elevateMN

Episode Title: Healing with Horses – Tanya Dingmann’s Journey with Equine Inspired Soul

Hosted by: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development & Elevate CBA

Guest: Tanya Dingman, Founder of Equine Inspired Soul, Elevate Graduate (Fall 2023)

Introduction:
In this episode of the Elevate Community Business Academy podcast, host Michelle Marotzke talks with Tanya Dingmann, founder of Equine Inspired Soul and a Fall 2023 graduate of the Elevate program. Tanya shares how her lifelong connection with horses turned into a powerful business that helps people find healing, mindfulness, and empowerment through equine-assisted empowerment and healing.

Key Discussion Points:

🔹 How It All Began:

Tanya’s love for horses began at age four, rooted in her mother’s passion and a barn full of memories.

After receiving her first horse in 2007, Tanya experienced how horses helped her through difficult times.

🔹 The Power of Equine:

Equine Inspired Soul is based in Belgrade, MN, where Tanya and her family care for a herd of therapeutic horses on their 45-acre ranch.

Horses help clients develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness by teaching them how to respond instead of react.

Tanya discusses the science behind equine healing and how horses naturally balance energy, reduce stress, and offer unconditional presence.

🔹 Involving the Whole Family:

Tanya’s husband and kids play an active role in supporting the business and caring for the animals.

Entrepreneurship has become a family lifestyle centered on purpose and passion.

🔹 Launching a Dream:

Tanya transitioned from a different career to pursue equine healing full time.

She shares the emotional and logistical challenges of starting a purpose-driven business.

🔹 How Elevate Helped:

The Elevate CBA program gave Tanya the foundational tools, mentorship, and resources to develop her business.

She continues to benefit from Elevate’s ongoing support, including networking, professional development, and technical assistance.

Tanya credits the program with giving her the confidence and connections to pursue her dream.

🔹 Looking Ahead:

Tanya is expanding Equine Inspired Soul with youth camps, women's programming, and community partnerships.

She emphasizes the importance of valuing her time and services while also creating opportunities for accessibility and scholarships through a nonprofit partner.

Her word for 2025: Thrive.

Where to Find Equine Inspired Soul:
📍 Location: Belgrade, MN
🌐 Website: EquineInspiredSoul.com
📱 Social Media: Facebook & Instagram @EquineInspiredSoul

Closing Thoughts:
Tanya’s story is a powerful reminder that healing often begins with connection—to animals, to ourselves, and to community. Her journey from a horse-loving child to a business-owning healer shows what happens when passion meets purpose.

🎧 Listen now to hear how horses are transforming lives in rural Minnesota.

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Episode Title: FIAFOTO: Capturing Views and Grounding Creativity

Hosted by: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development and Elevate Community Business Academy

Guest: Fernando Alvarado, Owner of FIAFOTO

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Michelle Marotzke sits down with Fernando Alvarado, a Spring 2023 graduate of the Elevate Community Business Academy and owner of FIAFOTO. Fernando shares his journey from retiring at age 62 to starting a creative business rooted in his passions: photography and art.

FIATFOTO—short for Fun, Interesting, and Awesome Photo—focuses on capturing cherished vistas and personal perspectives around homes, ensuring clients have lasting memories of places they love. Fernando also explores his artistic side through unique rock wrapping, driftwood sculptures, and other nature-inspired pieces, blending his love for art and the outdoors.

Learn how Fernando transitioned from a corporate career into small business ownership, the impact of the Elevate program on his entrepreneurial journey, and how his art creates meaningful connections and conversations.

FIATFOTO’s Mission:

• Capturing meaningful views of clients' homes, such as sunsets or favorite spots, to preserve memories that endure even after moving to a new location.
• Offering a personalized photography experience that reflects each homeowner’s unique story.

Artistic Ventures:

• Fernando combines driftwood, rocks, and other natural materials to create one-of-a-kind sculptures.
• His goal is to ground viewers, connect them to nature, and inspire imagination and relaxation through his art.

Elevate Community Business Academy Experience:

• The program provided Fernando with a supportive network of peers, refreshed business knowledge, and tools to successfully launch his business.
• Collaboration with other students helped him refine his approach and build confidence in his artistic pursuits.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Time management remains a challenge as Fernando balances volunteer work and his creative business.
• Future opportunities include collaborating with interior designers, expanding his art into retail spaces like North Shore galleries, and partnering with décor shops.

Upcoming Events:

• Fernando’s artwork will be showcased at Rick’s Cycling and Sports in Willmar during mid-November. Keep an eye on his Facebook page for specific dates and updates.

• Business Name: FIATOTO
• Services: Personalized home photography and nature-inspired art pieces
• Social Media: Follow FIATOTO on Facebook for event updates, art sales, and new projects

Special Thanks To:

• Rick’s Cycling and Sports for hosting Fernando’s art pop-ups.
• The Elevate Community Business Academy, a program supported by Southwest Initiative Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

About Elevate:
The Elevate Community Business Academy is designed to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to succeed. With a curriculum from Rising Tide Capital, Elevate offers practical tools, resources, and a supportive network for business growth.

Listen Now:
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, community, and turning passion into a business!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

KCED's Elevate Podcast: Featuring Jessica Hansen of Willmar Hypnosis

Host: Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development & Elevate Community Business Academy

Guest: Jessica Hansen, Owner of Willmar Hypnosis, Spring 2022 Elevate Graduate

Introduction

Michelle introduces Elevate, a program designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their business knowledge.

Elevate is supported by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development, and Rising Tide Capital.

Today’s guest is Jessica Hansen, owner of Willmar Hypnosis, a 2022 graduate of Elevate CBA.

Jessica’s Business Journey

Jessica has always been an entrepreneur, running several small businesses before starting Willmar Hypnosis.

She had already established an LLC before joining Elevate but knew she could improve her business operations.

She discusses how hypnosis is often misunderstood and how she uses it for personal transformation rather than entertainment.

The Work of Willmar Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a natural life skill often dismissed due to misconceptions.

Jessica does not focus on entertainment hypnosis but rather on helping clients with behavioral changes.

Common reasons clients seek her services include smoking cessation, weight loss, overcoming fears and phobias, and confidence building.

Medical hypnosis is another area of focus, particularly for pain management and reducing medication dependency.

She also helps people navigate life transitions, such as retirement or career changes.

Michelle’s Personal Experience with Hypnosis

Michelle shares her experience of being hypnotized by Jessica and her students.

She discusses how hypnosis has helped her make small behavioral changes and reflects on a vivid time-traveling session.

Jessica’s Path to Teaching Hypnosis

Jessica became a certified hypnosis instructor after her own instructor retired.

She worked with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists to rewrite their training manual.

Becoming a certified school in Minnesota was a rigorous process, as private schools are held to the same standards as public institutions.

Her goal is to provide her students with business skills, which led her to Elevate.

The Role of Hypnosis in Other Professions

Hypnosis can be integrated into medical professions such as nursing and dentistry to help patients manage fear and stress.

Many healthcare professionals have used hypnosis to avoid burnout and improve patient interactions.

Impact of Elevate on Jessica’s Business

Jessica credits Elevate for expanding her business knowledge, especially regarding structuring her business and considering future growth.

The program helped her realize the importance of self-care as a single-member LLC since she is the core of her business.

Networking has been beneficial, though her smaller class size limited ongoing interactions.

She continues to revisit Elevate materials to refine her business strategy.

Future of Elevate & Business Assistance Services

Michelle announces a new business assistance program launching in early 2025, designed to help Elevate graduates deepen their skills in marketing, bookkeeping, and business expansion.

Jessica expresses interest in continuing education opportunities through the program.

How to Contact Jessica

Website: WillmarHypnosis.com

Location: MinnWest Technology Campus, Willmar, MN

Services: Private hypnosis sessions and hypnosis training courses

Conclusion

Michelle thanks Jessica for being part of the Willmar business community and for sharing her journey.

Listeners are encouraged to check out future Elevate podcasts on Apple, Spotify, and the KCED website (kandiyohi.com).

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Episode Title: Building a Business with Friendship & Fashion – Mainstream Boutique’s Journey

Hosted by: Jean Geselius, Owner of Ten Oaks Design Studio

Guests:

Dawn Lippert, Co-owner of Mainstream Boutique, Elevate Graduate (Spring 2022)

Rochelle Peterson, Co-owner of Mainstream Boutique

Introduction:
In this episode of the Elevate Community Business Academy podcast, host Jean Geselius, stepping in for Michele, sits down with longtime friends and business partners, Dawn Lippert and Rochelle Peterson, owners of Mainstream Boutique in Willmar, MN. They share their journey of turning friendship into a thriving business, how the Elevate program helped them get started, and the unique mission behind their boutique.

Key Discussion Points:

🔹 Friendship to Business Partners:

Dawn and Rochelle have known each other since childhood—their moms were friends, they raised their kids together, and now they run a business together.

They describe their relationship as “family that we got to pick.”

🔹 The Entrepreneurial Journey:

Dawn transitioned from mortgage lending, and Rochelle had a background in children's mental health.

Dawn’s personal journey after losing her husband in 2017 led her to seek a new path, which resulted in the launch of Mainstream Boutique.

🔹 Why Franchising?

They chose a franchise model for the built-in support, marketing, and structured operations.

Mainstream Boutique is a Minnesota-based franchise that aligns with their values of uplifting women and building community through fashion.

🔹 What Sets Mainstream Boutique Apart?

A multigenerational shopping experience where customers feel celebrated and empowered.

A focus on personal connections and making shopping feel like an experience with friends rather than just a transaction.

Weekly live shopping events on social media to showcase new arrivals.

🔹 Challenges & Growth Opportunities:

Adapting to changing technology and social media marketing.

Understanding their local demographic and curating the right inventory.

Exploring opportunities for growth and expansion in the Willmar Lakes Area.

🔹 The Role of Elevate Community Business Academy:

Dawn shares how Elevate provided crucial tools, resources, and networking opportunities.

Connections with local business experts, including accountants and the chamber of commerce, played a significant role in their early success.

🔹 Partnership & Business Advice:

Communication and transparency are key to a successful business partnership.

Understanding each other's strengths and naturally dividing responsibilities.

The importance of shared goals and revisiting them often.

🔹 Advice for Aspiring Business Owners:

Be transparent with your business partner—discuss finances, goals, and expectations openly.

Know your strengths and weaknesses, and play to each other’s skills.

Focus on the long-term vision, not just short-term profits.

Where to Find Mainstream Boutique Willmar:
📍 Location: Bearpath Plaza, Willmar, MN (Behind Grizzlies, Next to Cub Foods)
🌐 Website: MainstreamBoutiqueWillmar.com
📱 Social Media: Follow them on Facebook & Instagram for live shopping events and updates!

Closing Thoughts:
Dawn and Rochelle’s journey is a testament to the power of friendship, perseverance, and community support. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, take a page from their book—build something you love, stay connected to your community, and embrace the journey!

🎧 Listen now and get inspired by their story!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Hosts:

• Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County
• Michelle - Economic Development Professional, Mid Minnesota Development Commission

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Business Grants:
   • Understanding that business grants are rare and often very specific to certain projects, industries, or business owners.
   • The importance of staying informed about available grants and applying when applicable.
2. Operational Support and Investors:
   • Deep diving into your business plan and financials to improve revenue and reduce expenses.
   • Considering investors for operational support, which could include family members, former business partners, or other trusted individuals.
3. Loan Options:
   • Both organizations offer revolving loan funds to support businesses.
   • Emphasizing the importance of building a relationship with your bank or financial institution and shopping around for the best fit.
4. Personal Finance and Credit:
   • Working on personal finance and credit history as they impact your ability to secure business loans.
   • Understanding that improving credit history involves timely repayments and consistent financial behavior.
5. Five C's (or Seven C's) of Credit:
   • Capital: The money you can invest in your business.
   • Collateral: Assets that can be leveraged in case of business closure.
   • Capacity: Your ability to manage personal and business finances.
   • Character: Your reputation for paying bills on time and maintaining good relationships.
   • Context: The market demand and competition for your business.
   • Conditions: Terms of the loan, including interest rates, loan length, and other requirements.
6. Building a Strong Foundation:
   • Setting up your business for success by understanding financials, creating a sound business plan, and thinking strategically about your business context.

Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle explore the critical topic of financing for businesses. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of securing business grants, loans, and investor support. The hosts provide practical tips on improving personal finance and credit history, building relationships with financial institutions, and understanding the key factors that lenders consider. They emphasize the importance of setting up a strong financial foundation to ensure the success and longevity of your business.

Hosts: Sarah and Michelle
Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid Minnesota Development Commission

Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep elevating your business!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Welcome to the Elevate Podcast - a journey through the Heartland where resilience meets innovation. In this special five-part series, Sarah and Michelle guide you through every crucial step of launching your own business, offering practical advice, expert insights, and inspiring stories from successful entrepreneurs.

Hosts:

• Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County
• Michelle - Economic Development Professional, Mid Minnesota Development Commission

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Importance of Succession Planning - Understanding why planning for the future of your business is crucial, even at the startup phase. Thinking long-term about the legacy you want to leave behind.
2. Different Succession Options:
   • Passing the Business to a Family Member - Preparing a relative to take over the business.
   • Selling the Business - Planning to sell the business to sustain and grow it long-term.
   • Closing the Business - Setting aside enough money for retirement and planning for the end of the business.
3. Apprenticeships and Mentorships - Finding and training potential successors, whether they are family members or employees, through apprenticeships and mentorship programs.
4. Employee-Owned Businesses - Transitioning to an employee-owned business model as a succession strategy. Exploring educational resources and support available in Minnesota.
5. Legacy Planning - Viewing succession planning as legacy planning. Ensuring your vision, values, and business practices continue after you step away.
6. Financial Considerations - Keeping track of your financials, understanding tax implications, and working with trusted advisors to maximize the value of your business.
7. Creating a Vision - Defining your vision for the future of your business and sharing it with advisors to ensure a successful transition.

Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle delve into the crucial topic of succession planning. They emphasize the importance of having a clear vision for the future of your business and explore various options for passing on or selling the business. The hosts provide practical tips on preparing for succession, including mentorship programs, employee ownership, and financial planning. They also stress the significance of legacy planning, ensuring that your business values and practices endure beyond your tenure.

Hosts: Sarah and Michelle
Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid Minnesota Development Commission

Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep elevating your business!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Hosts:

• Sarah - Business Development Manager for the Economic Development Commission in Kandiyohi County.
• Michelle - Academic Development Professional with the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Customer Service: Sarah and Michelle express their enthusiasm for customer service, emphasizing its importance beyond retail settings.
• External vs. Internal Customer Service: They define external customer service as interactions with customers buying a product or service, while internal customer service focuses on relationships within the organization, including employees, staff, and professional connections.
• Building Strong Relationships: Effective customer service involves understanding and catering to different personalities. Techniques like StrengthsFinder and DISC training can help tailor communication styles to individual preferences.
• Workforce Retention: Retaining a workforce is crucial and is influenced by understanding employees' work-life balance, communication preferences, and what motivates them.
• Team Dynamics: A strong team can support each other, especially when individual members are not at their best. Trust and collaboration are key to maintaining high standards of customer service.
• Reflecting Values in Customer Service: As a business owner, your values should be reflected in your business plan, including how you approach customer service. This ensures consistency and alignment with your overall vision.
• Practical Tips: Sarah and Michelle share practical advice on how to manage customer service effectively, ensuring both internal happiness and external satisfaction.

Conclusion: Join Sarah and Michelle as they explore the intricacies of customer service and provide actionable insights to help you create a successful business. Stay tuned for the next episode in this series, and remember to reach out with any questions or feedback.

Hosts: Sarah and Michelle 

Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep elevating your business!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Hosts:

• Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County
• Michelle - Economic Development Professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Startup Budget - Identifying initial costs such as equipment, space, and marketing. Tips on researching and making informed financial decisions.
2. Financial Projections - Importance of forecasting and the fluidity of projections. Building working capital and preparing for unexpected expenses.
3. Balance Sheets - Understanding assets, liabilities, and overall financial health. Assessing whether the business is financially stable.
4. Profit and Loss (P&L) Statements - Tracking monthly revenue and expenses, comparing projections to actual results, and identifying financial trends.
5. Cash Flow Management - Differentiating between monthly cash flow and ending cash balance. Importance of having a financial cushion.
6. Communication with Financial Advisors - Building a trusted relationship with accountants or bookkeepers. Knowing when and how to ask questions about your financials.

Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle explore the critical aspects of business financials. They emphasize the importance of creating a detailed startup budget and making accurate financial projections. The discussion includes understanding balance sheets and P&L statements, managing cash flow, and effectively communicating with financial advisors. This episode is packed with practical advice for new and existing business owners to ensure financial stability and success.

Hosts: Sarah and Michelle
Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep elevating your business!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Welcome to the Elevate Podcast - where resilience meets innovation in rural Minnesota. In this special five-part series, Sarah and Michelle guide you through every crucial step of launching your own business, offering practical advice, expert insights, and inspiring stories from successful entrepreneurs.

Hosts:

• Sarah - Business Development Manager, Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County
• Michelle - Academic Development Professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Key Resources Discussed:

1. Secretary of State - Business registration and basic setup information.
2. Minnesota DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) - Workforce development, grants, and the Launch Minnesota program.
3. Economic Development Commissions (EDCs) - Local business support, revolving loan funds, and community development projects.
4. Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) - Multi-county support for broader regional projects including housing, childcare, and broadband.
5. Initiative Foundations - Large-scale regional support and philanthropic projects.
6. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Federal resources, loan guarantees, and online educational tools.
7. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) - Business planning, financial projections, and startup advice.
8. Industry Organizations - Networking and support specific to various industries.
9. Higher Education Institutions - Training and continuing education opportunities through community colleges and university extensions.

Summary: In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Sarah and Michelle provide a comprehensive overview of essential business resources available to Minnesota entrepreneurs. They cover organizations such as the Secretary of State for business registration, DEED for workforce development and grants, and various local and regional economic development commissions. They also highlight the importance of industry organizations and higher education institutions in supporting ongoing business growth. This episode offers invaluable insights and practical tips for both new and established business owners.

Hosts: Sarah and Michelle
Production: Economic Development Commission, Kandiyohi County; Mid-Minnesota Development Commission

Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep elevating your business!

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!

Rendezvous on Facebook

Learn More About Elevate
Sarah Swedberg, the Elevate program manager, celebrates three years of the program with Hans and Victoria, entrepreneurs from the second-ever class. They discuss their journey from meeting at Pizza Ranch to venturing into entrepreneurship, including real estate investing and the decision to start an axe-throwing business. Despite initial doubts, they explored the idea, did research, and adapted their business plan based on market trends and their target demographic.

Hans and Victoria share their experience of diving into the world of axe throwing, despite limited prior experience. They focused on catering to casual throwers rather than hardcore enthusiasts, which influenced their choice of location and the size of their lanes. Their journey also involved challenges in finding the right space, transitioning from renting to owning a building, and clarifying partnership agreements. They emphasize the importance of complementary skills, risk assessment, and flexibility in adapting their business plan to meet evolving needs.

The couple discusses their commitment to providing a positive work environment by offering competitive wages, drawing from Victoria's recruitment experience and recognizing the correlation between pay and company reputation. They believe that investing in their employees is essential for the success of their business and prioritizing work-life balance to avoid burnout. Their story reflects the journey of navigating challenges, making informed decisions, and staying true to their vision while catering to the needs of their community.

Elevate Program: To learn more about or participate in the Elevate Program please head to elevatesba.com!

SWIF: To learn more about or support the Southwest Initiative Foundation please head to https://swifoundation.org!