Advertise on podcast: Joel Fleischman Happy Hour Podcast

In this episode, Joel sits down with Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s VP of Marketing, Karen Wistrom, and Stefan Swartzmiller of Swartzmiller Associates to explore a decades-long partnership built on trust, quality, and shared growth. The group dives into Dura Supreme’s market positioning and product innovation, including custom solutions like the Blue Door line crafted for Drexel - as well as value-engineered designs and upcoming door style launches. Beyond cabinetry, the conversation covers shifting color and design trends, Drexel’s Commitment, navigating rapid business growth, and personal philosophies on leadership and mindset. Resources: https://www.durasupreme.com/ https://www.drexelteam.com/materials/cabinets/

On this episode of The Happy Hour Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Smith, Account Manager for ProWood and Deckorators! Jordan shares his story - from starting in UFP Industries' groundbreaking two-year internal business school to helping drive the partnership between Drexel and Deckorators. We unpack Drexel’s commitment to supporting local builders, what it truly means to become a "Deckorator Pro" and stand out, key takeaways from the Grand Expo and outdoor living trends. Plus Jordan’s dream backyard setup, and a few surprise questions for Joel!Resources:https://www.deckorators.com

In this episode, we sit down with Shareholder Award winner Natalie Briski, a Cabinetry Sales & Design Account Manager who truly embodies what it means to act like an owner. From her journey to Drexel to helping bring Smart Cabinetry on board, Natalie shares what it truly means to "act like an owner." We dive into multi-family unit trends, how she stepped up to manage massive multi-story builds for her team, and what Drexel is looking for in its next cabinetry rockstar.🎧 Grab a drink and tune in to hear how stepping up for your team turns into major wins!

In this episode, we sit down with Adam from Sacred Bean Coffee Co. for an insightful conversation on the art, heart, and hustle of specialty coffee. From his inspiring travels in Costa Rica, Adam reveals how a mindset of intentionality inspired the Sacred Bean name and why he advocates for slowing down in a fast-paced world. We dive into our favorite local spots, unpack the fascinating science behind coffee, and explore what is brewing on their delicious menu. Plus, Adam gets real about the lessons learned along his business journey, the invaluable role of mentors, event catering offerings, and where Sacred Bean is heading next!ResourcesWebsite: sacredbeanwi.comInstagram: @sacred.beanFacebook: Sacred Bean Coffee Co.

On this episode, we sit down with Steve Bobowski and Renee Martin from Dale Carnegie Training to explore leadership, culture, and human connection. They share their career journeys and unpack how their partnership with Drexel first began. We clear up common misconceptions about what Dale Carnegie actually is (and isn't!)! Steve and Renee also discuss living these timeless human relations principles at work and home, break down upcoming courses, and explain how you can get involved. Resources & Links: Dale Carnegie Eastern Wisconsin - https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/locations/eastern-wisconsin/meet-team How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

In this episode, we sat down with local legend Coach Jason Pittman to discuss the creation of the Wisconsin Student Sports Network (WSSN) - a platform built to give local student-athletes and high school sports the spotlight they truly deserve. Tune in to experience high-energy, live-streamed coverage and commentary featuring local sports and standout student achievements. Coach Pittman also shares how he transformed the district's athletic culture through character-driven leadership, along with the top books that shaped his coaching philosophy. Catch every stream by subscribing to WSSN at    / @wisconsinstudentsportsnetwork  To sponsor, email Coach Pittman at [email protected] To Read:-When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince LombardiBook by David Maraniss-InSideOut Coaching: How Sports Can Transform LivesBook by Gregory Jordan, Joe Ehrmann, and Paula Ehrmann-Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Season by Urban Meyer -The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story by Mark Tabb To Follow:-Facebook: Wisconsin Students Sports Network - WSSN-Instagram: @wi_student_sports_network

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Szymanski to celebrate his recent SBC Industry Leadership Award nomination and dive deep into his career in the Truss industry. From Truss Systems to his journey to Drexel, Steve shares what drives his passion and why he’s still working and fully invested in the truss plant. We also explore his experience navigating the patent process for the new pre-notched truss bracing, the practical benefits it brings to job sites, and what’s coming up next.

The building and lumber industry is shifting fast. Are you keeping up? In this virtual episode of the Happy Hour Podcast, Joel Fleischman is joined by Bradley Hartmann (Host of the Construction Leadership Podcast) to map out the future of LBM sales, off-site construction advantages, and why material waste reduction is your next big profit margin.Plus, Joel and Bradley reveal how they use AI daily for rapid research and defeating confirmation bias, and why embracing professional adversity is the only way to scale your career.Resources:-The Construction Leadership Podcast -The Craft of LBM Sales Podcast-The Greatest Salesman in the World by by Og Mandino-Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper https://www.bradleyhartmannandco.com/

This week, we’re joined by Father Michael Maher from Marquette University for a wide-ranging, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation. Father Michael shares his deep connection to Marquette, the unforgettable story of the time he met Mother Teresa, and why Rome keeps calling him back. We also dive into the philosophy of beauty, craftsmanship, and how genuine artistry shows up in surprising industries. Plus, Joel and Father Michael reflect on how they first met, the incredible renovation of the St. Brigid Center with The Sunshine Foundation, and - the actual correct way to pour a Guinness! Resources: The Carpenter: The 3 Greatest Success Strategies of All by Jon Gordon St. Brigid Center https://www.stbrigidcenter.com/

What does it truly mean to think and act like an owner? In this episode of the Shareholder Series, we sit down with Brianna, the Office Coordinator at our Kiel location and our latest Shareholder Award recipient! We dive into Brianna’s journey - from growing up in Johnsonville and navigating early service roles to finding her groove at Drexel. Plus, we get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative side, exploring her passion for crochet and her business, B Adventurous, which is all about making people smile, creating, and connecting! Resources:Website - https://www.badventurouscuties.com/#/Instagram -  @badventurouscuties

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah of Lilla + Rose Sourdough Bakery and Steph of Velvet Revival Consignment Collective to talk about turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality. We discuss their professional journeys, the leap into opening a brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown Kewaskum, and the biggest challenges they've faced so far. Sarah shares the art and science behind sourdough baking, while Steph explains how Velvet Revival's consignment model creates a unique shopping experience for the community. The conversation also explores navigating criticism as business owners, the inspiration behind their business names, inventory and marketing strategies, best-selling products, and how they're connecting with customers through local and private events. Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love supporting local businesses, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build something new in a small-town community. Resources:https://www.lillaandrose.com | https://www.velvet-revival.com/ Facebook: Lilla + Rose - Sourdough Bakery | Velvet Revival Instagram: @lilla_and_rose | @velvetrevivalwi

In this episode of our Q&A series, we sit down with Joel to tackle the questions shaping our company, our culture, and our industry. From defying current economic trends by holding our prices steady to dismantling the "sacred cows" holding our productivity back, Joel breaks down how we are actively celebrating and leaning into our new normal. Resources: -Smile, or You're Doing it Wrong: A Journey from Rock Bottom to Redemption by Andy Glaze -Make the Bread, Buy the Butter: What You Should (and Shouldn't) Cook from Scratch to Save Time and Money by Jennifer Reese -Lean Manufacturing Made Obvious For Leaders: Practical Process Improvement Made So Anyone Can Understand, Teach, And Sustain It by Todd Drummond

"There has to be a better way." In 2021, after seeing a youth sports culture that prioritized high fees over real player development, Mike Koehler decided to change the game. He founded Mammoth Basketball to give kids elite skills training without the exorbitant price tag.In Episode 169, we sit down with Mike - a Wisconsin High School Basketball Hall of Famer, law professor, and Varsity coach at Elkhart Lake. We dive deep into:-The Mammoth Origin: Creating a club model focused on quality over quantity.-Investing in Kids: Why holding players to high standards is the ultimate form of mentorship.-The Mental Load: Balancing rock-solid confidence with the humble moments that keep you grounded.Grab a drink and tune in for an episode packed with powerful insights on leadership, coaching, and culture-building!Resources:https://www.mammoth-bb.com/https://fcpaprofessor.com/ https://fcpaprofessor.com/Book: Coaching the System: A complete guide to basketball's most explosive style of play by Gary Smith and Doug Porter

Most people just want an excellent meal served in a great atmosphere - they trust the chefs to make it happen. You deserve that same peace of mind with your builder. However, there is something special about an "Open Kitchen" where you can see the effort that goes into the craft. In this episode of The Joel Fleischman Happy Hour, we’re pulling back the curtain. Alongside building supply consultant Bryan Rice, we share our Top Workplace results and the raw realities of our internal operations. Enjoy the look inside the heart of our business.   Resources: https://www.bryanriceconsulting.com/

Grab a drink and pull up a chair! In Episode 167 of the Joel Fleischman Happy Hour, we're sitting down with Dave Decker - founder of Decker Properties, seasoned landlord, and a published author.Dave opens up about his lifelong passion for real estate and what it really means to be a landlord in today's world. We dive deep into the power of ethical leadership, the importance of owning your mistakes, and how his Christian values anchor his business decisions. Plus, Dave shares the fascinating journey behind his writing process and his new book, How to Go to the Super Bowl for Free.Resources:https://davidjdecker.com/books/