Fast Break

Expanding the Circle: Creating Space for Women in Business

In honor of Women’s History Month, Becky Menefee, VP of M3 Elevate, takes over the mic to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. Joined by two powerhouse guests—Coreen Dicus-Johnson, President and CEO of Network Health, and Heather Dunn, Senior VP and CFO of West Bend Insurance Company—this Fast Break episode dives into their career journeys, the challenges they've faced in male-dominated industries, and the ways they’re paving the way for future generations.
From mentorship and mission-driven leadership to navigating work-life integration, Coreen and Heather share insights on breaking barriers, creating space at the table, and finding fulfillment in their careers. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, leadership, and the evolving landscape for women in business.

From Reactive to Ready: Tax Planning That Works

Tax planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy and trust. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney sits down with Brooke Weitzer, partner at Baker Tilly, to tackle the biggest tax challenges small business owners face. Hear how proactive planning, strong advisor relationships, and continuous collaboration can help you make informed decisions, minimize risks, and maximize savings.
Just like any great partnership, trust with your tax advisor is built over time. Tune in for insights on laying a solid foundation and why working together year-round leads to long-term success.

Creating a Strategy that Sticks

Are you leading your business with a short-term mindset or crafting a vision that lasts? In this episode of Fast Break, Matt sits down with Matt Pletzer to tackle the art of goal setting and strategic planning for small business owners.
Learn why thinking beyond the next 12 months can transform your organization, how to include your team in a way that truly inspires collaboration, and how to avoid common planning pitfalls. Whether you’re building your first-ever plan or revamping your approach for the new year, this episode delivers a simple yet powerful framework to help you lead with purpose and accountability. Don’t miss it!

Fast Break Takeover: The Art of Growing a Small Business

Fast Break Takeover is a special student-produced episode of M3 Insurance’spodcast, Fast Break. Hosted by Dax Anderson, Greta Euclide, and Orlando Pino, studentsfrom Sun Prairie’s Business Leadership Academy, this episode dives into the world ofsmall business success through an interview with Brian Euclide, President of TEC MailingSolutions.
Brian shares his journey of building a successful software company in Madison,Wisconsin, offering insights into entrepreneurship, overcoming setbacks, and theimportance of workplace culture. The students ask thought-provoking questions aboutthe challenges of starting a business, managing risks, and defining success, while alsoexploring the role of M3 Insurance in fostering innovation and safety.
The episode wraps up with reflections from the students on the valuable lessons theygained from this hands-on project, emphasizing adaptability, leadership, and the power ofreal-world experiences. Through their engaging conversation with Brian, the studentshighlight the importance of perseverance, passion, and taking strategic risks in the pursuitof entrepreneurial success.

The Future of Work

Since the pandemic, hybrid work has become the norm, making it crucial for businesses to keep employees and clients connected and productive. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney talks with Shaun Trudell, President of Automation Arts, about how thoughtful tech design can elevate remote and in-office experiences. Effective AV setups now play an essential role in making virtual collaboration feel seamless. Even small investments in AV tech can drive real ROI through better space use, employee engagement, and client satisfaction.
We also explore how businesses are shifting focus from where people work to how they work. New tech tools can streamline everyday tasks, giving employees more time for creative and impactful work. Whether you’re just starting to implement hybrid solutions or looking to optimize, this episode has insights for businesses of all sizes to enhance team and client connections.

Emerging Ecosystems: Crafting Tomorrow's Superstar Cities

In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney as he explores the transformative power of start-ups and their monumental impact on industries across the globe. Matt sits down with Kevin Little from the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Travis Hedge, co-founder of Vouch Insurance, to uncover how their organizations are fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech ecosystem.
Tune in to understand how trust, technology, and community wealth are intertwined in today’s rapidly evolving landscape!

Philanthropy in Action: Small Business, Big Impact

In this episode of Fast Break, Second Harvest CEO Michelle Orge and M3's Beth Dettman discuss how businesses of any size can drive real change through philanthropy. It’s not just about financial donations—it's about offering time, skills, and creativity to make a lasting impact.
They introduce the "Learn, Give, Do" approach for businesses looking to partner with nonprofits. First, learn about the organization's mission and needs. Then, give recurring donations, even if they’re small, as consistency is key. Finally, get involved by hosting food or fund drives to actively support the cause.
By integrating philanthropy into their core values, businesses can make a meaningful difference. It's not just about giving—it's about building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community for everyone.

ICHRAs: Facts, Myths, and Making the Right Choice

Join host Matt Cranney as he welcomes returning guests Becky Menefee and Natalie Damro from M3 Elevate to explore the rapidly emerging topic of Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs). Small business owners often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities, and offering health insurance can feel like an added burden. Today’s discussion dives into whether ICHRAs could be the superhero solution for your healthcare challenges or just another administrative hurdle.
Becky and Natalie break down the essentials of ICHRAs, uncovering their benefits and identifying misconceptions. Whether you’re looking to attract and retain talent or simply seeking a better fit for your unique needs, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

IT Solutions for Small Business Success

In the fast-paced world of small businesses, staying ahead of the competition means mastering efficiency and productivity. Leveraging cutting-edge IT services is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses aiming to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive growth.
Imagine a seamless digital infrastructure where every task, from mundane to mission-critical, is optimized and automated, freeing up your team to focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
In this episode of FastBreak, Matt sits down with Patrick Hanifin, a Sales Manager at Elevity, a managed IT services firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. They’ll discuss how, with the right Managed Service Provider, your business can transform into a powerhouse of productivity, setting new benchmarks in your industry.

FastBreak: The Power of Data

In a single minute, more than 230 million emails are sent around the world. For businesses, this massive volume of information highlights how important it is to manage data appropriately. Handling data efficiently helps keep things running smoothly, protects sensitive information, and allows for better decision-making. Good data management boosts productivity, ensures data security, and helps businesses stay competitive. 
In this episode of Fast Break, Matt and his guests, Erik Vandermause (Vice President of Applied Intelligence), and Paul Krause (Data and Analytics Manger) explore how data-driven insights can drive strategic choices, enhance operational efficiency, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Tune in as they reveal the power of data in shaping the future of business success.