Homegrown Hustle

Matthew Eickman

"Homegrown Hustle" is your window into the journeys of local business leaders, hosted by Matthew Eickman. This podcast goes beyond the surface, exploring the motivations and commitments of entrepreneurs. It bridges the gap between business leaders and their communities through storytelling, offering insights to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen local business connections. Join us to uncover the personal stories and passions behind successful businesses.

  1. 1d ago

    Advocating for Growth: Banking Strategies, Capital Access, and Boardroom Advocacy

    In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman welcomes Tracy Bergland, Vice President of Business Banking at Citizens Independent Bank. Tracy shares her non-linear journey into commercial lending and details her passion for advocating for minority- and women-owned businesses in the boardroom. The discussion breaks down the exact mechanics of commercial loan underwriting, the critical role of a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and strategic alternatives to traditional bank financing like the Minnesota Loan Guarantee Program and Next Stage resources. Tracy also details the essential financial "advisory team" every business owner must build, common red flags in cash flow management, and the power of targeted networking. KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Boardroom Conduit: Lenders act as internal advocates who pitch a business’s story and financial viability to loan committees; building an authentic relationship with a banker provides a voice in the decision-making process. Crucial Underwriting Ratios: Banks look for a standard 1.25 Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), requiring $1.25 of net income for every $1.00 of debt service obligations. Specialized Loan Programs: Programs like the Minnesota Loan Guarantee Program (via DEED) offer up to $800,000 for business assets without requiring personal asset pledges, and waive fees for minority- and women-owned enterprises. Lines of Credit vs. Loans: Lines of credit should be leveraged strictly for short-term working capital and cash-flow gaps between Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP), whereas long-term term loans should be used for principal debt paydown and fixed assets. Essential Advisory Triad: Every growing business needs a trusted "power trio" consisting of a banker, a bookkeeper/CPA, and a corporate attorney to navigate structural and financial milestones. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Host Matt Eickman & Guest Tracy Bergland 00:42 – Tracy’s Career Journey: From Business Development to Commercial Lending 01:30 – Behind the Scenes: The Commercial Underwriting Process & Boardroom Advocacy 05:00 – Overcoming Industry Bias & Finding the Right Community Bank Fit 07:18 – Decoding Loan Terms, Collateral, and Loan-to-Value (LTV) Metrics 09:11 – Financial Risk Assessment & Understanding the 1.25 DSCR Threshold 11:33 – Strategic Capital Allocation: Proper Use of Revolving Lines of Credit 15:05 – Crisis Prevention: The Critical Role of Proactive Communication with Lenders 16:15 – Government Programs: Minnesota Loan Guarantee & Next Stage Resources 21:15 – Managing Cash Flow Gaps During Rapid Growth Stages 24:08 – Assembling Your Core Advisory Team: Banker, CPA, and Attorney 28:40 – Turning Down a Loan: Creating a 6-to-12-Month Remediation Strategy 31:12 – Analyzing 3-Year Tax Trends, Top-Line Growth, and Expense Add-Backs 36:00 – Networking Resources: NAWBO Minnesota and MN CREW for Women Entrepreneurs 40:08 – How to Connect with Tracy Bergland & Closing Remarks GUEST RESOURCES: Website: https://www.bankcib.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cibmn/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizens-independent-bank/

    Advocating for Growth: Banking Strategies, Capital Access, and Boardroom Advocacy
  2. Jul 17

    The Banker Every Entrepreneur Needs: The financial playbook for smarter business growth.

    SUMMARY: What separates thriving businesses from those that constantly struggle with cash flow? According to Chad Zejdlik, Vice President of CorTrust Bank, it isn't just revenue—it's financial discipline, strategic planning, and building the right banking relationships long before capital is needed. In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Chad to unpack the financial realities every entrepreneur eventually faces. From Chad's journey through entrepreneurship, commercial lending, and community banking to practical insights on business financing, cash flow management, and scaling sustainably, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into how bankers evaluate businesses and why preparation matters more than persuasion. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the lending process, the importance of financial reporting, why every business should consider establishing a line of credit before an emergency arises, and how business owners can transition from simply operating their company to strategically building a valuable enterprise. Whether you're launching your first company or managing a multi-million-dollar organization, this episode provides actionable financial wisdom that can help business owners make better decisions, avoid common mistakes, and build stronger businesses for the long term. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why community banking is built on relationships—not transactions.Chad's entrepreneurial journey from running a painting business to commercial banking.The biggest financial mistakes business owners make before seeking financing.Why every established business should consider having a line of credit—even if they don't currently need one.The documents lenders expect before approving business financing.Understanding cash flow versus profitability.How banks evaluate business risk using the Five C's of Credit.Why character is often more important than financial statements.How financial reporting influences lending decisions.Why maximizing tax write-offs can unintentionally reduce borrowing power.The importance of separating personal and business finances.How scaling too quickly without forecasting creates unnecessary risk.Why forecasting and scenario planning are essential for sustainable growth.Resources available through local organizations to help entrepreneurs prepare for financing.The importance of working with trusted financial advisors, controllers, bookkeepers, and fractional CFOs.How business owners should think differently about debt as a strategic growth tool.Why knowing your numbers is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business.00:00 Welcome to Homegrown Hustle 01:10 Chad's Entrepreneurial Journey 06:00 Transitioning into Commercial Banking 08:00 What Makes a Community Bank Different 12:00 Why Banking Relationships Matter 14:20 Preparing Your Business for Financing 16:00 Why Every Business Needs a Line of Credit 17:00 What Banks Actually Look For 21:00 Understanding Debt Service Coverage 24:00 How Banks Stress-Test Business Loans 25:30 Personal vs. Business Financial Decisions 29:00 Knowing Your Numbers as a Business Owner 31:30 Resources Available for Entrepreneurs 33:30 The Five C's of Credit Explained 36:30 Common Financial Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make 40:00 Scaling a Business Without Breaking It 44:00 Building a Business That Can Operate Without You 47:00 Using Debt as a Strategic Tool for Growth 49:00 Final Thoughts on Financial Leadership GUEST RESOURCES: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-zejdlik-0548b08/ Website: https://www.cortrustbank.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cortrustbank/

    The Banker Every Entrepreneur Needs: The financial playbook for smarter business growth.
  3. Jul 10

    The Entrepreneur’s Wealth Blueprint: Building a business that creates lasting wealth

    SUMMARY: Building wealth as an entrepreneur requires far more than maximizing profits or chasing investment returns—it demands intentional decision-making, strategic planning, and alignment between business, family, and long-term goals. In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Brian J. Adamek, Founder of E-Wealth Partners, to explore the unique financial challenges business owners face throughout every stage of entrepreneurship. Brian shares his journey from launching his firm with zero clients to building a specialized advisory practice dedicated to entrepreneurs. Together, Matt and Brian unpack the often-overlooked relationship between business growth and personal wealth, discussing liquidity, tax strategy, reinvestment decisions, succession planning, family communication, and the emotional realities behind financial decision-making. Rather than focusing solely on investment products, this conversation reframes wealth management as a strategic partnership—one that helps entrepreneurs intentionally build businesses that create both financial freedom and meaningful lives. Whether you're in your first year of business or preparing for an eventual exit, this episode offers practical insights on creating wealth without sacrificing what matters most. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Entrepreneurs should view their business as both an income engine and a long-term wealth-building asset.Building personal wealth requires more than maximizing business revenue—it requires intentional financial planning.Liquidity and cash flow management are foundational before investing excess capital.Strategic tax planning focuses on lifetime optimization rather than minimizing taxes in a single year.Reinvesting in your own business is often the highest-return investment available.Financial decisions should align with both spouses' priorities to reduce conflict and strengthen long-term vision.Business growth should create freedom—not permanent overwork.Family conversations around entrepreneurship help establish realistic expectations and shared purpose.Entrepreneurs benefit from flexible financial plans that evolve alongside changing business conditions.The ultimate goal of wealth is creating options, freedom, and a legacy—not simply accumulating money. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Brian J. Adamek and E-Wealth Partners 01:35 – Starting a Wealth Management Firm from Scratch 06:20 – Why Entrepreneurs Need a Different Financial Strategy 10:00 – The Emotional Side of Financial Planning 14:45 – Building Flexible Wealth Plans for Business Owners 18:15 – Cash Flow, Liquidity, and Tax Optimization 22:05 – The Financial Planning Process Explained 24:00 – Why Reinvesting in Your Business Often Wins 27:10 – Early-Stage Entrepreneurs and Taking Financial Risks 30:20 – Marriage, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Alignment 35:10 – Family as the Motivation Behind Business Growth 39:45 – Creating Time Freedom Through Leadership 42:20 – Teaching Entrepreneurship to the Next Generation 46:00 – Building Wealth That Supports Family and Legacy GUEST RESOURCES: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianadamek/ Website: https://www.e-wealthpartners.com/ Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/e.wealthpartners.planning

    The Entrepreneur’s Wealth Blueprint: Building a business that creates lasting wealth
  4. Jul 3

    100 Years of Innovation: Building a Legacy That Lasts

    What does it take to build a company that thrives for more than a century? In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Steve Gullickson, President of MGK (McLaughlin Gormley King), to unpack the leadership principles, innovation strategies, and long-term thinking behind one of the pest management industry's most respected manufacturers. Steve shares MGK's remarkable journey from importing spices in the early 1900s to becoming a global leader in insect control solutions serving more than 35 countries. The conversation explores the evolution of product development, navigating stringent EPA regulations, fostering a culture of transparency, empowering employees to make decisions, and balancing family legacy with corporate growth. Steve also reveals how leadership has evolved throughout his career—from solving every problem himself to building systems that allow people to thrive independently. Whether you're building a family business, leading a growing organization, or trying to create a culture that outlives you, this episode delivers timeless leadership lessons rooted in humility, innovation, and long-term stewardship. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • A 100-year business survives by continuously reinventing itself without abandoning its core mission. • Sustainable growth comes from solving customer problems—not simply selling products. • Innovation requires patience; highly regulated industries demand long-term strategic planning. • Great leaders shift from making every decision to empowering others to own solutions. • Strong company culture is built through transparency, communication, and trust. • Hiring for cultural fit is just as important as hiring for technical ability. • Market share—not short-term revenue—can be a stronger long-term growth metric. • Independent boards provide perspective rather than permission, helping leaders make better decisions. • Family businesses succeed when stewardship outweighs ego. • Legacy isn't about your name on the building—it's about creating an organization that thrives without you. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Steve Gullickson and MGK 01:00 – What MGK does and its global impact 02:35 – The fascinating origin story of MGK 05:15 – Growing up in a fourth-generation family business 06:20 – From pharmaceutical sales to company president 09:15 – Why MGK launched its own brands 10:20 – Selling solutions instead of products 13:10 – Innovation, EPA regulations, and long product development cycles 16:00 – Lessons learned after becoming president 18:00 – Building empowered teams instead of bottlenecks 20:45 – Leadership systems and "hallway management" 23:00 – Creating a culture people want to be part of 24:30 – Navigating multiple generations of family ownership 27:40 – Why every business needs an effective board 30:20 – Selling MGK while protecting its legacy 31:35 – What legacy really means to Steve 33:20 – The future of botanical and natural pest control 38:30 – Growing market share through innovation 39:40 – Why MGK continues to call Minnesota home 41:45 – Leadership advice for building businesses that last generations GUEST RESOURCES: Website: www.mgk.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGKInsect/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/mgk

    100 Years of Innovation: Building a Legacy That Lasts
  5. Jun 26

    Built for Hard: Leadership, Athletics & the Psychology of Winning

    What separates high performers from everyone else? According to Jason Verdugo, Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, it starts with learning how to handle hard things. In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with his former baseball coach and mentor, Jason Verdugo, to explore the intersection of athletics, leadership, organizational culture, and personal development. Drawing from his experiences as a Division I multi-sport athlete at Arizona State, professional baseball player, collegiate coach, NCAA executive leader, and Athletic Director, Verdugo shares profound insights on resilience, transformational leadership, athlete development, and the future of collegiate athletics. The conversation examines how elite performers are developed through intentional exposure to discomfort, why consistency is often more important than motivation, and how leaders can inspire individuals to exceed their perceived limitations. Jason also discusses the evolution of coaching philosophy, the challenges facing modern student-athletes, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), and what business leaders can learn from championship athletic programs. This episode is a masterclass in leadership psychology, culture-building, and helping people become capable of achieving more than they thought possible. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Success is built through consistent exposure to productive discomfort.Great coaches prepare athletes for life, not just competition.Leadership is the ability to help people perform beyond their perceived limitations.High-performance cultures require transparency, accountability, and commitment.Consistency becomes difficult because success often requires embracing monotony.Modern leadership is shifting from transactional management to transformational influence.Student-athletes develop resilience because they repeatedly experience and overcome adversity.Strong organizational cultures are created through shared expectations and standards.Leadership development must be intentional rather than assumed.Today's athletes often require more individualized coaching approaches than previous generations.Imposter syndrome exists at every level of achievement, including executive leadership.Exposure to high-level decision-making environments accelerates leadership growth. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction & Mentor Reunion 01:13 – Jason’s Athletic Journey 03:27 – Achieving the Dream Too Early 04:37 – Professional Baseball & Athletic Development 05:34 – Building a High-Performance Culture 06:20 – Preparing Athletes for Life Through Adversity 10:53 – The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 13:21 – From Coach to Athletic Director 15:40 – The Formula for Winning 16:41 – The Leadership Gap in Modern Athletes 19:17 – Developing Freshmen into Leaders 21:23 – The Evolution of Coaching Philosophy 25:33 – Why Athletes Become High Performers 28:48 – Coaching Youth Sports Today 30:45 – Managing and Leading Gen Z 33:24 – Career Defining Leadership Moments 37:18 – NIL and the Business of College Athletics 44:20 – Managing Athletic Department Culture 46:56 – The Hidden Sacrifices of Leadership 56:00 – Legacy, Mentorship & Long-Term Impact 01:01:13 – Final Thoughts GUEST RESOURCES: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-verdugo-62796512/

    Built for Hard: Leadership, Athletics & the Psychology of Winning
  6. Jun 19

    From Wrenches to Leadership: Building a Service Empire

    What separates a skilled tradesperson from a successful business owner? In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, Matt Eickman sits down with Nick Thelen, CEO of Thelen Plumbing, Heating & Air, to unpack the journey from working in the field to leading a rapidly growing home services company. Nick shares how the 2008 recession unexpectedly redirected his career path, ultimately leading him to launch and scale one of Minnesota's fastest-growing plumbing, heating, and air companies. The conversation explores leadership development, operational systems, outbound marketing strategies, customer retention, technician training, company culture, branding, and the realities of scaling a service business. Listeners will gain valuable insights into why traditional lead generation channels often fail, how customer relationship management can outperform paid advertising, and why investing in employee development creates sustainable competitive advantages. Nick also discusses the company's recent rebrand, succession planning, and his vision for building a long-term family business rather than pursuing private equity exits. Whether you're a trades professional, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode provides a masterclass in building systems, developing people, and creating a service-first organization that scales. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Success in skilled trades does not automatically translate into business ownership success.Scaling requires transitioning from working in the business to working on the business.Customer retention and outbound engagement can outperform traditional paid advertising channels.Google Business Profile optimization remains one of the highest-ROI marketing channels for local service businesses.Consistent follow-up systems, including "happy calls," create powerful customer feedback loops.Leadership development requires intentional coaching and accountability structures.Investing in employee training increases retention, performance, and customer experience.Building specialized roles (technicians, comfort advisors, service managers) creates operational efficiency.Industry peer groups and mentorship can dramatically accelerate business growth.Rebranding involves much more than a logo—it impacts every operational and marketing asset.Family-owned businesses often prioritize legacy and long-term stewardship over private equity exits.Community involvement through youth sports sponsorships strengthens both brand awareness and local trust. CHAPTERS: GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickthelen89/ Website: CallThelen.com

    From Wrenches to Leadership: Building a Service Empire
  7. Jun 12

    Freedom Through Systems: Building a Business That Gives You Your Life Back

    SUMMARY: In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Tiff Hoeft, founder of Fierce Decorum, systems strategist, and mother of four, to unpack why so many entrepreneurs become trapped inside the businesses they created for freedom. Tiff shares her journey from corporate roles and network marketing into building a thriving systems and operations consulting business that helps service-based entrepreneurs reclaim their time, reduce stress, and scale sustainably. Together, Matt and Tiff explore the hidden bottlenecks that hold business owners back, from poor client experiences and scattered communication systems to leadership blind spots and fear-driven decision-making. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of entrepreneurship, discussing why business owners struggle to delegate, how systems create freedom, the challenges of hiring a first employee, and the importance of building a business that serves your life rather than consumes it. Tiff also shares practical strategies for improving client experience, leveraging AI for operational efficiency, and creating a business that allows entrepreneurs to be present for both their families and their future goals. This episode is a masterclass on operational excellence, strategic thinking, and designing a business that supports the lifestyle you truly want. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Systems are often the missing link between business growth and personal freedom.Most entrepreneurs don't need more effort—they need better processes.Client experience is one of the highest ROI investments a business can make.Poor communication systems create bottlenecks that limit scalability.Small business owners frequently struggle with delegation because of fear, not capability.Hiring a first employee is often more psychological than operational.Strong documentation creates accountability and consistency across teams.AI is most effective when used to automate administrative tasks rather than customer relationships.Business owners need regular strategic planning time away from daily operations.Leadership often requires addressing personal and mindset challenges alongside operational ones.Entrepreneurs should focus on work that aligns with their strengths and energy.Building a business around freedom and flexibility creates long-term sustainability.Children learn entrepreneurship more through observation than instruction. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction to Tiff Hoeft and Fierce Decorum 01:02 – From Corporate Life to Network Marketing 02:55 – Discovering a Passion for Systems and Operations 05:09 – The Hidden Role of a Fractional Chief of Staff 06:23 – Common Problems Holding Businesses Back 07:51 – Why Tiff Works Primarily with Creative Entrepreneurs 09:29 – Balancing Business Growth and Family Life 10:58 – Managing Fear and Entrepreneurial Stress 13:03 – Setting Boundaries While Remaining Available 14:20 – Helping Entrepreneurs Hire Their First Employee 17:03 – Raising Entrepreneurial Kids 20:15 – Designing an Exceptional Client Experience 23:06 – Why Most Systems Become Too Complicated 24:28 – Using AI to Eliminate Administrative Work 27:34 – Building Accountability Through Better Documentation 29:17 – Solving Problems as a Business Owner's Primary Job 30:21 – Escaping the Daily Grind Through Strategic Thinking 31:20 – The Quadrant Exercise for Delegation 34:18 – How Referrals Built Tiff's Business 35:05 – Essential Tools for Scaling Operations 38:31 – The Power of Quarterly Strategic Retreats 40:04 – Tactical Thinking vs Visionary Thinking 41:19 – Why Goal Setting Isn't About Perfection 42:43 – The Importance of Stepping Back to Move Forward 44:08 – Entrepreneurship: Freedom, Reality, and Trade-Offs 46:02 – Choosing Lifestyle Freedom Over Income 47:28 – Why More Moms Should Consider Entrepreneurship GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiercedecorum/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyhoeft/ Website: www.fiercedecorum.com

    Freedom Through Systems: Building a Business That Gives You Your Life Back
  8. Jun 5

    The Hidden Psychology Behind Customer Loyalty

    What separates thriving businesses from those that constantly struggle to acquire and retain customers? In this deep-dive conversation, Dr. Mike Porter, Clinical Professor of Marketing at the University of St. Thomas, joins Matt Eickman to unpack the psychology, strategy, and research behind successful marketing. From qualitative research and customer discovery to brand positioning, customer journeys, loyalty creation, and sales alignment, Dr. Porter reveals why many businesses focus on the wrong customers, collect the wrong information, and misunderstand what truly drives buying behavior. The discussion explores how entrepreneurs can uncover deeper customer insights, create meaningful brand experiences, leverage emotional decision-making, and build feedback loops that continuously improve marketing performance. Whether you're running a startup, scaling a service business, or leading a mature organization, this episode provides a masterclass in understanding customers beyond transactions and building long-term competitive advantage through strategic marketing. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Customer research should be an ongoing iterative process combining qualitative and quantitative methods.Sales teams are often an organization's most underutilized source of market intelligence.The best customer insights frequently emerge from open-ended conversations rather than structured questioning.Emotional factors influence purchasing decisions in both B2C and B2B environments.Branding should be built upon strategy, positioning, and customer understanding—not the other way around.Customer journeys begin long before a prospect makes first contact with a business.Businesses should study lost customers and non-customers just as carefully as current customers.Brand loyalty is created through consistent experiences and trust, not simply product quality.Organizations often over-serve demanding minority customer segments while neglecting their most profitable majority.Marketing and sales must maintain constant communication to accurately reflect customer needs.Not every customer is worth retaining if they create disproportionate operational costs.Effective marketing creates an environment that makes purchasing decisions easier and more natural. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction & Mike Porter Returns 01:07 – The Future of Qualitative Research 04:07 – Creating Better Customer Conversations 06:43 – Market Research for Small Businesses 08:29 – Why You Should Interview Lost Customers 10:24 – The Power of Open-Ended Discovery 12:30 – Sales, Rapport & Human Psychology 13:35 – Emotional Decision-Making in Business 14:15 – Branding vs. Marketing Explained 18:02 – Naming Your Business Isn't the First Priority 20:40 – Understanding Customer Value Drivers 21:50 – Geography, Convenience & Market Reach 23:01 – Building Brand Loyalty 26:17 – Identifying Your Most Valuable Customers 27:30 – The 80/20 Customer Service Trap 30:14 – Marketing's Role Across the Organization 32:41 – Listening to Customers Instead of Assumptions 35:10 – Multi-Level Decision Making in B2B Sales 37:07 – Designing the Customer Journey 37:39 – What Does “World-Class” Really Mean? 39:15 – When to Send Customers to Competitors 41:16 – Opportunity Cost and Customer Selection 43:26 – How Sales Can Undermine Marketing 45:43 – Marketing, Sales & Behavioral Psychology 49:05 – Communicating Without Overwhelming Customers 52:00 – Customer Communication Strategy GUEST RESOURCES: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-porter-apr-fellow-prsa-he-him-2a033/ Website: https://researchonline.stthomas.edu/esploro/profile/mike_porter/overview #HomegrownHustle #MarketingStrategy #CustomerJourney #CustomerExperience #Branding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SalesStrategy #MarketingResearch #ConsumerBehavior #CustomerLoyalty #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #SmallBusiness #MarketingTips

    The Hidden Psychology Behind Customer Loyalty
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

"Homegrown Hustle" is your window into the journeys of local business leaders, hosted by Matthew Eickman. This podcast goes beyond the surface, exploring the motivations and commitments of entrepreneurs. It bridges the gap between business leaders and their communities through storytelling, offering insights to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen local business connections. Join us to uncover the personal stories and passions behind successful businesses.