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by Bill Mitchell
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- 3 weeks ago26 min
Digital Innovation in Survey Tech: Bridging Physical and Digital Infrastructure with Mike Klonsinski
How do you transform a 50-year-old metal foundry into a cutting-edge digital technology company? In this episode, Mike Klonsinski, President of Berntsen International, reveals how his company made the dramatic leap from forging metal survey markers to developing RFID-enabled smart infrastructure that connects the physical world to digital twin systems.From providing Lewis and Clark Trail markers to enabling election security through digital tracking, Berntsen International has quietly evolved from a Wisconsin foundry into a technology innovator serving over 6,000 surveyors nationwide. Mike shares insights on managing dual businesses, fostering innovation in traditional industries, and why the future belongs to companies that can bridge the gap between physical assets and digital data systems.In this episode, we explore: Berntsen International's origin story Shifting from shaping metal to communicating digital data How RFID gives physical infrastructure a digital signature Customer stories: Lewis and Clark Trail to 200-year mountain surveys Leadership: clear visions, small wins, and passionate consistency Connected survey markers in an AI-driven world Real-world uses: ballot bag tracking and chain of custody CEO lessons: aim 5-10 years ahead and look outside your industryResources MentionedBerntsen InternationalGeo WeekEsri GIS software platformDinosaur bone tracking video
- Mar 19, 202628 min
Building Strategic Financial Foundations for Small Business Success
What's the difference between surviving and thriving as a small business owner? In this episode, Tina Lockwood, co-founder of Lockwood Enterprises, reveals how proper financial structure and strategic thinking can transform a new or struggling business into a profitable, scalable enterprise.From starting in their home office to establishing a brick-and-mortar presence after 15 years, Tina and her husband Doug have built a comprehensive accounting and business advisory firm that serves Wisconsin and Arizona. Their three-part approach – stabilize, strategize, and scale – has helped countless entrepreneurs move from "receipts in a paperclip" chaos to predictable profitability and compliance readiness.In this episode, we explore: Opening thoughts on peace of mind versus profit in business Tina's journey from home office to brick-and-mortar success The three-part structure of Lockwood Enterprises Scale Up Milwaukee program experience and networking benefits The power of mentorship through SCORE What business owners commonly overlook about their finances The stabilize, strategize, and scale process Success story: moving a client from crisis to profitability What drives their passion for client empowerment Leveraging AI in accounting and business advisory services Key lessons learned: structure, compliance, and mindset shifts Building a business for generational impact and legacyResources MentionedScale Up Milwaukee: 10-week entrepreneurial development programSCORE: Mentorship program for small business ownersSBA 504 loan programLockwood Enterprises
- Mar 5, 202630 min
Chef John Bogan on Seasonality, Local Pride, and Creating Unforgettable Culinary Experiences
A great meal is about more than just the food – it’s about connection, seasonality, and a dash of storytelling. In this episode, Chef John Bogan, founder of the Lake Geneva School of Cooking, invites us behind the scenes of his high-energy kitchen and reveals how he’s reimagining culinary education by making it as welcoming as a gathering at home.From humble roots on an upstate New York "farmette" to opening acclaimed restaurants and teaching classes that feel like family reunions, Chef John Bogan has built a culinary community that celebrates local farms, changing seasons, and the joy of cooking together.In this episode, we explore: Culinary evolution with Chef John Bogan Elevating your home cooking and culinary skills Why seasonal ingredients matter Food holidays and dining trends Restaurant dreams and hard lessons A chef’s emotional connection to food Reflecting on John’s journey and community supportLinks mentioned in this episode:Lake Geneva School of CookingChef John Bogan’s InstagramRecipes from the Seasons of My Life – Cookbook
- Feb 12, 202631 min
Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in a Hyper-connected World
Despite all our technology, one in three adults in America reports regular loneliness. This week’s guest, Brad Steckart, founder of Sit By Me, shares how his own experience working remotely inspired him to create an app that helps people break down social barriers in everyday spaces like cafes, bars, and libraries.You’ll hear the research behind the loneliness epidemic, the surprisingly scrappy sticky-note origins of Sit By Me, and how the app makes real-world connections safe, consensual, and effortless. Brad Steckart breaks down the user journey, startup launch lessons, and why community-driven relationships are a win for people – and the local businesses that bring them together.In this episode, we explore: Loneliness and why connection matters Turning loneliness into real connection The sticky note experiment that sparked it all Simple icebreakers that actually work How conversations build real relationships How social media became passive consumption Creating real-world community connection points Why consistency and belief drive momentum Lessons on traction, timing, and startup realityLinks mentioned in this episode:Sit By Me AppBrad’s Executive Briefing: Reconnecting in a Digital WorldConnect with Bradley Steckart on LinkedIn
- Jan 29, 202627 min
Embracing Change in Cheese: Family, Technology, and Global Tastes
Meet Paul Scharfman, the founder of Specialty Cheese Company and one of the most unconventional innovators in American dairy. From getting fired in corporate America to building an award-winning specialty cheese business in Wisconsin, Paul shares the origin story behind his journey, and how a Boston outsider became a Paneer Cheese pioneer.He breaks down lessons from corporate life, innovation in dairy, and why compassion, adaptability, and honest facts are key to winning in specialty food.In this episode, we explore: Finding purpose in building a small business Making handmade cheese the traditional way Patents vs trade secrets in food innovation Flexible assets vs brittle business models Dairy trends, diet drugs, and a growing dilemma Why adaptation drives long term success Safety first inside the cheese plant Building trust with facts and transparencyLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Paul Scharfman on LinkedInSpecialty Cheese Company
- Jan 15, 202622 min
Entrepreneurship, Resilience, and Community-driven Growth Engines
Today we meet Steve Glynn, the founder and Chief Milwaukee Officer of Experience Milwaukee, and the force behind Milwaukee's Walkers Point Innovation District.Steve’s entrepreneurial journey includes the start-up Sprinklr, a creative agency built by empowering college students. After selling the business, Steve shifted to connecting people, ideas and opportunity.In this episode, Steve shares his origin story, the resilience needed to build without an inherited network, and why community is the real growth engine. From margarita-fueled tech meetups to developing the Walker’s Point Innovation District, this conversation explores entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and community-driven growth.In this episode, we explore: Experience Milwaukee and the power of giving back The first iPhone moment that changed everything Why entrepreneurship is really about human connection Rebuilding connection through community and innovation Building a vision while life keeps moving Why you must participate in your own rescue Survival, leverage, and the founder mindsetLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Steve Glynn on LinkedInExperience MilwaukeeWalker’s Point Innovation District
- Dec 11, 202519 min
How an Engineer Built Wisconsin’s First Craft Distillery
Guy Rehorst is the founder and CEO of Great Lakes Distillery, Wisconsin’s original post-Prohibition distillery. From hobbyist homebrewer to pioneering entrepreneur, discover how curiosity, experimentation, and an engineer’s perspective led him to transform the Wisconsin’s spirits landscape.Find out about the challenges of building a craft distillery from the ground up, from navigating regulatory hurdles to sourcing local ingredients and championing sustainability. This episode also delivers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs – including the hard realities of sales, market volatility, and the power of adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.In this episode, we explore: Pioneering Wisconsin craft distilling Trailblazer’s journey into craft spirits How bourbon is made and planned Reviving absinthe after re-legalization Making spirits vs selling them THC cocktails and production challengesLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with Guy Rehorst on LinkedInGreat Lakes Distillery
- Nov 25, 202525 min
The Heart of the Harvest: Resilience, Patience and Sustainable Cranberry Farming
Mary Brazeau Brown is the president of Glacial Lake Cranberries and the fourth generation of her family’s farm. She joins ConversActions to explore the traditions, stories, and sustainable practices behind Wisconsin’s iconic fruit. From the fascinating origin of Glacial Lake Cranberries to the year-round work of growing and harvesting, Mary shares wisdom passed down through generations and lessons in patience, resilience, and gratitude - a wonderful fit for our Thanksgiving episode!In this episode, we explore: Spring frost protection and pollination Harvest: tradition and progress Farming: a lesson in faith From idea to product How big is local? Be true to yourself Reality check through honestyLinks mentioned in this episode:Connect with:Mary Brazeau Brown on LinkedInGlacial Lake CranberriesHonestly Cranberry
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About ConversActions
ConversActions cuts through the noise with conversations that lead to action. Hosted by Bill Mitchell, each episode brings you unique perspectives, practical advice, and strategies from business leaders that you can apply to your own life or business.With over 20 years of experience connecting companies to growth opportunities, Bill Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge to the ConversActions podcast. His mission? To help you learn from the best and apply those lessons to your journey.
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