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In this special episode of Rizzuto After Hours, host Rafe Williams welcomes his friend Dustin Row to discuss the impactful charity, Songs4Soldiers. Rafe and Dustin dive into the mission of Songs 4 Soldiers (S4S), which supports combat veterans facing hardships, and share personal anecdotes from their own military experiences. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, service, and the importance of giving back to those who have served and don't miss the Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert coming up on Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th, 2025 in Columbia, IL. Get tickets for the Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert 105.7 The Point, Weber Chevrolet, Budweiser, Jim Beam, Veterans United Home Loans & Country Financial proudly present the 12th Annual Songs 4 Soldiers Benefit Concert in Columbia, IL on Friday & Saturday, September 5th & 6th. Enjoy a full weekend of cheap beer, music, food, and fun with The Wallflowers, Craig Morgan, Jimmy Griffin & The Incurables, Dazed N Confused STL + so many more. 100% of proceeds go toward the Songs 4 Soldiers mission of helping combat veteransTickets are just $30 + Veterans and kids 12 and under get in FREE https://songs4soldiersstl.org/events/Chapters:(00:00) Rafe Williams welcomes Dustin Rao to Russuto After Hours(01:42) Songs for Soldiers helps combat veterans through its annual music festival(03:49) How's Craig in the military? Yeah, he was. Probably like a chief warrant officer or something like that(04:33) I tried to convince David Lee Roth he was my dad Monday night(05:44) You were in the Army from 98 to 06. Yep. You were in. That's right, I was. Uh, we were both in(09:00) When I went to boot camp, I saw World War II barracks(12:25) Rafe says he did terribly on his ASVAB test(14:57) At Fort Sill, it was all dudes. Right. So it's all dudes relatively around your age(15:59) An African American man showed me his penis in the shower at boot camp(18:48) How'd you do on your PT test? 300, actually(19:26) Kevin McAllister describes seeing the biggest penis he's ever seen(22:14) Okay, we're back. Thank you to all of our sponsors(23:05) So before we went on break, you were talking about pranks in the army(26:28) Carter is a good kid. I'm glad to be his dad(28:47) Tell me about the pranks that you pulled in boot camp(31:47) I got broke off the run somehow. I can't remember how that happened(34:45) There's always one little group running narcissist in every group(38:18) We had done pillow parties. Okay, not soap parties, like Full Metal Jacket(41:27) Dr. Lang came into the kitchen and asked me if I did something(44:33) I would do impersonations of the drill sergeants during boot camp(47:39) You joined pre 911 three months. So you joined in 01. Yeah. So and you converted from truck driver to reserve(51:09) My first cruiser you gotta dig in did was a 260 in Iraq(51:59) So you're over there 04 to 05 single, uh, deployment(55:49) The Abu G prison scandal had happened like three weeks before this. And that's when both Fallujah offenses happened(59:13) I would never discourage military service. And I would recommend to anybody(01:01:41) Dustin Round is a combat veteran who has survivor's guilt(01:03:42) You're helping combat veterans when they really need it, John says(01:07:27) I disagree with the idea that veterans are owed disability. I don't think that's right(01:10:46) There's a misconception that all veterans are heroes in the military(01:13:47) There have been several cases where we've helped veterans' families(01:16:43) S4S is a non profit organization that helps veterans(01:20:01) Psychedelics could be game changer for veterans, comedian says(01:20:27) A clinic in Mexico is treating veterans with ibogaine(01:23:22) Texas has passed it now to be a treatment through va, which is cool(01:27:11) Rafe says Soldiers My Fire is working on helping veterans get off prescription drugs(01:31:31) Rafe says Songs for Soldiers is tackling both addiction and abuse(01:34:10) Personal question. How have you dealt with trauma from Iraq on a personal level(01:38:25) You have survivor's guilt over a lot of this. You're 41 now(01:39:06) You talked about processing trauma after going to Iraq(01:41:44) Songs for Soldiers has helped thousands of veterans since its inception(01:45:39) Songster Soldiers is raising money for veterans through concerts(01:48:25) This concludes Riz show after hours. See you next timeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Country Financial Representative Andrew Harby hosts the show at his Wabash Avenue office along with Country Financial colleague Mike O'Brien as they chat with Sam about local notes, insurance and high school football, then Dr. Sean McCaffrey hosts Wellness Wednesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jannelle Albrecht with Country Financial is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to tell you how they can get your the right coverage for your car.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tiffany discusses the current mutual insurance situation, offered services through Country Financial, and Illinois Farm Bureau membership opportunities, plus talks booking Meks on Main on the WRAM Morning Show.
Mikayla Bowman with Country Financial is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to tell you how Country can help prepare you for your end of summer road tripSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Todd Clark, Financial Advisor with Country Financial, is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to give you all the details about personal liability insurance. To reach Todd give him a call at 701-476-9166.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Dunphy, Country Financial, joins Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness with some important tips for the newlyweds in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy Tuesday! Returning guest Carmen Martinez is here with Aaron Rodriguez to discuss the work they do this morning. This is a different break from our normal format, Carmen is taking the lead this morning! Carmen is an insurance professional with Country Financial and she's standing by to make your dreams a secure reality. Check out today's conversation! Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningauroraACTV (Aurora Community Television): https://www.aurora-il.org/309/Aurora-Community-TV#kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #morningnews #morningshow #tuesday #fyp
Adam Rader and Donna Verda with Rader Family Farms of Normal discuss a corn maze recognizing COUNTRY Financial's 100th Anniversary. The segment also features COUNTRY Financial's Sarah Franzen. Tyler Harp talks Syngenta fungicides. Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather looks at the remaining July weather outlook.
Tyler talks to Dale about filing claims for storm damage, summer safety around pools, trampolines, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A conversation with CEO's: Jim Jacobs from COUNTRY Financial, Mark Orr from GROWMARK, Matt McClelland from Prairie Farms, and Nick Brooks from IAA Credit Union. Also on the program, IAA Foundation scholarship recipient Emma Smith and Julie Hewitt from the Illinois Foundation FFA.
Moore Memorial Home's Sarah Moore and Country Financial's Michael Moore discuss the funeral business as well as give a crop update.
Janelle Albriecht with Country Financial is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to discuss how she can help make sure you are protected if severe weather strikes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eric Duhig, Country Financial, is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to tell you how Country Financial can help you plan for college.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
-Tyler Schau, AgMarket.Net-Jim Jacobs, CEO COUNTRY Financial, Brian Duncan, ILFB President, Chair of COUNTRY board.
Dallas Lichenberg, Country Financial, is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to discuss homeowners insurance and how to keep your house protected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike O'Brien of Country Financial stops in to announce this year's scholarship winners and the guys chat with some regular callers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Justin Shreiber, Country Financial, is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to discuss umbrella insurance and why you should meet with your agent more than you think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dave Gross with Country Financial is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to give you the low down on keeping your car safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nicholaus Woodard with Country Financial is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness to help you keep your home safe when you travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Loads of information on Friday's show including updates from Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. Jesse Kohlbecker, VP of Claims and Client Services with COUNTRY Financial talks severe weather prep. Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather discusses today's severe storm potential.
Todd Gustafson, Country Financial, is in studio on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness, today we chat about some of the reasons why you should check in with you insurance agent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Market conversation with Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agrimarketing. In the second half of the show, a monthly market conversation with COUNTRY Financial's Scott Jensen.
Country Financial Crop Specialist Michael Moore discusses insurance coverage updates for 2025.
Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I'm Chuck Zimmerman. In this episode I'm going to share some interviews with last week's CattleCon 2025 and CIRB Annual Mtg. I was in San Antonio while Cindy was in Bonita Springs, FL. This is definitely the busy time! So, let's get started with CattleCon. I talked with Colin Woodall, CEO, NCBA who says they were going to break 8,500 attending. Additionally, he talks about the top issues the organization is working on. Next I have Kevin Good, VP Industry Relations, CattleFax. Kevin gave a full presentation on the stage during the CattleFax session. Afterward I interviewed him to hear his outlook for cattle and beef and what is factors are impacting them. Now, I turned to CIRB. Cindy interviewed Tara Smith, Deputy Executive Vice President, CIRB. Tara talks about the need for educating new people working in the new administration and Congress about the importance of crop insurance. Finally, I have Cindy's interview with Lindsey Rinkenberger, CIRB Chairwoman, COUNTRY Financial. Lindsey started CIRB participating the Emerging Leaders program. She talks about how CIRB works with the crop insurance coalition in Washington, DC. And that's the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.
Tiffany discusses an upcoming event at Meks on Main, plus talks the world of insurance on the WRAM Morning Show.
Insurance, it's necessary but is often overwhelming. What needs coverage, how much, if you need to use it what happens then, all the while these details are evolving along an ever-shifting landscape. Christa Payne, an agency owner at Country Financial, says it's her role to help cut through the jargon and help make it easier for people to digest. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.
The annual tournament preview show is live from Country Financial representative Andrew Harby's office on Wabash Ave. with fellow Country agent Mike O'Brien as the guys talk about the insurance industry, and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School Athletic Director Bob Brenneisen visits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Country Financial representative Andrew Harby hosts the annual City Basketball Tournament preview with fellow agents Mike O'Brien, Jake Surratt and Duane Schmedeke as the athletic directors stop by, including Chris Hampsey of Lanphier, Brian Barnes of Springfield and Tiffany Williams of Southeast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The City Tournament preview continues from Country Financial representative Andrew Harby's office as District 186 Executive Director of School Support Jason Wind visits, and Andrew and fellow agent Mike O'Brien chat with Sam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the looming threat of port strikes on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast, with contracts set to expire on January 15th, 2025. They delve into the potential ramifications for agricultural exports, the criticality of timely contract negotiations, and the broader impact on the U.S. economy. Key topics include the role of government, the importance of maintaining international trade relations, and the ongoing debate over automation in port operations. They underscore the significant risk to the agricultural sector and the ripple effects on other industries and consumer prices. Lorrie talks with Tom Harrington, President of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, about the impact of wolf reintroduction in Colorado, highlighting issues such as livestock deaths and depredations. He criticized Governor Jared Polis for blaming ranchers and emphasized the need for better preparation and compensation plans. On the second part of the segment, Lorrie is joined by Evan Holtine from the Illinois Farm Bureau. He discusses a lawsuit against the American Farm Bureau Federation over the termination of Illinois Farm Bureau's membership due to a business decision by affiliate company Country Financial. Sabrina talks with Galen Beer, the national sales strategy and product management lead for AgroLiquid, about the current state and strategic approaches for the mid-year fertilizer season. He highlights early deliveries for 2025, agronomy meetings reviewing research from the past year, and important considerations for growers on the West Coast and Southeast. Galen emphasizes the necessity of having a detailed fertilizer plan, understanding soil tests, and addressing geographical challenges like sodium in irrigation water in California and nutrient washout in Florida. He advises growers to remove emotion from economic decisions and to consult experts, with AgroLiquid's resources available to assist. This episode also features an excerpt of the Voices of the Valley podcast.
In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the ongoing conflict between the Illinois Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The AFBF voted to expel the Illinois Farm Bureau due to their insurance company, Country Financial, deciding to sell policies to non-farmers, sparking a lawsuit. The conversation covers the potential ramifications for Illinois farmers, their representation in national policy, membership impacts, and the broader implications for other state Farm Bureaus. Lorrie talks with JR Smith, Vice President and co-founder of the Veterans Ranch, who discusses the organization's origins and mission. Founded in 2017, the nonprofit aims to support veterans and their families through equine therapy and other services. Initially conceptualized on napkins at a Chili's, the ranch provides free therapy and discounted riding lessons, with plans to expand to 10 locations across Texas and Florida. This week's Almond Update is with Franz Niederholzer and emphasizes the critical importance of accurate pesticide spraying techniques in agricultural practices, particularly in almond orchards. The discussion highlights the impact of variables such as wind, humidity, and tank contents on spray efficacy. It explores advancements in spray technology, stressing the need for a strong foundational understanding of traditional practices. Topics like nozzle selection, calibration, and the role of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) are elaborated, providing essential guidelines for improving application efficiency and safety.
In September, COUNTRY Financial, an affiliate of Illinois Farm Bureau, announced that effective January 1, 2025, it will no longer require its Illinois-based insurance clients purchasing non-farm policies to hold IFB memberships. In response, the American Farm Bureau Federation announced that it would expel IFB from the federation, effective December 20, 2024.IFB is fighting to stay a member of AFBF and has filed a lawsuit and injunction in McLean County Court. A previous contract between AFBF and IFB states, except for certain limited circumstances that are not present here, AFBF is not allowed to terminate IFB's membership based on business decisions made by affiliates, including COUNTRY Financial. We discussed the matter with IFB President Brian Duncan and Vice President Evan Hultine.State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes getting information gathered for 2024 pest report. We hear from Ron & Deb Moore of Roseville, named Farm Family of the Year by the Illinois Soybean Association. We also hear from Lucas Lentsch, CEO of United Soybean Board.Tasha Bunting, Illinois farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems provides an update.
Jennifer McDade, External Affairs with COUNTRY Financial discusses COUNTRY's collaboration with Heartland Community College for the new COUNTRY Financial Trail at Heartland and restoration of the prairie on the east side of the campus. Annie Schoetmer provides an Illinois Beef Association update. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick details weekend warm up and December outlook.
On this week's episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Jennifer McDade, Public Relations Manager at Country Financial. Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guest: Jennifer McDade: Public Relations Manager, Country Financial Websites: https://www.bnbiz.org/ https://www.countryfinancial.com/ Topics: Get To Know, Fun Facts,About her Role as a Public Relations Manager, Perfect Day in Bloomington-Normal, and Why Does Economic Development Matter? Explore Careers at Country Financial: https://www.countryfinancial.com/en/about-us/careers.html
Join Tina Paulus-Krause on this inspiring episode as she sits down with Tim Bottini, an insurance financial advisor with Country Financial, who has been navigating the ever-changing landscape of the insurance industry since 1989. Tim shares his remarkable journey of perseverance and adaptability, drawing from the legacy of hard work and resilience inherited from his father. Discover how Tim has managed to stay ahead of the curve by embracing continuous improvement, seeking support from peers and mentors, and remaining open to new ideas, all while maintaining an unwavering enthusiasm for his work even after 35 years. Listen in as Tim & Tina explore the significance of residual income in the insurance industry, the impact of natural disasters, and the shifting dynamics of consumer behavior. Tim offers valuable insights into the importance of authenticity in leadership, using personal anecdotes, including a touching story about enjoying a rock concert with his son, to highlight the power of being genuine and inspiring others. This episode is a testament to the importance of lifelong learning and the balance between being powerful and loving, with reflections on the role models who shape our values and behaviors. Tune in to hear Tim's journey and how you can connect with him online as the insurance industry continues to rapidly evolve. ________________ Timecodes 0:00 – Intro 2:09 – Longevity through Connection, Community, and Change 6:00 – Continuous Improvement and “Sharpening the Axe” 8:37 – Role Models Instilling a Deep Sense of Motivation 10:22 – A Marathon Mindset Creates Personal and Professional Longevity 12:57 – Tim's Biggest Lesson: Openness and Acceptance 14:20 – The Fast Future of the Insurance Industry 19:24 – Being Open to Change: Your Choice to Adapt or Resist 23:11 – Leaving a Humble Legacy of Authenticity, Openness, and Support 27:56 – Conclusion ________________ Tim Bottini received a BSBA from the University of Missouri St. Louis and started with Country Financial in September 1989, straight out of college. He began in Florissant, MO and successfully moved their office to St. Peters, MO in February 1993 – where Country Financial proudly serves their community. Tim currently has 3 amazing team members: Marissa Dickman, Emilie Weinrich, and Joanna Trevisano. Tim's journey has been filled with ups and plateaus, however he and his team are currently filled with ups. He has learned so much about himself and his business in the past 1½ years and attributes part of that growth to “amazing coaching from Tina Paulus-Krause.” One thing Tim knows about himself is he does not have all the answers, which has allowed him to always be looking to improve himself, both personally and professionally. Tim and his team are always striving to improve themselves so they can assist their clients to achieve financial security, no matter where their clients are starting from. They make sure, from an insurance risk perspective, their clients have the right coverage at the right time. Regarding their financial house, Tim and his team provide financial planning at no cost to their clients, as planning comes first and products will follow to assist their clients' financial plan. In closing, Tim and his team assist their clients and protect their assets with the proper insurance products all the while helping those clients in the accumulation phase or those in the distribution phase. Tim's Business Website: https://advisors.countryfinancial.com/usa/mo/st-peters/tim- bottiniFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tim-Bottini-Country-Financial-100064054779018 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timbottini/ ________________ Your Leadership Legacy Website: www.tinapauluskrause.com/yourleadershiplegacypodcast/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5C8bf4UC4Npymj1KTzfm9k?si=ximhczT_SJaKY7Otzm6QuQ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-leadership-legacy-with-tina-paulus-krause/id1495401836 Tina Paulus-Krause Website: https://tinapauluskrause.com/Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachtpk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachtpk/
COUNTRY Financial's Zach Hinthorn highlights National Farm Safety and Health Week. We preview a 75th anniversary celebration at Ferne Clyffe State Park in southern Illinois. We meet Hancock County Farm Bureau Manager Richlyn Hoener.
John Heiser, FCAE District 1 Program Advisor discusses ag teaching openings heading into the new school year. An update on storm claims from COUNTRY Financial's Jesse Kohlbecker. Jeff Guilander with a CropWatcher report from Jersey County.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.
This week on the Wine Crush Podcast, brought to you from the heart of Oregon wine country and sponsored by Country Financial, Heidi Moore welcomes two prominent figures in the wine industry with deep ties to the local winemaking community and beyond. Taking place in beautiful downtown McMinnville, Heidi is joined by Johnny Brose from Flora Jane and Brian Berenger from Human Cellars, both of whom bring compelling stories and insights about their journey through the winemaking world.Johnny Brose shares his fascinating path starting from brewing beer in college, experiencing a fellowship in Germany, and transitioning from beer to wine after stints at places like Gallo and the McLaren Vale in South Australia. This journey eventually led him to the creation of Flora Jane, named after his wife's grandmother, driven by their mutual love for winemaking. Flora Jane maintains a focus on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and the occasional Cabernet. Notably, Johnny introduces an exciting food pairing of black garlic with their Syrah, garnering delighted reactions from Heidi and the listeners.Brian Berenger of Human Cellars brings an international flavor to the discussion, recounting his adventures spanning continents from pharmaceutical work to agricultural projects in countries like Thailand, Gambia, and Bolivia. His journey also includes significant time studying and working in Europe, specifically in France and Germany, before finding his way to Oregon to teach at Chemeketa. Human Cellars' wines are crafted to reflect the people Brian has met globally, adding a personal narrative to each bottle. Their offerings include both varietals and unique blends, predominantly using a hands-off approach in harmony with biodynamic principles.The episode also delves into the significant role of the Chemeketa Wine Program where both guests currently educate future winemakers and vineyard managers, emphasizing the hands-on approach that the program adopts. They highlight the collaboration between Chemeketa and Ivoy, stressing the importance of offering educational and advancement opportunities to vineyard stewards.Johnny and Brian underscore the dedication, detail, and passion woven into every aspect of winemaking, from the vineyard to the winery. As always, Wine Crush Podcast shines a spotlight on the personal stories behind the labels, promoting a deeper appreciation for the art and science of winemaking.
This week on the Wine Crush Podcast, brought to you from the heart of Oregon wine country and sponsored by Country Financial, Heidi Moore welcomes two prominent figures in the wine industry with deep ties to the local winemaking community and beyond. Taking place in beautiful downtown McMinnville, Heidi is joined by Johnny Brose from Flora Jane and Brian Berenger from Human Cellars, both of whom bring compelling stories and insights about their journey through the winemaking world.Johnny Brose shares his fascinating path starting from brewing beer in college, experiencing a fellowship in Germany, and transitioning from beer to wine after stints at places like Gallo and the McLaren Vale in South Australia. This journey eventually led him to the creation of Flora Jane, named after his wife's grandmother, driven by their mutual love for winemaking. Flora Jane maintains a focus on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and the occasional Cabernet. Notably, Johnny introduces an exciting food pairing of black garlic with their Syrah, garnering delighted reactions from Heidi and the listeners.Brian Berenger of Human Cellars brings an international flavor to the discussion, recounting his adventures spanning continents from pharmaceutical work to agricultural projects in countries like Thailand, Gambia, and Bolivia. His journey also includes significant time studying and working in Europe, specifically in France and Germany, before finding his way to Oregon to teach at Chemeketa. Human Cellars' wines are crafted to reflect the people Brian has met globally, adding a personal narrative to each bottle. Their offerings include both varietals and unique blends, predominantly using a hands-off approach in harmony with biodynamic principles.The episode also delves into the significant role of the Chemeketa Wine Program where both guests currently educate future winemakers and vineyard managers, emphasizing the hands-on approach that the program adopts. They highlight the collaboration between Chemeketa and Ivoy, stressing the importance of offering educational and advancement opportunities to vineyard stewards.Johnny and Brian underscore the dedication, detail, and passion woven into every aspect of winemaking, from the vineyard to the winery. As always, Wine Crush Podcast shines a spotlight on the personal stories behind the labels, promoting a deeper appreciation for the art and science of winemaking.
Guests include Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation. We also chat with COUNTRY Financial's Vice President of Claims and Client Services Jesse Kohlbecker.We get a Pioneer agronomy segment from Matt Montgomery.
With insurance costs skyrocketing, having a good understanding of the types and amount of coverage needed for wineries and vineyards is becoming essential. As a broker for Country Financial, as well as the host of the Wine Crush Podcast, Heidi Moore describes what is necessary vs. optional for winery insurance and the changes happening in the industry. Detailed Show Notes: Insurance trends - very volatile now, Covid supply chain issues, wildfires / other natural disastersRates are soaringFL/CA - natural disasters happening more, impacting insuranceIf >5 mi from a fire station, insurance premiums can be doubleWinery insurance is a niche market, so it is better to have expertiseLeakage & contamination are a big issue - often wineries do not have enough coverageGeneral liability and liquor liability are base levels of coverageRest is optional - a winery should look at what will break the business if it happensPremiums based on gross sales, inventory, and assets (e.g., buildings, barrels)Range of costs - small wineries ($1,500-2,000/year), larger wineries ($50-60k/year)CA - many companies have stopped writing businessSometimes, there is state coverage for catastrophe-only coverageInsurers often value inventory based on “final destination” (e.g., DTC vs. wholesale)A wine library with increasing value should be looked at annually to see if coverage needs to be adjustedVineyard insurance is different from wineryFarm policy for an agricultural commodity (e.g., for runaway tractors)Crop insurance, which is federally subsidized, covers annual crop value and covers against smoke taint, fire, etc…; often can insure at different value levels of the cropCan buy specific coverage for vines and equipment in vineyardsClimate change mostly impacts crop insurance vs farm policyBase level of insurance needed for winery w/ vineyardWinery policy - covers tasting room, production, buildings, the commercial businessFarm policy - covers vineyard, buildings, farming operation, home autosDepending on assets - umbrella policy to cover assets (e.g., drunk driving accidents are expensive)When to stop buying insurance? Need a good agent who is your advocateValue of a broker vs. direct from the insurer - can provide different options of insurance, the downside is they do not know policies as deeplyWine Crush PodcastShare stories of winemakers, encourage people who do not drink wine regularly to try itMostly OR wineries, expanding to WA, IDKey trends for wine insurance - circling in on natural disasters and how they affect policies Get access to library episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
State Senator Dave Koehler discusses the Family Farm Preservation Act. We get a CropWatcher report from Joel Barickman in Livingston County. Zack Hinthorn, senior agribusiness underwriter with COUNTRY Financial talks grain bin safety.Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.
Wow, to interview a high level executive who is willing to share their best practices and nuggets to inspire others who are looking to grow their business is beyond impressive to me. Tim is first class. Our time together left me wanting more. I personally walked away with a FULL BUCKET of nuggets and perspective that has helped me in my life. I also bought the book he recommends and it's amazing! Listen to whole thing and watch ...you will walk away changed. Thanks Tim!
In this episode I'm telling you all about where I spent my money in 2023... including which category I spent more in than my entire eight-year history! I'm talking about where I overspent, where I underspent and what I'm paying for to make my business run smoothly. Listen in as I take you through how my spending landed in these categories: courses technology paid apps & software balloon-specific subscriptions paid services automation tools insurance upgrades rental products I'll also share how this reflection has motivated me to create a budget for the year ahead - something I've never taken the time to do before! I hope by listening in, you'll be able to identify areas that could use improvement or upgrades in your business. In the UGlu Hotline, I share my thoughts on when and how to implement bulk pricing. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year) Balloon Suite Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT) Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit PremiumConwin 2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20) My Balloon Toolbox Balloonpro.co Design Tool Fiore Accounting & Tax Services Flodesk (get 50% off your 1st year) Later.com Ep. 162 - Protecting yourself and your business | Erin from Country Financial - - - - Join the book club 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list courses | templates | planner @thebrightballoon The Bright Balloon on YouTube
Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Nick Usborne as our guest. Our connection dates back to a previous podcast where we delved into conversational copywriting. Today, our focus shifts to the captivating realm of AI in copywriting.Guest Introduction - Nick UsborneNick Usborne is a seasoned copywriter with over 40 years of experience. Since 1979, copywriting offline and then online, he has worked with dozens of major companies, including:Citibank, Apple, Chrysler, Franklin Mint, TV Guide, Diners Club International, J. Paul Getty Trust, MSN.com, Technogym, Encyclopedia Britannica, New York Times, Country Financial, Adorama, Reuters, WebEx, the U.S. Navy and others.He has spoken at numerous online marketing conferences and conducted in-house seminars and training sessions for many companies, including: Yahoo!, Intuit, Walt Disney Attractions, Association of American Publishers, Novartis Pharma, John Deere, National Cancer Institute, Merck & Co., Textron, and the Information Technology Media Advisory Council..As a business consultant for online entrepreneurs, I deeply appreciate Nick's commitment to connecting with the human side of his audience. His expertise in conversational copywriting and emotional intelligence has been transformative. Nick transitioned from corporate training to providing individual-focused courses and is now embracing AI, particularly ChatGPT, to accelerate his copywriting.The Role Of AI In Copywriting: Key TakeawaysEvolution Of Copywriting:We explore the evolution from hard-selling to conversational copywriting, emphasizing genuine connections with the audience.Introduction To AI In Copywriting:Nick spotlights ChatGPT as a game-changing AI tool, delving into its profound impact on transforming the copywriting landscape.The Role Of AI In Copywriting:Our conversation underscores that while AI enhances efficiency, it won't replace emotional intelligence. We stress the importance of combining AI with emotional intelligence for impactful and authentic copy.Adapting To Change:Emphasizing the significance of adapting to technological changes, especially the rise of AI, I encourage fellow online business owners to embrace and learn about these tools to stay relevant.Future-Proof Copywriting:Nick shares insights on future-proofing copywriting by seamlessly integrating AI and emotional intelligence. We recognize the unique value humans bring – the ability to infuse emotion into content.Example Of Human Touch:Sharing a real-life example, we discuss the irreplaceable human touch, such as forgetting a friend's name at a conference. We highlight how personal experiences and emotions add depth to copy that AI cannot replicate.Empathy In Copywriting:Nick and I identify emotional intelligence, specifically empathy, as a crucial element for creating a compelling and relatable copy. We emphasize the importance of maintaining a human touch in the age of AI.Key Quotes"AI plus emotional intelligence: that's the future of copywriting.""It'll be the death of the lazy copywriter.""Take AI and layer it with emotional intelligence."Resources MentionedNick's website: https://nickusborne.com Connect with Nick on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.usborne Subscribe to Nick's newsletter: https://nickusborne.com/newsletter Get my free guide: Fill Your Programs, Courses & Memberships Like...
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In this episode I'm chatting with my insurance agent Erin about important stuff like liability, vehicle, health insurance and more. You'll even hear my gasp as I realized how underinsured I was! This interview was a total wake up call. Contact Erin here: Erin.gabriel@countryfinancial.com Erin walks us through some considerations for home-based, warehouse and retail businesses... and what to focus on first (hint: liability insurance!). She tells us how coverages can layer on top of one another into one policy so you're not managing several smaller policies at once. I ask her to walk me through what it would look like if a customer ever filed a claim against my business. Who contacts whose insurance, what happens if I'm a sole proprietor, etc. and her answer was very eye-opening. Then, we move on to talk about what insurance looks like with employees vs. contractors, and how often policies should be updated. There is SO MUCH to learn in this episode, but it is not meant to scare you! Please listen in to learn about how to protect yourself and your business, and contact Erin if you need help. And in the UGlu Hotline, we get an awesome tip about securing your Hi-Float container! RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year) Balloon Suite Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT) Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit PremiumConwin Contact Erin from Country Financial ____________________________ Join the book club 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list courses | templates | planner @thebrightballoon The Bright Balloon on YouTube
Dawn Corsiglia, U.S. Chief Financial Officer, joins the podcast today as we continue our focus on strong female leadership at Qualfon. Jeremy and Marisol talk with Dawn about the valuable skills and expertise she brings to a position that accounts for every dollar that comes into the company. She talks about the Mission, its importance to the company, and how it goes much deeper than initially thought. Dawn also touches on how she loves to teach, mentor and provide growth opportunities for her team.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/458 Presented By: Waters West, Country Financial, Chota Outdoors, and Togens Fly Shop Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Jeff Brady from Mystic Outdoors to share the story of how he purchased a fly rod company during Covid and what it took to keep this thing above water and growing. Jeff also digs into choosing the fly rods and what it takes to choose the right fly rod for the species you are chasing. You can listen to the entire the Podcast or read more below. Mystic Outdoors Show Notes with Jeff Brady 03:56 - Jeff had a great season and noted The Wasatch Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo 04:20 - Jeff also noted a really cool event in Colorado called Trout Fest. Trout Fest Colorado is a one of a kind summer festival and celebration of conservation, education, and fly fishing. 04:32 - Jeff mentioned that shows are a pricey investment but it's so much fun to see everybody, see your friends and talk a little business with people and meet people like us. 04:48 - We talked about the cost of the booth at a typical show, and as per Jeff, it depends on the show; the range is going to be anywhere from 800 to 2,000 dollars for a 10 by 10 booth. 05:32 - Jeff also mentioned the travel cost, logistics cost, shipping cost, and all those things. It's a major investment, but at the end of the day, typically, there's a big return that you look forward to. 06:29 - Jeff talks about Stillwater; that is one of the categories they are focusing on. Phil Rowley is Mystic Outdoors Ambassador and he's the host of our Littoral Zone Podcast. 06:55 - There's definitely been an increase in interest in Stillwater flyrods. Jeff mentioned that he has seen a big boom in the sale of his M-Series Fly Rods. 07:16 - Jeff mentioned that there are a lot of new fly-fishing men and women in the industry. There's been a large increase in fishing pressure, particularly in Colorado, Utah, the West, the North East, and the North West. People are looking for a little more solitude. Stillwater Fishing is one type of fishing that allows you to find more solitude on the water. 9:04 - Dave makes the analogy between Michael Jordan and Phil Rowley. Who do you think would win in a one on one fishing competition. 9:18 - Hey, Jeff attended the Denver The Fly Fishing Show this year. The Denver Fishing Show is one of the biggest fly fishing show of the year. 10:57 We talked about the live event from the giveaway where you get the chance to win a fishing trip and huge fly fishing gear pack. Click here to check out the next event 11:45 - Jeff was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas, area, and he went to college there. He always had a burning desire to be a ski bum because that's what he wanted to do. 13:00 Jeff failed his last college test and decided to move west with his 1987 4Runner packed up and ready to go. They headed to the Red River in Mexico. 17:38 - Jeff shared that all of their rods, from their premium entry-level rod, The Inception, all the way up to their trimmer saltwater line, were designed by Dennis Klein. Learn more about the Mystic Story here 20:25 - Jeff noted the popularity of there Reaper X Fly Rod. He also made a analogy of the blind cast off and how the Reaper X will stand up to any rod in the market. 24:56 - Jeff shared story about Dennis Klein who designed their every line up rods. 28:56 - Jeff talked about the Sapphyre Rod series and how it's one of the only women's fly rod series. 29:54 - Jeff shared that they have two rods in their line-up, the Inception Fly Rod and the Inception with Mystic Outdoors Case Special, that are manufactured in China. 34:00 - Jeff talked about Covid and how their business impacted the industry as a whole. He was incredibly impressed with the creativity that fly shops across the country came up with to stay afloat. 35:10 - Jeff shared their business strategy for 2020: get out to shows, get busy with the brands, and talk about the plans to reenter the fly-shop market. 35:28 - Jeff mentioned that when he was in Nebraska doing his day job in March 2020, he was planning to fly to Michigan to do the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo, but it was cancelled due to the pandemic and was diverted to Denver. 37:24 - We talked about how show season was a big part of their business particularly in 2020. 38:06 - Jeff shared that in 2020, even if there's a pandemic, the fly fishing industry will grow because, by nature, fly fishing is socially distancing and an outdoor activity, and people want to go outside. 38:42 - Jeff shared that they survived in 2020 and moved in 2021 by having more conversations with fly shops and starting to rebuild that kind of relationship. 41:09 - Jeff described how he pitches to a fly shop and 3 most important benefits he offers as a company to local fly shops. 44:11 - Jeff shared that he loves Trout Species, and he started to introduce Stillwater to his routine. 44:37 - Jeff talked about the last of May, together with his couple of friends in Baja Mexico. They chased a Roosterfish, Amberjack, and he highly recommends doing it because it was fun and exciting. 45:32 - We talked about what the roosterfish looked like and how they chased and caught it. Here's a video from Red Fly Shop on how to catch Roosterfish 47:19 - Jeff also shared that there are a lot of good lodgers and guides down there. He also loves Saltwater Fishing. 47:41 - La Ventana, where there's great rooster fishing and if you want to ride around Cabo in Los Barrelis, you can just use an ATV rental, also has spectacular food that's so good. 48:37 - Here's the picture from last year when they caught Rooster Fish and Amber Jack in Baja Mexico. 48:44 - Jeff notes the trip they did in the Northern Lights, and that's going to be a badass trip too and a lot of fun. 48:52 - Pyramid Lake is another one on Jeff's bucket list trips. 49:34 - We talked about Nico Sunseri, who was fishing with him as one of his friends, and how he knew him very well. He also described Nico as a good fisherman and a good person. 50:48 - Jeff shared that salt species are fighters, and with trout fishing, large trout are certainly going to fight; they're going to take you for a ride; they're going to run; they're going to trim and get rid of you; but Jeff mentioned that salt fish are a unique experience. 51:26 - Jeff notes that he's a trout fisherman in Colorado. 51:58 - Jeff mentioned that he went out last weekend to Arkansas in Colorado to gold Medal Water and shared that they really do a good job with the river by making it so accessible; there are bathrooms in different locations, and it's really built out and nice all the way down the long river. 53:26 - We talked about their trip to Baja Mexico, and Jeff shared that they have a guidebook in Colorado, and someone helped them with booking and arranging things. 56:00 - For Stillwater fly fishing situations, they recommend their Mystic M Series in the 10' 3" 6 weight, their M-Series Spey rod comes in at 12' 3", the M-Series Switch rod and Micro-Spey rods are built in an 11' 3" design, and also JXP in the 9-foot 6-weight. This high-performance fly rod is a great fit for making long casts on lakes in windy situations. You might also consider the Reaper X 9-foot, 7-weight rod. For the price, you won't find a better fly rod that can handle big flies, big fish, and delicate situations. 58:53 - We talked about the Dumb and Dumber Movie. 59:24 - Jeff shared an interesting story about how they went out a couple days ago with his wife to watch a fantastic movie called Cocaine Bear, as well as Top Gun and Maverick. You can find Jeff Brady here mysticoutdoors.com and on Instagram at: mysticflyrods Jeff Brady from Mystic Outdoors shared his experience fishing in Baja, Mexico. He also recommended some lodges and foods from their trip, mentioned their M-series fly rods, and shared his top 5 species of saltwater options to fly fish.