Get Deep Podcast

Tim Johnson: Owner/Operator of High Spirits Liquor and Hooligan’s Neighborhood Pub, cornerstones of Mankato’s local retail and hospitality scene. Join us for a conversation with a local entrepreneur who has spent years creating spaces where people gather, connect, and make memories. Tim shares his journey of building and running successful businesses, the unique relationships that have shaped his career, and stories from his one-of-a-kind team—including a current NHL player who returns to work at Hooligan’s between contracts!

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Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery and iWealth

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Tom Miller: memorial sculptor and owner of Monuments by Miller. Join us for a conversation with a master craftsman whose work is etched into the very fabric of Mankato! Tom reflects on his path as a sculptor and storyteller—shaping stone and legacy alike. As one of the most visible artists in the region, he shares the stories behind some of Mankato’s most iconic monuments, including the Winter Warrior at the Blue Earth County Library and the Buffalo at the intersection of Front and Main. Stay tuned for minute 1:22:20, where Tom recounts his unforgettable trip into an abandoned marble quarry with “Mad Mountain Jim” and the discovery of the very stone used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:

Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery and Community Bank

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Mike McGowan: third-generation owner of ⁠⁠McGowan Water Conditioning and longtime volunteer firefighter. Join us for a conversation with a hometown business owner who’s been keeping Southern Minnesota’s water clean for over 70 years. Mike breaks down his sink-or-swim journey stepping into the family business—navigating generational pressure while carving out a path of his own. From water systems to fire calls, he shares about leadership, responsibility, and serving his community. Stay tuned for minute 1:42:31, where Mike reflects on how firefighting has evolved and how rural departments are finding new ways to work together.

🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors:

⁠⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠⁠⁠ and iWealth 

#GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #FamilyBusiness #AaronJones #WesOtto

Carter Person: co-owner of Cork & Key, and partner in the ATOM hospitality group! Join us for an expansive conversation with seasoned entrepreneur Carter Person. With deep roots in a family dedicated to hospitality and community, Carter shares what it was like growing up in the family business — giving us an honest breakdown of the rewards and challenges of working closely alongside relatives. From catering for the Vikings to unexpected setbacks, our guest shares firsthand industry insight that reflect his career immersed in service, growth, and community. Stay tuned for minute 8:27, where Carter shares the story of one of his earliest infamous moments at family-run Tav on the Ave

Nicole Panko: owner of Ember Wellness Studio! Join us for a conversation rooted in health and wellness - at the heart of our community! Nicole’s entrepreneurial experience extends beyond her current venture, and we were so engaged with how her previous business successes led her to creating the community at Ember. From her own journey to healthier living to the lessons she’s learned from testing her own limits, our guest’s wealth of knowledge shines in this open and honest interview. Stay tuned for minute 48:59, where Nicole shares how she weeds through her wealth of ideas for which concepts to develop - and which to let go

Jeff Holmin: our local award-winning taxidermy expert and owner of North Star Taxidermy! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our guest this week, who shares with us how his appreciation for the natural world at a young age translated into a robust career in taxidermy. Fully embracing a trade (and art form) that most would find difficult to perform, we loved hearing Jeff’s unique perspective into honoring life in all its forms. From his strangest taxidermy requests to the thrill of competition, Jeff is truly an expert in his field! Stay tuned for minute 29:21, where our guest explains the intricacies that go into successfully preparing a large game animal for preservation.

Shane Bowyer: professor of management at MSU Mankato and local community pillar! Our guest this week has an incredible range of expertise in the business sector; overseeing the Northwoods League Baseball Franchise as a general manager, owner of the Sports Institute training facility, and so much more right here in our community. Join us as Shane takes us through his most memorable experiences, and the core mission of service that’s kept him active in Southern Minnesota. Stay tuned for minute 1:44:03, where Shane shares some of his favorite experiences working with the Minnesota Vikings

Tim Huebsch: Solutions Manager of Global Business Solutions at General Mills! Join us for an immersive conversation with a corporate industry leader! From our guest’s roots in rural Southern Minnesota, his early interest in tech, and his quick career ascension, our guest’s engaging manner of storytelling kept us thoroughly riveted. Tim also has impressive entrepreneurial record; his attitude of humility and gratitude has truly enriched our community through board service covering scholarship outreach, sponsorship of the arts, and more. Stay tuned for minute 23:39, where Tim shares his own perspective into the “transformational power of art”

Della Schmidt: President and Chief Executive Officer for Greater Mankato Growth! Join us for an in-depth conversation with a community champion who has built a legacy supporting regional growth. With an impressive record in Southern Minnesota, Della has such a wealth of knowledge for navigating difficult interpersonal dynamics, leading by example, and kickstarting local economies. Her humor and wit during this conversation reminded us just how lucky Mankato is to have her at the helm of GMG. Thank you, Della, for sharing your story with us!

Joe Holtmeier: owner of Holtmeier Construction, Dirt Merchant Inc, and Pentagon Materials! Join us for a winning conversation with a Southern Minnesota community pillar! This multi-faceted entrepreneur takes us through the ins and outs of a legacy in construction. From unexpected collaborations to the responsibilities of a good leader, Joe takes us through his story spanning multiple continents (and industries!) Stay tuned for minute 1:18:30, where our guest shares why the mission of staying local is so essential for his employees