Whiskey and Risk: Recent Episodes
J. Krug
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Larson, General Manager of the Schaumburg Boomers, who pulls back the curtain on what it takes to turn a minor league ballpark into a must-visit experience. From the fan-first atmosphere to the creative touches that keep people coming back, Michael shares how the Boomers have become more than just a baseball team, they’re a full-blown entertainment brand.
With thousands of fans walking through the gates each year, plus everything from bounce houses and fireworks to live entertainment and on-field promotions, managing risk is no small feat. The general liability coverage behind a professional baseball team is far more complex than your average business. As an entertainment venue, the Boomers face a unique set of exposures, and ensuring they’re properly protected is just as critical as delivering a great game-day experience.
Michael also offers straight-up, no-fluff advice for anyone looking to break into sports management: start at the bottom, say yes to everything, and learn what captures attention.
On this episode of Whiskey & Risk, we sit down with Conrad Szajna, Founder of Formed Space, a boutique design-build firm in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. With over a decade of experience in architecture and construction, Conrad has worked on a range of innovative projects, from modern school designs to high-end residential spaces. He shares how the industry has evolved over the past 10 years, from shifting trends in financing and banking to changes in subcontractor relationships and evolving customer expectations.
On this episode of Whiskey & Risk, we sit down with Brent, President of Sitkins Group, to discuss the biggest challenges facing independent agencies and how Sitkins helps them thrive. Brent shares his leadership journey, the power of producer specialization, and what sets their training apart. Plus, he gives us a glimpse into the future of Sitkins Group. If you're in the industry, you won’t want to miss this one!
In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Sandoval, a visionary entrepreneur who built a thriving career in real estate before founding At Home Advocacy, a company dedicated to supporting families of individuals with disabilities. Discover how Isaac scaled his business, transformed countless lives, and achieved the remarkable milestone of selling his company and retiring at the age of 39. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, and the power of entrepreneurship to create lasting change.
In this episode of Whiskey & Risk, hosts Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle from J. Krug sit down with Arjun Rishi, CEO and Founder of Virdio Health, to explore how AI is transforming physical therapy. Arjun shares his journey as a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years in software technology and discusses the inspiration behind Virdio Health—an AI-driven, at-home physical therapy platform tackling challenges like patient compliance, cost, and accessibility. Together, we delve into the risks of launching a health-tech startup in a $24+ billion market, how AI enhances patient engagement and outcomes while maintaining safety, and the importance of building trust through strong data and outcomes. Arjun also offers insights on risk management, scaling a business, and navigating the insurance landscape, all while revolutionizing the future of physical therapy and healthcare.
Join Jackson and Max as they sit down with the J. Krug interns, Jack Behling and Ben Fejer, over a glass of Whistlepig. In this candid conversation, the group discusses what initially drew the interns to J. Krug and their aspirations as they approach graduation. With both leaning toward careers as producers, Max shares his own journey about how he fell into the industry and the joy that he finds in building meaningful relationships.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on mentorship, career paths, and the challenges of navigating hard markets.
Join hosts Max and Jackson as they sit down with Nick Bonifas, EVP and COO of Alarm Detection Systems (ADS). Based in Aurora, IL, ADS has safeguarded homes and business across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Colorado since 1968.
In his episode, Nick shares ADS’s journey from a one-man operation to a 300+ employee powerhouse, offering top-notch alarm installation and in-house monitoring services. Discover how ADS achieved remarkable growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisition over its 65+ years.
Delve into the future of alarm monitoring and learn how Nick’s background as an attorney influenced his rise from the ADS warehouse to COO. Pour yourself a glass of Whistle Pig and join us for an insightful conversation about ADS’s success and vision driving its future.
‘Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey’
Max and Jackson are joined by the Co-COO of Titan Solar Power Gabrielle Marucha. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ with a presence across the United States, Titan Solar Power is the nation’s leading Rooftop Solar Contractor.
Tune in as the Whiskey & Risk team explore with Gabrielle what it takes to oversee a company of over 1,000+ employees and discuss the importance of Risk Management and Employee Benefits during times of rapid growth and expansion.
‘Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey’
Max Katzbeck & Jackson Doyle recorded the latest episode of Whiskey and Risk talking all things HR with Holly Schulz!! They talk Recruiting, Workers Compensation, Employee Benefits and other ways to help your HR. Department.
‘Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey’
Join Max and Jackson as they welcome Jacob Behrendt to the podcast to kick off 2024.
‘Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey’
Close out 2023 with a glass of your favorite Whiskey and the guys Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle.
‘Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey’
Max and Jackson enjoy some Buffalo Trace with guest Jeff Schulz - Principal of J. Krug as they talk about growth of the firm, office, family and a look forward to many great years ahead!
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max and Jackson as they give an update on the current State of the Property Market. Thanks to Vista Safety for sponsoring the episode with a great bottle of Colonel E.H. Taylor.
Enjoy a new episode of Whiskey and Risk as Max and Jackson talk with the J. Krug Partner of the Year Justin Schneider from Principal Financial.
Marshall and Rich Waksmundzki join the guys to talk Custom Elevators, Growing their Business and much more!
Email us at WhiskeyandRisk@jkrug.com
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max and Jackson while they discuss their 2023 goals for themselves, J Krug and the podcast!
Email us at WhiskeyandRisk@jkrug.com
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese
Editing: Richard Giese
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max, Jackson and special guest Tom Krug as they enjoy some whiskey and talk about J. Krug's beginnings and Tom's experience building the business.
Email us at WhiskeyandRisk@jkrug.com
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese
Editing: Richard Giese
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max and Jackson as they enjoy some whiskey and talk about business and insurance news!
Email us at WhiskeyandRisk@jkrug.com
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese
Editing: Richard Giese
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max and Jackson as they enjoy some whiskey and talk about business and insurance news!
Introduction: 00:38 Whiskey Talk: 01:05
Employee Spotlight: 02:26 Business Catch Up: 04:03
Insurance News - Amber Heard: 06:32 Insurance Spotlight – Reps and Warranties with Connor Walsh: 09:52 Outro: 18:55
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese
Editing: Richard Giese
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max and Jackson as they enjoy some Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky and talk about business and insurance news!
Introduction: 00:34 Whiskey Talk: 00:55 Business Catch Up: 2:45 Employee Spotlight: 7:43 Insurance Spotlight - Employment Practice Liability: 10:07 Insurance News: 18:22 Outro: 23:50
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese
Editing: Richard Giese
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Join Max and Jackson as they dive into what they see slip through the cracks when renewing policies.
Introduction: 0:34
Business Catch Up: 1:40
Importance of Annual Insurance Reviews: 4:32
Outro: 13:24
Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle
Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese
Editing: Richard Giese
Intro and Outro music: VYI Music – Whiskey
Welcome to Whiskey and Risk, a podcast where we talk about all things risky while drinking some whiskey.
Join us as Max and Jackson talk about their experience jumping into the world of risk management. Introduction: 0:37 Background: 2:27 Outro: 16:25 Hosts: Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle Producers: Jeff Schulz and Richard Giese Editing: Richard Giese Intro and Outro music: VYI Music - Whiskey