The Local

Presenting the 1st of 3 episodes of our special podcast guest Bob Jacobsen!  Bob's a charming, old-fashioned storyteller who will leave you captivated and wanting more through each episode. This episode takes us back to Bob’s childhood in Staten Island and how his family survived and thrived during the Depression era. His memories retold as if it was yesterday.  You’ll find yourself smiling by the...

Matt explains the contribution the sanitation district provides for its residents and local environment. He discusses some of their ongoing projects and even touches on how serious our water safety is from bad actors. Our host even had an experience on this topic! It’s something we all take for granted but very glad to have!   Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking her...

He may have started selling Kirby vacuums in college, but he’s in the juice and burrito business now!  Kevin explains his passion for faith and a work-life balance. A touching story about how one phone call changed his future and how it taught him to pay it forward.   Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by  clicking here!     Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to...

In 1978, Glennette Tilley Turner published her first book, The Underground Railroad in DuPage County, Illinois. A walking Wheaton treasure, she is sure to open your eyes with stories and perspectives that contributed to being honored with the Studs Terkel Humanities Award, the Alice Browning Award from the International Black Writers Conference, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois S...

Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by  clicking here!

Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by  clicking here!

Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by  clicking here!

A fascinating listen, this renaissance man regales us with stories of living overseas to becoming Mayor of Wheaton. An admitted Anglophile, he fondly discusses belonging to the Samuel Pepys club. A club dating back to 1903, as well as a well-kept secret club right here in Wheaton. Stay tuned for the second part of Mike's interview coming next week! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out...

Enjoy hearing about a one stop treasure trove of rich history and unparalleled culture at Cantigny Park and Golf. Find out which cartoon character has a sand trap dedicated to them! After listening, it’s very likely you’ll plan a day to enjoy their famous renowned gardens, tour their military artifacts or perhaps a round of golf. Do you have an idea for a guest on The Local? Reach out to us at www...

Meet this no-nonsense, crack-whipping cancer survivor who we love overseeing our county’s budget! Enjoy a fascinating listen of how collecting our taxes is just the beginning of the process. Gwen gives insight into how you can get involved and learn how to fight back against the machine! Do you have an idea for a guest on The Local? Reach out to us at www.fairhavenwealth.com/contact Do you have a...

He's so much more than a roofer! Dale shares one of his favorite quotes from Winston Churchill when asked to summarize his success: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Dale said he has probably learned more from his failures than his strengths. It takes courage – a lot of courage – and faith, as well as surrounding yourself with an empowered tea...

Sarah began her career as an elementary school teacher which she credits as pivotal to becoming the CEO of her own company. Learn about Radon testing and how it is a 24/7 job! Sarah shares her secret to success from the courage it takes to be a woman in a predominately male-run industry to where she got her strong work ethic. Do you have an idea for a guest on The Local? Reach out to us at www.fai...

As seen on Shark Tank? Bob’s invention, although years in the making, put children’s art front and center – from the fridge to the walls! A Family-owned business through generational growth and mentoring, Bob is a firm believer that good old-fashioned customer service is the key to his success. Framing isn’t just putting a picture in a frame, it’s the art of carpentry and mechanical skills to brin...

From the first Latina Lieutenant Governor of IL to changing laws for fair housing, Evelyn Sanguinetti proudly shares her journey from growing up in poverty to living in Springfield. A refreshing story of failure, humility, and hard work that made her famously known as The Sidewalk Lady, and how she uses her experiences to make Wheaton a desirable place for businesses to thrive! Do you have a guest...

Mike and Chris both discuss the importance of their respective coaching jobs and how it correlates with success in business. They talk about ow failing is an important cornerstone in the journey to success, the power of networking and how it works from sports, business, and even a music career. They also discuss staying relevant and active to contribute to each other’s success. They both left Whea...

Have a guest idea? Let us know here ! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by  clicking here!

Diversity of experience throughout her life started growing up moving homes 26 times and has continued through her years on the bench. Hear how her family tree crossed paths with the original founders of our fine city. Try not to feel too badly for yourself (we certainly did) when you learn Your Honor likes to relax by reading books in foreign languages when she isn’t winning ribbons for her sewin...

The formula resulting in Steve’s passion for the mission of St. Francis High School comes from an odd list of ingredients: Arizona + English literature + Seminary + European bike trips + Peddling wine = Go Spartans! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!

Sue began her ambassadorship at Cosley Zoo 39 years ago, when there were just two employees. Today, the team is over 30, and they're proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Only 10% of United States zoos enjoy this honor! Find out about their Junior Zoo Keeper program for kids ages 12-17, the buzz about their UnCorked wine event, their annual golf outing, and all the other way...

Learn how Eric started out as a young foreman with Legos on the playground, then became an architect by trade. He has a truly fascinating story of how networking and past experiences helped him take the leap of faith into the restaurant business. Eric shares how his faith, work ethic, and family are all part of reshaping the social landscape of Wheaton. He also dishes on some of his exciting new p...

Ron started his career at the former Big Eight firm Arthur Andersen & Co, and decided if he had to work this hard – he’d rather work for himself! With unwavering support from his wife, it was a leap of faith that paid off with a lot of hard work. What a badge of honor it was to cold call clients and develop a relationship that comes to fruition. In keeping with the changing times, from cold callin...

Pam shares her story of being a woman in business back in the day, when you had to basically ignore the fact that you had a family to become the Executive Vice President and Regional Market Head at Wintrust. The slogan “you’ve come a long way baby” rings true! Pam gives great advice about the satisfaction of mentoring, taking risks and constantly continuing to learn from everyone and everything. H...

Find out who Yo-Yo Ma winked at and the possibility of Bag Pipes playing at Edman Memorial Chapel?  Tony discusses the massive pivot from pre-pandemic in-person music entertainment to the new wave of live streaming and how they’re trying to bring back live performances.   He shares his excitement for all things music and the new Armerding Center becoming the art center for the community.    Do you...

Karen advises her kids and young attorneys to be kind to themselves and be patient when chasing their aspirations. Growing up visiting family in Wisconsin, Karen is a big Packer fan and admires Eleanor Roosevelt. Although the Aronberg Goldgehn firm is 130 years old, they are new to the DuPage county area. Through investing in the community, with quarterly events giving back, they are hoping to exp...

Bob has been a lifelong resident of Wheaton and knows where the bodies are buried – literally! As a matter of fact, as a young lad, he golfed amongst them. He reminisces of the good old days and is just as excited to see where Wheaton is headed. This story-rich interview goes from dunking to cocktail parties, and ping-pong balls! Also, more seriously Bob talks about how banking has affected custom...