Artificial intelligence is flipping the script on how customers find local businesses online. In this episode, we break down how tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and Microsoft Copilot are changing the search landscape—and what that means for your business.

We’ll cover:
✅ Why old-school SEO strategies aren’t cutting it anymore
✅ What kind of content AI tools actually pull from
✅ The key actions local businesses can take right now to stay visible
❌ And what tactics you can finally stop worrying about

Whether you're a one-person shop or part of a growing team, this episode will help you show up in the right places at the right time.

🎧 Hit play and future-proof your online presence.

May is Supervised Visitation Awareness Month, and in this episode, we’re shining a light on a local resource that’s making a profound difference for families in crisis. The Michael H. Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center, housed within the Parenting Resource Center, provides a secure, neutral environment where children can safely maintain bonds with their parents in high-risk situations—including domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

We’ll explore the mission behind the center, the legacy of Judge Michael H. Seibel, and how supervised visitation plays a critical role in both family preservation and public safety. Join us as we hear stories of impact, break down myths, and highlight how our community is working to protect its most vulnerable members.

🎧 Tune in to hear how compassion, safety, and structure come together at the heart of Austin, Minnesota.

In this episode of the Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we explore a deceptively simple but powerful question for business owners: Do you know how much it costs to provide your goods or services? Knowing your average cost is more than just a bookkeeping exercise—it’s critical to setting profitable prices, spotting cost creep, and staying competitive in your market.

Based on a recent blog post from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, this conversation breaks down how to calculate your average cost, what industry benchmarks look like, and how local businesses can use this metric to make smarter decisions. Whether you run a coffee shop, auto repair garage, salon, or boutique in Austin, this episode will help you answer the question: Are you charging enough to thrive?

📝 Read the full blog article here.

Are tankless water heaters really the future of home plumbing? While they promise energy savings and endless hot water, retrofitting them into older homes isn’t always a smooth process. In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota Podcast, we sit down with Matt Laack of Pro Plumbing and Heating to discuss the real-world pros and cons of on-demand water heaters—and why they’re often a better fit for new construction. Plus, we dive into market forecast trends to see where the industry is headed.

Want to learn more? Check out the Chamber’s full article here.

Ever seen a home listed “as-is” and wondered if it’s a great deal or a potential money pit? In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota Podcast, we dig into insights of a Chamber article featuring the expertise of Tom Mork of Edina Realty to break down what buying an as-is property really means.

We discuss:
✅ What “as-is” actually means in real estate (hint: it’s not always bad!)
✅ Why some properties don’t come with disclosures—and what that means for you
✅ When an as-is home might be a smart investment (and when to walk away)
✅ Essential tips to protect yourself when considering an as-is purchase

If you're thinking about buying a home—or just want to understand the real estate market better—this episode is packed with insider knowledge to help you make smart decisions.

🎧 Tune in now and get the scoop from Tom Mork & the Chamber!

What cities are most like Austin, Minnesota? In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we explore Midwestern cities with similar economic drivers, local businesses, tourism appeal, and housing markets, based on an article from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. From Stevens Point, WI, to Brookings, SD, we break down what makes these communities comparable to Austin and what we can learn from them. Tune in for insights on how Austin stacks up and what makes our city unique!

In this episode we explore how local businesses in Austin, Minnesota are using AI for their marketing, operations, and administration. Based on the article from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, AI is well established right here in the Heart of Austin Minnesota!

In this episode of the Heart of Austin Minnesota, we explore the top dentists in Austin, MN, based on an article published by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. We also go further into the mouth of dental marketing by exploring a study done by the NIH on how people choose dentists.

Open Up and Say YAH!