In The Know In The 920

Sometimes the biggest risk is betting on yourself. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Mason Ross of Ross Real Estate Media to talk about his journey from competitive gaming and content creation to building a thriving real estate media business in Northeast Wisconsin.

Mason shares how his experiences with YouTube, live streaming, customer service, marketing, and real estate all played a role in shaping his career. What started as a side hustle gradually evolved into a full-time business, fueled by referrals, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous growth. He opens up about the investments he's made in himself, the lessons learned along the way, and the momentum that's transformed the last several months of his business.

If you've ever considered taking a leap into entrepreneurship or turning a passion into a career, this episode is packed with insight, motivation, and real-world lessons. Check it out!

Creativity has the power to bring people together. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Isiah Driessen and Elyse-Krista Mische of The Cedars Project to talk about their mission of creating a unique community space where artists, musicians, and creatives can connect, collaborate, and share their talents.

What started with the restoration of a historic Little Chute property has grown into a vibrant hub featuring live music, art, gardens, and gatherings designed to foster connection and inspire creativity. Isiah and Elyse-Krista share the story behind The Cedars Project, the vision for its future, and why creating spaces that support community and self-expression matters now more than ever.

From the rich history of the property to the growing creative movement taking shape there, this episode is all about building something meaningful and bringing people together through art, music, and shared experiences. Check it out!

AI is changing the way businesses operate, and Connor Rehn is helping make that future a reality. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Connor of Sunnyverse to talk about his journey from writing song lyrics and experimenting with ChatGPT to building custom AI and automation solutions for businesses.

Connor shares how a simple curiosity about AI turned into a passion for creating tools that save businesses time, improve customer experiences, and streamline everyday operations. From AI-powered phone assistants and appointment reminders to custom software built around a company's unique needs, this episode explores the real-world impact of technology and where it's headed next.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or just curious about the future of AI, this conversation is packed with insight, innovation, and practical applications. Check it out!

Technology can make or break a business. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Alex Novak of Lakeland Care Plus to talk about the growing importance of IT support, cybersecurity, and technology solutions for small businesses. From secure email systems and cloud backups to website support, AI training, and Google optimization, Alex shares how his team helps businesses stay protected and efficient in an ever-changing digital world.

They also dive into the reality that many small business owners end up wearing the “IT hat” themselves and why having the right support in place can save major headaches down the road. If you’ve ever wondered how businesses keep their systems secure and running smoothly, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Check it out!

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the Fox Cities! Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Dale & Diane of Bleacher Media LLC to talk about the journey behind launching Fox Cities Sports Magazine. From years of experience in graphic design and business ownership to taking a leap of faith into publishing, they share the ups, downs, and sleepless nights that come with building something from the ground up.

They dive into how community connections helped launch the magazine, why supporting local athletes and student photographers matters, and how their passion for storytelling continues to fuel the business. This episode is all about creativity, risk-taking, and building something meaningful for the community. Check it out!

Food is more than just what’s on your plate. Kelly is joined this week by Jeremiah McDuffie of the Oshkosh Food Co-op to talk about the real impact of a community-owned grocery store. From improving access in a local food desert to supporting Wisconsin producers, Jeremiah shares how the co-op is making a difference far beyond the aisles.

They dive into the co-op model, new member perks, and initiatives like Food for All that help make groceries more affordable for those who need it most. As they approach five years in business, this episode highlights the power of community, purpose-driven work, and creating access where it matters most. Check it out!

Navigating the mortgage world isn’t for the faint of heart. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Amy Jo Tetzner of Barrett Financial Group to talk about her journey from marketing and real estate into becoming a trusted mortgage expert. From the challenges of getting licensed to closing over 120 deals during the Covid boom, Amy Jo shares the highs, the pressure, and the lessons learned along the way.

She breaks down the difference between mortgage brokers and retail lenders, how flexibility can make or save a deal, and why she’s shifted her business to focus on balance, boundaries, and working with the right clients. If you want a real look behind the scenes of lending and what it takes to succeed in today’s market, this one delivers. Check it out!

From one horse to a full-blown dream. Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Katie Brucks of Lucky Stables to talk about how a passion turned into a career she truly loves. Starting with lessons at a young age and building from the ground up, Katie shares how teaching to afford her own horse quickly grew into a thriving business through hard work and determination.

From buying her first horse at 21 to expanding into a full facility offering lessons, therapy, and competitive teams, her journey is all about following what lights you up and figuring it out along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn passion into purpose, this one’s for you. Check it out!

Turning loss into something powerful. Kelly & Nick are joined by Curtis and Trish Vallier of Battlecorn Global to share the story behind their mission, born from their daughter’s love for giving and carried on in her honor. What started in 2020 has grown into a global movement, sending over 1,400 care packages to children facing unimaginable battles.

From the impact of their warrior pillows to the incredible community that helps make it all possible, this episode is a heartfelt look at purpose, resilience, and giving back. They also dive into their upcoming Gold Tie Gala on August 8th, a night designed to bring people together, raise funds, and support pediatric patients and their families in meaningful ways.

This one hits deep and shows what it really means to turn pain into purpose. Check it out!

Built on tradition and driven by purpose! Kelly & Nick are joined this week by Josh Fuller of Packerland Home Improvement to talk about what it takes to run a family business that’s been around for over 50 years. From its beginnings in siding to evolving into a go-to for windows and doors, Josh shares how they’ve grown, adapted to trends, and stayed true to what works. With a small but mighty team and a hands-on approach from start to finish, this episode is all about craftsmanship, consistency, and doing things the right way. Check it out!