Shows
Politely Pushy with Eric ChemiDoes Your Company Need an Analyst Relations Program?As part of a comprehensive and proactive PR strategy, analyst relations is an ongoing activity that relies on tight company branding and an experienced team. Eric Chemi takes a deep dive into AR with Bospar experts, Brandy and AJ.2025-07-2929 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiWelcome to Bospar’s AI UniversityWelcome to AI University! At Bospar, we understand that AI isn’t going anywhere. So instead of resisting, we are embracing AI and leveraging the power it holds to help us do our jobs better. Courtney Merolle and Kyle Ankney, our professors at AI University, join Eric Chemi to talk through how we thoughtfully leverage AI in our day-to-day operations and how we ensure every Bospartan is well-versed in the complexities AI can hold.2025-06-0327 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiGreen is the New Office: Sustainability & the WFH RevolutionThis Earth Day, we're diving into how the work-from-home movement is reshaping our environmental impact. Bospar Principal, Curtis Sparrer, joins Eric Chemi to examine how companies can implement sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their bottom line.2025-04-2214 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThe Power of Contributed Content: Crafting Stories That Resonate with Your AudienceAs part of a comprehensive content strategy, contributed content, such as bylines or op-eds, is a powerful tool that builds credibility and carves out a space for your voice within your industry.In this episode of Politely Pushy, Bospar Chief Content Officer Paula Bernier and Content Director Joann Whitcher join Eric Chemi to analyze the effectiveness of storytelling in content marketing and contributed content.Tune in as they share how businesses can create compelling narratives to engage their audience.2025-04-1523 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiPublic Relations in the Tech Industry: Building Relationships with the MediaWhether you’re just beginning your career in media relations or trying to garner media attention for your company’s latest announcement, don’t skip this episode of Politely Pushy!Tune in with Bospar media experts Brent Shelton, Ryan Quintana, and Eric Chemi as they offer insights into the unique challenges of tech PR and strategies for building strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.2025-04-0826 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiWhat’s the ROI of RSA Conference?In the latest episode of Politely Pushy, Eric Chemi sits down with a few guests to discuss the upcoming RSA Conference, a critical event for the world’s cybersecurity community.Tune in as LastWatchdog.com’s Byron Acohido, DigiCert’s Christina Knittel, and ConnectSafely.org’s Larry Magid swap their best-kept secrets and tried-and-true methods to win at RSA.As with most industry events, failing to plan is planning to fail. Take it from these experts as you get into gear and prepare to attend.2025-03-0538 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiCES Uncovered: AI, Content Creators, and Tech SurprisesDive into the wild world of CES 2024 with host Eric Chemi and his Bospar colleagues as they unpack the tech conference's most fascinating moments. From the AI explosion that dominated every booth to the surprising rise of content creators over traditional media, this episode offers an insider's view of the whole event. Prepare for next year's CES and discover how smaller companies can make a big splash and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Stay updated with this episode’s guests & check out their behind-the-scenes CES content! Brent Shelton, VP of Media Relations Greg Allen...2025-01-2130 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiMaintaining the Veneer of Objectivity with Mary K. PrattAward-winning freelance journalist Mary K. Pratt prefers to keep a low profile, giving her a unique opportunity to approach her work with a clean slate and unjaded by public opinion.In this episode, Mary and Eric discuss her career in journalism, including her latest venture, launching a community newspaper. Twenty-four years of experience has shaped more than Mary’s writing style; she’s followed the growth of information technology and cybersecurity and fostered new relationships with industry leaders along the way.Interested to learn about Mary’s approach to media relations? Tune into this episode of Pol...2024-10-2934 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiStating the Facts of Finance Journalism with GOBankingRates’ Nicole SpectorIn this episode, Eric Chemi chats with GOBankingRates senior writer Nicole Spector about her journey from freelance writing across entertainment and pop culture to full-time journalism in the finance industry. Tune in as Nicole shares her insights into the evolving media landscape and how the current economic climate and upcoming election influence her work. Keep up with Nicole’s latest work here: https://www.gobankingrates.com/author/nicoleaudrey/2024-10-1527 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiAvoiding the Crass PR Spin with Tech Journalist Adrian BridgwaterFreelance technology journalist Adrian Bridgwater sits down with Eric Chemi in this episode of Politely Pushy. Tune in as Adrian shares his experience publishing work with Computer Weekly, Forbes, Techzine, Techstrong, and other digital publications.Keep up with Adrian’s latest work here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adrianbridgwater/2024-10-0840 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThe Fight To Stay Relevant with Earnest & Associates’ Tom FitzgeraldMicrosoft, Apple, and Google all began as small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs), eventually growing into the mega corporations we know today. During that growth, these corporations scaled their processes while simultaneously scaling what made them unique. In this episode of Politely Pushy, Tom Fitzgerald, CFO at Earnest & Associates, joins Eric to pinpoint how SMBs can navigate their IT investment around AI-specific solutions to stay relevant in 2024 and beyond. However, integrating AI isn’t the cure-all solution businesses expect it to be. Tom emphasizes the effort to maintain uniqueness in a sea of sameness. This episode is a must...2024-09-1730 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiGetting an AI Reality Check with PitchBook’s Jacob RobbinsJacob Robbins, known as “Captain Wetblanket” by his colleagues, often covers the AI industry and VC landscape through a skeptical lens. Jacob uses his carefully trained eye to weed through the industry’s flashy headlines to share stories of action and anxiety bubbling just below the surface.For those unfamiliar with PitchBook, it isn’t just a data company; it also produces VC and private equity data news. Jacob refers to their niche as “second-day” stories; when Microsoft invested $10 billion in OpenAI, PitchBook thoughtfully distilled that deal for a private market audience.Tune into this episode as J...2024-08-2734 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThe Foundations of Successful Startup Founders with Walter ThompsonSo, you want to be a tech startup founder. Now what? Walter Thompson knows a thing or two about the journeys of successful–and not-so-successful– founders. As many know, securing investment is only part of the role.In this episode, Walter chats with Eric about his experience curating and creating content for digital publications and leading interviews with founders and investors. Walter’s latest project, hosting the Fund/Build/Scale podcast, pulls back the curtain of starting an AI company from the founder’s perspective to share the authentic stories and wisdom of those in the driver’s seat.2024-08-1440 minPolitely Pushy with Eric Chemi“I’m doing exactly what I wanted to do,” with Neil C. Hughes of Tech Talks DailyOn this episode of Politely Pushy, Eric takes the dive with host of Tech Talks Daily, Neil C. Hughes.At 16 years old, Hughes imagined an exciting career as a radio host or a writer before leading into a career in IT. Finding a balance between technology and business, he sought to clarify the complexity of the evolution of technology for the masses. Neil eventually began his own path in writing, which precipitated the Tech Talks Daily podcast he records today.Tune in as Neil chats about his journey from IT to hosting 3,000 podcast episodes and...2024-08-0642 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiFollowing the Rising Tide of AI with VentureBeat’s Michael NuñezAI is the moment, and Michael Nuñez, editorial director at VentureBeat, unravels the tension between journalism and the business of technology in this episode of Politely Pushy.Inspired by the early development of large language models (LLM) and AI, Michael sought a way to break into the space. Enter VentureBeat. Michael’s regular conversations with engineers, builders, and doers who know this emerging technology best help him distill a wildly popular and important topic to the masses.Take the evolution of digital design tools, from Adobe to Canva to AI image generators, for example. Mic...2024-07-3045 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiLeading the way into 2024 with Certified Leadership Coach Ken JacobsAnd with that, the 2023 season comes to an end. But what’s the benefit of jumping into the new year without proper reflection of the past 365 days? Ken Jacobs returns to the Politely Pushy podcast to give a masterclass in leadership.In his conversation with Eric, Ken discusses the steps to lead through a downturn expertly – something many leaders have faced this year. The PR, communications, and marketing coach and consultant also shares his expert yet simple process for forging ahead to keep fear at bay and stay the course to meet business goals. 2023-12-1130 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiView from the top with KinectAir Founder, Jonathan EvansWhen Jonathan Evans, Founder of KinectAir, isn’t building software that charters Pilatus PC-12 aircraft on a KinectAir flight, he’s chatting with Eric on a new Politely Pushy episode.Jonathan dives into the novelty of regional air mobility and the niche KinectAir occupies in on-demand private charter: accessibility and decreased environmental impact. He also explains how a strong team behind the company’s flight experience, from concierge to software developers to FAA-certified operators to licensed pilots, provides the trustworthy and safe offering that passengers have been looking for.Dreaming of flying private? Get a...2023-11-0257 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiAI: Threat or Opportunity?Data privacy, ESG, AI? Laurence Evans of Reputation Leaders and Eric cover it all and more on today’s Politely Pushy episode! AI has veered its head once more, this time as a major ESG issue - I know, we’re as surprised as you are. According to Laurence, AI has proven to be more of an opportunity than a threat with limitless possibilities, but the question on everyone’s mind really is: What is AI really being used for? From driving workplace efficiency to creating job opportunities in the tech space, AI is dominating today’s digital r...2023-09-2826 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiHours into his job, Phrasee’s new CEO Dan Head joins usDan Head is the brand new CEO of Phrasee, the AI-based digital marketing company. One of the first things on his to-do list: a sit down with Politely Pushy. Dan tells Eric why he took the job, what his role as CEO will be, and the priorities he’ll be focusing on. He also explains where he thinks the future is for brands and AI companies alike, along with some of the obstacles that still exist despite generative AI going mainstream in the past year. Phrasee has been around a lot longe...2023-09-2638 minPolitely Pushy with Eric Chemi“So you’ve been hacked…hold my beer,” With Ryan Lasmaili, VaultreeIf you’ve ever been a victim of data hacking or a privacy leak, this one’s for you! Today we’re talking about data privacy with Ryan Lasmaili, CEO of Vaultree. Ryan is driven to solve major cybersecurity problems with his biggest undertaking to date: solving today’s and tomorrow’s data encryption and protection challenges. With a background in financial mathematics, how did he come to be the person to tackle these issues? Ryan is a victim of data hacking himself--when he was a student, his account was hacked and he lost (of all things) his drinking money, so...2023-07-1135 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThinking Bigger with Columbia's Sheena IyengarOur conversation with Sheena Iyengar is a lesson in creativity and power. Sheena is an author, professor and “expert on choice and decision-making.” Her book "Think Bigger: How to innovate" has just been released, after her breakthrough award-winner "The Art of Choosing". Today she speaks with Eric about how to maximize your potential, the importance of finding out what happens when others see your ideas, and why all innovation starts with having a problem. Sheena also explains that the real “power of choice” came less from her ability to pick and find, and more from her ability to create new choi...2023-06-1639 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiTricks of the Trade, with Elena Davidson, Liberty Comms CEOElena Davidson, CEO of UK-based Liberty Comms and long-time Bospar friend, joins us this week in a long-overdue conversation about tech PR and how she’s preparing to face the upcoming economic crisis. The key to withstanding challenges, Elena says, is equal parts sticking to what you do best, but always being willing to adjust to changes. And while there are some noted differences in PR practices between the US and UK, the rise of influencer engagement and social media is pretty consistent across both markets. For more on this, and how Elena rose within the company to become CE...2023-04-1129 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiDoug Simon Wows us with Survey: Over 85% of Both Democratic and Republican Americans Trust Local News Over Social Media and 67% Trust Local over National NewsAmericans Trust Local News Over Social Media and 67% Trust Local over National News. Politics may be dividing the nation, but if there’s one thing that unites Democrats and Republicans it’s the local TV news. This medium now ushers in more viewers than national news and is appealing to a surprisingly younger demographic. In fact, local TV news has a bigger audience than either national or cable news combined and most shockingly, 18-34 is the fastest-growing demographic. Eric Chemi’s newest podcast guest, Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media discusses this and so much more.2022-05-2022 min
PR's Top Pros TalkConnecting with Reporters - Curtis Sparrer and Eric Chemi, BosparHow can communicators connect with reporters in a meaningful way? Curtis Sparrer, Principal of Bospar and Eric Chemi, SVP of Broadcast Strategies at Bospar, discuss best practices for pitching a story to top tier reporters without wasting their time. Curtis and Eric also share why brands need to take a stand on social issues early and decisively.
To share your feedback, contact:
Doug Simon: dougs@dssimonmedia.com
or
news@dssimonmedia.com - 212.736.2727
For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com2022-05-0509 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiChetan Mathur - Next PathwayNext Pathway transforms businesses to the cloud and their CEO leads the way with purpose and integrity. After starting and selling a couple businesses, and again seeing massive growth with his latest endeavour, Next Pathway's Chetan Mathur talks about what he’s learned about finding the right waves to ride and taking the time to truly understand what businesses are looking for when it comes to technology partners and platforms. 2022-03-0430 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiAdam Ritchie Joins Politely PushyAdam Ritchie walks us through his journey as Founder and Principal of Adam Ritchie Brand Direction in this episode of Politely Pushy. Adam discusses Invention in PR, and how to avoid falling on the F Side of the Useful/Frivolous divide. 2022-02-2536 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiRobin Beaman: Making Things HappenPublic Relations veteran Robin Beaman joins Eric to tell the tales of her career in PR and entertainment. Robin talks about her time managing communications at BET and as the Manager of Public Relations of the Oprah Winfrey Show. Listen to the full episode to see how her experience led to Robin founding Beaman Incorporated, her full-service communications agency. 2022-02-1733 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiAnish Srivastava: Making Tech Part of the SolutionAnish Srivastava joins Eric on the latest episode of Politely Pushy. Anish is the Founder and CEO of Telocity, a venture group that believes that thoughtfully designed, technology-based tools can create more accessible and equitable ways of improving the mental health and well-being of young people. Anish talks about why he is passionate about kids' mental health, and how parents can balance screen time with mental well being. 2022-02-1037 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiSteve Swasey: Living by HITCareer Communicator Steve Swasey joins Eric on this episode of Politely Pushy. Steve talks about the challenges of the 24-hour news cycle, why it is more important than ever to live by HIT - Humility, Integrity and Trust - and how HIT can help brands navigate a crisis. 2022-02-0341 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiMaryanne Morrow Joins Politely PushyChairman, CEO and Founder of 9th Gear Technologies Maryanne Morrow joins Eric on the latest episode of Politely Pushy. Maryanne discusses her extensive background in fintech, the future of blockchain, and 9th Gear's recent Global Open Finance Challenge win! 2022-02-0129 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiSteve Denton Joins Politely PushyWare2Go CEO Steve Denton joins Eric to discuss his unique career and the issue on everyone's mind - the supply chain.2022-01-2739 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiInbar Yagur joins Politely PushyInbar Yagur joins Politely Pushy to discuss her role with Growthspace, the world's leading employee development platform. Inbar talks about her unique background, and her transition from working in film to becoming a marketing maven. 2022-01-2540 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiJane King Joins Politely PushyJane King, CEO and founder of LilaMax Media joins Eric and explains how she successfully built her own media company. Jane discusses how financial and business media is changing in the world of social media and gives her best tips for emerging companies.2022-01-2137 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiMichael Bourque Joins Politely PushyMichael Bourque, president and CEO of Kiavi, joins Eric to discuss the tech that sets Kiavi apart for its customers. Michael touches on the company’s recent rebrand, and how Kiavi is able to streamline the financing process for real estate investors.2022-01-1334 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiBrett Larson: The Intersection of Red and Blue MediaBrett Larson, Bospar’s newly appointed senior vice president of Media Strategies, joins Eric to discuss how to pitch a unified message across a conflicting media landscape. Brett discusses how he uses his experience at both Fox and CNN to help businesses create media strategies that leverage the best of both blue and red.2022-01-1132 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiCarol Kaufman: Backing Up Your LifeEntrepreneur Carol Kaufman joins Politely Pushy to discuss the story behind Pinventory and the critical need to create a home inventory.2022-01-0636 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiTomás Puig Joins Politely PushyTomás Puig, CEO of Alembic, joins Eric to discuss the intersection of marketing and technology, the age of the influencer, and what companies can expect moving into 2022.2021-12-2932 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiGoing to New Heights with Franck MarchisFranck Marchis, co-founder and chief scientific officer at Unistellar, joins Politely Pushy. Franck discusses how the Unistellar telescope can connect people from all over the globe and bring science directly into homes.2021-12-2039 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiTalking Lidar and Self-Driving Cars with Michael OldenburgMichael Oldenburg, head of communications at Aeva, Inc., joins Politely Pushy to discuss lidar technology, self-driving cars and the future of the auto industry. Oldenburg talks about being a disruptor in a crowded industry and how to effectively communicate highly technical topics. 2021-12-0337 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiAlways in FashionSandra Campos, CEO of Project Verte, joins Politely Pushy to discuss the rapid evolutions of retail and e-commerce, her time as CEO of Diane Von Furstenberg, and the critical need to provide continuing education to employees across all industries. 2021-11-1235 min
The Bizwood Podcast048: Ramon Hache - Bergen County CommissionerRamon Hache was the previous mayor of Ridgewood and is now a Bergen County Commissioner. His career started in the financial sector before he reassessed his entire life and dedicated himself to service, first as a volunteer in his church and youth sports.Ramon talks to me about why he decided to get involved with local politics, how he won his first election as an unknown outsider, and why he moved up from the village job to the county one.We discuss the different priorities of business owners versus local residents, how those differences play...2021-11-1048 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiA Masterclass in StorytellingJoya Dass, Founder of Women's Leadership Academy, joins Politely Pushy to discuss championing women in the workplace, the evolution of video in personal branding and offers a guide to setting personal boundaries.2021-11-0432 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiIt's Not Just a Game AnymoreDoug Kennedy, founder of Studio Wildcard, joins Politely Pushy to tell his stories of entertainment marketing and video game development. From working on the original Guitar Hero to signing Vin Diesel to the ARK franchise, Doug discusses the importance of marketing and PR in gaming and gives advice to those wanting to break into a crowded industry.2021-10-2836 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThere’s No Excuse for Inauthenticity with Anuj NayarIs there an overlap between financial health and communications? How do you ensure you’re being authentic to your brand? Anuj Nayar, financial health officer and head of communications at LendingHome, discusses the challenges of communications in tech and how the worst days for a business may be the best days for the comms team. 2021-10-0732 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiA Celebration of Survivorship with Eric BrinkerDuring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Eric Brinker joins Politely Pushy to discuss his family’s journey creating Susan G. Komen for the Cure; the importance of creating strong messaging around difficult topics; and the future of breast cancer equity.2021-10-0733 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiPolitely Midwestern with Kimberly BarnesBospar Senior Vice President Kimberly Barnes discusses running communications from the ground level, the nitty gritty parts of PR that clients don’t see, and how her Midwest attitude brings a breath of fresh air to the tech industry. 2021-10-0730 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiIs Tech the New Advertising? with Chris MatyszczykTechnology commentator Chris Matyszczyk discusses his journey from working in advertising as a creative director to tech business owner and contributor. Listen in as he explains what he means when he says that “advertising then was like tech now”.2021-10-0732 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiBehind the Scenes with Curtis SparrerBospar Founder and Principal Curtis Sparrer joins host Eric Chemi in this episode of Politely Pushy. Listen in as Curtis goes behind the scenes of tech PR and discusses a rapidly changing industry. 2021-10-0732 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThe Scoop with Dan RosenheimWhat creates a great pitch? Veteran journalist Dan Rosenheim gives a unique look at the art of the pitch and the complex relationship between tech and media.2021-10-0732 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiTolerating Chaos with Kasey ByrneEngineer-turned-marketer Kasey Byrne discusses turning her MIT engineering degree into a marketing career, and how being a mom of four has taught her to be a better business manager. Listen in as she provides insight on the intersection of tech and marketing, and the impact of strong storytelling in an intangible industry.2021-10-0730 minPolitely Pushy with Eric ChemiThe Art of Storytelling with Kamini RamaniAre ethics key to a great PR strategy? Can you tell a unique story within a crowded industry? Marketing guru Kamini Romani joins Politely Pushy to discuss the art of crafting compelling stories in tech, working with Steve Jobs, and her love of Harry Potter.2021-10-0730 minThe Bizwood Podcast047: Jay Daly - GM, Garden State PlazaJay Daly is the General Manager of Garden State Plaza—the biggest (depending on who you ask) mall in New Jersey and one of the biggest in the Northeast. The enormous facility includes nearly 300 stores, sprawls well over 2 million square feet, and has many more acres of property beyond the buildings themselves.The mall is undergoing its own transformation, like converting the old JCPenney store into 15 smaller units. And creating a brand new mixed-use development on the location. Management is also adding more experiential options for people, including entertainment and dining. While the retail shops are closed on...2021-10-0645 minThe Bizwood Podcast046: Daniela Musano - Owner, Araya RebirthDaniela started her business at just 23 years old. And to be a successful entrepreneur, she says, you have to be OBSESSED. She learned from her father about attention to detail, risk-taking, and work ethic. How did she come up with the name Araya? With an assist from a clairvoyant! As for how she ended up in this downtown Ridgewood location, it was by chance, at the very last second, despite the landlord already having a deal to lease the space to somebody else.What motivates Daniela is that she loves her clients, loves her employees, and relishes...2021-09-2952 minThe Bizwood Podcast045: Chris Kaplanis - Managing Director, RTA TriathlonChris Kaplanis shares his story of being a kid with an entrepreneurial bent to someone who would later leave his job at GE Capital to become a full-time triathlon coach--alongside his wife, Elizabeth. The Ridgewood couple are quite possibly America’s only full-time, husband-and-wife triathlon coaching duo.Chris shares the business model of their organization, how they grew the business from nothing, and how Covid has affected them over the past two years. He talks about how long it takes to prepare for a triathlon, their pricing model, and some of the business mistakes they/ve made in...2021-09-2249 minThe Bizwood Podcast044: Ernie Lamour - CEO, Ridgewood YMCAErnie Lamour has been the CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA for about 5 years. He was originally born in Haiti and moved to Stamford, Connecticut as an 8 year old. He was the youngest of six kids! His dad said he could only go to three places: school, church... and the YMCA.Ernie shares his journey from the housing projects to college...to the JCC...to the Stamford YMCA, to becoming its CEO...to eventually getting the Ridgewood YMCA job. Ernie never specifically planned to come to Ridgewood, but he talks about how a mentor’s advice helped shape hi...2021-09-1550 minThe Bizwood Podcast043: Ira Robbins - CEO, Valley BankThis week I sit down with Valley Bank CEO, Ira Robbins. Valley has branches all over New Jersey, New York, and other states--including right here in Ridgewood. Ira has spent his entire career working at Valley.He talks about the importance of culture, stakeholders and doing the right things. Ira shares with me how he balances his home and work life, including letting his kids hang out at the office before hockey practice down the street.We also talk about the company’s recent pivots, like expanding into Florida and moving to a more hybrid wo...2021-09-0845 minThe Bizwood Podcast042: Jim Parks - President, Parks Wealth ManagementJim Parks is one of the nicest people you’ll meet. His big smile and patient approach make him an ideal fit for serving clients during periods of extreme market volatility. Jim is a wealth manager, based right here in downtown Ridgewood. He tells me how he got into this industry out of college, and how he leapt from employee to owner. Managing somebody’s wealth is a tricky game, as the ups and downs of money can bring out people’s raw emotions. Jim has to strike that balance of building trust during both the good times a...2021-09-0147 minThe Bizwood Podcast041: Eric Fluet - Owner, Get it Done MarketingRidgewood resident Eric Fluet somehow transformed a long career in the amusement park industry into his own marketing firm, focusing on...you guessed it...amusement parks.He gets the luxury of working right in a small office in Ridgewood itself, and has the fun of helping out various amusement parks around the country. His model is to do freelance marketing, for firms that need a CMO-level person, but only for specific projects or certain other special needs. Eric talks about how Covid derailed what would have been a huge 2020 for him, the lessons learned in figuring out...2021-08-2552 min
Agency Nation RadioEric Chemi of Team Insurance (NJ) with Host Kevin BrandtIn this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Kevin Brandt of Trusted Choice sits down with Eric Chemi of Team and Total Insurance Solutions to discuss Eric’s interesting background, why he decided to start a scratch agency, and the trials and tribulations of starting and running a small business in the insurance industry. They cover a lot of ground during this discussion including marketing via Tik Tok, agency technology and agency alliances – and much more.2021-08-2028 minThe Bizwood Podcast040: Arthur Lynch - Founding Partner, Lynch Law FirmArthur Lynch and his brother have been running the Lynch Law Firm for almost 30 years. We talk about how he grew up working hard in the Bronx, why he decided to be a lawyer, and how he ended up doing personal injury cases.We talk about what it’s like running a business with his brother, and how he splits his time between legal work and actually running his business. We also talk about the big marketing push his firm has made in recent years. You can’t drive on the highway without seeing one of their bill...2021-08-181h 18The Bizwood Podcast039: Large - Media personality, Barstool SportsMichael McCarthy - aka “Large” from Barstool Sports - talks about his path from the trading floor to the media world. Many years ago, his edgy writing spread all across the Wall Street trading community. His popularity within the financial industry helped make his employer lots of money, but eventually that notoriety put him in the crosshairs. To keep his trading career going, he had to bury that side of his personality for over a decade. Many years later, he eventually left Wall Street completely and got a full-time job at Barstool. He came full circle, as he had...2021-08-111h 09The Bizwood Podcast038: Nausil Zaheer - Owner, Karma Organic SpaThis week I sit down with the owner of Karma Organic Spa, in Downtown Ridgewood, to hear how Nasuil Zaheer made the American Dream his own. An immigrant from Pakistan, he was working as a high-end waiter until he decided to open his own nail salon. But not just any nail salon--a fully organic one, whose products now draw an international following and are often featured by big-time influencers on social media. First though, Nas had to go to cosmetology school, where he was the only guy in class. Nas shares the reasoning behind why he started K...2021-08-0440 minThe Bizwood Podcast037: Bart Feder - Principal, Bart Feder Executive CoachingBart Feder had spent an entire career in the media business, working across the country in TV and radio news, both as an on-air presence and management executive. He rose up to roles including General Manager, Senior VP, and CEO for some of the country’s biggest news brands. Much of his focus was training other leaders to grow, helping his company by maximizing the department heads who reported to him. This leadership coaching is what led to Bart deciding to eventually go out on his own and start his own executive coaching practice.We tal...2021-07-2858 minThe Bizwood Podcast036: Stacey Kliesch - Founder, Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, Architect LLCStacey Kliesch is a North Jersey native and longtime Ridgewood resident. She talks about how she ended up in architecture, and her career transition from being an employee to running her own business. We discuss both the joys and the frustrations of being in charge of everything.Stacey explains why people need to hire an architect and gives some examples of how things can go wrong when a consumer tries to renovate without one. She also describes how she selects certain projects over others, and why she won’t work with her own friends.Homebuilding is...2021-07-2145 minThe Bizwood Podcast035: Paige Amesbury-Morris - Owner, Meetings By DesignPaige Amesbury-Morris says many people are confused by what she does. They think she’s a party planner. But her events are massive corporate affairs, with 15,000 people or more. It’s a serious business.Typically her clients are the world’s largest corporations, who have immense logistical challenges in gathering their employees in one physical place. Just getting them all together at the same time is Paige’s job. Flights and hotels and buses are just the beginning. Her company has a trained army across the country ready to step into action where needed. Paige tells me...2021-07-1452 minThe Bizwood Podcast034: Matthew Kuiken - VP, Kuiken BrothersKuiken Brothers has been a Bergen County staple for over 100 years. Matthew Kuiken, a Ridgewood resident, is now in charge of many of the day-to-day operations. Matt describes how his Dutch immigrant ancestors started the business and how it has evolved through depressions, wars, and suburban development. Matt tells me about the importance of railroad transportation in getting their lumber all the way from the Pacific Northwest to New Jersey. We talk about the impact Covid has had on business, his experience as a kid working long hours in the yard, and how the recent volatility in l...2021-07-0756 minThe Bizwood Podcast033: Amy Nidds - Owner, White Glove GetawaysRidgewood resident and former Wall Street veteran Amy Nidds has had a love of travel her entire life. After criss-crossing the globe, she eventually transitioned all the knowledge she’d built up into being a full-time travel advisor. She helps families navigate the complex world of hidden perks, discounts, and other services that mere mortals would never know about. We also talk about how travel agents get paid. Amy started her business, White Glove Getaways, just a few months before the pandemic hit. But now that travel is reopening, business is booming. Trips are already having to be...2021-06-3053 minThe Bizwood Podcast032: Dr. Daniel Yoo and Dr. Katie Passman - Owners, Glen Rock Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and OrthodonticsThree years ago, the sudden passing away of their father after a long battle with cancer brought together a brother and sister who had been thousands of miles apart. For many years, Dr. Daniel Yoo and his sister Dr. Katie Passman had dreamed of working together and opening up their own practice. Life kept getting in the way, but after their father’s death, they knew it was finally time to make their dreams reality. “Dr. Dan” left behind his home, job, and lifestyle to move to Ridgewood. His sister was already living here, and they opened Glen Ro...2021-06-2343 minThe Bizwood Podcast031: Jim Nesci - CEO, Blue Foundry BankJim Nesci is the CEO of Blue Foundry Bank, a North Jersey regional bank with 18 branches - two of them right here in Ridgewood. Those branches are about to be consolidated into the large downtown space where The Gap used to be. We talk about that transition and what the future holds for in-person branches versus a fully digital experience.Jim describes his experience running the bank during the pandemic, his management style, and the true reality of what it’s like to be a CEO. We also talk about how and why the company changed its na...2021-06-1649 minThe Bizwood Podcast030: John F. Amorosa - CEO & Managing Member, The Toresco CompanyJohn Amorosa is the CEO of The Toresco Company, which owns Ridgewood’s tallest building. You’ll probably recognize it: the 5 story brick building downtown at 45 North Broad Street, right across from the train station, next to Steel Wheel. Its official name is “The Lincoln Building". Before becoming CEO at Toresco, John earned his MBA after running his own wealth management business. The Toresco family (including John’s grandfather, uncle, and cousin) originally started with auto dealerships before selling those off and focusing on real estate. Now they own commercial real estate, residential, multi-use, investment properties, development, managemen...2021-06-0952 minThe Bizwood Podcast029: MarySue Dwyer - Owner, BeRibbonA couple years after leaving her Wall Street job, Ridgewood resident MarySue Dwyer started making women’s ribbon belts in her basement. Since then, her business has consistently grown into a broader fashion empire. BeRibbon now is a wholesaler to boutique stores across the country, along with its own retail e-commerce site, selling nationwide.MarySue tells me about her unique approach combining art and business, how she sources her unique materials and design patterns, and how she’s kept up with changes in both fashion trends and the retail business.We talk about the benefits of p...2021-06-0245 minThe Bizwood Podcast028: Rob Wunder - Co-Founder, YumEarthRob Wunder shares with me the unique philosophy of his business approach that has allowed him success as an entrepreneur on multiple occasions. On one hand, he is trusting, brimming with optimism, and filled with long-term faith for his ventures. And yet several times he’s had to fire employees on their first day because they couldn’t do what they promised.Rob talks about the details of his process. He’s never written a business plan or taken outside investors. He lets the people he hires have independence. He wants people to be happy, rather than worry...2021-05-2644 minThe Bizwood Podcast027: Carolyn Butler and Rich Amsinger - Co-Founders, BorobabiRidgewood couple Carolyn Butler and Rich Amsinger started Borobabi during the pandemic to cut down on all the waste involved with children’s clothing. Borobabi (pronounced “borrow baby”) clothes are designed to last for a long time, so that parents can rent and send them back for someone else to use.Borobabi’s clothes are designed with high standards in mind, focusing on organic fibers, durable natural materials, sustainable practices, and staying away from harsh chemicals. By making the clothes high quality from the start, they can be passed along to help more families over time. It’s “slow fa...2021-05-1951 minThe Bizwood Podcast026: Kerri Pilchik - Owner, Kerri Pilchik DesignAfter spending 14 years as an environmental lawyer in Manhattan, Kerri Pilchik finally broke out to follow her passion as a fulltime interior designer. She now has her own firm right here in Ridgewood. Kerri shares with me how Covid has dramatically changed her business: demand has skyrocketed while supplies have diminished. She even tells me how the big ice storm in Texas caused a delay in *foam* which led to delays in furniture manufacturing.We talk about the business aspects of her job: different pricing models in her industry, how she decides to split her t...2021-05-1249 minThe Bizwood Podcast025: Jennifer Parsekian - Broker Associate, KW Village Square RealtyJennifer Parsekian is a lifelong Ridgewood resident, and has spent the last 28 years as a real estate agent in town. She shares with me the crazy stories of what business has been like over the past 12 months, how prices have spiked up, and how she considers herself a therapist to many buyers and sellers. Parsekian also reveals some of the business side of being an agent: are commissions negotiable? What happens if I use a cheaper broker? What happens if I try to sell the house on my own? She also tells me how H...2021-05-0546 minThe Bizwood Podcast024: Shannon Orr - Owner, Clay Paper Scissors StudioShannon Orr started Clay Paper Scissors studio because of her passion for making things. She’s the ultimate-DIY person, a professional architect raised by a civil engineer. She founded the studio in 2017, and entirely through word-of-mouth has grown her business in just a few short years — including through the pandemic. Shannon tells me why she moved to Ridgewood and the early challenges she faced in launching her studio. Her customers range from little kids to teenagers...and even full-grown adults. She talks about growth plans to spread her concept to multiple locations. And she explains how YouTube and T...2021-04-2951 minThe Bizwood Podcast023: John Palatucci - Musical Director, Orpheus Men's ChorusFor over 30 years, John Palatucci has been musical director of Ridgewood’s Orpheus Club Men’s Chorus. The organization has been around since 1909. For over a century the group has had to keep up with times in multiple ways: music selection, technology, recruiting, finances...and of course, Covid. John talks to me about how the pandemic has forced the organization to change their approach. For more about the organization, you can click here for their website: https://www.ridgewoodorpheusclub.org/ But John also talks about the various business and finance aspects of running the group. Figuring out the r...2021-04-2649 minThe Bizwood Podcast022: Max Viola - Owner, Pearl RestaurantMax Viola spent countless hours at his parents’ restaurant while growing up in Bergen County. He was only in his 20s when he felt ready to launch his own Italian restaurant, right here in Downtown Ridgewood. We talk about what attracted him to that specific location, how he kept growing over the years, and mistakes he’s seen other restaurant owners make. Max shares how he had to adapt during Covid...as well as the “adjustments” he had to make because of the brand new parking garage that is inches from his restaurant. We also talk about Max’s gro...2021-04-2249 minThe Bizwood Podcast021: Glenn Carlough - Owner, Steel Wheel RestaurantGlenn Carlough is a Bergen County native who had always wanted to open up his own restaurant. He jokes with me he’s practically never had a real job after graduating college, spending much of his early career as an ice hockey coach.He was finally ready to open up his own restaurant. But only after a wild series of events, with various deals coming together and falling through, he at last was able to buy the location of the former Smith Brothers Steakhouse and turn that into Ridgewood’s Steel Wheel.Glenn tells me how...2021-04-191h 06The Bizwood Podcast020: Miho Grant - Owner, Miho Grant PhotographyMiho Grant shares her story coming from Japan, leaving behind her corporate job after becoming a mother, and transitioning to a full-time professional photographer based right here in Ridgewood. In the past couple weeks, Miho moved a few blocks down the street to a much bigger studio, reflecting her company’s growth in the last two years. Miho shares with me how Covid actually increased demand for family portraits, and she shares tips we can all use for our own quick photos. You’ll be intrigued by Miho’s explanation of how iPhone cameras distort the way...2021-04-1453 minThe Bizwood Podcast019: Fara McNeil - Owner, CKO Kickboxing AllendaleFara McNeil is a Ridgewood resident and the owner of CKO Kickboxing up the road in Allendale. Fara tells me how kickboxing personally changed her life--helping her lose 75 pounds after having three kids. She then left behind the corporate rat race and decided to open her own kickboxing franchise. Now she’s making a difference with her clients, battling her way through the pandemic, and enjoying the freedom that comes from running her own business. Fara tells me how she loops her own kids into helping out - and her plans to grow in the future.2021-04-1038 minThe Bizwood Podcast018: Rob Wunder - Co-founder, YumEarthRob Wunder is the rare entrepreneur who co-founded two companies in two totally different industries and led the way in fundamentally changing each one. His YumEarth venture kicked off the entire organic candy category in America. YumEarth won many awards and was the leading organic candy company in America--and in many other countries. It even inspired the candy industry to remove harmful ingredients from other existing products, and its legacy lives on through the entire organic candy category. Before that, Rob created VoiceNet, a standalone calling card company that changed calling cards forever--until mobile phones ma...2021-04-071h 02The Bizwood Podcast017: Peter Mueller - President, Upper Ridgewood Tennis ClubPeter Mueller is the President of the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club, an institution that’s been around for over 100 years. Peter tells me about the extreme difficulties in running a tennis club during the pandemic, and managing hundreds of members who have very different opinions about how the place should be run.We talk about the unique business model because the club is owned by its members, and how little overlap there is between this role and his day job helping to run a big data cloud technology firm.2021-04-0352 minThe Bizwood Podcast016: John F. Russo - Lawyer, Entrepreneur, Real Estate OwnerJohn Russo’s family has been in Ridgewood for a century. From very poor beginnings and facing discrimination for being Italian, the Russo family has gone on to become major real estate owners in the village. Russo owns many commercial and residential properties in Ridgewood along with running his own legal practice. He’s also the owner of the two North Broad Street buildings (that housed Bagelicious and Mediterraneo) which burned to the ground a year ago. This is a jam-packed episode. John talks candidly about his struggle in trying to rebuild the burned-down area, the crazy antic...2021-03-3154 minThe Bizwood Podcast015: Scott Lief - President, Ridgewood Chamber of CommerceScott Lief is a very busy man. He is the President of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce, the President and Co-Founder of Ridgewood Business Connections, and works his day job as a senior mortgage banker for Atlantic Home Loans.Scott started his professional career in the radio industry, working for 20 years in a variety of roles at radio stations across the country. Scott shares his career transition from radio to mortgages — going through the subprime boom-and-bust of the mid-2000s — and how he’s adjusted along the way.He also delves into Ridgewood’s efforts during t...2021-03-2758 minThe Bizwood Podcast014: Meg Antonelli - TikTok Influencer "Costco Mamma"Meg Antonelli has seemingly out of nowhere become a massive sensation on TikTok. The lifelong Ridgewood native (who grew up and raised her family here until a few months ago) has generated millions of views from her “Costco Momma” profile, reviewing food and drink items in under 60 seconds. The crazy part is that the popularity grew out of her first video, posted just this past December.The national news media has written stories about some of her biggest hits, her family gets recognized in public (even while wearing a mask!), and companies of all sorts are reaching out...2021-03-2456 minThe Bizwood Podcast013: Rob Keve - CEO/Co-founder of FlowRob Keve is the CEO and co-founder of Flow, a global e-commerce technology company. Rob shares his experience - and mistakes - as an entrepreneur. He also talks about his journey from the U.K. to Ridgewood. He originally was a venture capital investor himself, searching for good entrepreneurs to invest in, before deciding he wanted to turn the tables and become his own business-builder. We talk about how his 6am running training partner became his co-founder at Flow, the lifestyle changes he’s made to find a better balance, and how he leads a tech...2021-03-2043 minThe Bizwood Podcast012: Brian Giammarella - Founder, Rock Hammer InvestmentsBrian Giammarella started off on a typical path: getting his computer science degree and writing software for big banks and hedge funds.But then 2009 hit, and Brian felt he needed a change...a big change. He left his corporate job, earned his MBA, and went into business with his family as a real estate investor and developer. More than a decade later, Brian has bought, developed, and sold countless properties across the nation, mostly here in Northern New Jersey. Brian shares some of his craziest stories in the business and mistakes he’s made along the...2021-03-1750 minThe Bizwood Podcast011: Gary Kolesaire - Owner of the Tobacco Shop of RidgewoodI have never smoked a pipe or cigar in my life, and yet I am blown away by how Gary Kolesaire runs The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood, a business he and his wife have owned since 1979. Every single detail is thought through with precision. That includes the window displays, the air filtration system, and of course the exact science to optimize humidity and temperature. Gary comes from a line of coppersmiths on his father’s side, and the store displays his talents, as he has personally done much of the hands-on craftsmanship. Gary shares his story of buy...2021-03-1351 minThe Bizwood Podcast010: Hyungmin Mun - Owner of Bibillia RestaurantHyungmin Mun is the owner of Bibillia, one of Ridgewood’s newest restaurants. Min had the unfortunate luck, because of construction delays, of having his restaurant open in March 2020...exactly when the pandemic hit.But he is so confident in the quality of his fast-casual Korean bowls that he still plans for this location to become the flagship (and kitchen) for additional franchise locations. (I will personally admit I find the food delicious.) We talk about Min’s background in visual media, art and graphic design has impacted the way he runs the story. Min also...2021-03-1048 minThe Bizwood Podcast009: Gary Dedoussis - CEO/Owner of Core Technology SolutionsGary Dedoussis is the founder, owner, and CEO of Core Technology Solutions. He’s the guy behind those advertising screens inside of elevators and the massive deployment of network routers used by mega-companies like State Farm and Dollar General. Gary’s New Jersey-based firm installs telecommunications equipment at 50,000 sites across the country, each and every year. The work involves more than 10,000 contractors. We talk about how he started his business from scratch at age 45, how many years it took before business really began taking off, why his retail customers keep him up at night, and how el...2021-03-0648 minThe Bizwood Podcast008: Aidan Walsh - Founder and CEO of RacefasterIs Ridgewood’s own Racefaster about to be the next Lululemon? If you’ve ever thought Racefaster was just another running store, think again. Owner Aidan Walsh started as a running coach in town who was having remarkable success--getting 4-hour marathoners down to 3, even sub-3--and at the suggestion of his future wife, whose family had experience with Chinese suppliers, got into designing his own line of apparel. Now Racefaster is a coaching business, a fast-expanding retail chain, and the organizer of multiple area races. We talk about navigating the pandemic, why he came to Fairleigh Dickinson for college as a...2021-03-0352 minThe Bizwood Podcast007: RJ Konner - Actor, Producer, Senior VP of WOF EntertainmentRJ has lived many lives all in one. His first career was in the car dealership business, following in the footsteps of his father, uncles, and grandfather. His family’s dealerships were a mainstay in Northern New Jersey. But RJ was the guy innovating on the radio with unique marketing and advertising. He did the voices himself, something that seems normal now but was brand new at the time. Eventually he transitioned out of the car business and into acting, in movies and TV. RJ also has his own production company, and tells me about handling movie production ri...2021-02-241h 01The Bizwood Podcast006: Josh Ford - Owner of Ford LegalThis week I sit down with Josh Ford, a true modern Renaissance man. He’s a geologist who became a Manhattan corporate lawyer, and then went out to start his own business, Ford Legal, based right here in downtown Ridgewood, New Jersey. But wait there’s more...Josh is a computer programmer, and the co-owner of an environmental trucking business, Grid Logistics. He tells me about how all his many career experiences have come together to create this specialty niche. I also learn about dirt arbitrage, trying to read through PDFs...2021-02-1755 minThe Bizwood Podcast005: Arnold Lau - Owner of Ridgewood Karate AcademyArnold Lau is the owner of Ridgewood Karate Academy right here in downtown Ridgewood, NJ. Arnold bought RKA in 2016 after a long history of owning other fitness and real estate properties - all while working a demanding tech job for a big Wall Street bank. Arnold talks about trying to keep RKA afloat during Covid, and why there are fewer bargains on rent than you might think. Arnold describes the changes he had to make when taking over the studio, including the struggle between martial arts “traditionalists” and the commercial realities today. Arno...2021-02-1038 minThe Bizwood Podcast004: Renu Vitale - Executive Coach and Strategic Advisor at Renu Vitale CoachingThis week on the BizWood Podcast I sit down with Renu Vitale, a Ridgewood resident who runs Renu Vitale Coaching. She tells me about the many high-powered and high-paid executives who seem to have it all but are lost on the inside; the loneliness many entrepreneurs struggle with; and how many of us are defined by our past rather than our future. Renu shares her own story of leaving the corporate world to start her own business, along with the periodic pull of that world trying to bring her back...2021-02-0648 min