Get Deep Podcast

Charlie Whitaker is the Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Corporation, one of the largest privately owned paper companies in the world, doing $2 Billion Dollars in annual revenue, and employing over 12,000 people across 26 states. Charlie previously worked in accounting, consulting, and customer service roles largely with companies in the midwest, and had over 20 years as an executive in the paper industry before he took over Glenn Taylor's role as CEO at Taylor Corp. 

In this episode, Charlie discusses; his family background, his evolving career path from accounting to consulting and eventually into the paper industry, his path to Taylor Corp, what it's like running one of the state's largest privately owned companies, how he and the rest of Taylor Corp leadership handled a $400 million dollar revenue loss during peak pandemic times, his morning routine, his commitment to the local business community, how he likes to spend his free time, and other personal and business related stories.

Doctor Becca Kall is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in marriage and family therapy. Becca works at Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota where she is the director of substance use disorder treatment and the director of medication services. Becca is a recent graduate of Minnesota State Universities school of education and also teaches part time at Minnesota State University.

In this episode, Becca discusses her journey into the world of mental health, the common issues she sees in her clinical practice, the willingness for mental health professionals to discuss sex, the negatives of social media, her passion for art and creativity, and Aaron and Becca discuss their own challenges with infertility in their respective marriages. 

John Taylor is a native Californian, grew up with wine as a part of everyday life, and received his Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly Concentrating in Enology. Immediately upon graduation, he spent 3 years with E & J Gallo Winery in a number of roles and facilities learning not only the art and science of wine, but logistics and production efficiency. The next 7 years, John grew professionally by co-managing vineyards, crafting estate products, and working with other renowned winemakers from across the country. John joined Chankaska Winery and Distillery in 2018 and is currently their Vice President of Alcohol Operations and Official Winemaker and Distiller.

In this episode, John discusses his path to winemaking, his remarkable experience in industry, and how he came from California to the great state of Minnesota. John also spends time discussing the history of the Chankaska winery, how the distillery and ranch road line came to be, a special release liquor that will be coming in the next 5 years, and his best advice for expanding your beginner wine tasting pallet!

Marcus Taplin is a creative entrepreneur and highly talented cinematographer who has worked with professional athletes such as Lebron James and Russel Westbrook, as well as celebrities like Matthew McConaughey and Guy Fieri. Marcus co-owns a production company currently working on a true-crime documentary and is also a commercial real estate investor in the State of Minnesota.

In this episode, Marcus discusses his upbringing in Fairmont, Minnesota, his first experiences in the film industry, the entrepreneurial chances he took early on in his career, his favorite and least favorite celebrities he's worked with, what goes into the making of a great show or film, as well as his creative ice house rental business in Northern Minnesota.

Evan Taylor is a talented creative who travels the world shooting commercial photography for clients ranging from small independent businesses to fortune 500 brands. Evan's family has multiple Mankato ties, including his grandfather's business the Brett's Store as well as his father Dr. Mark Taylor a well known local OBGYN of over 30 years. 

In this episode, Evan talks about starting his business, the type of clients he's worked with, his epic proposal story, his personal perspective on the Brett's store, growing up with Dr. Mark Taylor as a father, a number surprising ties between Wes and Evan's families, and much more! 

Andrew Boyer-Kern is part of the Mankato famous Boyer family whom owns and operates Jakes Stadium Pizza in both Mankato and St. Peter Minnesota. Andrew is the general manager of the Mankato location of Jakes Pizza, and an avid local competitor at the Mankato Curling Club as well as other tournaments across the region.

In this episode, we dive into the history of Jakes Stadium Pizza, his family roots in the industry, the quality ingredients used in a Jake's Pizza, the transition from the original iconic location to the current modern location, stories from the old Viking training camp days, how the business weathered through COVID times, long term family succession planning for Jakes, Andrew's personal passion for Curling and details about the sport in general.

Najwa Massad is a Lebanese immigrant, entrepreneur, and local political figure. Najwa and her family own Olives Mediterranean restaurant in the Mankato Hilton hotel, Najwa's Catering located in the Mankato Civic Center, Massad's Grill in the River Hills Mall, and sell their world renowned Massad's Schwarma Sauce in retail environments across the broader midwest region. Najwa was also elected the first female Mayor of the City of Mankato, Minnesota in 2018.

In this episode, Najwa tells us about her up bringing both in Lebanon and in Mankato, her first hand experience with civil war in Lebanon, her path to immigration, her opinion on the current political divide in America, the deep roots of the Lebanese people in Mankato, her personal experience as an entrepreneur, and her overall rebellious streak! 

Dr. Jesse Botker is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in arthroscopic minimally invasive joint repair and treating the bone, joint, and muscle needs of athletes and active individuals of all ages. Jesse is an owner/partner in the Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic in Southern Minnesota, an avid fan of Minnesota State Athletics, and big game hunter of all things with antlers. 

In this episode, Jesse discusses how he found his path to medicine, his specific methods for focusing during intense procedures, his passion for MSU sports, his trips across the world to hunt big game, and his personal passion for what he does.

Jason and Shannon Beal, a married duo, are two of the top licensed realtors in Southern Minnesota and owners of JBeal Real Estate Group. Jason was a past owner of Blue Bricks Bar in Mankato and is the current President of the Minnesota State Mavericks Hockey booster club known as the Blue Line Club. Shannon Beal was the past president of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra board of directors and is a pianist who also performs with the symphony. 

In this episode, Jason and Shannon share how they met, Jason's early involvement in Blue Bricks bar, their extensive background in real estate, how technology has changed their industry, their volunteer time specifically with the Minnesota State Hockey Blue Line Club, as well unique personal stories around working together as married couple.

Chris "CJ" Person is best known as one of Southern Minnesota's most prolific restauranteurs. As a principal owner of the Mankato Independent Originals (MIO), CJ and his partners are responsible for 5 operational restaurants, including Tav on the Ave, Number 4, Dinos, 3rd Street Tavern, and Flask. Additionally, MIO also owns and operates Absolute Catering and the Konsbruck Hotel in St. Peter MN. In this episode, we dive into the Person's long family history in the hospitality space, what it's like running several multi generational businesses, the tragic passing of Pat Person, how domestic and international travel impacts the Person's decision making, and how every entrepreneur needs a little magic to be successful.