Shows
Sharing Knowledge SeriesHow small businesses can attract, develop, and retain talentWhat can small businesses do to attract, develop, and retain the best talent possible? That’s the focus of this episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, led by host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank. Kevin is joined by two local human resource experts, Laura Steidl, Vice President of Human Resources at ICI Metals and Stella Karas Skaljac, ESQ., Founder & CEO of ImagineHR, LLC and Human Resources Director & Associate General Counsel at Ken Ganley Companies. We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks 2025-06-201h 04Sharing Knowledge Series2025 Economic OutlookThe last 12 months had no shortage of developments that have set the stage for the economic outlook in 2025. As we look towards the new year ahead in the latest Sharing Knowledge Series episode, host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank leads a discussion about where our economy is at and what business owners can expect in the coming months. Kevin is joined by Jon Shulman, a Westfield Bank board member, and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®, managing partner and financial advisor at FHT Advisors.We want to hear...2025-01-2842 minSharing Knowledge SeriesProtecting your business from fraudIn a digital world, the threat of fraud to businesses is only growing and evolving. That’s why cybersecurity and fraud prevention advice is the focus of this episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, leads an important discussion to help business owners stay informed about the latest fraud trends.Kevin is joined by Andy Jones, CEO at Fortress Security Risk Management and Westfield Bank board member, and Jarrod Long, director of treasury management at Westfield Bank.We want to hea...2024-11-0547 minSharing Knowledge SeriesOpportunities to grow and expand your agencyAgency growth and expansion is the topic of discussion for the 28th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, EVP, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses how insurance agency owners can best prepare for growth while navigating the high interest rate environment and other policy changes impacting the economic landscape with guests Josh Heebner, Dave Rivell, and Mike Wagar.Josh and Dave are partners at Element Risk Management, and Mike serves as SVP, agency banking and specialty lines leader at Westfield Bank. We want to hear y...2024-07-3146 min
M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor Professionals: An Expert’s Views on Effective Post-Merger Integration StrategiesM&A integration expert Ben de Haldevang shares insights into what can make post-acquisition integration smooth and successful. The integration structure evolves through the diligence process and can help defy false optimism and outlooks that are not based on reality. View the complete show notes for this episode. Want More? Related Resources: M&A Post-Closing Technical Aspects - Morgan & Westfield M&A Due Diligence | Checklist & Overview - Morgan & Westfield M&A Post-Closing Technical Aspects - Morgan & Westfield Save the Silver Bullet: The small steps to successful transformation by Ben de Haldevang Additional Resources:...2024-05-0845 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor Experienced Sellers: Expert Advice on Avoiding Disputes Post-ClosingM&A disputes post-closing are more common than people realize. Disputes arise from different sources for different reasons and can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation costs. Bill Wiersema returns to M&A Talk to offer expert advice on how to best prepare during the sales process to avoid potential disputes after the closing. He discusses the three most common areas of dispute and the value of having expert advisors to navigate financial due diligence to prevent issues from arising. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More About This...2024-05-011h 07Sharing Knowledge SeriesUnderstanding wealth management and preserving generational wealthWhat is wealth management and preservation, and why is it important for individuals and families?This question and more gets answered in the 27th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses wealth management, strategies for financial planning, and preserving wealth across generations with guests Brad Knapp, president of Clearstead and Ken Morgan, chief operating officer at Clearstead Trust.Investment products:• Are not FDIC insured• Are not bank guaranteed• May lose value• Are not a deposit• A...2024-03-2100 min
Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldFood and Beverage Lending UpdateCale Rice returns to F&B Talk and gives a lender’s perspective on financing challenges in the food and agribusiness industry. He discusses the impacts of weather on the supply chain and the prices of sugar and other commodities, the volatility of the marketplace, hedging strategies to cope with market volatility, the impact on pricing in a truly global marketplace, calculating working capital, and the most common financing problems for manufacturers and processors in middle-market agribusiness companies. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Beverage Morgan & Westfield – Food Industry Statistics and M&A Net Working Capital (NWC) for...2023-12-191h 08Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldThe Future of Food & Beverage DistributionHow food products move is a critical topic for the Food & Beverage industry. Dennis Silva, COO of Julius Silvert, talks about the distribution channel and differences in distribution needs for the retail food sector vs. the food service industry. Topics include food inflation and labor shortages, how these issues impact consumer options, changes in the “just-in-time” model of inventory ordering, food consumption trends, and the importance of a food producer having a vision and strategy for their product in the marketplace. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Be...2023-12-121h 17Sharing Knowledge Series2024 Economic Outlook: navigating the financial landscape in the new yearWhat do business leaders and consumers need to know about the economy as we head into the new year?In the 26th episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series, our guests look ahead to help business owners and consumers navigate the challenges and opportunities we’re likely to experience in 2024. Host Kevin Vonderau sits down with Mike Toth and Brian Toma to discuss what factors they’re watching to gauge the state of the economy in the new year. Mike is the Chairman & CEO of Westfield Bank and Brian is a managing partner and registered investment advisor at Free...2023-12-0740 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldEvolution and Growth Potential in the Craft Brewing IndustryBeer is one of the oldest food products in the world. Lawyer and craft brewer Kevin McGee of Anderson Valley Brewing Company explores the excitement of the craft beer industry and gives a brief history from Prohibition to today. He discusses the definition and concept of craft beer, what draws consumers to craft beer, the influence of private equity investments and how this changed the industry, pricing pressures, the evolution of distribution channels, and the future of this rapidly evolving industry. Learn More M&A Advisors to the Food and Beverage Industry Morgan & Westfield – Food & Beverage Ove...2023-12-051h 15M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Why You Need To Think About Taxes Early When Selling a BusinessTaxes – taxes – taxes. The best way to deal with them is to be prepared, and Bill Wiersema returns to M&A Talk to do a short show with a big punch. He covers some of the little-known issues that come up around taxes when selling a middle-market business. He talks about the tax implications of stock deals vs. asset deals, double taxation, and tax differences between an S-Corp and a C-Corp. He explains what an F reorganization is, how it may be a solution, and the advantages and limitations of an LLC vs. an S-Corp. View the comple...2023-12-0130 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldSaving the Planet One Plant-Based Food Company at A TimePlant-based foods are gaining popularity as consumers recognize the relationship between eating well and feeling well. Connie Marples, founder of Boosh Plant-Based Foods, shares her experiences operating a start-up through going public and recently acquiring Beanfields. She discusses consumer preferences and interest in plant-based foods, financial audits, integrating an established new acquisition into a company model, and the challenges presented in moving a home kitchen recipe to a commercial recipe. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Preparing Financial Statements When Selling a Business Additional Resources: Planning to sell...2023-11-2942 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Buying or Selling a BusinessWhether you realize it or not, buying or selling a business is an emotional rollercoaster. Drew Bisping talks about this emotional journey from both sides of the table as a buyer and seller. He discusses the role that emotions play in the sales process and what you can do about it, the importance of using the right advisors, the very real impact that comes from deal fatigue, and why it is critical to be prepared and understand the impact a sale will have emotionally on yourself, your employees, and partners. View the complete show notes for this e...2023-11-2459 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldBeyond Meatballs and MarketingBranding sells products and companies. Adam Michaels, CEO of MamaMancini’s, discusses brand loyalty, the multi-sensory eating experience, the influence of different cultures on the F&B industry, how the five senses can be harnessed when marketing a product, the impact of Covid-19 on the industry, and changes in consumer preferences and shopping experiences. Adam also goes beyond MamaMancini’s to discuss his experience making acquisitions in the F&B industry and his three criteria when looking to acquire a company. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Food and Beverage M&A...2023-11-2052 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Top 4 Issues for Sellers to Avoid with an LOINegotiating a clear letter of intent keeps a seller’s position strong throughout the sale process. Bill Snow returns to discuss the top four mistakes sellers make with the LOI and his tips on avoiding these issues. He highlights the importance of planning for taxes and understanding the tax implications of a sale from the outset, how valuations vary and what can impact them, setting up a data room for due diligence before the LOI stage, the dangers of having unrealistic expectations, and the costs of not being prepared. View the complete show notes for this episode....2023-11-161h 02Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldSmall Business Spotlight – A Food Trader’s StoryWhat is a food trader? Keith Schare joins F&B Talk to explain where this niche business fits in the F&B industry chain. He explains how they work with growers, manufacturers, and importers to buy and sell bulk ingredients and specialize in helping companies liquidate products they can no longer use. Keith discusses the impact they have on reducing food waste, supply chain issues, finding warehouse space, the costs of trucking, and the importance of listening to your gut instincts and learning from mistakes. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More:...2023-11-1230 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Family Offices – What They Look for When Buying a CompanyIn a return discussion of family offices, Alejandro Levy takes a deeper dive into the nuances of the family office and how they structure their investment strategies. Since family offices are major buyers of middle market companies, it’s important sellers understand what they look for in an investment and who the decision makers are within a family office. The discussion includes direct investments, investment trends in the secondary market, and the differences between family offices and independent sponsors. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Should I Sell My Business? De...2023-11-081h 06Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldWhat Does It Take To Bring a Small Chocolate Snack To a Large Market?Building a specialty snack bar company presents challenges and opportunities. Katarzyna Bosne talks about the lessons she has learned in starting and scaling a business producing all-natural nutrition bars made with vegan, no-preservative ingredients. She discusses manufacturing handmade products in-house, the costs and challenges of shipping products that are refrigerated directly to consumers, the distribution channels, and working with DTC and retail sales to bring healthy, delicious snacks to the marketplace. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Yowie Group Acquires Ernest Hillier, Australia’s Oldest Chocolate Producer Food Industry Statistics an...2023-11-0543 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor Professionals: What Does the Future Look Like for Middle Market Valuations?Returning to M&A Talk, financial expert Bill Wiersema shares his thoughts on the current economic situation and the impact of the pandemic on middle market valuations. Will the pandemic continue to impact valuations? Bill’s answer is, “It depends.” He shares his insights into the impact of higher interest rates, inflated unit margins, the consequences of supply chain difficulties, gauging a company’s performance in unusual times, and trends and issues that will continue to influence valuations in the middle market. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Earnouts When Selling...2023-11-0334 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldDistribution Channels and Challenges for Craft BeerKevin McGee returns to F&B Talk to talk about the craft beer industry and distribution challenges to consumers both domestically and internationally. Kevin talks about distribution channel options, how distributors influence the reach of products and where they get shelf space, the logistics and challenges of selling internationally and differences in international markets, the consolidation of distributors and how this impacts smaller companies, and working with smaller versus larger distributors. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: How Does Supply Chain Management Affect Working Capital? Sell Your Brewery Business for...2023-10-301h 05M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Financing an Acquisition – What Buyers and Sellers Need To KnowThis comprehensive show on acquisition financing looks at what buyers and sellers need to know from the beginning. Stephen Speer shares his experience as a finance intermediary to discuss the questions lenders ask, what they look for before making an investment in a company, working with PE firms, family offices, SBA loans, and other capital providers; valuations; EBITDA multiples; how equity is used in an acquisition, and why a seller needs to understand how a buyer will finance the purchase of their business. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: SBA...2023-10-2659 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldHeirloom Farms – Vibrant Produce with Less WasteGet a behind-the-scenes look at building and scaling a food and beverage business that is capitalizing on upcycled produce. Ryan Armistead talks about how he started Happy Moose Juice company and their commitment to family farms, organic foods, and sustainable practices. He discusses the benefits of heirloom farming and the impact this has on fruit quality, the manufacturing process, scaling the company up, gathering customer feedback, and building a challenger brand focused on making a difference to the planet. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Beverage...2023-10-2256 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: What Sellers Should Know About Selling Their Business to a Search FundThis international edition of M&A Talk focuses on search funds and highlights multiple ways to fund an acquisition. Carl Lundberg offers an in-depth discussion of search funds, how money is raised for entrepreneurs, and differences in the M&A world between the UK and the US. He discusses investment funding in the UK, what buyers typically look for in a company, differences between a search fund, PE firm, angel investors, and other financial buyers, and the dynamics involved when working with a search fund. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More:2023-10-191h 06Sharing Knowledge SeriesCybersecurity preparedness: protecting what matters most to your businessAs we increasingly rely on technology, what can you be doing to ensure your company is protected?In the 25th episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau sits down with David Howard and Brandon Pauley to discuss the proactive steps your business can take to protect your data, privacy, and mitigate threats and disruption to your business’s operations. David is the director of technical services at V2 Technology, Brandon is a partner at the Brennan Manna Diamond law firm, and Kevin is the chief lending officer at Westfield Bank.2023-10-1600 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldHow a Start-up Company Is Leading a Snack Food RevolutionAshley Nickelsen is on a mission to reimagine snacks in vending machines. This is a nutrition-packed conversation about what goes into starting a new functional snack company on a mission to disrupt the snack food industry. Ashley shares her story and the inspiration behind starting BTR NATION, the challenges in being a sole founder, finding a co-manufacturer to work with a new company, scaling up, working with social media influencers, omnichannel marketing, and sourcing ingredients for their superfood bars. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Yowie Group Acquires Ernest Hillier, A...2023-10-161h 04
Shamrocks SportscastEpisode 30: Up Next..... FishersThis week Roen, Cali, & Will talk about Westfield sports and what we can expect from the Westfield VS Fishers Football game.2023-10-0519 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Expert Advice from a Buyer – Why You Should Prepare Your Business for SaleDon’t be scared to put your business on the market – just be prepared. This is the top piece of advice from strategic buyer Scott Hile. He shares his advice learned from doing almost 100 transactions on the buy-side. Scott has seen what can go wrong with a deal and the common mistakes sellers make. He discusses the importance of being prepared, how this can help with running a business even before going to market, the impact on the value and time it takes to sell, and how being prepared builds trust with a buyer. View the complete show...2023-10-041h 10Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldComplexities of Managing the F&B Supply ChainManaging the supply chain is a complex task in the F&B industry. Eran Mizrahi is a problem solver in the ingredient space. He shares his expertise in this in-depth conversation about the intricacies of the supply chain. He discusses due diligence for food safety and compliance, the different stages of the supply chain for any ingredient, choosing and working with suppliers, the sourcing process, the logistics of transporting ingredients around the globe, and the importance of planning in a successful supply chain. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Food...2023-09-291h 24M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Why You Should Consider Selling Your Business to a Family OfficeThe personal touch can be hard to find when it comes to selling a business, but family offices can bring the personal touch back into the mix. Father and son Geordie and B.G. Lemmon talk about their family office, Brynavon, and how family offices work in the M&A world. They discuss the differences between a family office, a PE firm, and a strategic buyer, how they make investment decisions, how they work alongside the existing management team and the long-term perspective they take with their investments. View the complete show notes for this episode. 2023-09-2751 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldTop Criteria a Corporate Acquirer Looks for in an F&B CompanyWhen it comes time to sell your business, it helps to know what an acquiring company is interested in. Ben Cosgrove shares his experiences as a serial acquirer with insights that apply to any F&B company. This deep discussion goes into the criteria that his company considers when looking at making an acquisition, the importance of the product and other factors, stories on why they have made certain acquisitions, the factors that go into the attractiveness of a company being considered, and valuation methods. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More:2023-09-251h 04M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessTech M&A: Preparing to Sell a Digital CompanyThe digital marketplace is rapidly evolving and has unique challenges in M&A. Yury Byalik, an expert in buying digital companies, shares what he looks for when acquiring a digital business and offers advice on preparing a digital company for sale. Yury describes the most common mistakes sellers make the criteria buyers consider as they evaluate a company, and gives clear definitions of some of the hottest topics in M&A today. This is a show full of advice for sellers from a buyer’s perspective. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn Mo...2023-09-201h 08Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldManufacturing Pet Food – More That Just for PetsWhen you think about it, there are obvious parallels between making pet food and the production of any food products. Stuart Harness discusses how his military background applied to operations management in pet food manufacturing. He talks about the intricacies of operations, the challenges of owning the manufacturing process versus working with a co-manufacturer, the biggest threats to quality, the importance of collaboration, insights into leadership, and how this all applies to food manufacturing. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Buy-Side Food and Beverage M&A Advisory History of the G...2023-09-161h 04M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Managing Personality and Cultural Differences When Selling Your BusinessThe human element of a business sale is often overlooked. Attorney Danya Shakfeh discusses the impact of cultural differences where personal backgrounds, values, and cultural influences can impact how a sale proceeds or falls apart. She discusses what to expect when working with an attorney, the importance of managing personality and cultural differences, how cultural differences can impact negotiations, some real-world cultural issues she has encountered, and what she has learned that is not taught in law school. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: M&A Non-Compete Agreement | A Complete...2023-09-1348 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldCannabis Drinks – The Latest Craze in an Evolving MarketForget the stigma that still exists around cannabis. Paulo Sobral produces a low-level cannabis beverage without alcohol, and he shares insights into the nuances of the cannabis industry and the complex laws that impact cannabis beverage production. He discusses the differences between THC and CBD, touches on issues around the legalization of cannabis and its impact on the industry, comments on the challenges and benefits of how CBD beverages are made, and highlights the growth potential for the cannabis industry. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Food Industry Statistics and M...2023-09-0858 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Financial Due Diligence – Why It’s Important to Prepare for the Sale of Your CompanyPreparing your business for sale is critical for success. Patrick O’Connell works with buyers during a transaction to perform financial due diligence (FDD). He joins M&A Talk to explain the FDD process and give advice to sellers on how best to prepare their company for sale from a financial perspective. He discusses the issues that come up during diligence, who is involved in the process, and the biggest mistakes sellers make, and gives perspective on what a buyer looks at during financial due diligence. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn Mo...2023-09-0630 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldFrom Craft Beer to Healthy Soft Drinks – An Insider’s StoryThe beverage industry is moving to keep up with consumer desires for healthier options. Mary Pellettieri discusses her move from craft beer to start a beverage company offering healthier options in tonics and soft drinks. From the dangers of high fructose corn syrup to the benefits of natural sugar, from a definition of functional beverages to a discussion of nutrition and details on how to move a new beverage into the marketplace – this wide-ranging discussion offers tips on navigating this tricky landscape. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: The Food an...2023-09-0559 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessTech M&A: How to Build Maximum Strategic Value in Your BusinessThe earlier an entrepreneur starts planning for the sale of their business, the longer they have to compound value as it grows. Mac Lackey gives advice for maximizing the strategic value of a business. Mac shares lessons he has learned from starting and selling six companies all for strategic value, including designing a business with prospective buyers in mind, telling a compelling story about competitive advantages, and why planning ahead is critical to selling a business for strategic value. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Top 5 M&A Value Drivers...2023-08-301h 00M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessEverything You Need To Know Before Growing InternationallyIt is critical to have the right partner in place to successfully grow into an international market. Michele Museyri, with HSP Group, specializes in helping companies expand internationally, and she shares expert tips for managing the process. This jam-packed show discusses what goes into making the decision to expand, issues to consider, legal and cultural differences, and the intricacies of compliance. Also, a brief quiz with facts on cultural and legal differences in regions and countries around the globe. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: M&A Carve-outs The Biggest...2023-08-261h 39Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldLeveraging Marketing Data for Success in the Food & Beverage IndustryThe power of successful marketing comes down to data. Michael Wangbickler is CEO of Balzac Communications & Marketing, a bespoke marketing agency for the F&B industry. He discusses changes in the industry that are impacting marketing campaigns, shares insights into the power of data, making customers feel special, building trust with consumers, and stories of marketing success and failures. Michael also introduces the Balzac Method for gathering and applying data to create a successful marketing campaign. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Our Food and Beverage M&A Experience Food...2023-08-2343 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldFeeding Fido Got More ExpensiveThe business of pet food is big business and is taking note of how consumers today treat their pets as members of the family. Eric Lewandowski returns to Food & Beverage Talk to discuss the humanization of pets and how this resonates throughout the pet food industry. From premiumization of food to brand loyalty and consumer buying habits, to the influence of social media, entertainment options for pets, and the rate of rising inflation, Eric provides insights into trends occurring across the sector. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Food Industry S...2023-08-1842 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: What Exactly is a Rollover and Why Should a Seller Care?Selling your business through a rollover is complicated. Attorney Trevor Crow breaks this technical topic down into clear language as he explains how a rollover works, discusses major terms and documents involved, offers insights into the tactics and negotiating strategies employed by PE firms, explains what to expect, and highlights the critical element of understanding the economic provisions involved in a rollover. Listen to this discussion and maintain your negotiating leverage by knowing what to expect. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Earnouts When Selling or Buying a Business | Complete...2023-08-161h 00Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldTips for CPG Brands Looking for the Right Co-PackerFinding the right co-packer can make or break a CPG brand. Vince Tseng of PartnerSlate offers insights into the complex world of co-manufacturing from both the CPG and co-packers’ perspectives. He discusses what co-packers and CPG brands are looking for in a partnership, shares tips on how to appeal to the right partner, talks about the impact of technology on innovations in the F&B industry, and offers a promotion to CPG brands looking for support in their search for a co-packer. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Our Food an...2023-08-131h 09M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Key Insights on Preparing a Company for Sale from an Experienced M&A AttorneyThis in-depth conversation about preparing a company for sale looks at the process from the view at the end of the transaction. Pat Linden, an M&A attorney who has closed well over 100 deals, offers insights into the importance of being prepared before even starting the sales process. He shares tips on maximizing the final price, negotiating from a strong position, maintaining a poker face, recognizing sunk costs, dealing with emotional stress, and getting it right to get the best price possible. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Letter of...2023-08-091h 00Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldHot Cocoa – From Cottage Industry to Regional FavoriteHot cocoa tends to be considered a seasonal treat. Dean Packingham of Mike & Jen’s Hot Cocoa proves that a small cottage industry can grow into a regional business success year-round. He discusses the power of starting with your passion when developing a new product, the advantages of being in an F&B category with less competition, the value of simplicity as a business model, tips on finding the right co-manufacturer, distributor, and retail partners, and scaling a small business up. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Our Food and Be...2023-08-0545 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor Experienced Sellers: Inside Details on Descartes’ International Acquisition of LocalzWhat does it take to complete a successful acquisition quickly and smoothly on an international scale? Get the insider’s view of global powerhouse Descartes’ acquisition of Australian company Localz in this discussion with both companies. Hear about the importance of clear communication, tips on being prepared for the intensity of the acquisition process, dealing with issues such as time zones, and relationship building on an international scale – all elements critical to achieving a successful acquisition. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Why do Companies Acquire other Businesses? Crossroads: Deciding to Sel...2023-08-0247 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldCultivating Innovation: Strategies for Success in the Sugar Beet IndustryAlbert Duoibes has been focused on innovation in the F&B sector for over 35 years. His focus currently is on the sugar beet industry, but his advice and comments extend beyond sugar. Albert discusses using natural resources, minimizing waste, and the environmental impact of the supply chain. He describes the power of sugar, the need for more innovation throughout the supply chain, explains how the innovation process works, the impact this can have far beyond sugar beets, and offers advice for people with a new idea. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn M...2023-07-2954 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Expert Advice on How To Sell Your Middle-Market CompanyListen in for expert advice on selling a business, geared toward sellers of middle-market companies. Investment banker and author of Mergers & Acquisitions For Dummies Bill Snow shares advice, tips, and insights from over 30 years of selling companies. He gives examples of adjustments that should be made or avoided, discusses the most common mistakes sellers make, explains why a cash flow statement is critical, covers the four methods of valuing a company, shares how an investment banker helps in negotiations, and his top piece of advice for all sellers. View the complete show notes for this episode. 2023-07-2655 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldFarm to Table – An Insider’s Take on the Beef IndustryThis episode of F&B Talk will give you insight into everything you could possibly want to know about beef and the beef industry. Renan de Lima leads with a definition of high-quality meat and why this is an important distinction. He discusses the influence of genetics, grass-fed versus grain-fed beef, the impact of a free-range lifestyle, international organic standards, regulatory differences and challenges, meatless alternatives, and his thoughts on upcoming influences in the industry. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Food and Beverage M&A Buy-Side Food and Beverage M...2023-07-2248 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Everything An Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Selling to PE FirmThe world of private equity is often maligned and misunderstood. Adam Coffey brings his years of experience from the corporate and PE worlds to dispel the myths that surround the idea of selling a business to a PE firm. He shares stories from GE during its heyday under Jack Welch, discusses how he translates those lessons to the acquisitions, roll-ups, and turnarounds he has led, and talks about learning and the magic that private equity can bring to a company in helping it grow to the next level. View the complete show notes for this episode. 2023-07-1846 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldSupply Chain Issues in Food Manufacturing and DistributionThe complex and underappreciated topic of production planning and supply chain optimization is the focus of this episode of F&B Talk. Lisa Anderson takes a look at the different components of production management and how they fit into the supply chain world. She discusses the steps of the production planning process, the importance of the sales forecast, common issues in the supply chain on the manufacturing and distribution sides of operations, and keeping all the elements and players on the same page. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: How...2023-07-151h 01Sharing Knowledge SeriesTaking your business to the next level: financing strategies for growing your businessWhen pursuing new growth opportunities for your business, there are two big things to keep in mind: you have options, and you don’t have to go at it alone.In the 24th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, discusses strategies related to business growth with Bob Filipiak, executive director of Cascade Capital, and Carrie Malotte, VP, commercial loan officer at Westfield Bank.To read the key takeaways from the discussion, visit westfield-bank.com/why-westfield-bank/westfield-bank-news/financing-business-growth 2023-07-1438 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: How to Avoid Mismatched Expectations with BuyersReturning to M&A Talk, Dan Tamkin looks at how the market has changed in recent years; how changes in interest rates affect valuations; the problem with low revenue, high EBITDA businesses; and why it’s important for buyers and sellers to get along. He discusses the impact of a mismatch between buyer and seller expectations, the surprising influence of a good dinner meeting to build trust and establish a relationship between the buyer and seller, and stories about getting deals done and some that fell through. View the complete show notes for this episode. Lea...2023-07-1234 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldScaling a Company in the Enhanced Water MarketScaling from start-up to multi-million dollar business takes time, ingenuity, and perseverance. Yanni Hufnagel, founder of Lemon Perfect, discusses the 6-year growth of his company into a major player in the enhanced water sector. Discussion includes going from sourcing regional ingredients to international sources; delivering consistent quality; getting consumers to try a new product; the importance of relationships with contract manufacturing partners, distributors, and retailers; and how perseverance is key. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Buy-Side Food and Beverage M&A Advisory History of the Global Food Industry Food...2023-07-0838 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor Professionals: Perspectives on Start-ups, Mergers, and IntegrationThe world of M&A is complex, but it is possible to plan, learn, and be flexible enough to make an acquisition successfully happen. Cassio Bobsin takes a broad perspective of entrepreneurship and gives his insights into start-ups, mergers, integration, taking a company public, and the influence of AI on the M&A industry. Cassio doesn’t take the typical scientific approach to decide about an acquisition – he looks at core competencies, synergies, and best practices of a company and how to integrate them. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: 18 Diff...2023-07-0551 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: Quality of Earnings in M&A Explained in 30 MinutesWhat is a quality of earnings (Q of E) report? How can it help sellers and buyers in M&A transactions? Nicholas Spezio returns to M&A Talk to discuss the importance of the Q of E report. From an overview of the process to the difference between an audit and a Q of E, Nicholas covers how a Q of E can ensure that both parties are prepared for the diligence process by flushing out potential issues early enough in the transaction to be able to deal with the issues rather than losing the deal. View...2023-06-3026 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldFrom Employee to Owner – A Food & Beverage Tale of SuccessWhat goes into the art of creating a wedding cake? Stephanie Chain, business owner and pastry chef of the micro-bakery Sweet Luncheonette, specializes in creating bespoke wedding cakes. She discusses the health and safety concerns that led to her emphasis on creating sugar flowers for cakes, the specifics about what goes into making custom wedding cakes, the different perspectives she has encountered as an owner versus being an employee, and the role of food in important social and cultural events. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Our Food and Beverage M...2023-06-2842 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldA Food Marketing Pro Talks Research and GrowthResearch can be key to unlocking market growth for an established business, identifying new locations for growth, and highlighting the perfect franchise opportunity. Jayson Tipp has over 30 years of experience in franchising and specialty retail in the food and beverage industry. He discusses how market research data, analysis, and technology have changed over the years, how they can be used to map out locations for growth, and the importance of doing research before jumping into the world of franchises. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Buy-Side Food and Beverage M...2023-06-2658 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: An Introduction to Financial Due Diligence for SellersDon’t rush to the closing – take the time to do financial due diligence properly. That’s the advice from Nicholas Spezio with Exbo Group, a strategic boutique advisor for growth-stage companies. He discusses the integration process, the objectives and advantages of doing financial due diligence, the problems with going too fast during the sale process, why financial due diligence is the most challenging part of integration, and how to set a company up for success with a seamless integration. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: M&A Due Diligence | Checkl...2023-06-2131 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldHow Artificial Intelligence Is Impacting the Food IndustryWhat are some pressing trends affecting the food and beverage industry today? How can companies stay agile? Barry Thomas, senior global thought leader with the consulting company Kantar, answers these questions and more. He discusses how F&B companies view the home as a convenience store, how technology is enabling e-commerce shifts and growth, how AI is driving value and the profound innovation this leads to, examples of generative AI increasing revenue, and the need for a personal learning plan for dealing with AI. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More:...2023-06-1745 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor Buyers: Case Study – From Bootstrapped to Venture-BackedSerial entrepreneur Ryan Buckley returns to M&A Talk to discuss lessons learned as he moves from bootstrapping to seeking venture capital backing with his current company, Shovels. Ryan talks about his decision to pursue climate tech as his next project, how the idea of mining and analyzing building permit and inspection data can help people make better decisions about contractors they work with, what went into his decision to pursue VC money, and the importance of focusing on providing the most value. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Business...2023-06-1347 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldA Winning Recipe to Help Relieve Hunger and Reduce Food WasteFood waste and hunger relief are not about food scarcity – it’s about logistics. Blake Engelhard of Goodr.co discusses using technology to address hunger and waste issues. From the logistics of a 2-hour turnaround time identifying surplus food to distribution to working with clients making donations that enable families to get groceries in a dignified manner and the staggering tax benefits to the corporations. This goes beyond the idea of making a difference and shows a direct path to significantly impact the lives of people and reduce food waste. View the complete show notes for this epis...2023-06-0729 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessFor New Sellers: How an M&A Attorney Can Help Sell Your BusinessWhat can an M&A attorney bring to the table when selling a business? Jessica Fairchild, a corporate and M&A attorney for over 20 years, answers this question and many more. She discusses why it is so important to work with a lawyer who knows how the M&A process works, knows what your goals are, and understands the key issues of your business when they are negotiating for you. She highlights the need to prepare for a sale as early as possible and build a team of good advisors to help you throughout the sales process. ...2023-06-021h 00Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldUsing Flexible Commercial Kitchens to Scale Your BusinessThis is everything you need to know about commercial kitchens and how they can help entrepreneurs launch a small-batch product and successfully grow. Bella Karakis, co-founder of e.terra Kitchen in New York offers insights into how to take a small-batch product and produce it on a large, scalable basis; stories of brands that have succeeded in growing out of a commercial kitchen; what commercial kitchens can offer to entrepreneurs; and how they differ from co-packers or producing food out of a home kitchen. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More:...2023-05-251h 03Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldA Deep Dive Into the Water BusinessWater – the building block of life and a complex topic for the food and beverage industry. Beckie Anderer Murphy is an expert in regulatory compliance and food safety. In this nutrient-rich discussion, she goes beyond the basics of water and dives into the differences between U.S. and European standards for water treatment, packaging, and recycling concerns, the different tastes of water, types of bottled water, and a brief overview of international regulatory differences for water and food safety standards. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Beve...2023-05-1956 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldBeyond Meatballs and MarketingBranding sells products and companies. Adam Michaels, CEO of MamaMancini’s, discusses brand loyalty, the multi-sensory eating experience, the influence of different cultures on the F&B industry, how the five senses can be harnessed when marketing a product, the impact of Covid-19 on the industry, and changes in consumer preferences and shopping experiences. Adam also goes beyond MamaManicini’s to discuss his experience making acquisitions in the F&B industry and his three criteria when looking to acquire a company. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Be...2023-04-2852 minSharing Knowledge SeriesGrowing Your Business: How to build a team of advisors to meet your goalsNo matter what stage of the business lifecycle you’re in, having trusted professionals in your corner can pay dividends. Are you intentional about who you surround yourself with as a business owner?In the 23rd episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Nolan James Jr., Esq., a shareholder at Cavitch Familo & Durkin, and Leslie Oyler, CPA, Client Services Manager at Zion, Synek & Associates for a wide-ranging discussion about the important role advisors play in growing your business.Read the article at...2023-04-1733 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldFarm to Fork – A Discussion of the Agriculture Industry, Supply Chain, and FinancingThe agricultural industry’s broad supply chain and complex distribution system feed the world. Cale Rice, VP of lending with National Bank Holdings, brings his passion and extensive experience to the table to discuss financing, banking, and the challenges that exist for the food and agricultural industry. He discusses the complexities of the supply chain, factors that impact the commodity markets, advice about taking on debt, and the influence of technology on growth and productivity in agriculture. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Beverage Morgan & Westfield – Food In...2023-04-071h 01Food & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldCreating Unforgettable Branding for the F&B ConsumerIconic branding will stick in a consumer’s mind for years. Presenting a consistent brand experience across every touchpoint is critical to a successful marketing campaign for any F&B product. Branding expert Alexandra Liebler shares insights on how to build brands and deliver profitable growth. She discusses building brand experience and creating emotional connections, shares insights into how branding has changed over time, and highlights the branding points of memorable global brands. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Beverage Morgan & Westfield – Food Industry Statistics and M&A 2023-03-3159 minFood & Beverage Talk by Morgan & WestfieldBehind the Scenes of a Shark Tank SuccessFunctional beverages are sweeping the markets, and the intersection between mental wellness and organic living meets at the first plant-based smoothie made from whole coconut – Genius Juice. Alex Bayer, founder of Genius Juice, discusses the evolution of his company, scalability, supply chain issues, launching a new product line, and building a sustainable business. Hear insights from this entrepreneur who has imagined, developed, and marketed a niche food product and garnered investment partners on the TV show Shark Tank. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Morgan & Westfield – Food and Beverage Morgan & West...2023-03-2441 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessAn Expert Negotiator’s Perspectives on Selling Your BusinessIn this episode of M&A Talk, we take a deep dive into the many facets of M&A with Corey Kupfer, the author of Authentic Negotiating: Clarity, Detachment & Equilibrium – The Three Keys to True Negotiating Success & How to Achieve Them. We discuss the role of lifestyle businesses, lawyers as deal makers, happiness as a new metric in considering an M&A deal, The Five Whys, and the keys to negotiating in M&A. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: The Role of M&A Lawyers When Selling Your Business A Gu...2023-03-211h 07M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a Business8 Simple Ways to Increase the Value of Your BusinessLooking at M&A transactions from the sell-side, building value is the foremost goal for a business owner. Jonathan Wilson, the founder of Dubb Value Creation (Consulting Firm), returns to M&A Talk to discuss the importance of incorporating sell-side readiness into a strategic plan and outlines his eight key concepts for building value. He covers the importance of financial forecasts, reducing concentrations of risk, recurring and repeat revenue, synergies and dis-synergies, and the need to always have a growth strategy that can be described to a buyer. View the complete show notes for this episode. 2023-03-0745 minSharing Knowledge SeriesWhat the evolving state of healthcare means for your businessEveryone from individuals to families to business owners are impacted by the rising costs of healthcare in the U.S. What are some key trends that industry experts are watching? How is healthcare adapting to technological advances? In our 22nd episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by Dr. Jennifer Prezioso, DPM, FACFAS, founder and CEO of Balance Foot & Ankle, and Tim Juka, client executive at Oswald Companies, explore these questions as a part of a broader healthcare discussion.We want to hear your...2023-02-2341 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessThe Art and Science of Valuing a Middle-Market BusinessPart art and part science – the different sides of managing an M&A transaction come together in this discussion about maximizing the value of a middle market company. Kevin Moyer and Megan Sartor combine their experiences to discuss the importance of valuation adjustments and expectation setting on the sell side. They offer explanations of EBITDA, free cash flow, and working capital, along with how these areas can be utilized to maximize value and the relationship between A/R, inventory, and accounts payable. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More: Is there a...2023-01-311h 00M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a Business48 Deals in 2.5 Years – Here's What I LearnedYou can learn a lot about M&A from books, but the best lessons come from real-life experiences that you won’t read about in the books. Entrepreneur Jonathan Jay shares his learnings from buying 48 companies in London in just 2.5 years. From the crucial role that confidence plays in buying, running, and selling a business to how passion, talent, and profit can work together to make you more successful to tips for making strong hires for your team – this episode is full of priceless advice for any entrepreneur. View the complete show notes for this episode. Le...2022-12-201h 05Sharing Knowledge SeriesEconomic Outlook 2023: Your business, the recession, and why cash is kingAre we headed for a recession in 2023? What economic indicators should we be paying attention to? These are some of the questions we explore in the 21st episode of our Sharing Knowledge Series. Host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Jon Park and Brian Toma, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA to offer predictions for 2023 and provide guidance to business owners who are bracing for a possible recession. Jon founded Westfield Bank in 2001 and has remained as executive chairman since he retired as CEO in 2021. Brian is managing partner and a registered investment advisor at Freeman Heyne To...2022-12-1334 minSharing Knowledge SeriesPhilanthropy & Nonprofits: How community engagement benefits individuals & businessesMany business leaders and community members hope to make a positive impact on the areas they serve and the neighborhoods in which they live. One of the best ways to uplift the community around you is through engaging with nonprofits and philanthropic efforts. The 20th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series takes a closer look at how nonprofits operate and the ways that you can get involved.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2022-11-2938 minSharing Knowledge SeriesSuccession Planning: How to ensure your business will thrive without youThe thought of retirement or what’s next for you and your business is intimidating. But like many big decisions you make throughout your career, thoughtful planning will help set you up for success. That’s why in our 19th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, sits down with Gary D. Sirak, CLU®, ChFC®, president of Sirak Financial Services and author of How to Retire and Not Die: The 3 Ps That Will Keep You Young and Mark Dorman, AIF, CLU®, ChFC®, CFBS, CEPA, president & CEO of Legacy Business Advisors Ohio and Cont...2022-11-0232 minShamrocks SportscastEpisode 6: Westfield XC Runner Owen Flynn; Avon vs Westfield Talk; Girls Golf State Championship Preview!This wee, the boys break down Westfield's loss at Brownsburg, Preview Girl's Golf and their Riley game vs Avon, an Interview from a Special XC runner, and this Fridays football game predictions against Avon.2022-09-2930 minSharing Knowledge SeriesThe Role of Marketing: How aligning sales and marketing can grow your businessHow big of a role does marketing play for businesses looking to make the most of their budget and gain the attention they deserve? In our 18th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by Hallie Bram Kogelschatz, CEO & president of shark&minnow, and Mark Priebe, president of Proximity Marketing.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2022-09-2141 minSharing Knowledge SeriesRetail: Innovating your shopper’s experienceWant to gain insight into the state of the retail industry and how businesses have been impacted by supply chain issues and rising inflation? In our 17th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau, chief lending officer at Westfield Bank, is joined by guests Scott Maloney, owner and president of Century Cycles, and Chris Curcio, CEO, and president of Litehouse Pools & Spas.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2022-08-1631 minSharing Knowledge SeriesCommercial Construction & Equipment: Best practices for buying and financingIn the 16th episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Jason Winkler, president, Summit Construction Company, LLC and Carlin Culbertson, CPA, vice president, Assurance Services Group at Meaden & Moore. Their discussion focuses on new construction, remodels, renovations, and the importance of staying ahead and being flexible in the face of supply chain issues.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com2022-06-1545 minSharing Knowledge SeriesEmployee Empowerment & Engagement: The importance of company culture in driving employee satisfactionIn our fifteenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Mike Milby, ceo and Beth Sweeney, president of Ratliff & Taylor, and Mike Toth, president and ceo of Westfield Bank. Together, they discuss the power of empowering your employees, the importance of an engaged workforce, and best practices to shape a healthy workplace culture.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com2022-05-1246 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessThe Hunter vs. The Hunted in M&A – A View From Both SidesWhat’s it like to be on both sides of the table, as the hunter (the acquirer) and the hunted (the acquired), in an M&A transaction? In this show, we talk with private equity specialist Jim Evanger in a deep dive into the process of selling your company, viewing it from two sides. We cover preparing your company for sale, handling the initial negotiations and the letter of intent, conducting due diligence, the closing process, determining the transaction structure, and managing the integration process – all from the perspective of both the buyer and the seller. View the...2022-04-221h 30Sharing Knowledge SeriesRestaurants & Agribusiness: How farm to table is changing our culinary experienceIn our fourteenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Kristyn Henslee, owner, Yellow House Cheese, and Douglas Katz, owner, Zhug, Chimi, and Amba. Together, they discuss what they’ve learned from their years of experience in the restaurant and farming industries, the adjustments they’ve adapted during the pandemic, and the trends they expect to see in the coming years.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com2022-04-1250 minM&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a BusinessLessons Learned on Selling a Business After Dozens of ExitsWhy does a $5 billion company sell some of its business units? What can you learn from them? Russell Iorio was the former Senior VP of Corporate Development at Leggett & Platt, a $5 billion diversified manufacturer with 15 business units in 18 countries. Russell was in charge of deciding whether to divest the companies’ business units. He is an expert at selling businesses since they did this regularly. Join us as we take a deep look at the process of selling a business from a professional’s point of view. View the complete show notes for this episode. Learn More...2022-04-081h 06Sharing Knowledge SeriesResidential Real Estate: The future of the housing marketIn our thirteenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Andy Camp, president, Cutler Real Estate and Bob Giacomo, senior vice president, mortgage market leader, Westfield Bank. Together, they discuss inventory, new construction, mortgage rates, and the housing market trends they expect to see as we look ahead.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com2022-03-2145 minSharing Knowledge SeriesCommercial Real Estate & Development: The outlook for property investmentsIn our twelfth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Dan Spring, SIOR, president and business director, NAI Spring and Jim Pickard, president, Pickard Commercial Group. They discuss the current state of commercial real estate development and investment and look ahead at what trends to expect in the coming years.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2022-02-2330 minSharing Knowledge SeriesEconomic Outlook 2022: A looming recession and economic recovery for small businessesIn our eleventh episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Brian Toma CFP®, AIF®, CIAA ®, investment advisor representative at Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors and Jon Park, executive chairman of Westfield Bank. Together they reflect on the financial trends of 2021 and discuss the economic outlook for 2022.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-12-2037 minSharing Knowledge SeriesCyber Insurance: How small businesses can protect themselves from cyber-attacks and data breachesIn the tenth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Lacy Rex, vice president, cyber strategic leader at Oswald Insurance, and Fred Franks, chief strategy officer at FIT Technologies. The group discusses current potential threats, the importance of cyber insurance, and the protocols to adhere to that can help your business avoid or overcome cyber and ransomware attacks.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sksHave questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-11-1835 minSharing Knowledge SeriesDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)In the ninth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Robert DeJournett, CDM, vice president of opportunity and inclusion at Greater Akron Chamber, and Julie Brandle, president and founder at Metis Construction Services. Together, they discuss the principles businesses embrace as they start the journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.
For legal information and resources, visit westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge/disclaimer.2021-10-2842 minSharing Knowledge SeriesAutomotive & Insurance: The future of electric vehicles (EV’s) and buying a carIn the eighth episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Eric Kempthorn, president at Kempthorn Motors, and Steve Butler, Westfield Insurance, personal lines product management & underwriting practices leader. Together, they explore the future of the automotive and insurance industries and the financial partnership that makes both possible.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-08-1800 minSharing Knowledge SeriesShipping & Logistics: Supply chain disruption & the future of multi-modal transportationIn the seventh episode of the Sharing Knowledge Series, our host and chief lending officer, Kevin Vonderau, is joined by Michael Jarrett, president at Jarrett Logistics Systems, and Jason Stevenson (CIC, CPIA, MBA), vice president at Oswald. Together, they discuss the future of transportation and logistics, while exploring its impact on the insurance industry.We want to hear your feedback. Take our survey at westfield-bank.com/sks.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-07-2000 minSharing Knowledge SeriesThe Future of Work: The hybrid workforce & collaborative workspacesIn the sixth episode of Westfield Bank’s Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau is joined by Yvette Zingery (NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP), partner & interior design leader at SoL Harris/Day Architecture, and Dan Spring (SIOR), president & NAI business director at NAI Spring. Together, they explore the idea of the future of work and what it means for business and employees.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.Have feedback? Please complete the brief survey at westfield-bank.com/sharing-knowledge-series to share what conversations from the Sharing Knowledge series have been most valuable to you and what to...2021-06-0200 minSharing Knowledge SeriesDigital transformation: a cycle of innovationIn the fifth episode of Westfield Bank’s Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau is joined by Diana Moeglin, director of service delivery and business operations at V2 Technology, and LuAnn Unrue, chief strategy officer at Environmental Design Group. Together, they explore the topic of digital transformation and their strategies to create a cycle of innovation for businesses.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-05-0600 minSharing Knowledge SeriesMergers & acquisitions: how you can grow your businessIn the fourth episode of Westfield Bank’s Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau is joined by Scot Flueckiger, corporate controller at UIS Insurance and Investments, Scott Dickey, senior account executive at UIS Insurance and Investments, and Mike Wagar, SVP and market leader of agency banking at Westfield Bank. Together, they explore the topic of mergers and acquisitions and its importance to growing businesses and insurance agencies.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-03-1600 minSharing Knowledge SeriesCybersecurity: how to protect what matters most to youIn the third episode of Westfield Bank’s Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau is joined by Jarrod Long, CTP, senior vice president and treasury management leader at Westfield Bank and Ken Fange, president at On Technology Partners. Together, they explore the topic of cybersecurity and its importance to businesses and individuals in our digital age.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2021-02-1800 minSharing Knowledge SeriesEconomic Outlook 2021: Our current economy & the path forwardIn the second episode of Westfield Bank’s Sharing Knowledge Series, host Kevin Vonderau is joined by Brian Toma CFP®, AIF®, managing partner and owner at Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors and Jon Park, Westfield Banks founder, chairman, and CEO. Together, they analyze current market conditions in order to present an economic outlook and provide a vision for the path forward in 2021.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2020-12-2900 minSharing Knowledge SeriesIntroducing Sharing Knowledge SeriesIntroducing Sharing Knowledge Series, a new podcast series from Westfield Bank.Sharing Knowledge Series is a video and podcast series that brings you insights on banking from the perspective of business owners, insurance agents, and individuals from all backgrounds with the same passion for the pursuit of financial freedom.Each episode, host Kevin Vonderau is joined by industry experts and partners. Together, they’ll exchange ideas, highlight best practices and address top business challenges to help you succeed.Have questions? Email westfield-bank@westfield-bank.com.2020-10-2800 min
How I Got Here - Career inspiration & business adviceHow I Got Here - IntroductionIntroducing 'How I Got Here' by Westfield.Get inspired with top business advice from successful founders and entrepreneurs alike in this podcast series ‘How I Got Here’ by Westfield. Across 8 episodes the series explores a range of interesting and inspirational careers, interviewing business founders and individuals about their career journeys to date and discovering how they got to where they are now. Reece Parkinson (BBC 1Xtra) delves into the journeys from the likes of Henry Milroy, Co-Founder of Pan N Ice finding out how a summ...2020-10-0501 min