Fast Break

S2-Ep 1: Why You Need to Give Back as a Business with Matt Neumann

Today’s episode is a special one. Not only are we featuring a giveaway, but get some great advice about being a responsible business leader from Matt Neumann, Chief Executive Officer at Neumann Companies, Inc. If you’re a business owner or manager looking to make an impact, this episode is for you.
As a second-generation family business owner, Matt is committed and recognizes the long-term approach to business growth and investment. Matt was awarded 40 under 40 by the Business Journal, Professional Builder, and Midwest Renewable Energy News, and was recently awarded the Wisconsin Way Future Leader of the Year.
Throughout the episode, Matt shares insight on what has made him a successful leader, from the top attribute a leader needs to have to the steps business leaders need to take in their businesses to stay relevant.
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“A sustainable business is also one that’s giving back from the profit it earns."
- Matt Neumann, CEO - Neumann Companies, Inc.
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Fast Break is hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate

S1-Ep 11: The Four Pillars of a Successful Downtown – And How You Can Apply Them to Grow Your Business with Jason Ilstrup

Jason Ilstrup, President at Downtown Madison Inc., joins us to share the benefits of a thriving downtown–both for businesses and individuals alike.
Members of a downtown community (whether as a business or as an individual) can stand to gain a lot from this episode. Jason shares two real-life examples of businesses that effectively use his two favorite offensive strategies: creating a unique experience and using omnichannel techniques. And he discusses powerful questions business owners need to ask themselves as they prepare their defensive strategy such as, “How do we survive now to thrive in the future?”
Jason will also cover the four pillars of a prosperous downtown, the benefits of a thriving downtown, and how members of the community can contribute and benefit from their own downtown.
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“Successful downtowns are all about people. They’re about people living here, working here, playing here, visiting here from other cities. Downtowns are a place where people connect, where they socialize, where they do work and that is the network effect.” 
- Jason Ilstrup, Downtown Madison, Inc.
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Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate
 

S1-Ep 10: How to Market your Business Heading into 2023 with Laura Gallagher

Laura Gallagher, Founder and President of The Creative Company and the author of #180in120 - How to Recharge Your Business in 120 Days, leads one of Madison's most respected PR and digital agencies. Having launched the Creative Company in 1989, Laura has a ton of experience marketing for businesses and was recently awarded IB Madison's Dane County Small Business of the Year in 2022.
In this episode, Laura shares her wisdom by telling us the offensive and defensive strategies her business uses to stay relevant. She'll teach you how to deliver a compelling story to your audience, how marketing has evolved, and what you need to do to be effective with your marketing strategies in 2023.
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“You have to think about it from their perspective, not from your own perspective. What would you want to know? If you didn't know anything about your brand, what would you need to know? What would be most important? What would be compelling? What would make you want to step into that story and make a call or find out more?” 
- Laura Gallagher, The Creative Company
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Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 9: Why Consistency Beats Intensity with Keegan Meuer

Keegan Meuer, owner and manager of the iconic State Street Brats in Madison, joins us to discuss the rollercoaster that is owning a business. Though difficult and frustrating at times, ultimately, it can be extremely rewarding.
Throughout Fast Break, we’ve heard some really great insights into the offensive and defensive strategies of owning a business, but we have to say that Keegan shares some of our favorite defensive tactics. Managing a restaurant comes with unique twists and turns on its own, but adding a pandemic to the mix certainly can throw a wrench into things if you let it. In this episode, Keegan joins us to share his three keys to staying successful amidst adversity.
Starting from the bottom and building up (2:24)
Taking risks to grow and stay relevant (4:16)
Staying consistent and moving forward (7:20)
________________________ “I just try to think of a little bit every day, moving in the right direction, moving forward in a ‘no days off’ mentality. It doesn’t have to be 100 miles an hour every single day, but just continue to move the ball forward little by little.”
- Keegan Meuer, State Street Brats________________________
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 8: Changing Your Growth Mindset with Zach Brandon

Zach Brandon, President of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Matt Cranney, sit down to discuss the importance of supporting small and growing businesses. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce aims to help companies to play both offense and defense by providing the resources they wouldn't otherwise have.
Throughout the episode, Zach provides real-life examples of businesses that have played offense and defense effectively; and how others can too. One of these critical insights is at the core of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: BEAM (brand, economy, advocacy, and members), an acronym Zach explains in the episode to help you unlock a greater growth mindset.
“If you think of soccer as sort of a metaphor for life or business. You’re watching the ball move sideways or backwards. It always isn’t just a press. You’re not always just pushing the ball forward you’re moving the ball in different directions because you’re trying to create space you looking for openings are looking for opportunity I think that to me that’s the growth mindset, it’s a movement mindset, less of a straightforward mindset.” - Zach Brandon, President, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 7: Developing and Retaining Quality Talent with Julie Unite

Now more than ever, it's critical to find and retain quality talent. But it's more than that; you must also sustain demands, be efficient, engage, and meet goals. But as many of us know, this is easier said than done. That's why we've invited Business Psychologist and Co-founder of Ascend Talent Strategies, Julie Unite, to discuss finding and retaining talent.
Ascend Talent Strategies is an organization that helps businesses "harness the power of people," And in this episode, Julie shares just how to do that. Julie and Matt dive into what it means to find quality talent, including the changes to finding and retaining talent post-covid, the importance of culture, and ultimately how to find a good culture fit for your company.
“Move away from having a transactional relationship with your talent… You really need to tap into ‘what are the needs of the individual?’ and then ‘what are the needs of the company?’ and ‘how can you find the happy medium there?’”  - Julie Unite, PhD, Ascend Talent Strategies
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 6: People, Products, and Promises with Joe Hamilton

Joe Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer at Vortex Optics, joins us for part two of our conversation with him. In this episode, Joe covers the importance of the core values behind Vortex Optics, and how customer satisfaction is everything when it comes to managing a successful business. So tune in to learn how to make your customer the hero.
Vortex Optics is a family-owned and operated business determined to change the status quo by putting customers at the center of everything they do. If you haven’t heard part one, check it out to learn about the origin story of Vortex®, advice for those working for a family business, and the calculated risks businesses should take to stay relevant.
“Don't hire people & train your core values into them. Hire people who already have them. You will be better for it, your people will be better for it, they'll thank you - and your organization will run a lot smoother.” – Joe Hamilton, Vortex Optics
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 5: Navigating Family Dynamics and Calibrating Risk with Joe Hamilton

Joe Hamilton is the Chief Executive Officer at Vortex Optics, a manufacturer of optical equipment for hunting, wildlife watching, outdoor recreation, shooting sports, and law enforcement. Vortex® is a family-owned and operated business that is determined to change how business is done by putting customers at the center of everything they do.
In this episode, part one of two, Joe covers the origin story of Vortex®, advice for those who work for a family business, and the calculated risks a business should take to stay relevant.
Joe provided so much powerful insight about building a successful business around strong values and great advice about navigating said business that we split it into two parts. Stay tuned; part two is coming soon!
“If it's not a big risk, or a risk that's not irreversible go do it. Try it! You'll get an insight, and it's always better to gain insight that's been tested in the market.” – Joe Hamilton, Vortex Optics
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 4: Market Your Business to Stand Out in a World Where Many Stand By

Richie Burke, Founder and CEO of GoGeddit Marketing and Media (GGMM), joins us to discuss marketing strategies that will help set your business apart from the competition. Throughout the episode, Richie shares valuable insight on standing out in "this seas of sameness" and his number one offensive and defensive recommendations.
When it comes to offensive marketing, it's vital companies find ways to differentiate themselves, learn and stay on top of things, and don't be afraid to try new things and fail because when you fail, you learn.
And when it comes to defensive strategies, Richie states it's important to hire help–even if they're non-revenue generating positions. By hiring out the jobs you don't excel at, you free yourself to do what you're great at.
“The best product doesn't always win; it's the product that resonates most with your target audience--that they can understand the best, that cuts through the clutter. Sometimes we need to be different and take a stand in your marketing and messaging in order to do that.” – Richie Burke, GGMM
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.

S1-Ep 3: Transform Your Mindset & Your Business with Chad McGehee

If you're interested in becoming the best version of yourself, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we're joined by Chad McGhee, Director of Meditation Training at UW Athletics and Co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation, to discuss mindfulness's impact on performance.
You can't always control your environment, but you can prepare for whatever may be thrown your way by practicing mindfulness. Chad shares insight into how the skills of greater focus and connecting more skillfully with oneself and others are fundamental to success and how you can apply them to your everyday life. Whether you're leading a team on the court or in the office, practicing mindfulness will help you become a better leader.
“If we're not present - if we're lost in the future, if we're lost in the past - well, then we have zero chance of being able to discern what's important now. First, we've got to get present.” – Chad McGehee
Hosted by Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate.