Scaling with Purpose: Aaniie’s Journey in a Giant-Dominated Industry
Published on January 13, 2026 by Scott Zielski
“What does it take for a small, dynamic firm to challenge the major players in an industry dominated by giants?”
“How do you scale a business that’s reshaping home care while staying true to the people and communities you serve?”
These were some of the questions at the heart of a recent roundtable between Scott Zielski and Jerry Kuehl on the Banker With a Beer podcast.
The prominent podcast from Northwestern Bank unpacks financial insights from a relaxed, local perspective.
On episode 244, Scott Zielski, our President and CEO, joined host Jerry Kuehl for a casual discussion over a cool Point Root Beer. Sharing the story and journey of Aaniie, Scott went behind the scenes to discuss growing a tech-driven care platform in Eau Claire, navigating operational challenges, and pioneering solutions that empower caregivers, agencies, and families alike.
Their conversation explores a wide range of topics, from best strategies for caregiver retention to the ways real-time, all-in-one systems simplify complex operations. Along the way, listeners gain a unique look into how innovators can make an outsized impact in home care, taking on the industry’s biggest players while staying grounded in the community that nurtures them.
Whether you’re a home care professional or a business leader – or simply curious about how disruptors transform industries – the discussion offers insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.
Let’s dive in a little deeper, or you can listen to the full podcast episode below.