Around Quincy IL

Jackie Weiseburger & Tim Holloway

Around Quincy IL is a local podcast highlighting the people, businesses, organizations, and stories that make Quincy a great place to live, work, and call home. Each episode features meaningful conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, pastors, educators, artists, public servants, and everyday people making a difference in our community. From hidden gems and local history to business growth, community events, faith, family, and the future of Quincy, Around Quincy exists to connect people, celebrate good work, and tell the stories happening right here around us.

  1. 3d ago

    Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home? | Kegan Brown

    Buying a home can feel out of reach. You may think you need 20% down, perfect credit, or a huge amount of money sitting in the bank. But according to local mortgage lender Kegan Brown, there may be more options than you realize.   In this episode of Around Quincy, hosts Tim Holloway and Jackie Weisenburger sit down with Kegan Brown of Flat Branch Home Loans to talk about what today's home-buying process really looks like, the programs available to first-time buyers, down payment assistance, credit improvement, self-employed borrowers, and the upcoming changes to the appraisal process.   Kegan also shares his personal story, from growing up across the river in Canton, Missouri, to building his career in the mortgage industry and bringing Flat Branch Home Loans back to the Tri-State area.   The conversation gets especially interesting when they discuss what happens when someone isn't ready to buy today. Instead of simply hearing “no,” Kegan explains how buyers can create a roadmap to get there.   In This Episode:→ Why you may not need 20% down to buy a home → Common misconceptions about credit scores and home buying → First-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance → How credit improvement can change your buying options → Mortgage options for self-employed business owners → What bankruptcy can mean for future homeownership → Why waiting for lower interest rates isn't always that simple → Upcoming changes to the home appraisal process → What buyers and sellers should know about the new appraisal requirements → Kegan's journey from Canton, Missouri to the mortgage industry → Bringing Flat Branch Home Loans to the Tri-State area → Why every buyer's situation needs to be looked at individually   The biggest takeaway? If buying a home isn't possible for you today, that doesn't necessarily mean it never will be. Sometimes the first step is simply understanding where you are, what options are available, and what needs to happen to get you there.   Around Quincy is all about the people, businesses, organizations, and stories that make our community what it is. We believe in real people, real conversations, and telling the stories happening right here around us.   Learn More About Kegan BrownTo learn more about Kegan Brown and Flat Branch Home Loans, use the links below: Call: 573-795-3608  Website: http://flatbranchhomeloans.com   This episode is for informational purposes only. Mortgage programs, qualifications, rates, terms, and availability vary based on individual circumstances and may change over time. Speak directly with a qualified mortgage professional for information specific to your situation.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home? | Kegan Brown
  2. Sep 24

    He Lost $30,000—But Refused to Give Up | Zach Wheeler

    Zach Wheeler is a lifelong Quincy, Illinois resident, business owner, real estate investor, and single dad who has built his life around hard work, faith, family, and creating freedom for himself and his son. In this episode of Around Quincy, Zach shares the story of how he went from working in construction to building his own remodeling business, investing in rental properties, and creating a vision for a future that goes far beyond simply owning a business. He talks openly about the opportunities that came his way, the people who helped shape his career, and why he believes sometimes you just have to recognize an opportunity and run with it. But real estate hasn't always gone according to plan. Zach shares the hard lesson of one rental property that resulted in approximately $30,000 in damage, and what that experience taught him about screening tenants, taking responsibility, and getting back on his feet when things go wrong. We also talk about the real reason Zach works as hard as he does: freedom. As a single father, his goal isn't simply to accumulate businesses and properties. He wants the freedom to spend time with his son, create memories, travel, and eventually build something that can benefit future generations of his family. Zach also talks about his construction business, the remodeling work he does throughout Quincy and the surrounding area, the demand for skilled trades, his growing real estate portfolio, faith and family, and his long-term vision to continue building until the day he no longer can. One of the biggest themes throughout this conversation is Zach's mindset toward adversity. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” he tries to ask, “What is this trying to teach me?” His message is simple: keep your head up, keep moving forward, and don't expect someone else to build your dreams for you. This is a conversation about Quincy, Illinois, entrepreneurship, construction, real estate investing, fatherhood, faith, hard work, failure, resilience, and building a life around freedom. Welcome to Around Quincy, where we sit down with the people, businesses, stories, and conversations that make Quincy, Illinois what it is. ___ Around Quincy — People. Places. Stories. Discover the people, businesses, places, and stories that make Quincy, Illinois, home. Subscribe and come along with us as we explore what’s happening Around Quincy. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1949833715691585 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    He Lost $30,000—But Refused to Give Up | Zach Wheeler
  3. Sep 16

    Brandi Griswold: Real Estate, Rescue Dogs, and Giving Back to Quincy

    Most people think a great real estate agent just knows homes. Brandi Griswold proves the real story is bigger than closing deals—in Quincy, it may be about saving dogs, funding rescue work, and showing up for the community when it matters most. Brandi joins Tim Holloway and Jackie Weisenburger for a conversation that starts with her path from Carthage to Quincy, her career at Happel Realtors, and the unexpected life she built around houses, rentals, and flipping homes. But the episode quickly turns into something far more personal as Brandi shares the experience that turned her into a lifelong dog advocate and why she says animals have become her mission, not just her hobby. You’ll discover: How Brandi went from thinking she’d become a lawyer in Arizona to building a real estate career in Quincy Why she believes Quincy K-9 Connection is one of the most important volunteer groups in the community What really happens to stray animals locally, and why funding matters more than most people realize The difference between loving pets and actually being responsible for them for life How Brandi, Jackie, and the rest of their network quietly support animals through donations, transport, and hands-on rescue work Brandi also opens up about the personal moments that shaped her—from rescuing abused dogs, to falling hard for pit bulls and doodles, to the heartbreak of losing pets that feel like family. Along the way, Tim and Jackie add their own stories, turning the episode into a funny, heartfelt look at friendship, community, and the strange ways work and passion overlap. If you care about animals, small-town community impact, or just want to hear a real conversation with someone who refuses to stay silent about what matters, this one will stick with you. It’s perfect for anyone who loves dogs, supports local rescue efforts, or wants to understand the human side of the people helping Quincy thrive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Sep 9

    Andre Harper: From Jamaica to Quincy - How Hardship Built a Leader

    He left Jamaica, took a job he didn’t want, battled depression, and nearly missed the purpose that would shape his life. Andre shares the story behind the faith, resilience, and leadership that carried him from survival to ministry - and why the hardest seasons can become the most meaningful ones. Born and raised in Jamaica, Andre grew up in a church-centered home where faith was woven into everyday life, but so was hardship. He talks candidly about childhood without running water or steady electricity, the grind of helping care for animals before school, and how those early years built the work ethic and creativity he still relies on today. Andre also tells the unexpected love story that connected him to the United States, the Crossing Church, and eventually Quincy. What starts as a ministry story quickly becomes something deeper: a raw look at culture shock, the pressure of adapting to a new world, and the difficult 11-month season that left him questioning whether he had made a mistake. You’ll discover: How a thick Jamaican accent turned Andre into the “crazy Jamaican” on stage, and forced him to become a stronger communicator Why his post-internship billing job became one of the darkest stretches of his life What depression, grief, and homesickness taught him about trust, calling, and resilience How mentoring, delegation, and leadership changed his approach to ministry Why he believes the real work is not performance, but investing in the next generation Andre shares what it looks like to lead youth and children with purpose, especially when students are battling addiction, pornography, identity issues, and broken family support far earlier than most adults realize. He explains why baptism moments matter so deeply, why the church must raise up young leaders now, and how one faithful conversation can ripple through a family, a friend group, and an entire future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Sep 9

    Clayton Roll: The Hidden Cost of Landlord Registration in Quincy

    Quincy landlords are about to feel the ripple effects of a policy change, and Clayton Roll explains why the real fix may be the opposite of what everyone expects. If you care about housing, property rights, or what happens when government policy meets real-world ownership, this conversation will grab you fast. Clayton shares the path that took him from St. Louis house hacks to small-town real estate, and then into building Rolling Operations after getting fed up with terrible dumpster service, hidden costs, and slow response times. What starts as a story about rehab projects turns into a bigger lesson about customer experience, entrepreneurship, and how one frustrating industry became an opportunity.You'll discover: How Clayton used house hacking and FHA loans to get started with very little money down Why he built his dumpster business around speed, transparency, and online booking How brokered dumpster leads quietly add hundreds in markup and confuse customers What actually happened when he navigated landlord inspections and reinspections in St. Louis Why he believes Quincy’s proposed landlord registry could evolve into a bigger tax-and-fee system Tim Holloway and Jackie Weisenburger push the conversation into the tension every city faces: how do you stop slumlords without punishing the people who are actually reinvesting in housing? Clayton makes the case that bad properties should be targeted directly, while good landlords should be incentivized to improve homes, keep rents lower, and keep older neighborhoods alive. This episode gets into the economics behind rentals, property taxes, depreciation, code enforcement, and the unintended consequences that often hit tenants, landlords, and taxpayers all at once. It is a practical, local conversation with broader implications for any community trying to balance affordability with accountability.Essential listening if you want a grounded take on housing policy, small business, and what it really takes to keep old homes, and local neighborhoods, from falling apart. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Sep 8

    Heather Risenhoover: Why This Target Leader Built a Coffee Shop That Feels Like Home.

    When leadership feels lonely, marketing feels expensive, and life starts moving too fast, Heather Risenhoover has a different answer: slow down, build real community, and make space for people to actually belong. The Quincy native shares how she turned a career in retail operations into a leadership journey that now includes running Target, launching a local coffee concept, and building a business rooted in faith, connection, and purpose.Heather opens up about coming home to Quincy, raising a blended family, and what it took to move from a 16-year-old mall employee to senior retail leader across seven states and 11 stores. She also reveals how a LinkedIn connection helped bring her back to Quincy to open the local Target, and why she saw an opportunity to create something smaller, warmer, and more human with The Mercantile. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why word-of-mouth still outperforms fancy marketing when you’re starting a business How Heather balances corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and earning a master’s degree The leadership lessons she uses to build confidence, set healthy boundaries, and say “no” without losing empathy Why The Mercantile was designed to feel like home—not a hurry-up coffee stop How a trip to London inspired the shop’s slower, more conversational atmosphere Why business owners need a village just as much as parents do How faith shapes Heather’s leadership, business, and approach to community Heather also talks candidly about the emotional weight of leadership, the value of accountability partners, and the need to step away from the constant pressure of social media and negative news.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, pressured by social media, or curious about what it takes to build a business with soul, this conversation will hit home. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Sep 2

    Jacob Messmer: Blessed, Not Stressed: Cancer Survival Story and the Power of Slowing Down

    Cancer, divorce, job loss, and the pressure to keep moving nearly flattened Jake. What came out the other side is a radically different way of living - slower, calmer, and far harder to shake. Jake sits down with Tim Holloway to share the moment his life split into a “first life” and a “second life,” and why surviving stage 4 lymphoma forced him to rethink identity, boundaries, and what actually matters when the noise gets loud. If you’ve been running on stress, saying yes to everything, or tying your worth to work and output, this conversation hits where it hurts - and where it can heal.You’ll hear: Why Jake calls his recovery a true reset, not just a comeback How cancer exposed unhealthy patterns in his career, relationships, and mindset The books, faith practices, and hard-won reflections that helped him rebuild Why he now treats boundaries as a form of peace, not distance What changed when he stopped chasing urgency and started protecting calm Tim and Jake also get into the deeper side of manhood, self-awareness, and the cost of living in constant reaction mode. Jake opens up about the relationships he had to reevaluate, the pressure he once put on the people around him, and the surprising lesson he’s now passing to his son: authenticity lasts longer than hustle.Jake shares the role of faith, the power of patience, and why he now measures a good day by whether he can breathe, stay grounded, and show up well for the people he loves. It’s a conversation about survival, but more than that, it’s about learning how to live after everything you thought defined you is gone. Essential listening if you need a reset, are navigating a hard season, or want a grounded reminder that peace is not weakness - it’s strength. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Sep 2

    Tracy Kiefer: The Truth About Roof Claims, Cancellations, and Coverage

    Roof age, claim history, and home maintenance are quietly making or breaking insurance policies right now - and most homeowners do not realize it until they get denied, canceled, or stuck with a much higher premium. Tracy Kiefer, the "insurance lady" at O'Brien Insurance, breaks down what insurers are actually looking for and why a house that seems fine on the surface can become uninsurable fast. Tracy shares how a career that started in her dad's office grew into decades of independent insurance work across Quincy and the Tri-State area, from hand-calculating quotes out of books to navigating today's tougher underwriting rules. She explains why roofs, siding, electrical boxes, HVAC age, and even a missing shingle can trigger major problems when a property is inspected.You'll discover why multiple homeowner claims in a five-year window can wreck your options, why "just turning in a claim" can backfire later, and how insurers separate real losses from maintenance issues. Jackie Weisenburger brings the real estate perspective, showing how these insurance headaches are already affecting home sales, appraisals, and closings. Tim Holloway keeps the conversation moving with questions every homeowner, buyer, and seller should be asking before it's too late.Tracy also pulls back the curtain on Illinois' license plate insurance monitoring system, including how a completely unexpected suspension can happen even when you think everything is in order. That alone makes this episode essential listening if you drive in Illinois, own property, or have ever assumed your insurance company will catch everything for you.Then the conversation turns personal. Tracy opens up about her cancer journey, the faith and prayer that carried her through, and the mindset that helped her stay grounded through one of the hardest seasons of her life. It is a story about resilience, community, and the practical wisdom that comes from surviving both business challenges and personal ones.If you own a home, are buying one, work in real estate, or simply want to avoid expensive surprises, this episode gives you the kind of advice that can save you money, stress, and a whole lot of trouble later. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Around Quincy IL is a local podcast highlighting the people, businesses, organizations, and stories that make Quincy a great place to live, work, and call home. Each episode features meaningful conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, pastors, educators, artists, public servants, and everyday people making a difference in our community. From hidden gems and local history to business growth, community events, faith, family, and the future of Quincy, Around Quincy exists to connect people, celebrate good work, and tell the stories happening right here around us.