NB Podcast Banker With A Beer Episodes

Episode 145

    • Brewing Inspiration
    • Differentiating Modicum from other Micro Breweries
    • Path to Becoming an Entrepreneur
    • Creating a Tasting Experience
    • The Future of Craft Brewing

    Guest:Eric Rykal, Owner/Brew Master Modicum Brewery
    Beer Enjoyed:
    Modicum Original

    Episode 144

    • Safety of local financial institutions
    • Competing in a tight labor market
    • Matching employee life / work balance with customer’s service expectations
    • Reaching out to Gen Z

    Guest: Traci Holister, Partner and Financial Team Leader, Wipfli LLP
    Beer Enjoyed:
    La Chouffe, Belgium Blond Ale

    Episode 143

    • History of Sand Mining in Wisconsin
    • Protections put in place the help close the mines
    • The ‘Gold Rush’ Days
    • Current Sand Mining Status
    • Legacy of Improved rail infrastructure
    Guest: John Behling, President Weld Riley, S.C.
    Beer Enjoyed: Tank 7 American Saison, Boulevard Brewing




    Episode 142

    • Homelessness statistics in Chippewa County
    • The growth of housing insecurity
    • Inspiration of Hope Village
    • Tiny houses vs apartments
    • First year results
    • Future plans

    Guest: Mike Cohoon, Executive Director Hope Village & Jessica Oleson Bue, Chippewa County Housing Authority
    Beer Enjoyed: Reissdorf Kolsch Ale, Cologne German




    Episode 141

    • Cigan properties is more than Banbury Place
    • History of Banbury Place Acquisition / Conversion
    • Types of Businesses that operate out of the property
    • On going building updates and tenant transitions

    Guest: Jack and Max Kaiser, owners of Cigan Properties
    Beer Enjoyed: Dupont Saison, Belgium




    Episode 140

    • What is podcasting?
    • What makes a good podcast
    • The importance of multiple revenue streams
    • The importance of local media

    Guest: Scott Montesano, Owner of Eau Claire Hometown Media and the Voice of the UWEC Blugolds
    Beer Enjoyed: Le Chouffe, Belgian Blond



    Episode 139

    • How the Pablo Group encourages and supports start-up businesses
    • Gauging the level of entrepreneurial activity in the Chippewa Valley
    • The Chippewa Valley’s strengths as a business start-up community
    • The impact of COVID on business start-up activity
    • The impact of government support and tax policies

    Guest: Elaine Coughlin, Director of Investments and Entrepreneurship at the Pablo Group
    Beer Enjoyed: Sprecher orange and cream soda(s), Leinie’s Honey Weiss




    Episode 138

    • The evolution of office equipment
    • Office of the future
    • Digital storage vs Paper storage
    • Coolest gadget in your office
    • Pulse on the local economy

    Guest: Dave Johnson, VP of Product Print and Strategic Accounts, EO Johnson Business Technologies
    Beer Enjoyed: Smithwick’s Red Ale




    Episode 137

    • Current status of the Chippewa Valley housing market
    • Need for a real estate agent despite tight home supply
    • Selling your home yourself
    • Impact of higher interest rates on demand / affordability
    • Most desirable listings
    • Home improvements that deliver the highest resale value
    • Growth in the construction of apartments / twin homes

    Guest: Scott Wolfe, Century 21 Metro Realty
    Beer Enjoyed: Bell’s Robust Porter




    Episode 136

    • Crime in the Chippewa Valley
    • Public’s attitude towards police
    • Recruiting new officers
    • Ways that citizens can protect themselves and assist law enforcement
    • The value of home electronic surveillance equipment

    Guest: Chief Matthew Kelm, Chippewa Falls Police Department
    Beer Enjoyed: Conway’s Irish Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co




    Episode 135

    • Inspiration to start Village.com website
    • Identifying activity providers
    • Scaling up website for other communities
    • Screening of activity providers
    • Offering grants / scholarships for participants

    Guest: Noah Plewa, Owner and CEO of Village.com
    Beer Enjoyed: Tank 7 American Saison, Boulevard Brewing Company




    Episode 134

    • Pablo Attendance post-COVID
    • Acts which draw well
    • Pricing acts for the Eau Claire market
    • Securing acts
    • Staffing issues

    Guest: Jason Jon Anderson, Executive Director Pablo Center for the Arts
    Beer Enjoyed: Rodenbach Grand Cru, Beligium




    Episode 133

    • Keys to achieving financial security
    • Good habits to start in 2023
    • Ways to keep couples on the same financial page
    • Advice for weathering a recession
    • Joining a Dave Ramsey financial program

    Guest: Chris and Annalie Thies, Instructors for Dave Ramsey Financial Planning
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinies Northwoods Lager and New Glarus Moon Man




    Episode 132

    • Significant personal or business tax changes for 2023
    • Preparation you (as the filer) can do that your accountant would greatly appreciate
    • When do you need a CPA vs a bookkeeper / tax preparer?
    • Encouraging young people to enter the accounting profession
    • Advice for improving your tax filing experience.
    • Moving to another state for tax considerations
    • Most misunderstood or underutilized deductions.

    Guest: Craig Olsen, Principal Accountant, Clifton Larson Allen
    Beer Enjoyed: Carolus Imperial Dark




    Episode 131

    • Top Events coming to the Chippewa Valley in 2023
    • Has Eau Claire retained its status as a tourist draw post COVID?
    • Planning for the opening of the Sonnentag Center
    • Expanding Eau Claire’s role as a Midwest music destination
    • Attractions that locals take for granted that tourists flock to

    Guest: Benny Anderson, Executive Director Visit Eau Claire
    Beer Enjoyed: Baltic Porter, Lazy Monk Brewing



    Episode 130

    • Stability of Northwestern Bank
    • Chippewa Valley Economic forecast for 2023
    • Upcoming Changes for Northwestern Bank
    • Fed Interest Rate Increase(s)
    • Crypto Currencies

    Guest: Jerry Jacobson, President and CEO of NB
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss




    Episode 129

    • Moving from California
    • Irvine Park Christmas Lights / Village
    • Status of the Chippewa Falls public pool
    • Erickson Park
    • Public Park Support from the Community

    Guest: John Jimenez, City of Chippewa Falls Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry
    Beer Enjoyed: Modelo Especial




    Episode 128

    • New museum opening and important dates
    • What spaces will be new and what ‘classic’ exhibits will be retained in the new museum?
    • What will happen to the Play Spaces?
    • Status of the day care and 4K classroom
    Guest: Michael McHorney, Executive Director Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
    Beer Enjoyed: Goose Island Bourbon Country Aged Stout


    Episode 127

    • The impact of the low unemployment rate of CVTC’s enrollment
    • Most popular areas of study
    • The impact of the new west campus facilities
    • Long term need for degrees and certifications

    Guest: Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President Chippewa Valley Technical College
    Beer Enjoyed: Delirium Noel


    Episode 126

    • Role of a municipal attorney
    • Legal role in revitalizing downtown Eau Claire
    • Eau Claire projects beyond downtown
    • Jeffers Road Park Development

    Guest: Steve Nick, Eau Claire City Attorney
    Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Salvator Double Bock



    Episode 125

    • How did the red wave turn into a red ripple?
    • What did the Wisconsin election results tell us about state politics?
    • Donald Trump announces his campaign
    • Wisconsin as a purple state

    Guest: John Frank, Political Analyst
    Beer Enjoyed: Orval Trappist Ale


    Episode 124

    • Coming projects to Chippewa Falls
    • Housing options in the city
    • Purchase of State owned land
    • Potential areas of redevelopment
    • Status of the Chippewa Falls sand plant

    Guest: Brad Hentschel, City of Chippewa Falls Planner
    Beer Enjoyed: Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge Brewery



    Episode 123

    • Current status of the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic
    • Finding specialized care for those unable to afford it
    • Rewarding aspects of volunteering
    • Raise Spirits, Give Hope in a box fundraiser

    Guest: Dr. Brent Wogahn, Chippewa Valley Free Clinic Volunteer
    Beer Enjoyed: Fire Tire, New Belgium Brewery

    Episode 122

    • Growing up as an entrepreneur family
    • Lessons learned in running a small business
    • Selling a business
    • Role as a NB Board of Director member
    • What NB clients should know about our Board

    Guest: Heidi Boxx, Entrepreneur and NB Board Member
    Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Oktoberfest



    Episode 121

    • The evolution of Chippewa Falls in the past 25 years
    • The relationship between Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire
    • The Chamber as a driver of tourism
    • Most rewarding project
    • Vision of the Chippewa Valley in the next 10 years

    Guest: Mike Jordan, President of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
    Beer Enjoyed: Golden Draak, Amber Quadruple Ale



    Episode 120

    • The Childcare Shortage Crisis
    • Challenges Operating a Daycare
    • Transitioning a Child into the Daycare Environment
    • Advice to Parents Looking for Daycare Options

    Guest: Garret Bresina, Owner Kids USA Learning Center
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinie’s Oktoberfest

    Episode 119

    • What is the purpose of service clubs
    • Unique role service clubs play in our community
    • How does Rotary differ from other service clubs
    • How is Rotary changing to meet the needs of younger members

    Guest: Karen Hebert, Past District Governor Rotary International
    Beer Enjoyed: Nitro Milk Stout, Left Hand Brewing Company



    Episode 118

    • Latest Trends in Brewing
    • Creating an Experience at Leinie’s Lodge
    • Types of folks who visit the Lodge
    • The story behind Captain Jack Helles Bock

    Guest: Lindsey Everson, Leinie Lodge Manager
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel Juicy Peach and Captain Jack Helles Bock



    Episode 117

    • What is Fierce Freedom?
    • Human trafficking vs sexual assault
    • Trafficking in the Chippewa Valley
    • What one can do to help

    Guest: Jenny Almquist, Executive Director of Fierce Freedom
    Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Oktoberfest


    Episode 116

    • Inspiration for Reboot Social
    • Sourcing materials for an arcade bar in a pandemic
    • Blazing One’s own trail in a family run business
    • Advice to folks looking to buy a car today

    Guest: Charlee Markquart, co-owner Reboot Social
    Beer Enjoyed: Moon Man, New Glarus Brewing Company

    Episode 115

    • How students and staff have bounced back from COVID
    • Will 2022-23 be a ‘normal’ school year?
    • Managing a growing student population
    • Transitioning to the Middle Border Conference

    Guest: Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent Altoona Public Schools
    Beer Enjoyed: Mango Farm Hazy IPA, Coronado Brewing Company CA


    Episode 114

    • The role of Congressional staffers
    • How the work of Congressional staffs differs from Congressional committees
    • Effective ways to connect with your member of Congress
    • Living in DC vs living in the Chippewa Valley
    • How your member can assist you and your family when you visit DC

    Guest: Jeanne Kuehl, U.S. Congressional Staffer
    Beer Enjoyed: Spencer Monk’s Reserve Ale


    Episode 113

    • What qualifies as a veterinarian emergency?
    • Relationship with traditional vet clinics
    • Caring for a pet owner as well as their pet
    • Procedures developed for humans now available to animals

    Guest: Dr. Kara Nelson, Founder of Allied Emergency Vet Services


    Episode 112

    • How EAU came to be an Essential Service Airport and what that means
    • The Sun Country’s proposed service schedule to EAU
    • The challenges of servicing larger aircraft
    • How buses may play a role in offering ticketing and screening passenger in route to MSP.

    Guest: Charity Zich, Director Chippewa Valley Regional Airport
    Beverage Enjoyed: Blu, by Grainbelt


    Episode 111

    • Is the Chippewa Valley attractive to young adults as a place to live?
    • How the Chippewa Valley compares with larger communities for livability
    • What the area lacks for young adults
    • Favorite places to meet people

    Guest: Sidney Gullickson and Mike Farrow
    Beverage Enjoyed: Saison DuPont, Tourpes Belgium (Mike and Jerry), bottled water (Sidney)



    Episode 110

    • The history of John’s Auto Parts
    • How the auto part business has changed in the past 50 years
    • Services folks can perform on their own cars
    • Electric vehicles

    Guest: John Pederson, Owner of John’s Auto Parts
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinie’s Honey Weiss



    Episode 109

    • Things that make the JAM experience unique
    • What goes into putting on a music festival
    • Signing talent for JAM
    • Purchase of property for JAM relocation / expansion

    Guest: Kathy wright, General Manager Country JAM USA
    Beer Enjoyed: Sam Adams Summer Ale



    Episode 108

    • Updates on Downtown Projects
    • Annexations to the City of Eau Claire
    • Biggest Challenges facing Eau Claire in the next 5 years
    • Impact of reduced air service to area growth
    Guest: Aaron White, Economic Development Manager, City of Eau Claire



    Episode 107

    • Completion of River Prairie
    • Working with Mayor Brendan Pratt
    • City water restrictions
    • Redeveloping ‘downtown’ Altoona
    • Containers Up Project

    Guest: Mike Golat, Altoona city Administrator
    Beer Enjoyed: Palm Ale, Belgium




    Episode 106

    • Inflation, its cause and impact
    • Stock Market and Bond Market Retreat
    • Teaching Economic History to Students
    • Interest in Economics as a Field of Study

    Guest: Dr. Wayne Carroll, Professor of Economics UWEC
    Beer Enjoyed: Three Philosophers, Ommegang Brewery Cooperstown, NY




    Episode 105

    • The goal with Pablo Group’s development projects
    • Features tenants of downtown housing projects are looking for
    • Is downtown Eau Claire reaching a housing saturation point?
    • Managing the challenges of a tight labor market, sluggish supply chain, and rapidly raising costs

    Guest: Jenny Fesenmaier, Director of Research and Development Pablo Group
    Beer Enjoyed: Kwak, Belgian Ale




    Episode 104

    • A child’s interest in weather
    • Moving around the country
    • Preparing for extreme weather
    • Climate change

    Guest: Mike Dandrea, WEAU Meteorologist
    Beer Enjoyed: Moonridge Brown Ale, Moon ridge Brewing Cornell, WI




    Episode 103

    • Why buy a baseball team?
    • What changes (if any) should fans expect from your ownership of the Express?
    • Carson Park improvements
    • Balancing team ownership with operating a car dealership

    Guest: Craig Toycen, Owner of the Eau Claire Express
    Beer Enjoyed: The Farmer’s Daughter, Lucette Brewing Company



    Episode 102

    • Challenges of being an entrepreneur at a young age
    • The role of family in a small business
    • Impact of the army in forming Tommy
    • Advice to others considering opening a small business

    Guest: Thomas Rocque, Founder and CEO Rocque Ridge Guides and Outfitters, Lake Holcombe, WI
    Beer Enjoyed: Badger Porter, Sand Creek Brewery Black River Falls, WI


    Episode 101

    • The differences between banks and credit unions
    • Consolidation in the financial services industry
    • Growing a career from an entry level employee to CEO
    • Maintaining strong ties to the Chippewa Valley as RCU expands

    Guest: Brandon Riechers, President and CEO of Royal Credit Union
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Northwoods Amber


    Episode 100

    • How top musicians are drawn to UWEC (Quentin’s personal story)
    • Why UWEC is so success in teaching musicians to work past graduation
    • The role of Robert Baca in the UWEC Jazz program
    • The start and evolution of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival

    Guest: Quentin Volk, Executive Director Eau Claire Jazz, Inc.
    Beer Enjoyed: Anti-Resin Hazy IPA, Six Point Brewery, Brooklyn NY.

    Episode 99

    • Review of time as Alice in Dairyland
    • Challenges of being Alice during COVID
    • Future of the role of “Alice in Dairyland”
    • Future plans of Julia

    Guest: Julia Nunes, Alice in Dairyland
    Beer Enjoyed: Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer

    Episode 98

    • The role of the Foundation and Blugold Real Estate
    • Expanding the footprint of UWEC beyond its traditional campus
    • Major project reviews: Priory, Haymarket, Pablo, Sonnentag Complex, Simpson Field

    Guest: Kimera Way, President UW Eau Claire Foundation
    Beer Enjoyed: Spotted Cow, New Glarus Brewery

    Episode 97

    • What does a chamber of commerce do?
    • What unique role does Chippewa Falls play in the Chippewa Valley?
    • How has the city of Chippewa Falls changed in the past 25 years?
    • Thoughts on the future of the community.

    Guest: Mike Jordan, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President
    Beer Enjoyed: Smithwick’s, Irish Red Ale




    Episode 96

    • Brewing your own beer
    • How inflation is impacting the asphalt industry
    • Need for self-sufficiently and product diversification
    • The role of the Bank’s Board of Directors
    • The role of the Chairman of the Board

    Guest: Darrin Senn, Owner and CEO of Senn Blacktop and Northwestern Bank Board Chair
    Beer Enjoyed: Snow Bank Hefeweizen – Jerry Kuehl’s home brew and Goose Island Bourbon Country Brand Classic Cola Stout


    Episode 95

    • Preparing your own taxes vs hiring a bookkeeper, an independent CPA, or a large firm
    • Tax issues resulting from COVID
    • Hiring folks to work in the Chippewa Valley
    • Surviving the brutal tax season
    • Changes to the CPA profession over time

    Guest: Traci Hollister, CPA Partner Wipfli LLP
    Beer Enjoyed: Lindeman Lambic


    Episode 94

    • Challenges of building a new home today
    • Most popular housing choices
    • Finding land for development
    • Building materials and quality vs 30 years ago
    • Advice for those looking to build

    Guest: Adam Ashley, Owner Ashley Constructi
    Guest Host: Greg Misfeldt
    Beer Enjoyed: Bundaberg Ginger Beer



    Episode 93

    • Changing business of college athletics
    • NCAA and its role with UWEC athletics
    • New facilities
    • Success of Blugold woman’s athletics

    Guest: Dan Schumacher, Director of Athletics UWEC
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel’s Sunshine Light Beer


    Episode 92

    • The Impact of COVID on the travel industry
    • How a travel agent can help you navigate travel issues including COVID
    • Current popular domestic and International travel destinations
    • Travel outlook post-COVID

    Guest: Denise Petricka, President of Higgins Travel Leaders
    Beer Enjoyed: Sol Beer of Mexico


    Episode 91

    • Adding the Ken Vance dealerships to the Chippewa Valley Mazda’s umbrella
    • The supply chain issues impact on the auto industry
    • Transition to electric vehicles
    • How COVID has changed the car buying experience

    Guest: Jamie Leibrandt (guest host), SVP & Senior Lender NB & Bill Bertrand, President Chippewa Valley Mazda
    Beer Enjoyed: Wolfe’s Neck IPA, Maine Beer Co.



    Episode 90

    • State of Northwestern Bank
    • Why has NB remained independent?
    • Biggest challenges facing community banks
    • Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
    • 2022 Chippewa Valley Economic Forecast

    Guest: Jerry Jacobson, President & CEO of Northwestern Bank
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss & Toasted Bock




    Episode 89

    • What makes UWEC such a great environment for music students?
    • How do you teach jazz?
    • What is it like touring with a name orchestra?
    • Do you have more fun performing or teaching?

    Guest: Robert Becca, Professor of music and Director of Jazz Studies UWEC
    Beer Enjoyed: Shugga, LaGunitas Brewing




    Episode 88

    • Has COVID had an impact on obesity?
    • What works to prevent obesity?
    • How does Wisconsin or the Chippewa Valley compare to the rest of the nation in Obesity statistics?
    • Is there hope?

    Guest: Dr. William Klish, Child Obesity Expert
    Beer Enjoyed: Guinness Draught Stout

    Episode 87

    • What are Visit Eau Claire's target market?
    • Eau Claire tourism success during COVID
    • The impact of the Sonnentaq Center
    • How does Visit Eau Claire market?

    Guest: Benny Anderson, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire
    Beer Enjoyed: Lazy Hazy Ale, Lazy Monk Brewing




    Episode 86

    • What is Valley Sports Academy?
    • How will VSA impact local youth athletes?
    • The impact of VSAon the Chippewa Valley

    Guest: Brian Seubert and Chase Hoople, Valley Sports Academy
    Beer Enjoyed: Goose Island, Bourbon Country Brand Stout




    Episode 85

    • Navigation of COVID on campus
    • Staffing challenges
    • New building updates
    • Future issues for UW-Eau Claire

    Guest: UWEC Chancellor Jim Schmidt
    Beer Enjoyed: Gunpowder IPA, The Brewing Projekt




    Episode 84

    • Transitioning from corporate employee to small business owner
    • Operating a small business under COVID restrictions
    • Balancing work and family
    • Celebrating the Chippewa Valley as a great place to work and live

    Guest: Adam Condit, Owner Blue Ox Running
    Guest Host: Tracey Smiskey, NB Eau Claire Market President
    Beer Enjoyed: Leinenkugel Chocolate Dunkel




    Episode 83

    • An Artistic Renaissance Man
    • Working as both a rural farmer and a sophisticated media personality
    • Would you even consider living anywhere other than Wisconsin?
    • Thoughts on the role of internet influencers

    Guest: Michael Perry, NY Times Bestselling Author, Humorist, Singer/Songwriter, and Intermittent Pig Farmer
    Beer Enjoyed: Nanny State NA Happy Ale, Brewdog Winchester, OH




    Episode 82

    • Comparing technical school education in Florida vs Wisconsin
    • Difficulty in finding students with a shrinking graduation pool and booming employment market
    • Most popular programs at CVTC
    • What is great about the Chippewa Valley and what is missed about Florida

    Guest: Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, President Chippewa Valley Technical College
    Beer Enjoyed: Spotted Cow, New Glarus Brewing Company




    Episode 81

    • What is the role of the Chamber of Commerce?
    • How has COVID changed the way the Chamber conducts business?
    • Keeping the Chamber politically neutral.
    • Health of small businesses in the Chippewa Valley

    Guest: Dave Minor, President, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
    Beer Enjoyed: Belhaven Black Scottish Stout




    Episode 80

    • Covid Update
    • Impact of COVID delays on educational progress
    • Stress of a growing student population
    • Parent/School Board interaction
    • School as a social service provider

    Guest: Heidi Eliopoulus, Superintendent, Altoona Public Schools
    Beer Enjoyed: Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen




    Episode 79

    • What does the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebrate?
    • What is the role of the Festmeister and Festmeistern?
    • How do you mix traditional German tastes with local tastes?
    • What is the future of the festival?

    Guest: Tasha Weiss, Programs Director for the CF Area Chamber of Commerce
    Beer Enjoyed: Glutenberg Blonde (Gluten-Free Beer), Glenberg Brewery Montreal Canada




    Episode 78

    • Project recap for Downtown Eau Claire
    • Status Update on the Cannery District
    • Managing the Community's Growth
    • Directing the City in the Absence of a City Manager

    Guest: Aaron White, Economic Development Manager, City of Eau Claire
    Beer Enjoyed: Inner Sanctum, Potosi Brewing Company



    Episode 77

    • The story behind the Pablo's ability to stay solvent during COVID
    • How has COVID changed the live performance industry
    • Who determines the safety precautions for each show?
    • What is the status of the local arts community outside of the Pablo?

    Guest: Jason Jon Anderson, Executive Director Pablo Center
    Beer Enjoyed: HackerPschorr Oktoberfest




    Episode 76

    • What is the role of the County's Public Health Director?
    • What authority does the Health Department have and where does this authority come from?
    • How do you speak about COVID with your family?
    • What are health issues beyond COVID?

    Guest: Angela Weideman, Chippewa County Health Director
    Beer Enjoyed: Paulaner Hefeweizen




    Episode 75

    • Current City Projects
    • Growth of the Chippewa Valley as a Region
    • Finding workers