Fast Break with M3 Elevate

Nonprofits are essential to our communities, yet they face increasing challenges from funding cuts to shifting engagement trends. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney welcomes Jeff Burkhart, a nonprofit leader and founder of Mission Forward, to explore the state of the sector and how businesses can step up to drive lasting impact. With insights on collaboration, leadership, and community engagement, this conversation is a must-listen for business owners, leaders, and professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.

In this episode of Fast Break, we are celebrating Small Business Week by recognizing the critical role small businesses play in our economy. Host Matt Cranney sits down with Sadie Howell, CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, to discuss why small businesses are more important than ever in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Explore the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the agility of small businesses in adapting to change, and the importance of defining a clear "why" to drive long-term success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a small business leader, or simply someone who values local businesses, this conversation is packed with insights on how to stay future-focused, adapt to change, and harness the power of customer trust.

Nearly one in five workers are leaving jobs due to mental health concerns, and this latest Fast Break episode is more relevant than ever. Matt Cranney is joined by Celie Valentin, Director of the Employee Assistance Program at Family Service Madison, and M3's Jodi Riley, Senior Director of HR, to break down the impact of mental health on today's workforce. Mental well-being isn't just about offering a day off and hoping for the best, it's about creating psychological safety in the workplace. Dive into what mental well-being truly means, going beyond the buzzwords to tackle the real challenges employees face: stress, anxiety, burnout. From the role of mindfulness to meaningful workplace changes, gain insights, practical strategies, and leadership advice on creating a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

In honor of Women's History Month, Becky Menefee, VP of M3 Elevate, takes over the mic to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. Joined by two powerhouse guests—Coreen Dicus-Johnson, President and CEO of Network Health, and Heather Dunn, Senior VP and CFO of West Bend Insurance Company—this Fast Break episode dives into their career journeys, the challenges they've faced in male-dominated industries, and the ways they're paving the way for future generations. From mentorship and mission-driven leadership to navigating work-life integration, Coreen and Heather share insights on breaking barriers, creating space at the table, and finding fulfillment in their careers. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, leadership, and the evolving landscape for women in business.

Tax planning isn't just about numbers—it's about strategy and trust. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney sits down with Brooke Weitzer, partner at Baker Tilly, to tackle the biggest tax challenges small business owners face. Hear how proactive planning, strong advisor relationships, and continuous collaboration can help you make informed decisions, minimize risks, and maximize savings. Just like any great partnership, trust with your tax advisor is built over time. Tune in for insights on laying a solid foundation and why working together year-round leads to long-term success.

Are you leading your business with a short-term mindset or crafting a vision that lasts? In this episode of Fast Break, Matt sits down with Matt Pletzer to tackle the art of goal setting and strategic planning for small business owners. Learn why thinking beyond the next 12 months can transform your organization, how to include your team in a way that truly inspires collaboration, and how to avoid common planning pitfalls. Whether you're building your first-ever plan or revamping your approach for the new year, this episode delivers a simple yet powerful framework to help you lead with purpose and accountability. Don't miss it!

Fast Break Takeover is a special student-produced episode of M3 Insurance's podcast, Fast Break. Hosted by Dax Anderson, Greta Euclide, and Orlando Pino, students from Sun Prairie's Business Leadership Academy, this episode dives into the world of small business success through an interview with Brian Euclide, President of TEC Mailing Solutions. Brian shares his journey of building a successful software company in Madison, Wisconsin, offering insights into entrepreneurship, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of workplace culture. The students ask thought-provoking questions about the challenges of starting a business, managing risks, and defining success, while also exploring the role of M3 Insurance in fostering innovation and safety. The episode wraps up with reflections from the students on the valuable lessons they gained from this hands-on project, emphasizing adaptability, leadership, and the power of real-world experiences. Through their engaging conversation with Brian, the students highlight the importance of perseverance, passion, and taking strategic risks in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success.

Since the pandemic, hybrid work has become the norm, making it crucial for businesses to keep employees and clients connected and productive. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney talks with Shaun Trudell, President of Automation Arts, about how thoughtful tech design can elevate remote and in-office experiences. Effective AV setups now play an essential role in making virtual collaboration feel seamless. Even small investments in AV tech can drive real ROI through better space use, employee engagement, and client satisfaction. We also explore how businesses are shifting focus from where people work to how they work. New tech tools can streamline everyday tasks, giving employees more time for creative and impactful work. Whether you're just starting to implement hybrid solutions or looking to optimize, this episode has insights for businesses of all sizes to enhance team and client connections.

In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney as he explores the transformative power of start-ups and their monumental impact on industries across the globe. Matt sits down with Kevin Little from the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Travis Hedge, co-founder of Vouch Insurance, to uncover how their organizations are fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech ecosystem. Tune in to understand how trust, technology, and community wealth are intertwined in today's rapidly evolving landscape!

In this episode of Fast Break, Second Harvest CEO Michelle Orge and M3's Beth Dettman discuss how businesses of any size can drive real change through philanthropy. It's not just about financial donations—it's about offering time, skills, and creativity to make a lasting impact. They introduce the "Learn, Give, Do" approach for businesses looking to partner with nonprofits. First, learn about the organization's mission and needs. Then, give recurring donations, even if they're small, as consistency is key. Finally, get involved by hosting food or fund drives to actively support the cause. By integrating philanthropy into their core values, businesses can make a meaningful difference. It's not just about giving—it's about building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community for everyone.

Join host Matt Cranney as he welcomes returning guests Becky Menefee and Natalie Damro from M3 Elevate to explore the rapidly emerging topic of Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). Small business owners often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities, and offering health insurance can feel like an added burden. Today's discussion dives into whether ICHRAs could be the superhero solution for your healthcare challenges or just another administrative hurdle. Becky and Natalie break down the essentials of ICHRAs, uncovering their benefits and identifying misconceptions. Whether you're looking to attract and retain talent or simply seeking a better fit for your unique needs, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

In the fast-paced world of small businesses, staying ahead of the competition means mastering efficiency and productivity. Leveraging cutting-edge IT services is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses aiming to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive growth. Imagine a seamless digital infrastructure where every task, from mundane to mission-critical, is optimized and automated, freeing up your team to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. In this episode of FastBreak, Matt sits down with Patrick Hanifin, a Sales Manager at Elevity, a managed IT services firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. They'll discuss how, with the right Managed Service Provider, your business can transform into a powerhouse of productivity, setting new benchmarks in your industry.

In a single minute, more than 230 million emails are sent around the world. For businesses, this massive volume of information highlights how important it is to manage data appropriately. Handling data efficiently helps keep things running smoothly, protects sensitive information, and allows for better decision-making. Good data management boosts productivity, ensures data security, and helps businesses stay competitive.  In this episode of Fast Break, Matt and his guests, Erik Vandermause (Vice President of Applied Intelligence), and Paul Krause (Data and Analytics Manger) explore how data-driven insights can drive strategic choices, enhance operational efficiency, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Tune in as they reveal the power of data in shaping the future of business success.   ________________________ “Data-influenced decision making starts with impact and value. And it starts with looking across the business to find those pockets of trapped value. And finding those is really done through a strong focus on the end user.” – Erik Vandermause, Vice President of Applied Intelligence at M3  ________________________ “There's so many different applications that where data can provide insight that we would otherwise just miss. You can't keep up. You can't spot everything...if you're not using it to your advantage, you're eventually going to miss opportunities. You're going to fall behind and your competition is likely using it.”   – Paul Krause, Data and Analytics Manager at M3       ________________________         Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

In this episode of Fast Break, Matt and his guests, Beth Ridley (Founder & CEO of Ridley Consulting Group) and Alicia Kiser (Vice President of Human Resources at M3), discuss supporting employee authenticity and well-being, and building a work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Tune to learn how to access language and resources you can use to help your work force feel accepted and appreciated. Link to resources mentioned by Beth in this episode: ridleyconsultants.com/resources    ________________________ “It really just starts with a conversation. As a team, what could we all do to make sure that we create that environment where you don't feel like you have to work hard to fit in, or where you feel like you can speak up and share your ideas? Because we really want that diversity of perspectives to lead to better decision making. It helps us all be better” – Beth Ridley, Founder & CEO of Ridley Consultants  ________________________ “Diversity is everywhere, even when you can't see it - introverts versus extroverts, different communication styles - [Be] conscious of… different kinds of diversity… It starts in so many other places, so be conscious about that when you're facilitating a discussion, when you're running a meeting, when you're just interacting with another individual.”   – Alicia Kiser, Vice President of Human Resources at M3       ________________________         Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

A strong brand can evoke emotion, and build trust, familiarity, and loyalty. But as a growing business with finite resources, figuring out how to create a recognizable name for your business on a tight budget is enough to keep you up at night. You need the confidence to build and articulate your brand, and to show up in a distinctly differentiated way in the market. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt connects with Matt Sabljak (President, Partner at SRH) and Julie Redders (Vice President of Marketing at M3) as they share their secrets on how to craft a powerful brand identity, even on a shoestring budget. Tune for practical ways to make your brand stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank.  ________________________ “Brand is what anybody thinks of [you], it's not just a name and a logo… Here's who we are. Here's why we're valuable. Here's what we can do for you. Here's why you want to remember us and work with us.”   – Julie Redders, Vice President of Marketing at M3       ________________________       “A brand is the ultimate defense because while products can change rapidly, technology can change rapidly - what doesn't change rapidly is what people have in their brains, in their minds.” – Matt Sabljak, President, Partner at SRH  ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

In building a successful business, it's essential to create sustainable HR processes that comply with regulations and best practices. But this can be overwhelming, and staying current is challenging. You don't have to do it alone, though. By getting the right people and partners on board for HR tasks, you can get back to focusing on growing your business. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt is joined by Jessica Subach (Client Solutions Manager) and Mike Beringer (HR Manager) from The Employer Group to discuss proactive strategies and practical tips for navigating the ever-changing HR landscape and building a secure foundation for your company's future. Whether you're a lean startup or part of a well-established larger company, tune in for valuable HR insight!  ________________________ “Don't forget the small things that make a big difference in HR: find ways to inspire across the organization, be present within the organization, create an open door policy to establish or develop trust within the organization, and think strategically to align HR to the organization's goals”   –  Jessica Subach, Client Solutions Manager at The Employer Group       ________________________       “When you find an opportunity. Whether it's policies or anything else, be willing to adapt.” –  Mike Beringer, HR Manager at The Employer Group  ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

As you navigate the ups and downs of running a small business, hitting those moments where things seem to stand still is totally normal. That's where having the right coaches becomes a game-changer for your success. These coaches can give you fresh perspectives, help you dodge common pitfalls, and make the journey to business growth a whole lot smoother.  On this episode of Fast Break, Matt is joined by Brent & Kate Halfwassen, owners of Halfwassen & Associates, LLC and MKEbusinesscoach.com to discuss the importance of having coaches in your corner to help you navigate the path of growing your business.  _______________________ “Seeing the whole picture is difficult. You're in the trenches. You're doing the thing. You're working hard...  we can see the whole field a little bit better for [you]. And… highlight aspects that maybe [you've} downplayed…  We are not just teaching the how to's and the tactical pieces, we are helping to deconstruct some things that are going on in the head that are wrong… So then [you] can see clearly and really understand [your] worth and value.”   –  Brent Halfwassen, Owner of Halfwassen & Associates, LLC  ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

It's clear gener8tor – a nationally ranked venture capital firm and accelerator that brings together startup founders, investors, corporations, job seekers, universities, musicians, and artists – is on the move and deeply connected to the world of small and growing businesses. They envision communities achieving measurable and transformational growth through programming that enables equitable access and opportunity.  On this episode of Fast Break, Matt is joined by Joe Kirgues, co-founder and managing director of gener8tor. They discuss ways the community can catalyze investments in local talent, the importance of mutual support among business owners, and strategic investment approaches for new and growing businesses to ensure future growth.   _______________________ “We have this belief that opportunity is everywhere. It's born proportionately equally in every community and yet the opportunity to connect with capital with investment, with customers, isn't distributed everywhere. So how can we use our platform to bridge that gap? Across race, place and gender, we've tried to be as diverse as the communities we serve.”   –   –  Joe Kirgues, Co-Founder & Managing Director of gener8tor   ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Working collaboratively with local non-profits, businesses, community leaders, donors, and volunteers can solve big picture issues that no one person or organization can address alone.  On this episode of Fast Break, Matt is joined by Renee Moe, CEO of United Way of Dane County to talk about why, as a small and growing business owner, you should be  thoughtful about your philanthropic strategy and the impact that your organization's giving can have on the community. Your involvement in building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community creates an environment where your business can thrive.     "When people have the experience, and exposure, and leadership courage to help partner and lead change, I think that is a way that we can help empower small and growing businesses to not only become stronger leaders in their own businesses, but become stronger leaders in our communities.”    –  Renee Moe, CEO of United Way of Dane County   ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

As rising claim costs result in increasing volatility throughout the market, personal insurance lines such as home, auto, and umbrella coverage are impacted as well.  On this episode of Fast Break, Matt is joined by Jennifer Vanderlip, Amy Schroeder, and Kim Nichols from the M3 Elevate team for a personal insurance conversation. They discuss factors impacting the market today, including severe weather events, increasing car repair costs, and the rising cost of medical care. Tune in to learn what all this means for the future of the personal insurance market.  "Insurers will likely start adding mitigation requirements on a consistent basis... from an eligibility perspective, you might start seeing them request things like water shutoff valves in order to qualify.”    - Jennifer Vanderlip, Personal Lines Lead with M3 Elevate  ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

It's open enrollment time for Individual Health plans. As a small business owner, you may have employees who need to shop the marketplace for a variety of reasons. However, the Individual Health Marketplace can be confusing to navigate. With all the different plan options out there, how can your employees know that they are choosing the best plan to fit their needs?    On this episode of Fast Break, Matt is joined by Natalie Damro, an account executive on the M3 Elevate team who specializes in individual health. Matt and Natalie cover guidance for individuals across the employment spectrum whether someone's retiring early, a 1099 employee, or experiencing a gap in employment. Tune in to learn how Natalie works to simplify the complicated marketplace so you and your employees can feel confident in choices regarding individual health plans.  ________________________ “Most individuals out there are scared of health insurance and kind of everything that it brings to the table. Most people don't have that resource and to ask the hard questions to or don't feel comfortable doing so. And that's what I'm here for.”    - Natalie Damro, Account Executive for Individual Health with M3 Elevate ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

The Medicare space can often be confusing or overwhelming to people. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt has invited four members of the M3 Elevate Medicare team – Virginia Van Haren, Jason Haglund, Rachel Hug, and David Schuebel – whose every day focus is helping businesses and individuals navigate the complex world of Medicare.   In this conversation with Matt, these four Medicare professionals share their insights and wisdom on the best ways to grow and protect your business by having good insights about and a practical strategy for the Medicare program. As an employer, you will come away with practical advice that you can offer anyone at or approaching the eligibility age as we head into the 2024 open enrollment season. ________________________ “In the world of small business, [you] may not have a large HR team. [You] may not have access to the information on Medicare, and I think one of our jobs is to make sure that we're educating [your] team as well as [your] employees.”    - Virginia Van Haren, Medicare Lead with M3 Elevate ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

When employees are healthy, they're more productive, more engaged, and less likely to miss work. On this Fast Break, Matt welcomes Tyler Stuntebeck, M3's population health and wellbeing manager and Euan Findlater, general manager and personal trainer at CrossFit Mojo - two experts who are dedicated to employee health and its impact in creating a thriving workplace.  Tyler, Euan, and Matt delve into how investing in and supporting your employees in attaining their basic wellness needs can lead not only to a reduction in chronic disease among your employee population, but an increase employee productivity, satisfaction, and loyalty.  ________________________ “Everything is so interconnected and I think we've realized that if we are supporting our health, our fitness, we can see direct benefits in the workplace.”    - Euan Findlater, CrossFit Mojo ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Our working environments have undeniably shifted over the past decade. In an increasingly hybrid working model, does your business space matter? We've invited Tim Cleary, Executive Vice President at Ideal Builders to Fast Break for a conversation on how your physical space can impact the overall success of your business. Tim and Matt discuss how the lines between business, home, and recreational spaces have blurred in our post-COVID world, if we were on this trajectory pre-pandemic, and what it all really means for you and your business as you look to attract and retain top talent.    ________________________ “People are less afraid [to say], ‘Our brand is one of excellence and our space is going to match that. Why? Because we're going to recruit the best talent and we expect to attract the type of customers that are looking for the best.' ”   - Tim Cleary, Ideal Builders ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

This episode of Fastbreak features Neil Peters-Michaud, Founder and CEO of Cascade Asset Management, discussing an aspect of business that has been far too long neglected: the retirement of old IT equipment. Neil explains the importance of properly retiring your old equipment to ensure your business is remaining secure and sustainable. Not only will you gain practical knowledge on retiring old IT equipment to ensure your business is safe from a data breach, but you will also learn why you should reevaluate your values regularly, the importance of continuous education, and why outsourcing is sometimes necessary. Resources Cascade Asset Management: https://cascade-assets.com Certified Electronics Recyclers: https://www.epa.gov/smm-electronics/certified-electronics-recyclers e-Stewards: https://e-stewards.org R2: https://sustainableelectronics.org ________________________ “I think the thing we're doing successfully at Cascade is being true to what we know how to do, understanding when we need to go out and bring more talent to help us.”  - Neil Peter-Michaud, Cascade Asset Management ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

We're living in uncertain economic times, but where are we headed, and how can small businesses protect themselves? The media doesn't always provide accurate information or sound counsel. That's why we've invited Corey Chambas, President & CEO at First Business Financial Services, Inc., to give us the facts. Corey breaks down everything from what's happening with the banking crisis, why it's happened, if we should be worried about our own banks, and what to do moving forward to ensure we're safe and secure. Corey provides practical advice on how to be consistent, calm, and ready amidst the economic crisis. ________________________ “This recession has been forecasted for a long time, everyone's seen it coming... but that doesn't mean things have to get worse for a given business. It depends on how you react to the situation. Did you prepare and plan? And can you play offense when others are playing defense?”  - Corey Chambas, First Business Financial Services, Inc. ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

As a small business owner, tax season can be daunting; but it doesn't have to be! In this episode of The Fast Break, we break down what can sometimes seem like an overwhelming topic into actionable steps toward a more profitable tax season this year and for years to come. Chase Inda, Tax Partner at Baker Tilly, has worked at Baker Tilly since 2006 and while you may have never heard the words “passion” and “taxes” strung together in a sentence before, it surely reigns true with Chase. His passion is clear as he shares the wisdom he's learned over the years and supplies tactics for small businesses during tax season. Throughout the episode, Chase discusses actionable items such as minimizing payroll taxes and maximizing deductions, and he touches on some of those confusing acronyms like “ERC” and “PPP” and how they affect your business. So, tune in “now, for tomorrow.” ________________________ “Now, make sure your foundation is set in the current and be ready to change. We are in a world that–even in the tax code world and even more so for business owners–change is immediate. Tomorrow is really the right narrative.”  - Chase Inda, Tax Partner at Baker TIlly ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

In today's episode, we're joined by M3 Elevate team members James VanBuskirk, Starie Thompson, Jennifer Vanderlip, and Virginia Van Haren. The team shares their insights and experiences on a variety of topics from business insurance, employee benefits, personal lines, and Medicare. The team provides real stories from real businesses employing effective offensive and defensive tactics, and discuss the strategies your business should implement in 2023 to optimize growth and protection. __________________ Timestamps: Setting up the defense you actually need–not what you thought you needed 00:00 A special giveaway 01:52 M3 Elevate Team introductions 03:20 Business growth through offensive strategies 03:44 The importance of disability insurance 04:48 Signs your current insurance broker isn't working for you 06:43 How to address Medicare questions 07:41 Forward-thinking coverage for your business 09:25 Business protection through defensive strategies 09:40 The importance of benefits in regard to retention 11:11 The defense you think you need versus the one you actually need 12:59 Where to send employees that are retiring 14:08 Creating the right insurance plan for your business 16:30 The best insurance advice for your business in 2023 16:58 Using employee benefits to set your business apart  17:22 Doing your research so you know what's out there and what exactly you need 18:11 2023 70 million 65+ Medicare 18:55 The importance of cyber coverage 20:00 The Fastest Break ________________________ “What we'll typically do for playing defense is incorporate that offense as well. We'll talk through your company... the setup, what your ownership structure looks like... what does your typical year–or month or day or week– look like, and then build a program... to address everything, it's going to address all of the risks, not just what you currently have or not just what your contracts say." - James VanBuskirk, Account Executive & M3 Elevate Business Insurance Lead ________________________ Fast Break is hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate

Today's episode is a special one. Not only are we featuring a giveaway, but get some great advice about being a responsible business leader from Matt Neumann, Chief Executive Officer at Neumann Companies, Inc. If you're a business owner or manager looking to make an impact, this episode is for you. As a second-generation family business owner, Matt is committed and recognizes the long-term approach to business growth and investment. Matt was awarded 40 under 40 by the Business Journal, Professional Builder, and Midwest Renewable Energy News, and was recently awarded the Wisconsin Way Future Leader of the Year. Throughout the episode, Matt shares insight on what has made him a successful leader, from the top attribute a leader needs to have to the steps business leaders need to take in their businesses to stay relevant. ________________________ “A sustainable business is also one that's giving back from the profit it earns." - Matt Neumann, CEO - Neumann Companies, Inc. ________________________ Fast Break is hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate

Jason Ilstrup, President at Downtown Madison Inc., joins us to share the benefits of a thriving downtown–both for businesses and individuals alike. Members of a downtown community (whether as a business or as an individual) can stand to gain a lot from this episode. Jason shares two real-life examples of businesses that effectively use his two favorite offensive strategies: creating a unique experience and using omnichannel techniques. And he discusses powerful questions business owners need to ask themselves as they prepare their defensive strategy such as, “How do we survive now to thrive in the future?” Jason will also cover the four pillars of a prosperous downtown, the benefits of a thriving downtown, and how members of the community can contribute and benefit from their own downtown. ________________________ “Successful downtowns are all about people. They're about people living here, working here, playing here, visiting here from other cities. Downtowns are a place where people connect, where they socialize, where they do work and that is the network effect.”  - Jason Ilstrup, Downtown Madison, Inc. ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate  

Laura Gallagher, Founder and President of The Creative Company and the author of #180in120 - How to Recharge Your Business in 120 Days, leads one of Madison's most respected PR and digital agencies. Having launched the Creative Company in 1989, Laura has a ton of experience marketing for businesses and was recently awarded IB Madison's Dane County Small Business of the Year in 2022. In this episode, Laura shares her wisdom by telling us the offensive and defensive strategies her business uses to stay relevant. She'll teach you how to deliver a compelling story to your audience, how marketing has evolved, and what you need to do to be effective with your marketing strategies in 2023. ________________________ “You have to think about it from their perspective, not from your own perspective. What would you want to know? If you didn't know anything about your brand, what would you need to know? What would be most important? What would be compelling? What would make you want to step into that story and make a call or find out more?”  - Laura Gallagher, The Creative Company ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Keegan Meuer, owner and manager of the iconic State Street Brats in Madison, joins us to discuss the rollercoaster that is owning a business. Though difficult and frustrating at times, ultimately, it can be extremely rewarding. Throughout Fast Break, we've heard some really great insights into the offensive and defensive strategies of owning a business, but we have to say that Keegan shares some of our favorite defensive tactics. Managing a restaurant comes with unique twists and turns on its own, but adding a pandemic to the mix certainly can throw a wrench into things if you let it. In this episode, Keegan joins us to share his three keys to staying successful amidst adversity. Starting from the bottom and building up (2:24) Taking risks to grow and stay relevant (4:16) Staying consistent and moving forward (7:20) ________________________  “I just try to think of a little bit every day, moving in the right direction, moving forward in a ‘no days off' mentality. It doesn't have to be 100 miles an hour every single day, but just continue to move the ball forward little by little.” - Keegan Meuer, State Street Brats ________________________ Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Zach Brandon, President of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Matt Cranney, sit down to discuss the importance of supporting small and growing businesses. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce aims to help companies to play both offense and defense by providing the resources they wouldn't otherwise have. Throughout the episode, Zach provides real-life examples of businesses that have played offense and defense effectively; and how others can too. One of these critical insights is at the core of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: BEAM (brand, economy, advocacy, and members), an acronym Zach explains in the episode to help you unlock a greater growth mindset. “If you think of soccer as sort of a metaphor for life or business. You're watching the ball move sideways or backwards. It always isn't just a press. You're not always just pushing the ball forward you're moving the ball in different directions because you're trying to create space you looking for openings are looking for opportunity I think that to me that's the growth mindset, it's a movement mindset, less of a straightforward mindset.” - Zach Brandon, President, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Now more than ever, it's critical to find and retain quality talent. But it's more than that; you must also sustain demands, be efficient, engage, and meet goals. But as many of us know, this is easier said than done. That's why we've invited Business Psychologist and Co-founder of Ascend Talent Strategies, Julie Unite, to discuss finding and retaining talent. Ascend Talent Strategies is an organization that helps businesses "harness the power of people," And in this episode, Julie shares just how to do that. Julie and Matt dive into what it means to find quality talent, including the changes to finding and retaining talent post-covid, the importance of culture, and ultimately how to find a good culture fit for your company. “Move away from having a transactional relationship with your talent… You really need to tap into ‘what are the needs of the individual?' and then ‘what are the needs of the company?' and ‘how can you find the happy medium there?'”  - Julie Unite, PhD, Ascend Talent Strategies Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Joe Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer at Vortex Optics, joins us for part two of our conversation with him. In this episode, Joe covers the importance of the core values behind Vortex Optics, and how customer satisfaction is everything when it comes to managing a successful business. So tune in to learn how to make your customer the hero. Vortex Optics is a family-owned and operated business determined to change the status quo by putting customers at the center of everything they do. If you haven't heard part one, check it out to learn about the origin story of Vortex®, advice for those working for a family business, and the calculated risks businesses should take to stay relevant. “Don't hire people & train your core values into them. Hire people who already have them. You will be better for it, your people will be better for it, they'll thank you - and your organization will run a lot smoother.” – Joe Hamilton, Vortex Optics Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Joe Hamilton is the Chief Executive Officer at Vortex Optics, a manufacturer of optical equipment for hunting, wildlife watching, outdoor recreation, shooting sports, and law enforcement. Vortex® is a family-owned and operated business that is determined to change how business is done by putting customers at the center of everything they do. In this episode, part one of two, Joe covers the origin story of Vortex®, advice for those who work for a family business, and the calculated risks a business should take to stay relevant. Joe provided so much powerful insight about building a successful business around strong values and great advice about navigating said business that we split it into two parts. Stay tuned; part two is coming soon! “If it's not a big risk, or a risk that's not irreversible go do it. Try it! You'll get an insight, and it's always better to gain insight that's been tested in the market.” – Joe Hamilton, Vortex Optics Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Richie Burke, Founder and CEO of GoGeddit Marketing and Media (GGMM), joins us to discuss marketing strategies that will help set your business apart from the competition. Throughout the episode, Richie shares valuable insight on standing out in "this seas of sameness" and his number one offensive and defensive recommendations. When it comes to offensive marketing, it's vital companies find ways to differentiate themselves, learn and stay on top of things, and don't be afraid to try new things and fail because when you fail, you learn. And when it comes to defensive strategies, Richie states it's important to hire help–even if they're non-revenue generating positions. By hiring out the jobs you don't excel at, you free yourself to do what you're great at. “The best product doesn't always win; it's the product that resonates most with your target audience--that they can understand the best, that cuts through the clutter. Sometimes we need to be different and take a stand in your marketing and messaging in order to do that.” – Richie Burke, GGMM Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

If you're interested in becoming the best version of yourself, this episode is for you. In this episode, we're joined by Chad McGhee, Director of Meditation Training at UW Athletics and Co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation, to discuss mindfulness's impact on performance. You can't always control your environment, but you can prepare for whatever may be thrown your way by practicing mindfulness. Chad shares insight into how the skills of greater focus and connecting more skillfully with oneself and others are fundamental to success and how you can apply them to your everyday life. Whether you're leading a team on the court or in the office, practicing mindfulness will help you become a better leader. “If we're not present - if we're lost in the future, if we're lost in the past - well, then we have zero chance of being able to discern what's important now. First, we've got to get present.” – Chad McGehee Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

Matt Pletzer is the owner of Lift Consulting, a boutique consulting firm in Madison that helps businesses solve complex challenges and thrive by developing and motivating their people. One of Matt's strategies on offense is to ask tough questions and do the work that needs doing. On defense, Matt says it's important to be agile, think a little differently, and pay attention. “One of the best defensive strategies is to make sure you're paying attention to the people who helped you build what you have.” – Matt Pletzer Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.  

Matt Sabljak, the “S” in SRH Marketing, is the President and Partner of a growing, full-service agency headquartered in Milwaukee. In this episode, Matt talks about the work he and his team put in even before the pandemic that allowed SRH Marketing to grow during these unprecedented times. “When it comes to accountability, it's a horizontal, every-direction web. It's not looking up to leaders, it's looking to each other. That's who you show up to work for.” - Matt Sabljak Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.