The Crew
Mitch Nelles
Born and raised in Boston, Mitch brings a bit of an east coast attitude to his fandom. He moved to Wisconsin in 1990, where he attended Nicolet High School and the University of Wisconsin. His grandparents and the entire mother’s side of his family were born and raised in Milwaukee. Mitch has worked for the Wisconsin State Journal, the Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN Milwaukee and iHeartMedia Milwaukee. Also very active in the community, Mitch has emceed and auctioneered events for Make-a-Wish, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Variety of Wisconsin, Russell Wilson’s personal foundation and The Guest House, to name a few. Mitch has served on the boards of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Globall Giving and the JCC. Mitch’s greatest sports memory was being in the crowd when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, and yes, his hair was dyed Green and Purple as a member of the 2001 Hoop Troop. He resides in Whitefish Bay with his wife, Ellie Gettinger, and their daughters Hallie and Nora. Find Mitch on LinkedIn.
Kim Knaak
Kim Knaak is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship with her first business Opportunity’s Knaaking. Kim has become known for her multifaceted expertise in social media strategy, event planning, and her undying passion for the thriving world of Wisconsin Food Trucks.
Embodying the spirit of collaboration, Kim thrives on bringing people together. Her role as a co-host on The Connect Show has been a natural extension of this mission, affording her the opportunity to forge invaluable relationships. Kim’s unique ability to intuitively match individuals based on their business needs has solidified her reputation as a local connector while embodying her favorite mantra: #CollaborationNotCompetition..
You can also connect with Kim at one of the many monthly free networking meetings she runs through her groups Professional Women of WI (PWoW) or Business Over Breakfast.
Talks about #networking, #socialmediamanager, #opportunitysknaaking, #smallbusinessmanagement, and #collaborationnotcompetition Find Kim on LinkedIn
Sandra Hoeft
Sandra does a fantastic job of making us all look great on The Connect show with Jon and Tracy. Sandra provides makeup touch-ups for everyone in the studio on the day of the show as well as teaches us what colors to use and how to always look our best. You can find Sandra Hoeft on her LinkedIn Page .
Kristal Young
Kristal Clear Graphics offers creative services for print, web and beyond like branding, marketing materials, multi-page documents, web design, etc. I enjoy helping companies build their professional image through my graphic design services. Having a consistent branded image throughout their company enables them to grow their business, gain more professional credibility and increase their profits.
Elaine O’Malley
I have an joyful, optimistic perspective that I bring to my life and my businesses. I believe every business owner has the passion to succeed and never give up. I delight in being the cheerleader on dark days and then enthusiastically celebrating the wins. I enjoy mentoring business owners and helping them find their own tracks to run on for maximum success. Always striving for excellence in my own life, I encourage others to always reach for the stars and make their “thing” the next big hit. We all have within us the ability to make the world better with the talents we possess.
Erin Gagnon
I knew I wanted to be in Communications and Marketing from the start, and I started my passion over a decade ago. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a double minor in marketing and international business from Concordia University Chicago.
I started my career in the nonprofit world working in the communication department and planning events for an animal shelter and my alma mater, Concordia. I then worked in marketing and sales for a fitness gym working side-by-side with the owner and general manager. That relationship allowed me to do freelance work as I traveled with the military. I spent several years working for a veterinary specialty hospital providing marketing and communications services. Most recently, I have been the Director of Communications for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. My passion for helping others best communicate their mission keeps me driven in this field.
I recently moved back to my home state after supporting and encouraging my husband as he served in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years. We traveled to the east and west coasts for his different assignments, exploring as much as possible on the way. We have a lot of experience road-tripping, and we have officially been to 40 of the 50 states. It’s on our bucket list to complete the nation in the years to come.
When I am not helping my clients make the best digital marketing decisions, I love to spend time with my husband and pup, Han Solo. When we are not out hiking or camping, we love to home-brew, go to the range, or read a good book.
I also volunteer for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Veterans for Political Innovation, Voters First Wisconsin, The Connect Show, and on a few speaking occasions with Bunker Labs.
Erin Gagnon
Owner, Focus Digitial LLC
Milena
Milena Dlugi is an Online Business Manager & Consultant, a founder of Milena Elite. Milena helps business owners translate their problems into solutions. She gives them their time back, so they can focus on things that they love to do, and they don’t worry about the day-to-day operations in their business. Being a sounding board of her client’s business, she helps them achieve their goals and business growth.
Connect with Milena on LinkedIn or via email
Emily Fell
I am the CEO of Website Design That Shines. My daughter is my WHY. All 3 of my children are my why, but Grace is the light that inspired me to start my company. Grace is non-verbal and has the diagnosis of autism. People think that women, people that are neurodivergent (disabilities, labels, think WAY outside the box, etc.) and minorities can’t have the same opportunities in the tech and business worlds. My goal and mission is to hire and train anyone that wants to break into the tech field with NO previous experience and make websites, apps and be creative with tech. My son, Grant and deceased daughter Katie are also my why. I told my kids I will do my best and I am definitely surpassing that by starting my own company and hiring an employee and training her.
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