The Surprising Truth About Minnesota's State Auditor Responsibilities | Jay Reeves

Can you just send me a rate card? Tami Kottke's answer is no. Tami is the senior marketing consultant at Rapids Radio in Grand Rapids, and after almost 24 years in local radio, she starts every campaign with a conversation, not a price sheet. Tami wanted to be an elementary school teacher until a statistics class and a blunt professor changed her path. She moved north in 1994 knowing almost nobody, helped open the Grand Rapids Target, and was working at Reed Drug when Bill Kerwin walked in and asked her to come sell radio. She started with three clients. She and Bridger dig into what makes a radio campaign work: a clear message, enough repetition to stick, and realistic expectations. You'll hear why businesses that try to be everywhere often get nowhere, why a business owner should voice their own ad, and why an agency in another state can't know this market like someone who lives here. In a myth-or-fact round, she takes on "radio doesn't work anymore" and "I'm too busy to advertise." Her toolbox takeaway comes from her 92-year-old dad: find something you love to do and do it really well. Find More about Rapids Radio Here: Website: https://www.kozyradio.com/ Phone: 218-999-5699 (ask for Tami Kottke)

Walker Maasch, a septic designer and inspector in Northern Minnesota, knows that proper maintenance is crucial to keep your system functioning. Without it, you could face costly repairs and environmental hazards. During this episode, Walker shares the importance of routine maintenance for septic systems and dives into the process of designing and inspecting these essential systems for homeowners. He recounts a critical moment when a lack of maintenance led to a major incident, highlighting the stakes involved in septic care. Walker Maasch is the owner of Precision Design and Inspection. Find more about their services here: https://www.mnprecision.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072228317314 FOR MORE BRIDGE OUT AHEAD Website: https://www.bridgeoutahead.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeoutaheadpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bridge-Out-Ahead/ BUYING OR SELLING IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA? Bridger Hopkins leads Bridge Out Ahead Real Estate, brokered by Pemberton Real Estate, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Start here: https://bridgeoutahead.northernmnre.com/ Contact the team: https://bridgeoutahead.northernmnre.com/contact/ ABOUT BRIDGE OUT AHEAD Bridge Out Ahead is a podcast of honest conversations from Grand Rapids and northern Minnesota. We dig into what's under construction in life, business, and community: the plan, what knocked it off course, and what got built next. CONNECT WITH BRIDGER Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomesWithHopkins/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgerh/ SHOW CREDITS This episode is brought to you by Bridge Out Ahead Real Estate, brokered by Pemberton Real Estate. Getting you home. Theme music: "We're Making Good Time" by Jed LaPlant

“We were definitely handed a legacy, not a business.” Tara Bender, co-owner and marketing manager of Bender Shoes, Clothing and Gift in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, explains what it really takes to lead a third-generation family company with three locations across northern Minnesota. If you’ve ever wondered how a hometown business survives 50+ years without losing its edge, this conversation shows the pressure behind the name on the building. You hear how a family store built on customer service, community ties, and face-to-face trust keeps adapting to online shopping, shifting inventory, and a new generation of leadership. Tara shares the real cost of stepping into the family business, from proving herself at the table to carrying payroll, tough conversations, and big life changes while still showing up for customers. Guest: Tara Bender - co-owner and marketing manager, Bender Shoes, Clothing and Gift, Grand Rapids, Minnesota Find more here: https://www.bendersshoes.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bendersmn/ Time Stamps (00:00) growing up in a family business (01:25) the history of Bender Shoes (05:03) proving yourself in a legacy business (06:31) how the business grew to three locations (09:49) leaving college and coming back to the store (15:44) EOS and accountability systems (35:49) marketing, social media, and AI search (41:16) the toolbox takeaway: always have a choice FOR MORE BRIDGE OUT AHEAD Website: https://www.bridgeoutahead.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeoutaheadpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bridge-Out-Ahead/ BUYING OR SELLING IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA? Bridger Hopkins leads Bridge Out Ahead Real Estate, brokered by Pemberton Real Estate, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Start here: https://bridgeoutahead.northernmnre.com/ Contact the team: https://bridgeoutahead.northernmnre.com/contact/ ABOUT BRIDGE OUT AHEAD Bridge Out Ahead is the podcast exploring what's under construction in life, business, and community. The detours, the rebuilds, and the vision still ahead. Bridger sits down with business owners, builders, and community leaders to unpack what it actually takes to build a life and work that lasts. If you're interested in business, leadership, personal growth, community impact, or navigating seasons of change, this show is for you.

As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, Madisen's story is one of resilience and creativity. You’ll discover how she transitioned from writing chapter books in her teens to creating children's stories that resonate with young minds. Hear about the challenges she faced, including the vulnerability of sharing her first book and the valuable lessons gleaned from constructive criticism. Madisen also dives deep into her tallow business, explaining how a simple hobby turned into a thriving venture, serving not only her family but also her community.

Tike Sutherland reveals how he transformed adversity into opportunity. Can a passion for sausage and fresh meats lead to a comeback story of recovery and success?