People and Places and How We Use Spaces

Hosted by Lisa Christianson

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Everyone needs a place to live, work and play. Join business owner/broker/investor, Lisa Christianson, as she has conversations with successful people who share their inspiring stories and how their interactions with commercial real estate have impacted their lives, businesses, clients, and the world. You will find insights into strategies for selecting, acquiring, leasing, financing, and investing in commercial real estate.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202644 min

Episode 89: Building a Legacy that Matters with Marilyn Carlson Nelson

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with one of Minnesota's most influential business leaders, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, for a conversation about leadership, family, purpose, and the responsibility that comes with influence.Marilyn reflects on her remarkable journey from being one of the first women to serve on corporate boards to leading Carlson Companies through a period of tremendous global growth. She opens up about balancing family and career, the importance of staying true to your values, and why purpose-driven leadership matters now more than ever. This episode is filled with powerful stories, practical leadership lessons, and a reminder that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the lives we impact along the way.Send us Fan Mail

June 2, 202646 min

Episode 88: The Foundation of My Story; A Conversation with Mom and Dad

In this deeply personal episode, Lisa sits down with two of the most influential people in her life—her parents, Larry and LuAnn Fransen. Together, they reflect on the family stories, values, and experiences that shaped generations. From Larry's father's remarkable journey from Sweden to Minnesota and the transformation of a small corner grocery store into a thriving garden center, to Luann's unexpected success as a young musician and performer, this conversation is filled with stories of perseverance, hard work, and opportunity. Send us Fan Mail

May 19, 202641 min

Episode 87 - From Heartbreak to Harvest with Liz Fiedler Mergen

Liz's journey was never part of a carefully written business plan. A nurse practitioner by training, she unexpectedly found herself rebuilding a life she never imagined after the devastating loss of her husband. What began as a small roadside flower stand during the uncertainty of 2020 transformed into something far bigger: a thriving flower farm, event venue, educational platform, bestselling book, and a mission rooted in joy and resilience.In this conversation, Liz shares the remarkable story behind Sunny Mary Meadow—from growing flowers and growing a business to navigating grief, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and learning how to rebuild after life changes everything. Liz’s story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, something meaningful can still bloom.Send us Fan Mail

May 5, 202640 min

Episode 86: From Newsroom to New Ventures: How Allison Kaplan Stays Ahead of the Curve

In this episode, Lisa sits down with journalist and innovator Allison Kaplan for a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling, retail, and the evolving way we experience the world around us.Allison shares her journey from traditional print journalism to becoming a leading voice at the intersection of media, entrepreneurship, and retail. From launching her own platform to spotlight local businesses to building Mother Of, a brand that brings meaning and storytelling into fashion, she reveals how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve have shaped her career.Allison's LinkedInMother OfNorthstar InsiderSend us Fan Mail

February 24, 202635 min

Episode 85: From the Hardwood to the Heart of Minneapolis: Rich Melzer’s Full-Circle Mission

From the hardwood to the heart of Minneapolis, Rich Melzer’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. A former professional basketball player, Rich now serves as CEO of YouthLink, supporting young people experiencing homelessness.In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life — from being expelled in high school to experiencing homelessness in college — and how those challenges now fuel his leadership. This conversation dives into accountability, empowerment, and how creating the right spaces can change the trajectory of a life.Rich's LinkedInYouthLinkGet involved with YouthLink!Send us Fan Mail

February 10, 202641 min

Episode 84: Building the Future of Ghana with Kojo Boadi

Kojo Boadi’s journey begins thousands of miles from the coastline he is now helping transform. Born and raised in Ghana, he came to the United States at nineteen with a purpose that, even then, felt bigger than simply earning a degree. In this episode, Kojo shares how he’s working to reshape coastal communities in Ghana through bold, purpose-driven development. He pulls back the curtain on his flagship projects, including luxury hospitality and residential developments built on 300 acres of coastal land. Kojo’s story is a reminder that meaningful development isn’t just about profit—it’s about building opportunity, strengthening communities, and daring to pursue ideas that can change an entire region. Eleven Eleven DevelopmentSend us Fan Mail

January 27, 202635 min

Episode 83: Building a New American Classic with Jared Brewington

Jared Brewington doesn’t describe himself as a chef, but rather an inventor. In this episode, Jared, founder of Official Fried Chicken, talks about turning curiosity into a nationally scalable business. From his early days in South Minneapolis to becoming a fan favorite at Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, he shares how innovation, technology, and resilience shaped his entrepreneurial journey.With nationwide franchising ahead, this conversation offers a powerful look at leadership, adaptability, and creating something built to last.Jared's LinkedInOfficial Fried ChickenSend us Fan Mail

January 13, 202633 min

Episode 82: Built for Overtime with Lou Nanne

In Sault Ste. Marie, long winters, hockey, and relentless work ethic forged the foundation of Lou Nanne's life.Now a Minnesota hockey icon, Lou reflects on the formative moments that shaped his journey—from a legendary hockey career to his success in business and lasting impact on the community. He shares powerful lessons on character, leadership, and why work ethic will always matter more than raw talent.Lou also opens up about marriage, family, mentorship, and the importance of letting the next generation find their own path—offering wisdom that resonates far beyond the rink.Send us Fan Mail

December 30, 202537 min

Episode 81: Learning the Business from the Bottom Up with Sean Sweeney

In this episode, Sean Sweeney's path into real estate development was anything but traditional. From growing up with no exposure to investing, to pursuing acting, to starting his career as a receptionist, Sean shares the winding road that ultimately led him to build thousands of housing units and launch his own development firm.Sean reflects on what it was like to start at the bottom, the personal turning points that pushed him to bet on himself, and the realization that time is not guaranteed. This episode is a powerful reminder that careers are built over time.Sean's LinkedInSean's XHall Sweeney Properties Send us Fan Mail

December 16, 202553 min

Episode 80: The Power of Community with Sondra Samuels

What if real change doesn’t come from one organization—but from an entire community moving together?Sondra Samuels, President and CEO of the Northside Achievement Zone, shares her remarkable journey—from corporate leadership and Peace Corps service to building one of the country’s most collaborative, community-driven models of support. She unpacks the importance of building community-wide systems of support, that belief and visibility are crucial in a child's success, and how one act of kindness creates lasting ripple effects. Sondra Samuels LinkedInNorthside Achievement ZoneSend us Fan Mail