Twin City Tales Podcast

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with John Estrem, CEO of Hammer & NER, for a meaningful conversation about service, humanity, leadership, and the belief that every person is worthy of respect, love, and care.

John shares the story of how he grew up and the values that shaped the way he sees people, community, and responsibility. A major influence in his life was his mother’s example of volunteering and helping those in need. Her actions helped plant the seeds for John’s own path of service and his lifelong commitment to showing up for others.

Wymond and John talk about what inspired him to step into nonprofit leadership, what it took to learn how to run a nonprofit organization, and the lessons that come from leading with both heart and responsibility. John’s journey is not just about managing an organization. It is about understanding people, building trust, and staying grounded in the mission of helping others live with dignity.

This episode also highlights the work of Hammer & NER and the incredible care they provide for adults with disabilities. John shares why going above and beyond matters, why humanity must stay at the center of the work, and how Hammer & NER continues to support people in living full, meaningful, and connected lives.

At its heart, this conversation is about compassion in action. It is about seeing the value in every person, leading with purpose, and building a community where people are respected, supported, and cared for.

If you are interested in nonprofit leadership, disability services, community care, volunteerism, faith in humanity, service-driven leadership, or inspiring stories from people making a difference in the Twin Cities, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch.

Learn more about Hammer & NER:

www.Hammer.org

This episode is powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric, your trusted home comfort experts serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities.

Whether you need heating, cooling, electrical, indoor air quality, water heater, water softener, or home comfort service, Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is here to help keep your home safe, comfortable, and running the way it should.

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website:

https://twincityheatingandair.com/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair

#TwinCityTales #JohnEstrem #HammerNER #HammerAndNER #NonprofitLeadership #DisabilityServices #AdultsWithDisabilities #TwinCitiesNonprofit #MinnesotaNonprofit #CommunityCare #Volunteerism #Humanity #Compassion #Respect #Dignity #TwinCities #PoweredByTwinCity

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Jeannie GO Grimes, author, speaker, founder of The Level Up Leader, and creator of the Level Up Leader movement, for a powerful conversation about leadership, growth, boundaries, service, and what it really takes to step into your next level.

Jeannie shares her story of growing up in Minnesota, attending Spring Lake Park High School, spending a short season living in Arizona, and eventually coming back to Minnesota to finish high school. Her journey has taken her through different chapters of life, including years in corporate America with Medtronic, where she gained real-world experience in leadership, people, systems, and personal growth before stepping into a bigger calling of her own.

Wymond and Jeannie talk about what leadership really looks like in everyday life. This conversation goes beyond titles, positions, and job descriptions. It gets into the choices people make, the example they set, the courage it takes to grow, and the responsibility that comes with leading yourself before you lead others.

Jeannie also shares her belief in consistent philanthropy, volunteer work, and showing up for the community in meaningful ways. For her, leadership is not just about personal success. It is about using your gifts, your voice, and your experience to help others find the courage to move forward in their own lives.

A major theme in this episode is boundaries. Jeannie is a strong advocate for protecting your boundaries, knowing what you are called to do, and understanding that leveling up often requires sacrifice. As she explains through her message, when you grow into a new version of yourself, you may not be able to carry everything from the old version with you. To level up, you may have to release habits, comfort zones, relationships, expectations, or patterns that no longer match where you are going.

This episode also highlights Jeannie’s book, Level the F Up*, which began as an outline in 2013 and later became something she felt called to write and pass on to others. The book centers around Faith, Foundation, and Fortitude, and invites readers to stop playing small, rebuild with intention, and lead their lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

At its heart, this conversation is about becoming. It is about listening to the calling on your life, doing the work, serving others, protecting your peace, and having the courage to step into the next level even when it costs you something.

If you are interested in leadership, personal growth, faith, boundaries, women in leadership, Minnesota authors, community service, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, or inspiring stories from people making an impact in the Twin Cities, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch.

The Level Up Leader Website:

https://thelevelupleader.org/

The Level Up Leader / MetroNorth Chamber Profile:

https://business.metronorthchamber.org/activememberdirectory/Details/the-level-up-leader-4651490

Buy Level the F Up* on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Level-UP-Find-Spark-Leave/dp/B0GS7932DN/

This Podcast is Powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website:

https://twincityheatingandair.com/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Mike Elwell of Ancona Title & Escrow for a conversation filled with family history, business lessons, personal growth, gratitude, and the kind of real-life perspective that only comes from experience.

Mike shares his story of growing up connected to one of Minnesota’s most recognizable food legacies. His grandparents, Rose and Jim Totino, were behind Totino’s Italian Kitchen, a longtime Minneapolis restaurant that became a staple for generations of Twin Cities families. The Totino’s name would later become known across the country through the frozen food industry, with Rose Totino remembered as a true pioneer in frozen pizza and food innovation.

Before Mike found his way into the real estate and title world, food was a major part of his life. He talks with Wymond about his past experience in the food industry, working at Totino’s, learning from the restaurant world, and even starting his own place for a period of time. Those early years gave him a foundation in service, relationships, work ethic, and the importance of showing up for people.

Mike also opens up about his professional journey into the mortgage and real estate industry. He shares how he became a loan officer, what he learned from working with buyers, lenders, Realtors, and business owners, and why he eventually decided that his strengths and passion were better aligned with Ancona Title & Escrow. Today, Mike is known for business development, relationship-building, real estate education, and helping professionals grow through connection, strategy, and trust.

But this conversation is about more than career moves.

Mike talks about a serious health scare that changed the way he looked at life. He shares how that experience made him more grateful, more present, and more aware of the kind of person he wanted to become. After quitting drinking and smoking, Mike began building a healthier life and a stronger version of himself. His story is a reminder that sometimes the hardest chapters become the ones that give us the most clarity.

Wymond and Mike also discuss gratitude, second chances, family legacy, humility, and the value of becoming better not just for yourself, but for the people around you. From the Totino’s restaurant days to the real estate industry, from personal challenges to professional purpose, Mike’s story is rooted in resilience, relationships, and appreciation for the life he gets to live today.

If you are interested in Minnesota business history, Twin Cities restaurants, real estate, title services, mortgage industry stories, personal transformation, health, gratitude, or conversations about what it takes to become a better person through life’s challenges, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch.

Mike Elwell on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/melwell41

Ancona Title & Escrow Website:

https://www.anconatitle.com/

Ancona Title & Escrow on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/anconatitle

This episode is powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric, your trusted home comfort experts serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities.

Whether you need heating, cooling, electrical, indoor air quality, water heater, or home comfort service, Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is here to help keep your home safe, comfortable, and running the way it should.

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website:

https://twincityheatingandair.com/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Grace Lovdahl of Twin City Heating Air and Electric for a personal and meaningful conversation about family, business, community, and what it takes to grow inside a company from the ground up.

Grace shares her story of where she grew up, how she grew up, and the journey that eventually led her into the family business. This episode gives listeners a deeper look at the many different chapters of Grace’s life, the roles she has played inside Twin City Heating Air and Electric, and how working in a family-owned business shaped her personally and professionally.

Wymond and Grace talk about what it is really like to work together as family, including the dynamics, lessons, challenges, and rewards that come with bringing family relationships into a workplace setting. They discuss communication, trust, accountability, learning from each other, and what it means to build something meaningful together while still putting the customer and community first.

Grace has worked in many different parts of the company over the years, giving her a unique perspective on what it takes to serve homeowners across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area. From learning the day-to-day operations to supporting customers, helping the team, growing the brand, and stepping into business development, Grace’s story shows how experience in multiple roles can shape a stronger leader.

This conversation also highlights Grace’s newest position as a brand ambassador and business development leader for Twin City Heating Air and Electric. Wymond and Grace discuss what it means to represent the company in the community, build relationships, create trust, and help more people understand the values behind the business.

At its heart, this episode is about more than HVAC, heating, cooling, electrical work, or home services. It is about people. It is about family. It is about showing up for the Twin Cities community, creating a positive impact, and building a local business that puts homeowners, employees, and relationships first.

If you are interested in Twin Cities business stories, family-owned companies, HVAC service in Minneapolis and St. Paul, women in business, business development, brand building, customer service, community impact, or the story behind Twin City Heating Air and Electric, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch.

Connect with Grace Lovdahl and Twin City Heating Air and Electric:

Grace / Ladies In The Trades Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Ladies-In-The-Trades/61568651291741/

This Podcast is Powered by Twin City Heating Air and Electric

Twin City Heating Air and Electric Website:

https://twincityheatingandair.com/

Twin City Heating Air and Electric Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/

Twin City Heating Air and Electric YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair

Twin City Heating Air and Electric BBB Profile:

https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/blaine/profile/heating-and-air-conditioning/twin-city-heating-air-and-electric-0704-96146082

Twin City Heating Air and Electric I-94 West Chamber Profile:

https://i94westchamber.chambermaster.com/list/member/twin-city-heating-air-and-electric-3972.htm

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Alex Pavlov, a Twin Cities Realtor with Edina Realty, local author, and storyteller with a powerful personal journey rooted in family, faith, resilience, and growth.

Alex shares his story of growing up in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, coming from an immigrant family, and experiencing the different chapters of life that helped shape who he is today. This conversation goes beyond real estate and gives listeners a deeper look at Alex’s upbringing, family background, personal challenges, career path, and the lessons he has carried through each season of life.

Wymond and Alex talk about what it means to serve people well, how life experience shapes the way you connect with others, and why homes are often tied to some of the most meaningful moments in a person’s story. As a Realtor in the Twin Cities, Alex brings empathy, perspective, and purpose into helping people navigate buying, selling, and life transitions.

This episode also highlights Alex’s book, Scars Tell Better Stories, a personal reflection on hardship, healing, memory, and the idea that the difficult parts of life can become the stories that encourage and connect us. Alex’s story is one of faith, resilience, family, service, and learning how every scar can carry meaning.

If you are interested in Twin Cities real estate, Minnesota Realtors, local authors, personal growth, faith, family stories, resilience, healing, or inspiring conversations with people from Minneapolis and St. Paul, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch.

Connect with Alex Pavlov:

Realtor Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Alex-Pavlov-Realtor-61565893163031/

Professional Website:

https://alexpavlov.edinarealty.net/

Edina Realty Profile:

https://www.edinarealty.com/alex-pavlov-realtor

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pavlov-08301331a/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alexpavlov_edinarealty/

Buy Scars Tell Better Stories on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/SCARS-TELL-BETTER-STORIES-MEMORY/dp/B0G8XTX7S1

This Podcast is Powered by Twin City Heating Air and Electric

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric:

https://twincityheatingandair.com/

Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/

#TwinCityTales #TwinCitiesRealEstate #ScarsTellBetterStories

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Mai Miller, a Twin Cities real estate broker, Realtor, investor, and local community voice with Diversified Realty.

Mai’s story is rooted in family, hard work, real estate, and purpose. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping her parents buy a business property that eventually helped them retire — a powerful example of how real estate can create long-term opportunity, stability, and generational impact.

Wymond and Mai talk about her journey in Minnesota real estate, what it means to serve buyers, sellers, investors, and business owners across the Twin Cities, and how her work goes beyond transactions. From residential homes to commercial properties, Mai brings a practical, people-first perspective to helping families and entrepreneurs make confident real estate decisions.

Mai also shares the heart behind The Mai Miller Show, where she highlights business owners, community leaders, and voices from the Hmong and Asian community. Through her platform, she creates visibility for local stories, supports small businesses, and helps others grow through connection, representation, and encouragement.

If you’re interested in Twin Cities real estate, Minnesota business ownership, commercial property, family legacy, Hmong and Asian community stories, women in business, or the story behind a local Realtor using her platform to lift others up, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation with Mai Miller.

Connect with Mai Miller:

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

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

The Mai Miller Show: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZrX0-8F7RrlxEQ9_GuDSYy37pbv4balJ

Book a Call: https://calendly.com/maimiller/1-1-phone-call-with-mai-miller

Phone: 651-468-6963

Email: [email protected]

This Podcast is Powered by Twin City Heating Air and Electric.

#TwinCityTales #MaiMiller #TwinCitiesRealtor #MinnesotaRealtor #TwinCitiesRealEstate #MinnesotaRealEstate #DiversifiedRealty #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #WomenInBusinessMN #MinnesotaBusiness #TwinCitiesBusiness #HmongCommunity #AsianCommunity #TheMaiMillerShow #SmallBusinessSupport #FamilyLegacy #GenerationalWealth #WymondWong #TwinCityHeatingAirElectric

Jamie Ogden joins Twin City Tales for a conversation about sports, family, faith, and life after baseball.

A White Bear Lake Hall of Famer, Ogden was a two-sport standout, earned major basketball and baseball honors in high school, signed to play both sports at the University of Oklahoma, and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 3rd round. He later spent time on the Twins’ league roster before retiring from pro ball, and today serves as Chief Value Officer at Keller Williams Preferred Realty.

In this episode, Jamie talks with Wymond about choosing between basketball and baseball, the family decision that changed his baseball path, how faith shaped his direction, and how he found purpose and leadership in real estate. It’s a great conversation about identity, sacrifice, and building a meaningful life after sports.

Connect with Jamie: ⁠https://kellerwilliamspreferredrealty.com/our-leadership⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-ogden-8675309/⁠

This Podcast Is Powered by Twin City Heating Air and Electric: ⁠https://twincityheatingandair.com/contact-us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Twin%20City%20Tales%20Podcast

#JamieOgden #TwinCityTales #MinnesotaTwins #WhiteBearLake #KellerWilliams #TwinCities #BaseballPodcast #SportsPodcast #Leadership #Faith #Family #LifeAfterSports #minnesota #businessgrowth

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Jordan Davies of Complete Performance for a fun, honest conversation about athletics, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and building a business that truly feels like family.

A Ham Lake, Minnesota native, Jordan’s story is shaped by competition, grit, and a lifelong passion for health and wellness. From her softball career at the University of Minnesota Duluth to helping coach St. Kate’s on its run to the Division III Women’s College World Series, Jordan has built her life around performance, leadership, and helping others grow. Public sources confirm her coaching background, her path from softball into coaching, and Complete Performance’s family-centered approach to fitness.

Wymond and Jordan talk about how sports shaped her mindset, how she and her husband built Complete Performance into a trusted training community in Circle Pines, and why coaching goes far beyond workouts. This episode is packed with relatable stories, business insight, and great local flavor for Twin Cities business owners, entrepreneurs, parents, athletes, and anyone trying to build something meaningful in Minnesota. Complete Performance positions itself as more than a gym, with expert coaching, nutrition support, and a community-focused environment.

Complete Performance: completeperformancemn.com

Powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric

#TwinCityTales #WymondWong #JordanDavies #CompletePerformance #TwinCitiesBusiness #MinnesotaBusiness #TwinCitiesFitness #MinnesotaEntrepreneur #WomenInBusinessMN #HealthAndWellness #SoftballToBusiness #TwinCityHeatingAirElectric

On this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Shawn Hunter, owner and president of Equity Source Mortgage, for a casual conversation packed with great business stories, real-life examples, and practical nuggets for local entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals across the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Equity Source Mortgage is based in Coon Rapids, and Shawn officially took over leadership of the longtime company in 2025, continuing its people-first approach to mortgage lending.

This episode is less about rates and loan programs, and more about who Shawn is—someone who did not find his perfect path in college, chose instead to hustle, earn, learn, and build real-world experience, and eventually grew into the owner of a preexisting Minnesota business. Wymond and Shawn talk about what it means to stay determined, trust your instincts, build genuine relationships, and lean into the strengths that make you valuable. In Shawn’s case, that means being sharp with numbers, understanding people, and bringing clarity and confidence to the work he does every day at Equity Source Mortgage. The company describes itself as “people first,” with a focus on honesty, transparency, and a smooth mortgage experience.

They also get into the value of networking the right way, including Shawn’s involvement in Hops and Handshakes, a Twin Cities-area monthly networking group built around genuine connection, generosity, and a “give 90%, ask for 10%” mindset. It is the kind of selfless business community Shawn genuinely loves being part of, and it fits the way he approaches both business and life. Hops and Handshakes describes itself as a free, community-driven monthly networking event for business owners and professionals in the northern Twin Cities suburbs.

Whether you are a Twin Cities business owner, Minnesota entrepreneur, real estate professional, or just someone who appreciates honest conversations about leadership, networking, growth, and finding your lane, this episode is a great listen.

Equity Source Mortgage: equitysourcemortgage.com

Twin City Tales is powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric.

#TwinCityTales #WymondWong #ShawnHunter #EquitySourceMortgage #TwinCitiesBusiness #MinnesotaBusiness #MinnesotaEntrepreneur #CoonRapidsMN #TwinCitiesNetworking #HopsAndHandshakes #MortgageBusiness #LocalBusinessPodcast #BusinessStories #TwinCityHeatingAirElectric

In this episode of Twin City Tales Podcast, Wymond sits down with Karissa Dunham for a conversation about her journey, who she is, and the different roles she balances in life and work. They talk about family, her path into business development, her role with Sun Control of Minnesota, and what it looks like to manage work and life while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Karissa is publicly listed in Business Development at Sun Control of Minnesota.

They also get into Karissa’s podcast, Shining Light on Minnesota, where she highlights local businesses and shares the stories behind the people building them. Public podcast listings describe the show as one that spotlights hardworking and innovative Minnesota businesses and the journeys behind them.

This episode is a grounded conversation about identity, family, business, and showing up well in every area of life.

Connect with Karissa Dunham: ⁠https://suncontrolmn.com/about-us/⁠

Listen to Shining Light On Minnesota: ⁠https://shininglightonminnesota.com/⁠

This Podcast is powered by Twin City Heating Air and Electric: ⁠https://twincityheatingandair.com/contact-us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Twin+City+Tales+Podcast