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!