Pat Sexton is Executive Director of the Rochester Area Builder’s Association in Rochester, Minnesota. The Association is focused solely on construction and advocates for the highest level of professionalism in the building industry. As Rochester braces for a decade of transformative growth, with Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative, Pat acknowledges the inevitability of obstacles along the way, including the need for more skilled workers. Yet, his optimism remains unwavering, rooted in the belief that patience and perseverance will pave the way for a brighter future. At the heart of Pat's mission lies a singular ambition: to foster the expansion of housing in Rochester.Rochester Area Builders AssociationBold. Forward. Unbound. Experience Rochester, MN

Fifteen years ago, amidst the challenges of a divorce, Jen Scheffler-Johnson ignited her passion for creativity by founding her jewelry business, Realia by Jen. Despite the disruption of a global pandemic, Jen's business is flourishing. With an eye for innovation, she has sculpted distinctive jewelry lines and captivating art pieces. Jen's unwavering fascination with the dynamic world of retail fuels her aspirations, which someday may include her own storefront. Realia by JenExperience Rochester, MN

Clay Fulton is the frontman for the Rochester, Minnesota band, Clay Fulton & The Lost Forty. After selling his family restaurant in 2020, Clay embarked on a musical journey amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. His band tours throughout the Midwest, and last year performed at the coveted SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Drawing inspiration from folk traditions and the timeless craft of songwriting, Clay is currently working on his eagerly-awaited third album.Clay Fulton & The Lost FortyExperience Rochester, MN

In college, Steve Lange aspired to become a sailboat designer, but his passion for writing and editing steered him onto a different course. For nearly 25 years, he has served as editor of Rochester Magazine, a monthly lifestyle publication known for its award-winning storytelling in Rochester, Minnesota. The magazine has longevity and is celebrating 25 years in print. Steve proudly guides a dedicated team, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with their audience. Rochester MagazineExperience Rochester, MN

Some recent soccer news in Rochester, Minnesota has generated excitement. Rochester Football Club’s (FC) acquisition of Med City FC marks a pivotal moment, enhancing the regional soccer landscape and offering a clearer developmental pathway for players. This strategic move consolidates top-tier soccer within a unified club, promising heightened opportunities for talent growth. In a prior episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, the visionary founders of Rochester FC, Muharem Dedic (Mo) and Midhat Mujic (Mido), shared their inspiring journeys from Bosnia to Rochester and explored the strategic reasoning behind their partnership with the United Soccer League.Rochester FCExperience Rochester, MN

30 years ago, Randy Sampson, CEO and Chairman of Canterbury Park, made a gamble to bring back live horse racing in Shakopee, Minnesota.  It’s paid off, and now, the racetrack, once surrounded by corn fields, is a mecca of development and entertainment, with a 19,000 seat Amphitheater on the horizon. In this episode of the Growing Destinations podcast, Randy looks back and is bullish about the future. One of his fondest memories over the past 30 years is the election night party of former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, hosted at Canterbury Park. As you can imagine – it was a wild night.Canterbury ParkExperience Rochester

Today we delve into the transformative changes taking place in transportation, particularly in the rising popularity of biking that's becoming more accessible to a diverse range of individuals. Joining Growing Destinations today is Erik Noonan, from We Bike Rochester, a chapter affiliated with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. We Bike Rochester is at the forefront of advocating for pedestrians and cyclists. Offering an array of programs and outreach initiatives, the organization conducts classes on safe cycling, adult learn-to-ride programs, and engaging social rides. Stay tuned as the Rochester community eagerly anticipates participation in a signature ride event in 2024.We Bike RochesterExperience Rochester, MN

There's no denying that Taylor Swift's Eras tour has provided a substantial economic boost to cities where she has performed. According to research conducted by Question Pro, the tour is estimated to have generated nearly $5 billion in consumer spending in the United States alone. This past summer, Taylor Swift brought her Eras tour to Minneapolis, delivering two sold-out performances at US Bank Stadium. Our guests today have firsthand knowledge of the profound impact the Eras tour had on Minneapolis' economy. Courtney Ries, Senior Vice President of Destination Branding and Strategy for Meet Minneapolis, and Christy Loy, General Manager for the Canopy by Hilton hotel Minneapolis Mill District, shed light on the significant contribution made by the Eras tour to the economic landscape of Minneapolis.Meet MinneapolisCanopy by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis Mill DistrictExperience Rochester, MN

Ever wonder how a simple passion for coffee can brew into a successful entrepreneurial journey? Join us for a lively discussion with Will Forsman, co-owner of three Cafe Steam shops and a coffee roasting business in Rochester, Minnesota. From starting as a dishwasher to being honored with the Rochester Mayor's Medal of Honor, Will's story is a rich blend of dedication, community connection, and of course, a love for coffee.Cafe SteamColorway Coffee RoastersExperience Rochester

This podcast episode is a celebration of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and rural economic development, offering valuable insights into the agricultural sector. The dialogue provides a unique perspective on the sustainable food production process and highlights the potential for growth and development in rural economies. Podcast guests include Brett Olson, co-founder of Renewing the Countryside,  Dani Dircks, founder of Sailor Mercy and Ben McAvoy, owner of Blue Fruit Farm.FEAST MarketplaceRenewing the CountrysideSailor Mercy Elderberry SyrupBlue Fruit FarmExperience Rochester, MN

Two leaders in Minnesota's tourism scene are optimistic about the future of travel. Bonnie Carlson is President and CEO of the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau and Amie Burrill is Executive Director of Experience Burnsville. As destination marketers and collaborators, Amie and Bonnie are passionate about the work they do in promoting their cities and the state of Minnesota to potential visitors and business travelers. In their forward-looking approach, they are eagerly exploring cutting-edge technologies, including the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, which has ignited a profound discussion within the tourism industry.Bloomington Convention and Visitors BureauExperience Burnsville, MNExperience Rochester, MN

Italy is renowned worldwide for its rich culture, historical sites, and mouthwatering cuisine. But beyond the well-known cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, there exists a less explored but equally enchanting side of Italy. This is the focus of our current Growing Destinations podcast episode, where we delve into the lesser-known cultural regions of Italy with Anna Bonavita and Tom Gabriel, co-founders of the Minnesota non-profit organization, Esperienza.EsperienzaExperience Rochester, MN

We explore Valleyfair Amusement Park's transformation and growth that has spanned nearly fifty years. Long time employees Tip Harrison and Tom Suel offer unique insights into the behind-the-scenes hustle during the early years, the change in ownership, and the relentless ambition to keep adding new attractions including the game-changer Wild Thing roller coaster that continues to be a crowd favorite today. ValleyfairExperience Rochester, MN

Chuck Sibley is a relentless photojournalist whose illustrious 50-year career at KTTC-TV in Rochester, Minnesota, has seen him covering everything from the Super Bowl and World Series to poignant local sports, human interest and unforgettable weather stories. He's more than just a photographer; he's a storyteller, capturing the human spirit in every frame. KTTC-TVExperience Rochester, MN

Pickleball is a sport that's easy to learn, fun to play and offers both physical and social benefits. On this episode of Growing Destinations, pickleball enthusiasts, Suzanne Bretto, President of the Rochester Area Pickleball Association, Vino Raj, Co-founder of To Pickleball And Beyond and Blake Held, Co-host of the Inside Out Pickleball podcast detail their pickleball journey and how they are helping others in their communities engage with the sport.  Rochester Area Pickleball AssociationInside Out Pickleball PodcastTo Pickleball and BeyondRochester Pickleball Classic - October 14, 2023Experience Rochester, MN

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jill Renslow, Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer for Mall of America. She offers an insider's perspective on the evolution, current state, and future plans of this iconic destination. We also explore its significant role in boosting tourism in Minnesota, the changing dynamics of retail and some delightful moments, like the surprise visit from Ed Sheeran. Mall of America So Much More, A Mall of America PodcastExperience Rochester, MN

Welcome to the latest episode of the Growing Destinations Podcast. Our guests, Jeff Steinborn and Denny Graham, from the Historic Henderson Auto Society give us a fascinating look into how their Classic Car Roll-in event went from a small gathering of 20 automobile aficionados to a weekly spectacle that attracts 275 cars in Henderson, Minnesota. Through their stories, we learn about the incredible impact this event has had on their small town, both in terms of community bonding and economic impact. Henderson Classic Car Roll InExperience Rochester, MN

For 45 years, Larry Moon Thompson has been a fixture as an on-air personality on radio stations throughout the country, including cities like Denver, Las Vegas, Houston and Minneapolis. Moon and his radio partner Staci Matthews were ratings gold for their entire run together on KS95 in Minneapolis. Now in retirement, Moon, a Marconi award winner and Minnesota Broadcast Hall of Famer, reflects on his career, his health and the current state of the industry. And through it all, Moon says trust makes for a successful team on the radio. Larry Moon Thompson - Minnesota Broadcast Hall of FameExperience Rochester, MN

We pull back the curtain on the dynamic world of commercial real estate in Southeast Minnesota with our guests, Nick Pompeian and Bucky Beeman. These Rochester natives share their journey from their early days, growing up in entrepreneurial families to forging a successful partnership in Realty Growth Inc., a business founded by Nick's father. You'll hear first-hand accounts of their innovative strategies, their embrace of tech, and how they've harnessed the power of the internet to revolutionize their approach to commercial real estate.Realty GrowthReal Growth PodcastExperience Rochester, MN

Rochester, Minnesota award-winning author Teresa Wilhelm Waldof brings to life the incredible story of her grandfather, Harley Wilhelm, the brilliant yet humble Iowa chemist who played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project. Packed with personal anecdotes, Harley's story is as much about scientific breakthroughs, as it is about the power of the human spirit. Teresa also shares the fascinating journey of writing 'Wilhelm's Way', where she uncovered her own writing prowess along with her grandfather's impactful legacy.Teresa WaldofExperience Rochester, MN