WAVE YPN: Local Entrepreneurs Panel

Description

Social media makes entrepreneurship look shiny. Real life? It’s a lot more nuanced.

Join WAVE Young Professionals Network on April 22 from 5:00 - 7:00PM for a candid Entrepreneurship Panel that pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to start, run, and grow a business in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This start-to-finish-ish conversation features local professionals at very different stages of their journeys, from solo operators to multi-location leaders, and those who help guide businesses along the way.

You’ll hear real stories about the wins, the growing pains, and the decisions that matter most—no fluff, no highlight-reel only narratives. Whether you’re dreaming about starting something of your own, already running a business, or simply want to bring a more entrepreneurial mindset to your 9–5, this conversation is for you.

The panel will wrap with a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask honest questions and get real answers. Stick around to connect with other young professionals over appetizers and a cash bar at Ernie's on Gull.

This event is FREE for WAVE Members. Guests are $25.

Key Takeaways

• There’s no single “right” path to entrepreneurship—every stage comes with different challenges and opportunities
• The core skills behind business success (problem-solving, adaptability, relationship-building) apply to any career
• How to think like an entrepreneur, even if you never plan to own a business
• Practical insight and local resources to help you take your next step with confidence

Schedule

5:00 – 5:30 PM // Check-in, appetizers
5:30 – 5:45 PM // Icebreaker and Panel Introductions
5:45 – 6:45 PM // Panel Discussion
6:45 – 6:55 PM // Open Q&A
6:55 – 7:00 PM // Wrap-up & Prizes generously donated by our panelists. 

Meet the Entrepreneur Panel

Meet Andrew Spicola, owner of Motion 46 Media, a Brainerd Lakes–based creative marketing company serving the real estate and building industries. Andrew specializes in visual storytelling through photography, video, and digital content designed to differentiate professionals in crowded markets. By focusing on intentional marketing and brand positioning, Motion 46 Media helps clients attract the right audience, win more opportunities, and build a reputation that lasts beyond a single listing.

As the Regional Director of the North Central Small Business Development Center, Katie Heppner works at the intersection of higher education and economic development. Through her work, she helps small business owners at all stages start, grow, and thrive by providing no cost consulting and low cost training. Katie is passionate about small businesses and small towns and loves seeing the impact of the North Central SBDC throughout the region. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato and has been active in economic development in rural Minnesota for 10 years.

Katie lives on the Northside in Brainerd with her husband, Erich, 5 year old son, Henry, and cat, Nigel. She is originally from the Iron Range but is proud to call the Brainerd Lakes Area her chosen home. 

What started as a passion for homebrewing quickly grew into something more when years of experimentation and statewide homebrewing awards confirmed that the beer was truly something special. After earning National rank through the Beer Judge Certification Program and judging competitions across the state, the focus shifted from hobby to vision.

That vision became reality in 2013 with the launch of a small-batch nanobrewery serving the Brainerd Lakes Area. By starting small and growing intentionally, the brewery was able to test, refine, and build a strong local following before expanding into a full-scale brewery and taproom in 2017. Today, Jack Pine continues to craft fresh, locally-made beer with the same curiosity, care, and community support that sparked the journey from homebrew to hometown brewery.

Sheila Wing is an entrepreneur, healthcare leader, and visionary whose journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take calculated risks. Raised on a dairy farm in rural Brainerd, she developed the strong work ethic and grit that have shaped every stage of her career.

Sheila began her professional path in the legal field before pivoting into healthcare, earning her nursing degree and advancing to become both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Her clinical leadership experience spans roles as an RN in the ER and ICU, Nursing Supervisor, and Emergency Department Director. As a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, she has provided comprehensive care across the lifespan, from newborns to geriatrics, including prenatal care, urgent care, hospitalist services, emergency medicine, and home-based primary care for veterans.

Three and a half years ago, Sheila made the bold decision to bet on herself and launch Wing Wellness, blending her extensive clinical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. What began as a single practice has grown into a thriving organization with three locations, specializing in medical aesthetics, wellness, and holistic health. Her leadership style focuses on elevating standards of care, empowering teams, and creating meaningful community impact.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sheila is most proud of her role at home. She has been married for 36 years, is the mother of two, and a joyful grandmother of five.  These roles continue to ground and inspire her leadership journey.

Sheila is honored to share her entrepreneurial story, lessons learned, and insights on leadership with the Wave Young Professionals community.

What is WAVE Young Professionals Network?
WAVE YPN is a NEW networking and professional development program for individuals aged 18-39 in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This program is organized by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and led by a team of young individuals representing a wide variety of industries across our community.

Thank You Sponsors!
WAVE is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Become a sponsor and view sponsor benefits on our website.