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.

In this episode, Seth Cogswell, the Managing Partner at Running Oak, shares insights into the firm’s mission to simplify clients’ lives through thoughtful investment strategies focused on return on risk. The conversation emphasizes the importance of simplicity, discipline, and resilience in both investment and leadership, highlighting a rules-based approach to managing risk and maximizing growth.

In this episode of the Bullpen Podcast, Andrew Rice interviews Peg Kinda, owner of Reliable Billing, who shares her journey in the medical billing industry. Peg discusses the importance of building trust with healthcare providers, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and how technology is transforming billing practices. She emphasizes the significance of community involvement and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to build lasting businesses.

In this episode, Greg Ackerson, founder of InBYLT and Apex Water Solutions, shares insights on leadership, company culture, and the importance of purpose-driven business. He discusses the genesis of his companies, the core values that guide decision-making, and the evolution of his leadership style from seeking answers to fostering collaboration. Greg emphasizes the need for innovation while maintaining business viability, the role of an operating system in executing strategic goals, and the lessons learned from challenges faced with partners and subcontractors. He concludes with advice for future strategic moves, highlighting the value of peer advisory groups and structured systems.

In this episode of the Bullpen Podcast, Drew Cove interviews Erkan Danis, founder and CEO of CargoCycle, who shares his journey from the automotive industry to creating innovative electric cargo bikes. The conversation explores the challenges of product design, market differentiation, and the importance of local manufacturing. Erkan discusses balancing the needs of different user groups, the future of urban mobility, and valuable leadership lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the significance of having the right team and the necessity of being self-sufficient as a founder.

In this conversation, Ross Williams, Chief Investment Officer at Deer Lake Strategic Management shares his journey from working in the investment industry to becoming an entrepreneur. He discusses his desire to create his own ideas and products rather than selling someone else’s. This transition involved gaining experience in trading firms before ultimately deciding to build something of his own to offer to investors.