South Metro Scoop

The South Metro Scoop podcast is back — and we're kicking off the return with one of the best nights Lakeville throws all year.

Host Brady Greenbush sits down with Mike Puppe, President & CEO of Lakeview Bank and this year's chair of the Taste of Lakeville, to talk about what actually happens when you turn one ticket loose on 35+ local restaurants, live music, and a silent auction — and how a single August evening of eating and drinking your way around downtown has quietly funneled nearly half a million dollars back into the community over the last three years.

Mike walks through the Lakeville Rotary's biggest fundraiser of the year: where every dollar goes, why this year's proceeds are aimed at a new domestic violence shelter, what it takes to pull off a 2,000-person event, and why a local bank president signs up to lead it. Whether you've been to the Taste a dozen times or you're eyeing your first one, this is the conversation that explains why it matters.

Purchase tickets early online: https://www.silentauctionpro.com/onlineticketpurchase.php?groupId=764

Brady from South Metro Scoop covers Hastings’ housing shortage, citing a city housing needs assessment estimating a deficit of nearly 1,500 units over five years (about 1,000 for-sale homes and about 400 rentals).He recaps updates from the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) meeting and outlines projects in the development pipeline:Pleasant Valley Farms (375 homes on 160 acres north of Hastings High School, extending General Seban Drive to County Road 42, by Tradition as developer, with grading possibly later this year and homes by end of 2027), a new phase at Heritage Ridge (40 units), Sunset Hills Addition (26-unit subdivision north of 15th Street near Seas in the Sunset West neighborhood, early application stage), and Walden at Hastings (details pending, land use applications expected within a couple months).He also notes approval of a 15,000-square-foot climate-controlled storage building near Coburn’s. With confirmed counts, the projects total roughly 670 housing units, making a meaningful dent in the gap. The episode also highlights discussion about potential down payment assistance grants, with Community Development Director noting the CDA typically leads housing programs and already provides some assistance. The 2024 community development report includes 36 single-family permits (42 units total), a low lot inventory that these projects could replenish, $24,000 in facade improvement grants to seven downtown projects leveraging $103,000 in private investment, over 80 business drop-in visits, Music and Markets doubling events and partnering with the downtown concert series, and a zoning code review moving toward public engagement.Brady concludes that Hastings is at a turning point and encourages subscribing to the South Metro Scoop newsletter for ongoing updates.

Minnesota just had its best year for traffic safety in recent memory — a 20% drop in fatalities statewide. But Scott County went in the complete opposite direction, becoming the third deadliest county in the state behind only Hennepin and Ramsey.

In this episode we dig into why. We break down what Prior Lake Police Chief Mark Duggan called the iceberg theory of crime — the idea that the 52 DUI arrests his department made last year are just the tiny visible fraction of a much bigger problem. Duggan told the city council the real number of impaired drivers on the road is likely 300 to 400% higher than what officers are catching. And then he proved it by going out on a Friday night in minus-35-degree weather and finding a drunk driver in under 45 minutes.

We walk through the anatomy of a single DUI arrest — why it takes 3 to 4 hours of processing and effectively removes an officer from the street for half their shift. We talk about why Officer Amanda Ley's 52 arrests in 2025 is a legitimately incredible number when you understand what each one costs. And we look at the technology the south metro is turning to — license plate readers in Lakeville, a drone-as-first-responder program in Prior Lake — to try to buy back the time officers need to actually hunt for impaired drivers.

This one isn't really about traffic tickets. It's about how the official numbers we see on spreadsheets might be a tiny fraction of what's actually happening on our roads — and what that means for anyone driving in Scott County.

Ken discusses his unique career transition from recruiting software engineers in Silicon Valley to building custom closets in Minnesota after a period of unemployment.

Ken explains the significant impacts on his recruitment business due to COVID-19 and subsequent economic shifts, which led him to temporarily close his recruitment shop in 2022 and ultimately start a custom closet business.

He shares the challenges and learning curve associated with his new venture, from his first DIY closet project to launching 'Closets by Ken' and later rebranding to 'Minnesota Closets.' Ken emphasizes a client-focused approach with transparent pricing and no high-pressure sales tactics, aiming to bring calm and organization to clients' lives.

He highlights the importance of committing to a new path and learning on the go. 

The episode finishes with insights into how listeners can plan and start their own physical product business.

Check out Minnesota Closets:https://mnclosets.com/https://www.instagram.com/minnesotaclosets/https://www.facebook.com/minnesotaclosets

If you've ever struggled to find boarding for your dog during the holidays or wished there was a better daycare option in the South Metro, this episode is for you. Tony from Houndstown USA joins the podcast to share details about Burnsville's first interactive dog daycare and boarding facility opening this winter.

Houndstown isn't your typical doggy daycare—there are no cages, every boarding dog gets full daycare access, and dogs are sorted into balanced "packs" based on size, age, and temperament (not just thrown together in one chaotic room). Tony explains the "interactive daycare" concept, why apartment owners with dogs desperately need this service, and how Houndstown's pack management approach creates a safer, more natural environment for dogs to socialize and play.

You'll also learn about the themed suites, spa services (including the blueberry facial for tear stains), and why the facility is designed to let dogs be their most authentic selves. Plus, Tony shares the construction timeline, hiring plans, and how to sign up for opening updates and a free day of daycare.

Whether you're a dog owner looking for better boarding options, someone curious about this unique franchise concept, or just love hearing about new local businesses, this conversation covers everything you need to know about Houndstown's arrival in Burnsville.

Connect with Houndstown USA Burnsville:

Sign up on their website for opening announcements and to claim your free day of daycare!

Behind the Scenes of 'Uncontained' with Morley and Nicole NelsonIn this episode of the South Metro Scoop, Brady sits down with Morley and Nicole Nelson, creators of the film 'Uncontained'.

They share insights about filming in Dakota County during COVID-19, the challenges and joys of including their family in the project, and the collaborative process behind the scenes.

They discuss their inspirations, Morley's filmmaking journey, and the importance of local support for independent films.

Additionally, they talk about a charity event for the film's screening at the Eagan Imagine Theater, benefiting Winning Pathways.Get Tickets:

https://givebutter.com/c/Ye3k6oMorley's Social Media:

http://imdb.me/morleynelson

https://www.instagram.com/morley_nelson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@morleymewing

UNCONTAINED:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncontained

Downtown Bicycles - The Heart of Lakeville's Cycling CommunityIn this episode of the South Metro Scoop Podcast, host Brady sits down with Josh from Downtown Bicycles, the family-owned bike shop in Lakeville.

Josh shares the history of the business, which started in Northfield 16 years ago, and the challenges and decisions that led to opening the new location.

They discuss the shop's focus on providing exceptional and personable service, their two main bike brands, Trek and Cannondale, and how they manage different bike repairs, including e-bikes.

Josh also highlights upcoming community events and clinics aimed at educating bike owners on maintenance and safety.

The conversation emphasizes the shop's commitment to maintaining a family-oriented, non-corporate feel while serving their local community.

Downtown Bicycles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownbicycles/?hl=en

Downtown Bicycles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownbicycle/

Their Website: https://www.downtownbicyclesllc.com/

Downtown Bicycles Maintenance Clinic: https://partiful.com/e/7mNeD7fpR9dcQ39FaBMd

Join host Brady for the inaugural business owner interview on the South Metro Scoop Podcast, featuring Rob Satrom, founder of Feedbackwrench—a web design and marketing agency based in Lakeville, Minnesota.

In this candid hour-long conversation, Rob shares his journey from serving tables at Perkins and selling computers at Best Buy to building a successful marketing agency that helps small businesses clarify their messaging and maximize sales. With over a decade of entrepreneurship experience, Rob discusses:

Rob doesn't hold back on the realities of business ownership—from the temptation to let work consume your life to the importance of pumping the brakes with clients to truly understand their needs. He also shares practical advice on building a sustainable marketing flywheel through websites, social media, networking, and consistent prospecting.

Whether you're a South Metro business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to build a local business, this episode offers honest insights and actionable strategies.

Feedbackwrench website: feedbackwrench.com

Feedbackwrench YouTube: youtube.com/@feedbackwrench/videos

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:32 Rob's Background and Journey

02:50 Feedbackwrench: Services and Approach

07:19 Sales and Prospecting Insights

11:38 Customer Service and Experience

19:28 Clarifying Customer Needs

26:49 Starting a Business: Key Advice

31:11 Outsourced Accounting Model Explained

32:12 Challenges in Marketing to Accountants

36:01 Effective Marketing Strategies for Accountants

40:46 Balancing Business and Personal Life

44:51 The Importance of Prioritization

47:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections

55:54 Where to Find More Information

In this episode of South Metro Scoop, Brady highlights new businesses that have recently opened in the South Metro area, covering cities like Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, Rosemount, and Hastings. Key additions include diverse dining options like Tono Pizzeria and Cheese Steaks and Spice Village in Apple Valley, unique health and wellness facilities in Lakeville, and innovative retail concepts in Rosemount. The episode also touches on how these new businesses focus on quality food experiences, healthcare accessibility, fitness and wellness expansion, and community building, contributing significantly to the improvement of life in these communities.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:09 Apple Valley's Culinary Renaissance03:36 Lakeville's Growth in Healthcare and Hospitality05:23 Farmington's Entertainment and Dining Boom06:31 Rosemount's Unique Developments08:43 Hastings' Community-Centered Businesses10:13 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Understanding District 196 Technology Levy: What It Means for Our CommunityIn this episode of the South Metro Scoop Podcast, we dive into the District 196 tax levy vote scheduled for November 4th. This levy, originally approved in 2015, is set to expire, risking the loss of $9.1 million in annual tech funding for local schools. The district proposes increasing the tax rate to cover rising technology costs, impacting devices, internet reliability, tech support, and computer science programs. The host breaks down the financial implications for homeowners and the importance of continued tech funding for modern education. Early voting details and how to vote on election day are also covered. Tune in to understand why this levy is crucial for maintaining and expanding educational technology in the district.

https://www.district196.org/about/techlevy2025

00:00 Introduction to the South Metro Scoop Podcast00:03 Understanding the District 196 Technology Levy01:23 Financial Impact on Homeowners02:09 Importance of Technology in Education02:48 Consequences of Not Passing the Levy03:48 Voting Information and Options04:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action04:57 Recap and How to Support the Podcast