Ken discusses his unique career transition from recruiting software engineers in Silicon Valley to building custom closets in Minnesota after a period of unemployment.

Ken explains the significant impacts on his recruitment business due to COVID-19 and subsequent economic shifts, which led him to temporarily close his recruitment shop in 2022 and ultimately start a custom closet business.

He shares the challenges and learning curve associated with his new venture, from his first DIY closet project to launching 'Closets by Ken' and later rebranding to 'Minnesota Closets.' Ken emphasizes a client-focused approach with transparent pricing and no high-pressure sales tactics, aiming to bring calm and organization to clients' lives.

He highlights the importance of committing to a new path and learning on the go.

The episode finishes with insights into how listeners can plan and start their own physical product business.

Check out Minnesota Closets:
https://mnclosets.com/
https://www.instagram.com/minnesotaclosets/
https://www.facebook.com/minnesotaclosets

If you've ever struggled to find boarding for your dog during the holidays or wished there was a better daycare option in the South Metro, this episode is for you. Tony from Houndstown USA joins the podcast to share details about Burnsville's first interactive dog daycare and boarding facility opening this winter.

Houndstown isn't your typical doggy daycare—there are no cages, every boarding dog gets full daycare access, and dogs are sorted into balanced "packs" based on size, age, and temperament (not just thrown together in one chaotic room). Tony explains the "interactive daycare" concept, why apartment owners with dogs desperately need this service, and how Houndstown's pack management approach creates a safer, more natural environment for dogs to socialize and play.

You'll also learn about the themed suites, spa services (including the blueberry facial for tear stains), and why the facility is designed to let dogs be their most authentic selves. Plus, Tony shares the construction timeline, hiring plans, and how to sign up for opening updates and a free day of daycare.

Whether you're a dog owner looking for better boarding options, someone curious about this unique franchise concept, or just love hearing about new local businesses, this conversation covers everything you need to know about Houndstown's arrival in Burnsville.

Connect with Houndstown USA Burnsville:

• Website: https://houndstownusa.com/locations/burnsville/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houndstownburnsville
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndstownburnsville/

Sign up on their website for opening announcements and to claim your free day of daycare!

Behind the Scenes of 'Uncontained' with Morley and Nicole Nelson

In this episode of the South Metro Scoop, Brady sits down with Morley and Nicole Nelson, creators of the film 'Uncontained'.

They share insights about filming in Dakota County during COVID-19, the challenges and joys of including their family in the project, and the collaborative process behind the scenes.

They discuss their inspirations, Morley's filmmaking journey, and the importance of local support for independent films.

Additionally, they talk about a charity event for the film's screening at the Eagan Imagine Theater, benefiting Winning Pathways.

Get Tickets:

https://givebutter.com/c/Ye3k6o

Morley's Social Media:

http://imdb.me/morleynelson

https://www.instagram.com/morley_nelson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@morleymewing

UNCONTAINED:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncontained

Downtown Bicycles - The Heart of Lakeville's Cycling Community

In this episode of the South Metro Scoop Podcast, host Brady sits down with Josh from Downtown Bicycles, the family-owned bike shop in Lakeville.

Josh shares the history of the business, which started in Northfield 16 years ago, and the challenges and decisions that led to opening the new location.

They discuss the shop's focus on providing exceptional and personable service, their two main bike brands, Trek and Cannondale, and how they manage different bike repairs, including e-bikes.

Josh also highlights upcoming community events and clinics aimed at educating bike owners on maintenance and safety.

The conversation emphasizes the shop's commitment to maintaining a family-oriented, non-corporate feel while serving their local community.

Downtown Bicycles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownbicycles/?hl=en

Downtown Bicycles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownbicycle/

Their Website: https://www.downtownbicyclesllc.com/

Downtown Bicycles Maintenance Clinic: https://partiful.com/e/7mNeD7fpR9dcQ39FaBMd

Join host Brady for the inaugural business owner interview on the South Metro Scoop Podcast, featuring Rob Satrom, founder of Feedbackwrench—a web design and marketing agency based in Lakeville, Minnesota.

In this candid hour-long conversation, Rob shares his journey from serving tables at Perkins and selling computers at Best Buy to building a successful marketing agency that helps small businesses clarify their messaging and maximize sales. With over a decade of entrepreneurship experience, Rob discusses:

• The critical importance of front-end sales activity and prospecting for business growth
• Why customer service and employee training make or break small businesses
• The power of video content and digital marketing in 2025
• How to help businesses identify and solve their customers' real problems
• Starting and scaling professional services firms, especially accounting practices
• The challenges of entrepreneurship: managing work-life balance, avoiding burnout, and prioritizing family

Rob doesn't hold back on the realities of business ownership—from the temptation to let work consume your life to the importance of pumping the brakes with clients to truly understand their needs. He also shares practical advice on building a sustainable marketing flywheel through websites, social media, networking, and consistent prospecting.

Whether you're a South Metro business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to build a local business, this episode offers honest insights and actionable strategies.

Feedbackwrench website: feedbackwrench.com

Feedbackwrench YouTube: youtube.com/@feedbackwrench/videos

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:32 Rob's Background and Journey

02:50 Feedbackwrench: Services and Approach

07:19 Sales and Prospecting Insights

11:38 Customer Service and Experience

19:28 Clarifying Customer Needs

26:49 Starting a Business: Key Advice

31:11 Outsourced Accounting Model Explained

32:12 Challenges in Marketing to Accountants

36:01 Effective Marketing Strategies for Accountants

40:46 Balancing Business and Personal Life

44:51 The Importance of Prioritization

47:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections

55:54 Where to Find More Information

In this episode of South Metro Scoop, Brady highlights new businesses that have recently opened in the South Metro area, covering cities like Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, Rosemount, and Hastings. Key additions include diverse dining options like Tono Pizzeria and Cheese Steaks and Spice Village in Apple Valley, unique health and wellness facilities in Lakeville, and innovative retail concepts in Rosemount. The episode also touches on how these new businesses focus on quality food experiences, healthcare accessibility, fitness and wellness expansion, and community building, contributing significantly to the improvement of life in these communities.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:09 Apple Valley's Culinary Renaissance
03:36 Lakeville's Growth in Healthcare and Hospitality
05:23 Farmington's Entertainment and Dining Boom
06:31 Rosemount's Unique Developments
08:43 Hastings' Community-Centered Businesses
10:13 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Understanding District 196 Technology Levy: What It Means for Our Community

In this episode of the South Metro Scoop Podcast, we dive into the District 196 tax levy vote scheduled for November 4th. This levy, originally approved in 2015, is set to expire, risking the loss of $9.1 million in annual tech funding for local schools. The district proposes increasing the tax rate to cover rising technology costs, impacting devices, internet reliability, tech support, and computer science programs. The host breaks down the financial implications for homeowners and the importance of continued tech funding for modern education. Early voting details and how to vote on election day are also covered. Tune in to understand why this levy is crucial for maintaining and expanding educational technology in the district.

https://www.district196.org/about/techlevy2025

00:00 Introduction to the South Metro Scoop Podcast
00:03 Understanding the District 196 Technology Levy
01:23 Financial Impact on Homeowners
02:09 Importance of Technology in Education
02:48 Consequences of Not Passing the Levy
03:48 Voting Information and Options
04:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
04:57 Recap and How to Support the Podcast

Valley Station Apartments: Planning Commission Update

The September 3rd Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting focused on the proposed Valley Station Apartments, a 144-unit development near the transit station on Gaslight Drive. Revisions made by Real Estate Equities include reducing unit count, increasing parking spaces, and lowering building height. Significant zoning changes are needed, but the development aligns with the city's 2040 high-density plan. The commission approved the project, which offers various community and unit amenities, though concerns about density and zoning changes persist. The project now advances to the next approval phase.

0:00 Introduction to Valley Station Apartments
0:19 Developer's Revised Plans and Changes
0:46 Zoning Amendments and Requirements
1:24 Traffic and Parking Analysis
1:53 Community Concerns and Developer's Response
2:14 Target Demographics and Income Requirements
2:33 On-Site Management and Amenities
3:19 Density Comparison and Approval
3:52 Next Steps and Upcoming Meetings