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Sirens, lights, and an armored MRAP—used against a nonviolent cannabis grower known for helping his neighbors. Mitch joins us to break down what really happened to Al, why the response didn’t match the risk, and how a tangled web of cannabis laws turned a community builder into a headline. We look past the sound bites to examine the raid, the surveillance timeline, shifting charges, and the system that made it all possible.

We dig into Minnesota’s cannabis rollout: the rapid rise of the Office of Cannabis Management, why “legal” doesn’t always mean “safe,” and how social equity promises unraveled under lawsuits and red tape. Small operators face zoning roadblocks, licensing catch-22s, and costly compliance requirements that favor deep-pocketed corporations over local craft producers. Along the way, we share firsthand stories that reveal Al’s real impact on families, patients, and the community.

We also challenge the logic behind current policy. A 70% THC cap and strict edible limits sound protective but can actually undermine product safety and patient choice. We explore how these rules create perverse incentives, dilute clean products, and raise constitutional questions about Minnesota’s long-standing right to sell farm and garden goods without a license.

If you care about smarter regulation, real safety, and a fair path for small businesses, this conversation is for you. Listen, share, and let us know: what rule would you change first?

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0:00 Intro & Why This Story Matters
1:23 The Raid & Militarized Response
5:30 Charges, Optics, and Community Impact
12:00 Al’s Story & Local Testimonials
20:12 Legal vs Safe Cannabis
24:05 OCM, Social Equity & Lawsuits
31:08 Compliance Costs & Big Business Advantage
40:00 Constitutional Questions
46:00 THC Caps, Edibles & Safety
55:00 Trust, Freedom & Final Thoughts

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Quality erections aren't just what Sherman Buildings creates—they're the foundation of a marketing strategy that's transformed rural construction since 1976. In this conversation with CEO Steve Kelling, we discover why authenticity might be the most powerful business tool you're not fully utilizing.

Behind those eyebrow-raising billboards and viral social media posts lies a thoughtful approach to transparency that defies construction industry norms. "If you're just a blur in the background, you don't get that opportunity to show people who you really are," Kelling explains, revealing why Sherman Buildings chooses to embrace rather than hide the everyday chaos of running a construction business. This philosophy extends beyond customer acquisition to creating a workplace where employees stay for decades rather than months.

The family-owned company doesn't rely on nepotism—instead, they've cultivated an environment where respect must be earned through competence rather than connections. "Power isn't something that can be given to anybody. It's taken," Kelling shares, offering profound insights into leadership dynamics that apply far beyond construction.

We dive deep into the evolution of post-frame buildings from simple pole barns to sophisticated barn dominiums, exploring how financing challenges initially slowed adoption before these structures became mainstream. Kelling describes building his own barn dominium in the early 2000s when the concept was still considered unusual, shedding light on how Sherman helped pioneer what has become one of rural construction's fastest-growing trends.

Whether you're fascinated by family business dynamics, construction innovations, or simply appreciate straight-talking wisdom from someone who's weathered decades of industry changes, this episode delivers powerful takeaways about building something meant to last—both physically and organizationally. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with business leaders who aren't afraid to share how they've built success from the ground up.

0:00 Introduction to Steve Kelling
0:25 Sherman's Edgy Marketing Strategy
4:20 Social Media and Business Authenticity
8:00 Family Business Dynamics
16:25 Pole Buildings and Barn Dominiums
21:40 Evolution of Materials and Techniques
32:30 Building Legacy and Opportunity
41:15 Life Outside the Family Business
47:25 Parting Knowledge and Career Advice

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What does it take to keep a small-town auto mechanic shop thriving for nearly three decades? Rick Stolp of Rick's Auto in Pine City pulls back the curtain on 27 years of grease, grit, and community connection in this candid conversation about the changing landscape of automotive repair.

When Rick opened his shop in 1997, Google wasn't a verb, YouTube tutorials didn't exist, and diagnosing car problems required more intuition than electronics. Today, he navigates the delicate balance between traditional mechanical know-how and cutting-edge diagnostic technology. "Being the mechanic was the easy part," he reveals. "It's trying to run a business that's the hard part."

The conversation travels from amusing stories of extracting wildlife from engine compartments (including a live possum that required welding gloves to remove) to thoughtful reflections on how environmental regulations have transformed the industry. Rick doesn't hold back when discussing vehicle reliability, offering this gem of wisdom: "They're all good, they're all junk. Pick the color you like and drive it, because they're all going to be on a tow truck someday."

Beyond technical insights, Rick shares how his business became a cornerstone of the Pine City community—sponsoring local sports teams, offering special "high school rates" to young drivers, and creating a gathering place where locals drop by for coffee and conversation as often as car repairs. He's seen multiple generations of customers come through his doors, creating relationships that extend far beyond transactions.

For anyone considering a career in automotive repair, Rick emphasizes focusing on diagnostic skills rather than just mechanical knowledge. And for every vehicle owner, he offers this simple yet powerful advice: "Changing the oil is the cheapest thing you can ever do to a vehicle."

Whether you're a car enthusiast, small business owner, or simply appreciate authentic conversations with community craftspeople, this episode delivers honest insights from someone who's seen the automotive industry transform while keeping his hands firmly on the wheel of local service.

0:00 Meeting Local Legend Rick Stolp
3:08 Starting the Shop in Pine City
7:15 Business Challenges of Running an Auto Shop
16:32 Evolution of Auto Repair Technology
24:24 Advice for Aspiring Mechanics
29:57 Engineering Frustrations and Vehicle Quality
34:58 Finding Animals in Engine Bays
39:00 Emissions, Electric Vehicles, and Industry Changes

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