Growing Destinations

Mike Jones is a Hall of Fame Auctioneer, educator and owner of America's Auction Academy and co-owner of the World Wide College of Auctioneering. Over the course of his career, he's done it all. He won the International Auctioneer Championship in 1998 and went on to serve as President of the National Auctioneers Association in 2004 and 2005. Through his leadership, mentorship and passion for the craft, Mike has helped sha...

In Harmony, Minnesota, a group of dedicated volunteers turn their love for Halloween into something extraordinary: a haunted house that helps fund local arts and music programs. Monster Bash, Inc. isn't your typical haunted attraction; it's a nonprofit organization that channels the thrill of the scare into real support for students and the arts. 

Jay Masters, President of Monster Bash, Inc. shares how it all started, what...

Becky Bakken is President and CEO of Westopolis, the destination marketing organization representing the Minnesota cities of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Over the past year, Becky has led her team through a major transformation, rebranding from Discover St. Louis Park to Westopolis, to better reflect the vibrancy and connected spirit of both communities. She shares why the rebrand happen...

John DeLeva, Global Marketing Executive with Miles Partnership, has built a career that has taken him around the world. In this episode, he shares how building strong relationships and diving deep into the culture, food, and spirit of each place has shaped his approach to tourism marketing. 

He also recounts his extraordinary travel journey, completing visits to every single county in the United States, and how that adventure contin...

Steve Grove is a leader whose career journey has spanned Silicon Valley, state government, and now the publishing world. Steve is the CEO and Publisher of the Star Tribune, Minnesota’s largest news organization. Before that, he served as Commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development, and earlier, he spent more than a decade at Google helping to build its news and civic engagement initiatives.

Steve re...

This episode dives into the world of tourism research, strategy, and storytelling with one of the industry’s most recognized voices. Amir Eylon is the President and CEO, and Partner, at Longwoods International, a leading market research and consulting firm that helps destinations understand their visitors, shape their strategies, and tell their stories through the power of data. Amir shares his own journey in the tourism space, the...

Michael (Mick) Meilahn is a third-generation farmer and nationally recognized glass artist whose immersive installation, Primordial Shift, is now on view at the Rochester Art Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Mick’s work is visually stunning: towering glass ears of corn, cast bronze leaves, surrounded by a video backdrop of fields, but it also asks deeper questions about genetic modification, the evolution of farming, and our relatio...

Rochester, Minnesota is home to a growing live music scene, and one of the voices helping shape its sound is Gina Marcucci. She's a founder and lead singer of the folk-rock band My Grandma's Cardigan. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, rich harmonies and a sound that's equal parts nostalgic and fresh, the band has become a standout in the local music community. In this episode, Gina shares how the band came together, ...

Today, we’re going on a journey with Houston Gibson, race organizer of The Great Race, a legendary cross-country rally featuring vintage vehicles and classic Americana. Since 1983, this time-speed-distance rally has brought drivers and spectators together for a one-of-a-kind road adventure.

This year, The Great Race made a stop in Rochester, Minnesota. In this episode, Houston discusses the event’s rich history, its lasting appeal, ...

This episode takes a closer look at the intersection of business leadership and community engagement with Ryan Parsons, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in Rochester, Minnesota. Under Ryan's leadership, the chamber is helping local businesses and entrepreneurs navigate a rapidly changing landscape, one shaped by technology, workforce shifts and new ways of connecting. Ryan also shares about the success of Le...

This episode dives into the ever-evolving world of residential real estate. A market that impacts nearly everyone, whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand what’s going on with home prices, interest rates, and inventory.

Minnesota realtors Kimm and Jesse Pastrana are a husband-and-wife team and the founders of Good Move Realty. As successful real estate professionals and entrepreneurs with decades of experience, ...

This episode explores the evolving landscape of local broadcasting with Stephanie Hedrick, Vice President and General Manager of KTTC-TV and Vice-Chair of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, and Shannon Knoepke, Market President at Townsquare Media and a Board Member of the Association. 

Stephanie leads one of the region's most trusted TV newsrooms, and Shannon oversees a dynamic cluster of radio stations in southern Minnes...

The Med City Marathon in Rochester, Minnesota is one of the longest running marathons in the state. This race has become a signature event in the region, drawing runners, volunteers and spectators from across the Midwest and beyond. Evin Haukos, the Med City Marathon Race Director, has helped shaped the event's momentum and mission. He shares what inspired him to take on this role, what it takes to organize an event of this ma...

Today’s guest on the Growing Destinations podcast brings a thoughtful, research-driven lens to the tourism landscape. Xinyi Qian is Director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, a statewide resource focused on supporting communities through tourism education, research, and strategic planning.

Xinyi’s work sits at the intersection of tourism, economic development, and community vitality. Under her leadership, the Tourism Ce...

Greenspring Media is the team behind Minnesota Monthly, Midwest Design, custom content for destinations and a robust lineup of consumer events across the Twin Cities. Tammy Galvin, Publisher of Greenspring Media, has helped lead Greenspring's transformation into a multi-platform, content and experience company, blending print, digital and live events to engage audiences in meaningful ways. Tammy discusses her journey, how Gree...

Sarah Richardson, of Rochester, Minnesota, never expected to transform corporate gifting. As a graphic designer, she was focused on helping clients build their brands. But when the pandemic hit, a weekend idea to create an e-commerce platform for locally sourced Easter baskets turned into Gift Rochester, raising $6,000 for local businesses in one week. When Mayo Clinic sought employee recognition gifts, the project exploded, growin...

Join the laughter-filled journey of Miss Shannan Paul, a multi-talented comedian who swapped legal briefs for punchlines, transforming from an aspiring lawyer into a beloved performer and community advocate. From drafting demand letters to discovering her true passion for comedy, Miss Shannan shares an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. In this engaging conversation, she explores how humor fosters connection and sparks ...

Curious about the life of a dedicated naturalist and the fascinating world of Minnesota-native wildlife? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jaide Ryks, a passionate naturalist from Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Southeast Minnesota. Discover how Jaide turned her childhood love of nature into a meaningful career filled with animal care, education, and conservation efforts. Jaide shares her unique journey, from growing up a...