The time we bet on Mike’s tan

Mike Kearns was an amazing broadcaster, co-worker and friend. Since I heard the news of his passing, I can’t stop thinking about all the fun times I was lucky enough to be a part of. There were just so many, but here’s one that still really makes me smile.

Every year, after basketball season, Mike would take a couple weeks off and go on vacation to the Phoenix area. He’d play golf, visit with friends and just relax after a long sports season. When he would return, we would marvel at Mike’s tan. He’d leave here “pasty Wisco-Mike” and return after two weeks looking like he jammed 3 months of golf in! Every year, you’d hear people in the hallway say, “Hey,… did you see Mike’s tan? I hate that guy!”

In 2016, someone had a great idea. We snagged a pile of paint chips from the hardware store and had people randomly pull one out of the box, put their name on the back and tape it to the board. Whoever had the chip closest to Mike’s tan… WINS! You should have heard him chuckle when he saw the board of paint chips.

I don’t remember who won the jackpot, but I’ll never forget Cinnamon Stick. Mike’s tan.. was Cinnamon Stick.

Thanks for all the laughs Mike.

a man holding a piece of paper

Brian Jackson

Explore the transformative journey of Brian Jackson, General Manager of Mid-West Family La Crosse since 1992, and his significant impact on local media.
a coffee mug and tablet on a table

Brand Equity Unleashed: Maximizing Your Business Value with Mid-West Family

By Amanda McMahon | April 5, 2024

Establishing a robust brand isn’t just advantageous; it’s essential for long-term success. Brand equity, the intangible worth a brand holds in consumers’ minds, significantly influences market positioning, customer loyalty, and your business’s overall value. Yet, enhancing brand equity isn’t left to chance. […]

Read More
a person using a tablet

Crafting Compelling Narratives: How Our Content Marketing Services Drive Engagement

By Amanda McMahon | March 26, 2024

In today’s digital world, where consumers face a constant barrage of messages and ads, standing out and grabbing their attention is tougher than ever. This saturation can cause consumers to tune out, posing a challenge […]

Read More
a person typing on a laptop

Revolutionize Your Email Marketing: Tips for Higher Engagement

By Amanda McMahon | March 18, 2024

In today’s digital era, where social media platforms and messaging apps often take the spotlight in marketing discussions, it’s easy to forget about one of the oldest yet most powerful tools in a marketer’s arsenal: email. Despite its age, […]

Read More
a woman typing on a laptop

Building a Strong Brand: Strategies for Small Businesses

By Amanda McMahon | March 11, 2024

In a time when the market is overflowing with emerging businesses, standing out is no longer just an advantage, but a necessity. A well-defined brand goes beyond a catchy tagline or a memorable logo; it […]

Read More
a group of white thumbs up symbols

The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing in 2024

By Amanda McMahon | February 27, 2024

Welcome to the ever-evolving realm of social media marketing in 2024! As technology progresses and consumer behavior evolves, staying ahead of the game is vital for businesses aiming to boost their online presence. This inclusive […]

Read More
a collage of images

Navigating the Future: Emerging Trends in Marketing Technology

By Amanda McMahon | February 21, 2024

Trying to manage multiple different marketing channels, marketing tools, and emerging marketing trends is a big challenge for small and local businesses. There are only so many avenues and tasks you can manage with a […]

Read More