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!

In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we dive into the battle of Facebook video formats: Reels vs. Video Posts. Which one should your business use to maximize reach and engagement?

We break down real data from the Austin Area Chamber’s Hot Movers and Jodeo video series, revealing key insights into audience behavior, engagement rates, and content strategy. Plus, we explore the massive popularity of Facebook video and best practices for making your content stand out.

Whether you're looking to attract new customers or deepen connections with your existing audience, this episode will help you refine your Facebook video strategy. Tune in now!

OTHER RESOURCES

• 29 Top Facebook Video Statistics For 2025
• Facebook Reels in 2025: Definitive Guide for Marketers

What makes a Facebook page truly successful? In this episode of Heart of Austin, Minnesota, we take a look at the biggest Facebook pages in the U.S. and then turn our attention to the top-performing pages right here in Austin, MN.

From businesses to community groups, we uncover what drives engagement, builds loyal audiences, and keeps people coming back for more. Spoiler alert: It’s all about engagement!

Whether you're a local business or just curious about Austin’s social media scene, this episode has the insights you need.

Sources:
📌 Most Liked U.S. Facebook Pages – Emplifi
📌 Top 50 Facebook Pages in Austin, MN – Austin Chamber Blog