Podcasts about Twin cities

"Running is running is running, and I love it all." Courtney Dauwalter returns to the Ali on the Run Show — this time as a 2:49 marathoner! Courtney is an ultra runner who is best known for her GOAT-status success on the trails. In 2023, she became the first person to win Western States, the Hardrock 100, and UTMB int he same year. Earlier this year, she won Hardrock in a women's course record: 26 hours 11 minutes and 49 seconds. Most recently, Courtney's been hitting the roads! She just completed the Twin Cities Marathon — her first marathon in more than a decade — in 2:49. But it's not about the time on the clock for Courtney. In this conversation, she talks about why she wanted to run a road marathon, why Twin Cities, and why now. Plus, an exciting announcement about what's next. SPONSOR:  Lagoon: Click here to take Lagoon's 2-minute sleep quiz to see which pillow is right for you. (I'm an Otter!) Use code ALI at checkout for 15% off your next Lagoon order. In this episode: “It's candy corn season!” (2:00) Courtney's snapshot moment from the 2025 Twin Cities Marathon (4:50) What's making Courtney happy today, and what she's into right now (5:45) How Courtney is feeling post-marathon, and how road marathons fit into her career right now (8:20) What Courtney's marathon training looked like, and how it differed from ultra training (16:00) Courtney's time goal and expectations for Twin Cities (21:30) Courtney's fueling and hydration plan for Twin Cities (26:35) Courtney's take on the marathon community (29:30) Courtney recaps her race at the Twin Cities Marathon (36:00) Courtney's takeaways from the marathon (43:20) What's next on the run for Courtney (47:00) How it feels to be a 2:49 marathoner (53:30) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Warren Buffet can solve all of America's problems. Also improved behavior can solve the problems in the Twin Cities. Johnny Heidt with guitar news. Reusse with his weekly sports report.Also Heard On The Show:Charges: 53-year-old was on fentanyl when he hit 9-year-old with SUV, drove offLighting up Dinkytown: Minneapolis installs new lights as part of safety initiativeSome GOP leaders call for resignation of Young Republicans who allegedly texted slurs, racist messagesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark Williams sits down with alumni from the Contractor Coalition Summit—Brad Robinson, Danielle and Michael Gutelli, and Jared Miller—to talk about how the summit totally changed the game for their businesses and personal lives. They swap stories about learning from top builders, building real friendships, leveling up with new business strategies like pre-construction agreements, and even discovering the magic of setting boundaries. If you've ever wondered if investing in industry events is worth it, their stories say “absolutely!” Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Contractor Coalition Summit: Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

At the heart of the discussion was Linda J. Camp, the creator of The Backup Plan. A Minnesota-based innovator with 28 years in the public sector and 15 years teaching adult learners, Camp's journey into solo aging advocacy was deeply personal. "I am one," she shared candidly, reflecting on her own life without family nearby and the long-distance caregiving struggles for her father, who lived alone in northern New York until dementia complicated his independence. "He looked like he had the support he needed, but he was actually a solo too."Frustrated by the lack of tailored resources—barriers like rural isolation, urban overload, and suburban silos—Camp applied her systems-thinking expertise to design a scalable model. Over a decade of experimentation, she tested formats: from top-down information sessions (too passive) to unstructured peer groups (lacking direction). The result? A flexible framework that empowers rather than dictates."It's a model, not a program," Camp clarified in response to an audience query. Unlike expert-led workshops with predefined topics, The Backup Plan is a bottom-up approach for building self-managing peer groups of 6-12 solo agers. Key components include:A Sponsoring Organization: Provides free meeting space and helps recruit participants through newsletters, word-of-mouth, or community networks. "They don't have to do very much," Camp noted—just enough to remove logistical hurdles like rental fees.A Coach: Not a facilitator, but a guide who "keeps an eye on things" like a basketball coach from the sidelines. "The coach doesn't dribble the ball," Camp quipped, emphasizing the role's focus on gentle steering, feedback, and resource nudges.Peer-Driven Tools: Free participant and coach manuals (copyrighted but licensed at no cost) offer frameworks, not checklists. They encourage results-oriented thinking: "Here's what we're trying to accomplish. Recognize that you are the expert of your own life." Examples abound for diverse contexts, from rural resource scarcity to urban abundance.The model's goals are threefold: equip organizations to better serve solos, cultivate communities for shared problem-solving, and motivate individuals to tackle tough tasks like healthcare directives. "People hate doing them," Camp admitted, "but it makes a difference if everyone else is struggling too—they can talk it out and divide the research."Research underpins the peer focus. Camp cited studies, including one from the University of Pennsylvania on the Oprah Book Club, showing peers drive change more than experts. "People buy books because their friend said it was good, not because Oprah did," she explained. This "tribe" dynamic builds not just plans, but lasting bonds that combat isolation.In Minnesota, the impact is tangible: 12 active groups, two launching soon, and seven more organizations in the pipeline—more in greater Minnesota than the Twin Cities metro. "We're offering new infrastructure where resources are limited," Camp said proudly.Julia Ockuly, the first Backup Plan coach and volunteer service coordinator at Longfellow Seward Healthy Seniors in Minneapolis, brought the model to life. Her group, part of a "living at home block nurse program," started in 2021 amid pandemic restrictions—fittingly, their inaugural meeting was outdoors in a gazebo. "We had about eight people," Ockuly recalled. "It was coming out of isolation, and they've stuck with it."Challenges arose: Ockuly initially struggled to step back from leadership, and socializing often eclipsed planning. "People wanted to connect, which makes sense," she said. But evolution followed. The core group of 8-12 now blends monthly socials with guest speakers on topics like healthcare directives, solo travel, death doulas, green burials, and nature accessibility. "We've delved into end-of-life planning, but also community politics and safety," Ockuly shared.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/828 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Four Wheel Campers, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Evan Griggs, founder of Fishing For All, walks us through Minnesota's surprising, varied fisheries — from tight spring-fed trout creeks to the big, free-flowing Saint Croix and the Mississippi in the Twin Cities. He explains why smallmouth migrate up to 80–100 miles each season, how guide days look (drift boats, 8-wts, mice and popper windows), and why locals are seeing epic multi-species opportunities — muskie, pike, carp, native sunfish, and big smallmouth. Evan mixes practical trip planning, conservation wins (catch-and-release protections), and stories about teaching new anglers and building a guiding business that shows people how close great fishing can be. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/828

Mayors across the Twin Cities metro and beyond are calling for the Minnesota Legislature to repeal a state law that prevents cities from enacting their own gun regulations. The call comes in the wake of the August shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. Two children were killed, and dozens of others were wounded during a back-to-school mass. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with one of the mayors pushing for a state law change, Kim Norton of Rochester.

Nate Tice, who writes for Yahoo! Sports and hosts the Football 301 podcast, joins The Alec Lewis Show to talk about the Vikings and J.J. McCarthy. They discuss Tice's pre-draft evaluation of McCarthy, what Tice thought of J.J.'s first two games against the Bears and Falcons and much more. Tice also discusses Carson Wentz, Isaiah Rodgers and the Eagles matchup. This show is presented by First Resource Bank, which serves the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. For more information, here is their website:   https://myfrbank.com/   And here is a link to all of their locations!   https://myfrbank.com/locations-hours/   Sponsored By: UNRL (unrl.com (http://unrl.com/)) — Drop No. 1: https://www.unrl.com/pages/unrl-x-nfl   Sponsorship inquiries: aleclewis54@gmail.com

A new startup in Minnesota's medical technology hub recently won an annual statewide business competition. Twin Cities based AcQumen Medical walked away from this year's MN Cup with $100,000 in prizes. Its winning idea is a device to measure blood flow in babies who are in neonatal intensive care. Clinical trials for the device will begin later this week. AcQumen Medical co-founder and CEO Dori Jones joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

Artificial intelligence is changing how many people work. In several Twin Cities area police departments, it's taking on some of the paperwork that comes with law enforcement by helping write police reports. Axon, the company behind Taser, has an AI tool that helps officers write reports using body camera footage. The tool is called Draft One. As KSTP first reported, three departments in the metro are using it. But some prosecutors and civil rights advocates have raised concerns. Spokespeople for Bloomington and Brooklyn Park police said a group of officers within their departments are piloting the tool. MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with Lieutenant Nate Tennessen from the Eagan Police Department, which has been using Draft One since June.

Alec Lewis, the Minnesota Vikings beat writer at The Athletic, records a podcast beginning with Kevin O'Connell's Monday press conference. Lewis talks about J.J. McCarthy, McCarthy returning to practice, his health, his mechanics and more. Lewis also discusses Carson Wentz, the run defense, O'Connell's gameplan for the Browns and more. This show is presented by First Resource Bank, which serves the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. For more information, here is their website:   https://myfrbank.com/   And here is a link to all of their locations!   https://myfrbank.com/locations-hours/   Sponsored By: UNRL (unrl.com (http://unrl.com/)) — Drop No. 1: https://www.unrl.com/pages/unrl-x-nfl   Sponsorship inquiries: aleclewis54@gmail.com

The office loves maple pecan Nespresso pods and Holly celebrates Twin Cities Hip-Hop Day 2025, ABFAB: Alexis and her son are all about Tetris Tumble, Jason is having bad dreams about PDD: Dance, POP QUIZ: Potato chip edition, and we remember the late Diane Keaton, an icon in so many waysSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark hangs out with Kali Sudbrook from Beachside Custom Gyms to talk all things home wellness and fitness spaces. They share Kali's wild leap from a cushy corporate job to designing killer custom gyms, and chat about how the wellness industry is exploding in homebuilding right now. If you're into building, designing, or just want your own awesome home gym, tune in for plenty of laughs, some great advice, and why wellness spaces are absolutely the next big thing. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Contractor Coalition Summit: Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Where to find the Guest:  Website: https://beachsidegyms.com/ Beachside Custom Gyms' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachsidecustomgyms Kali's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalithecontractor Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

It's Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota. From Moorhead to Mankato, Duluth to the Twin Cities, communities are celebrating the day.Chandra Colvin was at a school American Indian Magnet School Saint Paul where people are spending the afternoon outside for cultural teachings and a feast. Colvin joined Minnesota Now to talk about how the school is honoring Indigenous ancestors.

The use of breathalyzer tests are being paused statewide after errors were found that produced unreliable results in more than 100 DWI cases. The defense attorney who first flagged this issue will join us with his reaction to the suspension.Monday is Indigenous People's Day. We'll chat with author Janis Fairbanks about her new memoir that details her relationship with her Ojibwe grandmother. We'll also check in with Native News reporter Chandra Colvin, who has more on celebrations happening in the Twin Cities.Plus, we'll hear how a local nonprofit is helping new Latino immigrants connect to and enjoy the Twin Cities' park systems.And the Vikings had a break this week, but face a tough team ahead. That story from our sports contributors.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “If I Do My Own” by Black Market Brass and Obi Original and our Song of the Day was “Mountain Laurels” by Rogue Valley.

Minnesota's parks and trails are a big part of what makes living here so special. But not everyone has an easy path into those outdoor spaces. A local organization is aiming to change that. Luisana Méndez has taken it upon herself to be a bridge between recent Latino immigrants like herself and the Twin Cities' park systems. She's the founder and executive director of Huellas Latinas, a nonprofit that helps Latino families connect with nature, with each other, and with their home here in Minnesota.

Steve & Eve & Nev & Neve & Eva & Eve welcome you to the first official club meeting. On the docket: a wicker mystery, a poetic postcard, and a reminder that the call to mystery is always there.The show really needs your help right now. Keep Sleep With Me going and get hours of bonus content by joining Sleep With Me Plus! sleepwithmepodcast.com/plusGet your Sleep With Me SleepPhones. Use "sleepwithme" for $5 off!!Are you looking for Story Only versions or two more nights of Sleep With Me a week? Then check out Bedtime Stories from Sleep With MeLearn more about producer Russell aka Rusty Biscuit at russellsperberg.com and @BabyTeethLA on IG.Show Artwork by Emily TatGoing through a hard time? You can find support at the Crisis Textline and see more global helplines here.HELIX SLEEP - Take the 2-minute sleep quiz and they'll match you to a customized mattress that'll give you the best sleep of your life. Visit helixsleep.com/sleep and get a special deal exclusive for SWM listeners!ZOCDOC - With Zocdoc, you can search for local doctors who take your insurance, read verified patient reviews and book an appointment, in-person or video chat. Download the Zocdoc app to sign-up for FREE at zocdoc.com/sleep PROGRESSIVE - With the Name Your Price tool, you tell Progressive how much you want to pay for car insurance, and they'll show you coverage options that fit your budget. Get your quote today at progressive.comKINDRED - Kindred is a members-only home swapping network. It isn't a hotel. It isn't a short-term rental. It's a smarter way to travel where each stay feels like home. Apply now at LiveKindred.com and use code SLEEP to join for free. Plus, you'll earn 5 nights of travel credit just for signing up!ODOO - Odoo is an all-in-one management platform with a suite of user-friendly applications designed to simplify and connect every aspect of your company in one, easy-to-use software. Odoo is the affordable, all-in-one management software with a library of fully-integrated business applications that help you get MORE done in LESS time for a FRACTION of the price.To learn more, visit www.odoo.com/withmeUNCOMMON GOODS - Uncommon Goods scours the globe for original, remarkable, handmade things. Surprise your friends and family with unique - and even personalized! - gifts this holiday season. Head to uncommongoods.com/sleep for 15% off! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Rev It Up with Jess Tiffany"! In this episode, host Jess Tiffany is joined by Jenna Redfield, a dynamic marketing educator and founder of Twin Cities Collective. Jenna specializes in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs master the world of social media marketing through one-on-one coaching, online programs, free master classes, and her own podcast. Together, Jess and Jenna dive into the power of leveraging local networks, the ins and outs of video editing for today's platforms, and the importance of choosing the right strategy for your business goals. Jenna also shares her expertise on building effective sales funnels, staying ahead of ever-changing social media trends, and tailoring marketing solutions for individual business needs. Whether you're just getting started or looking to ramp up your online presence, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you fill your entrepreneurial tank and put the pedal to the metal.1. Introduction to Jenna Redfield and Her WorkJenna's background in MinneapolisFounder of Twin Cities CollectiveExpansion from local to broader social media educationFree master classes and online academyFocus on teaching tech-savvy marketing and social media skillsRole in tech support and IT experienceHosting the Collective Marketing podcast2. How to Find Jenna Redfield OnlineInstagram accounts (@jennaredfield, @twincitiescollective, @collectivesocialmedia.co)Websites (collectivesocialmedia.com, twincitiescollective.com)LinkedIn presence3. Leveraging Networks and Building CommunityEvolution of Twin Cities Collective from blog group to broader communityUsing the network as a case study and eventual business funnelEstablishing expertise and community into a business pipelineComparison to joint ventures and leveraging platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Creative MarketDiscussion on fees and exposure for digital products4. Best Practices & Pitfalls in Networking and OutreachImportance of leveraging networks (with examples)Risks of spam and unsolicited outreach (especially DMs)Value of relationship-building over aggressive sales tacticsComparisons to in-person sales experiences5. Video Editing and Content CreationJenna's background in professional video editing and filmRise in demand for short-form video content due to Reels and TikTokOverview of video editing tools (iMovie, Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, InShot, Canva)Filming tips: horizontal vs vertical orientation for different platformsPlatform-specific advice (YouTube for long-form, Reels/TikTok for short-form)Repurposing video podcast clips for social sharing6. Content Strategy and Platform SelectionWhere to distribute different types and lengths of content (YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, LinkedIn, Reels, TikTok)Importance of goal-setting before choosing platforms (SEO, virality, link traffic)Strategic content teasers to drive traffic to podcasts or longer content7. Sales Funnels and Business ProcessesUse of FG Funnels software for business managementStructure of Jenna's funnel: free masterclass, academy courses, 1-on-1 coaching, free intro callsAutomation, proposals, and client bookingPricing strategies and challenges for coaching/servicesMove from fixed packages to custom proposals/business intensives8. Coaching, Training, and Working with ClientsTransition from offering advice to formalizing coaching servicesDifference between coaching, consulting, and training in Jenna's workTypical client support: tech tutorials, strategy sessions, platform-specific walkthroughsTailoring services based on client needs and tech skill levels, especially for older clients

We chat about a bunch of A listers that will be in town in a couple weeks, Hilaria Baldwin after being bounced from DWTS and Martha and Drew are all good. Monster: Ed Gein Story episode 2 is a whole other level of dark. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE BEST BOOK CLUB IN THE MULTIVERSE! Join the Book Club Bois as secrets are revealed and friendships are tested in the latest chapter of Wally West as THE FLASH! With his memory returned to him, Wally West continues his superheroic career as The Flash! But something is brewing in Keystone… two fractured factions of Rogues seem to be on a collision course that could shake the foundation of the Twin Cities! And when a beloved member of the superhero community is murdered, a secret is revealed from beyond the grave that could forever change the legacy of Barry Allen and The Flash! Covers The Flash (1987) #210-218 by Geoff Johns, Howard Porter, Steven Cummings and Peter Snejbjerg Time Stamps: 00:00:22 Intro & Whatcha Doin'? 00:31:50 Book Club Begins 02:56:48 Break 02:58:40 Speed Force Mailbag 03:17:24 Patreon Shout-Outs & Wrap-Up Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/geeksplained Geeksplained Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/geeksplained Follow us! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/geeksplained.bsky.social Instagram: www.instagram.com/geeksplainedpod/?hl=en Send us your questions for the Geeksplained Mailbag! Email: Geeksplained@gmail.com Check out COMIC BOOK COUPLES COUNSELING and their brand new show THE STACKS, now streaming on YouTube! https://www.comicbookcouplescounseling.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@comicbookcouplescounseling8538/videos Music Sampled: “Alive” by Warbly Jets

In this Q&A episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark flies solo to share how the Contractor Coalition Summit has seriously leveled up his business game. He chats about everything from getting paid for pre-construction work and using AI, to building a powerful brand and connecting with awesome industry folks. If you're on the fence about going, Mark's stories and practical tips make it sound like this Summit is a total game-changer for builders looking to up their game! Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

Minneapolis singer, rapper and writer Dessa has risen to fame over the past two decades through her genre-defying solo performances and collaborations with groups like the Minnesota Orchestra and Doomtree.Dessa is releasing a new single “Camelot” off her new EP on Friday. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share a sneak peek of her new project and reflect on her two decades in the Twin Cities music scene and beyond.

In this episode of the Org Design Podcast, hosts Tim Brewer and Amy Springer engage in a compelling conversation with Rhonda Frith-Lyons, an experienced organizational designer, at the ODF conference in the Twin Cities. Architectural engineer turned organizational problem-solver, Rhonda Frith-Lyons, joins us from the ODF 2024 conference to share her journey into org design and the critical skills leaders need to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. Rhonda unpacks how the worlds of art, science, and behavioral insight intersect in organizational design, why leaders must resist the urge to “just move boxes,” and how AI is reshaping the way we think about transformation. With decades of experience across supply chain, IT, and global multinationals, she offers practical advice on diagnosing problems, framing the right questions, and leading with intentionality. Rhonda highlights the need for leaders to adopt a holistic view of their organizations, considering how changes in one area affect the entire system.  If you're a leader navigating growth, change, or disruption, this conversation will help you see your organization as a system—and your role as its architect. Org Design Podcast https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/orgdesignpodcast/ Sassy Entreprenuership https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesassyentrepreneurllc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondalfrithlyons/ Functionly https://www.functionly.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/functionly/

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.A storytelling road trip from Grand Marais to WinonaRose Arrowsmith is a storyteller and children's book writer from Grand Marais, and for the second year in a row, she's making the six-hour drive to Winona to attend the Sandbar Storytelling Festival. The festival, held on Friday and Saturday, features seven storytellers from around the country, including local talent, offering a series of storytelling events at the Page Theatre.There are also free events Friday through Sunday at the Historic Mason Theater, the Winona Public Library and two Winona churches. Find the schedule here.Rose describes the transportive nature of storytelling: This is oral storytelling, so oftentimes it's going to be one person up on stage, and they might be telling a story from their own life. They might be telling a folktale or a myth or some combination thereof. Some people are really theatrical storytellers and do voices and a lot of physicality. And some people, it feels like you're in a really intimate conversation until you realize you're lost in a story.Rose is particularly excited to see Elizabeth Ellis, whom the NEA named an American Masterpiece Touring Artist.Rose says: If you're in the storytelling world, you've known her name for forever. She doesn't really travel anymore, but she tells these traditional stories from her experience in Appalachia.— Rose ArrowsmithA play about care, connection and humanityTwin Cities theater-maker Shanan Custer is looking forward to seeing Martyna Majok's Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Cost of Living” staged by Full Circle Theater.The show runs Oct. 10–18, including accessibility matinees Saturdays at 1 p.m., at 825 Arts in St. Paul. The play lasts an hour and 45 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. Tickets are pay-as-you-are-able.Shanan says: It's an incredible acting show. You really get to know the characters. And the show has two characters [out of four] who have disabilities. And in this particular production, we have two characters who are using wheelchairs. They both require caregiving, but the show isn't about disability. All of the characters are fully realized, and the show is asking us to think about all the ways that we intersect, whether it be how much money we make in a year, or how we're able to move about in the world, or how others perceive us.— Shanan CusterGlamour, vintage, and Prince-inspired fashion on the runwayLeslie Firkins is a wardrobe stylist living in St. Paul, and she's looking forward to Glam Jam, a vintage fashion show and corresponding clothing market, both held at The Hennepin in Minneapolis. It's a Prince-inspired event as well as a fundraiser for Hennepin Arts.The high-glam 80's style fashion show kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday night.Leslie says: The stylist is Richard Anderson. He's a really well-known icon and stylist here in the Twin Cities, and I just can't wait to see what he pulls together.And then on Saturday, there is a vintage market where you can shop a lot of the vendors that provided a lot of the clothes and pieces that we saw in the show the night before.I think it'll be a really good time to be inspired to maybe pick up some vintage to mix and match with your modern clothes.— Leslie Firkins

A recent raid on a construction site in St. Paul has alarmed neighbors and immigrant advocates. ICE confirmed agents arrested four people who were working on a roof project on Thursday. A spokesperson for the agency said three of the four had criminal convictions but did not provide names or further information. MPR News has not independently verified those details. At a vigil, immigrant advocates said arrests like these are creating a climate of fear. MPR News host Nina Moini talked to Merle Payne about how this moment is impacting people working in the Twin Cities who could be subject to immigration arrests. Payne is executive director of the worker advocacy group, CTUL.

Within a week, there was vandalism at a Minneapolis synagogue and a fire and break-in at a Minneapolis mosque. We talk to faith leaders from both houses of worship about their concerns around targeting religious institutions. After ICE agents arrested a construction crew while they were working on a roof in St. Paul, concerns are growing within the immigrant community. We check in with an advocacy group about what they are hearing from immigrant workers. Plus, the Crown Prince of Norway is in the Twin Cities. We talk to the Norway House about the significance of his visit and Minnesota's deep ties to the country.

On today’s show: — How Trump’s actions using the military are all part of his big grift. — How the case against James Comey is a complete sham. — Jeff Stein’s weekly Wednesday visit. — Minnesota has an award winning bathroom. — Will Trump bring federal troops to the Twin Cities? — Massive problems in…

Chris Egert is covering for Chad today talking about the possibility of National Guard troops coming to the Twin Cities, how successful Minnesota's farms have been with this year's harvest, and a new list of America's favorite fall foods showing major disrespect to Minnesota's wild rice soup.

Governor Walz said yesterday he's preparing for President Trump to call National Guard troops to the Twin Cities as he has in Washington DC, Chicago and Portland. Chris Egert is in for Chad today and opens the show with a discussion about what that would mean to the cities and residents.

This coming Friday, there will be a critical event taking place over at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities with their “Conversations On a Bench” among Twin Cities leaders - we talked to Pam Stegora Axberg, CEO of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities previews this amazing 24 hour event taking place, the current problem people face when it comes to homelessness in the metro area and how people can support the cause!

How do you reinvent the world's most basic item—a T-shirt—and make pants that actually fight back against plumber's crack? In this episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with Alexander Chou, co-founder of Harnish Workwear, to talk about premium workwear, design snags, field testing with framers, and why durability shouldn't mean looking like a walking sandbag. From sourcing Cordura to building a cult following in Canada, this episode has everything: branding, community, custom tags, and a spam-surfing sidetrack you didn't see coming. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Contractor Coalition Summit: Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ **Anyone who signs up to CCS between 10/6/2025 and 10/13/2025 gets a free apparel kit from Harnish Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Where to find the Guest:  Website: https://www.harnishworkwear.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harnishworkwear/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harnishworkwear Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

Childcare is a huge challenge for many families, and this is of course true for small towns. When Alex and Tyler's daycare closed their small town of Ottertail, MN (pop. 500), Tyler half-jokingly said, “We should just start our own daycare.” Well, that's pretty much what that did. Two days later, he had a plan and three years later, they're opening a nonprofit daycare to serve their community that could change how rural communities approach childcare. And we are so here for it! About Tyler & Alex: Tyler and Alex Rupe have been married for nearly a decade, bringing together roots from Grand Forks, North Dakota and the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Shortly after their wedding, the couple relocated to Ottertail and quickly fell in love with the close-knit community. In 2020, Tyler purchased Battle Lake Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling, while Alex has built a career in marketing and event planning before recently becoming Executive Director of the Ottertail Community Center. Together with their two children and their beloved Labrador, Daisy, the Rupes have become integral members of the Ottertail community. They share a profound passion for community service and are dedicated to creating positive, lasting change that will benefit generations to come, working actively to strengthen the bonds that make their adopted hometown such a special place to live and raise a family.  In this episode, we cover: How a childcare crisis (and a joke!) sparked a community movement Why they chose the nonprofit route The “pod model” for childcare The role of collaboration and philanthropy Why a community center is next!  Links + Resources Mentioned: Website: https://www.ottertailcommunityproject.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottertailcommunityproject Sponsor Spotlight: Brodie Mueller and The Market on the Plaza In small towns, coffee is more than caffeine. It's community! Market on the Plaza roasts beans locally in Aberdeen, in small batches for the freshest, richest cup to start your day or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Stop in to grab a bag for home or linger over a cup with neighbors. Proudly local, always welcoming. This week's Small-Town Shout-Out is: Raymond, SD, population 789. Katie shares that last year, they hosted the first Raymond Redwing days, complete with a color run, vendors, live music, food, the works! It was such a hit that this year's event is already in the works. There is so much love and work involved in these kinds of events, so we know it's no small feat, but it's such an amazing way to build community and celebrate small towns. Snaps to Raymond! We Want to Hear From You! Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two “participation dance” elements of the show: “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

Zach didn't begin in commercial real estate. He spent six or seven years in auto portfolio finance, making a living but not finding his calling. A move into commercial title insurance put him closer to the industry he'd later help shape. Then a series of conversations with the team at Biznow changed everything.The people drew him in. “Every single person was super dynamic, super sharp, super ambitious,” he said. After a call with the late CEO Will Friend—“the greatest salesman I've ever met”—Zach knew he had to join. He wasn't sure if he'd be on stage or in the audience. He chose the stage and never looked back.Today, Zach serves as Vice President of Sales across the Midwest for Bisnow, one of the most prominent commercial real estate events and media companies. He credits the work to a team-first mindset. “Nothing happens without the people I work with,” he said. That lens powers everything from editorial to events. The editorial engine keeps nearly 2 million subscribers across about 50 cities engaged. The events side hosts roughly 400 gatherings worldwide, with about 25 in Chicago alone. The aim is simple and hard at once: keep people informed and help them meet the right people to do their next deal.Then came the pandemic. In-person events vanished overnight. The company refused to frame the moment as “if.” It became “how.” “We did almost a thousand webinars during that year and a half,” Zach said. Production shipped a webinar every week. Sales reframed campaigns. Coordination delivered at speed. They didn't just preserve the business. They came back stronger, and they still use digital when a national niche topic needs it.Zach's take on sales is refreshingly direct. Relationships matter, but they are not the reason to buy. “I don't ever want somebody to do business with me because of our relationship,” he said. The reason must be clear value. Trust is built by doing what you say you'll do, delivering what you promised, and being accessible. Relationships accelerate timing, open doors, and create introductions, but they should not carry the full weight of the transaction.Culture is not a poster on a wall in Zach's world. It's who gets hired, promoted, and retained. “We don't hire jerks,” he said. Fun and winning sit at the core. He looks for people who care about outcomes, often former college athletes or others with a visible competitive edge. Hunger beats polish. Effort beats résumé. Everyone in the “dojo,” as they call their offices, must be an A player because every seat directly affects results.The Midwest focus is no accident. Zach sees real momentum in Chicago and neighboring markets like Detroit, the Twin Cities, Kansas City, and Columbus. Talent density is rising. Clients are investing. The city's fundamentals—from fresh water to a diverse industry base—support long-term growth. That thesis shapes where the team expands next and which asset classes they spotlight.Work and life became sharper when his family grew. Early on, Zach was out four or five nights a week and logging 90-hour stretches. That wasn't sustainable. Now he guards time with Alicia, their son Cam, and even Amy the cat. The shift worked because he trusts a strong Midwest team to execute at the same level—or better. Systems support the boundary. So does clear ownership.If you lead sales or community, here are moves you can copy this week. First, audit your offer so value stands on its own. Your relationships should speed a yes, not create it. Second, build a simple introduction flywheel. Track who needs to meet whom and facilitate two quality intros per week. Third, adopt Zach's “how, not if” stance on constraints. Write the obstacle at the top of a document, then list three workable paths around it within 30 minutes. Ship one.Zach's most durable lesson came young. After his parents divorced when...

Paul Allen, the host of 9-noon on KFAN and the voice of the Vikings, joins The Alec Lewis Show to give his thoughts on the Vikings' matchup with the Cleveland Browns. They talk about the offensive line injuries, Kevin Stefanski, the Browns' defensive line, quarterback Carson Wentz, the London trip and more. This show is presented by First Resource Bank, which serves the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. For more information, here is their website:   https://myfrbank.com/    And here is a link to all of their locations!   https://myfrbank.com/locations-hours/    Sponsored By: Minnesota Lottery (mnlottery.com/)   Sponsored By: UNRL (unrl.com)   Email for other sponsorship/endorsement inquiries: aleclewis54@gmail.com 

In today's episode, I chat with IFBB Pro Sophie Edwards, who began her journey in 2023 competing in Wellness before switching to Bikini in her second show. After facing last callouts at NPC Nationals, Sophie committed to a long off season, came back stronger in June 2025 to win the overall, and just two weeks later earned her Pro card with a class win at USAs.   TOPICS COVERED -The road to Pro  -Switched coaches during prep -Having a support system -Being driven -Giving back to the sport -Changes in the divisions -Traveling on prep   CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html   CONNECT WITH SOPHIE:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sme_fit_/   TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 2:49 Pro in two years 4:53 life before competing 8:54 wellness to bikini 11:35 being a coach and hosting posing clinics 15:34 transition from self-coached to having a coach 21:10 bouncing back after tough placing 24:30 going through a break up in prep 29:00 changing coaches 32:05 feelings of winning 36:37 leaning on your support system 40:40 becoming a coach 43:18 advice for competitors   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE

This time, Chris Mozena (aka 'The Guy' at The Hook and Ladder) stops by to talk about the plight of the independent arts venue, something we've been discussing a lot on the show lately. The Hook is an incredible volunteer-run, non-profit space with the primary goal of providing artists with a spot to do what they do. In our view, this is a crucial piece of cultural infrastructure in the Twin Cities. The Hook is doing it's first-ever fundraising drive and this one really matters. Find out how to help and keep the scene strong. Listen, act and thank you!

Builder. Dad. Almost burnout casualty. Tyler Grace joins Mark for a raw conversation on why “doing what you love” can still land you in the ER. They dive into stress, ego, profitability, and how Tyler finally drew a line between life and business. Come for the honesty, stay for the dad jokes—and leave with a better plan for your own business sanity. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Contractor Coalition Summit: Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Where to find the Guest:  Website: http://trghomeconcepts.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trghomeconcepts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-grace-25687a24 Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

10-2 Adam and Jordana 10a hour

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.Meander through artists' studios along the upper Minnesota River ValleyMusician Clark Machtemes of Waconia recommends the Meander Art Crawl, a three-day, self-guided tour of artists' studios across western Minnesota. This year's event features 42 artists in towns including Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, Dawson, Montevideo, Granite Falls and Canby.The Meander runs:Friday: 12 – 6 p.m.Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Machtemes notes that several towns will also host evening musical performances. (Find a map here.)The quiet beauty of the everydayMinneapolis painter Ken Johnson recommends Justin Terlecki's solo show, “Hidden Place,” on view at Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis through Oct. 11.Ken says: It's a series of nine paintings in oil. They're scenes reproduced from photographs and from his remembered events of places and friends: sleeping, exploring the outdoors, eating — all relatable. He's creating a living history through these subtle artworks. His oils are in muted blues and greens. It's best seen in person because he uses these small brushes, and you can actually see these little brush strokes.— Ken JohnsonKick-start spooky season with Theatre 55's production of ‘Sweeney Todd'St. Paul's Heather Foxx says she first discovered Theatre 55 — a Twin Cities theater company featuring actors aged 55 and older — through Art Hounds. After appearing in some of their past productions, she plans to be in the audience for their fall show, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”Heather says: This fall, they're kicking off the spooky Halloween season with “Sweeney Todd,” filled with beautiful, eerie, haunting melodies, with actors and actresses of 55 and older.— Heather Foxx

Jason talks to journalist Rick Kupchella who's created a new documentary on the state of the Twin Cities - business, education and more - that debuts tomorrow night.

4pm Hour: Jason talks with listeners about Minneapolis starting up a speed camera program. Will it slow drivers down? Then he's joined by journalist Rick Kupchella about his new documentary debuting tomorrow night on the state of the Twin Cities.

Alec Lewis, the Minnesota Vikings beat writer at The Athletic, talks about being in London, the Vikings' injury situation, penalties, the offensive line, "sign stealing," playing the Browns and much more. This show is presented by First Resource Bank, which serves the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. For more information, here is their website:   https://myfrbank.com/    And here is a link to all of their locations!   https://myfrbank.com/locations-hours/    Sponsored By: Minnesota Lottery (mnlottery.com/)   Sponsored By: UNRL (unrl.com)   Sponsorship inquiries: aleclewis54@gmail.com 

Welcome back for S5E10 of Inside Cyclones Hockey!The Clones had a tough start to the home season, dropping both games to West Bend at home this last weekend. Mark breaks down the home series, what went wrong, and what positives to take out of the weekend, looking forward. Eiji Hofmann also joins the pod for a great interview with Mark, talking all things hockey!Now, from the Eye of the Cyclone... Intro, West Bend series breakdown (1:34-21:04)Minnesota Moose Series Preview (21:52-32:00)Eiji Hofmann interview (33:10-54:58)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Printable Home Schedule: https://www.wausaucyclones.com/52524-2/Purchase Single Game, Group Tickets, Founders CLub & Flex Packages Here: https://www.wausaucyclones.com/tickets-2/Don't Miss a Second of Cyclones Action this Season! Sign up for our Email Newsletter here: https://www.wausaucyclones.com/newsletter/Tender Signings & Other News: https://www.wausaucyclones.com/category/news/Make sure you follow the Cyclones across your favorite social media @WausauCyclonesYou can find Mark on Instagram, X, and TikTok @mwrsports_Go Clones!!

This time, Chris Mozena (aka 'The Guy' at The Hook and Ladder) stops by to talk about the plight of the independent arts venue, something we've been discussing a lot on the show lately. The Hook is an incredible volunteer-run, non-profit space with the primary goal of providing artists with a spot to do what they do. In our view, this is a crucial piece of cultural infrastructure in the Twin Cities. The Hook is doing it's first-ever fundraising drive and this one really matters. Find out how to help and keep the scene strong. Listen, act and thank you!

Luke checks-in from the Twin Cities, where he's going to farmers markets, alarming restaurant patrons, and writing strongly-worded letters to the editor.

In this out-of-the-box episode of The Curious Builder Podcast, Mark sits down with Chief Todd Milburn of Edina to talk jobsite theft, neighborhood safety, and what builders and homeowners should really be thinking about when it comes to security. They dive into public safety tech (like license plate readers), the rise of crime-of-opportunity, and how the police force recruits like a modern business. Come for the garage door break-ins, stay for the chipmunk invasion and Faraday cage jokes. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Contractor Coalition Summit: Website: https://www.contractorscoalitionsummit.com/ Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Where to find the Guest:  Website: www.edinamn.gov/274/Police Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

Minnesota teachers have done a three-peat for the National Rural Teacher of the Year.The National Rural Education Association bestowed the honor last year to Melissa Oberg, who teaches special education in Grand Marais. In 2023, it went to Morris teacher Jenny Maras. This year's honoree is Jeff Granrud. He teaches math at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School. That's a district of about 1,300 students an hour west of the Twin Cities in Wright County. Granrud joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about his nearly 30-year career in teaching.

We play Blink Rank, fall edition, talk best spots in the Twin Cities, and more!

We play Blink Rank, fall edition, talk best spots in the Twin Cities, and more!

Ben Michel is the founder and principal of Ridgeview Property Group, a real estate investment firm focused on value-add multifamily properties in the Twin Cities. After a decade as a multifamily broker, Ben transitioned into investing during the pandemic and has since grown Ridgeview's portfolio to $25 million in assets. He specializes in heavy-lift renovations using construction debt, transforming underperforming properties into long-term holds that generate stable returns.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways A decade as a broker provided Ben with credibility and deal-analysis skills that investors trusted. Raising capital requires confidence, credibility, and broad connections—not just a handful of close contacts. Expanding his outreach from 50 contacts to thousands transformed his ability to raise funds. Coaching and mentorship were critical for learning construction loans, renovations, and repositioning strategies. Long-term success depends on planning for market cycles with reserves, staggered debt maturities, and strong operations.     Topics From Broker to Investor Ten years as a multifamily broker built experience analyzing deals and observing operators. First investment came from converting a failed listing into a purchase with an investor partner during Covid. Early Capital Raising Lessons First deal funded by a single $1 million investor—a stroke of luck. Learned the hard way that a tiny investor list made future raises difficult. Expanded his outreach by adding thousands of past contacts to his newsletter, enabling a $2.2M raise. Mentorship and Scaling Immediately hired a mentor to learn construction debt, repositioning, and property branding. Shifted from “softball” deals to larger renovations requiring professional systems. Twin Cities Market Strategy Avoids restrictive areas like St. Paul (rent control) and focuses on stable suburbs. Considered Nashville and Bentonville but doubled down locally due to his network and knowledge. Value-Add Execution Renovates 1960s–70s properties with $18–25K per-unit budgets. Upgrades include flooring, cabinets, granite, stainless appliances, dishwashers, and modern lighting. Strategy creates long-term, easier-to-manage assets with better tenant profiles.