Homegrown Hustle

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, we dive into the evolving world of cannabis entrepreneurship with three industry trailblazers Matthew Robidou, Margi Scott, Nate Milstein from the Minnesota cannabis scene. From breaking stigmas to navigating regulatory gray areas, these pioneers are redefining how cannabis is grown, marketed, and consumed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Cannabis entrepreneurship requires resilience – Regulatory shifts can make or break a business.
• The knowledge gap is real – Consumers & lawmakers often misunderstand cannabis science.
• Ethical production matters – The industry is flooded with low-quality, unsafe products.
• Microdosing & functional cannabis are the future – Cannabis isn’t just about getting high; it’s about wellness.
• Education is the key to adoption – The more informed consumers are, the more they trust cannabis as a legitimate solution.`

00:00 - 00:25 | Introduction to Homegrown Hustle

00:44 - 01:04 | Meet today’s guests – Minnesota’s cannabis pioneers

01:04 - 03:30 | From military to cannabis – Matt Robidoux’s journey

03:30 - 07:25 | The healing power of cannabis – overcoming pharmaceutical dependency

07:25 - 14:08 | The business of cannabis – mission-driven branding & ethics

14:08 - 18:58 | The science behind CBD & THC – why sourcing and purity matter

18:58 - 29:34 | Women’s wellness & cannabis – tackling perimenopause, stress & alcohol alternatives

29:34 - 39:02 | The challenges of cannabis entrepreneurship – navigating regulations & market uncertainty

39:02 - 46:18 | Breaking down misconceptions & marketing myths

46:18 - 57:00 | The future of cannabis – balancing innovation & responsibility

GUEST RESOURCES:

Matthew Robidou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093415612745

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raidenlabsusa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raiden-labs/

Margi Scott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570986508094

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viiqwellness/?hl=en

Website: https://www.viiqwellness.com

Nate Milstein

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cannesota/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannesota/

Website: https://cannesota.com/

#CannabisBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CBD #THC #HempIndustry #StartupLife #GrowthMindset #Innovation #Regulations #EthicalBranding #WomenInBusiness #HealthAndWellness #Microdosing

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Gary Kramlich, CEO of Otter Analytics, to explore the power of data-driven decision-making in business. With a background that spans from West Point to the Pentagon to working with manufacturing firms, Gary shares his expertise on how businesses can leverage data to drive growth, mitigate risk, and make better strategic decisions.

For entrepreneurs with a growth mindset, this conversation is packed with insights on how to cut through the noise, find meaningful patterns, and take actionable steps toward scaling their businesses. Whether you're a data skeptic or a numbers enthusiast, this episode will change the way you think about success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Data should drive decisions, not just opinions—know the difference.
• AI is a tool, but human intuition and the right questions still matter.
• Business leaders need to identify and address gaps, seams, and shortfalls.
• Risk assessment is about understanding both the impact and probability.
• A strong business isn’t built on one person—make processes scalable.

[00:00:00] Introduction to Homegrown Hustle and today’s guest, Gary Kramlich.

[00:00:52] Gary’s backstory: From West Point to the Army to Otter Analytics.

[00:02:22] The transition from military operations to business analytics.

[00:05:12] The role of data in decision-making: Opinions vs. evidence.

[00:10:07] How data was used to measure progress in Afghanistan.

[00:14:21] AI and data analysis: What it can and can’t do for businesses.

[00:19:55] The six blind monks and the elephant: How different departments interpret data.

[00:24:08] Identifying gaps, seams, and shortfalls in business operations.

[00:28:02] Understanding business risk: What’s the impact and likelihood of failure?

[00:33:39] The importance of processes: Structured vs. intuitive approaches.

[00:36:51] Lessons from the military: Don’t let your boss’s bad day be your bad day.

[00:42:25] Quick Excel tips that can transform how you analyze data.

[00:46:06] How to prioritize and fix problems within your business.

[00:47:12] How to connect with Gary Kramlich and Otter Analytics.

SUMMARY:

Welcome to Homegrown Hustle, where local brilliance takes center stage. In this episode, host Matt Eickman sits down with Kyle Scott (NorthWing Digital) and Tracy Kelly (Paperboy Marketing)—two of Minnesota’s top marketing minds—to discuss what really drives business growth. From the power of kindness in business to the changing landscape of digital and paper marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.

We uncover why marketing success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about relationships, pricing transparency, and adapting to evolving consumer attention. Whether you’re running a home service business or a digital agency, this episode will challenge your thinking and give you the tools to rethink your marketing approach for 2025.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Kindness pays off: Your reputation in business is everything, and being kind is the best long-term strategy.
• Digital marketing isn’t the only answer: Print and offline strategies still have a massive impact when used correctly.
• Pricing transparency matters: Avoid agencies that can’t explain how their pricing works.
• Test and iterate: Marketing is about trial and error—don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Your business is a puzzle: No one marketing channel should be the entire strategy—diversification is key.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

• Welcome to Homegrown Hustle! Meet Matt, Kyle, and Tracy.

• Why this episode is a must-listen for business owners and marketers.

01:25 - The Power of Kindness in Business

• How treating people with respect pays off in business.

• The importance of long-term relationships in a small market.

• The unexpected benefits of goodwill in marketing and networking.

03:39 - Digital vs. Traditional Marketing: Where Do They Fit?

• Kyle discusses NorthWing Digital’s role in online business growth.

• Tracy introduces Paperboy Marketing’s unique approach to flyer distribution.

• Why print marketing isn’t dead—it’s evolving.

10:23 - The Hidden Pitfalls of Digital Advertising Costs

• Why Google Ads costs are skyrocketing and how it’s affecting small businesses.

• The case for diversification: why relying solely on digital is risky.

• How to blend online and offline marketing for maximum ROI.

17:30 - Pricing Transparency: The Dirty Secrets of Marketing Agencies

• How most agencies price their services (and what they don’t tell you).

• The shift towards effort-based pricing: paying for work, not fluff.

• Why understanding your agency’s pricing model is critical for business owners.

28:00 - Lessons from Growing a Business: The Entrepreneur’s Journey

• How business owners can navigate marketing failures.

• The importance of tracking data and setting realistic expectations.

• Building a marketing strategy for 2025: key takeaways.

41:00 - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

• The one thing every entrepreneur should focus on when scaling.

• Why relationships will always outweigh algorithms.

SUMMARY:

In this compelling episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with his father, Scott Eickman, to unpack a lifetime of leadership insights, personal philosophies, and the impact of a values-driven career. Scott, an experienced corporate leader and father of six, shares his unconventional career path, emphasizing purpose over ladder-climbing, the importance of relationships in leadership, and how fostering a strategic mindset in teams leads to success. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable businesses while maintaining strong personal values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

SUMMARY:

💡 Thinking about hiring in 2025? You might be doing it wrong.

In this power-packed episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Kirstyn Sansom, CEO of Sansom Staffing, to uncover the real state of hiring, staffing, and leadership in today’s job market. From leaving corporate America to building a people-first business, Kirstyn shares her raw, no-BS insights on finding the right talent, leveraging AI in recruiting, and the one hiring mistake that could cost you thousands.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ People over profits. Building a successful staffing business isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about matching the right people with the right opportunities and creating a culture where employees thrive.

✅ AI is useful, but authenticity wins. Job seekers and employers relying too much on AI-generated resumes and job descriptions are losing credibility in the hiring process.

✅ Hiring is like buying a house. If you wouldn’t house-hunt without a real estate agent, why would you try to recruit talent without expert help?

✅ Degrees aren’t deal-breakers. Companies should prioritize skills, experience, and mindset over formal education in many industries.

✅ Candidate experience matters. If your hiring process is slow and unorganized, you’re losing top talent before they even sign the offer.

✅ Hustle = Grit + Willpower. Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about staying relentless in the pursuit of your goals and betting on yourself.

CHAPTERS:

⏳ [00:00] Welcome to Homegrown Hustle – Meet Matt Eickman and the mission behind showcasing local business brilliance.

⏳ [00:44] Meet Kirstyn Sansom – From corporate HR leader to CEO: How she built a thriving staffing company from the ground up.

⏳ [02:10] The Corporate Breaking Point – What made Kirstyn walk away from a high-paying corporate job overnight?

⏳ [05:54] The Hardest Part of Starting a Business – From branding to CRM systems, the challenges no one talks about.

⏳ [07:45] Ice Houses & Innovation – How Kirstyn reinvented hiring with a mobile recruiting office.

⏳ [09:50] AI & Recruiting – Game-changer or job-killer? The truth about AI-generated resumes and job descriptions.

⏳ [12:32] Hiring Red Flags & Resume Lies – The biggest hiring mistakes business owners make.

⏳ [17:38] Remote vs. In-Office Debate – Should your team be hybrid? The real answer from a staffing expert.

⏳ [22:31] Do Degrees Even Matter Anymore? – Why some of the best hires don’t have a college education.

⏳ [30:53] How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market – Kirstyn’s bold approach to rejecting bad clients and only working with businesses that truly value people.

⏳ [36:42] The Hustle Mindset – What it really takes to build a successful business.

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirstyn.sansom

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kirstsan/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstynsansom/

Website: www.sansomstaffing.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Andrew Seifert, an executive sales coach from Southwest Consulting and a seasoned entrepreneur. They dive deep into the art of sales, the psychology of coaching, and how yoga, storytelling, and horses can transform your approach to business.

Andrew shares powerful insights from his time at Oracle, his experiences running a yoga studio, and how he turned financial disaster into a six-figure comeback. If you're an entrepreneur looking to close more deals, refine your leadership skills, or develop an unbeatable mindset, this is an episode you can’t miss!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Sales is storytelling. If your pitch doesn’t tell a compelling story, you’re losing sales. (Timestamp: 23:28)

✅ Your biggest setbacks are your best setups. Andrew’s business collapsed overnight, but his goal-setting system got him back on track. (Timestamp: 11:59)

✅ The best sales scripts aren’t scripts at all. They’re structured conversations that allow for flexibility and connection. (Timestamp: 25:24)

✅ Hiring top sales talent? Ask this ONE question. If they don’t have written goals, they probably aren’t a closer. (Timestamp: 38:23)

✅ Mastering follow-ups is key to closing deals. If you’re not re-engaging leads the right way, you’re leaving money on the table. (Timestamp: 30:40)

✅ Your energy influences everything. Whether it’s sales, coaching, or leadership, your ability to stay calm and present determines your success. (Timestamp: 19:32)

CHAPTERS:

⏳ [00:00] – Welcome to Homegrown Hustle

• Matt Eickman introduces the podcast and today’s guest, Andrew Seifert.

• Why local entrepreneurship and leadership matter.

💼 [01:12] – Andrew’s Journey into Sales & Coaching

• From music business to sales coaching—Andrew’s unconventional career path.

• How he became a coach by accident while training new sales reps at Oracle.

• The importance of storytelling in sales.

🏗 [02:55] – How Oracle Built a Sales Empire (and Almost Failed)

• The shocking story of how Larry Ellison revamped Oracle’s sales team.

• Why hiring 1,000 college grads with no experience nearly backfired.

• How Andrew was brought in to train young salespeople into high performers.

🧘‍♂️ [03:35] – Yoga, Mindset, and Coaching

• How Andrew transitioned from sales to becoming a yoga instructor.

• The connection between breathwork, coaching, and sales success.

• The power of self-awareness in leadership.

🐎 [18:25] – Horses, Leadership, and Nonverbal Communication

• How working with horses teaches trust, patience, and leadership.

• The surprising overlap between training horses and managing sales teams.

📞 [23:28] – The Secret to Writing a Sales Script That Converts

• Why most sales scripts sound robotic and fail.

• How to create a script that feels authentic and persuasive.

• Real-world examples of effective sales storytelling.

🚀 [30:40] – Mastering Follow-Ups & Closing Deals

• How to re-engage leads who’ve ghosted you.

• The “one last email” strategy to turn silence into sales.

• How to use urgency and pain points effectively.

📈 [37:04] – Hiring & Scaling a Sales Team

• The 3 interview questions that predict sales success.

• Why written goals separate top performers from average reps.

• How to build a culture of accountability and self-motivation.

🎯 [45:00] – Final Takeaways & Action Steps

• The one mindset shift that will transform your sales career.

Why personal growth and business success go hand in hand.

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.seifert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwesternconsulting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewseifert/

Website: https://southwesternconsulting.com/coaches/andrew-seifert/

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Gabe Steinberg, a digital media expert, shares insights on content creation for small businesses. He discusses the evolution of content strategy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and understanding target audiences. Gabe highlights the role of social media in business growth and the necessity of engaging employees in content creation. He also explores how businesses can scale their content efforts and the value of collaborating with artists to enhance their marketing strategies.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Content creation is essential for small businesses to thrive.
• Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective marketing.
• Authenticity in content helps build trust with customers.
• Social media is a powerful tool for business growth.
• Engaging employees in content creation can enhance brand storytelling.
• Scaling content efforts requires strategic planning and collaboration.
• Hiring talent can alleviate the pressure on business owners to create content.
• Documenting processes can provide valuable content for marketing.
• Consistency in content creation leads to better audience engagement.
• Investing in quality content creation can yield significant returns.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Content Creation and Digital Media

04:17 Understanding Content Strategy for Small Businesses

10:15 The Importance of Authenticity in Content

12:06 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

18:08 Content Creation for B2B Services

22:14 Scaling Content Creation in Growing Businesses

30:17 The Role of Artists in Content Creation

GUEST RESOURCES:

Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-steinberg-b6320729/

Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/gabe.steinberg.3/

Website -https://greenscreenstudio.rocks/

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/green.screen.studio/?hl=en

SUMMARY:

In this episode of the Homegrown Hustle Podcast, Chris Carr, area manager for Union Home Mortgage, shares his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of company culture, the misconceptions first-time home buyers have, and the emotional aspects of the home buying process. He discusses how business owners navigate the mortgage landscape and the significance of building trust with real estate agents. The conversation concludes with insights on success in real estate and how to contact Chris for further assistance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Chris Carr and His Journey

04:07 The Importance of Company Culture

08:03 Understanding First-Time Home Buyer Misconceptions

12:04 Navigating the Emotional Aspects of Home Buying

19:44 The Role of Business Owners in Home Buying

23:57 Building Trust with Real Estate Agents

32:09 The Key to Success in Real Estate

33:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisCarrUHM/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscarrloans/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscarrloans/

Website: http://uhm.com/ccarr

SUMMARY:

In this episode, Matt Eickman chats with Kathi Schaff, Senior Account Executive at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, about the Chamber's role in supporting local businesses. They discuss advocacy, sustainability initiatives, networking opportunities, and small business resources. Kathi highlights collaboration with local chambers, leadership development, and success stories showcasing the Chamber's impact. The conversation also reflects on challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and economic concerns, emphasizing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving business environment in Minnesota.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Empowering Minnesota Businesses Through Advocacy

03:01 Sustainability Initiatives and Resources

05:57 Connecting Businesses: Networking and Events

08:58 Research-Driven Insights for Business Growth

12:03 Navigating Grants and Financial Resources

14:53 The Role of the Minnesota Chamber in Economic Development

17:53 Advocacy: A Voice for All Businesses

20:52 Collaboration with Local Chambers and Trade Associations

23:59 Success Stories: Real Impact on Local Businesses

47:24 Understanding Compliance Across Business Sizes

49:01 Leadership Programs: Building Business Acumen

51:19 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

55:02 Common Business Concerns: Costs and Frustrations

58:25 The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses

01:02:47 Defining Hustle in Business

01:03:36 The Role of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: www.mnchamber.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mnchamberofcommerce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNChamber/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minnesotachamberofcommerce/

In this insightful conversation, Matt Eickman, CEO of Abra Kadabra, highlights the critical role of tenant satisfaction and proactive communication in pest control for commercial real estate. He explores the importance of building trust with tenants, implementing effective pest management strategies, and maintaining clean environments to prevent infestations. Matt also delves into the value of clear communication in addressing tenant concerns and the need for vigilance in identifying and mitigating rodent issues. This discussion offers practical advice and valuable perspectives on fostering healthier, safer workplaces through strategic pest management practices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Rethinking Pest Control in Commercial Real Estate

08:08 The Importance of Tenant Communication

15:27 Proactive Pest Management Strategies

22:44 Building Trust Through Effective Communication

30:17 Identifying and Preventing Rodent Issues

39:32 Understanding Local Wildlife and Pest Control

GUEST RESOURCES:

Website: https://abrakadabraenvironmental.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbraKadabraEnvironmentalServices

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abrakadabraenvironmental/