Saturday

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The Savvy Entrepreneur is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs make their journey to success faster and easier by sharing tools, tips, and resources, inspiration, and advice.  The show has a special focus on under-represented entrepreneurs, including women, minorities, immigrants, and vets. My goal is to inspire current entrepreneurs as well as those thinking about taking the plunge.  I host a wide variety of guests on the show, talking about all aspects of business and entrepreneurship. Give me a shout if you have a topic you'd like to hear about, a resource or story to share, or a challenge you're dealing with, or if you know someone who'd be a great guest:  dnagel@thesavvyentrereneur.org. Program Dates and Guests: Future guests: Samantha Schwartz, Director of Business Services, Workbox (Chicago-based co-working space & accelerator) Barbara Provost, Founder, PurseStrings (a financial resource platform for women business owners) Jenna Piche, Founder, First Light Productivity (productivity coaching for women business owners)   July 1, 2023 -- Joe Krueger, President, Inspira Consultancy (Does Your Brand Need a Refresh?) June 17, 2023 -- Laura Gallagher, Founder, The Creative Company (Why Women Entrepreneurs Need to Say "No" to Silos).  Listen to the show.  June 10, 2023 -- Marisella Vallano, Owner, Marvil Fit (building a fitness studio & personal training business) June 3, 2023 -- Scott Nicholson, serial entrepreneur (KO, Jurassic Junk & more; building businesses around your kids).  Listen to the show. May 27, 2023 -- Anna Maria Viti-Welch, Owner, The Viti Companies (business risks and insurance).  Listen to the show. May 20, 2023 -- Jamie Blythe, C0-Founder, Blythe Martin Entertainment (children's entertainment & voiceover business).  Listen to the show. May 6, 2023 -- Lori Dann, Founder, President's Leadership Council (facilitating CEO to CEO mentoring in small groups).  Listen to the show. April 29, 2023 -- Jennifer Conroyd, Founder, Fluid Running (the story of Fluid Running, a deep water fitness company).  Listen to the show. March 11, 2023 - - Al & Sarah Katz, First Search (How to find & land great employees).  Listen to the show. March 4, 2023 -- Nora Kerr, Founder, Memoir For Me (life story books).  Listen to the show.   February 25, 2023 -- Andrea Herran, Founder, Focus HR (Things to Consider When Hiring Your First Employee).  Listen to the show. February 18, 2023 -- Nicola Brown, Founder, KOKORO (Finding Your True Purpose).  Listen to the show. February 11, 2023 -- Jeff Galas, Founder & Head of Sales, On Purpose Growth (Tips for How to Scale Effectively).  Listen to the show. February 4, 2023 -- Nathan Wiens, President & Founder, NWC Media and UAV Chicago (Tips for Video Marketing).  Listen to the show. January 28,2023 -- Tom Still, Wisconsin Technology Council (Annual Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Competition & tips for being successful in pitch competitions).  Listen to the show. November 19, 2022 -- Trina Ntmere, Principal & Founder, Lavender Eucalyptus (consulting for non-profits).  Listen to the show. November 12, 2022 -- Charlotte Trecartin, Founder, CharCharms (creating an online b2C business; cool water bottle charms & more).  Listen to the show. (November 5, 2022 -- Allison Staiger, Founder, The Matriarchy (providing support for feminist businesses).  Listen to the show. October 22, 2022 -- Lori & Traci Tapani, Co-Presidents, Wyoming Machine (Innovating in manufacturing; taking over the family business). Listen to the show. October 8, 2022 -- Jill Salzman, Founder, Founding Moms (support for entrepreneurs who are moms).  Listen to the show. October 1, 2022 -- Jordy & Jahna McNamara, Co-Founders, Critter (pet-related apps; creating a new app business).  Listen to the show. September 25, 2022 -- Heather Wentler, Executive Director & Co-founder, Doyenne Group (networking, education & support for women entrepreneurs).  Listen to the show. September 18, 2022 -- Maria Onesto Moran, CEO & Founder, Green Home Experts (making buildings more energy efficient; effectively pivoting your business).  Listen to the show. September 11, 2022 -- Chris Hurn, CEO, Fountainhead Commercial Capital (Advantages of SBA lending programs & non-bank lending).  Listen to the show. September 4, 2022 -- Ashley Moy, CEO & Co-Founder, Cast21 (making casts more breathable, comfortable, and accessible). Listen to the show. August 27, 2022 -- Ed Dernulc, Foundation Director, Nuts Bolts & Thingamajigs (encouraging careers and entrepreneurship in the trades and manufacturing).  Listen to the show. August 20, 2022 -- Nikyra McCann, Founder, Still Standing Enterprise (one woman's fight to help make mental health support more affordable & accessible).  Listen to the show.  August 13, 2022 -- Natalie Shmulik, Chief Strategy and Incubation Officer, The Hatchery (Chicago-based incubator for food & beverage startups).  Listen to the show. July 30, 2022 -- Sona Shah, Owner & Founder, Neopenda (innovating medical technologies for emerging markets).  Listen to the show. July 23, 2022 -- Kevin Finke, Founder & CEO, Experience Willow (dealing with gender bias).  Listen to the show. July 16, 2022 -- Amie Kesler, Owner & Founder, Carolyn's Krisps (the story of how Amie turned her grandmother's favorite recipe into a growing startup). Listen to the show. July 9, 2022 -- Rob Sarwark, Owner & Founder, Tiki Core Record Label (how to successfully start & grow an independent record label; how to balance your side hustle with your day job).  Listen to the show. July 2, 2022 -- Huan Xia, Owner & Founder, Lus Oasis (keto-and gluten-free baking products; the story of LusOasis, founded by an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. with only 2 suitcases and no English!).  Listen to the show. June 25, 2022 -- Mukila Maitha, Associate Professor & Chair of the GIS/Drone Program, Harper College (current & future entrepreneurship opportunities related to drones).  Listen to the show. June 18, 2022 --Denise Brown, Owner & Founder, The Caregiving Years Training Academy (the story of the company & opportunities in elder care).  Listen to the show. June 11, 2022 -- Brandon Bach, CEO of Consumer Convenience Technologies (the story of EEASYLID, an innovative design to make opening lids easier).  Listen to the show. June 4, 2022 -- Jackie Comacho-Ruiz, Owner & Founder JJR Marketing (how to re-think & re-frame your small business marketing).  Listen to the show. May 28, 2022 -- James Wilkinson & India Henderson, Blank Space (coaching and support services for entrepreneurs). Listen to the show. May 21, 2022 -- Annette Gilchrist, C0-Owner & Founder, MyGenomeRx (the story of MyGenomeRx, helping people identify genetic markers for better drug prescription). Listen to the show. May 14, 2022 -- Malaika & Mike Wells, Co-owners & Co-founders of DoWellBrands (the story of DoWellBrands & the quest for better beverages).  Listen to the show. May 7, 2022 -- Olivia vonNieda, Owner & Founder, Kavnia Coffee Company (the story of the quest for a sustainable, home-scaled cup of cold-brewed coffee).  Listen to the show. April 30, 2022 -- Susan Gidel, financial astrologer (the story of how she pivoted from commodities futures to financial astrologer; susangidel.com).  Listen to the show. April 24, 2022 -- Jennifer Szunko, Executive Director, TCNewTech & Keri Amlotte, Director of Marketing, 20fathoms.org (Northern Michigan Startup Week).  Listen to the show. April 16, 2022 -- Karen Renee, Co-owner & Founder, eCourt Reporters (the story of eCourt Reporters, making it easier to find qualified court reporters).  Listen to the show. April 9, 2022 -- Melissa Kehl, Owner & CEO, Rieke Interiors (the story of Rieke Interiors, an established office furniture company that continues to re-invent itself).  Listen to the show. April 2, 2022 -- Bre Loughlin, Owner & Founder of Nurse Disrupted (the story of Nurse Disrupted, making healthcare more accessible).  Listen to the show. March 26, 2022 -- Jeff McNeill, Co-owner & Founder of Qeepsake (memory keeping for parents -- the story of Qeepsake).  Listen to the show. February 26, 2022 -- John Hightower (aka Professor Black Ops) (tips for keeping your small business cyber-safe) January 22, 2022 -- Meridth Hammer, Founder & Owner of The Hammer Legal Group (the story of Hammer Legal, a solo law practice).  Listen to the show.   December 11, 2021 -- Kim Meckwood, Owner & Founder of Click and Carry (the story of Click & Carry).  Listen to the show. November 20, 2021 -- Laura Barnard, Owner & Founder, Breakthru Brands (Finding Your Why & Telling Your Story) November 13, 2021 -- Lidia Varesco Racoma, Owner & Founder, Lidia Varesco Design (Effective Branding & Marketing). Listen to the show. November 06, 2021 -- Jesse Byrd, Founder, Jesse B Creative (the story of Jesse B Creative, publishing house for black & other marginalized childrens' book authors & illustrators).  Listen to the show. October 30, 2021 -- Monika Joshi, CEO & Founder, Art of Pure (the story of Art of Pure).  Listen to the show. October 16, 2021 -- Elaine Frei, CEO & Founder, Luft Balloon Store (the story of Luft Balloon).  Listen to the show. October 2, 2021 -- Erika Lacroix, CEO & Founder, EZ Breathe (the story of EZ Breathe).  Listen to the show. September 18, 2021 -- Stacey Kohler, CEO & Founder, Kiddy Crawler, LLC (the story of Kiddy Crawler & the Crawligator).  Listen to the show. September 11, 2021 -- Julie O'Brien, Founder & Principal, The Julie O'Brien Design Group (the story of The Julie O'Brien Design Group & the business of interior design).   Listen to the show. September 4, 2021 -- Jennifer Fortney, Founder & Principal, Cascade Communications (Using PR Effectively for Startups & Small Businesses). Listen to the show. August  27, 2021 -- Dr. Phillip Meade, Co-Owner, Gallaher Edge (the Missing Link culture change model to help companies improve their culture and their results).  Listen to the show. August 13, 2021 -- Lisa Brown, Founder of Side Hustle Saturday (promoting black entrepreneurship through live venues).  Listen to the show. July 31, 2021 -- Dr. Sherry Benton, Founder & Chief Science Officer, TAO Connect (digital platform for mental health support).  Listen to the show. July 24, 2021 -- Melissa Lederer, Chief Experience Officer, mHub (manufacturing incubator).  Listen to the show. July 17, 2021 -- Tamika Franklyn, CEO & Founder, PrecisionFranchise (women in franchising).  Listen to the show. June 19, 2021 -- Constance Scopelitas, CEO & Founder, Constance Art (the business of art).  Listen to the show. May 29, 2021 --  Dr. Asha Parekh, CEO & Founder, FrontLine Medical Technologies (Women in STEM & the story of Frontline Medical).  Listen to the show. May 15, 2021 -- Patricia Miller, CEO, Matrix4 (the story of Matrix4, a revitalized manufacturing company Patricia took over from her grandfather).  Listen to the show. May 8, 2021 -- Shaniqua Davis, Founder & CEO, Noirefy (finding & retaining diverse tech talent).  Listen to the show. May 1, 2021 -- Scott Majeski, FranNet (Franchising for Entrepreneurs).  Listen to the show. April 24, 2021 -- Taralinda Willis, Founder & CEO, Curate Solutions (the story of Curate). Listen to the show. April 17, 2021 -- Dr. Anthony Orsini, Founder & CEO, The Orsini Way (how to have difficult conversations).  Listen to the show. April 10, 2021 -- Stefan Agustsson & MJ Anderson, Co-Founders, RealityBLU (the story of RealityBlu & the future of enhanced reality technology). Listen to the show. April 3, 2021 -- Dr. Shashi Gupta, Founder & CEO, Apex CoVantage (establishing & maintaining a value-based culture). Listen to the show. March 27, 2021 -- Richelle Martin, Founder & Managing Partner, The Winnow Fund (seed funding & women in venture capital). Listen to the show. March 20, 2021 -- Jason Weaver, Founder & CEO, AirDeck (the story of AirDeck). Listen to the show. March 13, 2021 -- Kyle LaFond, Founder & CEO, American Provenance (the story of American Provenance).  Listen to the show. March 6, 2021 -- Andy Walker & Chris Eckstrom, Principals, Rock River Capital Partners (what VC investors look for).  Listen to the show. February 27, 2021 -- John Fisher, Founder & President, Rethinking IT & SCORE Mentor (why every business needs a great elevator pitch).  Listen to the show. February 20, 2021 -- Matt Cordio, Co-Founder, Skills Pipeline, and Co-Founder, Wisconsin Startup Coalition (improving the ecosystem for entrepreneurs).  Listen to the show. February 6, 20201 -- Austin Mac Nab, Founder & CEO, VizyPay (the story of VizyPay). Listen to the show. January 30, 2021 -- Chris Banakis, Founder, Acuity Advisory Partners & SCORE Mentor (creating a winning pitch deck).  Listen to the show. January 23, 2021 -- Brett Jacobson, Founder & CEO, Giddy (the Art of the Pivot).  Listen to the show. January 16, 2021 -- Troy Vosseller, Co-Founder, Gener8tor Accelerator (the role of accelerators & story of Gener8tor). Listen to the show. January 9, 2021 -- Laura Gallaher, Founder & CEO, Gallaher Edge (changing company culture).  Listen to the show. January 2, 2021 -- John Kennedy, Founder, Three Dog Logistics & Pat Veverica, Founder, What's Your Plan (story of Three Dog Logistics).  Listen to the show. December 19, 2020 -- Steven Clayton, Founder & CEO, NetBlaze (the 80/20 Rule of Digital Marketing).  Listen to the show. December 12, 2020 -- Joey Frayne, Investment Technology Manager,  Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (Qualified New Business Venture Tax Credits).  Listen to the show. December 5, 2020 -- Lillian Roberts, Founder & CEO, Xendoo (Cashflow vs. Profitability).  Listen to the show. October 3, 2020 -- David Liebman, Managing Broker, Merit Partners (commercial real estate tips).  Listen to the show September 12, 2020  -- Jeff Hodges, OneSoundFoundation & Imani Community Development Corporation (blending public & private partnerships). Listen to the show. September 6, 2020 -- Bill Miksch, President, WDMA Financial Group (employee benefits).  Listen to the show. August 29, 2020 -- Ron Wajer, President, Business Engineering & Mark Akerly, President of Sigma Resource Group (co-authors of "Food for Thought," a compilation of their business learnings, available on Amazon).  Listen to the show. July 7, 2020 -- Beth Pride, President, BPE Global (sourcing & selling products internationally/classifying your products & components).  Listen to the show. June 30, 2020 -- Randy Rice, President, Surely Signs (the story of Surely Signs).  Listen to the show. June 6, 2020 -- Tom Still, President, Wisconsin Technology Council (public-private partnership fostering entrepreneurship in Wisconsin).  Listen to the show. May 30, 2020 -- Sean Hauser, Commercial Credit Specialist (Electronic payment options).  Listen to the show. May 16, 2020 -- Sue Reardon, Co-Founder & Community Co-ordinator, Suite Spotte LLC (co-worker spaces). Listen to the show. May 9, 2020 -- Chris Brown, Owner, Slades Corners Computer Repair (entrepreneur). Listen to the show. April 11, 2020 -- Mechie Nkengla, President & Chief Data Strategist, Data Products LLC (entrepreneur -- big data/AI/business intelligence consultants).  Listen to the show. April 4 -- Steve Garchow, President, Foresight Consulting (Business Strategy).  Listen to the show. March 28 -- John Casey, President, Shamrock Consultants (Leadership).  Listen to the show. March 21, 2020 -- Michael Rosen, Managing Director, Helix 51 Incubator at Rosalind Franklin University (Incubators). Listen to the show. March 14, 2020 -- Drs Aaron Olson & Mehrdad Arjmand, Co-Founders, NovoMoto (entrepreneurs -- solar generators & appliances in SubSaharan Africa).  Listen to the show. March 7, 2020 -- Christina Fontinelle, Owner, Fontinelle Art LLC (entrepreneur -- trauma support & therapy).  Listen to the show. February 22, 2020 -- Stephen Dinehart, President & CEO, MoolaPitch (Crowdfunding tips).  Listen to the show. February 15, 2020 -- Angela Spinazze, Owner, ATSPIN Consulting (entrepreneur - serving museums, art galleries & other cultural entities).  Listen to the show. February 8, 2020 -- Ty Rohrer, Chairman Waukegan Arts Council, Manager of the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra, and Board Member, Illinois State Historical Society (using entrepreneurial skills to run a non-profit). Listen to the show. February 2, 2020 -- Dan Olszewski, Director, Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Wisconsin-Madison (student entrepreneurship program). Listen to the show. January 25, 2020 -- Fred Copestake, Brindis (entrepreneur -- training & consulting services business).  Listen to the show. January 18, 2020 - Chelsea Brownridge, DogSpot (entrepreneur -- product business). Listen to the show. January 11, 2020 -- Marsha McVicker & Micky York, Errand Solutions (entrepreneur - personal errand service business). Listen to the show. January 4, 2020 -- John Sartoris, Sartoris CPA Group (1099s vs. employees). Listen to the show. December 2, 2019 -- Lori London,  Lori London Entertainment & Lori London Music (artist & author/entrepreneur).  Listen to the show. December 14, 2019 -- Michael Kastler, 43 Folders Technology Solutions (building & maintaining a website that works for you).  Listen to the show. December 7, 2019 --  John Miller & Kevin Dastic, Miller Area Heating & Air Conditioning (entrepreneur - family-owned business). Listen to the show. November 23, 2019 -- Tom Denison, Founder & President, SmartHealth Activator (biotech accelerator). Listen to the show. November 16, 2019 -- Eric Freibrun, Freibrun Law LLP (protecting your intellectual property).  Listen to the show. November 2, 2019 – Wendy Basch, BCU (what lenders look for). Listen to the show October 19, 2019:  Barry Goodman, Partner, SVA (building company value). Listen to the show October 12, 2019 – Debra Kurtz & Andrea Nosek, Kurtz Consulting (innovation for entrepreneurs). Listen to the show October 5, 2019 – Manu Edakara, Director of iVentures at the University of Illinois (student business accelerator). Listen to the show September 28, 2019:  Mark Goodman, volunteer with SCORE, Illinois (SCORE free & low-cost resources for entrepreneurs). Listen to the show September 21, 2019  Heather Grove, Managing Director at Caliber Advisors (business valuation).  Listen to the show September 1, 2019 : Greg Baker, Manager, Bascom Ventures (alumni venture capital investing platform).  Listen to the show September 7, 2019:  Tom Cox, Partner, McCarthy Duffy LLP (considerations in setting up a brand-new company). Listen to the show August 24, 2019:  Evie & Tom Caprel, BreakThrough (business succession planning) August 17, 2019: Robert Steiner, Illinois District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA overview & business planning). Listen to the show August 3, 2019: Ryan Mjoen, 4137 Productions (entrepreneur - startup media business)      

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Meet your host, Denny Farrell, Big Band Hall of Fame Inductee and winner of the National Ballroom & Entertainment Association's Award for his [...]