Midway Business Podcast

This episode of the Midway Business Podcast features Josh Lifrak, author of Win Today: Six Steps to Mental Resilience, Peak Performance, and a Thriving Life, sharing front line insights from working with elite athletes and business leaders. He also takes listeners inside the mindset shifts that helped transform the Chicago Cubs during their championship run. The conversation digs into leadership, culture, mindset, and why so many companies lose momentum once pressure starts showing up. For leaders trying to navigate uncertainty, remote work, anxiety, and teams running on fumes, this episode delivers a reality check. It exposes why some companies build cultures that thrive under pressure while others keep running in circles through endless meetings, chasing clarity, and trying to make sense of metrics that somehow change every week. The leaders who create connection, simplicity, and accountability before things break are the ones staying ahead while everyone else keeps scheduling another “quick meeting” to figure out what happened. To contact Josh Lifrak reach out to him on LinkedIn. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-593-5331, [email protected].

This episode takes a hard look at why so many companies treat one of their largest expenses alongside payroll and taxes like an afterthought until renewal season shows up with another painful surprise. It challenges the idea that healthcare costs are “just the market” and why leadership and strategy matter more than most executives want to admit. The conversation also explores why smart companies are rethinking traditional insurance models, challenging rising pharmacy costs, and refusing to accept renewal increases like bad weather reports. For leaders trying to grow revenue while healthcare expenses quietly eat away at margins, this episode opens up a conversation most boardrooms avoid until the panic emails start flying across the company. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-593-5331, [email protected].

Most leaders think growth comes from better strategy, but this episode with Zack Zebrowski from Microsoft shows where things actually start breaking down. When roles blur, communication slips, and teams get stretched too thin, even strong ideas lose momentum. The conversation pulls back the curtain on how execution really works when deadlines are tight, priorities shift fast, and decisions are not nearly as polished as they look in leadership meetings. It also dives into a tension most companies are dealing with right now. Everyone wants more output, faster launches, and bigger results, but fewer leaders want to talk about the strain sitting underneath it all. The companies creating clarity, building trust, and keeping teams moving without burning people out are the ones staying ahead while everyone else keeps holding another “quick alignment meeting” that somehow eats up the entire afternoon. To contact Zack Zebrowski with Microsoft: ‭708-528-9197 ‬or https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackzebrowski/  

Every leader says they trust their team until something goes sideways and suddenly everyone is back in the weeds. In this episode, John Eby from Toledo Integrated Systems joins the conversation to dig into the gap between what leaders say and how they actually operate when pressure shows up. The discussion challenges the idea that control creates results and instead explores why trust, honest conversations, and giving teams ownership is what keeps companies moving when things get difficult. At the same time, the episode calls out the reality most leaders are quietly dealing with right now. The workforce has changed, expectations have shifted, and the old leadership playbook is getting exposed fast. Companies that balance accountability with flexibility and keep Customer Experience human continue to pull ahead while others sit through another meeting wondering why employees disengage and customers slowly disappear. To contact John Eby with Toledo Integrated Systems: ‭419-867-4170 x274‬ or [email protected], www.ttoledo.com  

Every company says they want better performance, but most are just running cleaner versions of the same habits that got them stuck in the first place. Good habits can build momentum, but they can also box you in when the business outgrows them. Bad habits are easier to spot, but just as easy to ignore when they have been part of the routine for years. Either way, once something feels normal, it becomes invisible, and that is where most leaders lose control without realizing it. This episode cuts into that blind spot. It shows how the same pattern that drives discipline and consistency can also limit growth if it goes unchallenged. The real tension is not knowing what is right or wrong. It is recognizing that both good and bad habits will run your business on autopilot if you let them. The leaders who win are the ones willing to question what feels normal before it starts costing them. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-535-3006, [email protected]

Most companies think their employee benefits problems start when the costs show up. They don’t. They start months earlier when NOBODY owns the process, decisions get pushed off, and everyone assumes they will deal with it later. Then suddenly it is crunch time, options shrink, and leadership is forced to approve decisions they don’t fully understand. If that sounds familiar, it should. This episode calls out what’s quietly failing and why SMART companies keep running the same expensive play every year. Working harder at renewal time is not the fix. It challenges how delegation actually works inside leadership teams, exposes how pressure destroys decision quality, and forces a question most executives avoid: Is your process built to produce outcomes or just to get through another year? For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-535-3006, [email protected].

Most companies are not struggling because of the market, they are struggling because they confuse effort with progress. This conversation challenges how businesses drift into chaos as they grow, where teams stay busy, decisions get fragmented, and leaders unknowingly create the very bottlenecks they are trying to solve. It also forces a harder look at how ownership, accountability, and strategy actually show up inside an organization. When the wrong people are driving decisions and the right ones stay on the sidelines, the outcome is predictable. The real question is whether your business is built on a system that produces results, or just a collection of activity that looks productive on the surface. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-535-3006, [email protected].

Most companies think they have communication problems, but what they really have is a system problem wearing a communication costume. This conversation digs into how information gets buried under meetings, messages, and assumptions while teams stay busy trying to fix things that should not have been broken in the first place. It challenges how organizations rely on memory, noise, and good intentions instead of building a structure that actually keeps people aligned and moving. It also takes a closer look at how roles, ownership, and accountability quietly determine whether communication works or fails. When everyone is talking but no one truly owns anything, the outcome is inevitable. Missed details, duplicated work, and frustration that somehow turns into more meetings. The real question is whether your organization is designed to communicate clearly, or just hoping it all lands in the right place at the right time. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-535-3006, [email protected].

Many professionals spend entire days working hard only to discover the revenue needle has barely moved. This episode takes a closer look at the difference between real productivity and the kind of activity that simply makes the calendar look impressive while progress quietly waits for permission to begin. From sales stagnation to rebuilding momentum through relationships, discipline, and consistent outreach, the episode explores why many organizations stay busy while growth remains inconsistent and irritating. For leaders responsible for results, it offers a grounded perspective on why certain activities create traction while the wrong ones can keep a company looking productive without actually moving the needle. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-535-3006, [email protected].

Running and trying to grow a company can feel like success from the outside, but on the inside, chaos controls the day. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Forrest Derr with Derr Consulting shares insights from nearly three decades working alongside founders who built strong companies but eventually discovered the business cannot move faster than the owner and that taking a vacation isn’t in the cards. The conversation explores why many organizations stall even when revenue looks good and why their systems, daily clarity, and the right people often matter more than chasing the next big idea. For C-Suite leaders, the discussion pulls back behind the scenes of common problems founders face. Vision is rarely their problem where execution needs important attention. This episode examines the hidden pressures that leaders face and how their attention is demanded on every decision. If your calendar looks like an air traffic control tower and every decision seems to land on your desk, this podcast may hit closer to home than expected. Grab your favorite way to take notes, sit back, and listen in. For more information about Midway Business Podcast, please contact us at 708-535-3006, [email protected]. To contact Forrest Derr with Derr Consulting: 251-210-2411 or [email protected], derrconsulting.com

Most companies say they want growth. What they often build is day-to-day exhaustion. This Midway Business Podcast explores why discipline beats heroics and why busting your hump without structure eventually hits a wall. High performance environments in your personal life or at work rely on repeatable systems to function efficiently, not personality driven effort. The lesson for leaders is clear: you cannot outwork a broken process, and you cannot scale intuition. For leaders running fast but feeling stuck in the mud, this episode challenges a hard truth. If every approval, exception, and decision routes back to you, you are not leading, you are managing a bottleneck. Organizations that sustain growth build clear checkpoints, defined ownership, and timelines that prevent chaos from pretending to be productivity. The real question is not how hard your team is working. . . It is whether your business can function efficiently if you were to go on vacation. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Building a company that truly scales requires more than long hours and a packed calendar. Many founders stay stuck in the center of every decision, mistake activity for progress, and without realizing it, create bottlenecks that slow the very growth they are chasing. If your company feels busy all the time and stressed, this conversation will feel familiar. It surfaces the patterns that quietly stall momentum, from delayed hiring and unclear accountability to poor processes, weak systems, and culture that drifts over time. It challenges the habit of saying “YES” to everything, avoiding hard conversations, and hoping growth alone will solve structural gaps. If you want a clearer view of what separates scalable companies from jumbled ones, this podcast offers perspective worth applying. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

This episode opens with a blunt question most executive teams avoid: Are you actually busting your hump, or just operating at a level that feels intense but only produces average results? It challenges the illusion that being busy equals progress and explores why effort without real purpose and urgency quietly stalls growth. If your company believes showing up for the day is the same as advancing, this conversation will test that assumption. For C-Suite leaders navigating growth, renewals, culture, and execution fatigue, this episode exposes the patterns that keep companies stuck in cycles of reaction and stalled growth. It talks through the doubts leaders quietly carry, the habit of sticking with what feels familiar, the tendency to relax after a good stretch instead of building on it, and the discipline it takes to consistently outperform competitors all year long. It will make you question whether your strategy is truly intentional or simply surviving quarter to quarter. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

This episode pulls leaders out of the weeds and into the bigger picture about how real organizations actually function when pressure hits. High stakes environments that quietly expose why most businesses struggle not because people are incapable, but because roles get blurred, systems lag or don’t work, and everyone ends up doing different jobs they were never meant to do. The humor lands where it hurts a little, especially for executives who know their calendar is full yet still feel like they are reacting instead of leading. For C-Suite leaders, this is not a how to guide or a checklist giveaway. It is a paradigm shift on why the chaos feels normal in many companies and why it doesn’t have to be. The narrative challenges the assumptions about people’s experience, loyalty, and work ethic, while showing how important it is to stay calm during the chaos. Repetition separates from the competition and allows them to scale because the work runs the same way every time, even when pressure shows up. If you have ever wondered why some teams run smoothly while others are always sprinting, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Most executives know change is constant, yet many businesses still operate in the rear view mirror, avoiding the inevitable. This episode explores how organizations quietly fall behind by clinging to familiar tools and processes out of habit long after the marketplace has moved on. It shows how businesses evolve while leaders stay comfortable and confuse staying busy with real momentum. This commentary challenges how leaders think about growth, sales, operations, and employee benefits without offering a checklist or a silver bullet fix. If you have ever felt friction in your business but could not pinpoint why results feel harder to achieve, this episode will hit the spot. If it feels like the right time to test your leadership assumptions in the face of change, tune in. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Most leaders would never send their team into a high risk situation without training and a plan yet that is exactly how many businesses operate day-to-day. This episode helps leaders step out of autopilot and make deliberate decisions instead of rolling the dice. When things become uncomfortable or unclear, most organizations realize too late that silence and assumptions turn into expensive habits over time. This podcast is not a checklist or a magic pill. It is for C-Suite leaders who know their business deserves stronger systems, more deliberate conversations, and fewer surprises. If you have ever wondered why smart teams still end up frustrated, exhausted, or reacting instead of advancing, this episode connects the dots and challenges where your leadership attention is truly being spent. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

This episode pulls the iron curtain back on how modern broadcasting quietly became one of the most misunderstood tools in an executive toolbox. What once felt like it was run by the Wizard of Oz and massive budgets is now sitting right in front of you, yet many leaders are still thinking about it like it is 2005. The conversation explores how credibility, reputation, and visibility are really being created today, while attention spans shrink, patience disappears, and nobody sticks around just because you want them to. For C-Suite leaders, this is not about becoming a media personality or chasing popularity metrics. It is about understanding how influence actually works in today’s marketplace and why controlling your message matters now more than just reach. Smart leaders are using content to build TRUST long before a salesperson ever picks up the phone or knocks on a door. If shouting from the rooftops is not getting anyone to listen, this perspective might be worth tuning into. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Most leaders say their biggest issue is their people. Hiring issues. Engagement issues. Execution issues. The funny thing is the longer you talk about it, the more that answer starts to fall apart. Growth stalls. Meetings multiply like rabbits. Decisions slow down. And somehow the same problems keep showing up in new disguises. Eventually the excuses get uncomfortable and that is usually where leadership either levels up or stays stuck. This episode pulls back the iron curtain on why so many companies quietly stall and why working harder eventually stops producing better outcomes. It explores how success can set new bars and why experience can either speed things up or trap leaders into familiar patterns that only feel productive. If you run a company and want clear perspective without the noise, this will change how you see what is really slowing things down. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

This episode of the Midway Business Podcast takes leaders on a fast moving tour through creativity, innovation, and the surprising ways progress actually happens. From military history to real life business moments, Butch reminds us that playing it safe rarely wins the day. His message encourages you to question the routines you defend, the habits you never challenge, and the decisions that feel comfortable simply because they are familiar. This is a subtle but powerful invitation to sharpen your thinking before the next big meeting lands on your desk. The episode delivers insight with a relatable style that keeps you engaged without giving away the playbook. If you want to lead with more clarity, avoid expensive blind spots, and stay a few steps ahead of the competition, this episode is worth your time. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

In business, mistakes are not the enemy. Failing to learn from them is. The best companies treat every setback like data, not drama. Winning organizations review their missteps, refine their process, and keep moving forward while everyone else is still arguing about what went wrong. It is less about perfection and more about persistence. Success comes from repeating what works, improving what does not, and sticking to the plan even when it feels easy. Growth and scale come from systems, not streaks. The marketplace rewards structure, adaptability, and discipline, not wishful thinking or luck. Leaders who evaluate, adjust, and execute consistently are the ones who build lasting momentum. Their strategy earns results and often sets the tone for an entire culture. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

The episode is a tour through panic, plateaus, and progress, told with scuba tanks, Top Gun flybys, and a pile of Q4 paperwork. Butch shows how leaders get into trouble when they rely on youth, luck, or last minute heroics instead of systems. The lesson lands fast. change is not a motivational poster, it is the operating model. Companies that refuse to adapt end up waiting at the train station with a map from the horse and buggy era. The takeaway is clear. Progress demands persistence, not panic. The best leaders know when to push through the discomfort, when to pivot, and when to stop digging six feet short of gold. Stay curious, stay disciplined, and keep evolving because comfort zones are where good companies quietly lose their edge. Growth only happens when you lean into the unknown and KEEP MOVING forward. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

This episode of the Midway Business Podcast explores how pressure, input, and output affect everything in business, from sales and cash flow to leadership and decision making. Butch Zemar breaks down how small adjustments in what you put in can drastically change what comes out. Think of it as a friendly reminder that what you feed your business matters—garbage in, garbage out, and sometimes the garbage even sends you an invoice. The conversation reminds SMB owners that success is not about working harder, it is about working smarter and measuring what matters. When you understand the forces creating pressure in your business and learn how to control them, you can turn chaos into clarity, waste into growth, and stress into progress. Listen in and start mastering your inputs before your outputs start mastering you. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

This episode takes a hilarious look at the strange things we tolerate — from stale popcorn at the hockey rink to outdated business habits that drain profits. Butch uses stories from parenting, the Navy, and the workplace to expose how easily we fall into “that’s just how it’s always been” thinking. Whether it’s a broken system, a sluggish renewal process, or a comfortable excuse, repeating the same moves only guarantees the same results. For small and midsize business leaders, this episode is a reality check disguised as comedy. It’s about calling out mediocrity, shaking up routines, and learning to think like an outlier. Expect sharp business insights, a few laughs, and a reminder that progress doesn’t come from playing it safe — it comes from finally refusing to settle for stale results. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

SMBs don’t start companies to moonlight as HR, payroll, and compliance departments — but growth loves to hand you that extra hat. In this Midway Business Podcast, Butch sits down with Dave Wills (BBSI) to unpack how modern Professional Employer Organizations help businesses scale without losing their sanity. Think “Costco of payroll” meets back-office SWAT team — handling taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can focus on growing revenue. From managing multi-state employees to planning for inflection points with their Blueprint Night model, Butch and Dave share real-world lessons on when outsourcing saves time, money, and sleep. If Q4 renewals and compliance chaos have you feeling like it’s a corporate horror story, this episode might just be your survival guide. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Dave: Dave Wills or at BBSI

Sales slowdowns, shrinking margins, and that “what’s actually happening with our pipeline?” feeling — if that sounds familiar, this Midway Business Podcast episode’s for you. Butch sits down with Howard Fisher, a fractional sales leader and recovering attorney, to unpack why so many founder-led and family-run businesses hit the brakes on growth. From outdated sales processes to teams selling from different scripts, Howard shares stories that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and nod in painful agreement. If you’ve ever wondered why your sales meetings feel productive but the numbers don’t move, this conversation will hit close to home. Howard and Butch talk about what separates companies that scale profitably from those that spin their wheels — and how to avoid chasing “the big whale” that sinks the boat. Grab your coffee (or something stronger) and listen in before your next sales huddle. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Howard Fisher: 312-560-0336 or Howard Fisher

Feeling like your marketing plan is stuck in 2015? In this Midway Business Podcast episode, Jordan Green, founder of Momentum AI, joins to talk about how small and midsize businesses can stop losing leads, start automating smarter, and actually keep up with today’s lightning-fast buyers. From AI-powered voice agents that respond in seconds to automated CRMs that update themselves (because, let’s face it, no one likes data entry), Jordan breaks down how simple tools can create massive results — without needing a Silicon Valley budget. We dive into why “waiting it out” isn’t a strategy — it’s a slow fade into irrelevance. Jordan reminds SMBs that while they’re debating if AI is worth the effort, their competitors are already using it to win business before lunch. It’s time to stop watching the future happen and start building it. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Jordan Green: 360-904-5270

Brand chaos got you feeling like you’re herding cats? In this Midway Business Podcast episode, branding expert Brooke Foley, CEO of Jayne Agency, shares how most companies chase logos, SEO, and quick-fix marketing before realizing they skipped the real foundation — brand clarity. She breaks down how her 10 Brand Assets Methodology helps businesses align their message, culture, and cash flow so marketing finally converts and sales teams stop fighting uphill battles. Brooke also dishes out truth bombs about why “brand drift” silently kills growth and how even SMBs can use her Clarity University to fix it without blowing the budget. If you’ve ever wondered why your marketing efforts don’t match what you actually deliver — this one’s your wake-up call. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Brook Foley: 312-464-8100 or Jayne Agency

Running a small business is a lot like running a chiropractic practice — a few twists, plenty of adjustments, and the occasional pain in the neck (sometimes literal, sometimes payroll). In this episode, Dr. Tim Gilbert shares how he built Full Strength Spine & Health on grit, empathy, and doing right by people. He reminds SMB owners that real growth comes from showing up, listening, and being flexible — in both business and body. His story blends hockey discipline, small-business hustle, and a reminder that success is built one good adjustment (and one loyal client) at a time. Dr. Gilbert explains how today’s chiropractic care isn’t your grandfather’s “rack and crack.” From athletes chasing peak performance to parents chasing toddlers, he shows how strength, mobility, and hands-on care can keep anyone moving pain-free. Real results, no snake oil — just a business-minded doc who knows when to make the right moves on and off the ice.  For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Dr. Tim Gilbert: 708-403-9450‬ or Full Strength Spine & Health

Small and mid-sized business owners — grab your coffee (or something stronger) because this one hits close to home. Host Butch Zemar sits down with marketing pro Samuel Thimothy to talk about why your sales pipeline feels more like a mystery novel than a growth strategy. They dive into how too many SMBs spend all their time putting out fires instead of building systems that attract clients on autopilot — and why “hope” isn’t a marketing plan (even if it’s free). From content creation that doesn’t feel like yelling into the void to building awareness before your competitors eat your lunch, this episode dishes out real, actionable advice. If you’ve ever said, “We’ll get to marketing after this busy season” for the fifth year in a row — this one’s for you. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Samuel Thimothy: 888-663-4671 or OneIMS - Integrated Marketing Solutions

Starting a business usually begins with passion… but eventually, reality sends you an invoice labeled Revenue or Bust. Too many SMBs stall because they treat revenue like a broken water pump—prime, sputter, repeat—without realizing growth requires new strategies, not just more elbow grease. Expenses creep, “business gods” test your patience, and suddenly your P&L looks more like a rollercoaster than a roadmap. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar unpacks why most businesses get stuck in survival mode, how to break through revenue thresholds, and why learning from setbacks is your real competitive advantage. White-knuckling the same old tactics is about as effective as Happy Gilmore’s backswing in the boardroom. Tune in to hear practical, battle-tested tips SMBs can use to push past mediocrity, scale smarter, and actually enjoy the ride. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Too many leaders treat business like parenting gone wrong—ignoring problems, making excuses, and hoping things magically work out. The truth? Your company is a mirror. If you’re constantly firefighting, chasing the wrong prospects, or blaming vendors, the reflection is staring back at you. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar calls out the blame game, explains why ignoring responsibility is like hitting “snooze” on your growth, and shows how even small shifts in focus can create ripple effects across your entire business (and life). If you’re tired of excuses draining your margins, tune in and learn how to take back control before mediocrity becomes your brand. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Most companies don’t collapse from competitors—they implode from the inside. Leadership either raises the bar or clings to mediocrity like it’s a security blanket. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar dives into why too many executives celebrate shaving 4% off renewals (while torching $400K in waste), and why “normal” has quietly become code for “we’re bleeding cash.” From Steve Jobs refusing limits, to NHL goalies finally wearing masks, to scuba divers moving from bicycle pumps to actual air tanks—progress happens when leaders stop settling. The same goes for benefits. Sticking with the status quo isn’t safe; it’s expensive. Tune in to hear how moderation is for cowards, mediocrity is a money pit, and why your benefits strategy deserves more than “we survived another renewal.” For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with Alan Stern to talk about how SMBs can stop marketing like it’s 1999 and start using AI and personal branding to actually stand out. AI isn’t here to steal your job—it’s here to be the best employee you’ll never have to put on payroll. Alan also shares his HEAT Method—Humor, Education, Adding Value, and Trust—a playbook for building real connections instead of sounding like every other “we’re passionate about excellence” company brochure. If you’re tired of blending in, grab your coffee (or something stronger) and listen in. Your future customers will thank you. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Alan Stern: [email protected] or Persona Marketing Inc. 

Sales isn’t about doing more of the same and hoping it magically works. Yet too many SMBs let their sales teams fall into old habits—busy with emails, paperwork, and “pipeline reviews” that never move revenue. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar shares simple but powerful tips SMBs can use: structure your week, focus on revenue-generating activities, and stop letting mediocrity set the bar. Think of it as a playbook for small and mid-sized businesses: block your calendar, prioritize prospecting, and eliminate non-sales fluff. Because white space on your calendar isn’t “breathing room”—it’s lost opportunity. Tune in to hear how SMB leaders can keep their sales teams disciplined, focused, and actually driving growth. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Business evolves when we act on new information—but too often, leaders cling to outdated systems like they’re diving with hand pumps instead of modern scuba gear. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar shares why businesses still treat benefits like it’s 1987—overpaying while their broker brags about saving “4%” (right before heading to the golf course.) The truth? Renewal paralysis, blind loyalty, and ignored data are torching margins. It’s like running payroll on a fax machine and calling it “innovation.” With the right information—and the guts to act—SMBs can cut six figures in waste and finally take control of their benefits. Tune in to hear how “new information” is the lever to move your business forward. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Most businesses get stuck in two traps: Parkinson’s Law (work magically takes as long as the calendar allows) and Stockholm Syndrome (loyalty to broken systems and brokers). Together, they hijack your benefits program and quietly torch your budget. On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar breaks down how hockey kids, CFOs, and even HR teams all fall into the same time-wasting habits—dragging their skates until renewal season forces a last-minute scramble. Your “loyalty” to an outdated process is costing six figures while your broker is out golfing. If you’re tired of watching margins bleed while your team warms the bench, listen in and get a plan that actually wins.  For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Running a business is hard enough—you don’t need your videos looking like they were shot on a flip phone. On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with videographer and drone pilot Dancello Bennett to unpack how SMBs can use video to tell stories that connect (instead of putting audiences to sleep). From construction sites to weddings, Dancello shares practical lessons on preparation, creativity, and keeping up with fast-moving trends. The message? Stop winging it with DIY content—your brand deserves better than stock photos and clip art. Tune in for tips every SMB can use to sharpen their brand and finally look as good on video as they say they do in meetings. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Dancello Bennett: 708-465-0595 or The Space Between Films And Dreams

On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with Kate McCauley from Wounded Warrior Family Support to explore how one small nonprofit is filling critical gaps for America’s veterans and their families. Kate shares powerful stories from her 18 years with the organization—how a “mom-and-pop” idea grew into nationwide programs providing mobility vehicles, respite care for caregivers, welding certifications, and financial education. Beyond the logistics, it’s a lesson in leadership, resourcefulness, and building sustainable impact even with a lean staff. For SMB owners, CFOs, and HR leaders, this conversation is packed with inspiration: how to build credibility through transparency, why culture and mission drive long-term loyalty, and what it really takes to create programs that last. Listen in for strategies you can apply to your own business while also learning how to support an organization that’s truly changing lives. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Kate McCauley at: [email protected] or Wounded Warrior Family Support 

On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with Chicago business consultant James DiMambro to unpack the “Rule of Threes”—why boiling things down to three clear benefits, values, or differentiators can set small and midsize businesses apart. (Because let’s be honest—if your pitch deck needs 47 slides to explain your value, you’ve already lost the room.) With nearly two decades of experience across marketing, sales, and customer success, James has worked with everyone from scrappy startups to Fortune 500s. He explains why sharpening your brand, simplifying your message, and delivering consistency across marketing, sales, and client experience is the real secret sauce to credibility. They also dive into common SMB missteps—from tuning out customer feedback to fearing AI instead of letting it take the grunt work off your plate. Tune in for practical insights that will help you cut through the noise, gain an edge, and grow with confidence. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact James DiMambro: LinkedIn

Running a business without a process is like steering a ship with no rudder—you’re just hoping the waves take you somewhere good. In this Midway Business Podcast episode, Butch Zemar dives into why so many owners get paralyzed by bad habits, overthinking, or flat-out fear of change. From companies passing on nearly a million in savings, to leaders drowning in “analysis paralysis,” the stories highlight a bigger truth: success comes from predictability. Just like sales, operations, or HR, benefits (and every other part of your business) run smoother when you’ve got a playbook. Stop clinging to old patterns and start building systems that give you clarity, control, and room to grow. Because in business—unlike Vegas—the house doesn’t always have to win. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Who knew pizza could teach you something about running a business? In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with Alex Yount of Chicago Pizza Guys—a passion project that started with three friends swapping favorite pizza spots and grew into a community followed by thousands of fellow pizza lovers. Alex takes us inside their journey from casual conversations to creating reviews, videos, and a loyal following that celebrates the best slices Chicago has to offer. Along the way, he shares stories of the places that stand the test of time, the family-run shops with generations behind the counter, and why consistency and authenticity matter just as much in food as they do in business. This conversation isn’t just about crusts and toppings—it’s about what makes people come back, what helps a small business stand out, and how loyalty and community keep brands (and pizza places) alive for decades. Discover how Alex and his team turned their love of food into lessons any business owner can apply. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Alex Yount: Chicago Pizza Guys

In this episode, Dr. Tom Germino of Germino Dental shares 40+ years of business lessons—growing from a one-chair startup (with his wife running the front desk) into a multigenerational family practice serving patients across three generations. Business Tips: Customer loyalty is everything. Patients still stick with him after 40+ years—because trust outlasts flashy marketing. Invest in tech (and people). From silver fillings to digital scans—staying relevant means upgrading more than just equipment (yes, that includes fossilized spreadsheets). Build the right team. Your crew is your reputation. You can’t scale if you’re the only one holding the drill. Think long-term. Values—not just tools—are what carry a business across decades. And yes, there are laughs too. Dr. Germino jokes that asking patients to floss is like asking employees to update the CRM—everyone nods, but only a few actually do it. His message to business owners? Focus on relationships, process, and culture—and your business will shine for decades. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Germino Dental: Germino Dental

In this episode, Butch Zemar sits down with lifetime entrepreneur MZ, who built a 40-year event production company (think Bulls championship parades and Fortune 500 events—not your average company picnic) before shifting his focus to helping business owners gain control of theirs through EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). MZ shares what decades in the trenches taught him—like how solving the wrong problems really well still doesn’t help (we’ve all been there), why consistent processes give business owners actual freedom, and how structure—contrary to popular belief—doesn’t kill creativity, it makes room for it. For him, the work isn’t just about building stronger businesses—it’s about improving the lives of the people running them. Because let’s face it, business ownership is tough, but with the right playbook, it doesn’t have to feel like you’re the only one holding the flashlight in the dark. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact MZ: Michael (MZ) Ziffra

In this episode, David Cole of Aluminight Custom Outdoor Lighting sheds light—literally—on how professional exterior and landscape lighting can transform homes and businesses. From permanent holiday lights (finally retiring the “Clark Griswold” ladder routine) to design strategies that make a property shine without blinding hot spots, David explains how thoughtful placement and planning make all the difference. But this isn’t just about bulbs and wires—it’s also a playbook for business owners. David shares why following every trend (like peak lighting) isn’t always smart, how DIY shortcuts can cost more in the long run (sound familiar, CFOs?), and why service after the sale builds more loyalty than the initial sale itself. He also reminds us that a strong crew is everything (try finding employees who’ll troubleshoot wiring in both 100° heat and -10° snow), and that sometimes your hidden edge as an entrepreneur comes from unexpected places—like David’s background in graphic design, which gives him a creative eye competitors can’t match. His philosophy? The lights shouldn’t be the star—your property should. And for business owners, the lesson is clear: the product isn’t the hero, your client is. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Dave Cole at: Aluminight Custom Outdoor Lighting

Butch Zemar chats with John Andrade, who went from teenage Nextel hustler to selling an online car platform (pre-Carvana) to banking—and somehow lived to tell the tale. His takeaways? Failures are tuition, visibility beats inboxes, and “No Soliciting” signs are just suggestions. John also makes the case that advisory boards aren’t just for Fortune 500s—they’re for anyone trying not to blow up their business plan. Through his “Go For CEO” platform and his book, he shares the 5 Fs: Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance, and Fun. (Because what’s the point of being CEO if you’re broke, burnt out, and no fun to be around?) He leaves listeners with a 4-step roadmap—Assess, Align, Accountability, Action—basically cheat codes for entrepreneurs who’d rather grow their business than wallpaper the office with motivational posters. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact John Andrade: LinkedIn

In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar talks with Lindy Hoyt, Founder of People Ambassadors, about why keeping employees engaged sometimes feels harder than keeping your New Year’s resolution past January. Lindy shares how most companies confuse “butts in seats” with engagement—and then wonder why turnover looks like a revolving door. Her take: retention requires intention. Don’t drag people back to the office just so they can sit on Zoom; give them purpose, growth, and connection. She lays outsimple but powerful tools like one-on-one meetings (don’t cancel them unless you want disengagement), stay interviews (asking people why they stick around before they leave), and tailoring recognition so it actually matters. Spoiler: not everyone wants the “Employee of the Month” plaque. Lindy also points out that employees don’t leave companies—they leave managers. Translation: if your team keeps bailing, it’s not the snacks in the break room—it’s you. The bottom line: retention isn’t about ping-pong tables or pizza Fridays; it’s about actually knowing your people. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Lindy Hoyt: LinkedIn

Host Butch Zemar sits down with Bill Clayton of Transworld Systems, the fixed-fee collection service ($10 an account) even the Girl Scouts would use. Founded in 1970 by doctors tired of losing profits to percentage-based agencies, Transworld recovers overdue accounts without torching customer relationships—a “patient who pays stays” kind of philosophy. Bill dishes on why most businesses wait too long to act (once it’s six months overdue, your chances of getting paid are about the same as finding a stapler in the office when you actually need one). He covers the biggest mistakes—like letting untrained staff chase debts or sending threatening letters that would make a corporate attorney faint—and offers prevention tips: collect better info upfront, add personal guarantees, and make early “just checking in” calls before you have to play bad cop. From HIPAA rules to “third-party intervention” magic, Bill’s message is clear: receivables are pure profit, and getting them back beats chasing twice as many new sales just to make up the loss. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Bill Clayton at Transworld Systems Inc.: 815-245-8386

In this episode, Butch Zemar chats with Virginia McGann of Integrated Back Office Solutions, who turns financial chaos into clear business roadmaps. She’s seen it all—QuickBooks files built during Super Bowl commercials, negative bank balances that somehow still cash checks, and owners calling “money in the account” a profit margin. It’s part detective work, part intervention, and entirely about helping business owners stop guessing and start knowing. Virginia explains why cutting marketing is like skipping breakfast—you’ll regret it fast—and why clinging to low-margin services out of nostalgia is costing you more than you think. She’s quick to remind owners that the 80/20 rule isn’t just a theory; it’s the difference between running a business that thrives and one that’s always “almost there.” Her “Sleep Tight Package” pairs IT and accounting assessments so owners can worry less and focus on what they do best. It’s a one-stop tune-up for the two areas that keep most owners awake at night—cash flow and tech headaches. Her takeaway: treat your numbers like a GPS—without one, you’re just driving in circles and calling it strategy. Even the best driver eventually runs out of gas if they don’t know where they’re going. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Virginia McGann at Integrated Back Office Solutions: 312-789-4915, [email protected]

Host Butch Zemar chats with Michael Kupchak—accountant, educator, fraud examiner, and youth sports coach—about a career path that runs from small family business to teaching at the University of Chicago. Michael shares how blending accounting with information sciences put him in the sweet spot for AI’s rise—not to replace humans, but to kill repetitive work so you can focus on the good stuff (like lunch). He warns that in fraud, the biggest risk might be the person you trust most—kind of like whoever “manages” the office coffee fund. On generational shifts, today’s grads are more likely to question professors and expect work-life balance out of the gate. Off the clock, Michael coaches youth sports and backs his kids’ dreams—whether engineering, SWAT team, or whatever they change their mind to next year. His advice: learn the numbers, but more importantly, learn to solve problems no one’s answered yet… because AI won’t do all your thinking for you. For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Michael Kupchek IV: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekupchek/  

Host Butch Zemar sits down with Jamal Wolf, who went from being Circuit City’s #1 computer salesperson (back when selling a desktop was like selling a car) to running two companies—Chicago Smart Business Solutions and Chicago Smart Realty Solutions. His career detour wasn’t exactly voluntary; after corporate commission “restructuring” (aka, “we’re changing how you get paid, so you make less”) and the 2008 job market disaster, Jamal decided if people kept saying, “We’re afraid you’ll take our customers,” maybe he should—just legally, under his own logo. Jamal walks us through his Eight-Day Plan, which starts with Day Zero—admitting you have no idea what you’re doing (kind of like most Monday morning meetings). From there, it’s about focusing on the right thing, testing it, scaling it, and making sure the instructions are so simple that anyone could follow them—because the moment you leave, someone will try to “do it their own way” and break it. With stories ranging from turning a warehouse’s daily shipping from 60 to 1,000+ packages, to integrating AI so employees can “click less and coffee more,” Jamal proves process improvement isn’t just for massive corporations with color-coded org charts. Whether you want him to fix it and hand it back, or fix it and run it for you, Jamal’s point is clear: A solid process saves money, time, and possibly your sanity—especially when your current plan is just “hope nothing breaks this quarter.” For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006. To contact Jamal Wolfe on LinkedIn.