Summary In this conversation, Kaitlyn Witman, CEO of Rainfactory , shares her journey from co-founding the company to leading it as a solo CEO. She discusses her early experiences in marketing, the challenges and successes of launching products, and the importance of adaptability in finding market fit. Caitlin also highlights her partnerships with major brands and her vision for the future of Rainfactory, emphasizing the need for innovative products that stand out in the market. Takeaways Her jo...
Jan 13, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 47
Summary In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, Abbey reflects on her transformative year in 2024, marked by significant personal and professional milestones. She shares her journey of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, the challenges and joys of being a wedding DJ, and the excitement of launching new podcasts. Abbey also discusses selling her dog bandana business, moving into a new studio space, and her aspirations for 2025, emphasizing the importance of community support a...
Dec 31, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 46
Donate to Project 37: https://givebutter.com/project37venue More information on Project 37: https://www.project37mn.com/ Check out the fundraiser event on November 16th: https://www.facebook.com/events/530648119761465/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey speaks with Mike Lardy, co-owner of Bravo Burrito and board member of Project 37, a nonprofit initiative aimed at creating an all-ages music venue in St. Cloud. They discus...
Nov 13, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Get tickets to Little Shop of Horrors: https://www.centralmntheatre.com/event-details/howard-ashmans-little-shop-of-horrors-the-musical-2024-11-14-19-00 In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey explores the upcoming production of 'Little Shop of Horrors' with the cast and director from the Divergent Stars Theater Company. The conversation delves into the director's extensive experience, the unique challenges of staging the musical, and the dynamics of the cast, including the...
Nov 07, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Long Prairie Craft Show and Sell: https://business.longprairie.org/events/Details/arts-craft-show-sell-1055772?sourceTypeId=Website In this conversation, Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst shares her journey from Pennsylvania to Long Prairie, Minnesota, where she has made significant contributions to the community through her role at the Chamber of Commerce. The discussion covers her experiences in teaching, the vibrant community life in Long Prairie, and the importance of local events like the Long Prairie...
Oct 30, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Check out Omni Training Facility: http://www.omnitrainingfacility.com/#/ The conversation revolves around the Omni Training Facility, an inclusive fitness center that caters to individuals of all abilities. The hosts discuss the facility's origins, its diverse offerings, and the importance of community and mental health in fitness. They highlight the unique programs available, including adaptive fitness classes, and share their vision for future growth and community engagement. The discussion em...
Oct 22, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 42
Get your copy of Sandy's book: https://a.co/d/cXbFP96 In this engaging conversation, Abbey speaks with Sandy Doyle, a retired cemetery counselor and author of 'My Life at the Cemetery, It's Not as Dead as You Think.' Sandy shares her unique experiences working in a cemetery, reflecting on the profound lessons about life, death, and spirituality that she learned through her interactions with grieving families. The discussion also delves into her role with Optimist International, highlighting the ...
Oct 14, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Get tickets to Molitor's Haunted Acres: https://molitorshauntedacres.com/ In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey interviews Tammy Molitor, co-owner of Molitor's Haunted Acres in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. They discuss the origins of the haunted attraction, the dedication and love that goes into creating memorable experiences for guests, and the importance of community involvement. Tammy shares insights into the innovations made during the pandemic, the excitement of Halloween...
Oct 07, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 40
Tickets to the Show: https://www.centralmntheatre.com/dstc In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey explores the vibrant world of community theater through the lens of the upcoming production of the Rocky Horror Show by Divergent Stars Theater Company. Abbey interviews various cast members, including the music director, lead actors, and the director, discussing their backgrounds, the audition process, and the excitement surrounding the show. The conversation highlights the c...
Oct 01, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Event information: https://www.facebook.com/events/549848017480797/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D In this conversation, Abbey speaks with Justin Yurecko, a member of the Upsala EMS, about his journey into emergency services, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the community's efforts to raise funds for a new emergency rig. They discuss the challenges faced by first responders, the significance of community engagement, and the upcoming open house event aimed at recruiti...
Sep 23, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 38
This week on The Small Town Tourist, I am my own podcast guest! Well, kinda, not really. My cousin/friend/client Megan May interviewed me on her podcast and I just loved this episode so much and love what Megan is doing with her show I wanted to share it with my audience as well. Find Megan Online: https://meganlynnmay.com/ https://rss.com/podcasts/themeganmaypodcast/ Host your own podcast with RSS.com : https://rss.com/?via=c026c9 Save 20% with Riverside for podcast recording and editing: https...
Sep 17, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Mentioned Links: Switchboard: https://www.switchboard.mn/ Apiary Coworking: https://www.apiarycoworking.com/ Cloud Coffee Fest: https://www.cloudcoffeefest.com/ Summary Switchboard Advertising is a full-service marketing agency in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They offer video, photo, branding, and website services. They customize their plans to meet the specific needs of each client, whether it's creating a $20,000 brand video or improving online communication. Switchboard also has a podcast called Chi...
Sep 09, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 36
Josh Kaeter, the owner of Eminent Coffee Roasters, shares her journey of starting a coffee roastery and the intricacies of the roasting process. He discusses the challenges she faced in getting licensed and finding the right location for the business. Josh explains the importance of water in coffee production and the meticulous process of hand-sorting beans to ensure quality. He also highlights the significance of female producers in the coffee industry and his commitment to sourcing ethically a...
Sep 03, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Summary Josh Kaeter, owner and roaster at Eminent Coffee Roasters in Sartell, Minnesota, shares his journey into the world of coffee. From his time in the Marine Corps to working at a coffee shop in South Carolina, Josh developed a passion for roasting coffee. He eventually started his own business and is now focused on providing high-quality, specialty coffee to the community. He plans to open a retail space and espresso bar in the future. Takeaways Josh's love for coffee developed during his t...
Aug 26, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 34
GET TICKETS TO TASTE OF OSAKIS HERE: https://tasteofosakis.regfox.com/too The episode features an interview with Cory Abers, who is part of the group that organizes Taste of Osakis, an annual event in Osakis, Minnesota. The event includes professional bull riding, a craft and vendor show, activities for kids, a beanbag tournament, and a concert. The interview covers Cory's role in the event, the purpose of the Osakis Chamber of Commerce, the importance of tourism in a small town, and the process...
Aug 19, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 33
St. Cloud Shines is a group and organization that aims to promote positive conversations and change the perception of the St. Cloud area. They share stories of people, places, and events through their Shine Stories, highlighting the diverse and inspiring individuals in the community. St. Cloud Shines also provides resources and information about the different communities in the 30-mile radius of St. Cloud. Greenline Marketing, owned by Bridget Deutz, is a digital marketing collective that works ...
Jul 19, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Carol Zimmerman, owner of Boulder Creek Wine Bar in Santiago, Minnesota, shares the story of how the wine bar got started and her journey to becoming a sommelier. She talks about the challenges she faced in getting licensed and the experimentation she does with different flavors and ingredients in her wines. Carol also discusses the unique landscaping and atmosphere of the wine bar and the importance of creating a welcoming space for customers. She emphasizes the joy of sharing her wines with ot...
Jul 12, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, Abbey interviews Matthew Breiter, a photographer and videographer from Long Prairie. They discuss Matthew's photography journey, including how he got published in USA Today and National Geographic. They also talk about his travels with his wife as part of Infinite Explorers and his experience touring with the band Plush. Matthew's role with Plush has evolved from photographer and videographer to driver, merchandiser, guitar tech, stagehand, and ...
Jul 05, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Abbey shares a life update and discusses her transition to self-employment as a podcast producer and social media manager. She talks about her journey of taking a social media management course, gaining podcast clients, and realizing that her niche is in podcast management. Abbey also discusses her plans for the Small Town Tourist podcast and blog, aiming for consistency and balance between work and play. Host your own podcast with RSS.com : https://rss.com/?via=c026c9 Save 20% with Riverside fo...
Jun 14, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Follow for Updates: https://www.facebook.com/toddcf56347 https://www.toddcountyfairmn.us/ Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/...
Jun 07, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Check out more information on the Minnesota Prepper Expo onling: https://www.mnprepperexpo.com/ Email: trtoy@yahoo.com Phone: 1-612-275-4492 Host your own podcast with RSS.com: https://rss.com/?via=c026c9 Save 20% with Riverside for podcast recording and editing: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abbey-graves Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with p...
Jun 03, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Alise Schostrom, co-founder and owner of Redhead Creamery, shares her farming journey and the story behind Curd Fest. Redhead Creamery is a dairy farm and farmstead cheese company located in central Minnesota. Elise and her family specialize in creating value-added products to compete in the market. They started with fresh cheese curds and cloth-bound cheddar, and have since expanded their product line to include Brie, garlic cheddar, whiskey-washed Munster, and more. They are also in the proces...
May 17, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Takeaways The real estate market in central Minnesota has experienced significant changes in the past six years, with highs and lows and shifts in buyer and seller opportunities. Interest rates have fluctuated, and it's important for buyers to be aware of the current rates and their impact on affordability. Homeownership is seen as a smart investment and a fast road to wealth, with real estate being a major factor in building millionaires. First-time homebuyers should save money and be prepared ...
May 10, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Tickets and festival details: https://vickiscampncountryjam.com/ Vicki's Camp n Country Jam is a newer country music festival happening in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The festival is known for its stacked lineup, including national acts like JoDee Messina, Sawyer Brown, Easton Corbin, and Cooper Allen, as well as regional acts. The festival aims to provide a smaller, more intimate experience compared to larger festivals, with a focus on great sightlines and shorter lines for food and amenities. In...
May 02, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Embarking on a culinary journey can truly elevate your daily routine and travel adventures – from the delectable food and drinks to the ambiance of the venue. That’s why Visit Greater St. Cloud is thrilled to announce this year’s St. Cloud Area Restaurant Week. It’s a dedicated week to explore menu items at some of Greater St. Cloud’s delightful eateries. Each day will showcase a different category, featuring multiple restaurants. Restaurant Week Details : https://www.visitstcloud.com/event/st-c...
Apr 29, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Wayne, the owner of Lake Wobegon Outfitters, shares his story and the services they offer, including e-bike rentals and inflatable paddle boards. He explains how electric bikes work and the benefits of using them on the Lake Wobegon Trail. Wayne also discusses the rental process and future plans to become a retail dealer for e-bikes. The conversation covers topics such as safety waivers, reservations, and recommendations for exploring the area. Overall, the episode highlights the unique outdoor ...
Apr 18, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 22
This episode is awfully squirrely. My best friends and all our spouses recently went on a trip to Galveston, Texas for Spring Break. A group trip has been talked about for years and we finally pulled the trigger and went to Galveston of all places. We share stories of going to places like Moody Gardens, a haunted pub crawl, an attempt to go to pleasure pier, and hanging out at the Airbnb and beach. It was a great trip and I hope you enjoy hanging out with my friends in this episode as much as I ...
Mar 22, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Fuzzy Loon Designs: https://fuzzyloondesigns.com/ Host your own podcast with RSS.com: https://rss.com/?via=c026c9 Save 20% with Riverside for podcast recording and editing: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=abbey-graves Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and mo...
Mar 07, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 20
This week my husband Cory joins the podcast for the very first time to recap our trip to Phoenix, Arizona for the Waste Management Open. We experienced the event for the first time this year, and our trip was interesting for sure. With the unseasonable weather the event wasn't typical of years past, but we still really enjoyed the experience. We crammed a lot of adventure into just 3 days and condensed it all down into one 30-minute episode. Host your own podcast with RSS.com: https://rss.com/?v...
Feb 23, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Hello fellow tourists! So a bit of an update, we are going to be switching up when the show get's published for a little while. The show isn't stopping, and it for sure isn't going anywhere, I just have reached a point in my bandwidth where an every-week show isn't feasible like it used to be, BUT it is a good thing. The reason I hit that point is because I get to help other people make their podcasts!! So for now we are switching to an every other week release schedule -- key words there are "f...
Feb 16, 2024•4 min•Season 3Ep. 18
