Home Comfort Zone Podcast

Can a community come together to preserve a family farm for the next 100 years?

Stan Hinckley, founder of Bloomin’ Farm Cooperative in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, returns to the Home Comfort Zone Podcast with an urgent update on his mission to preserve a 7.8-acre farm for future generations.

What began as a five-year plan has become a race against time. Due to health challenges, Stan has put the farm up for sale, but he hopes to bring together 7,000 families willing to make a $500 lifetime membership pledge by December 21, 2026, to transform the property into a community-owned cooperative.

In this episode, Stan explains why the goal increased from 4,000 to 7,000 pledges, how pledge checks are being safeguarded, and what reaching the goal would mean for the farm's future. He also shares his vision for a cooperative offering fresh produce, flowers, community experiences, and a lasting legacy for future generations.

As Sun Prairie and Dane County continue to grow, Stan believes preserving green space and farmland is more important than ever.

Can 7,000 families make this dream a reality?

Listen to Stan's inspiring story, learn what's at stake, and discover how you can get involved.

Learn more about Bloomin’ Farm Cooperative through its official website. https://bloominfarmcooperative.com/

About the Podcast: Hosted by Theresa, Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services, an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical contractor in Madison, Wisconsin. The Home Comfort Zone Podcast features conversations with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and industry experts making a difference in our communities.

Madison Theatre Guild: One Year Later | Restoring the Firehouse and Bringing Stories to Life

A year ago, Madison Theatre Guild President Kendra Thompson joined the Home Comfort Zone Podcast to discuss an ambitious fundraising campaign to restore the historic Firehouse on Monroe Street in Madison, Wisconsin.

Now she's back with some exciting news!

The Firehouse has a new roof, bathroom renovations are underway, and hot water is returning after more than 30 years. All Comfort Services was proud to support the restoration by donating an HVAC system.

Kendra shares how local businesses, donors, volunteers, and creative fundraising efforts have helped Madison Theatre Guild move forward. She also explains what's next for the historic building, including a $30,000 fundraising goal to repair aging walls and ceilings.

We also get a preview of the Guild's 2026–2027 season at the Bartell Theatre, featuring Eurydice, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, and Rumors.

From preserving a historic building to recovering from COVID-19, this conversation celebrates community theatre's resilience and the importance of keeping the performing arts thriving in Madison.

Learn more, purchase tickets, or support the Firehouse restoration: https://www.madisontheatreguild.org/

The Home Comfort Zone Podcast is hosted by Theresa, Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services, an employee-owned home services company serving Greater Madison, Wisconsin.

Meet Eric Sherwood, General Manager of All Comfort Services, and learn about the experiences that shaped his career in the skilled trades and his vision for the future of the employee-owned home services company.

Eric joins host Theresa Girardi to talk about his journey from HVAC technician and installer to dispatcher, service manager, operations manager, and General Manager. He also discusses All Comfort Services’ ESOP, union workforce, employee training, Nexstar best practices, and the importance of creating a consistent and comfortable experience for homeowners.

Eric also shares why Lennox Feel The Love is meaningful to him and how All Comfort Services employees volunteer their time to help deserving people in the community with new heating and cooling equipment.

Get to know the General Manager helping lead All Comfort Services into its next chapter while continuing the company's focus on customer service, employee development, growth, and sustainability.

Get ready for Greek Fest Madison 2026!

On this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa talks with Telly Fetsis, co-organizer of Greek Fest Madison, about the food, traditions, people, and history behind this longtime Madison, Wisconsin community festival.

Greek Fest Madison returns Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 11 N. 7th Street in Madison. Telly shares what visitors can expect, including freshly prepared Greek food, gyros, homemade Greek desserts, baklava, coffee, church tours, and an opportunity to experience Greek culture and Orthodox traditions.

We also talk about the incredible hand-painted iconography throughout the church, the volunteers who make Greek Fest possible, and Dial-A-Baklava, a holiday fundraiser supporting the philanthropic work of the church’s women’s organization.

Whether you come for the baklava, Greek food, culture, art, or to discover something new in Madison, Greek Fest offers a chance to experience a local tradition that has brought the community together for decades.

🎙️ Home Comfort Zone Podcast is hosted by Theresa, Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services in Madison, Wisconsin.

When a teen is struggling with their mental health, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa talks with Julie Elfers, founder of Brooke’s Brigade, a Wisconsin nonprofit created after Julie and her family lost their daughter Brooke to suicide in April 2024.

Julie shares Brooke’s story and explains how Brooke’s Brigade is working to help teens and parents find mental health resources when they need them. The organization provides resource boxes designed to help bridge the gap between the moment a young person needs help and when they can access ongoing mental health care.

Each Brooke’s Brigade box connects families with immediate resources that do not require insurance and includes supportive items such as a safety plan, journal, 988 information, positive messages, and other reminders that teens are not alone.

Julie also discusses warning signs parents can watch for, the importance of keeping communication open, finding trusted adults teens can talk to, NAMI resources, and why families shouldn't feel they have to navigate mental health challenges alone.

Most importantly, Julie wants teens and parents to know that asking for help is okay and that help is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Topics include:
Teen mental health
• Youth suicide prevention
• Mental health resources for parents
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Wisconsin mental health resources
• Brooke’s Brigade
• Supporting struggling teens

Brooke's BrigadeNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa Girardi from All Comfort Services sits down with Lisa Bernard, Development and Communications Supervisor at Dane County Humane Society, to explore the incredible work happening every day to help animals throughout Dane County and Madison, Wisconsin.

Learn how Dane County Humane Society helps dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals, and local wildlife through pet adoption, veterinary care, wildlife rehabilitation, fostering, volunteering, and humane education programs. Lisa explains how the pet adoption process works, what families should consider before adopting a dog or cat, and how adoption counselors help match animals with the right homes.

We also hear heartwarming animal rescue stories, including a misunderstood cat whose behavior changed after receiving needed medical care and the remarkable effort to help hundreds of rescued beagles receive veterinary care and move toward new homes.

Plus, discover ways to support Dane County Humane Society through adoption, fostering, volunteering, donations, thrift stores, educational programs, and community fundraising events.

If you're searching for pet adoption in Madison, WI, dog or cat adoption, animal shelter volunteer opportunities, pet fostering, wildlife rescue, or ways to support Dane County Humane Society, this episode is packed with helpful information and inspiring stories.

🎧 In this episode: Dane County Humane Society

• Pet adoption in Madison, WI
• Dog and cat adoption
• Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
• Animal fostering
• Shelter veterinary care
• Volunteer opportunities
• Humane education
• Rescued beagles
• Supporting local animal welfare

Home Comfort Zone is a podcast from All Comfort Services featuring local experts, organizations, and conversations that help connect and inform the greater Madison, Wisconsin community.

All Comfort Services

Dane County Humane Society

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa Girardi talks with Katherine Primo-Mingione of the North Star Neighborhood Association about how neighborhood organizations strengthen communities, advocate for residents, and create opportunities for neighbors to connect.

Discover how North Star Neighborhood has built a welcoming community through events like North Star Fest, its neighborhood farmers market, Fourth of July celebrations, National Night Out, and partnerships with organizations like Bikes for Kids.

Whether you're interested in volunteering, moving to Madison, Wisconsin, or simply want to create stronger connections where you live, this conversation offers practical ideas for building thriving neighborhoods.

Topics include:
• What neighborhood associations do
• Community engagement
• Working with city government
• Neighborhood events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Madison, Wisconsin neighborhoods
• Building stronger communities

Young people thrive when they have someone in their corner.

In this episode, Theresa talks with Irelyn Baumberger from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County about how one-to-one mentoring helps local youth gain confidence, build meaningful relationships, and discover new opportunities.

They discuss how the program works, the commitment required to become a mentor, inspiring success stories, fundraising events, and the many ways people can support the organization—even if they don't have time to volunteer.

Learn more at bbbsmadison.org.

Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because it's colorless, odorless, and impossible to detect without the proper equipment. Yet many homeowners don't realize how many potential sources of carbon monoxide exist inside and around their homes.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Louise Keller, National Training Manager at UEI Test Instruments, to discuss carbon monoxide safety, common misconceptions, and the simple steps every homeowner can take to protect their family.

Louise explains where carbon monoxide comes from, why every home should have a carbon monoxide alarm, the limitations of standard detectors, and how low-level exposure can affect both people and pets. The conversation also covers garage safety, generators, gas appliances, boating, ice fishing shelters, and other surprising sources of carbon monoxide that many homeowners overlook.

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or property manager, this episode offers valuable information that could help keep your household safe year-round.

• What carbon monoxide is and why it's dangerous
• Common sources of carbon monoxide in and around the home
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure
• Why standard CO alarms may not detect low-level exposure
• Garage and vehicle safety tips
• Generator safety best practices
• Protecting children and pets from carbon monoxide risks
• How HVAC professionals test for carbon monoxide
• Carbon monoxide alarm maintenance and replacement tips

🎙️ Home Comfort Zone Podcast is brought to you by All Comfort Services, proudly serving the Madison, Wisconsin area with heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and indoor air quality solutions.

http://www.allcomfortservices.com

#HomeComfortZone #CarbonMonoxideSafety #HomeownerTips #UEITestInstruments #AllComfortServices #HomeSafety #HVAC #FamilySafety

In This Episode:

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa welcomes Carlos Albelo from IPEX USA to discuss an important but often overlooked part of your home's heating system: furnace venting.

As building codes and industry standards continue to evolve, homeowners are hearing more about UL 1738 venting systems and what they may mean for future furnace installations and home improvement projects. Carlos explains what UL 1738 is, why it was developed, how Wisconsin's recent commercial code changes fit into the conversation, and what homeowners should consider when replacing equipment or finishing a basement.

This episode is designed to help homeowners better understand their options, ask informed questions, and plan for the future without getting lost in technical jargon.

Topics discussed:
• What UL 1738 means
• Why venting standards are changing
• Wisconsin commercial code updates
• Residential considerations and future trends
• Planning ahead for remodeling projects
• Replacing venting systems during equipment upgrades
• Questions homeowners should ask their HVAC contractor

Whether you're replacing a furnace, planning a renovation, or simply interested in learning more about how your home's systems work, this episode offers practical insights from an industry expert.

Guest:
Carlos Albelo
Regional Sales Manager
IPEX USA

All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin

http://www.allcomfortservices.com

🎙️ What started as a small idea in Wisconsin has grown into a North American movement of giving back.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa Girardi from All Comfort Services talks with Lennox Territory Manager Troy Schaefer about the Lennox Feel The Love program, an initiative that provides donated heating and cooling systems to deserving families and community members in need.

Troy shares how the program began in 2009, how nominations work, and why contractors across the U.S. and Canada continue to rally around this life-changing event each October. From veterans and teachers to coaches and volunteers, Feel The Love celebrates people who spend their lives helping others.

With more than 2,300 installations completed and over $12.6 million in donated equipment and materials, this program continues to make a lasting impact in communities everywhere.

Learn how you can nominate someone deserving at:
🌐 www.feelthelove.com

All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin http://www.allcomfortservices.com

#FeelTheLove #Lennox #HVAC #GivingBack #HomeComfortZonePodcast #AllComfortServices

Project Home has been helping Wisconsin homeowners stay safe, comfortable, and energy efficient for more than 55 years.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa talks with Adam Weisse, Executive Director of Project Home, about the nonprofit’s weatherization assistance programs, emergency heating repair services, home rehabilitation programs, and community partnerships.

They discuss:
• Energy assistance and weatherization programs
• Emergency furnace repair and replacement
• Minor and major home repair options
• Income qualification guidelines
• Housing stability in Dane County Wisconsin
• Community partnerships and workforce development
• Why homeowners should explore available assistance programs

If you’ve ever wondered what help may be available for home repairs or energy efficiency upgrades in Wisconsin, this episode is packed with valuable information and local resources.

Learn more at:
https://www.projecthomewi.org

All Comfort Services is an employee owned residential and commercial heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company service the greater Madison Wisconsin area for over 50 years.

Bloomin’ Farm Cooperative in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. What started as a simple act—giving away flowers in honor of his mother—grew into a powerful vision: creating a community-owned farm designed to last for the next 100 years.

Stan shares his journey from CEO to first-time farmer, the inspiration behind the cooperative model, and how this farm is becoming a place for connection, celebration, and community—from flower gardens and hayrides to holiday events and beyond.

You’ll also learn how the co-op works, what it means to be a member-owner, and why protecting local farmland matters now more than ever.

“This is one of the last great family farms… and you can be part of it.”

🌼 Whether you love local businesses, community stories, or just a good Midwest success story, this episode is full of inspiration and heart.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Maggie Schultz, HR Manager at 1901, a leading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction company celebrating 125 years in business.

They dive into what really makes a company successful—from strong leadership and company culture to building trust, developing employees, and creating a workplace where people actually want to show up and do their best work.

You’ll also learn:

• How company culture is built (and why it matters more than you think)
• What great leadership looks like in construction
• How 1901 attracts and develops talent
• Why values, trust, and relationships drive long-term success
• Opportunities in the trades, including youth apprenticeships

Whether you're a business owner, leader, or someone exploring careers in construction, this episode is packed with real-world insights.

All Comfort Services http://www.allcomfortservices.com

1901 Inc. https://www.1901inc.com/

As the number of unhoused individuals continues to grow in Madison, Wisconsin, so does the need for accessible healthcare.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Donna Maysak, Community Engagement Coordinator at Madison Street Medicine, a nonprofit delivering free medical care directly to people living outside.

From shelter clinics to mobile outreach, their team meets people wherever they are, building trust, improving health outcomes, and helping bridge the gap between vulnerable populations and the healthcare system.

You’ll hear how the program started, how it operates today, and the powerful impact it’s making in our community.

If you’re in the Madison area, this is an important conversation about a growing need, and how you can help.

Madison Street Medicine: https://www.madisonstreetmedicine.org/

All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin, with a community-minded vision.

More episodes here: https://www.allcomfortservices.com/podcast/

The Inflation Reduction Act is bringing major energy rebates to Wisconsin homeowners — but many people don’t realize they qualify.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Dylan Crye, Inflation Reduction Act Program Manager at Focus on Energy, to explain how the new HOMES and HEAR programs work and how homeowners can access thousands of dollars in energy efficiency upgrades.

They break down:
• Who qualifies for IRA rebates in Wisconsin
• How much homeowners can receive for heat pumps and upgrades
• Why an energy assessment is the first step
• What improvements provide the biggest savings
• How insulation and air sealing can dramatically improve home efficiency

Dylan also explains how homeowners can stack federal rebates, Focus on Energy incentives, and manufacturer discounts to make upgrades more affordable.

If your home was built before the 1980s — or you’re thinking about upgrading your heating, cooling, or insulation — this episode will help you understand your options.

http://www.focusonenergy.com

All Comfort Services is a trade ally and contractor for the IRA Focus On Energy Rebate Programs. http://www.allcomfortservices.com

What if a sewing machine could change someone’s life?

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, Theresa sits down with Margaret Jankowski, founder and director of The Sewing Machine Project, a Madison, Wisconsin-based nonprofit celebrating 20 years of impact.

Margaret shares the powerful story that sparked the organization after the 2004 tsunami, how thousands of donated sewing machines have been distributed across the country, and how sewing builds more than skills — it builds confidence, income, creativity, and community.

From refugee resettlement programs to women’s shelters and local library mending events, this episode highlights how one simple tool can create connection and opportunity.

Learn how you can donate, volunteer, or get involved at thesewingmachineproject.org.

All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin, with a community-minded vision.

More episodes here: https://www.allcomfortservices.com/podcast/

What really happens to everything we flush, rinse, and wash down the drain?

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone podcast, Theresa from All Comfort Services talks with Kathy Lake, Pollution Prevention Manager at the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, about how everyday household habits impact our wastewater system and the health of our local lakes and rivers.

From “flushable” wipes and pet waste to water softeners, road salt, and personal care products, Kathy explains what wastewater treatment plants can handle, why salt is one of the biggest challenges they face, and why pollution prevention is far more effective than expensive treatment after the fact.

You’ll learn:

•

What should never go down your drains or toilets

•

How salt from water softeners and roads affects freshwater

•

Why small changes by homeowners and businesses matter

•

Simple steps you can take today to help protect Wisconsin’s water

A practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone who uses water, which is all of us.

All Comfort Services is an employee-owned heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical company in Madison, Wisconsin, with a community-minded vision.

More episodes here: https://www.allcomfortservices.com/podcast/

Wisconsin’s fresh water is one of our most valuable resources—and everyday choices inside our homes play a bigger role in protecting it than many of us realize.

On this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, host Theresa sits down with Katherine Harris, Pollution Prevention Specialist at Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, to talk about salt reduction and the surprising impact water softeners have on our lakes, rivers, and drinking water.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•

Why water softeners are the largest source of salt entering local waterways

•

How to tell if your softener is using too much salt

•

Simple DIY ways to test where softened water is used in your home

•

Why toilets and outdoor faucets don’t need softened water

•

What blending valves are and how they improve efficiency

•

How small changes at home can make an immediate environmental impact

This practical, hopeful conversation shows how homeowners, plumbers, and communities can work together to protect Wisconsin’s fresh water—one small change at a time.

🔗 Helpful LinksMadison Metropolitan Sewerage District: https://www.madsewer.orgWisconsin SaltWise: https://www.wisaltwise.comAll Comfort Services: https://www.allcomfortservices.com

🎙️ Home Comfort Zone is hosted by Theresa, Marketing Manager at All Comfort Services.

Salt is a normal part of winter in Wisconsin—but it doesn’t just disappear when the snow melts.

In this episode of the Home Comfort Zone Podcast, host Theresa sits down with Allison Madison, Program Manager at Wisconsin Salt Wise, to talk about how salt pollution impacts drinking water, human health, and freshwater ecosystems across the state.

Allison explains how road salt and water softeners contribute to rising sodium and chloride levels, why that matters for people on low-sodium diets, and how increased salt can cause other contaminants—like manganese, arsenic, and radium—to enter drinking water. They also discuss the effects on lakes, fish, and algae, and share real-world solutions that communities are using to dramatically reduce salt use while keeping roads safe.

You’ll learn:

•

Why nearly 40% of Wisconsin public wells exceed recommended sodium levels

•

How salt affects lakes, fish, and water quality

•

The role water softeners play in salt pollution

•

What municipalities are doing differently to reduce salt use

•

Practical steps homeowners can take to make a difference

🎧 Learn more about Wisconsin SaltWise: https://wisaltwise.com

🌊 Learn more about All Comfort Services: https://www.allcomfortservices.com