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ConversActions: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Bill Mitchell
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago35 min
James Hillmeyer on Honeybees, Hard Work, and the Partnerships That Feed America
What if one of the most important parts of our food system worked almost entirely while the rest of us were asleep? In this episode, James Hillmeyer, co-owner of LB Werks and a second-generation commercial beekeeper, takes us inside the demanding world of commercial pollination. He shares how healthy partnerships with growers, year-round hive nurturing, and a relentless commitment to customer service keep bees, farms, and America's food supply thriving despite rising environmental challenges.In this episode, we explore: Growing up allergic in a beekeeping family How commercial pollination really works behind the scenes Following bees across America throughout the year Why grower relationships matter as much as hives The biggest threats facing honeybee populations today Why young people should still consider beekeeping Customer service lessons every business owner can apply Building a rewarding life through agriculture and familyResources MentionedWisconsin Honey Producers: https://wihoney.org/ WI Honey Producers Resources: https://wihoney.org/resources/ Youth Scholarship: https://wihoney.org/inside-whpa/youth-beekeeper-scholarship-program/ American Honey Producers Association: https://ahpanet.com/
- Jun 25, 202627 min
Building Trust, Community Legacy, and Seven Automotive Locations
What does it take to build a business people can count on when their plans fall apart? Kohl and Jessie Adamson of Cordell's Automotive have turned car trouble into community trust, expanding from one inherited shop to seven locations across Wisconsin and Minnesota.In this episode, they share how they've built a business on "old school excellence" while navigating industry technology changes, creating a culture where team members work "in the trenches with the wrenches," and investing deeply in small-town communities through hands-on philanthropy that goes far beyond writing checks. Their motto? Be Quick, be clear and be kind. In this episode, we explore: From one location to seven automotive shops Being there when customers need you most Working on the business versus in it Technology changes that customers don't realize exist Community investment philosophy and approach Communication across multiple locations Hard lessons from expansion and COVID challengesResources MentionedCordell's Automotive: https://www.cordellsauto.net/Onalaska YMCA Child Watch Center: https://www.laxymca.org/locations/houser-branch
- Jun 11, 202631 min
Food Videography, Visual Storytelling, and Finding Authentic Connection Through Content
What happens when passion meets practicality in the content creation world? In this episode, Steve Ray, Head of Brand Marketing at Foodist Films, takes us on an unexpected journey from driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to building a successful food videography business – and ultimately pivoting back to what truly matters.From humble beginnings filming farmers markets in Austin, Texas, to creating content for household names like I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Siete Foods, Steve and his wife Alexandra built Foodist Films into a thriving visual content agency. But as the industry shifted toward six-second ads and algorithm-driven content, they found themselves further from the authentic food storytelling that originally inspired them. Now, they're using their video expertise to help people connect with something entirely different – the meditative world of tongue drums – rediscovering the joy of creating content that genuinely helps people.In this episode, we explore: Meeting on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and "Hot Dog High" training Building a food video business from a roommate's kitchen Standing out from visual clutter: why authenticity matters more than trends What food brands misunderstand about video content and the importance of trust The evolution from recipe videos to six-second ads and losing the creative spark Finding optimism through authentic connection Lessons on intuition, technology adoption, and knowing when to say no to opportunitiesResources MentionedFoodist Films: https://foodistfilms.com/team/ Root Rhythm: https://rootrhythm.com/ Root Rhythm sample YouTube video, Tongue Drum Tips for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vksWCdXUncM&t=156s Information on Oscar Meyer Wienermobile drivers (Hotdoggers): https://omwienermobile.com/meatthehotdoggers.html
- May 21, 202630 min
Nick Netley on Innovation, Risk-Taking, and Competitive Advantage in the Express Car Wash Industry
What does it take to compete with billion-dollar companies when you're a small business owner? In this episode, Nick Netley, founder of Sota Shine Car Wash, reveals how he's disrupting the booming car wash industry through bold innovation and calculated risks.From selling the #1 Camp Bow Wow franchise in the United States to building what will be the world's longest car wash at 305 feet, Nick shares his journey of creating unique customer experiences that set his business apart from corporate giants. Broadcasting from his million-dollar self-service dog wash called Sota Pup, Nick discusses how he combines sustainability, customer experience, and creative thinking to build a competitive moat against private equity-backed competitors.In this episode, we explore: From exercise science degree to dog daycare empire in Minnesota The million-dollar dog wash gamble and the power of animals Engineering complexity behind modern express car washes Building environmentally responsible washes with solar and water reclamation Finding diamond-in-the-rough employees/leadership lessons learned the hard way Creating customer experiences that build loyalty when things go wrong Success lessons on traffic counts, site selection, and taking calculated risks The fun of brainstorming and building something no one has seen beforeResources MentionedSota Shine Car WashSota Pup self-service dog washCamp Bow Wow franchiseWBD SBA LendingSBA 504 loan program
- Apr 23, 202626 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
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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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