t grow up in Kiel, it’s the town where he graduated high school — and one that still holds a special place in his heart. So coming back to sit down with Corey, Jason, and Jenny, the trio behind Yard 65, was more than just another interview… it was a full-circle moment.

We talk about:

🍺 The inspiration behind Yard 65

🏛️ Reviving the historic AA Laun building

🔥 The challenges of launching a brewery from scratch

🎉 Creating a space that’s more than just beer — it’s community

💡 Dreams, laughs, and some seriously tasty pours

This is a story about vision, hustle, and hometown pride — the kind that defines what Business Over Beer is all about.

Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | www.bizoverbeer.com

🔗 All Links: linktr.ee/Bizoverbeerpodcast

📸 Instagram: @yard65kiel

🌐 Website: www.yard65.com

📲 Instagram: @bizoverbeerpodcast

🧢 TikTok: @bizoverbeer

🐦 X: @bizoverbeer

📸 Follow Ben: @ben_surratt

💡 Follow Passages to Success: @passagestosuccess

Special Thanks to:

Video Producer Johnny Concepcion aka @johnny_flics

Drone and Audio Producer Tiernan Deppiesse aka @tdw_920

#BusinessOverBeer #MidwestEdition #Yard65 #CraftBeerPodcast #KielWI #PouringInTheHeartland #BreweryDreams #SupportLocalBeer #WisconsinBreweries #BrewedInWisconsin

Guest: Jess DuBose, ADHD Coach & Author

Title: Working With Your Brain – Not Against It

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and honest episode of Business Over Beer: Untapped, Ben and Kimberly sit down with ADHD coach and author Jess DuBose, who shares her deeply personal and professional insight into how ADHD affects relationships, work, and life.

After a few classic podcast hiccups (shoutout to all the camera malfunctions), the trio jumps into a candid conversation about ThriveCon event planning—including beer sponsorships and social hour vibes—before diving into the real magic: how Jess helps people understand and embrace their ADHD brains.

Jess opens up about her experience coaching ADHD clients, being married to someone with ADHD, and what inspired her book I Don’t Hate My Ex-Husband. She shares actionable insight on communication challenges, attention regulation, rejection sensitivity, and time management—plus why celebrating small wins might just be the game changer many people need.

Whether you're neurodivergent, married to someone who is, or working with ADHD in your business life, this episode is packed with perspective, laughter, and lightbulb moments.

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• 🚧 Technical issues and podcast chaos (because, real life)
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• 🍻 Behind-the-scenes of ThriveCon planning + beer talk
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• 🧠 Why ADHD is about regulation, not deficit
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• 🗣️ Communication strategies for couples and clients
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• ⏱️ The reality of time blindness and task switching
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• ❤️ The emotional side of ADHD (hello, rejection sensitivity!)
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• ✨ The importance of celebrating wins—no matter how small
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• 📘 Jess’s book I Don’t Hate My Ex-Husband
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event planning, staging, entrepreneurship, community support, self-care, creativity, budgeting, trends, local business, personal growth

summary

In this episode of Business Over Beer, host Ben Surratt interviews Bethani Green, owner of Hadley Mac, a multifaceted business specializing in event planning and home staging. Bethani shares her journey from being a flight attendant to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and rewards of running her own business. She emphasizes the importance of community support, creativity in her work, and the need for self-care as a business owner. The conversation also touches on handling client expectations, navigating trends in the industry, and her aspirations for future projects, including a dream event celebrating a significant personal belief.

takeaways

• Bethani transitioned from a flight attendant to an entrepreneur to spend more time with her family.
• She emphasizes the importance of community support and helping local businesses.
• Self-care and setting boundaries are crucial for managing stress as a business owner.
• Creativity plays a significant role in her event planning and staging work.
• Bethani believes that every 'no' leads to a bigger 'yes' in business.
• She uses her background in event planning to create memorable experiences for clients.
• Budgeting and understanding client priorities are key to successful event planning.
• Trends in event planning can be cyclical, and she aims to lead rather than follow them.
• Bethani's dream event would be a grand celebration for Christ's return.
• She actively involves her daughters in her business to instill entrepreneurial values.

Sound Bites

• "I want to be a source of joy to them."
• "I want to support local entrepreneurs."
• "Every no leads to a bigger yes."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Hadley Mac and Bethany's Journey

05:04

The Evolution of Event Planning and Staging

10:02

Navigating Challenges in Event Coordination

14:53

The Importance of Empathy in Business

20:02

Building a Community Over Competition

24:59

Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

30:04

The Art of Staging: A Unique Approach

31:42

Balancing Creativity and Practicality

33:32

Working with Budgets: Thrifting and Prioritizing

35:54

Vendor Relationships and Event Planning

37:55

Trends in Staging and Event Planning

40:51

Creating Memorable Experiences

43:22

The Importance of Hard Work in Real Estate

46:14

Dream Events and Personal Inspirations

49:40

Involving Family in Business

54:09

Promoting Services and Community Engagement

📅 Available now! Listen at the link below and don’t forget to follow @hadleymak for more of Bethani’s work!

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/Bizoverbeerpodcast

🌐 Business Over Beer: https://bizoverbeer.com/

📸 Follow B.O.B.: @bizoverbeerpodcast

🔗 Follow Bethani & Hadley Mak:

📸 Instagram: @hadleymak

#BusinessOverBeer 🍺 #HadleyMak 🎉 #EntrepreneurLife 💼 #EventPlanning 🎪 #HomeStaging 🏡 #CraftBeerCulture 🍻 #SmallBusinessSupport #PodcastLife 🎙️ #ThriveCon2025 🚀

Pivot, Perseverance, and Purpose with Yaelia “Yali” Millan

In this episode of Business Over Beer, I sit down with my good friend Yaelia “Yali” Millan, owner of Meliora Beauty Clinique and D’Nielpot Education Brand. Yali shares her incredible journey from the corporate world to becoming a medical pedicurist and podologist, building a business with purpose, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

💡 We dive into:

• How she pivoted her business model after major setbacks
• Balancing mental health and entrepreneurship
• The misconceptions around foot care and the beauty industry
• How she built a thriving business focused on healthy, natural nail care
• The struggles (and triumphs) of being an employer in today’s world

Yali’s story is a must-listen for any entrepreneur navigating growth, change, and resilience. 🍻

🎧 Listen now! [Insert podcast link]

📲 Follow Yali & Meliora Beauty Clinique:

🔗 Website: https://www.meliorabeautyclinique.com/

📷 Instagram: @meliorabeautyclinique

📲 Follow Business Over Beer:

🌐 Website: https://bizoverbeer.com/

🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Bizoverbeerpodcast

📷 Instagram: @bizoverbeerpodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: @bizoverbeer

🎥 TikTok: @bizoverbeer

#BusinessOverBeer 🍺 #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthMatters #SmallBusinessSuccess #BeautyIndustry #CraftBeerCulture #MelioraBeautyClinique

On this episode of Business Over Beer – Untapped, we sit down with Mitch Tugaw of ADP to talk about his journey from mortgage lending to helping small business owners navigate the world of payroll, HR, and compliance.

We dive into:

✅ The biggest payroll & HR struggles small businesses face

✅ How outsourcing HR can free up time and reduce risk

✅ The transition from mortgage lending to ADP

✅ And, of course, a little beer and a lot of fun along the way!

Whether you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just someone who enjoys a great conversation over a cold one, this episode is packed with valuable insights and laughs.

🎧 Listen & Follow:

🌐 Passages to Success: www.passagestosuccess.com

🌐 Business Over Beer: www.bizoverbeer.com

📲 Follow us on social:

• X: @bizoverbeer
• Instagram: @bizoverbeerpodcast
• TikTok: @bizoverbeer
• Follow Ben: @ben_surratt on Instagram
• Follow Passages to Success: @passagestosuccess

📩 Want to be a Vendor, Speaker, Sponsor, or Volunteer at ThriveCon 2025? Contact Kim for more info!

#BusinessOverBeer #UntappedPodcast #PassagesToSuccess #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurs #Payroll #HR #ADP #Networking #CraftBeer #ThriveCon2025 #LocalBusiness #BusinessGrowth

In Part Two of my conversation with Zach and Ian, the masterminds behind Fifth Ward Brewing, we dive deep into the business side of running a brewery. From finding the perfect location in Oshkosh, securing funding, and navigating the challenges of the industry, to the incredible support they've found within the local community—this episode is packed with insights, lessons learned, and of course, a few good laughs along the way.

🎧 Listen Now: https://linktr.ee/Bizoverbeerpodcast

🌐 Business Over Beer: https://bizoverbeer.com/

📸 Follow B.O.B.: @bizoverbeerpodcast

🍻 Check out Fifth Ward Brewing:

🌐 https://fifthwardbrewing.com/

📸 Follow Fifth Ward: @fifthwardbrewing

#CraftBeer #SmallBusiness #FifthWardBrewing #Oshkosh #BusinessOverBeer #Entrepreneurship #MidwestBreweries