Fast Break

In this episode of Fast Break, we are celebrating Small Business Week by recognizing the critical role small businesses play in our economy. Host Matt Cranney sits down with Sadie Howell, CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, to discuss why small businesses are more important than ever in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Explore the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the agility of small businesses in adapting to change, and the importance of defining a clear "why" to drive long-term success.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business leader, or simply someone who values local businesses, this conversation is packed with insights on how to stay future-focused, adapt to change, and harness the power of customer trust.

Nearly one in five workers are leaving jobs due to mental health concerns, and this latest Fast Break episode is more relevant than ever. Matt Cranney is joined by Celie Valentin, Director of the Employee Assistance Program at Family Service Madison, and M3’s Jodi Riley, Senior Director of HR, to break down the impact of mental health on today’s workforce.

Mental well-being isn’t just about offering a day off and hoping for the best, it’s about creating psychological safety in the workplace. Dive into what mental well-being truly means, going beyond the buzzwords to tackle the real challenges employees face: stress, anxiety, burnout. From the role of mindfulness to meaningful workplace changes, gain insights, practical strategies, and leadership advice on creating a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Becky Menefee, VP of M3 Elevate, takes over the mic to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. Joined by two powerhouse guests—Coreen Dicus-Johnson, President and CEO of Network Health, and Heather Dunn, Senior VP and CFO of West Bend Insurance Company—this Fast Break episode dives into their career journeys, the challenges they've faced in male-dominated industries, and the ways they’re paving the way for future generations.

From mentorship and mission-driven leadership to navigating work-life integration, Coreen and Heather share insights on breaking barriers, creating space at the table, and finding fulfillment in their careers. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, leadership, and the evolving landscape for women in business.

Tax planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy and trust. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney sits down with Brooke Weitzer, partner at Baker Tilly, to tackle the biggest tax challenges small business owners face. Hear how proactive planning, strong advisor relationships, and continuous collaboration can help you make informed decisions, minimize risks, and maximize savings.

Just like any great partnership, trust with your tax advisor is built over time. Tune in for insights on laying a solid foundation and why working together year-round leads to long-term success.

Are you leading your business with a short-term mindset or crafting a vision that lasts? In this episode of Fast Break, Matt sits down with Matt Pletzer to tackle the art of goal setting and strategic planning for small business owners.

Learn why thinking beyond the next 12 months can transform your organization, how to include your team in a way that truly inspires collaboration, and how to avoid common planning pitfalls. Whether you’re building your first-ever plan or revamping your approach for the new year, this episode delivers a simple yet powerful framework to help you lead with purpose and accountability. Don’t miss it!

Fast Break Takeover is a special student-produced episode of M3 Insurance’s podcast, Fast Break. Hosted by Dax Anderson, Greta Euclide, and Orlando Pino, students from Sun Prairie’s Business Leadership Academy, this episode dives into the world of small business success through an interview with Brian Euclide, President of TEC Mailing Solutions.

Brian shares his journey of building a successful software company in Madison, Wisconsin, offering insights into entrepreneurship, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of workplace culture. The students ask thought-provoking questions about the challenges of starting a business, managing risks, and defining success, while also exploring the role of M3 Insurance in fostering innovation and safety.

The episode wraps up with reflections from the students on the valuable lessons they gained from this hands-on project, emphasizing adaptability, leadership, and the power of real-world experiences. Through their engaging conversation with Brian, the students highlight the importance of perseverance, passion, and taking strategic risks in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success.

Since the pandemic, hybrid work has become the norm, making it crucial for businesses to keep employees and clients connected and productive. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney talks with Shaun Trudell, President of Automation Arts, about how thoughtful tech design can elevate remote and in-office experiences. Effective AV setups now play an essential role in making virtual collaboration feel seamless. Even small investments in AV tech can drive real ROI through better space use, employee engagement, and client satisfaction.

We also explore how businesses are shifting focus from where people work to how they work. New tech tools can streamline everyday tasks, giving employees more time for creative and impactful work. Whether you’re just starting to implement hybrid solutions or looking to optimize, this episode has insights for businesses of all sizes to enhance team and client connections.

In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney as he explores the transformative power of start-ups and their monumental impact on industries across the globe. Matt sits down with Kevin Little from the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Travis Hedge, co-founder of Vouch Insurance, to uncover how their organizations are fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech ecosystem.

Tune in to understand how trust, technology, and community wealth are intertwined in today’s rapidly evolving landscape!

In this episode of Fast Break, Second Harvest CEO Michelle Orge and M3's Beth Dettman discuss how businesses of any size can drive real change through philanthropy. It’s not just about financial donations—it's about offering time, skills, and creativity to make a lasting impact.

They introduce the "Learn, Give, Do" approach for businesses looking to partner with nonprofits. First, learn about the organization's mission and needs. Then, give recurring donations, even if they’re small, as consistency is key. Finally, get involved by hosting food or fund drives to actively support the cause.

By integrating philanthropy into their core values, businesses can make a meaningful difference. It's not just about giving—it's about building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community for everyone.

Join host Matt Cranney as he welcomes returning guests Becky Menefee and Natalie Damro from M3 Elevate to explore the rapidly emerging topic of Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). Small business owners often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities, and offering health insurance can feel like an added burden. Today’s discussion dives into whether ICHRAs could be the superhero solution for your healthcare challenges or just another administrative hurdle.

Becky and Natalie break down the essentials of ICHRAs, uncovering their benefits and identifying misconceptions. Whether you’re looking to attract and retain talent or simply seeking a better fit for your unique needs, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.