SpearHead Conversations Podcast

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Zach Petersen, founder of ZP Construction, to share his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in the construction industry. Growing up in Racine, Wisconsin, Zach took on responsibility early, developing the resilience and work ethic that would shape his success.

What started as a hobby soon became a career, with Zach laying the foundation for ZP Constr...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado speaks with Donna Gallardo, founder of SheWolf MKE, a women’s boxing gym on Milwaukee’s south side. A pioneer in the sport, Donna’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and breaking barriers.

Raised in Milwaukee, Donna discovered boxing at 12, secretly competing in amateur fights. After earning a degree in electrical engineering, she transitioned from athlete to ment...

On this episode, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Huey V, a rising recording artist signed to Warehouse Music Group/ROCNATION. From Milwaukee’s northside to the national stage, Huey V’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and hard work.

Inspired by legends like Tupac, he began with poetry before transitioning to music, drawing influence from Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. Despite challenges, his deep connection to Milwaukee s...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with acclaimed videographer TeeglazedIt, whose journey from Milwaukee to Los Angeles is a testament to hard work, creativity, and perseverance.

Raised by a single mother, TeeglazedIt developed a strong work ethic early on, juggling multiple jobs as a teen. His passion for filmmaking began with skate videos but took off between 2014...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado talks with Anthony Buchanan, known as Cardiac the Pulse, about his journey, music, and personal growth. Raised by his grandparents in Milwaukee, he found inspiration in a wide range of artists, from The Stylistics to Hootie & the Blowfish. Therapy helped him embrace authenticity, shaping both his life and music.

Anthony’s artistic path b...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Koby Krueger, a rising MMA fighter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Training under the renowned Anthony Pettis camp, Koby is determined to make his mark in the competitive world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Koby shares his journey growing up on Milwaukee’s south side, overcoming challenges as the son of a single mother. Initially inspired by WWE, he later found his ...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Mazen Muna, a prominent Milwaukee entrepreneur, to discuss his journey, business ventures, and community impact.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mazen displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. After navigating multiple majors at UW-Milwaukee while working full-time, he built a career rooted in resilience, adaptability, and hard work. His first ...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Adam Skiff, the visionary founder of SNR Flooring. With nearly 20 years of experience, Adam has built one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most respected flooring companies by overcoming challenges like ADHD and boldly rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 grind to chase his entrepreneurial dreams.

Adam’s journey began w...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews Ryan Schultz, founder of Underdog Productions and Eros Films, as he shares his journey from Racine, Wisconsin, to becoming a respected creative in video production.

Ryan launched Underdog Productions in 2021, inspired by personal experiences of feeling underestimated. In 2022, he expanded with Eros Films, a cinematic wedding storytelling venture co-founded w...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews multifaceted artist and actor Protegé, whose journey through music, acting, and modeling highlights the power of creative expression and personal growth. Raised in Milwaukee, Protégé found solace in music from an early age, using songwriting and beat-making as a form of therapy to navigate life’s challenges.

Protegé shares how he overcame the stigmas surro...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews legendary battle rapper Charlie Clips, exploring his rise to fame, challenges, and lasting impact on the industry. Clips reflects on transformative moments, including a pivotal underground battle that tested his adaptability and led to legendary introduction to a field he’s now dominated. Known as one of the greatest in his field, Clips shares ...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews DJ GEMINI GILLY, one of the official DJ’s for the Milwaukee Bucks and a rising star in the local music scene. GILLY shares her journey of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, authenticity, and trusting the process. She recounts pivotal moments, such as learning to DJ on vinyl, receiving mentorship...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado talks with entrepreneur Nimesh Ruparel, known as “Nemo,” about his inspiring journey. Nimesh shares his pivotal role in Antetokounbros, home of a lifestyle brand created in partnership with the Antetokounmpo family, where he helped design the store and shape its merchandise strategy with a focus on community and legacy.

He reflects on his academic path at MATC and UW-M...

In this heartfelt episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado sits down with Emily Landers, founder of A Little Something, A Lot of Love. A mother of three and former teacher, Emily shares how her own miscarriage at 15 weeks inspired her mission to support families experiencing pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Emily’s “joy bombs”—care packages filled with items like gemstone bracelets, rainbow prisms, and ha...

In this inspirational and impactful episode of Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado welcomes Melany Viruet, the creative mind behind Childlike Faith, a brand inspired by her Christian faith. Growing up in a bilingual, Puerto Rican household in Milwaukee, Melany’s journey is one of resilience and purpose, shaped by her family’s support and strong values.

Melany describes facing the challenges of self-doubt and balancing pers...

In Episode Spearhead Conversations, host Xavier Mercado interviews the talented and resilient artist Jessica Je’ Love. From her roots in Indianola, Mississippi, to becoming a key figure in Milwaukee’s music scene, Jessica’s journey reflects hard work and determination. Starting her musical exploration at age of 6 and growing as an artist in community programs like Running Rebels, she forged her path with tenacity and strategic focu...

In this episode of Spearhead Conversations, we explore the journey of Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Eric Damian Crespo Roman, also known as Erian C.R. Born in Milwaukee and raised in Puerto Rico, Erian returned to Milwaukee, where he developed a deep connection to the city and its vibrant music scene. He credits Milwaukee’s gritty culture with teaching him resilience and helping him reach key career milestones, like performing at S...

Ian Bennett’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and dedication to his sport and community. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Bennett overcame challenges like asthma to excel in soccer and football, ultimately attending Marian University in Indiana, where he balanced athletics and academics, earning a degree in sports management. Bennett’s professional career took off when he was drafted by the Charleston Battery, but ear...