Success Trails Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hank Ebeling
Interviews with small business owners and entreprenuers. These successful individuals share their tips/strategies that they are implementing that can help you achieve great success like them. Remember that success ALWAYS leaves a trail.
Robb is a founder of Axiom which is the manifestation of their shared vision to build something bigger than themselves.
After repeatedly referring clients to each other, Robb and his co-founder Cody recognized how similar—and yet vastly different—their two unique disciplines were. How much stronger could they be if they joined forces? A lot, as it turns out.
Together with a dream-team of professional creators, we work to multiply our clients’ efforts and make quality, one-of-a-kind content.
https://www.weareaxiom.com/
Also..
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
Dan Goodman is one of the owners of Varsity House. For more on Dan and Varsity House check out the links below:
https://varsityhousegym.com/
https://businessofstrength.com/about/
Also..
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
Doug runs the cafe, David the bookstore. This duo puts out not only great books and food but hospitality. As owners of Town House Cafe these two run a smooth service first operation.
For more:
https://townhousecafe.com/
Also..
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
Ryan is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Pollyanna Brewing Company.
Also..
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
In this episode, Drew English, Founder of Charter and Co. shares his experience of building a successful video production company. Find his company with the link below.
https://www.charterandcompany.com/
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
This episode features two amazing business owners and therapists in Stacy McCarthy and Lindsay Fleming. Not only are they great business leaders put they also have their own podcast called Take Two.
Their business
https://www.mainstcounselingsolutions.com/
Their podcast
https://www.lindsayfleminglpc.com/taketwopod
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
This episode features Katie Fish from the Kat Fish Group. With over 25 years of real estate experience, Katie knows the ins and outs of the business. She has spent time in sales, sales management, recruiting, training and hiring at both Pulte Homes and Centex Homes.
For more info on Katie checkout her website below.
https://thekatfishgroup.kw.com/
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
In this episode you get to hear some great insight from our youngest guests yet. From a family heartbreak to a successful business listen in as these brothers dish out advice that you ca adopt for your business.
You can purchase their great product below:
https://www.brothersnuts.com/
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
Jim Duda,third-generation family owner of Millie’s since 2016 which has been open since 1959.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
Jenny has been dancing for over 30 years and studied jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and musical theater. She has been teaching since 1999 throughout the Chicago area.
From her first ballet class at the age of 3, Jenny had a passion for dancing and performing. Throughout her youth, she danced at Palmer’s Dance & Gymnastics and Dorothy’s Dancing Unlimited. Jenny also performed in theatrical productions such as "The Nutcracker" with Pennsylvania Ballet Company and "The Night Before Christmas" with Dayton Ballet.
In 2012 she realized where her true passion was, and that is in the studio with her students. After focusing on her career for 10 years, she decided to pursue her dream of teaching full-time. Jenny formed Dreams Dance Academy – a true life-long dream. She started "Dreams Dance Academy: The Traveling Studio" in July 2012 by renting space at community and fitness centers in three towns, and it skyrocketed from there.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
After traveling the world to seek out the best wines, the finest earth, and the most knowledgeable winemakers in the world, Ann & Phil decided it was time to make their own wine. What started as a hobby has turned into a passion to connect the midwest with a-list wine culture. After studying winemaking with UC Davis, the best winemaking school in the United States, they produced multiple award-winning wines. That led them to begin raising their own vines in 2016 in Harbor Country, Michigan..
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
**As the daughter of Puerto Rican and Italian immigrants, Renee's mixed heritage has given her a unique lens to view the world. She is the CEO and founder of My Half of The Sky, a social justice coffee shop that addresses social concerns and systemic injustice through opportunity.
Renee is passionate about creating hope & bringing healing to women with obstacles to employment due to poverty, addictions, trafficking or life as a refugee. She believes opportunity & relationships are essential to helping women live a better story. Renee has worked for over 20 years with grassroots organizations that remind both men and women that there is hope after trauma or hardship. She believes opportunity gives dignity and value. Renee desires to trail blaze the concept that businesses and Capitalism can use the marketplace to build sustainable enterprises while doing good.
Renee is a member of: Women’s Speakers Collective, Propel Women**, and several Direct trade, Fair Trade & Ethical Fashion Movements
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
Gladys Schanstra, CMKBD, Allied ASID, studied aerospace and mechanical engineering before falling in love with design and earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Chicago’s Harrington College of Design. Today, she is president of Schanstra Design Group in Melrose Park, IL, and president/CEO of Drury Designs. Schanstra Design Group, a company formed by Schanstra, acquired Drury Design, her former employer, in 2021 and kept that company identity as a DBA.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
Kate Kemph is the owner of Kie & Kate which celebrates 12 years at their brick and mortar store and 15 years in business. They are the proud recipient of the 2016 & 2017 Best Women's Clothing Store by Suburban Life Magazine and 2016 Most Distinct Gift Shop by Glancer Magazine.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For this episode:
Rya Tracy opened his original Beer On The Wall in Park Ridge expanding out to Arlington Heights in 2020, and Elmhurst in 2023. When a free moment is afforded to him, he enjoys teaching his son to wall jump in Mario 64, teaching his daughter how to cook a proper French omelette, and losing to his wife in board games.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
Jackie Errico has been in the fitness industry for over 13 years. She has her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and her Master’s in Business Administration. Jackie is a nationally certified strength and conditioning coach, a certified personal trainer, and co-owner of Just Lift Fitness.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For todays episode:
Born and raised in Mexico City, Julio moved with his family to Illinois in 1996. He had his first experience working in a restaurant at Tia Maria’s, the Mexican restaurant that Ricardo (his stepfather) had taken over more than a decade earlier in Geneva, Illinois. Here he gained hands on experience at almost every kitchen and FOH position in the restaurant, something that would come in handy some years later. Julio decided to leave his career in the sports industry in 2012 when presented with the opportunity to move back to Illinois to help his family with their growing restaurants. His administrative, managerial, marketing and business background helped them expand from a single restaurant to a multi-unit restaurant group by implementing new business practices across all areas of the restaurants.
Links:
https://www.bientruchagroup.com
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.
https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
For today's episode:
Sarah Whitt is the owner + curator of House of 423, a boutique featuring an elevated line of women’s clothing and accessories from everyday to formalwear needs. 2022 accolades include Batavia Mainstreet Business Rookie of the Year, Kane County Magazine’s Finest Women’s Boutique and one of the recipients of Batavia’s Grow Your Business scholarship funded through the Batavia Chamber and the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center. She was also featured on WGN’s Small Business Saturday Segment.
Website: houseof423.com
IG: house.of.423
FB: https://www.facebook.com/house.of.423?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Use code Success Trails for 15% off in-store purchase
Vince Balistreri a renowned leader in the food and beverage industry. As partner of Niche Restaurant, it has always been his job to not only make his customers happy but also maintaining niche as one of the top restaurants in the Illinois.
In this episode some topics we discuss:
Importance of having the right fit when it comes to employees
Conducting interviews and the challenges of today's hiring pool
How Niche transformed their look and feel and had success
What you can learn from other businesses in your industry
Links
https://www.nichegeneva.com/
Jamie Saam and Lisa Koivu are the ladies behind Start Something Studio. It is a women-owned digital marketing company and consultancy. Its services include web design, small business photo sessions, social media coaching
This episode has two parts to it. The first half of the episode we chat more about their business and then the second half the ladies give out tips for small business owners when it comes to websites, marketing and social media.
Links:
Website
https://startsomething.studio
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/startsomething.studio/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/startsomethingstudio
Eric Farrell along with his partners own Bottle Theory a hybrid taproom and bottle shop with a 600-square-foot kitchen in the suburbs of Chicago.
In this episode we discuss some topics which include:
What Eric learned from his hospitality background
How to compete in a crowded market
The value of face to face interactions
The importance of the owner to be involved in the interview process
Website:
https://bottletheorytaproom.com
In this episode I have the honor to interview a mentor and friend Todd Durkin. Todd Durkin, MA, is an internationally recognized performance coach, trainer, keynote speaker, author, and life-transformer who motivates, educates and inspires people worldwide. He trains NFL, MLB, MMA athletes at his award-winning gym, Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA. He is a 2-time Trainer of the Year, a best-selling author, a recipient of the Jack LaLanne Award, and the 2018 Canfitpro International Presenter of the Year. His Todd Durkin IMPACT Show podcast motivates millions, he leads
the Todd Durkin Mastermind Group for fitness entrepreneurs.
We discuss topics that include:
Managing energy versus managing time
Everything starts with YOU
The 7 "F"s
How be more successful without working more hours
For more on Todd visit:
https://todddurkin.com
https://www.instagram.com/todddurkin/?hl=en
In 2017, after 6 years of living in LA and searching tirelessly for a bagel that hit the right spot, Zach Liporace decided to take matters into his own hands. After scouring Los Angeles for a bagel that married a soft, fluffy inside with a fresh crispy exterior, and just the right amount of chewiness, Pop's bagel journey began in a small studio apartment in Los Feliz.
In this episode we discuss:
How you need to grind in the early years to build your business
The challenges of handling not so great employees
How you can discover new ideas by visiting other businesses
Expansion to multiple locations
https://www.instagram.com/popsbagelsla/https://business.facebook.com/popsbagelsla/popsbagelsla.com
In this episode I speak with the husband and wife duo behind The Bridge Lemont. With no experience in the event venue space this couple has transformed an old building into a gorgeous and profitable wedding venue.
In this episode we discuss:
The importance of learning your industry from others who have had success
Marketing a new business through social media
Balancing a business together as a couple
Making adjustments within your business as you grow
Taking care of your team properly
And more!
For more about The Bridge Lemont:
https://thebridgelemontil.com
Do you know the origin of the word amateur? Today’s guest Sarah, of Sarah Crost Creative talks about starting a small business, and then starting over again. We discuss the joy of being a professional amateur and what customer service traits transfer across industries.
Sarah’s service mindset was an asset when she started in the hospitality industry, helped her shine in wedding photography, and continues to be an asset as a branding photographer for small businesses.
We talk about
Creating a sustainable worklife,
Being stubborn with your happiness,
Looking for opportunities to be an amateur at something new.
To learn more about what Sarah’s up to this week, visit her website: www.sarahcrost.com or follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.crost.creative/
Monica Lefever owns Evolet Eve Wine Shop which is an experience like no other in the way to shop for artisan wine and craft beer. The space is designed with family in mind, so whether or not you have your kids, you can get the wine shopping experience.
Monica’s shares about major roadblocks due to the pandemic and the sudden drop of bank funding she experienced. She also shares about how important a quality business plan is if you are going after money for your business.
This episode features two smart and energetic women in Meghan Cox and Bridget Nolan of Sunshine Social Media.
In this episode you will learn:
-How Sunshine Social Media grew its business early on
-How a match made in heaven was made by Megan in connecting with Bridget
-The importance of not comparing yourself to other businesses in your field
-Great tips on social media for your business!
And much more!
Adam Pratt owns the unique business Chaos To Memories https://chaostomemories.com located in Wheaton Illinois. With 20 years of experience in technology and design, Adam helps clients organize their family photos, preserve their memories, and tell their story.
In this episode we discuss:
Why Adam is against discounting and likes giveaways
What Adam learned from his time at Adobe when it comes to your customers and clients
Building a staff
And much more!
Nicki Anderson has accumulated knowledge over the years with her different roles from business owner to running a local chamber of commerce.
In this episode Nicki discusses:
Being proactive versus being reactive
Insights from working within the chamber of commerce
Focusing on where you are spending your time
Not burning bridges
And much more!
Listen as owner of Red Hive Market Bridget Johnson discusses:
Why customer relationships are the reason they are business and why they are able to expand
Importance of getting to know your customers so you can understand what they want
Running a business with a spouse and the challenges that can bring
And much more!
For more information about Red Hive Market check them out:
https://redhivemarket.com
In this episode I chat with Tony Russo who after over 17 years in the real estate business as a broker, Tony recognized a shift in the way people want to work as the concept of “office space” evolved. He saw a need for more coworking spaces and set out to provide this option to their very own community. Since opening TeamUp in April of 2019, he has enjoyed seeing the members network and help each other grow their businesses.
This episode you will learn:
-The importance of building a community in any business
-Tips when it comes to real estate
-Using your network to help your business early on
-Why you need to collect feedback to understand your customers needs
In this episode I chat with small business owner Juliana Cancelo who along with her mother owns Bocaditos Cafe. You will learn how she navigates a family business and keeps her personal and professional relationships strong. We also discuss how her experience in marketing has helped their business and what tips she would pass along to you! As a mother and wife Juliana has a journey in business ownership that many can relate to.
Steve and Katie are a husband and wife duo who are the owners of Beyond Measure Training in the suburbs of Chicago. Steve took a leap of faith and opened his facility right out of college without any business knowledge. In this episode we dive into what his experience was in being such a young entrepreneur. We also talk about what its like to work with your spouse and how you can use masterminds to your benefit.
Villa Park native and University of Illinois, Chicago graduate, Joe Fontana got his start as a valet working at over 140 restaurant and bar venues including some of Chicago’s staples such as The Redhead Piano Bar, Ranallis, Mothers, and the Italian Village. After finding a passion for the industry, Joe worked his way up from barback, to server, to bartender to manager at the late Doc Ryan’s in Elmhurst. 6 years of pursuing different marketing and sales jobs in the “real world,” Joe decided to return to hospitality with a small dream of opening a restaurant. So in 2015 Joe opened a pop-up Meatball stand in Oceanside, California. It wasn’t long before the meatball stand was selling out night after night and Meatball Republic was born. In 2016 Joe signed a lease for the Meatball Republic, but after a heartbreaking real estate deal gone wrong, Joe was forced to look at other locations. After a year of searching for the right spot, a golden gem made it self available, but this time it wasn’t for meatballs. In 2017, Joe opened Fry the Coop, a Nashville Fried Chicken joint focused on becoming the “In and Out” of Nashville Hot Chicken. Fry the Coop got off to a fast start serving 1000’s of guest per week in its first month and has big plans for the future.
Marie Herman went from dabbling into a side hustle to turning it into a full time fix figure business.Marie Herman is now the owner of MRH Enterprises LLC, which provides speaking, writing, and training services, as well as corporate consulting to help office professionals advance their careers. In this episode Marie talks about how she has grown her business by strictly word of mouth and creating raving fans. Marie always talks about providing more value in your offerings.
Eric Schlickman never planned to get into the restaurant business. In fact, he started his career in the architecture field. It was during a car ride with his wife and a conversation centered around the fact that a local landmark deli was going to be closing that led him to the restaurant industry. In this episode Eric talks about running two businesses and how he uses his design and architecture background in building out his restaurants.
Kevin Walker is an entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses and different concepts. Kevin owns 3 Mexican themed restaurants called El Famous Burrito and 1 juice and smoothie bar called Extract Juicery. In this episode Kevin shares his experience in running multiple successful businesses and how to make sure your employees are in the right seats within the business.
Jan Barbeau started doing travel on the side as a fun extra gig. She then started doing events for her church and eventually turned it into a real business in Events By Jan. In this episode Jan shares about her challenges during Covid, the importance of listening to your customers and the power of a strong team.
Mike Scorzo decided to make his dream job a reality. After spending years in the education world Mike took a leap and decided to open his bakery Masterpiece Bread. In this episode Mike shares some great insights on the importance of customer service, being prepared and how to attract new team members.
Couple Doug & Lacie developed their business plan for a wine room during the beginning of COVID. Understanding their current roles with their careers might be massively changed they decided this was their time to take the jump.
Jon is the perfect example of a business owner who learned the trade through a mentor. In this episode Jon talks about not being afraid to go for it! He talks about what you need to do to work with the higher end demographic and succeed. Jon is someone who thinks about how he can make life easier for his customers and that has led to his success.
Tanya Smith is a mother of 2 and all-star entrepreneur. As a former VP of a software company, she traveled the world and lead their marketing and growth efforts In, 2016 she took the plunge and opened her own business Addelise named after her two daughters. In this episode, Tanya will share what its like to start a business from the ground up, the importance of mentors and the importance of automating processes. Tanya also gives gives some advice on website design and branding for business owners.
Female entrepreneur powerhouse Mara Hauser has so many lessons to share! She discusses what it was like being a young female business owner. Mara talks about the importance of finding a community of like minded individuals to help your success in business. We discuss making sure team members are in the right seat on the bus as you develop your culture. I love Mara's ideas for what she calls a "dashboard report" when she talks about discussions with her team.
Jay DeMarco has opened multiple successful restaurants in the Chicagoland suburbs. Despite not having a college degree, Jay has worked his butt off to go from a young guy working at the famous Rosebud to opening his first restaurant. Jay shares great lessons in hospitality, building a team and opening multiple locations.
Being a business owner is flat out tough. But when you can share the struggles and successes with others it is a tremendous help. In today's episode I get to chat with all three of the owners of the Rustic Fox in Martyn, Lisa and Nicole. Each one of them brings a different strength to the group which is the reason they have been able to have the success they have had. The Rustic Fox is a 20000 sq foot multi vendor marketplace offering furniture, home decor, clothing, vintage and new from over 150 small businesses.
How does a guy from Belgium and a woman from Chicago come together to for success? In today's episode we talk to the husband and wife owner of Lekkco, a chocolate spread brand who have been growing their business at a rapid rate!
Who doesn't love pretzels?! Joe Fatla recently founded Pretzel Crack, which is a craft snack pretzel business. Joe is new into the business game and his insights are great for those who are just starting out or have been a veteran in business.
Sarah Coe has been in the interior design business since 2003. She built her business in the Indianapolis area before making the move to the Chicagoland suburbs to where she now owns and operates Sarah Coe Designs. Sarah shares great insights on how she was able to grow her business in two different cities and how she delivers great service to her clients.
Tom Kelly is the founder and owner of Potential In Motion, Inc. As a coach, Tom is dedicated to working with salespeople, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate executives that want to reach their full potential in both their business and their life. Tom has worked and studied under greats like Ken Blanchard and Ton Robbins.
In this episode I talk to Joe Chura who began his career on the Ford assembly line at age 20, reading his college textbooks seconds at a time in between building cars. Over the next decade Joe gained experience at many different levels in the automotive industry — including Ford Marketing and Sales, dealership General Manager, and BDC Manager. With a passion for both computer programming and selling cars, Joe co-founded Dealer Inspire (DI) to build new solutions to help dealers win. In a few short years, Dealer Inspire has grown to 600 employees serving over 3,000 clients and 27 OEM brands with game-changing innovation.
In this first full episode of 2021 I sit down with Marshall McCarty Chef/Owner of The Walrus Room in Geneva and Owner of The Burger Shops with locations in Geneva and Saint Charles. Marshall's 18 year hospitality career started in college, as a bartender while getting a B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication. From there he's worked in a wide variety of restaurant concepts from fast food to fine dining and in every position from dishwasher to General Manager. Each experience built the foundation he would later use to create the restaurant concepts he owns an operates today.
Tim went from IT nerd(sorry Tim) to starting and running his own successful business. His business Magnitech in which he started 10 years ago is growing each year and is an industry leader. Tim is full of knowledge and has some great insight in how to build the right culture for your business to excel.
Could you imagine opening a business in a pandemic? Well, that is exactly what Ed Symbol did when he opened Ed's Basement his next business venture. Learn how Ed managed to open a business in chaos and how he has succeed with other business ventures. Ed is a veteran in the hospitality industry and has learned what it takes to treat people the right way in order to thrive in business.
Michael LaFido is a real estate consultant and top-producing Realtor with over twenty years of experience in the real estate industry. Michael’s marketing has been the featured cover story in Crain’s Chicago Business and highlighted in Forbes and FOX News Chicago Business Hour. He is also the author of the books “Luxury Listing Specialist”, “Outside The Box”, and “Marketing Luxury”. In this episode you will hear Michael talk about how he went from knowing nothing to real estate to becoming one of the most successful realtors in the area. Michael also talks about the importance of thinking like a marketer no matter what industry you are in.
Frank owns and operates Dominick's Pizza in the western suburbs of Chicago. Frank has been in the industry since he was young and has helped transform his dads business along with his siblings into the success it is today.
Self proclaimed beer nerd, Dave is an entrepreneur who has two craft beer stores in the suburbs of Chicago. In this episode Dave talks about what he did during the COVID lockdown and how his business continue to grow today in a competitive market.
Allison and Natalie are sisters and business partners in their women's clothing and gift store called Blonde Boutique. Natalie's background in fashion paired with her sisters business insight has helped their business thrive. As busy moms these ladies have balanced their family and business life.
Judy, founder of K'Tizo Tea, is passionate about tea, enjoying the history and traditions that binds tea and culture together.Judy also owns and operates Cafe K'Tizo which sells tea, coffee and small food items. Judy has built a great community feel at her cafe and has tons of knowledge in building a strong team.
Pat Bartel owns and operates Bartel's Auto Clinic which has three locations throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. Learn what its like to get into the family business and to grow it to the next level.
Michael Perich is one successful and entertaining entrepreneur. Not only does he own his own retail store but he also built a very successful makeup and skin care line from the ground up. What I love about this episode is the message Michael shares that everything doesn't have to be about money or about what others want you to be. It is all about you and what you want!
Leah is a speaker, author and owner of Vision Force marketing. In this episode Leah speaks of the challenges of running a marketing business with your spouse. She also gives some advice to business owners on marketing and much more!
Mario Spina is the owner and CEO of Parent Petroleum. Mario took over a family business from his father and has continued to grow the business.He has experience in the petroleum industry, convenience stores and real estate.
Nick is the CEO of one of the top ten busiest independent pizza companies in per-store sales in the U.S. In an industry in which the average annual turnover rate is more than 150 percent, Nick’s Pizza & Pub boasts less than a 25 percent employee turnover rate. Nick’s restaurants have won the National Restaurant Association/American Express “Good Neighbor Award” four times and have been featured in Chicago’s Bestfor having “Great Pizza and [a Great] Company.”
Debbie has been a successful entrepreneur her entire life. Eventually she decided to follow her passion and belief that everyone should practice yoga and opened NEXT yoga with her daughter, Laurenn Duncan. Today NEXT yoga has 2 locations and a thriving business.
Jim founded JIMMYBAR with his sister in Chicago back in 2013. He was frustrated with what his choices on the market were and wanted something better. Since its humble beginnings JIMMYBAR now is in 13,000 stores and 6 countries! Jim is someone who has knowledge on how to grow and develop a brand from out of nothing.
Isaac along with his wife own Kimmers Ice Cream which has 3 locations throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. Kimmers has been scooping up amazing homemade ice cream since 2010. Learn how he and his wife have grown their business as young entrepreneurs.
In this episode Dr. Dan Press discusses what it is like running a successful optometrist practice battling the big names like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision. Dan owns Park Ridge Vision and is board certified in vision development and therapy. He is a frequent lecturer both in the US and internationally on topics related to pediatric vision can and vision therapy.
Niki Moon has been in the salon business since she was 13! She currently is the owner of Niki Moon Salon in Naperville Illinois. Her salon is fully owned and operated by a team of amazing women. Niki Moon Salon has been voted the number 1 salon in their area, and were selected in the top 100 businesses in all of North America by Yelp. Her salon has also been voted in the top 20 salons in North American by Salon Today Magazine
Sam Vlahos has had an entrepreneurial drive ever since growing up as a young kid. It just so happened that drive landed him in the restaurant business. Out of college, Sam partnered with a single pizza company, as he saw a great concept and helped expand it within a year to 3 locations. The company currently has over 7 locations and is beginning to franchise. Sam then changed gears after the third and started full service restaurants/bars including Fuller House and Pierce Tavern.Today, Sam has a staff of over 150 people and sales are reaching eight figures. Sam is excited for what’s to come as he looks for more expansion in the coming years.
Scott Brennecke founded a distribution business in 1987 that delivered popcorn to Chicago area hotels, sports bars, hospitals, corporate headquarters, bowling alleys and museums. This was a business that Scott owned for 28 years. In 2011 Scott developed a formula for a mens aftershave and grew that into a separate business. Eventually it expanded into several related product lines including aftershave, shaving cream, shave balm, shaving soap, and a very popular line of lather bowls. As this second business grew it became necessary to sell the distribution business to better focus on Captain’s Choice which is the business he currently owns and operates.
David Grossman is a Chicago native and lifelong entrepreneur of the restaurant industry. David has worked as an area developer for Subway restaurants as their director of real estate. David was responsible for the site selection and lease negotiations for over 100 Subway locations in Chicago, the vast majority of which are still in operation today. David also spent time as head of the restaurant leasing team for General Growth Properties.Since leaving GGP David has opened up 40 Freshii stores and currently owns 3 of the highest volume stores in the Chicago market. David also is a partner in DMK Burger Bar and has plans to franchise. Grossman philosophy: We all experience life a little bit differently and we bring different skills and abilities to the team as a product of our experiences. When we come to work with the mindset that we not only have something to offer, but a lot more to learn, the whole team gets a boost of energy that is hard to miss and really makes everyone's job so much more enjoyable and productive.