In this conversation, Chris Luger shares the inspiring story behind the Luger Foundation, which supports families facing NICU and pregnancy-related medical debt. He discusses the impact of personal experiences on his philanthropic journey, the importance of community engagement, and the lessons learned from running a nonprofit compared to corporate ventures. Chris also delves into his passion for personal finance through his platform, Heavy Metal Money, and challenges common retirement myths. He emphasizes the significance of leadership, in-person connections, and outlines future growth strategies for both his foundation and business ventures.

In this conversation, Mike Swenson, president of Mel Foster, shares insights from his 40 years of leadership experience. He discusses the evolution of his leadership style, the impact of employee ownership on company culture, and the balance between tradition and innovation. Swenson highlights pivotal decisions, including an aggressive M&A strategy that transformed the company, and emphasizes the importance of communication and integration in scaling teams. He also explores exciting trends in the electronics industry and offers valuable lessons for business leaders on adapting to change.

In this episode of the Bullpen Podcast, Drew Cove interviews Cody Blades, founder of Blades Law, a Minnesota-based firm specializing in employment and business law. Cody shares her journey from working in firms to starting her own practice, emphasizing the importance of empowering clients and fostering a collaborative lawyer-client relationship. She discusses her dual focus on both employees and employers, the common legal challenges faced by small businesses, and the proactive steps that can be taken to avoid disputes. Cody also highlights the role of fractional in-house counsel and the impact of AI on the future of legal services.