Episode 42 - Where Beauty, Honesty & Sustainability Meet with Ron Frisk

What happens when a passion for design, a commitment to community, and a belief in doing business the right way come together?

In this inspiring episode of PowerHouse SMART Cool Collabs, Wendy Cohen sits down with Ron Frisk, Managing Partner of Fuse MPLS, one of the Midwest's most respected luxury design showrooms and a true gathering place for the design community.

Ron shares the remarkable entrepreneurial journey that he and his wife, Christine, embarked upon together—transforming a vision years in the making into a thriving business rooted in three guiding principles: beauty, honesty, and sustainability.

Together, Wendy and Ron explore:

The unexpected twists and "Godwinks" that led to the creation of Fuse MPLS

Building a successful family business alongside your spouse

Why beauty, honesty, and sustainability serve as the foundation for every decision

Creating spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and community

Supporting artists, students, and the next generation of design leaders

Family legacy, business evolution, and what it means to build something that lasts

Why relationships, collaboration, and generosity remain the true measure of success

Throughout the conversation, Ron reminds us that the most meaningful businesses are not built solely around products and services—they are built around people, purpose, shared experiences, and a genuine desire to elevate others.

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode:

"A showroom became a community gathering place."

For Wendy, that simple phrase beautifully captures the essence of Ron's story—and why Fuse MPLS has become so much more than a showroom. It is a place where ideas are shared, relationships are nurtured, artists are supported, and community thrives.

We are also honored that Fuse MPLS, located within the iconic IMS Design Center in Minneapolis, will serve as the host venue for the 2026 PowerHouse SMART Minnesota Luxury Conference on November 4, 2026, welcoming industry leaders from across the region for a day of connection, inspiration, and growth.

A thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, family, design, generosity, and the enduring power of creating places where people belong.