"Homegrown Hustle" is your window into the journeys of local business leaders, hosted by Matthew Eickman. This podcast goes beyond the surface, exploring the motivations and commitments of entrepreneurs. It bridges the gap between business leaders and their communities through storytelling, offering insights to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen local business connections. Join us to uncover the personal stories and passions behind successful businesses.
Homegrown Hustle
Claim This Podcastby Matthew Eickman
5.0(19 reviews)
144 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
75
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality98
Social0
YouTube82
Engagement51
Podcast Overview
"Homegrown Hustle" is your window into the journeys of local business leaders, hosted by Matthew Eickman. This podcast goes beyond the surface, exploring the motivations and commitments of entrepreneurs. It bridges the gap between business leaders and their communities through storytelling, offering insights to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and strengthen local business connections. Join us to uncover the personal stories and passions behind successful businesses.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/8/2023
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Recent Episodes
July 24, 2026
Advocating for Growth: Banking Strategies, Capital Access, and Boardroom Advocacy
<p>In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman welcomes Tracy Bergland, Vice President of Business Banking at Citizens Independent Bank. Tracy shares her non-linear journey into commercial lending and details her passion for advocating for minority- and women-owned businesses in the boardroom. The discussion breaks down the exact mechanics of commercial loan underwriting, the critical role of a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and strategic alternatives to traditional bank financing like the Minnesota Loan Guarantee Program and Next Stage resources. Tracy also details the essential financial "advisory team" every business owner must build, common red flags in cash flow management, and the power of targeted networking.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p><p><strong>The Boardroom Conduit:</strong> Lenders act as internal advocates who pitch a business’s story and financial viability to loan committees; building an authentic relationship with a banker provides a voice in the decision-making process.</p><p><strong>Crucial Underwriting Ratios:</strong> Banks look for a standard 1.25 Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), requiring $1.25 of net income for every $1.00 of debt service obligations.</p><p><strong>Specialized Loan Programs:</strong> Programs like the Minnesota Loan Guarantee Program (via DEED) offer up to $800,000 for business assets without requiring personal asset pledges, and waive fees for minority- and women-owned enterprises.</p><p><strong>Lines of Credit vs. Loans:</strong> Lines of credit should be leveraged strictly for short-term working capital and cash-flow gaps between Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP), whereas long-term term loans should be used for principal debt paydown and fixed assets.</p><p><strong>Essential Advisory Triad:</strong> Every growing business needs a trusted "power trio" consisting of a banker, a bookkeeper/CPA, and a corporate attorney to navigate structural and financial milestones.</p><p><br><strong>CHAPTERS:</strong></p><p><strong>00:00 – Introduction to Host Matt Eickman & Guest Tracy Bergland</strong></p><p><strong>00:42 – Tracy’s Career Journey: From Business Development to Commercial Lending</strong></p><p><strong>01:30 – Behind the Scenes: The Commercial Underwriting Process & Boardroom Advocacy</strong></p><p><strong>05:00 – Overcoming Industry Bias & Finding the Right Community Bank Fit</strong></p><p><strong>07:18 – Decoding Loan Terms, Collateral, and Loan-to-Value (LTV) Metrics</strong></p><p><strong>09:11 – Financial Risk Assessment & Understanding the 1.25 DSCR Threshold</strong></p><p><strong>11:33 – Strategic Capital Allocation: Proper Use of Revolving Lines of Credit</strong></p><p><strong>15:05 – Crisis Prevention: The Critical Role of Proactive Communication with Lenders</strong></p><p><strong>16:15 – Government Programs: Minnesota Loan Guarantee & Next Stage Resources</strong></p><p><strong>21:15 – Managing Cash Flow Gaps During Rapid Growth Stages</strong></p><p><strong>24:08 – Assembling Your Core Advisory Team: Banker, CPA, and Attorney</strong></p><p><strong>28:40 – Turning Down a Loan: Creating a 6-to-12-Month Remediation Strategy</strong></p><p><strong>31:12 – Analyzing 3-Year Tax Trends, Top-Line Growth, and Expense Add-Backs</strong></p><p><strong>36:00 – Networking Resources: NAWBO Minnesota and MN CREW for Women Entrepreneurs</strong></p><p><strong>40:08 – How to Connect with Tracy Bergland & Closing Remarks</strong></p><p><br><strong>GUEST RESOURCES:</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.bankcib.com/"><u>https://www.bankcib.com/</u></a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cibmn/"><u>https://www.facebook.com/cibmn/</u></a></p><p>Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizens-independent-bank/</p><p><br></p>
July 17, 2026
The Banker Every Entrepreneur Needs: The financial playbook for smarter business growth.
<p><strong>SUMMARY:</strong></p><p>What separates thriving businesses from those that constantly struggle with cash flow? According to Chad Zejdlik, Vice President of CorTrust Bank, it isn't just revenue—it's financial discipline, strategic planning, and building the right banking relationships long before capital is needed.</p><p>In this episode of Homegrown Hustle, host Matt Eickman sits down with Chad to unpack the financial realities every entrepreneur eventually faces. From Chad's journey through entrepreneurship, commercial lending, and community banking to practical insights on business financing, cash flow management, and scaling sustainably, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look into how bankers evaluate businesses and why preparation matters more than persuasion.</p><p>Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the lending process, the importance of financial reporting, why every business should consider establishing a line of credit before an emergency arises, and how business owners can transition from simply operating their company to strategically building a valuable enterprise.</p><p>Whether you're launching your first company or managing a multi-million-dollar organization, this episode provides actionable financial wisdom that can help business owners make better decisions, avoid common mistakes, and build stronger businesses for the long term.</p><p><br><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p><ul><li>Why community banking is built on relationships—not transactions.</li><li>Chad's entrepreneurial journey from running a painting business to commercial banking.</li><li>The biggest financial mistakes business owners make before seeking financing.</li><li>Why every established business should consider having a line of credit—even if they don't currently need one.</li><li>The documents lenders expect before approving business financing.</li><li>Understanding cash flow versus profitability.</li><li>How banks evaluate business risk using the Five C's of Credit.</li><li>Why character is often more important than financial statements.</li><li>How financial reporting influences lending decisions.</li><li>Why maximizing tax write-offs can unintentionally reduce borrowing power.</li><li>The importance of separating personal and business finances.</li><li>How scaling too quickly without forecasting creates unnecessary risk.</li><li>Why forecasting and scenario planning are essential for sustainable growth.</li><li>Resources available through local organizations to help entrepreneurs prepare for financing.</li><li>The importance of working with trusted financial advisors, controllers, bookkeepers, and fractional CFOs.</li><li>How business owners should think differently about debt as a strategic growth tool.</li><li>Why knowing your numbers is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business.</li></ul><p><br><strong>00:00</strong> Welcome to Homegrown Hustle</p><p><strong>01:10</strong> Chad's Entrepreneurial Journey</p><p><strong>06:00</strong> Transitioning into Commercial Banking</p><p><strong>08:00</strong> What Makes a Community Bank Different</p><p><strong>12:00</strong> Why Banking Relationships Matter</p><p><strong>14:20</strong> Preparing Your Business for Financing</p><p><strong>16:00</strong> Why Every Business Needs a Line of Credit</p><p><strong>17:00</strong> What Banks Actually Look For</p><p><strong>21:00</strong> Understanding Debt Service Coverage</p><p><strong>24:00</strong> How Banks Stress-Test Business Loans</p><p><strong>25:30</strong> Personal vs. Business Financial Decisions</p><p><strong>29:00</strong> Knowing Your Numbers as a Business Owner</p><p><strong>31:30</strong> Resources Available for Entrepreneurs</p><p><strong>33:30</strong> The Five C's of Credit Explained</p><p><strong>36:30</strong> Common Financial Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make</p><p><strong>40:00</strong> Scaling a Business Without Breaking It</p><p><strong>44:00</strong> Building a Business That Can Operate Without You</p><p><strong>47:00</strong> Using Debt as a Strategic Tool for Growth</p><p><strong>49:00</strong> Final Thoughts on Financial Leadership</p><p><br><strong>GUEST RESOURCES:</strong></p><p>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-zejdlik-0548b08/"><u>https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-zejdlik-0548b08/</u></a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.cortrustbank.com/"><u>https://www.cortrustbank.com/</u></a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cortrustbank/"><u>https://www.facebook.com/cortrustbank/</u></a></p><p><br></p>
July 10, 2026
The Entrepreneur’s Wealth Blueprint: Building a business that creates lasting wealth
<p><strong>SUMMARY:</strong></p><p>Building wealth as an entrepreneur requires far more than maximizing profits or chasing investment returns—it demands intentional decision-making, strategic planning, and alignment between business, family, and long-term goals. In this episode of <strong>Homegrown Hustle</strong>, host <strong>Matt Eickman</strong> sits down with <strong>Brian J. Adamek</strong>, Founder of E-Wealth Partners, to explore the unique financial challenges business owners face throughout every stage of entrepreneurship.</p><p>Brian shares his journey from launching his firm with zero clients to building a specialized advisory practice dedicated to entrepreneurs. Together, Matt and Brian unpack the often-overlooked relationship between business growth and personal wealth, discussing liquidity, tax strategy, reinvestment decisions, succession planning, family communication, and the emotional realities behind financial decision-making.</p><p>Rather than focusing solely on investment products, this conversation reframes wealth management as a strategic partnership—one that helps entrepreneurs intentionally build businesses that create both financial freedom and meaningful lives. Whether you're in your first year of business or preparing for an eventual exit, this episode offers practical insights on creating wealth without sacrificing what matters most.</p><p><br><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</strong></p><ul><li>Entrepreneurs should view their business as both an income engine and a long-term wealth-building asset.</li><li>Building personal wealth requires more than maximizing business revenue—it requires intentional financial planning.</li><li>Liquidity and cash flow management are foundational before investing excess capital.</li><li>Strategic tax planning focuses on lifetime optimization rather than minimizing taxes in a single year.</li><li>Reinvesting in your own business is often the highest-return investment available.</li><li>Financial decisions should align with both spouses' priorities to reduce conflict and strengthen long-term vision.</li><li>Business growth should create freedom—not permanent overwork.</li><li>Family conversations around entrepreneurship help establish realistic expectations and shared purpose.</li><li>Entrepreneurs benefit from flexible financial plans that evolve alongside changing business conditions.</li><li>The ultimate goal of wealth is creating options, freedom, and a legacy—not simply accumulating money.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>CHAPTERS:</strong></p><p><strong>00:00</strong> – Introduction to Brian J. Adamek and E-Wealth Partners</p><p><strong>01:35</strong> – Starting a Wealth Management Firm from Scratch</p><p><strong>06:20</strong> – Why Entrepreneurs Need a Different Financial Strategy</p><p><strong>10:00</strong> – The Emotional Side of Financial Planning</p><p><strong>14:45</strong> – Building Flexible Wealth Plans for Business Owners</p><p><strong>18:15</strong> – Cash Flow, Liquidity, and Tax Optimization</p><p><strong>22:05</strong> – The Financial Planning Process Explained</p><p><strong>24:00</strong> – Why Reinvesting in Your Business Often Wins</p><p><strong>27:10</strong> – Early-Stage Entrepreneurs and Taking Financial Risks</p><p><strong>30:20</strong> – Marriage, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Alignment</p><p><strong>35:10</strong> – Family as the Motivation Behind Business Growth</p><p><strong>39:45</strong> – Creating Time Freedom Through Leadership</p><p><strong>42:20</strong> – Teaching Entrepreneurship to the Next Generation</p><p><strong>46:00</strong> – Building Wealth That Supports Family and Legacy</p><p><br><strong>GUEST RESOURCES:</strong></p><p>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianadamek/"><u>https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianadamek/</u></a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.e-wealthpartners.com/"><u>https://www.e-wealthpartners.com/</u></a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/e.wealthpartners.planning"><u>https://www.facebook.com/e.wealthpartners.planning</u></a></p><p><br></p>
144 total episodes available
Recent guests on Homegrown Hustle
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Peter P Follesé
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Matt Streeter
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Michael Ruhland
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Rafik Moore
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Philip Eickman
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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