Joel Fleischman Happy Hour Podcast

Hosted by Joel Fleischman

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Episodes

158

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

A weekly Drexel themed podcast with Joel Fleischman. Joel brings in guests each week from the company and also well-known community guests to have fun in-depth conversations.

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60 recent

August 24, 2026Episode 17631 min

Happy Hour Podcast #176.5 - Introducing the Wisconsin Student Sports Network with Coach Pittman

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 wisconsinstudentsportsnetwork@gmail.com 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

August 17, 2026Episode 17642 min

Happy Hour Podcast #176 - Building Better: Steve Szymanski on Industry Leadership and Pre-Notched Patent

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.

August 4, 202647 min

Happy Hour Podcast [BONUS] - How to Use AI & Elite Habits to Dominate LBM Sales with Bradley Hartmann

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/

July 30, 2026Episode 17542 min

Happy Hour Podcast #175 - Cultivating Beauty: From Sacred Spaces to Daily Craft with Fr. Michael Maher

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/

July 20, 2026Episode 17419 min

Happy Hour Podcast #174 - Shareholder Series: Ownership in Action

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

June 19, 2026Episode 17247 min

Happy Hour Podcast #172 - From the Basketball Court to the Business World with Trevor Anderson

Grab a drink and join the Happy Hour crew as we sit down with our very own Trevor Anderson! In this episode, the former UW-Madison Badger and Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball takes us inside his journey from the court to the business world. We dive into: -What the Mamba Mentality means to him and how nicknames stick. -How elite preparation translates directly into professional confidence. -What drew him to join the team as a Quarterback Account Manager. -Why every high-performer needs an outside voice to push them. -Serenity Klub - His inspiring work coaching youth mental health and resilience through sport. Resources: Walk On Warrior by Drive, Discipline, and the Will to Win Book by John Willkom The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant Instagram | @tremamba15

June 10, 2026Episode 17148 min

Happy Hour Podcast #171 - From Dream to Storefront: Lilla + Rose & Velvet Revival

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

June 4, 2026Episode 17023 min

Happy Hour Podcast #170 - Q&A Series with Joel

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

May 29, 2026Episode 16958 min

Happy Hour Podcast #169 - The Mammoth Mindset: Standards and Success with Hall of Famer Mike Koehler

"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

May 29, 2026Episode 16843 min

Happy Hour Podcast #168 - The Open Kitchen: Pulling back the curtain with Bryan Rice

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/