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

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

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

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

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

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

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!).

Nurturing Dreams at Work: The Evolution of Coaching at

Miron Construction

In this episode, Eric Marcoe shares the story behind Miron Construction’s innovative Dream Project, how coaching has evolved within the company and lessons for fostering personal growth and safe conversations at work.

3 Key Takeaways:

Dream Project Origins

Inspired by the book The Dream Manager by Mathew Kelly, Miron Construction embraced the concept of supporting employees’ personal and professional growth. Over time, Eric’s role grew into “Dream Coach 2.0”, broader leadership and life coaching.

Safe Spaces Boost Engagement

Eric emphasizes the importance of creating safe, judgement-free environments for employees to open up about work or personal matters. Trust and confidentiality are the core of this work, and even resource-limited businesses can create these trusted spaces.

Coaching is Most Effective When Welcomed

Coaching only works when employees are ready and willing to engage. Tune in for practical advice for fostering growth, connections and well-being in any workspace!

The Dream Manager by Mathew Kelly. Beacon Publishing, 2007

LinkedIn Success with Wayne Breitbarth

In this episode, host Bill Mitchell welcomes Wayne Breitbarth, one of the nation’s top LinkedIn trainers, to talk about all things LinkedIn for business professionals and entrepreneurs.

Wayne shares his journey from office furniture salesman to LinkedIn authority, discusses how the platform evolved from a job search site to a broad business hub, and reveals practical strategies for leveraging LinkedIn for sales, networking, recruiting, and personal branding.

Here are 3 Key Takeaways

1. LinkedIn is a powerful business database, not Just a social media platform. Wayne’s “aha!” moment came when he realized LinkedIn allowed users to see not just who their friends are, but also who their friends know—a game-changer for expanding business networks and finding decision-makers.

2. Successful LinkedIn profiles start with authenticity: a compelling LinkedIn profile should genuinely represent you—avoid marketing jargon and instead write in the first person, using your own voice. When sending connection requests or messages, make them personal, specific, and reflective of your personality (within the 200-character limit). This builds trust and encourages meaningful engagement.

3. Engagement is about quality conversations, not just posting content. Don’t feel pressured to post constantly—engagement comes from starting conversations. Use   post ‘likes’, comments, and “who’s viewed your profile” to initiate relevant dialogues with your audience. Posting is only effective when it leads to real interaction; proactive outreach and follow-up are where business opportunities flourish.

Connect with Wayne Breitbarth

Book

Connect with Bill Mitchell

Betting the Farm: A 5th-Generation Dairy Farmer Tees Up Golf Success

Ever wondered what it takes to swap milking cows for managing fairways? In this episode, Jessica Blaska-Grady, the general manager at Kestrel Ridge and The Oaks golf courses shares the inspiring journey from her family’s dairy tradition to running two thriving Wisconsin golf courses.

Tune in as she uncovers the lessons in a Midwest work ethic, family business dynamics and succeeding in a local community.

Here are 3 Key Takeaways:

Farmer’s Grit Builds Business Resilience:  Jessica credits the 24/7 work ethic from her dairy farming roots as a key driver of success in golf course management. “You reap what you sow” pays off both in the fields and the fairways.

Community Connection is Essential: Honoring community commitments is non-negotiable for the family owners. Hosting local events, supporting clubs and offering a welcoming space for customers and visitors is an uncompromising standard.

Family Business: Jessica’s experience reveals the challenges and successes of a family business and how Thanksgiving dinner features both.

Listen in and learn how entrepreneurship runs its course in two very different industries.