ITR Jake Stechmeyer & Margaret Hotovec, Founders of Native Coffee

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guests are Jake Stechmeyer & Margaret Hotovec, Founders of Native Coffee. Hear all about how these two friends started their business from the ground up! 

 The Leadership Corner (10:00 – 27:00): Todd, Jake and Margaret discuss just exactly how the two friends got their start in the coffee business and what it takes to work together with a friend within a business. Todd asks about the dynamics of teamwork between the two and how they had to figure out each other’s strengths.

The Curiosity Credenza (27:00 – 40:00): Todd, Jake and Margaret chat about their strengths that mirror one another in order to run a successful business. Hear them discuss how having balance among one another helps them support their coffee subscription service. We also get to hear about Jake and Margaret’s efforts in supporting other small businesses.

 The Colors of Life (41:00 –54:00): Todd asks Jake and Margaret the struggles of entrepreneurship and what an average day looks like as owner of a company. Hear how they demystify the hustle culture in entrepreneurship and how they don’t believe in that, however, how they believe in putting in the work that they can when they can. They also discuss how life’s challenges can cause roadblocks but how they each overcome those challenges along the way.

 Advice from the Experts (54:00 – 1:10:00): Todd asks Jake and Margaret what advice would they give to someone starting out in their careers. Margaret advises those to start with something they are passionate about but also make it simple.

 Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guest is Joe Parker, Colorado State University’s Director of Athletics. A good family friend of Todd’s, listen as the two talk about things such as 

 The Leadership Corner (08:00 – 21:00): Todd and Joe discuss just exactly how Todd get his start in athletics and higher education. You can hear the advice that Joe took from his own mentor that helped propel him into where he is today in his career. Joe teaches us the importance of not burning any bridges along the way as well.

The Curiosity Credenza (21:00 – 36:00): Todd and Joe chat about what it was like being a director of athletics of a University during a pandemic. Hear how Joe dealt with adversity in figuring out the logistics that it took in order to maintain health and safety for his students and athletes while dealing with all that entailed with this scenario. 

 The Colors of Life (36:00 –50:00): Todd asks Joe how the dynamics have changed for him living in a social media world. Joe gives the great advice in that you can’t make everyone happy-regardless of how perfect your plan is! Joe gives the advice he gives his student athletes when life gets challenging and how to overcome the obstacles. Joe and Todd also connect on what being a student athlete is really like and how hard it can be to juggle both lives of student and athlete.

 Advice from the Experts (1:07:00 – 1:10:00): Todd asks Joe the advice he would give to those who are sharpening their career and bringing purpose to their life. Joe gives his simple answer that sounds easy does hard-understand yourself before your make a career choice. Joe goes on to say to not be so concerned with statuses in order to continue on your career path.

 Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guest is Lily Newfarmer, a Credit Union “Legend” and the President and CEO of TCCU in Fort Worth, TX. Todd and Lily share some laughs and advice on a multitude of things, including how Lily embraced the challenges and changes that Covid brought her team. Learn how both Todd and Lily still think they’re “cool” by living vicariously through their kids!

 The Leadership Corner (08:00 – 30:00): Todd and Lily discuss how she got started in the Credit Union industry at a very early age of 7th grade as an intern! Lily goes on to tell the story how she had her eye on a CEO role at the age of 25! She utilized her negotiation skills to have the company she was working for pay for some of her education in order to level up her skills. She goes on to tell Todd how one of the keys to being a leader is by truly walking the walk.

The Curiosity Credenza (32:00 – 46:00): Todd and Lily chat about the power of saying “no” and how freeing it can be to do so. Lily let’s Todd know that she’s a firm believer in knowing when its time leave something. It allows opportunities for future leaders and our young professionals. Lily goes on to describe how having a plan is crucial in her strategy, as well as how Covid caused her systems to advance at a much more rapid pace.

 The Colors of Life (52:00 –1:00:00): Todd asks Lily about her team and how they managed to stick together during difficult times. Lily also describes the importance of her family.

 Advice from the Experts (1:01:00 – 1:03:00): Todd asks Lily advice that she would give to those who are exploring their career journey. She goes to tell him that come from a place of ‘Yes’. If it scares you a little, then it’s likely pretty good for you, and to learn as much as you can by reading and educating yourself.

 Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guest is Alex Seidel of Denver’s Mercantile Dining and Provision in Union Station. Todd and Alex discuss all of the fascinating and interesting things regarding food! They also share a common bond of fish-fry’s and supper clubs with their time living in Wisconsin, while sharing the love of the state of Colorado with all the places are unique in their own way.

 The Leadership Corner (15:00 – 28:00): Todd and Alex discuss how he got started in the restaurant industry and how the energy and family atmosphere that the kitchen provided drew him in. Alex tells about how relationships he grew with farmers helped him establish himself in farm to food production. Alex lets us know his philosophy on cooking and keeping it simple.

The Curiosity Credenza (30:00 – 40:00): Todd and Alex discuss how he was able to collaborate with his partners and his stories on the people he surrounded himself with. Alex is fortunate to forge some really good partnerships and lets us know how the people around him helped him be a better cook and even win a James Beard Award.

 The Colors of Life (41:00 –1:00:00): Alex tells Todd how Covid has affected his businesses but how it’s also helped his team adapt to change. He later explains to Todd how he had to learn to ask for help in order to overcome life’s challenges. Later, Alex brags about the team that surrounds him and even teases some new things in the works that more than likely all of the Midwesterners that live in Colorado will appreciate! Alex surprises Todd with some partnership news of his own as well!

 Advice from the Experts (1:01:00 – 1:05:00): Alex and Todd discuss how to follow your dreams and how it’s not so simple to answer without a few hours! Alex gives great advice to keep the doors open when they are opened for you and to not forget which doors helped you achieve success. He also goes on to describe how to find that balance between personal and professional life and just how important that is to figure out.

 Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guest is Jim Nussle, President & CEO at Credit Union National Association or CUNA as it’s referred to in the Credit Union world! Todd and Jim chat about all things advocacy in the Credit Union world, along with some of Jim’s special talents and how Credit Unions have gotten stronger during difficult times.
 
 The Leadership Corner (10:00 – 30:00): Todd and Jim discuss how he listening is one of if the most important ingredient in leading. Jim tells his story on how he came to the Credit Union world and how their story of service captivated him. They also discuss how Credit Unions and public service go hand in hand and how social media is helping younger generations be informed on issues with public service. Jim helps Todd know how CUNA utilizes it’s advocacy and why personal advocacy is best.

The Curiosity Credenza (31:00 – 45:00): Todd and Jim discuss how Credit Unions can pivot in how they tell their story in order to better themselves in terms of advocacy. They go on to talk about specific advocacy issues within the Credit Union world. They also demystify CUNA and it’s culture and what it’s like.

 The Colors of Life (46:00 –1:00:00 ): Jim brags a bit about the people he is fortunate to work with every day. Jim acknowledges that he is nothing without the people he surrounds himself with and how he believes he is a “Chief Encouragement Officer”. They further discuss how Jim is an honorary director of the National Down Syndrome and how he was inspired by his daughter. They also discuss what they look forward to once they can get back together with people.

 Advice from the Experts (1:01:00 – 1:05:00): Jim discusses how being a good listener and learner can help you succeed in just about anything in life.
 
Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guest is Elry Armaza, Custom Research Director at Filene Research Institute, a consumer finance think tank dedicated to scientific and thoughtful analysis about issues affecting consumer financial wellness, the future of credit unions, and cooperative finance. Todd and Elry chat about how it felt moving from a different country to the Midwest of the US, how he got started in the financial industry, how he got his chance at working at his dream job, and how getting data right is critical.
 
 The Leadership Corner (02:35 - 22:01): Todd and Elry discuss how he landed in Madison, Wisconsin-considered the ‘Mecca’ of Credit Unions due to Filene Research Institute residing there. Elry tells his story on how he came to Filene and the importance of the work that the company does for Credit Unions. They also discuss how Credit Unions can leverage their approach to leveraging data, and how Credit Unions can help their members with overall well being.

 The Curiosity Credenza (22:32 – 45:40): Elry and Todd discuss the research findings with Canvas and how Elry and his team defined ‘wellness’ for Canvas’ members. The results that Elry and his team found with Canvas members vs non-members in regard to their overall wellness. How Credit Unions can help members with overall wellness and not just their financial wellbeing.

 The Colors of Life (46:00 –54:00 ): Elry and Todd share their love of all things Wisconsin Cheese! They also discuss other things that make the area of Madison, Wisconsin unique in the United States. They also talk about how Elry and his family have utilized the time of quarantine and how they maintain family nights.

Advice from the Experts (55:00 - 58:18): Elry discusses how to be aware of the problems your company has so that you can provide potential solutions in order to make the next step on your career path. He further discusses ways in which you can better yourself through means of wellness-physically, mentally and financially.
 
Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", this week's guest is Liz Giorgi, co-founder & CEO of Soona, a company centered on providing affordable custom marketing services in a world of stock photography and video. Todd and Liz chat about the good, the bad, and the magical in starting your own company, marketing, and the importance of taking the time to self-reflect and grow.

The Leadership Corner (03:15 - 28:32): Todd and Liz discuss how Soona utilizes technology for its marketing, boosting creativity, and the difference between starting your own company and co-founding.

The Curiosity Credenza (29:32 - 47:25): Liz gets some time to brag about her team, the culture they've built at Soona, and where you should search for your customers. She also shares admiration for her family, the journey that brought Liz to Denver, and the importance of small businesses. 

The Colors of Life (47:48 - 48:34): Liz shares the things she's looking forward to in the coming years, her excitement to travel again, and her love for immersing herself in language. 

Advice from the Experts (49:55 - 52:04): Finally, Liz shares her optimism and excitement for the future, and how they shape her point of view as a leader.

Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", Todd is joined by our newest guest, Cole Gahagan, President & CEO of Learfield IMG College. Cole shares his journey to becoming CEO during a global pandemic, the eight principals of Cole's leadership, and how he turns sports into a job.

The Leadership Corner (04:02 - 27:04): Todd and Cole talk about his journey to becoming CEO of Learfield during COVID-19, Ticketmaster, and Fanatics. 

The Curiosity Credenza (28:20 - 50:23): Cole shares his vision for how he leads his team, the eight leadership principals he practices, and how these principals help shape their culture.

The Colors of Life (51:06 - 53:14): Todd and Cole discuss the importance of family, and Cole shares the secrets behind his hard work and dedication to his career.

Advice from the Experts (54:12 - 59:08): Last but not least, Cole shares some advice on the characteristics to embrace that could you get where you want to in life.

Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry. 

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", Todd is joined by our newest guest, Karen Church, CEO of ELGA Credit Union. Well-known in the credit union world, with over 44 years in the industry, Karen and Todd discuss overcoming change, the story of ELGA, and some insightful information never shared before. 

The Leadership Corner (03:58 - 30:28): Learn where Karen started her career, the amazing journey she's experienced, and what it's like running a credit union in 2020.

The Curiosity Credenza (30:47 - 50:00): Todd and Karen discuss innovation, and how ELGA approached innovation in a global pandemic. They touch on safety, health, and collaboration, and Karen gets a moment to brag about her wonderful team. 

The Colors of Life (50:12 - 54:14):  Karen shares stories about her family, talks about her hero - her husband, and listeners get to hear a little bit of Karen's singing voice!

Thanks for listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.

On the newest episode of "In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry", Todd is joined by Chief + Innovator at Element Federal Credit Union, Linda Bodie. A leader rooted in creativity and innovation, Linda and Todd discuss how innovation drives stronger members outcomes, creating an image for your business, and the importance of communication.

The Leadership Corner (03:00 - 31:39): Todd and Linda chat about Linda's journey to becoming the CEO of Element FCU, what it's like to lead a credit union, and the new things happening at her credit union through the power of innovation.

The Curiosity Credenza (33:00 - 44:00): What does creating a business stand for? Find out the answer and more as Linda shares the importance of communication, collaboration, and friendships.

The Colors of Life (44:50 - 54:33): Linda tells us about the unique instrument she plays, the band she started this year, and gets a moment to brag about her family and celebrate reconnecting with others.

Advice from the Experts (56:12 - 57:24): Don't miss out on some of the great advice Linda shares on how to stick to your roots.

Enjoy listening to...In the Room w/ Todd Marksberry.