Get Deep Podcast

Ep 149 Megan Hoogland

Megan Hoogland: Art, Identity, and the Evolution of Tattoo Culture In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Megan Hoogland, nationally recognized tattoo artist and owner of Mecca Tattoo [https://www.meccatattoo.com/] in Mankato, for a conversation about artistry, identity, and building a career in an industry that transformed dramatically around her. Megan shares her early entry into tattooing while still living in Waseca and reflects on what it was like coming up during the era when tattoos shifted from taboo and counterculture into mainstream self-expression. Over the years, her work has earned recognition in major industry magazines and built relationships with artists and creatives across the country—connections that continue to shape both her art and her perspective today. We also dive into the deeply personal side of tattooing: the trust between artist and client, the stories people carry into the chair, and the moments that stay with you long after the ink heals. Megan talks about her newfound passion for “blasting over,” the evolution of her artistic style, and the creative freedom that comes with decades in the industry. Of course, we also had to ask about the most awkward tattoo she’s ever given. Beyond the art itself, Megan discusses the community-focused work she’s involved in, the culture she’s built at Mecca Tattoo, and what keeps her creatively inspired after all these years. This is a conversation about reinvention, craftsmanship, human connection, and what it means to leave a permanent mark—both artistically and personally. 🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery [https://www.chankaskawines.com/], Vanderberg Clean [https://www.vanderbergclean.com/], and Community Bank Mankato [https://www.cbfg.net/] #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #MeganHoogland #MeccaTattoo #TattooArt #Entrepreneurship

Ep148 Emily Giddings

Emily Giddings: Curiosity, Confidence, and the Business of Feeling Better In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Emily Giddings, founder of Giddie Skin Med Spa [https://www.giddieskin.com/], for a conversation that goes well beyond skincare. From a homeschooled upbringing to a passion for travel—and even raising buffalo—Emily has always followed her curiosity. That same mindset shows up in how she’s built her business and approached an industry that’s constantly evolving. We dive into the world of medical aesthetics, including the innovation shaping the field today. Emily shares insight into advanced treatments—from skin-focused services to more specialized offerings like vaginal rejuvenation and treatments for penile dysfunction—breaking down what these services are, who they’re for, and why conversations around them are becoming more normalized. We also explore the artistic side of her work and the level of trust required between provider and patient—how outcomes aren’t just about technique, but about understanding the person, making thoughtful decisions, and helping people feel confident in their own skin. Emily also shares the story behind her new location on St. Andrews Drive and what this next chapter means for Giddie Skin. 🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Vanderberg Clean [https://www.vanderbergclean.com/commercial-cleaning/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23739778511&gbraid=0AAAABDMsjooF86yeZG7A7zyHLq9lH7kmR&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkrzPBhCqARIsAJN460mFWa5Wn-sHuKnGJw8sTPuQp4AalAZBIjFB6xNIF90KIyxyuzjK_hkaAo8xEALw_wcB], Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery [https://www.chankaskawines.com/], and Community Bank [https://www.cbfg.net/] #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #MinnesotaBusiness

Ep147 Josh Vanderberg

Josh Vanderberg: Building a Business Leaders Can Trust In Episode 147 of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Josh Vanderberg—President and CEO of Vanderberg Clean [https://www.vanderbergclean.com/]and a second-generation leader in Southern Minnesota’s janitorial industry. Josh’s story begins in Mankato, learning the business from his grandparents, founders of Sharon’s Cleaning Service in the 1970s. But early in this episode, he opens up about something far more personal—his mother’s mental health struggles and how those challenges shaped his resilience, faith, and drive to build something stable and meaningful. Today, Vanderberg Clean is far more than a residential carpet cleaning company. Over 90% of its work serves commercial clients across Southern Minnesota. Under Josh’s leadership, the company delivers more than a clean environment—it delivers confidence. Confidence that your facility will be handled professionally. Confidence that your space will remain secure. Confidence that the job will be done right, every time. We also dive into scaling, culture, and Josh’s commitment to learning from leaders in every industry to continually improve his team and systems. This is a conversation about faith, growth, resilience, and building a company local leaders can trust. 🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery [https://www.chankaskawines.com/], Community Bank [https://www.cbfg.net/], and South Central Small Business Development Center #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #MinnesotaBusiness #Entrepreneurship

Ep146 Sheryl Meshke

Sheryl Meshke: Leading America’s Dairy Cooperative, One Block of Cheese at a Time In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Sheryl Meshke—President and CEO of AMPI [https://www.ampi.com/](Associated Milk Producers Inc.), the nation’s largest farmer-owned dairy cooperative specializing in American-style cheese. From humble beginnings on a Good Thunder farm to leading an operation that markets 10% of the nation’s American cheese, Sheryl’s story is one of grit, generational values, and strategic leadership in the world of agriculture and food systems. Sheryl reflects on her small-town upbringing, growing up alongside her brothers on the family farm—doing chores, operating equipment, and learning firsthand the work ethic that would shape her path. With deep roots in 4-H and public speaking, she credits her high school speech coach with instilling the confidence that carried her into journalism, communications, and ultimately, executive leadership. We dive into Sheryl’s unique path from newspaper reporter to agricultural publisher, and how a timely connection launched her career at AMPI—an organization she’s helped lead through market volatility, innovation milestones, and literal fires. From creating the Dinner Bell Creamery brand to becoming a global exporter of processed cheese, Sheryl shares what it means to steward a farmer-owned cooperative through rapid change while keeping values at the center. She also walks us through the realities of milk as a 365-day commodity, the importance of young leadership on AMPI’s farmer board, and the role cooperatives play in America’s food future. Stick around for insights into rural leadership, food systems, and the “trophies” AMPI proudly puts on the mantle—from cheese competition medals to feeding families across the globe. 🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: ⁠Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery⁠ [https://www.chankaskawines.com/], Community Bank [https://www.cbfg.net/], ⁠iWealth⁠ [https://iwealth4me.com/], and South Central Small Business Development Center #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #MinnesotaBusiness #DairyLeadership

Ep145 Justin Montemurno

Justin Montemurno: Systems, Strategy, and the Power Behind the Power In this high-voltage episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Justin Montemurno—a Southern Minnesota native whose journey from wrench-turning teen to global infrastructure strategist is anything but ordinary. Justin shares his story of growing up in St. James, tinkering with engines, learning from uncles, and developing the work ethic that would power a career spanning technical sales, engineering, and global energy infrastructure. We dive into Justin’s early experiences in manufacturing and process improvement at Kato Engineering, where he helped redesign workflows that massively increased output—and caught the attention of leadership. From there, he took the leap into technical sales, finding his sweet spot translating complex systems into strategies clients could actually understand. Now working with IPS, Justin operates at the intersection of business development, engineering, and hyper-scale infrastructure, helping to design and deliver the massive power systems that fuel data centers, cloud computing, and the AI revolution. He breaks down exactly what a data center is, why power demand is spiking globally, and what it all means for the future of tech—and your electric bill. This episode is packed with insight on leadership, problem-solving, power systems, and the long game of building infrastructure that keeps the modern world running. 🎙️ Brought to you by our episode sponsors: Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery [https://www.chankaskawines.com/], Community Bank [https://www.cbfg.net/], and iWealth [https://iwealth4me.com/] #GetDeepPodcast #SouthernMinnesota #MinnesotaBusiness #DataCenters