Central Illinois Business Leaders Podcast

Listen in as Jason Barickman joins the CIBL Podcast.  Jason is an Illinois State Senator representing the 53rd Legislative District.  He is also a partner at Fairlawn Capital, a real estate investment company.

In this episode, Jason talks about his experience as a State Senator.  He explains what motivated him to get into politics and what his day looks like as a Senator.  He also talks about some of the actions he's supported to help Central Illinois businesses, including workers' compensation changes.  

Jason also reviews his career as a real estate investor with Fairlawn Capital.  We talk about the current market, what types of properties Fairlawn focuses on, and how investors work through the company.

Jason is an incredible asset to the Central Illinois community.  This is a fun and educational interview that you're sure to take something from.  Make sure you tune in!

In Session 2 with Nick Gentile and John DeFreitas, we explore what programs and software we use to record and edit the CIBL Podcast.  

We also share how we use Calendly to make scheduling guests easier.  

Make sure you check out this episode of CIBL BIZ TIPS to take another step toward starting your podcast!

The Founder and Owner of Billy Bob Products, Jonah White, joins the CIBL Podcast to share his incredible story.  This one is a must-listen!  

Here's a quick summary of Jonah's resume:  

✔Grew up in a log cabin with no running water 

✔Led the nation in rushing his Senior year of HS football 

✔Leading rusher and Player of the Year at Missouri State University 

✔Lived in a cave 

✔Founded Billy Bob Teeth with Rich Bailey investing his entire net worth of $400 

✔Starred in Discovery Channel's "Billy Bob's Gags to Riches" 

✔Expanded his product line and founded William Robert Teeth Co. 

✔Gifted a pig to Miley Cyrus  

You're not going to hear a more unique story than Jonah's.  Tune in to hear about his products and listen to his unique business experiences.  Just another day in paradise!!

In this episode of CIBL BIZ TIPS, Garrett & Derek help John DeFreitas and Nick Gentile of Town & Country Bank get their podcast started.  

The crew talks about basic equipment needed to start, podcast structure, and podcast planning (or lack of planning).    

After listening to this show you will have a great start to your podcasting career!  Stop by next week to learn more about how Derek & Garrett record their interviews.  

Microphone:  Samson Q2U

Tune in as the Founder and Managing Partner of Triptych Brewing, Anthony Benjamin, joins the CIBL Podcast.  Triptych Brewing is headquartered in Savoy, IL.  

In this episode, Anthony shares how his homebrewing hobby expanded in to an actual business.  He discusses the many expansions and changes that Triptych has experienced over the last decade.  Anthony also emphasizes how he had to shift his focus from brewing to being more business conscious to make sure the brewery remained profitable.  

We also discuss the many regulations that Triptych must abide by in order to legally operate a brewery.  You'll really get an inside look at how much effort and work goes into a pint of beer.  Whether you're buying a can of Triptych at the State Farm Center or testing a flight in their taproom, you're sure to taste how much passion is poured into each beer.    

Anthony finishes up the podcast by sharing some beer knowledge that all micro-brewery patrons should know.  From IBUs, to ABV, to demystifying the scariness of "dark beer", you'll be a be a micro-brew connoisseur by the end of this show.

Chris Harrison joins Garrett and Derek on the CIBL Podcast to share his experience and expertise as a Real Estate Broker at Main Place Real Estate in Decatur, IL.    

In this episode, Chris explains his transition from banking to real estate.  He also discusses his knack and passion for sales.  You'll get to hear how Chris started his sales experience as a High School FFA student, then furthered his sales career in college as a CUTCO Knives sales rep.    

Some of the topics you'll learn in this episode include handling rejection, keeping thorough sales notes, and building sales skills.  

Tune in to hear Chris's unique story and learn from his experience.  You won't be disappointed!

Tune in as Rob McCall joins Derek and Garrett on the CIBL Podcast.  Rob is the General Manager of Lithia Springs Marina and Nessie's in Shelbyville, IL.  

In this episode, Rob talks about his background in law enforcement and how it translates to his new career as the GM of a marina.  He also shares all of the unique recreational opportunities that Lithia has to offer.    

You'll also learn about the ups and downs of the boating industry, as well as the boat maintenance services offered at LSM.  If you listen until the end, you'll hear about the drink special at Nessie's that Rob coined when he came on staff at the marina.  

This is a unique story about a unique business on beautiful Lake Shelbyville.  Make sure you don't miss it!

Bonnie Moore joins Garrett and Derek on the CIBL Podcast to share her experience as the Director of the Lake Land College Center for Business & Industry.  

In this episode Bonnie talks about her professional journey to becoming the Director of the CBI.  She also highlights the programs that LLC has developed to support and grow Central IL employers.  From employee shortages, to professional training, to leadership development, the LLC Center for Business & Development has a solution.   

At the end of this show, Bonnie also discusses her involvement with the Shelby County CEO program.  When it comes to developing local talent, there's not many people more involved than Bonnie! 

 If you are an employer in Central Illinois and haven't heard about the programs that Lake Land College is offering, this is your chance!  Tune in to learn how LLC is leading the way to growing a stronger, more advanced workforce right here in our backyard.

Check out Part 2 of our interview with Gregory Offner.    

In part 2, Greg talks about getting clear about what we want when setting goals.  He also shares how selling yourself as an entrepreneur is essential to your success.  

We also talk about different types of employees and how to help your employees feel fulfilled.    Greg wraps up by explaining the 7 Keys of Success.  If you are a business leader, this podcast will take you to the next level!  

To get Greg's 7 Keys of Success, text KEYS to 33777.

Tune in as Gregory Offner joins Derek and Garrett on the Central Illinois Business Leaders Podcast.  Greg is the Founder of Global Performance Institute and is an award winning keynote speaker.  

In part 1 of this interview, Greg shares his incredible story and discusses some of the 40+ jobs he's experienced over the years.  You'll hear about some of his major setbacks and learn how Greg overcame those hurdles to get where he is now.    

From benching 350 lbs, to overcoming multiple vocal surgeries, to starting an online piano bar business, this episode is sure to entertain you and leave you begging to hear part 2!