The Small Town Tourist

Summary

In this conversation, Kaitlyn Witman, CEO of Rainfactory, shares her journey from co-founding the company to leading it as a solo CEO. She discusses her early experiences in marketing, the challenges and successes of launching products, and the importance of adaptability in finding market fit. Caitlin also highlights her partnerships with major brands and her vision for the future of Rainfactory, emphasizing the need for innovative products that stand out in the market.

Takeaways

Summary

In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, Abbey reflects on her transformative year in 2024, marked by significant personal and professional milestones. She shares her journey of transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship, the challenges and joys of being a wedding DJ, and the excitement of launching new podcasts. Abbey also discusses selling her dog bandana business, moving into a new studio space, and her aspirations for 2025, emphasizing the importance of community support and the thrill of pursuing one's passions.

Takeaways

Donate to Project 37: https://givebutter.com/project37venue

More information on Project 37: https://www.project37mn.com/

Check out the fundraiser event on November 16th: https://www.facebook.com/events/530648119761465/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey speaks with Mike Lardy, co-owner of Bravo Burrito and board member of Project 37, a nonprofit initiative aimed at creating an all-ages music venue in St. Cloud. They discuss Mike's journey in the food and music industries, the importance of safe spaces for youth...

Get tickets to Little Shop of Horrors: https://www.centralmntheatre.com/event-details/howard-ashmans-little-shop-of-horrors-the-musical-2024-11-14-19-00

In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey explores the upcoming production of 'Little Shop of Horrors' with the cast and director from the Divergent Stars Theater Company. The conversation delves into the director's extensive experience, the unique challenges of staging the musical, and the dynamics of the cast, including the role of understudies. The episode highlights the excitement surrounding the production and the creative processes involved in bringing the show to life. In this...

Long Prairie Craft Show and Sell: https://business.longprairie.org/events/Details/arts-craft-show-sell-1055772?sourceTypeId=Website

In this conversation, Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst shares her journey from Pennsylvania to Long Prairie, Minnesota, where she has made significant contributions to the community through her role at the Chamber of Commerce. The discussion covers her experiences in teaching, the vibrant community life in Long Prairie, and the importance of local events like the Long Prairie Craft Fair, which she now organizes. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of the community, the diversity of its residents, and the positive impact of local businesses and...

Check out Omni Training Facility: http://www.omnitrainingfacility.com/#/

The conversation revolves around the Omni Training Facility, an inclusive fitness center that caters to individuals of all abilities. The hosts discuss the facility's origins, its diverse offerings, and the importance of community and mental health in fitness. They highlight the unique programs available, including adaptive fitness classes, and share their vision for future growth and community engagement. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of fitness and the supportive environment at Omni.

Takeaways

Get your copy of Sandy's book: https://a.co/d/cXbFP96

In this engaging conversation, Abbey speaks with Sandy Doyle, a retired cemetery counselor and author of 'My Life at the Cemetery, It's Not as Dead as You Think.' Sandy shares her unique experiences working in a cemetery, reflecting on the profound lessons about life, death, and spirituality that she learned through her interactions with grieving families. The discussion also delves into her role with Optimist International, highlighting the importance of community service and positivity in making a difference in people's lives.

Takeaways

Get tickets to Molitor's Haunted Acres: https://molitorshauntedacres.com/

In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey interviews Tammy Molitor, co-owner of Molitor's Haunted Acres in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. They discuss the origins of the haunted attraction, the dedication and love that goes into creating memorable experiences for guests, and the importance of community involvement. Tammy shares insights into the innovations made during the pandemic, the excitement of Halloween events, and the plans for future celebrations. The conversation highlights the unique atmosphere of Molitor's Haunted Acres and the joy it brings to...

Tickets to the Show: https://www.centralmntheatre.com/dstc

In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, host Abbey explores the vibrant world of community theater through the lens of the upcoming production of the Rocky Horror Show by Divergent Stars Theater Company. Abbey interviews various cast members, including the music director, lead actors, and the director, discussing their backgrounds, the audition process, and the excitement surrounding the show. The conversation highlights the collaborative spirit of theater, the challenges of performing iconic roles, and the unique dynamics of working with a live band. Listeners gain insight...

Event information:https://www.facebook.com/events/549848017480797/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

In this conversation, Abbey speaks with Justin Yurecko, a member of the Upsala EMS, about his journey into emergency services, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the community's efforts to raise funds for a new emergency rig. They discuss the challenges faced by first responders, the significance of community engagement, and the upcoming open house event aimed at recruiting new members and raising awareness. Justin shares his personal experiences with mental health and the impact of trauma, emphasizing the need for open...

This week on The Small Town Tourist, I am my own podcast guest! Well, kinda, not really.

My cousin/friend/client Megan May interviewed me on her podcast and I just loved this episode so much and love what Megan is doing with her show I wanted to share it with my audience as well.

Find Megan Online:

https://meganlynnmay.com/

https://rss.com/podcasts/themeganmaypodcast/

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Save 20% with Riverside for podcast recording...

Mentioned Links:

Switchboard: https://www.switchboard.mn/

Apiary Coworking: https://www.apiarycoworking.com/

Cloud Coffee Fest: https://www.cloudcoffeefest.com/

Summary

Switchboard Advertising is a full-service marketing agency in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They offer video, photo, branding, and website services. They customize their plans to meet the specific needs of each client, whether it's creating a $20,000 brand video or improving online communication. Switchboard also has a podcast called Chit Chat, where they interview people who play vital roles in the St. Cloud community. They recently opened a co-working space...

Josh Kaeter, the owner of Eminent Coffee Roasters, shares her journey of starting a coffee roastery and the intricacies of the roasting process. He discusses the challenges she faced in getting licensed and finding the right location for the business. Josh explains the importance of water in coffee production and the meticulous process of hand-sorting beans to ensure quality. He also highlights the significance of female producers in the coffee industry and his commitment to sourcing ethically and sustainably. Josh provides insights into the roasting process, including temperature control, drum speed, and the art of cupping. He emphasizes the...

Summary

Josh Kaeter, owner and roaster at Eminent Coffee Roasters in Sartell, Minnesota, shares his journey into the world of coffee. From his time in the Marine Corps to working at a coffee shop in South Carolina, Josh developed a passion for roasting coffee. He eventually started his own business and is now focused on providing high-quality, specialty coffee to the community. He plans to open a retail space and espresso bar in the future.

Takeaways

GET TICKETS TO TASTE OF OSAKIS HERE: https://tasteofosakis.regfox.com/too

The episode features an interview with Cory Abers, who is part of the group that organizes Taste of Osakis, an annual event in Osakis, Minnesota. The event includes professional bull riding, a craft and vendor show, activities for kids, a beanbag tournament, and a concert. The interview covers Cory's role in the event, the purpose of the Osakis Chamber of Commerce, the importance of tourism in a small town, and the process of booking artists for the concert. Tickets for the event can be purchased...

St. Cloud Shines is a group and organization that aims to promote positive conversations and change the perception of the St. Cloud area. They share stories of people, places, and events through their Shine Stories, highlighting the diverse and inspiring individuals in the community. St. Cloud Shines also provides resources and information about the different communities in the 30-mile radius of St. Cloud. Greenline Marketing, owned by Bridget Deutz, is a digital marketing collective that works closely with St. Cloud Shines and other clients. They specialize in inbound marketing and also offer leave coverage for businesses in need of...

Carol Zimmerman, owner of Boulder Creek Wine Bar in Santiago, Minnesota, shares the story of how the wine bar got started and her journey to becoming a sommelier. She talks about the challenges she faced in getting licensed and the experimentation she does with different flavors and ingredients in her wines. Carol also discusses the unique landscaping and atmosphere of the wine bar and the importance of creating a welcoming space for customers. She emphasizes the joy of sharing her wines with others and the connections she has made with people from all over.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Small Town Tourist Podcast, Abbey interviews Matthew Breiter, a photographer and videographer from Long Prairie. They discuss Matthew's photography journey, including how he got published in USA Today and National Geographic. They also talk about his travels with his wife as part of Infinite Explorers and his experience touring with the band Plush. Matthew's role with Plush has evolved from photographer and videographer to driver, merchandiser, guitar tech, stagehand, and security. Matthew discusses her experience touring with the band Plush, including their rise to success, their tour schedule, and the camaraderie among the band...

Abbey shares a life update and discusses her transition to self-employment as a podcast producer and social media manager. She talks about her journey of taking a social media management course, gaining podcast clients, and realizing that her niche is in podcast management. Abbey also discusses her plans for the Small Town Tourist podcast and blog, aiming for consistency and balance between work and play.

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Follow for Updates:

https://www.facebook.com/toddcf56347

https://www.toddcountyfairmn.us/

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Check out more information on the Minnesota Prepper Expo onling: https://www.mnprepperexpo.com/

Email: trtoy@yahoo.com

Phone: 1-612-275-4492

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they...

Alise Schostrom, co-founder and owner of Redhead Creamery, shares her farming journey and the story behind Curd Fest. Redhead Creamery is a dairy farm and farmstead cheese company located in central Minnesota. Elise and her family specialize in creating value-added products to compete in the market. They started with fresh cheese curds and cloth-bound cheddar, and have since expanded their product line to include Brie, garlic cheddar, whiskey-washed Munster, and more. They are also in the process of starting a distillery, where they will turn whey into spirits. Curd Fest is an annual event that showcases local food vendors...

Takeaways

Tickets and festival details: https://vickiscampncountryjam.com/

Vicki's Camp n Country Jam is a newer country music festival happening in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The festival is known for its stacked lineup, including national acts like JoDee Messina, Sawyer Brown, Easton Corbin, and Cooper Allen, as well as regional acts. The festival aims to provide a smaller, more intimate experience compared to larger festivals, with a focus on great sightlines and shorter lines for food and amenities. In addition to the music, the festival offers a variety of fun activities throughout the campgrounds, creating a sense...

Embarking on a culinary journey can truly elevate your daily routine and travel adventures – from the delectable food and drinks to the ambiance of the venue. That’s why Visit Greater St. Cloud is thrilled to announce this year’s St. Cloud Area Restaurant Week. It’s a dedicated week to explore menu items at some of Greater St. Cloud’s delightful eateries. Each day will showcase a different category, featuring multiple restaurants.

Restaurant Week Details: https://www.visitstcloud.com/event/st-cloud-restaurant-week/2024-05-13/

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Wayne, the owner of Lake Wobegon Outfitters, shares his story and the services they offer, including e-bike rentals and inflatable paddle boards. He explains how electric bikes work and the benefits of using them on the Lake Wobegon Trail. Wayne also discusses the rental process and future plans to become a retail dealer for e-bikes. The conversation covers topics such as safety waivers, reservations, and recommendations for exploring the area. Overall, the episode highlights the unique outdoor experiences Lake Wobegon Outfitters provides in central Minnesota.

Book your rental outing with Lake Wobegon Outfitters: https://lakewobegonoutfitters.com/

This episode is awfully squirrely. My best friends and all our spouses recently went on a trip to Galveston, Texas for Spring Break. A group trip has been talked about for years and we finally pulled the trigger and went to Galveston of all places. We share stories of going to places like Moody Gardens, a haunted pub crawl, an attempt to go to pleasure pier, and hanging out at the Airbnb and beach. It was a great trip and I hope you enjoy hanging out with my friends in this episode as much as I do.

<...

Fuzzy Loon Designs: https://fuzzyloondesigns.com/

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram...

This week my husband Cory joins the podcast for the very first time to recap our trip to Phoenix, Arizona for the Waste Management Open. We experienced the event for the first time this year, and our trip was interesting for sure. With the unseasonable weather the event wasn't typical of years past, but we still really enjoyed the experience. We crammed a lot of adventure into just 3 days and condensed it all down into one 30-minute episode.

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...

Hello fellow tourists! So a bit of an update, we are going to be switching up when the show get's published for a little while. The show isn't stopping, and it for sure isn't going anywhere, I just have reached a point in my bandwidth where an every-week show isn't feasible like it used to be, BUT it is a good thing. The reason I hit that point is because I get to help other people make their podcasts!! So for now we are switching to an every other week release schedule -- key words there are "for now."...

Follow Wild Ginger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildgingerherbalapothecary/

Like Wild Ginger on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094110699767&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Check out the Wild Ginger website: https://www.wildgingerherbalapothecary.com/?fbclid=IwAR0ByZgaPrGnLwzFURdKiobbTd8dIlDgxlMzcMqsGdynXOnhyOx7-9A6wR4

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Follow Wild Ginger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildgingerherbalapothecary/

Like Wild Ginger on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094110699767&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Check out the Wild Ginger website: https://www.wildgingerherbalapothecary.com/?fbclid=IwAR0ByZgaPrGnLwzFURdKiobbTd8dIlDgxlMzcMqsGdynXOnhyOx7-9A6wR4

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Check out the 510 Art Lab in Sauk Centre

Website: https://www.510artlab.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/510ArtLabSaukCentre

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/510artlab/

Check out Emily's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EqiXC2d92u2xRtGTpbwrk?si=d8bae3f807374ef6

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www...

This week we chat with Andy Collen, Chris Pomeroy, Dean Jackson And Lo Semple about their book "Growing Up Aspen: Adventures of the Unsupervised." This conversation was one that I had the feeling could've gone on for hours if my free Zoom subscription hadn't run out. It is a great read, and I highly recommend you get a copy!

Check out the book: https://amzn.to/3vCaXR2

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the...

Check out more on Ice Fest 2024: mnicefest.com

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Shop My Podcast Gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfabbey-thesmalltowntourist_0V0S1VA1X9N1321WDSFP

Day late and a dollar short on getting this posted, but here is the holiday special for 2023! I asked my family members about their favorite Christmas gifts they ever received.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and had safe travels to and from all the places you needed to be. I look forward to more adventures together in 2024!

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit...

This week we are joined by my cousin (and podcast client) Megan May who runs You Matter Boutique, an online retail space that is focused on spreading love and joy to families who are looking to expand through adoption.

Check out Megan's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/312obRSNf6fyXyE0orCcr6

Shop You Matter Boutique: https://youmatterboutique.com/

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit...

This week we chat with Jen and Rachel from Endless August LLC about their first year in the permanent jewelry business, and their goal of bringing small businesses together at their anniversary event on January 27th.

Check out the event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1013172549788029/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and...

Shop Sweet Bay Boutique online: https://shopsweetbayboutique.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbayboutiquellc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089699473424

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Shop My Podcast Gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbey-thesmalltowntourist/list/SXFRAQOS5X5J?ref_=cm_sw_r...

Get the Journals: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Violet-Blaze/author/B0CLB7NNLW?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&fbclid=IwAR2zyYnXpHTW1tIindGl5_puRj_tJqdzLWmT661d_CHmb6_hHusPEISIuvk

Be You Studios: https://www.facebook.com/beyouboudie

Violet Blaze Coaching: https://www.facebook.com/vi0letblaze

Shop Sweet Bay Boutique online: https://shopsweetbayboutique.com/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbayboutiquellc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089699473424

Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town...