The Savvy Entrepreneur

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)