Shining Light on Minnesota, hosted by Karissa Dunham, is a podcast that shines a light on the hardworking and innovative local businesses in the state of Minnesota. The show features interviews with business owners from a variety of industries, delving into their humble beginnings and the challenges they faced on their path to success. The goal of the podcast is not only to promote these local businesses, but also to inspire and motivate future entrepreneurs by sharing these stories.
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May 20, 202642 min
Morgan Evans | Medtronic | Med Tech Entrepreneur #088
🎙️ NEW EPISODE JUST DROPPED on Shining Light on Minnesota!This week host Karissa Dunham sits down with Morgan Evans, a biomechanical engineer turned serial MedTech entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded SIX companies. From dreaming of becoming a doctor, to Medtronic, to building businesses that are changing how we diagnose and treat patients, Morgan's story is one for the books.She is the CEO of Agitated Solutions, developing next level ultrasound imaging tools right here in Minnesota, the founder of Avio MedTech Consulting, and co-founder of Engage Venture Partners. She is building in every direction and she is just getting started! 🔥Morgan shares her journey through resilience, servant leadership, and big vision thinking. This one will light you up no matter what industry you are in!🎧 Hit follow so you never miss an episode and share this one with someone who needs to hear it!Keep SHINING LIGHT ☀️#ShiningLightOnMinnesota #MedTech #WomenEntrepreneurs #Minnesota #Podcast
April 30, 20261 hr 5 min
Lisa Price #087
This one has been sitting with us since the moment we hit stop on the recording and we just could not wait another second to tell you about it.Today on Shining Light on Minnesota, our host Karissa Dunham sat down with one of her actual oldest and dearest friends, Lisa Price. These two go back over 35 years, probably closer to 40 honestly, and watching them just talk on Zoom like the lifelong friends they are was something really special to witness.Lisa is originally from Rochester, Minnesota and is now out in Colorado building a beautiful new chapter of her life. And her story? It stopped Karissa in her tracks. Not because it is easy to hear, but because it is so incredibly real and so incredibly brave.Lisa has walked through some of the heaviest things a person can carry. Alcoholism. Eating disorders. Divorce. The kind of storms that can swallow a person whole. And through every single one of them, she kept going. Her daughter, who is absolutely gorgeous just like her mom, was her anchor. That love is woven into every part of who Lisa is and it comes through in every word she speaks.What makes Lisa's story even more beautiful is the village that never left her side. She has the most incredible family. Loving, steady parents and three big brothers and their families who have been in her corner through every hard season, cheering her on, holding her up, and reminding her who she is. That kind of love is rare and it is powerful and honestly it will make you tear up a little. The whole family is just amazing.But here is what really gets us. Where Lisa is right now. She is on this gorgeous, hard-earned journey of self discovery and she is finally, truly learning to love herself. And if you have ever doubted whether that kind of healing is possible, this conversation is going to answer that question for you in the most moving way.This episode is for anyone who has ever faced something that felt impossible and kept going anyway. For anyone who has ever felt lost and wondered if they would find their way back. For anyone who just needs to hear that it is possible to come out the other side softer, stronger, and more yourself than ever before.There is a nugget in this one for everyone. We promise you that.Yes it was recorded on Zoom but please do not let that stop you for even one second because you absolutely have to hear this conversation. Karissa will drop the link as soon as it is live this week. Clear your schedule. Grab your coffee. Get your tissues ready.This is Shining Light on Minnesota doing exactly what it was made to do. 🌟
April 17, 202615 min
Hilariia and Trenton | Meet our New Teammates behind the camera #086
We went LIVE today and it was SO good! 🎙✨ You finally got to meet Hilariia and Trenton, two of our amazing teammates at Sun Control of Minnesota AND the talented content creators behind the scenes here at Shining Light on Minnesota! 🙌 We had the best time letting you get to know them a little better! From where they have been and what they have done in the past to some exciting things they have going on now, plus a little fun Q&A mixed in! These two are seriously so fun and we are lucky to have them on our team! 💛 If you missed it do not worry, stay tuned because the content is coming! 👀
April 8, 202637 min
Felix Kyei Asare | Superhuman Mindset #085
In this episode of Shining Light on Minnesota, Karissa sits down with Felix Kyei Asare, host of the Superhuman Mindset podcast, to talk about what drives his purpose.Felix shares his passion for cybersecurity and how his love for working on and breaking computers turned into a mission to protect others. He explains how cybersecurity connects to his everyday lifestyle and mindset.He also dives into his journey with bodybuilding, how he got started, and the discipline behind it, along with the inspiration behind his podcast, focused on “ordinary people who make superhuman decisions.”The conversation highlights fatherhood as Felix opens up about his two children and the powerful moment of holding his son for the first time. He also shares his future projects and his passion for helping the next person who needs it.Listen now to hear how Felix blends purpose, discipline, and impact into everything he does.
April 1, 202657 min
Wymond Wong | Twin City Heating and Air #084
In this episode of Shining Lights on Minnesota, Karissa sits down with Wymond Wong, owner of Twin City Heating, Air, and Electric, to talk about his journey from growing up in a family-owned Chinese restaurant to building a career in the trades.Wymond shares how his upbringing shaped his work ethic and values, along with the lessons he’s learned throughout his career starting as an apprentice and embracing the mindset that “there is always a resource.” He dives into how humility plays a key role in leadership and why staying open to learning has been critical to his growth.The conversation also explores fatherhood and personal development, as Wymond opens up about raising his children, the importance of being a strong role model, and the things he wishes he had known before becoming a parent. He emphasizes showing up as both a supporter and a positive representation for his kids as they navigate life.Wymond also gets real about the challenges he’s faced in business, including a major setback involving a business partner who betrayed his trust. He shares how he rebuilt from that experience, the mental persistence it required, and how those tough moments shaped his resilience today.Listen now to hear a powerful story of perseverance, humility, and growth and how Wymond leads Twin City Heating, Air, and Electric through both success and adversity.
March 25, 202639 min
Cole Nelson | Maverick Construction #083
In this episode of Shining Lights on Minnesota, Karissa sits down with Cole Nelson of Maverick Construction to talk about his journey from working in school district construction in Rochester to becoming Director of Buildings in Northfield, and ultimately taking over Maverick Construction.Cole shares how a turning point in life led him back to his roots in construction and into ownership, along with the mindset that’s driving him today discipline. He dives into how his team is focused on hitting goals, staying on budget, and delivering strong customer experiences, and why he’s so proud of their ability to execute.The conversation also explores leadership, company culture, and the importance of connection both within his team and at home. Cole opens up about being intentional with family, creating boundaries between work and personal life, and why he encourages his team to prioritize family above all else.Plus, we touch on his passion projects, including Legacy Skis and his podcast American Dream.“When life happens, we can help.”Listen now and hear how discipline, leadership, and family shape the way Cole leads his business.
March 18, 202635 min
Noah Bergland| Owl Roofing #082
Today’s episode of Shining Light on Minnesota just dropped and this one is all about perspective.Karissa Dunham sat down with Noah Bergland from Owl Roofing to talk about how he found his way into the industry and how that path shaped the way he works with customers today.We got into his design perspective, how he helps homeowners make confident decisions, and what it really looks like to guide someone through the roofing process with honesty and care. It’s not just about selling a roof, it’s about doing what’s best for the home.“We give a hoot.”Go listen and tell me what part hit home for you ✨
March 5, 202650 min
Abby Oxborough | Sugar Lake Lodge | #081
Today’s episode of Shining Light on Minnesota just dropped and wow… this one is special.Our host Karissa Dunham sat down with Abby Oxborough from Sugar Lake Lodge and we went deep.We talked about what it’s really like to follow in her dad’s footsteps and carry on a second generation legacy. The pressure. The pride. The responsibility. Stepping into the role of boss while honoring the foundation that was built before you.She shared what it was like growing up at the resort and now raising her own kids the same way. Resort life becomes family life. Work life balance looks different when it’s all intertwined.We also talked about their family’s history with stuttering and how that shaped their resilience, leadership, and what truly makes them stand out. It’s about heart. It’s about grit. It’s about showing up anyway.Abby is intentional. Personal. The kind of leader who knows your name and your dog’s name. That’s culture. That’s connection. That’s how you build teams that last.Legacy. Leadership. Family. Intention.Go listen and tell me what part hit home for you ✨
February 25, 202639 min
Miranda Johnson | Red Wing Shoes | #080
✨ Just dropped today on Shining Light on Minnesota ✨On this episode of Shining Light on Minnesota, host Karissa Dunham sits down with Miranda Johnson, owner of Red Wing Shoes, for a real, honest, and inspiring conversation.This one shines the light squarely on Miranda. From her roots in a female-dominated field of speech pathology to stepping confidently into a mostly male-dominated industry, she shares what it truly looks like to lead, learn, and grow into ownership. Shoes, tanning cattle, mom life, and everything in between Miranda doesn’t sugarcoat the journey.We talk about the pride behind Red Wing craftsmanship, seeing the full process locally from start to finish, how she got involved form life in New York to you had me at the shoes, and what that legacy really means. We also dive into the why behind ownership: showing up for your kids, watching your team thrive, and building a business alongside your spouse as true partners in life and work.This episode is packed with grit, perspective, and heart—and it’s available today.Go give it a listen and let Miranda’s story light the way.
February 18, 20261 hr 0 min
Mark D Williams | The Curious Builder # 079
Today’s drop on Shining Light on Minnesota goes deep.Our host Karissa Dunham sat down with Mark D. Williams, founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc and host of The Curious Builder.We unpacked the heart behind his work, especially the Mysa Hus project. Not just a home. A feeling. Mysa is about comfort, presence, intentional living. Slowing down enough to design spaces that actually support the way you want to live. Every detail thought through. Every line with purpose.Mark does not just build homes. He builds environments that reflect values. Health. Wellness. Function. Flow. He thinks about light, materials, energy, how a space makes you feel when you walk in. That level of intention shows up in everything he touches.He talks about being delusionally optimistic and choosing growth, even when it is uncomfortable. That mindset has shaped his business, his leadership, and his podcast. He asks better questions. He challenges the norm. He is constantly refining both his craft and himself.We also talked about how podcasting changed him. How long form conversation helped him slow down, listen deeper, and find more meaning in his work and life.This one is layered. Business. Personal growth. Residential building done differently.And yes… he was a fan of Sunny. Our Sun Control of Minnesota mascot as well! Can't wait to see if he comes up with one! Go listen. It is live.
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