Mike Elwell: From Totino’s Italian Kitchen to Ancona Title & Escrow

Twila Marie Johnson: Surviving Abuse, Generational Trauma, Healing, and Becoming

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Twila Marie Johnson for a deeply personal and courageous conversation about survival, healing, identity, and the long journey of finding your voice. Twila shares parts of her story of surviving abuse, navigating painful chapters, and learning how to keep moving forward even when life felt overwhelming. This conversation touches on generational trauma, identifying abuse, the impact abuse can have on a person’s body and spirit, and the strength it takes to persevere through circumstances that no one should have to face. Wymond and Twila also talk about her career path, including her time working at Merwin Drugs, and the life experiences that helped shape the woman she is today. Her story reflects the complicated reality of trying to build a future while also carrying the weight of trauma, illness, recovery, and survival. This episode also explores the importance of finding support. Twila speaks to the power of being believed, being seen, and having people who can help you remember your worth when you are walking through some of life’s hardest moments. Twila is also the author of Becoming: A Memoir of Silence, Survival, and the Courage to Speak, a book centered on her journey of survival, courage, and reclaiming her voice. Her work and her story remind us that healing is not always simple, but speaking the truth can become part of the path forward. At its heart, this conversation is about courage. It is about surviving what was meant to break you, naming what happened, finding support, and becoming the person you were always meant to be. If you are interested in stories of resilience, healing from abuse, generational trauma, women’s stories, personal growth, courage, memoir writing, finding your voice, or powerful conversations about survival and hope, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch. Learn more about Twila Marie Johnson: www.twilatheconnector.com [www.twilatheconnector.com] Buy Becoming: A Memoir of Silence, Survival, and the Courage to Speak on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Memoir-Silence-Survival-Courage/dp/B0GY19WT9M [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Memoir-Silence-Survival-Courage/dp/B0GY19WT9M] This episode is powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric, your trusted home comfort experts serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities. Whether you need heating, cooling, electrical, indoor air quality, water heater, water softener, or home comfort service, Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is here to help keep your home safe, comfortable, and running the way it should. Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website: https://twincityheatingandair.com/ [https://twincityheatingandair.com/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/ [https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair [https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair] #TwinCityTales #TwilaJohnson #TwilaTheConnector #BecomingMemoir #SurvivorStory #SurvivingAbuse #HealingJourney #GenerationalTrauma #FindingYourVoice #CourageToSpeak #Resilience #WomenWhoInspire #TwinCities #MemoirAuthor #PoweredByTwinCity

John Estrem: Hammer & NER, Humanity, Nonprofit Leadership, and Caring for Adults with Disabilities

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with John Estrem, CEO of Hammer & NER, for a meaningful conversation about service, humanity, leadership, and the belief that every person is worthy of respect, love, and care. John shares the story of how he grew up and the values that shaped the way he sees people, community, and responsibility. A major influence in his life was his mother’s example of volunteering and helping those in need. Her actions helped plant the seeds for John’s own path of service and his lifelong commitment to showing up for others. Wymond and John talk about what inspired him to step into nonprofit leadership, what it took to learn how to run a nonprofit organization, and the lessons that come from leading with both heart and responsibility. John’s journey is not just about managing an organization. It is about understanding people, building trust, and staying grounded in the mission of helping others live with dignity. This episode also highlights the work of Hammer & NER and the incredible care they provide for adults with disabilities. John shares why going above and beyond matters, why humanity must stay at the center of the work, and how Hammer & NER continues to support people in living full, meaningful, and connected lives. At its heart, this conversation is about compassion in action. It is about seeing the value in every person, leading with purpose, and building a community where people are respected, supported, and cared for. If you are interested in nonprofit leadership, disability services, community care, volunteerism, faith in humanity, service-driven leadership, or inspiring stories from people making a difference in the Twin Cities, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch. Learn more about Hammer & NER: www.Hammer.org [www.Hammer.org] This episode is powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric, your trusted home comfort experts serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities. Whether you need heating, cooling, electrical, indoor air quality, water heater, water softener, or home comfort service, Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is here to help keep your home safe, comfortable, and running the way it should. Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website: https://twincityheatingandair.com/ [https://twincityheatingandair.com/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/ [https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair [https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair] #TwinCityTales #JohnEstrem #HammerNER #HammerAndNER #NonprofitLeadership #DisabilityServices #AdultsWithDisabilities #TwinCitiesNonprofit #MinnesotaNonprofit #CommunityCare #Volunteerism #Humanity #Compassion #Respect #Dignity #TwinCities #PoweredByTwinCity

Jeannie Grimes: Leveling Up, Leadership, Boundaries, and Leaving Your Mark

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Jeannie GO Grimes, author, speaker, founder of The Level Up Leader, and creator of the Level Up Leader movement, for a powerful conversation about leadership, growth, boundaries, service, and what it really takes to step into your next level. Jeannie shares her story of growing up in Minnesota, attending Spring Lake Park High School, spending a short season living in Arizona, and eventually coming back to Minnesota to finish high school. Her journey has taken her through different chapters of life, including years in corporate America with Medtronic, where she gained real-world experience in leadership, people, systems, and personal growth before stepping into a bigger calling of her own. Wymond and Jeannie talk about what leadership really looks like in everyday life. This conversation goes beyond titles, positions, and job descriptions. It gets into the choices people make, the example they set, the courage it takes to grow, and the responsibility that comes with leading yourself before you lead others. Jeannie also shares her belief in consistent philanthropy, volunteer work, and showing up for the community in meaningful ways. For her, leadership is not just about personal success. It is about using your gifts, your voice, and your experience to help others find the courage to move forward in their own lives. A major theme in this episode is boundaries. Jeannie is a strong advocate for protecting your boundaries, knowing what you are called to do, and understanding that leveling up often requires sacrifice. As she explains through her message, when you grow into a new version of yourself, you may not be able to carry everything from the old version with you. To level up, you may have to release habits, comfort zones, relationships, expectations, or patterns that no longer match where you are going. This episode also highlights Jeannie’s book, Level the F Up*, which began as an outline in 2013 and later became something she felt called to write and pass on to others. The book centers around Faith, Foundation, and Fortitude, and invites readers to stop playing small, rebuild with intention, and lead their lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose. At its heart, this conversation is about becoming. It is about listening to the calling on your life, doing the work, serving others, protecting your peace, and having the courage to step into the next level even when it costs you something. If you are interested in leadership, personal growth, faith, boundaries, women in leadership, Minnesota authors, community service, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, or inspiring stories from people making an impact in the Twin Cities, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch. The Level Up Leader Website: https://thelevelupleader.org/ [https://thelevelupleader.org/] The Level Up Leader / MetroNorth Chamber Profile: https://business.metronorthchamber.org/activememberdirectory/Details/the-level-up-leader-4651490 [https://business.metronorthchamber.org/activememberdirectory/Details/the-level-up-leader-4651490] Buy Level the F Up* on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Level-UP-Find-Spark-Leave/dp/B0GS7932DN/ [https://www.amazon.com/Level-UP-Find-Spark-Leave/dp/B0GS7932DN/] This Podcast is Powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website: https://twincityheatingandair.com/ [https://twincityheatingandair.com/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/ [https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair [https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair]

Mike Elwell: From Totino’s Italian Kitchen to Ancona Title & Escrow

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Mike Elwell of Ancona Title & Escrow for a conversation filled with family history, business lessons, personal growth, gratitude, and the kind of real-life perspective that only comes from experience. Mike shares his story of growing up connected to one of Minnesota’s most recognizable food legacies. His grandparents, Rose and Jim Totino, were behind Totino’s Italian Kitchen, a longtime Minneapolis restaurant that became a staple for generations of Twin Cities families. The Totino’s name would later become known across the country through the frozen food industry, with Rose Totino remembered as a true pioneer in frozen pizza and food innovation. Before Mike found his way into the real estate and title world, food was a major part of his life. He talks with Wymond about his past experience in the food industry, working at Totino’s, learning from the restaurant world, and even starting his own place for a period of time. Those early years gave him a foundation in service, relationships, work ethic, and the importance of showing up for people. Mike also opens up about his professional journey into the mortgage and real estate industry. He shares how he became a loan officer, what he learned from working with buyers, lenders, Realtors, and business owners, and why he eventually decided that his strengths and passion were better aligned with Ancona Title & Escrow. Today, Mike is known for business development, relationship-building, real estate education, and helping professionals grow through connection, strategy, and trust. But this conversation is about more than career moves. Mike talks about a serious health scare that changed the way he looked at life. He shares how that experience made him more grateful, more present, and more aware of the kind of person he wanted to become. After quitting drinking and smoking, Mike began building a healthier life and a stronger version of himself. His story is a reminder that sometimes the hardest chapters become the ones that give us the most clarity. Wymond and Mike also discuss gratitude, second chances, family legacy, humility, and the value of becoming better not just for yourself, but for the people around you. From the Totino’s restaurant days to the real estate industry, from personal challenges to professional purpose, Mike’s story is rooted in resilience, relationships, and appreciation for the life he gets to live today. If you are interested in Minnesota business history, Twin Cities restaurants, real estate, title services, mortgage industry stories, personal transformation, health, gratitude, or conversations about what it takes to become a better person through life’s challenges, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch. Mike Elwell on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melwell41 [https://www.facebook.com/melwell41] Ancona Title & Escrow Website: https://www.anconatitle.com/ [https://www.anconatitle.com/] Ancona Title & Escrow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anconatitle [https://www.facebook.com/anconatitle] This episode is powered by Twin City Heating, Air & Electric, your trusted home comfort experts serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities. Whether you need heating, cooling, electrical, indoor air quality, water heater, or home comfort service, Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is here to help keep your home safe, comfortable, and running the way it should. Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Website: https://twincityheatingandair.com/ [https://twincityheatingandair.com/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/ [https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/] Twin City Heating, Air & Electric YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair [https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair]

Grace Lovdahl: Family Business, Community Impact, and the Heart Behind Twin City

In this episode of Twin City Tales, host Wymond Wong sits down with Grace Lovdahl of Twin City Heating Air and Electric for a personal and meaningful conversation about family, business, community, and what it takes to grow inside a company from the ground up. Grace shares her story of where she grew up, how she grew up, and the journey that eventually led her into the family business. This episode gives listeners a deeper look at the many different chapters of Grace’s life, the roles she has played inside Twin City Heating Air and Electric, and how working in a family-owned business shaped her personally and professionally. Wymond and Grace talk about what it is really like to work together as family, including the dynamics, lessons, challenges, and rewards that come with bringing family relationships into a workplace setting. They discuss communication, trust, accountability, learning from each other, and what it means to build something meaningful together while still putting the customer and community first. Grace has worked in many different parts of the company over the years, giving her a unique perspective on what it takes to serve homeowners across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area. From learning the day-to-day operations to supporting customers, helping the team, growing the brand, and stepping into business development, Grace’s story shows how experience in multiple roles can shape a stronger leader. This conversation also highlights Grace’s newest position as a brand ambassador and business development leader for Twin City Heating Air and Electric. Wymond and Grace discuss what it means to represent the company in the community, build relationships, create trust, and help more people understand the values behind the business. At its heart, this episode is about more than HVAC, heating, cooling, electrical work, or home services. It is about people. It is about family. It is about showing up for the Twin Cities community, creating a positive impact, and building a local business that puts homeowners, employees, and relationships first. If you are interested in Twin Cities business stories, family-owned companies, HVAC service in Minneapolis and St. Paul, women in business, business development, brand building, customer service, community impact, or the story behind Twin City Heating Air and Electric, this episode of Twin City Tales is one to watch. Connect with Grace Lovdahl and Twin City Heating Air and Electric: Grace / Ladies In The Trades Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ladies-In-The-Trades/61568651291741/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Ladies-In-The-Trades/61568651291741/] This Podcast is Powered by Twin City Heating Air and Electric Twin City Heating Air and Electric Website: https://twincityheatingandair.com/ [https://twincityheatingandair.com/] Twin City Heating Air and Electric Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/ [https://www.facebook.com/TwincityHeatingandair/] Twin City Heating Air and Electric YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair [https://www.youtube.com/@twincityheatingandair] Twin City Heating Air and Electric BBB Profile: https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/blaine/profile/heating-and-air-conditioning/twin-city-heating-air-and-electric-0704-96146082 [https://www.bbb.org/us/mn/blaine/profile/heating-and-air-conditioning/twin-city-heating-air-and-electric-0704-96146082] Twin City Heating Air and Electric I-94 West Chamber Profile: https://i94westchamber.chambermaster.com/list/member/twin-city-heating-air-and-electric-3972.htm [https://i94westchamber.chambermaster.com/list/member/twin-city-heating-air-and-electric-3972.htm]