In this episode of The Happy Hour podcast, Dr. Koonce details his extraordinary journey from the NFL to Senior VP for University Relations at Marian University.
We discuss:
Discover how he found his purpose after the game and why community support is the ultimate win!
Get the Book Here: Is There Life After Football? Surviving the NFL https://a.co/d/dfrFJnK
You walk in, and you should feel like a rockstar. Andy Koehn shares the secrets behind Koehn & Koehn’s "rock concert" customer experience, and why the jewelry industry has failed to talk to the most important person in the room: the guy. Andy reveals how his no-BS book, The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring, became the perfect training tool for his team and the guide guys didn't know they needed. He even drops a surprise book recommendation : Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
Find Andy's book on Amazon and get ready to buy like a guy!
Andy Koehn was also featured back in episode #74 of the Happy Hour podcast.
It is time for a raw and real Q&A! In this episode, we dive deep into the Joel you don't get to see - including his passions projects outside of Drexel. We explore his calling for "Lunch in the Park", the story behind the Sunshine Foundation's church purchase, and the current books you can find on his Kindle. Get to know the charitable, philosophical, and personal side of your host!
Books:
The Fish that Ate the Whale by Rich Cohen
The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
The Hero and the Outlaw by Margaret Mark
In this special episode, we celebrate the retirement of Tim Lindsley, the guy hired as Drexel's very first dedicated salesman! We sit down with Tim and Albert Fleischman to walk down memory lane and reflect back on those foundational days.
Listen in as he shares funny stories from the road, the skills that helped him navigate change, and the advice he has for anyone starting their career at Drexel.
This is a deep dive into commitment, growth, and the heart of Drexel’s history. Don't miss this one!
We sat down with Adam Rupp and Becca Schumacher from Wisconsin Lighting Lab - two awesome humans building something special right here in Wisconsin.
We talked about the story behind WiLL Brew Lab, the evolution of their campus, core values, and what it really means to be a team member who makes promises and the one who keeps promises.
We also dove into leadership, mindset shifts in manufacturing, and a little bit about their own WiLLCast podcast.
Grab a cold one and give it a listen - this one’s full of light (pun intended)!
Facebook: Wisconsin Lighting Lab, Inc.
LinkedIn: WiLL | Wisconsin Lighting Lab
Instagram: @wisconsinlightinglab
WiLLCast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/willcast/id1618958673
Join us as we chat with the newest leader in the Drexel family! We're talking with the head of our virtual design team about her new leadership role, the new team members she's excited to coach, and the latest software that's helping us supply happiness in new ways. Get ready to geek out on all things design and developing a new team!
From a time when we had no HR department to a robust People & Talent team, Caitlin Stoll's 13-year journey at Drexel is an incredible story of growth, trust, and transformation.
In this episode, we talk with Caitlin about how she turned a passion for people into a thriving career. She shares her personal story, from being hired to be a pressure reliever to being tapped by Joel to lead all People Operations. We also discuss a life-changing accident that gave her a new perspective on work and life, and the famous billboard that reminds us all to be someone's good memory.
Join us for a conversation that goes beyond the professional, exploring how believing in people, and giving them a place for their passion and talent, can change everything.
In this episode, Joel shares the strategies that have allowed Drexel to thrive. He explains why words matter more than you think, how to focus on what you can control when faced with challenges, and why being a thoughtful innovator is better than being first. Tune in for practical lessons you can apply to your business, team, and life.Resources:
The Change Agent by Damon West
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Roadie.com
On this episode of the Happy Hour Podcast, we sit down with Drexel's leaders, Mitch Mallek and Mike Gullickson, to discuss what it truly takes to lead a team through change and growth. They share their journey from frontline and field roles to leadership and how they navigated the "growing pains" of their new positions. We'll get an inside look at their communication strategy in a fast-paced environment and how that impacts our core value of balance, what they've learned about leadership, and how they're building a stronger, more connected team in Amherst.Resources:
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf
This week we're not just talking about wellness—we're stepping inside the TRiE Fitness experience. We're joined by Lauren Miller and Kelly Nerat, who will share what makes the Trie community so special, from the moment you walk through the door. They help us bust some common wellness misconceptions, like the idea that you need to be fit before you start. We'll also explore the latest wellness trends and, of course, dive into the "Unplug to Recharge" challenge and the famous billboard question. Whether you're building a new project or building a new habit, this episode has the insights you need. Resources:
Website | triefitness.com
Facebook | TRiE Fitness
Instagram @trie_fitness
Ever heard of the Drexel Wildlife Organization (DWO)? In this episode, we get the full story from President, Joel Fleischman. He explains who can access DWO's expanding acreage in Wisconsin, what you can do there, and why a building supply company is acquiring managed forests. Get ready to learn how this initiative provides an incredible benefit to our team, our builders, and our shared mission.
Resources:
Facebook Group: DWO- Drexel Wildlife Org
OnX Maps
Join us as Joel Fleischman and Megan Gassner pull back the curtain on the Drexel Grand Expo and Product Showcase. Discover their favorite parts of coordinating this massive event, the exciting new initiatives for this year's Expo, and the valuable lessons learned from years of successful planning. Get an exclusive look at what makes this bi-annual event a must-attend for attendees and a highlight for vendors!
It's a bittersweet "Happy Hour" as we raise a glass to Marcus Weigert! In this episode, Marcus officially passes the mic as Jules takes over the podcast. We're taking a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his favorite moments, lesson learned, and how the podcast has evolved. He opens up about his upcoming move to Wausau, what excites him about the future, his continued work with hosting the Fired Coaches podcast, and the Drexel memories he'll carry with him. Don't miss this candid chat filled with laughter, reflection, and a look ahead to new beginnings!
Larry Koffman from Koffman AutoWorks in Campbellsport, Wisconsin joined us on Episode #137.
Larry has owned Koffman AutoWorks since 1994. They take care of all things automotive and have a 4.9 rating with reviews on Google!
They aim to work hard everyday to "WOW" their customers.
Joel and Larry talk about 4th of July's of the past in Campbellsport that included: The Guinness Book of World Records Largest Bratwurst, Truck Pull, Rock-Paper-Scissors, Dodgeball Tournament and more!
From Friday Night Lights to Construction SitesIn this episode we get to know Tony Steger and Sam Lemler. They discuss their experiences in high school football, COVID and their current roles at Drexel. They reflect on the importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership in both sports and infrastructure. Lessons learned from building a house and leadership insights from Nate Sippel.
"Pressure is a privilege." - Tony Steger
"Always stay humble and kind." - Sam Lemler00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introductions
02:43 - Reflections on High School Football and Coaching
04:36 - Navigating Career Paths During COVID
08:32 - Transitioning to Drexel and Career Development
12:50 - Changes in the Construction Industry
15:15 - Infrastructure Team Dynamics and Communication
18:59 - Lessons from Building a House
20:59 - Leadership Insights
23:25 - Billboard Messages and Personal Reflections
In this episode we talk about being supportive of one another, backgrounds, growth of location, team members feeling welcomed, Drexel's donation to Zion Lutheran school in Columbus, the TEAM billboard and much more!Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Team Dynamics03:12 - Insights from Development Day05:56 - Personal Backgrounds and Career Paths09:05 - Growth and Changes at Drexel11:46 - Community Engagement and Contributions18:03 - Work Culture and Team Spirit
From Train Tracks and Enterprise to Production Scheduling!Sound Bites:"I hit a cow with a train." - Nick Buchel"We always find a way in the end." - Nick Buchel"Life is what you make it." - Alec Smasal"If you're not changing, you're not really living." - Alec SmasalWe talk day-to-day, lead times, organized chaos, 911s, talking with QBs, 1 million+ board feet, change and many other topics. This was a fun one!Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Backgrounds03:07 - Career Transitions and Experiences06:10 - Production Scheduling Dynamics09:10 - Automation and Changes in Production11:51 - Teamwork and Collaboration15:04 - Handling Challenges and 911 Situations18:11 - QB Interaction21:08 - Company Culture and Community23:59 - Final Thoughts and Billboards
Episode 133 we talk to Luke Lemke (Schedule & Warranty Leader) and Brandon Andrus (Off-Site Install Leader) from Downtown! The conversation focuses on their backgrounds and experiences, particularly before joining Drexel. Luke (a Chicago Bears fan) discusses his time as a district manager at Aldi, his earlier work in fitness and college track and field coaching. Brandon shares his journey from banking to Mercury Marine, then starting his own excavation business before joining Drexel. Both guests also touch upon the culture and team-like atmosphere at Drexel, drawing comparisons to their experiences in sports. They also discuss personal interests and hobbies, including hot rods, hunting, and large aquariums along with the billboard!
Episode 131 we talk to Brady McMahon (Maintenance Leader) from Kewaskum and Nick Narges (Millwork Coordinator Leader) from Jackson soon to be Kewaskum! We discuss what they knew of Drexel prior to working here, how they got started, all things Millwork, what they look forward to most in the new facility, interests outside of Drexel and the billboard question!