People and Places and How We Use Spaces

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 [https://sunnymarymeadow.com/]—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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

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 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-kaplan-30aab73/] Mother Of [https://motherof.co/] Northstar Insider [https://www.startribune.com/business/north-star-insider] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

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 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richmelzer612/] YouthLink [https://www.youthlinkmn.org/] Get involved with YouthLink! [https://www.youthlinkmn.org/get-involved/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

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 Development [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eleven-eleven-development/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]

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 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbrewington/] Official Fried Chicken [https://www.officialfriedchicken.com/] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1968162/fan_mail/new]