In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Mike talks with Mark Sieglaff, President of C&N Manufacturing & Everything Summer camp. Topics discussed include: Summer Camp Culture Technology vs Summer Camps Always innovating in business How deep relationships with customers can run Beverage Enjoyed: Leinenkugel's Orange Shandy Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought ...
May 11, 2026•29 min•Ep. 259
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Mike talks with Kyle Standen, Architect for Wendel Companies and Chippewa Valley Younge Professionals Board Member. Topics discussed include: What it takes to become an Architect Benefits of Community YP's efforts to develop soft skills for its membership Growing your network in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls Beverage Enjoyed: Earth Rider Brewery, Caribou Lake IPA Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a ...
May 04, 2026•30 min•Ep. 258
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott talk with Josh Boxx, former owner of Boxx Sanitation Topics discussed include: Story of Boxx Sale Lightning Round Beer Enjoyed: Veneration, Delirium Tremens, Belgium Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by Northwestern Bank. A community bank headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Follow us on Facebo...
Apr 27, 2026•34 min•Ep. 257
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Brad Hentschel, City Planner and Economic Director for the City of Chippewa Falls Topics discussed include: City Projects Planned or Underway in 2026 Housing Options in the City Family Fare Closing Leinenkugal's Brewery Closing Market on River Update Beer Enjoyed: Veneration, 3 Sheeps Brewery Sheboygan Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. ...
Apr 20, 2026•28 min•Ep. 256
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Mike talks with Ana and Bob Fish, Owners of Dave's Drive In of Chippewa Falls Topics discussed include: Root Beer Development Persevering to find success What is a Po Boy? Merging 100 years of history with Today Beverage Enjoyed: Pick 6 pack of IPAs, Pilsners, and Shandy Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by Northwest...
Apr 13, 2026•29 min•Ep. 255
n this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Julie Thoney, Manager of Community Relations and Economic Development for Xcel Energy. Topics discussed include: Data Centers Residential Renewable Energy Transmission Lines Xcel's effort to expand renewable energy options The return of nuclear power Beer Enjoyed: Spotted Cow Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brough...
Apr 06, 2026•31 min•Ep. 254
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott talk with Eau Claire Community Development Director Aaron White. Topics discussed include: Key 2026 Projects and Infrastructure Eau Claire Financial Challenges Growth of City vs Lack of Resources Planning for Future Urban Growth Beverage Enjoyed: Bourbon Barrel Stout, Central Waters Brewing Amherst WI Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Ba...
Mar 30, 2026•33 min•Ep. 253
This week on Banker with a Beer, new Co-Host Mike Farrow talks with Taylor Anders, Co-Owner of Anders Supply and Landscaping. Topics discussed include: Plants & Trees that you shouldn't use in Wisconsin Stress as a business owner Life in a family business Backyard mini golf? Beverage Enjoyed: Body Armour LYTE – Peach Mango Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought t...
Mar 23, 2026•28 min•Ep. 252
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with musical, humorist, and bestselling author Michael Perry. Topics discussed include: New Book "Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents". What is humor? Learning the rhythm of music, speech, and the written word Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Go Brewing, NA Pilsner Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by N...
Mar 16, 2026•31 min•Ep. 251
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Peter Farrow, Executive Chairman of Medwand Solutions, LLC and former CEO of Group Health Cooperative in Eau Claire. Topics discussed include: Enhancing the Telemedicine Experience The Capabilities of Medwand Technology Access Where Care is Hard to Reach Clinical Trust, Regulation, and Privacy Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Leffe, Belgium Blond Ale Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Bee...
Mar 02, 2026•34 min•Ep. 250
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Tim Nelson of CEO of Heartworks and Dr. Michael Carney, Interim Chancellor of UW Eau Claire about their Heartworks collaboration. Topics discussed include: What does it mean to 'Build Hearts'? Why Heartworks is based in Eau Claire How Heartworks and UWEC are collaborating What does this collaboration mean to the university and community Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Liquid Death, lime flavored sparkling water Thank you for listening ...
Feb 23, 2026•29 min•Ep. 249
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Kenzi Havlicek, Director of Visit Eau Claire Topics discussed include: Kenzi's Story What Visit Eau Claire Does 2026 Events in the Chippewa Valley Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Chimay 175 Blond Ale, Belgium Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by Northwestern Bank. A community bank headquartered in C...
Feb 16, 2026•31 min•Ep. 248
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Amanda Schemenauer of Nordson EDI and Katie Rurup of Cadrex about the upcoming Chippewa Falls Manufacturing Showcase Topics discussed include: What is the Chippewa Falls Manufacturing Showcase? Career Paths and Opportunities Modern Manufacturing and Technology Company Culture Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Paulaner Salvator Double Bock Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star ra...
Feb 03, 2026•30 min•Ep. 247
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Kate Lyons, Marketing and Events Lead for Scheels in Eau Claire Topics discussed include: History of Scheels What makes Scheels Different Creating Strong Customer Loyalty Upper Midwest Roots & Local Understanding Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Boulevard Brewing, Tank 6 Belgium Quad Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a B...
Jan 26, 2026•28 min•Ep. 246
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with John Jacobson, Director of Public Affairs with Rider Ware Law Topics discussed include: What is a Lobbyist? How Influence Actually Happens Lobbyist vs Citizen Influence Policy Area with Real World Impact Lighting Round Beverage(s) Enjoyed: The Athletic Wit's Peak & Saranac Adirondack Lager Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker wi...
Jan 19, 2026•33 min•Ep. 245
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Scott Zielski, President and CEO of Aaniie, Inc. Topics discussed include: • An overview of Aaniie • Growing a Business in Eau Claire • The Aaniie platform • Best Strategies for Caregiver Retention • Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Point Root Beer Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by Northwestern Ba...
Jan 12, 2026•29 min•Ep. 244
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with incoming Northwestern Bank CEO, Tracey Smiskey and incoming President, Jamie Leibrandt Topics discussed include: Their Journey at the Bank Leadership and Vision of NB Community Commitment Future Outlook Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by ...
Dec 23, 2025•29 min•Ep. 243
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Thomas Kemp, Department Chair UW Eau Claire Department of Economics Topics discussed include: An Update on the World Economy The US Outlook Local & Regional: Chippewa Valley / Western Wisconsin Capitalism vs the Rising Tide of Socialism Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Hacker Pschorr Weissbier Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. B...
Dec 15, 2025•33 min•Ep. 242
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Aaron White, Community Development Director for the city of Eau Claire, Topics discussed include: What Makes Eau Claire Desirable for Growth? Significant Project Updates Data Centers Can Eau Claire continue to grow its footprint? Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Oktoberfest Uber, Leinenkugels Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker wit...
Dec 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 241
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Jacobson, President and CEO of Northwestern Bank joins us as he prepares for retirement after a 47-year career. Topics discussed include: Jerry's Career Highlights Changes in banking Changes in the Chippewa Valley The impact of Technology Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Leinie's Honey Weise Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is ...
Nov 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 240
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Michael Carney, Interim Chancellor of UWEC. Topics discussed include: Dr. Carney's Career Journey Chancellor Search Process / Timetable Higher Education Trends How AI and Other Technologies are Transforming the Student Experience Keeping UWEC Connected to the Community Beverage Enjoyed: Gunpowder IPA, the Brewing Projekt Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or revie...
Nov 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 239
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Paul Kohler, Eau Claire Market President for Nicolet Bank. Topics discussed include: Reflections on Paul's career in banking Changes in the Chippewa Valley The evolution of banking and its future Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Belhaven, Scottish Ale Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Banker with a Beer is brought to you by Northwes...
Nov 11, 2025•30 min•Ep. 238
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Eric Rygg, President of Silver Spring Foods and Huntsinger Farms. Topics discussed include: The world of Horseradish What is a "Zing Master" Signature Sandwich for the Chippewa Valley Impact of Tariffs on Silver Spring Foods Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Pumpkin Spice Veneration, 3 Sheeps Brewing Sheboygan WI Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or...
Nov 03, 2025•31 min•Ep. 237
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Mark Broses of the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club and Hosting Coordinator for the Open World – Poland Visitors Topics discussed include: The Polish Guests and Hosting Experience The Chippewa Valley Tour Cultural Exchange / Trade Opportunities Benefits of International Exchanges Beverages Enjoyed: Zvwiec and Warka, Polish Lagers Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review...
Oct 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 236
We tried something new this week and took the podcast on the road! Banker with a Beer was recorded in front of a live audience at the Roadmap Marketing Conference in downtown Eau Claire. Jerry hosted a panel of local marketing specialists including Erin Trowbridge of 4 Peas Consulting, Lee Carather of Double Forte, and Benny Anderson of Daredevil Business Consulting. Topics discussed include: Keeping with the Changes in Social Media The growing Role of AI Marketing in the Chippewa Valley Marketi...
Oct 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 235
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Darrin Senn, owner of Senn Blacktop, co-owner of 1917 Restaurant, and NB Board of Director Chairman. Topics discussed include: Opening of 1917 Restaurant on Lake Wissota NB Leadership Transition Changes and Challenges in the Asphalt Paving Industry Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Deus, Belgium Ale 2017 Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or Spotify....
Oct 07, 2025•31 min•Ep. 234
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Traci Hollister and Lindsey Sabelko, CPAs and Partners with Wipfli. Topics discussed include: Tax Implications of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Advising clients who have side hustles about managing their taxes Difference between tax credits and tax deductions Tax Planning Advice for young adults Beverage Enjoyed: Smithwick's Red Ale, Ireland Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-...
Sep 29, 2025•32 min•Ep. 233
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Brian Maki, Director of the Northern Wisconsin state Fair Topics discussed include: • Qualifications of a Fair Director • Keeping the Fair Relevant in the Digital Age • Fair Ground Improvements • Future Events on the Fairgrounds • New Attractions for Oktoberfest Beverages Enjoyed: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the show by leaving Banker with a Beer a 5-star rating or review on Apple or S...
Sep 17, 2025•31 min
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Nancy Kerr, Director L.E. Phillips Public Library Topics discussed include: Impact of the library renovation on use of the building and its collection Things the library loans out that most people aren't aware of Relevancy of the library in the age of AI and Google Hosting the unhoused Highlighting local authors The Libby app Beverages Enjoyed: Three Philosophers Belgium Quad Ale, Cooperstown NY Thank you for listening to this episode! ...
Sep 02, 2025•30 min•Ep. 231
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Natasha Plank Ottum, NB Board Member and CEO/Owner of Plank Enterprises. Topics discussed include: Products manufactured by Plank Enterprises Role of NB in the business community NB's role in supporting generational transition at Plank Giving up medical career for manufacturing Health care challenges for employers Beverages Enjoyed: Weihenstephaner Helles Beer, Munich Germany Thank you for listening to this episode! Help support the sho...
Aug 25, 2025•31 min•Ep. 230
