Brews & Cruise Podcast

Brews & Cruise Podcast

by Chris Jacobson
BusinessHobbies
Season 124
Success Without a Degree: How Terry Klonecki Became a Bank VP & Business Owner
What if you didn’t graduate high school… and still became a bank Vice President and successful business owner? In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Chris Jacobson sits down with Terri Klonecki to break down her unconventional path to success. As the 15th child in her family, Terri learned early how to be independent—and that mindset carried her from opening a hair salon at 21 to climbing the ranks in banking and eventually becoming a Vice President at Pigeon Falls State Bank. Today, she owns Formgraphics, a manufacturing company in Winona, Minnesota, where she quickly scaled the business to record success within just two years. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, small business growth, and success without a college degree, while highlighting the power of hard work, organization, and giving back to your community. If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt like you’re behind—this episode will change the way you think about success. 🔥 In This Episode: Success without a college degree From no diploma to bank Vice President Starting a business at 21 years old Growing and scaling a manufacturing company Leadership and community involvement The mindset needed to succeed in business and life 🎙️ About Brews & Cruise Podcast: The Brews & Cruise Podcast features real conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and interesting people sharing their stories, lessons, and journeys. Hosted by Chris Jacobson in Winona, Minnesota. 📍 Connect with Terry Klonecki: 👉 Learn more about Formgraphics: https://www.formgraphicsinc.com 👉 Support local business in Winona, Minnesota 🚀 Follow & Subscribe: 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed the episode 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for weekly podcast episodes with inspiring guests Sponsor Jacobson Real Estate Co. https://jacobsonrealestatecompany.com Brews & Cruise Podcast https://brewsandcruisepodcast.com
S124
Apr 13, 2026
1:06:50
From Lifelong Friends to Business Owners | Little House Crafts & Gifts
What happens when years of friendship, raising kids together, and a shared creative spirit turn into a business? This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Katie Pehler LeGere and Brenda Jacobs join us to share the story behind Little House Crafts & Gifts in Winona, Minnesota. We go back to the beginning of Katie and Brenda’s friendship, talk about raising their families alongside one another, and hear how their journey eventually led them into business together. They also share the history of the unique building that Little House Crafts & Gifts calls home and how the shop came to be. From friendship and family to creativity, entrepreneurship, and supporting local, this episode is a great look at the people and story behind a Winona small business. Grab a brew and come cruise with us! 🍻🎙️
E144
Aug 31, 2026
58:55
Storm Chasers: Crazy Tornado Encounters with Heartland & Northern Chasers
What’s it really like to chase tornadoes and severe storms across the Midwest? 🌪️ This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Heartland Chasers and Northern Chasers join me to take us inside the world of storm chasing. We talk about how they got started chasing storms, how they forecast and track severe weather, what a real chase day looks like, and some of the craziest tornado encounters and closest calls they’ve experienced. We also get into chase busts, nighttime storm chasing, dangerous situations on the road, mistakes new storm chasers make, and what happens when the excitement of chasing a tornado turns into seeing the destruction left behind. Plus, they share their dream chase locations, favorite storm experiences, and plenty of stories from life on the road chasing severe weather. If you’re fascinated by tornadoes, supercells, severe weather, extreme weather, or storm chasing, this is an episode you’ll want to hear. 🍻 Grab a drink and enjoy another episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast!
E143
Aug 24, 2026
1:16:13
Jack Hedin: From Featherstone Farm to Minnesota Senate
Jack Hedin joins the Brews & Cruise Podcast to talk about his journey from farmer and business owner to candidate for Minnesota Senate District 26. Jack shares the story behind Featherstone Farm and gives us a fascinating look at what it actually takes to grow, harvest, package, and ship semi-trailers of fresh vegetables to grocery stores throughout the region. We discuss why so few farms are doing this type of large-scale vegetable production in the Upper Midwest, the challenges of running a farming business, and the lessons Jack has learned through more than 30 years in agriculture. We also dive into Jack’s decision to run for Minnesota Senate, what he’s hearing from people across Southeast Minnesota, and how his experiences in farming and business have shaped his approach to politics and public service. From farming and small business to Minnesota politics, this is a conversation about the experiences that have taken Jack Hedin from Featherstone Farm to a run for the Minnesota Senate. Jack Hedin Website https://www.jackhedin.org
E141
Aug 17, 2026
1:03:26
Behind the Lens with Carly Scott of Carly Scott Photography
This week on the Brews & Cruise Podcast, we sit down with Carly Scott, owner of Carly Scott Photography, to talk about turning a passion for photography into a business. Carly shares how her dad and daughter inspired her journey, what it’s like balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and why staying authentic has become such an important part of her photography business. We also talk family photography, pet photography, studio events, memorable client stories, and how Carly’s work has evolved from her first photos to where she is today. Get to know the person behind Carly Scott Photography in this fun and genuine conversation about family, creativity, business, and life behind the lens. Carly Scott Photography https://www.facebook.com/carlyscottphoto
E141
Aug 10, 2026
1:19:00
From Pro Dancer to Community Leader | The Story Behind Under The Bridge | Kat Dworschak
In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, Chris Jacobson sits down with the founder of Under The Bridge in Winona, Minnesota, to talk about her journey from performing with the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx 612 Crew to creating a welcoming space where adults of all experience levels can discover the joy of dance. Kat shares the story behind Under The Bridge, why confidence matters more than perfection, how dance can positively impact mental health, and what it's really like to own and grow a small business. Whether you're a dancer, entrepreneur, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation, this episode has something for everyone. In this episode: • Kat's journey into professional dance • Performing for the Timberwolves & Lynx • The story behind Under The Bridge • Why dance is for everyone • Building confidence through movement • Mental health, community, and entrepreneurship • Dance-themed Rapid Fire questions Grab your favorite drink, sit back, and enjoy another episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast!
E140
Aug 3, 2026
1:02:06
What It's REALLY Like Being a Radio DJ & Wedding DJ | Paul Ebner Interview
What does it really take to become a successful radio DJ and wedding DJ? In this episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast, host Chris Jacobson welcomes back returning guest Paul Ebner for an inside look at life behind the microphone. Paul shares how he got started in radio, what goes on behind the scenes of a live broadcast, and how the industry has evolved over the years. The conversation also dives into Paul's thriving wedding and event DJ business, including how he keeps dance floors packed, unforgettable wedding stories, the craziest song requests he's received, and advice for couples looking to create an unforgettable reception. Whether you're fascinated by broadcasting, love music, are planning a wedding, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind unique careers, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments. In this episode: How Paul got started in radio What life is really like behind the scenes The biggest changes in the radio industry Building a successful wedding DJ business Wedding entertainment tips and common mistakes Funny on-air and wedding stories Rapid-fire questions to wrap up the show If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the Brews & Cruise Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating and review—it helps us reach more listeners and continue sharing great conversations with interesting people. Thanks for listening! 🍻
E139
Jul 27, 2026
1:15:55
Wedding Photographer Shares Secrets Couples Never Hear | Sophie Herber
Explicit
Planning a wedding in 2026? This episode is packed with advice every engaged couple should hear. Chris Jacobson sits down with professional wedding photographer Sophie Herber to discuss everything from planning the perfect wedding day timeline to what really happens behind the scenes on one of the biggest days of your life. They also dive into the complete photography process—from the first inquiry to delivering the final gallery—the importance of preserving your memories through printed photographs, and whether hiring a second photographer is worth the investment. Plus, Sophie shares unforgettable wedding stories, expert planning tips, and joins us for a fun rapid-fire round to wrap up the episode. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or helping someone else prepare for theirs, this conversation is full of practical advice and insights that can make your big day even more memorable. Topics Covered: Planning a wedding in 2026 Wedding day timelines From inquiry to gallery delivery Why printed photos still matter The value of a second photographer Wedding photography tips Behind-the-scenes wedding stories Rapid Fire Round 🎙️ New episodes of the Brews & Cruise Podcast drop every Monday at 6:00 AM! Sophie Herber Photography https://www.facebook.com/share/1H5somnCdG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
E138
Jul 20, 2026
1:27:12
Building a Race Car From Scratch: The Truth About Dirt Track Racing w/ Jake James
Explicit
What does it really take to build a dirt track race car? In this episode of Brews & Cruise, Chris Jacobson sits down with a passionate dirt track racer to discuss building a dirt track race car, the future of dirt track racing, sponsorships, race-day preparation, and the realities of grassroots motorsports. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a competitive race car or where local dirt track racing is headed, this episode gives you an inside look from someone living it every week. We also step away from the racetrack to talk about his first cruise vacation, getting married, balancing racing with everyday life, and what the future holds both on and off the track. Topics Covered: 🏁 Building a dirt track race car from scratch 🏎️ What it really costs to go racing 💰 Finding and keeping racing sponsors 📈 The future of dirt track racing 🚗 Race-day preparation and behind-the-scenes stories 🚢 First cruise vacation experience 💍 Wedding plans and life outside racing 🎙️ Rapid-fire questions and fun stories 👇 Tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite dirt track class to watch? 👍 If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and SHARE it with your fellow racing fans. New episodes of Brews & Cruise are released every week featuring inspiring guests, local stories, business owners, athletes, and community leaders. #DirtTrackRacing #RaceCarBuild #RaceCar #Motorsports #GrassrootsRacing #Racing #DirtTrack #BrewsAndCruise #Podcast #ChrisJacobson
E137
Jul 13, 2026
1:23:39
Meet John Hazelton | Candidate for Winona County Sheriff
Explicit
Welcome back to another episode of the Brews & Cruise Podcast! In this episode, host Chris Jacobson sits down with John Hazelton, a candidate for Winona County Sheriff, for an in-depth conversation about his career in law enforcement, years of experience as an instructor, leadership philosophy, and why he’s running to serve the people of Winona County. Throughout the episode, John discusses: His background and path into law enforcement His experience training and mentoring other officers Leadership roles throughout his career Why he announced his Chief Deputy selection before the election His vision for the future of the Winona County Sheriff’s Office Building trust within the community The challenges facing law enforcement today A fun rapid-fire round to get to know him beyond the badge At Brews & Cruise, our goal is to give listeners the opportunity to hear directly from community leaders, business owners, elected officials, and local personalities through long-form conversations that go beyond the headlines. If you enjoy local podcasts and community conversations, be sure to: 👍 Like this video 💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts 📲 Subscribe for new episodes every week 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode Listen on: • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Music • Pandora • iHeartRadio Follow Brews & Cruise Podcast on social media for behind-the-scenes content, upcoming guests, and episode announcements. #BrewsAndCruisePodcast #JohnHazelton #WinonaCounty #Sheriff #LawEnforcement #WinonaMN #Minnesota #CommunityPodcast #Leadership #Podcast #Election #PublicSafety
E136
Jul 6, 2026
1:04:46
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