Shows
Innovation IlluminatedJim Paschke Podcast: Learning From The Best Athletes In The WorldIn today's episode, I'm joined by Jim Paschke, the retired sportscaster for the Milwaukee Bucks. Over his career, Jim has had the opportunity to observe and call games for some of the greatest athletes of all time. Through these experiences, he has gained insights into the discipline and mindset of the best. Conversely, he has also witnessed individuals rise to fame quickly and fall just as swiftly. During his tenure with the Bucks, Jim conducted many interviews with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jim shares what sets Giannis apart from the rest and explains why he believes Giannis has achieved such great success.
...2024-08-201h 37
Innovation IlluminatedPriorities & Hustling In Your 20s With Realtor Andrew IzhimanIn today's episode, I'm joined by Andrew Izhiman the creator of The Izhiman Realtor Group. Andrew got his roots In the Real Estate industry fresh out of high school and since then, all he knows is hustle. From cold calling, to door knocking, to reaching people online through social media, Andrew has done it all while promoting being a real estate agent. His unique style of recording short-form videos at his listings helps him stand out from the competition and further his reach to find a buyer. Follow him on Instagram @TheMilwaukeeRealtor to keep up with his content.
Other...2024-08-101h 00
Innovation IlluminatedMastering Luxury Car Wraps: Andrew Harsch's Diamond Graphics Story | E29In today's episode, I'm joined by Andrew Harsch, the owner of Diamond Graphics, an automotive customization shop. With over 10,000 followers on Instagram, Diamond Graphics has built a strong reputation, working with Milwaukee Bucks basketball players and recently securing second place at the Wrapper Mappers competition in California. Known as Wisconsin's premier high-end vinyl wrap shop, they have worked on prestigious brands such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW, Audi, Tesla, Range Rover, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, and many more. Andrew shares his journey of starting the business during his college years and growing it into a successful shop.
Other topics we discuss...2024-07-1249 min
Innovation IlluminatedUnlocking Tax Secrets: Insider Tips from a Top Tax Planning Expert | Eugene MarshallIn today's episode, I am joined by Eugene Marshall, the founder and CEO of Magnolia Tax Services. Eugene began his real estate journey in his 20s and soon discovered how to leverage property investments to optimize tax savings. With his extensive tax knowledge, he established Magnolia Tax Services. We delve into numerous insightful topics that offer valuable tax planning advice for business owners, helping them reduce their tax expenses effectively.
Other topics we discuss include #tax #loophole #realestate #businessowner
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel...2024-06-171h 19
Innovation IlluminatedRetirement Planning Secrets & Life Motivation with Expert Financial Advisor Josh Rohde | E27In this episode, I sit down with Josh Rohde, a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. The term "financial advisor" often carries negative connotations, with many people viewing advisors as untrustworthy individuals looking to take advantage of clients. While there are some who fit that description, Josh is different. He shares his professional journey and the experiences that have shaped his career, demonstrating his genuine commitment to helping others.
Other topics we discuss include #planning #finance #savingmoney
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit...2024-06-051h 36
Innovation IlluminatedMastering Business Credit: Expert Tips to Separate Personal and Business FinancesIn this episode, I'm joined by Andrew Cervenka who is an expert in building business credit. Most people do not know that business and personal credit are two different scores. This means that if you are trying to get a loan as a business but don't have any previous lending history, you will have to personally co-sign. Which then means that if you default on the loan the bank comes after your personal assets.
Trump has avoided this by making sure that each business has great credit and that none of his personal assets are intertwined with...2024-05-1529 min
Innovation IlluminatedApril's Knowledge Blitz: Million-Dollar Agency to Mortgage Mastery | Innovation Illuminated RecapIn this episode, I recap what I have learned from guests on Innovation Illuminated in the month of April. From starting a multi-million dollar marketing agency (GMR Marketing) to learning about mortgage lending from business expert Tony Trahan, we cover a vast variety of topics.
Other topics we discuss include #entrepreneurship #businessowner #advice
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving comments with questions for our guests in specific business fields. Your curiosity fuels this podcast.2024-05-0827 min
Innovation IlluminatedUnlocking Success: 30 Under 30 Real Estate Agent Reveals Top Secrets | Podcast InterviewIn this episode, I'm joined by Alex Derenne, a seasoned real estate agent with a remarkable track record. Alex's expertise is underscored by her numerous accolades, including being honored as one of the National Association of Realtors' 30 Under 30. Since entering the real estate industry during the COVID era, Alex has consistently achieved sales volumes exceeding $10 million annually.
We delve into Alex's journey into real estate and uncover the secrets to her rapid success. Additionally, we explore her unwavering dedication to helping individuals discover their ideal homes, drawing parallels to her fervor for guest satisfaction during her previous roles in...2024-05-0152 min
Innovation IlluminatedRocking the Marketing Scene: GMR Marketing's Journey with Musical Bands & Alcohol Brands | E23In this episode, I am joined by guest Gary Reynolds the founder and previous CEO of GMR Marketing. Gary is a trailblazer in the marketing world implementing experimental campaigns with companies such as Apple Computers, Miller Brewing, and many others. A large competitive advantage for GMR was Gary's connection to the music industry. His campaign idea of matching bands with brands took off with the promotion of Miller products at concerts and festivals. At one point in his career, he did not miss one single day in the office during 9 years. Work was his life.
Currently, GMR...2024-04-2456 min
Innovation IlluminatedUnlocking Mortgage Secrets: Senior Loan Officer Speaks Out | Innovation Illuminated E22In this episode, I am joined by guest the Milwaukee Mortgage Man Tony Trahan, a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at PyraMax Bank. Starting out doing auto loans to now doing mortgages, Tony has a wide range of knowledge when it comes to narrowing money. This episode serves as an informational conversation about different options and tips when it comes to loaning money.
Other topics we discuss include #cashout, #downpayment, #realestate, #firsthome, #escrow, #pmi,
#loan, #mortgage.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each...2024-04-171h 20
Innovation IlluminatedInside the Marketing Machine: Interview with the Owner of a Full-Service Agency | E21In this episode, I am joined by guest Jon Wolf, founder of The Rally Co. With operating a full-service marketing agency Jon gets to do work such as brand strategy, advertisement design, content development, and much more. We talk through his journey from starting the agency with his business partner 2 years ago to now bringing on employees. In the marketing agency world, it is common to outsource work to freelancers but at The Rally Co., they try to keep most work in-house.
Other topics we discuss include #pricing, #marketingagency, #onboarding, #experiences, #growth, #hiring, #outsourcing.
Like you, I am constantly...2024-04-1047 min
Innovation IlluminatedMarch Madness: Recap of Entrepreneurial Insights & Business Wisdom | Innovation Illuminated E20In this episode, I talk through various topics that were covered in past episodes of Innovation Illuminated. This serves as a recap for March 2024. I cover specific quotes, tips, and knowledge that guests share with me.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving comments with questions for our guests in specific business fields. Your curiosity fuels this podcast.
Link to download short-form videos of this episode
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XhAJTe4-kj3hsU8xvI0glU...2024-04-0320 min
Innovation IlluminatedFrom Cancer Survivor to Curiosity Advocate: Navigating Life with a Positive Mindset | Paul DeckerIn this episode, I am joined by guest Paul Decker, who has recently retired from his role as Chairman of the Waukesha County Board. Paul realized at a young age that life is about asking the right questions to dig deep into getting an understanding of where people's motives come from. At age 45 Paul was diagnosed with a deadly form of Lung Cancer which he had to battle through rough rounds of Chemo.
Paul is driven by curiosity and always wants to know more. Something that stuck with me after this interview was that Paul said that he doesn't...2024-03-272h 33
Innovation IlluminatedGee's Clippers: From Barbershop Dreams to Community Cornerstone | Innovation Illuminated E18In this episode, I am joined by guest Gaulien "Gee" Smith, the owner of Gee's Clippers Barbershop. Gee has been cutting hair since the age of 12 and decided to open his own barbershop in his 20s. The barbershop has grown out of the first 2 locations and now is located at 2200 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212. We talk about the process of growing the barbershop to fit 25+ barbers and also how Gee had to learn how to manage and train barbers.
Besides having a great barbershop, Gee is known for his amazing contributions to the Milwaukee...2024-03-201h 04
Innovation IlluminatedBuilding Success: From Decks to Dollars - How One Entrepreneur Hit $1M in Revenue | E17In this episode, I am joined by guest Traye Bentz the owner of Diamond Decking. Traye started his decking business a year ago and has quickly scaled it to over 1 million dollars in revenue. Before starting the business, Traye was working in the industry and didn't feel a sense of purpose.
One night Traye had a dream that involved him owning a decking business called Diamond Decking. The next day he got to work on executing this dream. We talk about his journey so far and what has worked for him in sales, marketing, and managing.
Like you, I...2024-03-1650 min
Innovation IlluminatedBehind Fly Kicks Co.: Scaling Sneaker Resale with 250K+ Followers | E16In this episode, I am joined by guest Hayden Pauls, the co-owner of Fly Kicks. Fly Kicks is an online sneaker reseller that started with Hayden and his girlfriend Sydney selling shoes out of the basement in high school. Now in college, they have a space downtown in Whitewater Wisconsin where they keep and ship out inventory across the world.
Hayden talks about how the business has grown and the strategy behind growing an online business through organic content. With 200+ thousand followers on Tik Tok, Fly Kicks prides itself on being customer-focused.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge...2024-03-061h 13
Innovation IlluminatedDesigning Icons: Behind Modelo Beer & Mijer Soap Packaging | E15In this episode, I am joined by guest Bill Bachman, the founder/ principal of Bachman Brand Development. As a brand development agency, Bill has worked on lots of packaging designs for large companies such as Modelo Beer, Briggs & Straton, Mueller Braces, and more.
We talk through his whole work experience journey going from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur. After 20 years of being a business owner, Bill has some great experiences under his belt.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by...2024-02-2856 min
Innovation IlluminatedInside Podcast Town: Empowering Entrepreneurs in the Podcasting Realm | [E14In this episode, I am joined by guest Elzie Flenard. Elzie is the Mayor (owner) of Podcast Town, an agency that helps businesses start and run a podcast. Before starting the agency, Elzie started a podcast in 2016 (that he still does today) where he interviews business owners to learn from their knowledge.
We cover many topics varying from how he started the business, how its going, what he does, and some advice for people who have a podcast. Currently, Podcast Town has two studios where his residents (clients) record their podcast episodes at.
Like you, I am constantly seeking...2024-02-2152 min
Innovation IlluminatedJanuary Insights: Lessons from Entrepreneurial Titans | Innovation Illuminated Recap E13In this episode, I recap what I have learned from guests who were featured on the podcast this past month. I have learned so much and hope you all have as well.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving comments with questions for our guests in specific business fields. Your curiosity fuels this podcast.
Link to download short-form videos of this episode:
https://drive.google.com/drive...2024-02-1936 min
Innovation IlluminatedBehind the Shelves: Inside the Manufacturing Magic for TJ Maxx & HomeGoods | E12In this episode, I am joined by guest Scott Berkowitz, who is the owner of a manufacturing business. Scott makes products for big box retailers such as Tjmaxx and Marshalls. These retailers (buyers) come to Scott's business and ask for them to get something made such as a wind chime. Scott then reaches out to his manufacturers in China to get the product made.
This is an interesting interview since it is a hard business to get into and understand the business. Scott got into the business by forming a relationship with a wealthy...2024-02-141h 55
Innovation IlluminatedMastering Wealth: Insights from a Founder Managing $4 Billion in Client Assets | E11In this episode, I am joined by guest Jim Marshall the founder of Spectrum Investment Advisors. Spectrum oversees almost 4 Billion Dollars worth of client assets. Jim is recently also an author with his published book “The American Tailwind.” Spectrum has been awarded “Best Place To Work” by multiple different outlets so Jim and I discuss how a business owner can build/maintain such a great company culture.
We talk about how Jim started the business, gaining clients' trust, what investment account options are there for someone who is self-employed vs. employed, the story or Warren Buffer, and lots to...2024-02-071h 24
Innovation IlluminatedPDS Success Story: From Startup to $200M Exit | CEO Insights & Human Purpose | [Podcast Name]In this episode, I am joined by guest Craig Schiefelbein. Craig is an Entrepreneur, Innovator, Philanthropist, Superhero, and just a great human being. Craig is widely known as the Founder of Paragon Development Systems (or PDS) is an IT company he started in a basement with loose change and built it into a Company worth over $225 Million. During our conversation, we talked about how the business continued to change and he had to be agile as a leader. While Craig was the CEO, PDS had 26 consecutive years of growth and was recognized as a Top Innovator in North America...2024-01-311h 42
Innovation IlluminatedBehind the Threads: CEO Journey with Global Schoolwear by Tommy Hilfiger | [Podcast Name]In this episode, I am joined by guest Adam Weil, who is the CEO of Global Schoolwear by Tommy Hilfiger. Global Schoolwear specializes in the niche market of school uniforms. Adam worked at multiple jobs in the industry before buying Global Schoolwear. He talks through different experiences from going to China to find a manufacturer to walking in to meet the CEO of Tommy Hilfiger.
Adam has now grown the company to 100+ employees and has taken it from having 150 school accounts to almost 1,000 current days. Global Schoolwear was getting too large for the warehouse that they had...2024-01-241h 11
Innovation IlluminatedReal Estate Revealed: Industry Insights & Networking Tips | Innovation Illuminated E8In this episode, I am joined by guest Tyler Vandermolen, who is a real estate agent at Exit Realty. Tyler talks through the process of becoming a real estate agent and what it takes to be a good one.
Through the episode, Tyler gives good tips and tricks for people who may just be starting out in the real estate world. He talks about how cutthroat being an agent is and how important it is to have a good mentor.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode...2024-01-191h 19
Innovation IlluminatedBehind the Casino Nights: Inside the Party Rental Business | Innovation Illuminated E5In this episode, I am joined by guest Dylan Finn, who operates Vegas On Wheels which is a Casino Party Rental business that his dad founded.
Dylan and I talk about the insides of operating a party rental service business as he deals with setting up events and has to network to gain clientele. Dylan shares how he can juggle having a full-time job, a kid, and a wife while still being able to operate and grow the Casino business.
Like you, I am constantly seeking knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. F...2024-01-1945 min
Innovation IlluminatedSeizing Opportunity: The Secrets of GMR Marketing's Success Revealed | E4Today's guest is Marc Smathers. Marc is a professor in the Business Program at WCTC (Waukesha County Technical College). With 40+ years in the business world, Marc has held numerous positions and can discuss his various experiences at different jobs. From working at Pizza Hut to climbing the ladder at GMR Marketing, Marc is a very interesting and knowledgeable individual.
This podcast is geared toward helping young/new entrepreneurs and people in the business world get inspired and learn from the guests featured on this podcast. If you would like a guest in your industry/field of work, please leave...2024-01-1950 min
Innovation IlluminatedBusiness & Healthy Smiles: Insights from a Dental Practice Owner | Dk Dental E3Today's guest is Dr. David Keeling, the owner of DK Dental Practice. Not only do David and I talk about the business aspects of a dental practice, but we also discuss oral health. Everything from which gum is the healthiest to chew to what type of toothpaste is the best for you, we delve deep into his knowledge. Apart from the very interesting discussion on oral health, David walks us through how he came to own his practice and what his priorities are
This podcast is geared toward helping young/new entrepreneurs and people in the business world get...2024-01-192h 21
Innovation IlluminatedDockside Chats: Unveiling the Business Secrets of a Dock & Lift Owner | E2Today's guest is Chad Baker, the owner of both Lakeside Dock and Lift & Surf Sconsin. Surf Sconsin is a wake surf school that offers wake surfing charters in Minocqua, Wisconsin. We talk about how a hobby turned into a business and share some great customer experience stories! Like Chad, I also own a wake surf school, so we have a great conversation about our experiences and practices. Lakeside Dock and Lift is a business that sells docks and lifts for lakes, so the name is pretty self-explanatory. Chad bought this business and has expanded it to multiple locations in...2024-01-191h 18
Innovation IlluminatedFertilizing Success: Exploring Products & Business Strategies with a Fertilizer Business Owner | E1
Today's guest is Tyler Vandermolen, the founder and owner of Dairyland Property Management. Dairyland Property Management is a lawn care company specializing in weed control and fertilization. Tyler and Hunter walk through how Tyler got inspired to start a business and the knowledge that led him to become a successful business owner. From his first job experiences to customer interactions with his business, Tyler discusses many tips and what he has learned through his entrepreneurial journey.
This podcast is geared toward helping young/new entrepreneurs and people in the business world get inspired and learn from the guests featured...2024-01-191h 47
Innovation IlluminatedInk & Imagination: Inside the Creative Process of a Print Shop Owner | [Podcast Name]In this episode, I am joined by guest Collin Vesely, who is the owner of Totally Normal Studio. Totally Normal is a Print Shop and Merchandise company that Collin started. He is very creative and walks us through his process of designing a graphic. He shows us his “Algorithm” T-shirt that he designed and handmakes. It is a design that is inspired by how he believes our minds look while we are on social media.
We talk through how he started the business and how much all of his equipment cost. All of the equipment that Collin started with is l...2024-01-151h 14
Innovation IlluminatedFrom Idea to Empire: Navigating the Journey of Starting a Business | E6This is a solo episode where Hunter Perock walks through the process of forming a business and what he has learned from guests in the past few episodes. I will do a once-a-month episode where I recap what I have learned from guests.
Like you, I constantly seek knowledge, absorbing new and insightful information with each episode. Feel free to contribute to our collective pursuit of learning by leaving comments with questions for our guests in specific business fields. Your curiosity fuels this podcast.
Link to download short-form videos of this episode:
https...2024-01-1130 minInnovation IlluminatedIntroduction To Our Host: Hunter PerockGreetings, I am Hunter Perock, the host of the Innovation Illuminated Podcast. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to collectively enhance our understanding of entrepreneurship. Our featured guests bring extensive experience in the business realm, offering profound insights into the factors contributing to their success. I strive to pose thought-provoking questions that stimulate ideas in the minds of our listeners. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments regarding industry experts you would like me to interview and the specific aspects you are keen on exploring with them.2023-12-2411 min