Sharing Knowledge Series

What 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 Ima...

The 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...

In 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...

Agency 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...

What 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 Clearste...

What 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...

As 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 techn...

When 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...

No 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 , a...

Everyone 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, found...

Are 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 f...

Many 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 wa...

The 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 Ser...

How 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 fee...

Want 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. W...

In 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...

In 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 cultu...

In 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 trend...

In 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...

In 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 yo...

In 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 fe...

In 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...

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 inclu...

In 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...

In 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 o...