A drexel podcast for team members and everyone in the business world!
From Friday Night Lights to Construction SitesIn this episode we get to know Tony Steger and Sam Lemler. They discuss their experiences in high school football, COVID and their current roles at Drexel. They reflect on the importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership in both sports and infrastructure. Lessons learned from building a house and leadership insights from Nate Sippel."Pressure is a privilege." - Tony Steger"Always stay humble and kind." - Sam Lemler00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introductions02:43 - Reflections on High School Football and Coaching04:36 - Navigating Career Paths During COVID08:32 - Transitioning to Drexel and Career Development12:50 - Changes in the Construction Industry15:15 - Infrastructure Team Dynamics and Communication18:59 - Lessons from Building a House20:59 - Leadership Insights23:25 - Billboard Messages and Personal Reflections
In this episode we talk about being supportive of one another, backgrounds, growth of location, team members feeling welcomed, Drexel's donation to Zion Lutheran school in Columbus, the TEAM billboard and much more!Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Team Dynamics03:12 - Insights from Development Day05:56 - Personal Backgrounds and Career Paths09:05 - Growth and Changes at Drexel11:46 - Community Engagement and Contributions18:03 - Work Culture and Team Spirit
From Train Tracks and Enterprise to Production Scheduling!Sound Bites:"I hit a cow with a train." - Nick Buchel"We always find a way in the end." - Nick Buchel"Life is what you make it." - Alec Smasal"If you're not changing, you're not really living." - Alec SmasalWe talk day-to-day, lead times, organized chaos, 911s, talking with QBs, 1 million+ board feet, change and many other topics. This was a fun one!Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Backgrounds03:07 - Career Transitions and Experiences06:10 - Production Scheduling Dynamics09:10 - Automation and Changes in Production11:51 - Teamwork and Collaboration15:04 - Handling Challenges and 911 Situations18:11 - QB Interaction21:08 - Company Culture and Community23:59 - Final Thoughts and Billboards
Episode 133 we talk to Luke Lemke (Schedule & Warranty Leader) and Brandon Andrus (Off-Site Install Leader) from Downtown! The conversation focuses on their backgrounds and experiences, particularly before joining Drexel. Luke (a Chicago Bears fan) discusses his time as a district manager at Aldi, his earlier work in fitness and college track and field coaching. Brandon shares his journey from banking to Mercury Marine, then starting his own excavation business before joining Drexel. Both guests also touch upon the culture and team-like atmosphere at Drexel, drawing comparisons to their experiences in sports. They also discuss personal interests and hobbies, including hot rods, hunting, and large aquariums along with the billboard!
Episode 131 we talk to Brady McMahon (Maintenance Leader) from Kewaskum and Nick Narges (Millwork Coordinator Leader) from Jackson soon to be Kewaskum! We discuss what they knew of Drexel prior to working here, how they got started, all things Millwork, what they look forward to most in the new facility, interests outside of Drexel and the billboard question!
Episode 130 we talk to Nick Kreif from NJK Construction. We discuss how building a house used to be (McDonalds Dollar Menu), Stocking LP, Tiled Showers, Aftermath Sports, Unrealistic Expectations, Multisport Athletes, Amor fati and Less Is More!
We welcomed Dan Taylor from Bistrack Epicor and CTO Jodi Garvey to talk all things ERP and Project MEGA (Make ERP Great Again). Topics discussed:-Jodi's Street credit -History of Drexel SKUs -ERP Success and Struggles in the Building Supply Industry - no dominant force like Amazon or Ford and how Drexel stands out.-Having FUN in the implementation process -Pearl Jam and Project BREATHE -How is everyday easier with Epicor? -And the famous Billboard question! Jodi - Always a Rainbow after the Storm and Dan- Don't Quit Your Daydream
In this episode we talk about Derek's background which includes coaching at the college level, working at Wisconsin Athletic Club and now currently being a leadership speaker/coach. Derek has written two books (Shift and Everyday Leaders) and most recently spoke at Drexel's Leadership Development Day in March.This episode contains topics of balance, Derek's speaking blunder, YOU zone, early mornings, Carl Lewis 85%, staying active, Horizontal vs Vertical growth, re-learning, self talks, knowing your people, not caring so much, being athletic, tribal leadership, love tough, gold coins, Planet Fitness and the always famous Billboard question."Do it afraid." - Derek Deprey"I see you, I believe in you." - Derek Deprey
March Madness episode with Taylor Jannsen, current head men's basketball coach at Carroll University in Waukesha.In this episode we talk about Taylor's background attending Carroll, being a Division III athlete, Elephant vs. Mouse, Grinnell "System", working in youth basketball, constantly evolving, developing habits, consistency, player development, writing his two books (Leave Better Than Found and Wisdom from the Rocking Chair), overcoming testicular cancer, borrowed time, being a high school teammate of J.J. Watt and the always famous Billboard question.
In this episode we sit down to chat with Ross Harter and Steve Szymanski from Wrightstown Truss. We discuss what they did previous to Drexel, conversations with Joel, the merge of Truss Systems, moving from Little Chute up the road to Wrightstown, new facility, production growth, future plans and the most underrated place to eat in Green Bay!
He's back! Joel sits down to chat with Aaron Sadoff (President at Marian University) on Episode #125.In this episode we discuss self publishing his new book (MindCraft), how many copies have been sold, Amazon, souls, cleaning and organizing, Ted Lasso, connections, Legos, Fish Fry, Jon Gordon and Joel's Book Rating on MindCraft. Prior to being president at Marian, Aaron spent time as executive director at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and many years as a Superintendent at North Fond du Lac School District.MindCraft - https://www.amazon.com/MindCraft-Art-Positive-Thinking-RIGHT/dp/B0DSJ2YF84Strength to Strength - https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Finding-Success-Happiness-Purpose/dp/059319148XTools of Titans - https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Titans-Billionaires-World-Class-Performers/dp/B082VKY29Q/ref=sr_1_3?crid=19OJYGU78MJ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GqC75lU3w_Ebc6D2J0a4tKqScVaflR6jIbntebZygExef6D8Onb_o5jf3RJy6m3X7acd6a1kBZWm9RCoX9xPfKf063dU2Z1_BN_O4vC6-QJQ0-B3Yvts77so2rtXkUZ7Ke_tpFcAvWSJ_REyfD2W9El7RZ-wYqegYw2zjzMXKflNFWTscrlI5TJkThwpAUyxHW9RzEjb3P5GvDgbJaGkTIhhVqQ7xogcjlyZ87gvzE5fCFK0QVWZx6gqLa_SoVQeaD6byFV9pET9kJv3UoEYuLuxEP3ZHIF-eO3-_HvWeQGXwl4RVfqFaDCqqxSKHi92R04FctoHzMyQLSlAGgXqcuSoImvAU5CP43f_B2ySdL4.sizJSU8n1tsU0sNd-16b68Cj7FqAjpLPiKzIDMKfnyo&dib_tag=se&keywords=tim+ferriss&qid=1741367620&s=books&sprefix=tim+ferris%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-3#drexel #lumber #campbellsport #fonddulac #marian
Joel cliché thoughts and nuggets:-Control what you can control-Short Steps, Long Vision - Pitbull-Don't care so much-Be open and humble-Never get so vested in something-High Functioning Team over Family-Fix a problem to add labor, not add labor to fix a problem-Can you drive with them?-Walk with them...can they keep up?-Dirty car-Pay them Rockstar wages-Need a friend at work-Communication-What you ignore is important-Dirty corners-Setting accountability-Where there is a void in communication negativity will fill it-Transparent -LEGOsBooks:Embrace the Suck - Brent GleesonBeneath a Scarlet Sky - Mark Sullivan
Sat down with two good dudes in Tyler Mader (Panel Estimator Specialist) and Mitch Mallek (Panel Estimator Leader) as we finished the day in Amherst. We talked about their office dynamic with Curtis Verhagen (Panel Estimator Specialist) and Chad Konkol (Panel Estimator Specialist), pet peeves of each other, hunting, Scope of Work, phone calls in a day, frustrations, different plans, ideas for future builds, walk-up song, their grandfathers and the ALWAYS important billboard question!
Episode 122 features two new quarterbacks at Drexel Building Supply, Nate Scott and Sam Poullette. They discuss their different roles in higher education, changes, COVID, training camp at Drexel, product knowledge, helpful teammates, helping builders, project management and the always famous BILLBOARD question.#campbellsport #drexel #lumber
Episode 121 features a couple Drexel team members that have been around the block! Clint Patton and Jake Junk. They discuss how long they have been at Drexel, Jake working with Albert, different roles they have had, vision of the builder, chaos, next best move, being a good listener, coaching, youth sports and the always famous BILLBOARD question. #campbellsport #berlin #drexel #lumber
Episode 120 features a couple Drexel team members that have been around the block! Our regional market leaders, Craig Johnson and Todd Flitter. They discuss how long they have known each other, beginnings at Drexel, different roles they have had, growth of Drexel, SKU creation, negotiation contests, NSYNC, when they peaked, teamwork, sunrise and sunset, vending machine food and the always famous BILLBOARD question. #campbellsport #berlin #drexel #lumber
Joel sits down to chat with Aaron Sadoff (President at Marian University) on Episode #119. In this episode we talk about Aaron's background as president, executive director at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and many years as a Superintendent at North Fond du Lac and also his work within the Fond du Lac School District. We also discuss his new book (Mindcraft), positivity, power of a handshake, Beshert, pain and suffering, feeling emotions and not hiding them, letting people inside, soft underbelly, being present, being curious, being better together, many book recommendations and the always famous Billboard question. #drexel #lumber #campbellsport #fonddulac #marian
Episode 118 features Joel, Heather Wehrmann (QB), Darcy Kropelin (QB) and JoHanna Huenerberg (Cabinetry QB) from Berlin! They discuss being women in the industry, building relationships, backgrounds prior to Drexel, working at different locations, helpful team members in Berlin, old Berlin stories, things we used to do at Drexel along with the always famous Billboard question! #FaithOverFear#campbellsport #berlin #drexel #lumber
Jules asks Joel his thoughts on: -Reading books -Listening to audio on 2.5 speed -Maybe a future venture? Writing a book called Fire Fast (cover would be blue and white...of course!) -Crisis vs Opportunity -People who calm his storm -Wins by Drexel in 2024 -Favorite thing to do outside of work -Go-to playlist -Favorite companies and people that Joel admires -Swallowing the Frog -Favorite Trip -Favorite Day of the Week -Heaven -Traveling gives you hope -When did you peak? -If he could own a chain restaurant in Campbellsport...what would it be? -Insight into a possible future idea in Campbellsport -This or That - Thanksgiving Edition Books: Becoming Trader Joe - Joe Coulombe #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #development #training #getbetter
In this episode we sit down to chat with the finance leaders in Jordan Carlton and Heather Peppler. We discuss what roles they held previously, the history of finance, growth of the team, leading finance, development, collections and the always famous Billboard question.
In this episode we sit down to chat with Adam Beck (Merchant) who has been at Drexel just over three years. We discuss what he did prior to Drexel, his experience with #TeamBlue, his day-to-day as a merchant, buying power, his first experience with Albert, milk check and the always famous Billboard question.
Joel sits down to chat with Sarah Laning (Stonecrest Custom Homes) on Episode #114. In this episode we talk about Sarah's background with building homes, rentals, real estate, being a woman in the construction industry, crash of 2008, making mistakes, son joining the business, Oakfield tornado along with the famous billboard question! #drexel #lumber #campbellsport #fonddulac #building
Joel sits down to chat with Glenn Elmer (Adashun Jones & Signature Homes) on Episode #113. In this episode we talk about Glenn's background. Growing up in Stoughton, Wisconsin and moving to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. We talk about his work experience at Mercury Marine and how he ended up getting started at Signature Homes back in 1996. We also discuss working night shift, making mistakes, turning the day off, stress, being invincible along with the famous billboard question! #drexel #lumber #campbellsport #fonddulac #building
Joel sits down to chat with Cutter Homes (Ron Cutter and Nick Holm) on Episode #112. In this episode we talk about Ron's background with Cutter Vac & Home Center, along with his new initiative of Cutter Homes. Nick who has worked for Cutter Vac & Home Center for many years is now running the projects for Cutter Homes. We talk Off-Site construction, vacuums, buying from Drexel, virtual design, competition and the always famous Billboard question. #drexel #lumber #campbellsport #fonddulac
Joel sits down to chat with Charlie Kudy (Administrator of the Campbellsport Village) on Episode #111. In this episode we talk about Charlie's background attending UW-Whitewater and his internship in San Francisco. We dive into the housing growth within the village, water bill, taxes, parking collaboration on Main Street with Drexel, peel the curtain back on the DMD decision in Kewaskum and the always famous Billboard question. #drexel #lumber #campbellsport #village
Our five design interns jumped on the podcast to chat about their experience this summer as Design Interns. These five took part as residential design, truss design and lumber/structural specialists at multiple Drexel locations. They set the bar high and we are grateful for their help being part of the #TeamBlue culture.
Joel sits down with Andy Rettler (four-time Fantasy Football champion) and Alex Bailey (Central Dispatcher) from Drexel. They discuss Fantasy Football scenarios, some of their favorite and not-so favorite players along with strategies.
Joel sits down to chat with Tony Koebel. Tony is the owner of The Norbert and The Orville restaurants in West Bend. They chat about involvement with Habitat for Humanity, being a carpenter, unreasonable hospitality, coloring outside the lines, putting likeable people on the television set, being intentional, serving others and the ALWAYS famous billboard question. The Orville The Norbert #drexel #lumber #westbend #food #orville #norbert
Episode 107 features Joel and Jules Philippi (Happy People Specialist). Jules flips the script and interviews Joel! Jules asks Joel his thoughts on: -Be curious, question everything -Knowledge is power -Practice makes perfect -If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life -Comparison is the thief of joy -Leaders are not born they are made -How you do anything is how you do everything -Better to be valued than to be needed -Go hard or go home -Always play to your strengths -You don't have to believe everything you think -Ready Fire Aim -Emotions should not be brought to work -No bad teams, just bad leaders and the always famous Billboard question! Books: Ready Fire Aim - Quad Graphics Iron Fist - Mercury Marine #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #development #training #getbetter
Joel sits down to chat with Father Mike Bertram from who is a Capuchin priest in the Milwaukee area. Father Bertram touches on his past growing up in the Holyland (St. Peter), attending St. Lawrence Seminary (Mt. Calvary) and UW-Oshkosh. For 19 years he led St. Francis of Assisi in Milwaukee. His current mission is ministry director of Capuchin Community Services in Milwaukee. He talks about their services including: Food, Clothing, Legal, Health Services, Social Work, among others. Drexel plans to help donate $50,000 to their after-school program helping assist students in Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade. Father Bertram speaks on rejection, resources God gives us and how freeing poverty can be. https://www.capuchincommunityservices.org/
Episode 105 features Joel and Shelly Basso (Owner of Aspen Homes). They discuss how she grew up in the business, dealing with tragedy, balancing work and a family, model homes, valuing family time, teamwork and the always famous Billboard question! https://aspenhomesinc.com/ #drexel #fonddulac #newberlin #lumber #homes #aspen
Episode 104 features Joel and Marcus McGuire (Owner of Marcus McGuire Homes). They discuss the Fox Valley, UW-Stout, Antigo, teaching, coaching, baseball, mastering craft, value in a supplier and the always famous Billboard question! https://www.marcusmcguirehomes.com/ #drexel #fonddulac #wrightstown #lumber #homes
Episode 101 features Joel, Shannon Klink (QB in New Berlin) and Tim Lindsley (QB in Campbellsport). They discuss all things quarterback and sales. Looking at the difference between a new QB (Shannon) and a veteran QB (Tim). We finish up with the always famous Billboard question! Great listen! #campbellsport #newberlin #drexel #lumber
Joel sits down to chat with Bill Rands of SHOT (Safe Hunters of Tomorrow). Joel discovered Bill from an article on Wisconsin Outdoor News talking about the decreased deer population in northern Wisconsin to go along with increase in wolves. Rands involvement in SHOT consists of hosting children who have disabilities or are terminally ill on his roughly 3,000 acres in Ladysmith. The families stay at Rands' cabin on the property which allows them to experience the ultimate hunting experience they otherwise would not be able to be part of. The conversation also ties in Drexel's Wildlife Organization (DWO).
Episode 100 is finally here. This episode features Albert and Joel! A rewind back to the early days of Drexel. Chatting about the growth from Campbellsport to Berlin to Kiel and Brookfield. Topics include: The name Drexel What was the ceiling for the company? Regrets Telling people the truth Change Learning from one another The always famous billboard question! Special shout-out to Johnny Cash. #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #development #training #getbetter
Episode 99.5 features Joel and Jules Philippi (Happy People Specialist). Jules flips the script and interviews Joel! An insightful sit-down with thoughts on going for it, never settling, thinking differently, living near a university, optics of fun, podcasting, color psychology and the always famous Billboard question! "Pray, hope, and don't worry." - St. Padre Pio #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #development #training #getbetter
Episode 99 features Joel and Todd Smith (CEO of Smith Builders). They discuss Fond du Lac, remodeling, lead times, automation, software, change orders and the always famous Billboard question! "Treat people how you want to be treated." #drexel #campbellsport #fonddulac #lumber
Episode 98 features Joel and Jules Philippi (Happy People Specialist). Jules flips the script and interviews Joel! An insightful sit-down with thoughts on not fearing failure, the homework doesn't take as long as you think, negative thoughts, winning the day, books, journey is destination, decision fatigue and the always famous Billboard question! "Pray, hope, and don't worry." - St. Padre Pio #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #development #training #getbetter
Episode 97 features Joel and Mike Werner (President of American Dream Builders). They discuss bar topics and trivia, Off-Site construction, bands, Expo, being detail oriented, workouts, goals with substance and the always famous Billboard question! #drexel #campbellsport #americandreambuilders #lumber
Episode 96 features Joel and Chris Schuette (Design Services Leader). They discuss design, change, tacticals, Ready Fire Aim, coaching your children in youth sports, enjoying the journey and the always famous Billboard question! #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #design
Episode 95 features Joel and Oyvind Solvang (Owner of Hillcrest Builders). They discuss Norway, skiing, Utah, Northwestern, Mechanical Engineering, Condos, Village of Jackson, affordable lots, sitting on the same side of the table, not playing phone tag and the always famous Billboard question! #drexel #campbellsport #hillcrest #lumber #development
Episode 94 features Joel and Kraig Sadownikow from American Companies. They discuss hard work, honesty, culture, Hershey Chocolate Corporation, New House Christmas Tree, scales of three, politics and the always famous Billboard question! #drexel #campbellsport #americancompanies #westbend
Episode 93 features Joel, Marcus and Megan Gassner (Marketing). They discuss marketing ideas, Blue Door, Jon Gordon, carpet/LVP, Italy, Wall Street Journal, fonts, camouflage hats, happy vs joy and the always famous Billboard question!
Episode 92 features Joel and Doug O'Rourke (Vice President at Biewer Lumber). They discuss Prentice, thinning cuts, quality of lumber, grading system, pressure treated lumber, Off-Site construction, permanent wood foundations and the always famous Billboard question! #drexel #campbellsport #mill #lumber #woodisgood
Episode 91 features Joel and Mike Werner from American Dream Builders. They discuss subcontractors, Florida, Blue Board, Off-Site construction, trust, price and the always famous Billboard question! #drexel #campbellsport #americandreambuilders #lumber
Episode 90 features Joel, Tim Peck (Buying Leader) and Cassie Gevaart (Field Specialist). They discuss inventory, scheduling, micromarkets, off-site weather, proving your worth and the always famous Billboard question! "No Rain, No Flowers." - Cassie "Zoom Out." - Tim "Faith. Attitude. Effort." - Joel #drexel #campbellsport #lumber #offsite #inventory
Episode 89 features Joel, Kurt Dulmes (QB), Zach Matznick (QB), Rory Palubiski (Owner of Fein Design), Catie Barth (Fein Design) and Samara Palubiski (Turner Talent). They discuss Fein Design, quarterbacks, Europe, architecture, always learning, thinking with your heart, making it personal and the always famous Billboard question!
Episode 88 features Joel, Amber Waas (Merchant), Matt Clifford (Owner of Galaxy Sales) and Gavin Halloran (Manufacturers Representative at Galaxy Sales). They discuss Galaxy Sales and Smart Cabinetry, Minnesota Vikings, current economy, value driven homes, selling to expectations, how speed is important and training. #drexel #buildingsupply #campbellsport #lumber #cabinetry #homes
Joel sits down with Drexel team members Amber Andrastek and Sarah Cain (Virtual Design Consultants). They discuss cabinetry, modeling a home, hospitality, Calendly, virtual design experience, raving fans, marketing, asking the right question and the famous billboard question! #drexel #buildingsupply #campbellsport #lumber #virtualdesign #billboardHappyHourJoelFleischman
Happy Hour Podcast #85 - Jon Vaughan Joel sits down to chat virtually with Jon Vaughan (formerly the leader of Brand Vaughan Lumber in Georgia). Jon and Joel's friendship goes back over a decade. During this episode they talk 100 hour work weeks, #heroball, collapse in 2008, Georgia Football and DJ Shockley, the conversation with family in the hotel about selling Brand Vaughan Lumber, non-negotiables, accountability and the famous billboard question! "Humility is a super power." - Jon Vaughan #podcast #happyhour #drexel #billboard #lumber #georgia
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