The Chills Podcast

Bill Gschwind lost a $2M equipment rental business in his 40s, then went to law school at 48. Now he runs Minnesota Construction Law Services, spending 50% of his day as a business consultant because he learned most legal problems are really communication failures. He shares "the gauntlet" every entrepreneur runs, why contractors build millions but keep pennies, and why entrepreneurship is the loneliest place in the world...

Running a business often means becoming an accidental HR expert, and for many founders, that’s where overwhelm sets in. In this episode, Nicki Leritz, founder of People Solutions Hub, shares how her 20+ years in corporate HR led her to fractional consulting, and why small businesses often outgrow their people systems faster than they realize. We discuss when to seek HR support, the warning signs founders shouldn’t ignore, and how p...

What if getting laid off four times was the best thing that ever happened to your career? In this episode, we talk with Kevin Remde, owner of CMIT Solutions West Metro, about career reinvention, entrepreneurship, and why cybersecurity is critical for small and midsize businesses. Kevin shares his journey from music student to Microsoft evangelist to business owner, and how each setback led to new opportunities, while breaking down ...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Munneke, VP of Fan Experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx and the only original employee still with the franchise since 1988. Jeff takes us behind the scenes of professional sports to share how unforgettable game-night experiences are built for 19,000+ fans, why sports is ultimately a people business, and the leadership lessons he’s learned over nearly four decades in the...

In this episode, MOOV Rideshare CEO Murid Amini shares how he went from Starbucks barista and U of M engineering student to launching Minnesota’s first local rideshare alternative as Uber and Lyft threatened to leave. He breaks down raising $250K for permits, attracting 800 drivers in month one, and building the highest-paying, community-focused rideshare in the Twin Cities. A must-listen for anyone curious how a local startup take...

Minnesota storyteller and Star Tribune contributor Brandon Ferdig joins us to unpack the state’s growing cultural divides, from the new flag controversy to dropping education rankings, and why both sides are mirroring each other more than they admit. We explore his reporting on homeless encampments, the gray wolf debate, and what growing up in northern Minnesota taught him about identity and nuance. Brandon also shares his early Bi...

Diana Grundeen never planned on becoming a landscape designer, she just wanted to skip a boring science class. That detour turned into a 30-year career building pollinator-friendly yards and helping homeowners rethink how they want to live outside. In this episode, we dive into the art of residential landscape design, from her “speed-dating your yard” consultation process and the rise of the pollinator movement to why most patios a...

Meet Brad, Hannah, and Kalli Klingman, the powerhouse family behind RiseUp Labels — a fast-growing custom label company built on creativity, grit, and teamwork. What started as a small family idea has grown into a thriving business that proves success sticks when you rise together.

In this episode, the Klingmans share how they turned challenges into opportunities, balanced family and business life, and created a culture of...

What separates elite performers from the rest? In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we sit down with Brent Widman, CEO & Co-Founder of Your Limitless Coach. Brent shares his journey from chasing titles in corporate America to building a thriving coaching business with his wife—focused on leadership, growth, and living without limits.

We dive into discipline, consistency, and the importance of having the right people in your co...

What does it take to thrive in both business and life? Annie B. Deckert, founder of All Day Companies and All Day Coach, shares her journey of building two successful businesses—one in economic development consulting and the other in nutrition coaching. From helping manufacturers expand to guiding people toward healthier lifestyles, Annie brings a wealth of insight into growth, resilience, and redefining success.

In this episode, yo...

In this episode of The Chills Podcast by Allweather Roof, we sit down with Dr. Garrick Villaume to explore his remarkable journey from small-town beginnings in Minnesota to groundbreaking work in particle physics, engineering, and leadership.

Dr. Villaume shares insights from his time working on deep underground experiments in particle physics, his transition into the tech industry, and his leadership lessons during cultural transfo...

In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we welcome Sig Muller—a survivor, father, and soon-to-be author. Sig opens up about his incredible journey of resilience, healing, and transformation, and how life’s toughest challenges inspired him to write a book that will leave an impact.

This episode is about more than survival—it’s about finding strength, purpose, and hope in the aftermath of life-changing events.

🎧 Listen the full convers...

What do hockey, Shanghai skyscrapers, and off-market industrial deals have in common? Nick Carmichael. 

In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we sit down with Nick Carmichael, founder of Capital Commercial Partners, to explore his unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, his strategic insights into the commercial real estate world, and why relationships and discipline still matter in a data-driven age.

Nick shares what it was like ...

In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we sit down with Adam Carlson, Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer of Chip Theory Games, based in Plymouth, MN. Adam shares the inspiring journey of turning a childhood passion into a thriving board game company—alongside his cousin and best friend, Josh.

From flipping MMO loot into cash to creating a multi-million dollar brand known for ultra-premium games like Too Many Bones, Chip Theory’s st...

In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we sit down with Andrew J. Ramirez, founder of Cherrywood Partners, whose career has been devoted to responsible forest management and supply chains. From auditing global brands to sharing personal stories in the woods of northern Wisconsin, Andrew opens up about what it means to protect forests for future generations. 🌍🌳

👉 Like, share, and subscribe if this episode inspired you — and drop a...

In this episode, Elizabeth Sibet shares her unique path as a realtor and mentor who blends personal experience with professional passion. She talks candidly about how overcoming adversity fuels her drive to help others find stability and success. Expect real stories, practical lessons, and thoughtful reflections on what it means to lead with heart and intention.

🎙️ Tune in for a conversation full of insight, inspiration, ...

In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we sit down with real estate investor, entrepreneur, and fitness enthusiast Luke Nietfeld. Luke opens up about how he finds off-market deals, builds strong agent and contractor relationships, balances business with fatherhood, and why he’s passionate about using real estate success as a platform to make a meaningful impact.

#TheChillsPodcast #RealEstateInvesting #WholesalingRealEstate #Entrepre...

In this episode of The Chills Podcast, we sit down for an inspiring and casual conversation with a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing strategist, Craig Espelien. From donuts and coffee with roofing clients to fine wine and the art of networking, this episode is packed with insights on relationship-building, branding, and staying top-of-mind in long sales cycles.mily, and faith, and inspires others to live with clarity, balance, an...