Innovation Illuminated

In 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 swiftl...

In 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-...

In 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 sho...

In 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 ow...

In 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 sha...

In 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 y...

In 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, ab...

In 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....

In 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 wit...

In 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 #...

In 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...

In 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 co...

In 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...

In 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+ ba...

In 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 st...

In 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 own...

In 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,...

In 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 f...

In 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...

In 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 compan...

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...

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 grow...

In 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...

In 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...

Today'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 geare...