Leader of The Pack Podcast

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Shane Stolp, CEO of WesCom and podcast host of Energizing America. North Dakota-born and Minnesota-based, Shane shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his family-oriented and robust work ethic childhood, juggling school and parenthood as a young man, along with paving his career path and hitting professional growth, all while staying incredibly humble. With her stellar experience, drive, and hyping teamwork comradery, Shane speaks about his transitions from the accounting world to running his own business and how to set up his team for long-term success. In addition, he shares about hosting his podcast, "Energizing America," and the evolution of its success and the importance of storytelling. Get ready to be energized by today's episode, honestly. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Katie Lyon, Co-Founder and Owner of Allegiance Flag Supply. Charleston, South Carolina born, Katie shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about her childhood, struggling through school, evolution into a family business, starting her own culinary Amazon storefront, and then eventually driving her passions and occupation into American Made manufacturing, specifically stitching and creating American Made American flags. With her great experience, understanding, and incredibly strong work ethic, Katie pursued her entrepreneurship goals to focus on American-made American flags, with an ultimate focus on growing and keeping jobs in the USA. Now at the peak of her career and entrepreneurship endeavors, Katie details the balance she has had to undertake to continue driving success for her team, but also have a personal life balance while owning a company with her spouse along with being a mom. Katie shares the importance of being an American manufacturer and the impact customers can make on a business. Do you want to show your true patriotism? Buy an American flag that’s American-made. Period. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Nick Patronas, successful restaurateur of an iconic and local family burger joint, plus bar owner. Duluth, Minnesota native, Nick shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his hardworking childhood and youthful years in his family’s burger restaurant called, Mr. Nick’s Burger King – Home of the Charburger. Nick goes into detail about a legal dilemma between Burger King and his family’s business, which patented the tagline Burger King. In addition, Nick speaks about growing the business to become a franchise partner of Burger King with multiple locations in St. Louis County, employing thousands of employees over multiple years, along with starting two local bars, Aces and Spurs in the Duluth community. Nick openly discusses the differences, challenges, and benefits of working within the franchise world along with the sacrifices you make while working within the food industry. Now in his retirement, he speaks about the steps he took for long-term growth and success in his field, the importance of surrounding himself with hardworking and good people, and the utter importance of supporting local and family-owned businesses. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A transparent, hilarious, and motivational sit-down meeting with proud dad, husband, comedian, and content creator, Taylor Calmus, or otherwise known as Dude Dad. South Dakota native, Taylor has grown into a famous persona that has quickly grabbed the attention around the world with his comedic relief and dad-influenced content. With millions of video views in his short career timeframe, Taylor, Dude Dad shares with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his creative childhood, relatable home improvement concepts, his passion for bringing comedic relief to the populations, growing his entrepreneur endeavors with team, partnerships with iconic brands, and his focus on his award-winning show, Super Dad, a reality show on the Magnolia Network – all while being an attentive and involved dad and husband. Get ready to laugh and learn the triumphs, trials, and overall, behind-the-curtain perspective from a salt-of-the-earth guy. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Kristin Hill, Co-Founder and Owner of Duluth Yoga. Minnesota-raised, Kristin shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about her active childhood involving athletics such as tennis and ballet, which eventually created a professional drive for mind and body connection. Kristin explains her path through education and earning her doctorate degree. In addition, Kristin describes career juggling between Physical Therapy, owning and operating a yoga studio in Duluth, Minnesota, and being a full-time mom. She shares the health benefits of relaxing and rinsing the mind, body, and soul and the different techniques and training for the practice of yoga. Within the episode, Kristin describes her day-to-day responsibilities, surviving hard business times, and ultimately her advice for seeking a career similar to hers. Talk about some steamy details. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Justin Juntunen, Founder and CEO of Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna. Esko, Minnesota, born and bred, Justin shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his childhood involving family entrepreneurs who inspired him to push the limits and create an unmatched professional drive. Justin explains his career transition from collegiate education to ultimately founding his own company around his passion for the health benefits and self-reliving experiences of Nordic saunas. In 2019, Justin founded his own Made in America small company with his family and wife's support and self-appointed himself as a geek for heat. Within the episode, Justin describes the differences between infrared and authentic Nordic saunas, the wood sciences, his day-to-day responsibilities, the construction processes of his products, and the experiences they offer. He shares the importance of being a Minnesota manufacturer and how he has scaled his business to bring over 1 million people together to sauna along with creating a floating sauna experience on Lake Superior. Talk about some steamy details. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Dean Wegner, Founder and CEO of Authentically American. New York born, Dean shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his childhood involving a passion for the sport of ice hockey, juggling college education and a D1 hockey scholarship at West Point, attending Army Ranger school and becoming a pilot, and then his early career in the US Army. After Dean's service in the military, he transitioned his career into business and began working in corporate America at companies such as Procter & Gamble. With his great experience and wisdom, Dean pursued his entrepreneurship goals to focus on American-made products, with an ultimate focus on growing and keeping jobs in the USA. Now at the pinnacle of his career and entrepreneurship endeavors, Dean details the hustle he has had to endure along with his successes, drive, and forward-thinking strategies. Dean shares the importance of being an American manufacturer and the impact customers can make on a business. Dean, thank you for your service. We are forever thankful. We ask our listeners, do you know where yours is made? Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Ben Vandenwymelenberg, serial entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Woodchuck USA and Nature Links Resorts. As the saying goes, if you build it, they will come – could not be truer for today’s episode. Minnesota farm boy Ben shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his hardworking beginnings, early passion for the outdoors, and goals to build a company that ultimately gives back for the greater good. Now at the height of his career and entrepreneurship endeavors, Ben details the hurdles he has encountered while leading a business as a young man, his biggest successes, his passion for philanthropic work, and his goals for growth in the future of his companies. Ben shares the processes of corporate partnerships, website B2C opportunities, and the importance of being an American manufacturer. In addition to Ben's entrepreneurship success, Ben is a best-selling author of "The World Needs Your F*cking," and what drove him to push others to start their own brands. Get ready; this episode will have you unbelievably inspired. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down business and leadership conversation with Co-Founder and Artist, Victor Ving of Greetings Tour. Born and bred New Yorker, Victor humbly shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his childhood in the city, which instilled an interest in the arts, eventually leading him to his successful entrepreneurship journey. As Victor progressed in his career, ranging from agency work to operating an art studio and ultimately guiding him to the execution of Greetings Tour, Victor focused on the importance of community connection. Now at the top of his career and a leader in his industry, Victor speaks about his profession's business side, creative execution, funding developments, living on-the-road challenges, and the power of utilizing marketing. The Greetings Tour has artwork displayed in over 27 cities in the United States, along with their work in international cities. Trust us; you will be incredibly inspired by his story. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down business and leadership conversation with Kelly McGrath, General Manager and Executive Director of the Xcel Energy Center, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Minnesota native Kelly humbly shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about her hardworking childhood, which instilled a strong work ethic and drive for success, eventually leading her to longtime loyalty to her employer. As Kelly progressed in her professional career, ranging from Group Sales Manager at Ordway Center, to Account Executive at Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, and eventually leading her to the Xcel Energy Center, Kelly emphasized in all facets of her career the importance of connecting to your customers and clients. Now at the pinnacle of her career and a leader in her industry, Kelly speaks about the business side of her profession and the importance of all moving parts in the organization, building up her team, and ultimately emphasizing their crucial impact on the customer's experience. The Xcel Energy Center has won 'Arena of the Year' 9 years total, hosts 150 live events per year (including the Minnesota Wild NHL team), and seats over 1.7 million guests annually. In addition, Kelly won the 'Women of Influence' award in 2020. Trust us; you will be incredibly inspired by her story. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Tereasa Surratt, Owner at Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Illinois native, Tereasa shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about her rooted childhood on a farm, diverse roles and growth within the advertising world, expanding her professional career and owning a resort, hosting corporate workshops, to setting an example for her daughter. Now at the pinnacle of her career, Tereasa speaks about the steps she took for long-term growth and success in the hospitality industry, the importance of building a brand and preserving history, juggling motherhood, and the utter importance of collaborating. Trust us, you will want to book a stay immediately, as Camp Wandawega is a top-rated resort to stay at. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. Continue to support and buy American Made gear at www.duluthpack.com. Camp Wandawega Website: https://www.wandawega.com/our-story/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with C.W. Goetz, Content Writer, Copywriter, Editor, and Managing Director of C.W. Goetz Outdoors and Host of Outdoors People. C.W. shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his farm-life childhood, history in the music industry, and the eventual professional growth into hosting his own radio show, Outdoors People alongside running his own business and brand. Now at the highpoint of his career and a leader in his industry, C.W. speaks about the day-to-day high-level responsibilities, duties, and goals for his brand and show. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

You asked, we listened. Our number one requested guest to be interviewed. His episode is now here! A Zoom sit-down conversation with our podcast host and leader of our company, Tom Sega of Duluth Pack. Duluth, Minnesota native Tom transparently shares his simple and humble beginnings with Andrea Johnson of the Marketing department over the next two hours, thus creating a strong work ethic from a young age, setting his drive to be successful and earn his accomplishments. As Tom advanced in his professional career, he had incredible achievements in the pulp and paper industry within sales departments and management roles. In addition to a full-time career, Tom began his entrepreneurship journey by owning and operating property management in the Duluth, Minnesota area. With big visions on the horizon, Tom pursued a role in owning the historic American manufacturing business, Duluth Pack. On April 1st, 2007, Tom led Duluth Pack from a local and regional retail store to a growing and thriving worldwide shopped and recognized website, retailer, and wholesale manufacturer. Tom speaks about his demanding responsibilities, the successes and frustrations in running a business, the hurdles in operating an American company, and the lessons and achievements he is most proud of. In 2017, Tom bought another heritage American manufacturer, Spring Creek Manufacturing, and preached the importance of supporting American-made companies and hiring hardworking Americans. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack, a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Rachel Eggie Gibbs, Salon Owner and Professional Hairstylist at EGGIE Salon Studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Louisiana native, Rachel humbly shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about her childhood, which instilled a hard and strong work ethic and drive for success. As Rachel chased her dream, she speaks about receiving a business degree from LSU, attending the Aveda Cosmetology school, her salon experience in Houston, Texas, and eventually leading her back home to open her own thriving salon with an enormous following. Now at the height of her career and a leader in the cosmetology world, Rachel speaks about the business side of her career including investing in her team, procurement responsibilities, client relations, marketing campaigns, and juggling it all alongside motherhood. In 2022, Rachel’s head was shaved on stage for the American Cancer Society, to raise money. Now experiencing hair loss, Rachel teaches those who have completed chemotherapy treatments or other hair loss, on ways to style and feel confident in their new hair journey via social media. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Dan Dougherty, Funeral Director and Co-Owner of Dougherty Funeral Home. Duluth native, Dan openly shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about the transition of the mortuary industry and guiding loved ones through grief and their hardest days. As Dan advanced within the industry, he shares about the multiple steps including funeral arrangements, how to prepare an obituary, and recommendations on visitations and preparations. Now as a co-owner with his son, Dan speaks about their demanding responsibilities, 24/7 schedule, and the importance of preparing for the next chapter in life. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Mike Fisher, National Sales Manager at Lodge Cast Iron. Pennsylvania native, Mike shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his humbling beginnings growing up on a beef and dairy farm, diverse roles within his professional career, extending his education with a Master’s Degree, and how he hard charged to the top of an iconic American Made company. Now at the peak of his career, Mike speaks about the steps he took for long-term growth and success in his field, the benefits of working with cast iron cookware, juggling small mom-and-pop shops vs. large nationwide department stores, and the utter importance of supporting private American Made manufacturers. Griddle us this; you will be inspired after this episode! Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. Continue to support and buy American Made gear at www.duluthpack.com. Lodge Cast Iron Website: www.lodgecastiron.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Jeffrey T. Larson, professionally classically trained artist and founder of Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art in Duluth, Minnesota. Two Harbors, Minnesota native Jeff shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his early passion for art, his classic atelier training, and mastering his skills as a professional artist. Now at the pinnacle of his career, Jeff expresses his steps in preparing art exhibits, the studies that brushed him with excellence to create lifelike artwork, and his accomplishment in founding and opening his own professionally trained art school. So get ready, this episode is a pigment of a leader’s imagination. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Chris Brochu, American Screen Actos Guild Actor, Songwriter, and Acting Coach. Tennessee native, Chris shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his diverse childhood while moving frequently, growing up with a family in the Army, to his direction into Hollywood, and navigating productions from Broadway, TV sets, to movies. Chris’ tenacity is evident while he shares the surreal experiences from feast to famine in the film industry and learning the ultimate tactics to secure gigs, including his past projects in Soul Surfer, The Vampires Diaries, The Hidden Enemy, Station 19, Zero Contact, CSI: NY, and Shameless. In addition, Chris shares his passion for songwriting and singing, coaching the next generation of actors, and his personal experience and diagnosis of skin cancer. So get ready; this episode will have you saying, ‘Ready, Set, Action!” Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Dan Hartel, President and CEO at Hartel’s Disposal – the largest locally owned trash and recycling company in northeast Minnesota. Duluth native, Dan shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his community driven childhood, growing up and taking over a family business, and the technological advances of the disposal industry. Dan expresses the evolution of sustainability, the growth and importance of recycling, the unique community services his business brings to the public, and the transition of the next generation in business. In addition, Dan shares the about the physical aspects of the disposal world and what is driving the industry further both locally and nationally. Get ready, this episode discusses some serious dirty business. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support

A Zoom sit-down conversation with Eric Johnson, Partner and Lawyer at Fryberger Law Firm – the largest law firm in Northern, Minnesota. Duluth native, Eric shares over the next hour with Duluth Pack's CEO, Tom Sega, about his rooted childhood, early passion for the outdoors, and his professional goal to become a lawyer. Now at the pinnacle of his career, Eric expresses the steps he took in preparing for a law degree, to studying for the demanding Bar Exam, becoming a lawyer, and then the transition to becoming a partner and shareholder. In addition, Eric shares the about the collaborative side of law and the different categories of expertise his firm specializes in. Get ready, this episode certainly raises the bar on what it means to be a leader. Enjoy this week's episode of Leader of the Pack; a podcast by Duluth Pack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/duluth-pack/support