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Join host Matt Cranney, Executive Vice President of M3 Elevate, as he sits down with the top business leaders to share real stories, fresh insights, and practical strategies to help you elevate your business.

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Meet the host

Matt Cranney is a partner and executive vice president of M3 Elevate, a division of M3 Insurance with specializations in business insurance and employee benefits for growing companies, personal lines, and Medicare. He is also a member of the agency’s executive operating committee. Cranney oversees and provides strategic vision for M3 Elevate, along with various corporate strategic projects and initiatives.

Access most recent episodes.

Fast Break podcast graphic for “Internships That Move Businesses Forward” featuring Jake Cline and Alicia Kiser.

Solving or Collecting

The next generation of talent may be closer than you think. Hear how thoughtful internship programs can create value for interns, managers, and the business.

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Fast Break podcast graphic featuring Nate Hoffman discussing how better questions build ownership and clarity.

Solving or Collecting

Great leaders are not always the ones with the fastest answers. Often, they are the ones brave enough to ask the better question. Explore how curiosity, clarity, and courage can change the way leaders guide their teams.

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Fast Break podcast graphic for “Benefits Strategy for the Road Ahead” featuring C2 Solutions and employee benefits report imagery.

Benefits Strategy for the Road Ahead

It is hard to plan for what is ahead if you are only looking in the rearview mirror. Learn about M3’s 2026 Momentum Report and how employers can use data to get a clearer view through the windshield, plan more proactively, and move beyond renewal-season reactions.

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Fast Break podcast graphic featuring “Speed. Clarity. Leadership. Responding When It Matters Most” with guests Dylan Schroeder and Chris Halverson.

Speed, Clarity, Leadership-Responding When It Matters Most

Every organization has a safety plan. But what happens when that plan is suddenly put to the test? From the critical first few hours of response to communication, leadership, business continuity, and employee safety, this episode explores how preparation can help turn moments of chaos into clarity.

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Fast Break podcast graphic featuring Joe Hamilton discussing service as a competitive advantage.

Finding Your Bright Spot

Hear how authentic care, strong service, and a focus on customer experience help businesses stand out. Explore Vortex’s CARE philosophy and why doubling down on your “bright spot” can build lasting loyalty.

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Fast Break podcast graphic for “Decoding Complexity in the P&C Market” featuring Assurex Global representatives.

Decoding Complexity in the P&C Market

Break down what is really happening across the commercial, personal, property, and casualty landscape as we move through 2026.

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Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Get a candid look at women’s leadership, financial empowerment, mentorship, and community impact. Hear how these leaders are breaking barriers, protecting organizational culture, and championing the next generation of women.

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From Perk to Performance

Hear how an integrated approach between leadership development and employee benefits will strengthen the flow of work.

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From the Vault.

Catch up on past conversations of Fast Break.

Today’s “tap-to-buy” world has made has made spending almost effortless and saving feel harder than ever. Many people don’t know where to start, don’t know who to trust, and often feel intimidated asking financial questions. That’s why education and having a trusted advisor matter now more than ever.

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Cyber threats aren’t just an IT problem, they’re a business reality. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt Cranney sits down with M3’s Cyber Liability team —Matt Thomson, Megan Peyton, and Alex Friedl—to discuss how the threat landscape has evolved and what every organization can do today to stay ahead.

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For growing companies, health benefits remain a top tool for recruitment and retention, yet traditional group plans can be costly or out of reach for startups and small employers. That’s where the individual market and ICHRAs come in, offering flexibility and controlled costs, provided employees have the right support to make confident choices.  

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The personal insurance landscape is changing, with rising premiums, severe weather events, and evolving underwriting guidelines. Being proactive has never been more important. Fast Break host Matt Cranney sits down with Amy Schroeder and Tim Hoel from M3 Elevate’s Personal Lines team to unpack why the “set it and forget it” mindset no longer works.

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Safety isn’t just a compliance issue; it’s a strategic business decision. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney is joined by Chris Halverson of M3 Insurance and Kyle Ricely of The Employer Group to explore the critical role of risk management and safety for small and growing businesses.

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Nonprofits are essential to our communities, yet they face increasing challenges from funding cuts to shifting engagement trends. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney welcomes Jeff Burkhart, a nonprofit leader and founder of Mission Forward, to explore the state of the sector and how businesses can step up to drive lasting impact.

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In this episode of Fast Break, we are celebrating Small Business Week by recognizing the critical role small businesses play in our economy. Host Matt Cranney sits down with Sadie Howell, CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac, to discuss why small businesses are more important than ever in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Explore the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the agility of small businesses in adapting to change, and the importance of defining a clear “why” to drive long-term success.

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Nearly one in five workers are leaving jobs due to mental health concerns, and this latest Fast Break episode is more relevant than ever. Matt Cranney is joined by Celie Valentin, Director of the Employee Assistance Program at Family Service Madison, and M3’s Jodi Riley, Senior Director of HR, to break down the impact of mental health on today’s workforce.

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In honor of Women’s History Month, Becky Menefee, VP of M3 Elevate, takes over the mic to celebrate the achievements and impact of women in leadership. Joined by two powerhouse guests—, President and CEO of , and , Senior VP and CFO of —this Fast Break episode dives into their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced in male-dominated industries, and the ways they’re paving the way for future generations.

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Tax planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy and trust. In this episode of Fast Break, host Matt Cranney sits down with Brooke Weitzer, partner at Baker Tilly, to tackle the biggest tax challenges small business owners face. Hear how proactive planning, strong advisor relationships, and continuous collaboration can help you make informed decisions, minimize risks, and maximize savings.

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Are you leading your business with a short-term mindset or crafting a vision that lasts? In this episode of Fast Break, Matt sits down with Matt Pletzer to tackle the art of goal setting and strategic planning for small business owners.

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Learn how thoughtful tech design play an essential role in remote and in-office experiences. Whether you’re just starting to implement hybrid solutions or looking to optimize, this episode has insights for businesses of all sizes to enhance team and client connections.

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Discover the transformative power of startups in this episode of Fast Break, where we explore how they foster innovation and collaboration in the tech ecosystem and the interplay of trust and technology in today’s landscape.

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In this episode of Fast Break, Second Harvest CEO Michelle Orge and M3’s Beth Dettman discuss how businesses of any size can drive real change through philanthropy. It’s not just about financial donations—it’s about offering time, skills, and creativity to make a lasting impact.

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Small business owners often struggle with offering health insurance. Are ICHRAs the solution or just another challenge? In this Fast Break episode, guests Becky Menefee and Natalie Damro dispel myths and highlight the benefits.

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For small businesses, mastering efficiency and productivity is key. Cutting-edge IT services are now a necessity, not a luxury, and help businesses streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive growth. In this episode of Fast Break, Matt speaks with Elevity’s Patrick Hanifin, on how the right managed service provider can transform your business into a productivity powerhouse.

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This episode of Fast Break, featuring M3’s Erik Vandermause and Paul Krause reveals how data-driven insights can drive strategic choices, enhance operational efficiency, and uncover new opportunities for growth.

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Explore how fostering a sense of belonging among employees contributes to the success of your business.

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Get practical tips for establishing a strong business brand.

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Hear strategic insights and tactical tips around human resources solutions.

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Explore the critical role coaches play for growing businesses.

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Learn about community-driven investment in local talent, highlights mutual support among business owners, and delves into strategic investment for future growth in new and growing businesses.

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Learn about how physical space can impact the overall success of businesses.

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Your involvement in building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community creates an environment where your business can thrive. Tune into this episode of Fast Break to learn how you can incorporate social responsibility into your business strategy.

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The M3 Elevate team sits down to discuss the hard market in personal lines insurance.

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Learn how M3 Elevate works to simplify the complicated individual health insurance marketplace so you and your employees can feel confident in choices regarding individual health plans.

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M3 Elevate’s Medicare professionals share their insight. As an employer, you will come away with practical advice that you can offer anyone at or approaching the eligibility age.

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Explore how investing in and supporting your employees in attaining their basic wellness needs can lead to a reduction in chronic disease among your employee population and increase employee productivity, satisfaction, and loyalty.

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Learn about how physical space can impact the overall success of businesses.

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Hear about the importance of properly retiring old IT equipment to ensure your business is remains secure and sustainable.

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Get practical advice on how to protect your business against the turbulent, uncertain economy.

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The actionable steps small business owners can take toward a more profitable tax season this year and for years to come.

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In this Fast Break episode M3 Elevate team members share their insights around growth and protection gained through real client experiences.

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Hear about the importance of small businesses giving back.

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Hear about the four pillars of a prosperous downtown and how to apply them to the growth of your business.

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Get insights to help you be more effective with your marketing strategies.

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Explore key ways to staying successful amidst adversity.

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Learn about the importance of supporting small and growing businesses, and the support organizations have to play offense and defense.

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Get strategies to find and retain the top talent.

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Explore the importance of core business values & how to make your customer the hero.

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Get advice for those who work for a family business, and the calculated risks a business should take to stay relevant.

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Hear marketing strategies that will help set your business apart from the competition.

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Get insight into mindfulness’s impact on performance.

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Learn ways to help solve complex challenges, and thrive by developing and motivating employees.

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Hear about the work Matt Sablijak of SRH and his team put in even before the pandemic that allowed their organization to grow during these unprecedented times.

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