Professional photographer Melissa Berger shares her journey from film photography to digital portraiture, highlighting the importance of printed images over digital files. She demonstrates passion for capturing authentic family moments and creating lasting memories through portraits that celebrate life's milestones.

• Started photography in high school with a film camera, developing in a darkroom
• Specializes in portrait photography – families, couples, seniors, and pets
• Senior photography captures that crucial milestone before adolescents transition to adulthood
• Challenges the myth that "the market is saturated" with photographers
• Strongly advocates for printed photos over digital-only files
• Guarantees replacement of printed artwork if anything happens to it
• Balances professional work with nature photography while camping with family
• Transitioned from film to digital by returning to school for certification
• Recently attended MARS (Mid-Atlantic Regional School) photographic conference
• Exploring creative techniques like "light painting" for unique portrait effects

Contact Melissa at Treasured Memories by Melissa Anne Photography at 612-817-3065 or visit tmbymelissaannephotography.com

Nina Frazee from Pet Park Boulevard joins us to share her journey in the pet industry and her specialty pet bakery business. She creates custom dog treats focusing on birthdays and special occasions while maintaining a commitment to natural ingredients and pet health.

• Pet Park Boulevard is both an online boutique and bakery specializing in dog and cat toys, accessories, and custom treats
• Nina has been in the pet industry since 2015, starting at Nature's Variety before launching her own business in 2022
• Most products are sourced from small businesses and cannot be found in big box pet stores
• The bakery uses only natural ingredients with zero preservatives and plant-derived dyes
• Nina recommends single-ingredient dental chews like bully sticks over commercial products with preservatives
• Pet gut health is connected to issues like skin problems and dental concerns
• The business is a family affair with Nina's children helping to bake the treats
• Nina's background includes aspirations to be a marine biologist and work in real estate before finding her passion in the pet industry

Check out Pet Park Boulevard at petparkboulevard.com, on Etsy, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @petparkboulevard.

Monica Swanson of MonRoe Business Solutions joins us to discuss how fractional IT services can help businesses manage their technology needs at a fraction of the cost. We explore how business leaders can offload their IT responsibilities to focus on their core operations while ensuring their technology infrastructure supports their growth objectives.

• Fractional IT means hiring experienced leaders part-time (like 25% of their time) for 25% of the cost
• Technology should be a business enabler, not implemented for its own sake
• Most growing companies focus on their core business while technology needs get neglected
• MonRoe Business Solutions helps bridge the gap between current IT systems and future business projections
• Monica brings 30+ years of enterprise experience from global corporations like Thomson Reuters
• Solutions are right-sized for each business, not unnecessarily complex
• Monica approaches IT with a business mindset from her background in both IT and HR leadership
• The "IT party planner" approach: providing strategy while bringing in specialized experts for implementation
• Recently certified as both women-owned and minority-owned business
• Free IT Health Check tool available on the website for self-assessment

Visit MonroeBusinessSolutions.com or email [email protected] to learn how fractional IT services can help your business

MonRoe Business Solutions

Monica Swanson

[email protected]

https://monroebusinesssolutions.com/

We explore the world of "wildlife coaching" with Erin Barry, founder of Live Your Truth Journey. Erin shares her approach to helping people live more authentically by embracing their wild side and moving beyond people-pleasing to create fulfilling lives aligned with their true values.

• Wildlife coaching is a collaborative relationship that empowers clients to fulfill their dreams based on their values
• Common misconceptions include thinking coaches simply give advice or have all the answers
• Unlike therapy, coaching is primarily future-focused on helping clients become their best selves
• Personal growth creates an "upward spiraling" effect where improvement in one life area positively impacts others
• Erin's personal transformation from people-pleaser to authentic living inspired her business
• Defining core values like family connection provides a foundation for better decision-making
• Erin offers wildlife coaching, speaking, retreats, and creative workshops to help others live their truth

To connect with Erin Barry, visit www.liveyourtruthjourney.com, email [email protected], or find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Jake Strunk from River Valley D.O.G.S. shares his expertise on effective dog training techniques and common misconceptions in the industry. He believes in creating a foundation of balanced training that incorporates both positive reinforcement and appropriate structure, emphasizing that your dog's behavior won't change until yours does.

• Indoor mental enrichment activities provide valuable alternatives to walks during cold weather
• Proper puppy socialization means creating calm, neutral exposures to new experiences before 16 weeks
• Training should happen at the dog's pace, not pushing them into uncomfortable situations
• The dog training industry has a divide regarding the use of negative reinforcement and discipline
• Rules, structure, and boundaries are essential components of effective dog training
• E-collars and prong collars can be valuable tools when used correctly
• Jake's three-month leash method: keep your dog on leash both indoors and outdoors for consistent training
• Music and dog training both require rhythm and consistent practice

For dog training services, contact Jake via text at 952-215-8525, email at [email protected], or visit www.mnrivervalleydogs.com.

Sarah Neisen, founder of Neisen Consulting, shares how virtual assistants help small business owners handle administrative tasks without the financial and compliance burdens of hiring employees. Her journey from executive assistant to business owner demonstrates how organizational skills and life perspective can transform into entrepreneurial success.

• Neisen Consulting provides virtual assistance for small businesses needing 5-20 hours of administrative support weekly
• Services include email management, scheduling, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, and CRM work
• Virtual assistants save business owners money on taxes, compliance, and employee benefits
• Sarah once organized an inbox with 9,573 unread messages
• The best virtual assistant relationships require minimal communication after initial onboarding
• When virtual assistants are doing their job well, the chaos never returns to the business owner
• Sarah started her business after reevaluating her priorities following the loss of both parents
• Neisen Consulting employs US-based virtual assistants, ensuring English fluency and time zone compatibility
• Sarah has been organizing things since childhood—alphabetizing her books and CDs at age eight

Contact Neisen Consulting at neisenconsulting.com, by phone at 952-688-6276, or email at [email protected].

Austin Reville shares the fascinating story behind 2 If by Sea Tactical, a firearms and ammunition retailer expanding into a 10,000-square-foot facility with an indoor shooting range in New Prague. His passion for history and firearms education has transformed a basement hobby into a thriving business that connects the community with both modern and historical weapons.

• Business expanding from 700 to 10,000 square feet with an eight-lane, 25-yard indoor range
• Name "2 If by Sea Tactical" references Paul Revere's midnight ride and the American Revolution
• Will feature historical weapons from WWII that customers can actually shoot and rent
• Austin's personal collection dating back to the 1860s will be on display
• Debunks common firearms myths like "AR" standing for "assault rifle"
• Tested and disproved the myth that 3D printers can easily create functional gun modifications
• Originally from Alabama, played and coached college football before finding his calling
• Started as a basement-based FFL transfer business that quickly outgrew the space
• Will be the only indoor range within approximately 45 minutes in any direction
• Emphasizes community involvement and building relationships beyond just business

You can reach out via email at [email protected], visit their website at 2ifbyseatactical.com, or call 952-290-0929.

Jason Olson of Mr. Handyman shares his journey from corporate America to franchise ownership, bringing professionalism and customer experience expertise to transform the handyman industry. His mission centers on providing reliable, high-quality home repair services with transparency while helping homeowners feel pride in their spaces.

• National franchise with local ownership bringing structure and reliability to handyman services
• Background-checked technicians arrive in branded vehicles with clear communication throughout
• Digital documentation with before-and-after photos ensures quality and customer satisfaction
• Transparent pricing model eliminates common anxieties about handyman costs
• Specializes in tackling entire to-do lists in one visit rather than individual projects
• The "Done Right Promise" guarantees customer satisfaction with completed work
• Corporate customer experience background informs every aspect of service delivery

To connect with Mr. Handyman Shakopee-Lakeville, call 952-641-0072, visit mrhandyman.com/shakopee-lakeville, or email [email protected].

Ever wondered if a therapist can actually read your mind or if you need a mental illness to seek therapy? In this enlightening episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, we uncover the truth with Amy Quinn, the owner and founder of Amy Quinn Psychological Services. Amy brings her expertise in mental health counseling to the table, focusing on clients aged 16 and up, including couples. She offers a holistic approach through her biopsychosocial-spiritual model, addressing complex emotions and fostering mental wellness. Amy demystifies common myths and misconceptions about psychological services, revealing that therapy is not just for those with mental illness but also for anyone seeking personal growth, emotional balance, or navigating life's challenges.

Join us as we explore the unique insights Amy brings from her certification in spiritually integrated psychotherapy and her commitment to dignity and respect in her practice. By listening, you'll discover the multi-faceted nature of mental health issues and the importance of considering biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors in one's well-being. Whether you're dealing with stress, grief, or relationship hurdles, or simply curious about mental wellness, Amy’s thoughtful approach could offer the support and understanding you've been seeking. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the supportive role of psychological services in enhancing personal and relational health.

Amy Quinn Psychological Services, LLC
Amy Quinn
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952-204-5008
[email protected]
Amy Quinn Psychological Services, LLC - Counseling

Discover the transformative journey of Marisarah Larvick, the dynamic founder behind MNIV and Beem Light Sauna. She unveils how she transitioned from a demanding nursing career to launching two innovative wellness ventures. Tune in to uncover the real truth about IV hydration therapy and infrared saunas as Marisarah dispels myths and emphasizes their powerful health benefits. From the convenience of at-home treatments in the Twin Cities to creating a sanctuary for self-care in Minnesota, learn how she’s redefining wellness and helping communities thrive.

Join us as we explore the art of balancing entrepreneurship with family, delving into the flexibility and challenges Marisarah faces as a business owner. Her inspiring story illustrates the importance of family values and resilience, as she shares how she stays involved in her children’s lives while fostering a legacy. Listen to her experiences of overcoming setbacks and her excitement for future family adventures. This episode paints a vivid picture of how Marisarah not only manages to build successful businesses but also instills valuable life lessons for future generations.

Beem Light Sauna - Savage
Marisarah Larvick
8160 County Road 42, Ste 400
Savage, MN  55378
952-641-0001
www.beemlightsauna.com/savage