Midway Business Podcast

Butch Zemar takes listeners back to one of the most devastating naval disasters—the USS Forrestal fire. Caused by a hot start on a jet engine, the fire claimed 100 lives and nearly sank the ship. Zemar not only recounts the tragedy and the heroic efforts of the crew but also explores how the Navy’s response—mandatory firefighting training and structural changes—offers a critical lesson in business...

A scuba diving anecdote illustrates how firsthand experiences can dramatically shift perceptions, as a couple had contrasting reactions to their diving class. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and chaos, whether in parenting, business, or personal growth and highlights how adapting to adversity leads to success. The conversation underscores the risks of offering advi...

In this episode, Jason Treadwell, founder of Treadwell Consulting Group, emphasizes the importance of conducting regular financial checkups for small businesses. He advocates quarterly reviews to analyze revenue, costs, and trends. He stresses that financial management should be proactive, not just a compliance task. Treadwell warns against reactive financial decision-making and highlights how lev...

In this episode, Butch Zemar explores the parallels between training for ultra-marathons and achieving business success. He emphasizes the importance of gradual progress, consistent effort, and discipline, sharing personal experiences from his journey as a runner. Butch discusses how the real challenge lies in the training, not the race itself, and relates this to the need for adaptability and per...

A recent discussion explored the common reasons businesses fail, focusing on the lack of strategic planning and the failure to adapt to new technologies. Many companies struggle due to ineffective sales and marketing strategies, resistance to change, and a failure to address legal and compliance issues. The importance of having a solid benefits program strategy was also highlighted, as neglecting...

The emphasis was on how the real challenge lies in the preparation, not the event itself. In business, this translates to proper planning, consistent effort, and focusing on the right activities to achieve long-term success. Sales teams, for instance, are encouraged to increase their meeting volumes and prioritize quality actions that drive results. Additionally, leveraging data in business decisi...

Despite increasing premiums, many employers are hesitant to change their plans, with a survey showing that 87% of employers remain satisfied with their current coverage. Smaller companies are particularly vulnerable to significant cost increases, often needing more resources to manage healthcare benefits or adjust to these rising expenses proactively. The issue of broker retention was also highlig...

A recent discussion highlighted the risks of cutting corners in both business and health insurance, drawing a parallel to a tragic scuba diving story from The Last Dive by Bernie Chowdhury. The story emphasized how cost-saving measures, such as using compressed air instead of mixed gas with helium, led to fatal consequences. This served as a cautionary tale for businesses that seek quick fixes or...

Small and mid-sized companies often complicate their health insurance programs, leading to inefficiencies and frustration. Sometimes, companies need to change their approach to achieve their goals. The conversation emphasized the importance of evaluating renewals early, exploring cost-saving opportunities like switching carriers that provide claims data and implementing technology to streamline en...

Taking examples from the NHL and MLB, where rule changes improved efficiency and game outcomes, the conversation drew parallels to the evolution of health insurance. Historical shifts like tax breaks after World War II led to the rise of PPOs and HMOs, and more recently, strategies such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Individual Coverage HRAs (ICRAs) have emerged as methods to cont...

Businesses that fail to evolve, such as Kodak, suffer the consequences, while those that embrace innovation thrive. The evolution of scuba diving is also mentioned, illustrating how technological advancements, such as the move from deep air diving to mixed gas diving, improved safety, and efficiency. The conversation then shifts to healthcare, explaining how historical events like wage freezes aft...

There are growing concerns among CFOs regarding the unpredictability of healthcare costs, with 72% finding these expenses more volatile than others. Despite their increasing involvement in cost discussions, many CFOs are hesitant to invest time in fully understanding and controlling these costs. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative and non-traditional strategies, such as working wit...

Purpose-Driven Success and Business Strategies In a recent discussion, the importance of drive and purpose in achieving success was emphasized, using personal examples like reading goals and running achievements to illustrate how consistent effort and persistence can lead to significant outcomes. Financial challenges faced by small businesses were explored, noting the stark difference in revenue b...

In this episode, the discussion centers on the complexities of the health insurance landscape, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. The conversation delves into the critical need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. A key point is the importance of identifying flaws within health insurance programs and how consolidating data can improve offerings, ultimately makin...

There are parallels between the importance of proper planning and managing an employee benefit program effectively for your company. Scuba divers prioritize safety and must be equipped with the right tools. Employers should reassess their benefit packages, leveraging data-driven approaches to understand cost structures and explore innovative solutions beyond traditional broker advice.   Businesses...

This episode explores the challenges of entrepreneurship and business ownership, emphasizing the critical traits of adaptability, resilience, and taking calculated risks. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes, shedding light on the problem-solving and adaptability required in various situations, such as maintaining complex systems. The guest also underscores the importance of a multi-...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of managing healthcare costs and expectations within the US, focusing on strategies CFOs can implement to gain better control over expenses. Our guest highlights the importance of having a proactive approach, including regularly checking cost trends and working closely with benefits advisors to analyze claims data. We delve into the significance of sele...

In this episode, Butch Zemar dives into the complexities of the healthcare system, highlighting the lack of transparency and the misalignment between brokers and insurance companies. He underscores the significance of patient advocacy programs, urging employers to invest in these initiatives to help employees navigate the healthcare system more effectively. Zemar emphasizes that such investments c...

Butch Zemar dives into his scuba diving adventures, sharing valuable insights on pushing beyond basic skills and dealing with unexpected equipment malfunctions. Emphasizing the importance of proper training, safety protocols, and teamwork, recounting several challenging dives, including a leaking mask in 38-degree water on a sunken car ferry and a dry suit failure on a frigate dive to 190ft deep....

In this episode, Butch Zemar delves into his expertise in electronics troubleshooting, problem-solving, and benefits program management. He underscores the significance of intuition, experience, and creative thinking in identifying and resolving issues. Entrepreneurs often encounter the same hurdles in decision-making and problem-solving when offering strategies for obtaining affordable, high-qual...

In this episode, Butch Zemar shares his unpredictable and challenging experiences in the Navy, including his service on the USS Constellation. He discusses the pros and cons of partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) for HR outsourcing, highlighting benefits like cost savings, streamlined processes, and access to a larger employee pool. However, there are potential downsides. Ch...

The recent podcast episode explored various topics centered around fatherhood, fitness, and personal wellness. Jason Priest opened up about his own journey, discussing how overcoming addiction and depression led him to a newfound purpose in helping others—a lifestyle program tailored specifically for men, focusing on fat loss and sleep improvement. The discussion emphasized the importance of surro...

In this episode, Butch Zemar delves into the crucial role of data in decision-making processes across various industries, drawing from his diverse experiences in the military and the tech industry. He underscores the importance of leveraging data to inform strategic decisions while acknowledging the potential pitfalls of relying solely on data, such as encountering inaccurate information or basing...

Butch Zemar and special guest Alex Toler take listeners on a deep dive into the often-overlooked realm of risk management within the employee benefits industry. Drawing from Alex's extensive property and casualty insurance background, the conversation illuminates the critical need for effective risk management practices in safeguarding employees' health and financial well-being. One of the key hig...

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the challenges inherent in the American healthcare system, as Butch Zemar critiques its structure and operations. The conversation touches upon various issues, including rising costs, affordability, and fraudulent billing practices, shedding light on the systemic flaws perpetuating these problems. The impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is attrib...