BizNews Greater La Crosse with Vicki Markussen

Leo Bronston, owner of Bronston Chiropractic, which is based in Onalaska, joins. Bronston recently received the Chiropractor of the Year award from the Wisconsin Chiropractors Association.

Bronston talks about how his early exposure to the medical field through his mother, a nurse, led him to pursue chiropractic care. He discusses the rigorous educational process and challenges of starting and running a chiropractic business.

Brons...

La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron joins to delve into the pivotal role of leadership, community interaction, and mental wellness in modern policing. Kudron reflects on his journey from Nebraska to Wisconsin, offering insights into his career progression across various roles within law enforcement. He discusses the department's ongoing efforts to foster community engagement, support mental health, and train officers effectively am...

Exploring the rich history, ongoing impact and personal journeys of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. 

Joining is Sister Mary Ann Gschwind, discussing the Sister’s origins in Bavaria, their establishment in La Crosse, and notable contributions such as the founding of Viterbo University and St. Francis Hospital (now Mayo Clinic). 

Sister Gschwind talks about the community's evolution, including downsizing efforts for th...

The Scouts BSA organization is rebranding to Scouting America by 2025 — continuing to welcome both boys and girls, while preserving core principles like the Scout Oath, Scout Law and the pursuit of becoming an Eagle Scout. 

Executive Director Joe Carlson talks about how the Gateway Area Council in La Crosse remains unchanged. 

Scouting emphasizes service, outdoor activities and leadership with programs that help kids build skills r...

Morgan Farmer, the executive vice president of Park Bank joins. Morgan tells how his father Doug started Park Bank and his family’s deep roots in the industry, dating back to 1980. Morgan shares insights into the bank's operations — from its expansion and community impact to its specialization in small business financing and residential mortgages. The conversation highlights the importance of local banking, customer success and nav...

Kevin Ruetten joins, as we explore how he provides services to businesses to connect with employees while having two employers – the Western Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and Western Technical College.

Ruetten develops training programs and finds talent in new ways by connecting individuals working with the Workforce Development partners to employers. Then works with Western Technical College to get employers custom trainin...

Imagine what it takes to run a business that is 107 years old. That's Joel House's new job, as he takes over as president of La Crosse Sign Group, with Paul Fuchsel retiring. House, who's also a new dad, joins to talk about how the company values are still front and center. We discuss the operations of the company, which specializes in custom, electrical, and illuminated signage in Wisconsin. 

You’ll also learn about the challenges...

Matt Boshcka, a remarkable serial entrepreneur, who has worn many business hats in the La Crosse area, joins.

Boshcka shares his journey from growing up in a humble setting to owning various successful businesses, including Cannabis Depot, Dream Vacations, and a travel foundation for victims of domestic abuse. In this episode, Boshcka discusses his business philosophy, the importance of having exit strategies, his passion for trave...

Sarah Burns, owner of Omega Bakery, joins. Sarah shares her journey from being a box mix baker to owning a dedicated gluten-free bakery in Holmen, specializing in allergy-friendly baking. The conversation touches on Sarah's initial health-driven motivation, her progression from home baking to farmers markets, and eventually opening a storefront that now employs 10. Some of her co-workers and students at Onalaska High went from test...

Cheri Haug, owner of Gossamer Wings, joins to share her journey. It went from practicing law to following her creative passions, which Haug to jewelry making and eventually aromatherapy. Haug discusses her business evolution — from craft shows to opening a bead store, and now, a retail shop at the Collective on Main Street in downtown La Crosse. Haug also details her unique service of custom fragrance blending and the various exper...

Jeff LeClaire, President of the Insurance Center (TIC) located in Onalaska joins. Jeff discusses the significant evolution of the company, which started in 1966, and its current focus on serving individuals and companies facing catastrophic health issues and insurance claims.

Highlighting TIC's structural changes, mission of perpetual growth, and culture rooted in servant leadership, Jeff shares insights on balancing ethical sales ...

Katie Walters of Walt's Restaurant and Tavern, and Sean McManus of Savory Creations join to discuss the ins and outs of restaurant etiquette and the elements that contribute to exceptional service. They cover topics such as the importance of communication, the role of ambiance, handling wait times, ensuring consistency in the kitchen, and tips for customers to improve their dining experience.

00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Etique...

Mike Kreiling, owner of multiple Express Employment Professionals franchises, joins. We discuss the shifting dynamics in employment, including wage inflation and the importance of leadership skills. Kreiling, who lives in La Crosse with his family, helps connect people with jobs at Express Employment Professionals from Winona to Eau Claire and beyond. Kreiling shares insights from his personal journey, including his unexpected entr...

Sometimes starting a business begins by looking at your children. For Lane and Shannon Peters, the husband-wife team behind Hallmark Homecare, they wanted to provide a learning experience for their children and give back to their community. 

The franchise provides caregiver services to seniors, as the two discuss their motivations, including personal family experiences and a desire to teach their children about entrepreneurship. 

T...

Estina Hanes’s La Crosse roots run deep. 

Despite being a makeup artist at Fashion Week in New York or glamming up socialites in California, La Crosse keeps calling her back. 

This Central High School graduate moved away, came back, got recruited to do makeup for the stars, and now flies back to La Crosse when she is done. 

On July 8, Hanes opens E-Spa and TLYN Studios in The Village — which is where her grandpa had his constructio...

Colin Luz, a versatile entrepreneur with multiple business ventures, including Copperhead Carts, Holiday Heroes Lights and a new venture called Stoneworks Sign & Monuments, joins. Luz shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, which began in high school and evolved through various business ventures — from a moving company to custom golf carts and holiday lighting services. Emphasizing the importance of identifying market...

He caters. He consults. He offers boutique cooking classes. And he joins the show this week. Shawn McManus, owner of Savory Creations. We talk about how Shawn’s love of family gatherings with food, prepared by his grandma and mother, sparked his culinary passion. Shawn’s dietary consulting brought him from California to Gundersen in La Crosse, where he made the connections to pursue the dream of owning a boutique cooking school. Li...