Get Deep

Nicole Panko: owner of Ember Wellness Studio! Join us for a conversation rooted in health and wellness - at the heart of our community! Nicole's entrepreneurial experience extends beyond her current venture, and we were so engaged with how her previous business successes led her to creating the community at Ember. From her own journey to healthier living to the lessons she's learned from testing her own limits, our guest's wealth of knowledge shines in this open and honest interview. Stay tuned for minute 48:59, where Nicole shares how she weeds through her wealth of ideas for which concepts to develop - and which to let go

Jeff Holmin: our local award-winning taxidermy expert and owner of North Star Taxidermy! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our guest this week, who shares with us how his appreciation for the natural world at a young age translated into a robust career in taxidermy. Fully embracing a trade (and art form) that most would find difficult to perform, we loved hearing Jeff's unique perspective into honoring life in all its forms. From his strangest taxidermy requests to the thrill of competition, Jeff is truly an expert in his field! Stay tuned for minute 29:21, where our guest explains the intricacies that go into successfully preparing a large game animal for preservation.

Shane Bowyer: professor of management at MSU Mankato and local community pillar! Our guest this week has an incredible range of expertise in the business sector; overseeing the Northwoods League Baseball Franchise as a general manager, owner of the Sports Institute training facility, and so much more right here in our community. Join us as Shane takes us through his most memorable experiences, and the core mission of service that's kept him active in Southern Minnesota. Stay tuned for minute 1:44:03, where Shane shares some of his favorite experiences working with the Minnesota Vikings

Tim Huebsch: Solutions Manager of Global Business Solutions at General Mills! Join us for an immersive conversation with a corporate industry leader! From our guest's roots in rural Southern Minnesota, his early interest in tech, and his quick career ascension, our guest's engaging manner of storytelling kept us thoroughly riveted. Tim also has impressive entrepreneurial record; his attitude of humility and gratitude has truly enriched our community through board service covering scholarship outreach, sponsorship of the arts, and more. Stay tuned for minute 23:39, where Tim shares his own perspective into the “transformational power of art”

Della Schmidt: President and Chief Executive Officer for Greater Mankato Growth! Join us for an in-depth conversation with a community champion who has built a legacy supporting regional growth. With an impressive record in Southern Minnesota, Della has such a wealth of knowledge for navigating difficult interpersonal dynamics, leading by example, and kickstarting local economies. Her humor and wit during this conversation reminded us just how lucky Mankato is to have her at the helm of GMG. Thank you, Della, for sharing your story with us!

Joe Holtmeier: owner of Holtmeier Construction, Dirt Merchant Inc, and Pentagon Materials! Join us for a winning conversation with a Southern Minnesota community pillar! This multi-faceted entrepreneur takes us through the ins and outs of a legacy in construction. From unexpected collaborations to the responsibilities of a good leader, Joe takes us through his story spanning multiple continents (and industries!) Stay tuned for minute 1:18:30, where our guest shares why the mission of staying local is so essential for his employees

Jim & Lauren Parejko - owners of LocAle Brewing Company! Join us for an engaging conversation with this husband-and-wife entrepreneurial team! With craft brewing on the rise, our guests this week offer incredible insider expertise into the local market and common misconceptions regarding the industry. Navigating family and business is no small feat, and we loved hearing how Jim and Lauren have found that essential balance! Stay tuned for minute 1:34:01, where Jim shares one of his favorite aspects of winning home brew competitions (hint: it's not the accolades!)

Matt Sharping - owner of Phenom Genetics Inc, co-owner of Sankey Pro Rodeo, and connoisseur of all things rodeo! Join us for a wild ride this week with our champion guest Matt Sharping. From authentic living to entrepreneurship, Matt takes us through his transformative journey into all aspects of the world of bull-raising (and riding!). What started as a random bid on a single heifer has turned into a full-time lifestyle for our guest. For anyone interested in the country and cowboy lifestyle, this one is for you! Stay tuned for minute 1:04:10, where Matt explains what makes rodeo bulls so unique in the way in which they approach the arena.

April Graff: dietitian and author! Join us for an engaging conversation with our new favorite nutritional expert. Our guest this week has a wealth of experience in the heath and wellness arena. With a focus on a practical lifestyle approach and joy through eating well, April shares her most pivotal moments throughout her career working in the community. Keep your eyes open for April's cookbook, “Uncomplicate Your Plate”, coming to a provider near you! Stay tuned for minute 54:01, where April shares her favorite aspects of her job as a dietitian

Jen Stuvek: owner of Aurora Chiropractic! Join us for an incredible story of education, health and wellness in our community. Jen shares how she realized some of her longterm goals as a chiropractic doctor early on in her career, and her truly serendipitous journey to Mankato. From her upbringing in Alaska to her very first clients, we were totally captivated by our guest's engaging conversation. Special thanks to our guest co-host this week, Andy Wilke! 

Jordan Smith: owner of JD Manufacturing, and Storm Equipment! Join us for a deep dive into all things landscaping, snow management, entrepreneurship and the Mankato community. From growing up in an aviation family to his earliest roots in the landscaping business, Jordan has a wealth of experience in organic growth and grit (and brine!). We loved hearing the story behind our guest's innovative process for snow removal - and so much more!

Jon "JP" Jamieson - owner and founder of JP Fitness! Join us for a remarkable conversation centered around health and mindful living with our guest. We were so engaged with his balanced approach, as JP explained what first attracted him to fitness as a business and his earliest memories of family entrepreneurship. From dry Januaries to slow carb diets, JP has a wealth of experience in the lifestyle industry. 

Justin & Jenna Rinehart: owners of Nicollet Bike and Ski! Join us for an unforgettable ride with two incredible entrepreneurs in our community. Justin & Jenna share how they channeled their passion for the great outdoors into a profitable business serving the sports and recreational needs right here in Mankato. From outreach programs to off-road bike racing, we loved hearing how our guests have developed their enterprise, relationship and interests together! Stay tuned for minute 46:37, where Jenna shares an unexpected use for a paint stirring stick in the world of (muddy) bike racing

Bill Bartz and Emily Knudsen: owners of Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with our new favorite restaurateurs. From their original concept to the experience that the pizza farm has become, we were so engaged with our guests' humor and savvy business sense. Sustainability and quality are the foundations of what Pleasant Grove has become known for - and we can't wait to see the fruits of their next venture (hint: check the freezer aisle)! Stay tuned for minute 07:55, where Bill and Emily share the combined story of how they met and how Pleasant Grove came to be.

Kelly McIntee: business and life mindset coach! Join us for a holistic conversation spanning grief, purpose and all roads leading to relationships. Kelly's outlook on life is dual focused - big picture dreams combined with fully appreciating the in-between moments. This attitude has led her to a tremendously successful career helping her clients fully realize their own potential. From losing her dad unexpectedly to her own unexpected career switch early on, we were thoroughly captivated her story. Stay tuned for minute 46:53, where Kelly explains the burden of inherited expectations 

Jonathan “Sharkfin” Scarfpin: co-owner of Harvesting Technology! Join us for an in-depth conversation covering the usage and future of ethanol, the huge benefit it provides to rural communities - and renewable energy as a whole. Jonathan does an incredible job breaking down a multi-faceted industry into an easily digestible, engaging story. From jet fuel to Bitcoin mining, this interview took turns we never expected! Stay tuned for minute 1:29:50, where Jonathan shares his junior year high school science experiment - and his coveted second place winnings

Amy & Mike McQuery: co-owners of Half Pint Brewing Company! Join us for an unforgettable conversation with the two entrepreneurs that helped spearhead Minnesota's very first farm brewery and taproom. Their journey to craft brewing is anything but typical; from the couple's upbringing and their budding romance in Oregon to the journey to Minnesota, we loved hearing how these two bet on themselves and turned a hobby into a vocation. Stay tuned for minute 1:33:16, where Amy & Mike share their insights into the future of brewing

Emily Thiesse: head coach of Women's Basketball at MSU Mankato (National Championship winners!) Join us for a wide-ranging conversation, starting with Emily's earliest memories of the game with her father (a former basketball coach) and her journey to MSU's winning 2023-24 season. From sports psychology to managing teammate relationships, our guest this week shares her insight into the complex dynamics of competitive sports. We couldn't get enough of Emily's perspective of the National Championship journey - today and always, go Mavs! Stay tuned for minute 1:38:02, where Emily explains the fuel and fire of the MSU Mankato Women's Basketball team

Jared Day: co-founder and COO of Gigli and Nuleev! Join us for an engaging conversation spanning Jared's growing wealth of entrepreneurial expertise. From building a brand from the ground up, the incredible benefits of collaborating, and the challenge of reinventing the wheel, we loved hearing the backstory of both our guest and the Gigli brand. Our guest opens up about his biggest challenges to date and the legal awareness needed to operate a THC-focused company. Stay tuned for minute 40:09, where Jared shares the scaling opportunities (and drawbacks) that come with using fresh ingredients

Tim Flynn - “Master Tim” - owner of Kato Karate! Join us as Tim shares his mission of peace through self-defense. From his earliest experiences of being bullied, Tim explains how the early breakdown of self-confidence can have lifelong mental, emotional, and even physical effects. His unique approach to the education of anti-bullying has brought him national acclaim - and positively affected countless lives. We loved hearing our guest's origin story, his mentors along the way, and most memorable students. Stay tuned for minute 16:05, where Tim shares the strange, surreal dream that changed how he saw the value in his life

Ted Marti: president of August Schell Brewing Company in New Ulm! Ted's roots in the brewery run deep; from his earliest memories of playing on the company grounds as a child to his first challenges as president, our guest and his family have kept the tradition alive (and thriving). Join us as Ted shares insights into his success with sustaining an exceptional brand - and keeping his community relationships strong. We loved hearing the rich history of Schells from the local expert! Stay tuned for minute 57:00, where Ted shares what he (really) keeps in the mansion on the brewery property

Tim Murray & Myron Erstad: community leaders and entrepreneurial experts! Join us for an incredibly open and honest conversation with two of our new favorite mentor figures. From intense involvement in 40+ startup opportunities to the journey to sobriety journey, we were thoroughly captivated by the expertise of our guests. Recounting big wins and big failures, this episode is perfect for the risk-taker in all of us. Stay tuned for minute 44:20, where Tim shares his take on the 71% success rate through the lens of recovery 

Maria Brown: third generation fine jewelry vice president and co-owner at Exclusively Diamonds! A Mankato native with deep roots in the community, Maria's connections are astounding. Our guest shares how growing up in a highly successful entrepreneur family shaped how she sees the essential role of small businesses. From the pressure of keeping inventory moving during the Covid shutdown to spearheading new initiatives with social media outreach, we loved hearing our guest's fresh take on ownership and client satisfaction. Stay tuned for minute 1:18:25, where Maria shares how Tudor and Rolex came into their collection of inventory. Tune in to Wine Wednesdays today with Exclusively Diamonds!

Cate DeBates: principal and chief strategy officer at NAI North Star, partner to boutique hotels Arch + Cable and Hotel Alexander! Join us for an incredible conversation with skillful entrepreneur Cate. From her earliest memories moving all over the country to her most recent ventures in the world of hospitality, we were captivated by our guest's enthusiasm and wide variety of expertise. Cate shares how her philosophy of “a rising tide lifts all boats” has proven essential in both community growth and throughout her own personal life. Stay tuned for minute 1:41:40, where Cate explains some of the common misconceptions about commercial real estate agents 

John Couchot: Vice President of Alcohol Operations at Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery! Woodchucks. California. Biotech. NDAs. Kids. Micro-roasting. Chupacabras. Nike beer. Ed Hardy. From his first brewing experiences at the age of 15 to his journey to Minnesota, our guest this week has a fascinating story that crosses multiple careers all over the country! John's engaging manner of storytelling and incredible wealth of experience kept us captivated throughout the entire conversation. With his willingness to experiment and “why not give it a try” attitude, his journey of success has been truly remarkable. Stay tuned for minute 1:24:57, where John shares his most memorable tattoo stories from his time as an artist

Pete Matejcek: owner and president of Schmidt Siding and Window! Meeting the needs of the client in their own home is a responsibility that Pete accepts as a vocational calling. With a deep-rooted passion for exceeding the client's needs, our guest has established himself as a key figure in the Southern Minnesota home improvement industry. Join us as we dive deep into Pete's earliest memories as a Mankato native, how his start as a siding installer informed his transition into sales, and his intense dedication to making music. Stay tuned for minute 1:14:30, where Peter shares the secret of his success at Schmidts

Jake Schrom - KBM President and entrepreneur!  Kitchen, Baths & More (KBM). Hometown Fitness. Swass Block. Our guest this week is a hidden gem in the Mankato community - an adept entrepreneur with a wide range of expertise! From earliest childhood memories to making Cuban's Cuts on Shark Tank, Jake takes us on a wild ride unlike any other. We enjoyed hearing our guest's take on the most pivotal moments in his career (and his preparations for the future). Stay tuned for minute 1:16:26, where Jake shares the inside scoop on how Swass Block first began.

Joe Bach: VP of Business Development at MEI Total Elevator Solutions! Anything but an average Joe, our guest this week has a wealth of experience in leadership and cultivating a culture of growth at MEI. Joe shares what he's retained after over a decade in the industry - from field operations to successful failures. We loved hearing about the projects MEI has spearheaded, including the (giant) Barclays Center elevator in Brooklyn - and so many more. Special thanks to Andy Wilke for guest hosting with Aaron this week! 

Brandon Smith: Vice President of Operations & Development at Tailwind Group! Join us as our guest this week breaks down the commercial real estate industry, sharing his insight into Tailwind's unique expertise in off-campus student housing all across the country. From Brandon's own college experience to his responsibilities today, we loved this discussion of growth and success in (often) uncharted waters. Stay tuned for minute 02:07:48, where Brandon gives his projections into the future of real estate - and Bill Gates' farmland investments

Emily Schumacher: Miss Minnesota 2024! Join us for an incredible conversation with Mankato's own Miss Minnesota. From her earliest local memories to her journey to Miss Minnesota, Emily takes us through her mission and goals for the future. Her dedication to raising awareness about heart health, CPR education, and nutrition left us deeply inspired. Next stop: Miss America! We can't wait to see all that Emily accomplishes in the next year (and beyond). Stay tuned for minute 27:44, where our guest shares one of the most unexpected questions she's been asked as a pageant contestant

The 100th episode of Get Deep: an ultimate recap with Aaron and Wes! Join us for a celebration of community, past episodes and craziest moments with your two favorite hosts. From small business strategies to the future of the podcast, strap in for an engaging discussion unlike any you've experienced before! Stay tuned for minute 2:07:10, where Aaron and Wes share their personal goals for Get Deep - and its next 100 episodes.

Jim Makovsky - head coach of MSU Maverick's Wrestling Team! Our guest currently upholds a legendary wrestling program spanning decades. With a career rooted in grit and determination, Jim recounts his mentors and key moments that have helped define his trajectory. From rookie breakouts to unbelievable wins (and losses), Jim's story has it all! Stay tuned for minute 1:32:50, where our guest provides insight into the unique team dynamics of an inherently solo sport

Jen True: real estate titan, entrepreneur and community champion! Join us this week for an unforgettable discussion with an industry leader in properties. From her earliest beginnings on a horse farm just south of Mankato to her first forays into the brokerage arena, Jen recounts the wins and losses that have shaped her successes today. Stay tuned for minute 18:54, where our guest shares the unexpected manner in which she was first pitched a career in real estate!

Brian Taylor: Owner of Mankato Motors and Army National Guard veteran! Join us for one of our new favorite discussions with an automotive expert and awarded soldier. With a winning combination of deft interpersonal skills, work ethic and strength through adversity, Brian takes us through the key moments in his life that shaped his present success. Stay tuned for minute 1:39:20, where Brian shares his hot take on charging stations and electric vehicles.

Justin Ek: owner of 108 Alchemy, partner in Bellissimo Paint & Coatings, muralist, community event planning, artist in resident - and so much more! If it's related to the arts culture in southern Minnesota, odds are really good that Justin is involved! With a true passion for fostering the community through visual expression, our guest this week shares how his shared family work ethic has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. From going viral on social media to the role that color plays in his artistic method, we had a blast learning from this community leader. Thank you, Justin, for sharing your insights with us! 

Tyler Freyberg: fourth generation co-owner of Freyberg Petroleum with his brother Corey! From overseeing multiple gas stations to the newest venture of the Mankato Travel Center, Tyler has wide expertise in everything from managing vendors to striving for the highest quality of customer service. Our guest this week shares his secret for fostering healthy relationships within the family business, and what he's learned from a decades-long career serving the community. Stay tuned for minute 1:17:04, where Tyler shares the story behind the earliest beginnings of the Mankato Travel Center

Joe Krause: Creative Services Manager at FUN.com and founder of DIY Cold Plunge! Our guest this week is an up-and-coming entrepreneur right here in Mankato, MN. We had a blast hearing everything from Joe's college experiences to his innovative side hustles. Well-read, hard working and intuitive, Joe takes us through his favorite stories and life lessons. Stay tuned for minute 1:30:05, where Joe shares the inspiration behind the one and only Plunge Buddy 

Jessica Potter: Blue Earth County Historical Society (BECHS) Executive Director! With a deep joy and passion for history, Jessica's commitment to preserving the stories of our region is truly unmatched! Join us for a lively discussion covering everything from specialized curation to the National Register to drunk carp (the prohibition era was wild). Our guest has an impressive wealth of knowledge in local lore, and we are here for all of her compelling stories from Southern Minnesota's rich history!

Jody & Jared Linder of Linder Enterprises! These two brothers have an incredible story of innovation, trial-and-error, and family unity. With their hands-on upbringing on profitable farm in Southern Minnesota, our guests this week adapted the shared strong work ethic into a thriving business at Linder Enterprises. From staircases to Hermès and everything in between, we loved learning from these industry experts!

Dr. Scott Allen: expert Orthopedic Fracture Clinic practitioner! A Mankato native, Dr. Scott takes us through his journey to modern medicine and his philosophy of individualized care. From his most impactful memories from medical school to quick analysis of traumatic injuries, our guest this week shares his insights into this high-stakes career. Join us for a comprehensive discussion with one of our favorite doctors! Stay tuned for minute 13:35, where Scott shares his take on whether or not there's a shortage of cadavers in the medical field

Darren “Bluey” Blue: Sports + Recreation Development Strategist at ISG, and former collegiate hockey player and coach! A team-player to his core, Bluey recounts his earliest influences and the story behind his first love: hockey. From winning the Unsung Hero Award twice during his time at MSU Mankato to how he received his nickname “the Mayor”, we were truly inspired by the experiences that have shaped our guest's outlook on life and community. Stay tuned for minute 1:35:55, where Bluey shares what his dream gig would be if money was no object

Matt Margenthaler: the head coach of men's basketball at MSU Mankato. From all of us at Get Deep, congratulations on winning the D2 national championship! Our guest this week comes from a family of coaches. Despite a brief stint in the sales arena, Matt quickly found himself back in the world of coaching. From assisting women's basketball to his current position at MSU Mankato, he takes us through the ins and outs of a successful career in coaching competitive sports. Stay tuned for minute 18:06, where Matt shares the secret of MSU Mankato's incredible season

Akram “AK” Osman - principal of Mankato East High School! Our guest this week is a hometown connection with a focused career in education! Multi-lingual and first generation in the USA, AK shares his rich familial background. From coaching soccer to serving as a cultural liaison (and so much more!), we loved hearing the motivations behind our guest's personal trajectory. Join us as we take a deep dive into AK's early mentors and experiences that led him to his current leadership position at East! Stay tuned for minute 17:08, where Akram explains how an early encounter in his own education shaped how he views student advocacy and cultural awareness 

Jamie Jacobs - vice President of Sales & Marketing at APX Construction Group! Join us for an engaging conversation with an expert in consumer-focused sales. A natural extrovert from the great state of Nebraska, Jamie recounts how she fell in love with the Mankato area and the surprising way she found her vocation in the fast-paced world of construction. Stay tuned for minute 39:16, where Jamie shares her mindset for achieving success in the sales arena. 

Ed Inch: President of MSU Mankato! Our guest this week is an expert in higher education, leadership, and building strong communities through shared pursuit of knowledge. A Washington native with a deep appreciation for good people and the natural world, Ed breaks down for us the most impactful moments of his dedicated career. Stay tuned for minute 1:05:58, where Ed reveals the core message that centers his leadership cabinet at MSU Mankato

Joe Paulsen: the expert for all things EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems)! Our guest this week has incredible expertise with placing the right people in the right positions. From his background in the trucking industry at TBI to his current vocation working with entrepreneurs as an EOS expert, Joe is ready to share everything he's learned from his rich history in southern Minnesota. The great Doug Fahrforth joins us as our guest host this week! Stay tuned for minute 1:39:31 where Doug shares his perspective on what makes Joe and his business such a valuable resource

Dale Carlson: a second-generation optometrist who has seen it all! A Mankato native, Dale shares his earliest memories of life in the great Midwest. Our guest this week also served as an Officer in the Navy - from active duty to reacclimatizing to civilian life, Dale shares his rich history and the life lessons he's learned along the way.

Aron & Eric Bode: the restaurateur + business development brothers! From car detailing to hospitality, our guests this week have a wide breath of experience across multiple industries. Aron's background in the culinary arts combined with Eric's real estate broker/developer has proven to be a winning combination for the New Ulm community (and beyond!). Join us as they share the stories behind their businesses, including BoCo Real Estate, the Retz, Sippet Coffee and Bagels, Rush, and Lola's. Stay tuned for minute 1:40:30 - where Eric & Aron reveal (for the first time ever - a Get Deep exclusive!) their newest venture

Jim Compart - the meats man! Our guest this week is the President and CEO of Compart Family Farms. Finding success with a consumable product is no easy feat, and Jim takes through the rich history of the heritage operation. From livestock genetics to direct sales to family dynamics, we loved hearing the full story behind the pork products we know and enjoy every day. Join us for a rousing discussion with our guest host this week: Sam Ziegler of Greenseam! Stay tuned for minute 1:05:54, where Jim shares how Compart Family Farms responded to the recent fire disaster in Maui, Hawaii.  

Clay Sharkey & Eric Poppler: the (coffee) bean experts!⁠ Join us for an engaging interview with these two incredible entrepreneurs. Co-owners of Beans Coffee Company, Clay & Eric share the story of their unexpected partnership. From their earliest beginnings roasting beans in an air popcorn maker to the most recent cafe expansion in North Mankato, we loved hearing the organic growth of Beans Co. ⁠Stay tuned for minute 1:30:28, where our guests share what makes their roasts truly exceptional!

Fred Lutz - you name it, Fred's been a part of it! Former owner and president of Northland Beverages and Lutz-Lloyd Enterprises, our guest this week has served on every board from May Clinic Health Systems to the Mankato Area Foundation. Join us as Fred shares his passion for aviation, community growth and the power of service. Stay tuned for minute 1:55:19, where our guest shares his take on Mankato's biggest need!