In this episode, I sit down with Dessie Redmond, co-owner of Full Fledged Brewing Co., for a conversation that’s equal parts business insight and real-life storytelling. We talk about her journey from a career in urban planning to co-founding a brewery in Council Bluffs, Iowa—and why she and her husband chose that specific city to chase their dream. We dive into what it takes to start a business in a new place, how community support played a critical role in their growth, and the ways they had t...
Jun 04, 2025•45 min•Ep. 76
In Part 2 of this candid conversation, Vivian Kvam and Casey Putney go deeper into the real work of entrepreneurship—the chaos of ideas, the discipline it takes to bring just one of them to life, and what it means to price your time and energy in a way that honors both your worth and your capacity. They unpack “shiny object syndrome,” how freedom without structure can lead to burnout, and the tension between creating from passion vs. building a sustainable business. Vivian and Casey both share t...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 75
In this candid conversation, Vivian Kvam sits down with Casey Putney to explore what it really feels like to step away from the stability of a 9–5 and into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. From leadership in the military and corporate life to the deeply personal reasons that sparked their transitions, Vivian and Casey open up about the fears, self-doubt, and internal conflict that come with leaving the safety net behind. They reflect on the emotional toll of starting something new, the dis...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 74
In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that comes up all the time with entrepreneurs and creatives: vanity metrics. It’s so easy to get caught up in likes, follows, and views—but those numbers don’t always tell the real story of how your business is doing. I’m breaking down the difference between what looks good and what actually moves the needle . I’ll walk you through how to shift your focus to meaningful metrics—like leads, conversions, client retention, and revenue—and how to build a ...
May 07, 2025•27 min•Ep. 73
Your logo, colors, and website do NOT make people buy from you. In this episode of Riding Tandem , Vivian Kvam gets real about one of the biggest myths holding entrepreneurs back with their marketing: the idea that you need perfect branding before you start marketing or making money. Spoiler alert—you don’t. Vivian Kvam shares personal stories (including how she landed a major client before Tandem Works even had a logo or a bank account) and challenges listeners to rethink what’s truly driving s...
Mar 26, 2025•30 min•Ep. 72
Marketing isn’t about your product—it’s about the transformation your customers experience. In this episode of Riding Tandem, we dive into Marketing Mindset Shift #3 , where we debunk the myth that people buy based on features alone. Instead, they’re drawn to stories of transformation and success. I’ll walk you through: ✔️ Why listing features won’t get you sales ✔️ How top brands like Apple and Martha Stewart master storytelling ✔️ A simple Transformation Story Formula to revamp your messaging ...
Mar 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 71
Starting a business at 10 years old? For Chloe Gollehon , it wasn’t just a dream—it was a reality. Now, at 14, she runs Chloe’s Crafts , creating stunning pebble art that tells a story. In this episode of Riding Tandem , host Vivian Kvam sits down with Chloe to explore her journey as a young entrepreneur—balancing school, creativity, and business. She shares how a family trip to Lake Michigan sparked her passion for pebble art, the highs and lows of selling at craft fairs, and the emotional conn...
Mar 12, 2025•55 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, Vivian welcomes LaPora Lindsey to talk about the power of embracing your value—whether you're an entrepreneur, an employee, or both! LaPora shares her journey of starting and restarting a business while navigating the challenges of military spouse life and frequent moves. She also dives into the ACT Framework (Awareness, Communication, Transparency) and how it can help both individuals and leaders foster a culture of ownership and accountability. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Value Over Tit...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of Riding Tandem , Vivian dives deep into one of the eight marketing mindset shifts for entrepreneurs—letting go of the “shoulds.” Feeling overwhelmed by endless marketing advice? Vivian’s got you covered. In today’s conversation, she shares how she and Michaela learned that you don’t need to be on every platform. Instead, focus on what’s working for your business, leverage your strengths, and align your marketing efforts with your goals. Key Points: The Overwhelm of “Shoulds”: L...
Feb 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 68
Welcome to the first episode of our Marketing Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs series! If you've ever thought, “I’m not a marketer” , think again. In today’s episode, Vivian Kvam is flipping that belief on its head. You’re already a marketing expert—you just don’t know it yet! Marketing isn’t about complicated strategies, algorithms, or fancy ads. At its core, marketing is storytelling , and you tell stories every day—whether it’s recommending a restaurant, convincing your kids to eat veggies, o...
Feb 19, 2025•21 min•Ep. 67
How do you refine your business pitch, build partnerships, and scale your business without losing your mission? In this episode, we welcome back Christi Kmecik, founder of Written Hugs Designs, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey—what’s changed, what’s working, and how she’s using storytelling to scale impact. We discuss navigating pitch competitions, the power of product testing, vendor challenges, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Plus, Christi shares how her one-to-one giv...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 66
In this conversation, Dylan Yeomans shares his journey from radio broadcasting to the insurance industry and the importance of networking in building authentic connections. He discusses the UIA Trusted Partners podcast, which serves as a platform for networking and community engagement, emphasizing the value of genuine interactions over scripted conversations. Dylan also provides insights into creating a successful podcast and the significance of content creation in attracting business. In this ...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 65
In this episode of Riding Tandem , Vivian Kvam sits down with John Albert, a third-generation business owner with deep roots in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From managing a family business that started in 1927 to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and eventually transitioning ownership through the successful sale of his company, John shares his remarkable journey of adaptation, leadership, and resilience. John dives into how to build a century-strong business legacy, adapt and lead through business ch...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 64
Vivian Kvam and Machaela Clark dive into why it’s so important to have a solid marketing strategy—especially as a new year kicks off. They chat about how businesses can map out clear plans for marketing and communication, share how their consulting services have evolved, and stress the importance of truly understanding client needs. The episode covers how their strategy sessions are structured, from identifying roadblocks to setting goals and exploring tools that can help bring those plans to li...
Dec 18, 2024•48 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of Riding Tandem , Vivian Kvam shares actionable insights from a recent workshop she led with SCORE mentors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or unsure where to start, this episode is for you. She uncovers a high-level view of eight mindset shifts for marketing every entrepreneur needs to make for successful marketing. 🚀 Plus, Vivian announces an exciting offer: free 30-minute one-on-one brainstorming sessions to help you tackle your marketing r...
Dec 04, 2024•31 min•Ep. 62
In this episode, Vivian Kvam chats with Becky Edwards, a CFO mindset coach, about something that every business needs but so many avoid talking about—money. Becky takes us through her journey from a corporate career to launching her own business, sharing insights on building confidence with finances and why it’s so crucial for entrepreneurs to take control of their numbers. Vivian and Becky dive into the challenges of keeping up with bookkeeping, cash flow, and the power of setting clear expecta...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 61
Want to know what it's like running a boutique in a small town? Catch our latest episode with boutique owner, Jayme Busch! She talks about building a business in rural Iowa, overcoming inventory challenges, and staying authentic. In this episode, host Vivian Kvam chats with Jayme Busch, owner of Unique Boutique in Neola, Iowa. Jayme shares her entrepreneurial journey from selling polished rocks as a child to running a thriving boutique business in a small rural town. She opens up about navigatin...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 60
Paul Pape is a designer and fabricator of custom collectibles who can make things that no one can find. He has a background in theater design and has worked in various mediums such as sculpture, woodworking, leatherworking, 3D design, fabrication, jewelry, and metal craft. Paul's journey started in theater, where he learned to do a lot of different things. He then transitioned into creating custom collectibles and has worked with well-known clients such as Disney, Universal, and The Tonight Show...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 59
In this engaging episode of 'Riding Tandem,' host Vivian Kvam sits down with Dillon De Rozairo from Nebraska Innovation Labs. Dillon shares his journey as a non-developer in a tech-driven world, the inspiration behind the nonprofit model at Nebraska Innovation Labs, and how they're revolutionizing software and app development for startups. Key Topics Discussed: - The rise and benefits of digital business cards - Nebraska Innovation Labs' mission to provide affordable tech solutions for startups ...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam chats with Josh Kropkof, CEO and co-founder of The Email Agency. Josh dives into the importance of email marketing, busting common myths and emphasizing the power of building relationships and adding personality to your emails. Josh shares his journey of starting an email marketing business, the ups and downs he faced, and why email marketing is a must for any business. He talks about his focus on e-commerce and the blend of copy and design needed fo...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of Riding Tandem, I sit down with Maisey Haines, the creative force behind Haines Cattle and Leather. Maisey shares her inspiring journey from learning to sew at a young age to building a successful leather goods business. We delve into the challenges she faced, especially during the pandemic, and how she navigated through them with resilience and creativity. Maisey also discusses the importance of customer feedback, sustainability in leather crafting, her tips for selling at eve...
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 56
Dive into a riveting conversation with Kirsten Parker, host of the Decision Masters podcast, as she returns to discuss the art of decision-making. This episode delves into the challenges of saying no, understanding personal agency, and overcoming misconceptions about selfishness. Kirsten shares practical strategies, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you make decisions that align with your values and vision. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone striving for better dec...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 55
In this special crossover episode, Riding Tandem and Next Chapter Podcasts bring together two dynamic hosts: Jeremiah Tittle, CEO of Next Chapter Podcasts and host of Your Next Chapter, and Vivian Kvam, host of Riding Tandem. Jeremiah and Vivian share their experiences, challenges, and successes in leveraging storytelling to reshape worlds and inspire change. From the evolution of podcasts to the integration of technology and AI, this episode is packed with valuable insights for business owners,...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of Riding Tandem, I sat down with Dr. Nate Wiechmann and his wife/business partner, Melissa. They share their inspiring journey of building their clinic, overcoming reputation challenges, and navigating personal crises, including the premature birth of their daughter during the pandemic. Learn how they embraced technology, leveraged social media, and relied on community support to thrive. This episode is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of partnership. If yo...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 53
Join host Vivian Kvam in an enriching conversation with Nicole Bartlett and Vincent Rissell, the founders of O'CookieOs. Discover how they turned a family challenge into a flourishing (accidental) business, creating a gluten-free cookie-donut hybrid that's as delicious as it is innovative. Nicole and Vincent discuss the importance of viewing failures as essential learning experiences that are pivotal in shaping their entrepreneurial path and share some real-life “horror” stories from the kitchen...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 52
In their milestone 50th episode (technically the 51st), Vivian and Michaela dive into an engaging Q&A session where they answer 25 questions that reveal more about their personal lives and the inner workings of their business. They explore the origins of their entrepreneurial journey, critical moments that shaped their careers, and how they balance the demands of work with their personal lives. The duo discusses the skills they’re honing, influential books, and the challenges they encountere...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 53
Join me for an engaging conversation with Rachel, the owner of Anytime Tees, a custom apparel company that has grown from a home-based business to a 4,200 square foot facility. This episode of Riding Tandem is all about the journey of scaling a business, the challenges of expansion, and the power of delegation and trust in a team. Rachel shares her unique story of starting and growing her business, offering valuable insights into the importance of strategic planning and understanding when to tak...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of Riding Tandem, Vivian Kvam sits down for a candid chat with Josh Kallsen, the go-getting president of PowerTech. They dive into Josh's journey through the construction world, starting from the life lessons he picked up from his grandfather, to his ambitious moves in buying and growing PowerTech. The heart of their conversation beats around PowerTech's Power to Give initiative, a brilliant example of how businesses can deeply impact their communities. Josh and Vivian chew over ...
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of "Riding Tandem," Vivian Kvam engages in a deeply inspiring conversation with Jennifer Lea, the innovative founder of Entry Envy. Jennifer's journey from the structured world of law firm management to the creative realm of entrepreneurship is not just a career change; it's a life transformation fueled by passion, resilience, and a desire to bring joy and functionality to homes everywhere. Discover how Jennifer turned a challenging period in her life into a thriving business. Sh...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 49
Join Vivian Kvam for an enriching dialogue with Kaylee Williams, an entrepreneur and business strategist for early-stage startup companies. She is the Investment Director for InnoVenture Iowa, a $30 million co-investment fund allocated primarily for Seed and Series A financing. Kaylee candidly shares her remarkable journey from studying English to thriving in the tech industry. On this episode we delve into the nuances of bootstrapping versus venture capital, gaining insights into the benefits a...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 47
