Banker With A Beer: A Podcast Series by Northwestern Bank
Business & Finance
About
Join Jerry Kuehl, an experienced banker and fine malt beverage connoisseur, as he shares insights on financial matters with Scott Montesano and their guests through the lens of a frosted mug.
Episodes
- Banker With A Beer Episode 259
Mark Sieglaff, President of C&N Manufacturing & Everything Summer camp, discusses summer camp culture, the role of technology in camps, and the importance of business innovation in this episode of Banker with a Beer. The podcast is sponsor…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 258
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Mike talks with Kyle Standen about the path to becoming an architect, the advantages of young professional groups in developing soft skills, and strategies for expanding one's network in Eau Claire an…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 257
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, hosts Jerry and Scott speak with Josh Boxx about the sale of Boxx Sanitation. The discussion includes a lightning round and details about the beers they sampled.
- Banker With A Beer Episode 256
Episode 256 of Banker With A Beer features Jerry and Brad Hentschel discussing Chippewa Falls city projects planned for 2026, housing options, and recent business developments like the closures of Family Fare and Leinenkugal's Brewery, alo…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 255
Banker with a Beer Episode 255 features Mike interviewing Ana and Bob Fish, owners of Dave's Drive In. They discuss root beer development, perseverance in business, Po Boy sandwiches, and blending 100 years of history with contemporary bev…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 254
n this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Julie Thoney, Manager of Community Relations and Economic Development for Xcel Energy. Topics discussed include: Data Centers Residential Renewable Energy Transmission Lines Xcel's eff…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 253
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott talk with Eau Claire Community Development Director Aaron White. Topics discussed include: Key 2026 Projects and Infrastructure Eau Claire Financial Challenges Growth of City vs Lack o…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 252
This week on Banker with a Beer, new Co-Host Mike Farrow talks with Taylor Anders, Co-Owner of Anders Supply and Landscaping. Topics discussed include: Plants & Trees that you shouldn't use in Wisconsin Stress as a business owner Life in a…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 251
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with musical, humorist, and bestselling author Michael Perry. Topics discussed include: New Book "Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents". What is humor? Learning the rhythm of music, speec…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 250
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Peter Farrow, Executive Chairman of Medwand Solutions, LLC and former CEO of Group Health Cooperative in Eau Claire. Topics discussed include: Enhancing the Telemedicine Experience Th…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 249
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Tim Nelson of CEO of Heartworks and Dr. Michael Carney, Interim Chancellor of UW Eau Claire about their Heartworks collaboration. Topics discussed include: What does it mean to 'B…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 248
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Kenzi Havlicek, Director of Visit Eau Claire Topics discussed include: Kenzi's Story What Visit Eau Claire Does 2026 Events in the Chippewa Valley Lighting Round Beverage Enjoyed: Chi…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 247
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Amanda Schemenauer of Nordson EDI and Katie Rurup of Cadrex about the upcoming Chippewa Falls Manufacturing Showcase Topics discussed include: What is the Chippewa Falls Manufacturing…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 246
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Kate Lyons, Marketing and Events Lead for Scheels in Eau Claire Topics discussed include: History of Scheels What makes Scheels Different Creating Strong Customer Loyalty Upper Midwes…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 245
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with John Jacobson, Director of Public Affairs with Rider Ware Law Topics discussed include: What is a Lobbyist? How Influence Actually Happens Lobbyist vs Citizen Influence Policy Area wi…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 244
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Scott Zielski, President and CEO of Aaniie, Inc. Topics discussed include: • An overview of Aaniie • Growing a Business in Eau Claire • The Aaniie platform • Best Strategies for Careg…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 243
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with incoming Northwestern Bank CEO, Tracey Smiskey and incoming President, Jamie Leibrandt Topics discussed include: Their Journey at the Bank Leadership and Vision of NB Community Commit…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 242
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Thomas Kemp, Department Chair UW Eau Claire Department of Economics Topics discussed include: An Update on the World Economy The US Outlook Local & Regional: Chippewa Valley / Wes…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 241
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Aaron White, Community Development Director for the city of Eau Claire, Topics discussed include: What Makes Eau Claire Desirable for Growth? Significant Project Updates Data Centers…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 240
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Jacobson, President and CEO of Northwestern Bank joins us as he prepares for retirement after a 47-year career. Topics discussed include: Jerry's Career Highlights Changes in banking Changes in…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 239
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Dr. Michael Carney, Interim Chancellor of UWEC. Topics discussed include: Dr. Carney's Career Journey Chancellor Search Process / Timetable Higher Education Trends How AI and Other Te…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 238
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Paul Kohler, Eau Claire Market President for Nicolet Bank. Topics discussed include: Reflections on Paul's career in banking Changes in the Chippewa Valley The evolution of bankin…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 237
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Eric Rygg, President of Silver Spring Foods and Huntsinger Farms. Topics discussed include: The world of Horseradish What is a "Zing Master" Signature Sandwich for the Chippewa Valley…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 236
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Mark Broses of the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club and Hosting Coordinator for the Open World – Poland Visitors Topics discussed include: The Polish Guests and Hosting Experience The Chipp…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 235
We tried something new this week and took the podcast on the road! Banker with a Beer was recorded in front of a live audience at the Roadmap Marketing Conference in downtown Eau Claire. Jerry hosted a panel of local marketing specialists…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 234
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry talks with Darrin Senn, owner of Senn Blacktop, co-owner of 1917 Restaurant, and NB Board of Director Chairman. Topics discussed include: Opening of 1917 Restaurant on Lake Wissota NB Leadership…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 233
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Traci Hollister and Lindsey Sabelko, CPAs and Partners with Wipfli. Topics discussed include: Tax Implications of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Advising clients who have side hustl…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 232
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Brian Maki, Director of the Northern Wisconsin state Fair Topics discussed include: • Qualifications of a Fair Director • Keeping the Fair Relevant in the Digital Age • Fair Groun…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 231
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Nancy Kerr, Director L.E. Phillips Public Library Topics discussed include: Impact of the library renovation on use of the building and its collection Things the library loans out…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 230
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Natasha Plank Ottum, NB Board Member and CEO/Owner of Plank Enterprises. Topics discussed include: Products manufactured by Plank Enterprises Role of NB in the business community…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 229
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent of the Altoona School District. Topics discussed include: District enrollment growth Hiring and keeping teaching and staff Building issues, op…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 228
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Jane Johnson, NB's Vice President of Residential lending. Topics discussed include: Update on the Chippewa Valley housing market Current housing market rates Home Lending Basics W…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 227
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Brad Hentschel, Planner for the City of Chippewa Falls. Topics discussed include: Hospital Openings (both Aspirus and the reopening of St. Joseph's) CF Road projects Market on Riv…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 226
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Eric Rykal, Owner and Brew Master of Modicum Brewing. Topics discussed include: Brewing Philosophy and Inspiration Transition of Modicum to the Coffee Grounds The closing of Leine…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 225
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Heather Mishefske, owner of embark Dog Academy for a discussion on all things canine. Topics discussed include: The inspiration for opening a dog training school Training Techniqu…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 224
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Amanda Parkinson, AVP of Marketing at Northwestern Bank for a discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Topics discussed include: What is AI? How one new to AI can access it Sec…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 223
Episode 223 In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Chancellor Jim Schmidt of UW Eau Claire. Topics discussed include: The move to James Madison University Proudest Accomplishments at UWEC Campus Expansion Purc…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 222
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Steve Nick, Attorney for the City of Eau Claire Topics discussed include: The Sevens Project Badger of the Year Orchard Hills Development Oakwood Mall / Hills Area Downto…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 221
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Peter Hoeft, CEO and Owner of Hoeft Builders Topics discussed include: The Sevens Project Eau Claire's Need for Class A Office Space Eau Claires Continuing Growth Growing…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 220
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Mike Golat, Administrator for the City of Altoona. Topics discussed include: Completion of River Prairie Population of Altoona growing, nearing 10,000 Container Park / Do…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 219
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry sits down with Amber Scharenbroch of Eau Claire Jazz, Inc. Topics discussed include: Perspectives as a Jazz Festival participant, organizer, and Board member Is jazz still relevant to young adul…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 218
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry is joined by NB Business Banker, Jake Krebsbach. Jerry and Jake sit down with Hayden and John Goodman, owners of Chippewa Valley Drones. Topics discussed include: Qualifications for flying a dro…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 217
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott sit down with Molly Bushman, President of McDonell Area Catholic Schools. Topics discussed include: Plans for large land purchased near St. Joseph's hospital Enrollment Growth Great Bo…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 216
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Kuehl and NB Home Lending Specialist Katie Behrendt sit down with Mikayla Hogan, Coach of the CFM Girl's Hockey Team. Topics discussed include: Can great players be great coaches? Molding girls…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 215
In this edition of Banker with a Beer, Jerry and Scott look back at the podcast's history and its 214 episodes. Banker with a Beer has a wonderful library of archived interviews that our new and loyal listeners may enjoy exploring. Topics…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 214
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Kuehl sits down with Jerry Jacobson, President of Northwestern Bank. Topics discussed include: Update on NB Jerry J's perspective on the economy Experience as a Board member of the Minneapolis F…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 213
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Kuehl and Jake Krebsbach sit down with Katie Warner, Broker / Owner of Eau Claire Reality to discuss the local residential real estate market. Topics discussed include: The new commission struct…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 212
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Kuehl sits down with Patti Darley and Bob Kruse, Board members of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative to discuss their plans for building a new hospital in Lake Hallie. Topics discussed inclu…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 211
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Kuehl sits down with four leaders of supercomputer legend Cray Research, Skip August, Jerry Brost, Dave Kiefer, and Terry McDougall. Topics discussed include: Why was Cray such a pivotal player…
- Banker With A Beer Episode 210
In this episode of Banker with a Beer, Jerry Kuehl sits down with Jonathan Gray, Headmaster of Veritas Classical Academy. Topics discussed include: What is a classical education? The demand for this type of education model in the Chippewa…