Today we’d like to introduce you to Michell Stockmann.
Hi Michell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I never expected to become an entrepreneur. My dream was always to be a teacher, and I landed what felt like the perfect role at the school my daughters would attend. But after just one year, I was laid off. It was heartbreaking at the time, but that unexpected shift opened a new door.
My husband and I had been slowly building TechKnow Solutions, an IT business, out of our basement. We worked that business after school, on weekends, and during summers while I bounced between teaching jobs for a few more years. As our business grew, we decided I would step away from teaching to work it full time. It was a leap of faith that turned into a foundation for everything that followed.
Today, I lead several businesses, including TechKnow Solutions, our web and marketing firm, Women Empowering Women, a national organization rooted in connection and collaboration, Fantastick Pops, a popsicle food truck that my daughters run with my husband and I – along with 3 other business ventures and another local networking organization – Clinton County Connections.
I’ve learned not to keep all my eggs in one basket. I stay open to new opportunities and ideas, knowing each venture has its season and rhythm. Each business must align with a core value before it can even be considered.
I don’t do any of this alone. My husband is the backbone of everything I do and my biggest supporter. We talk through every opportunity together, weighing it against our shared values. We started dating in high school and have truly grown up together – through college, careers, parenting, and building a life we love.
Our daughters, even now as adults, are still part of that process. They’ve grown up alongside our businesses, and their voices matter in how we move forward as a family and as entrepreneurs.
Over the years, I’ve also been shaped by incredible mentors, deep friendships, and the support of a community that believes in showing up for one another. At the heart of it all is a belief in purpose over ego, connection over competition, and building a life that aligns with who we are . . . and who we’re becoming.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road?? Hahaha! Definitely NOT a smooth road. Entrepreneurship comes with peaks and valleys, and I’ve learned that the dips often teach you the most valuable lessons.
That first layoff early in my career hit me hard. I had done everything “right” and still found myself starting over. I was 4-5 month’s pregnant with my second child, I was losing my dream job and there was a lot of unknowns. But it taught me how to pivot and build something new instead of waiting for doors to reopen.
Then later, stepping away from a steady paycheck to run a business full time was a leap that paved a road with lots of forks and twists and turns.
Juggling multiple businesses also means juggling different roles, priorities, and emotions. I’ve had seasons where I felt stretched thin or unsure of the next step. And I’ve had seasons full of growth and celebrations. That’s where my circle matters most. My family keeps me grounded, and I’ve been fortunate to have trusted friends and colleagues who keep me focused and remind me to rest, reset, and reevaluate when needed.
Some of the hardest moments have led to the greatest growth. Challenges have a way of uncovering strengths I didn’t even know I had and have taught me lessons I didn’t know I needed. I’ve learned to lead with flexibility, curiosity, and heart, even when the path is unclear. I’m a very trusting person by nature and that trust has burned me more times than not.
It’s required me to have more difficult conversation than I’ve cared to have over the years.
True success isn’t about avoiding struggle, it’s about showing up in the middle of it, staying open to the process, and finding meaning in the mess. You sure don’t see it while you’re in it – it takes time for reflection later on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TechKnow Solutions | Women Empowering Women?
What I do depends on the day, because I run a few different businesses and organizations, but I think what I’m known most for is being a master connector and a helpful resource.. Whether it’s an online presence or community-building, the thread that runs through everything I do is a desire to help people feel seen, supported, and successful.
At TechKnow Solutions, we help small businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders show up well online. We specialize in web design, branding, and marketing strategy, with a strong focus on listening first. We don’t do cookie-cutter. We meet people where they are and help them tell their story in a way that connects with their audience.
With Women Empowering Women, our mission is built around connection and collaboration. We’ve grown into a national organization that creates space for women to expand their mindset and build real relationships that go beyond networking. It’s a safe space for women to gather and share their successes and struggles and I’m so proud of what we’ve built.
At Fantastick Pops we work together as a family bringing joy and delicious artisan popsicles to all corners of our community. Because we all have full time jobs we use this to fund our family vacations and experiences. It’s a fun outlet for us and we love seeing the joy our trucks and pops bring.
Vacation Creations started with a connection. A client was looking for a better management system for her growing travel agency and I introduced her to a colleague who builds software systems. The two built a system that is now one of the fastest growing CRM’s in the travel industry space. I lead the marketing efforts and help tell the story of that platform. It’s a perfect example of how powerful collaboration can be when the right people come together.
The same philosophy drives Clinton County Connections, a local networking group I’ve led for nearly a decade whose goal is to connect businesses and organizations to work together and learn more about what’s available in our community.
What sets me and my businesses apart in everything I do? I lead with intention. I stay grounded in values. I don’t just build businesses – I build relationships. That, to me, is the kind of work that lasts.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Gosh, that feels like a lifetime ago! I was the oldest kid at nearly every family gathering or outing with my parent’s friends, so I naturally took on the role of organizer, entertainer, and babysitter. I didn’t mind, I actually loved being in charge and I think it cultivated my dream of becoming a teacher. Keeping younger kids occupied came pretty naturally, and I kept babysitting well into my twenties because it was fun and flexible (and profitable!)
In school, I wasn’t part of the “popular” crowd, but I always had great friends and could float between different groups. I’ve always been someone who can find a way to get along with just about anyone.
Once I was old enough to drive, I stayed busy. I waited tables, worked the front desk at a hotel, and did all kinds of customer service jobs. Those roles shaped how I show up today – I learned how to listen, how to serve people well, and how to create a positive experience, even when things were stressful.
Family has always been at the center of my life, even well before I truly appreciated it. Growing up, we spent a lot of time together – whether it was family dinners, road trips or camping outings. That closeness never faded. Today, my parents are still a big part of our lives. They’ve been a constant source of support for Jason and me, and they’ve taken on the role of doting grandparents to our daughters – which is honestly the sweetest thing to watch. We still travel together, tackle projects as a team, and just genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Seeing the bond between my parents and my daughters brings me so much joy. It’s a reminder that connection and togetherness are what really matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.techknowsolutions.com | www.wewnational.com | www.fantastickpops.com | www.vacationcreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techknowsolutions/ | https://www.instagram.com/wewnational/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TechKnowSolutions | https://www.facebook.com/WomenEmpoweringWomenUSA/
