Central Illinois Business Leaders Podcast

Mac & Sara Blair join the CIBL Podcast to talk about their business, Prairie Fire DJ Service.  

Mac & Sara start the show by explaining how they started their DJ business.  After attending a music BINGO event, they felt like they could create a better experience using the same music BINGO model.  They also talk about the shaky start they had when they only had a few people attend their first event.  Luckily their concept took off from there.

We also learn about some of the business hurdles they've had to overcome.  Mac & Sara explain how they've grown and what tools and strategies they use to book gigs.  At the end of the show, Mac gives a piece of advice for other business owners who are trying to grow their operation.

This is a super fun interview with unique business owners in Central IL.  Make sure you take a listen!!

Prairie Fire Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/prairiefiredj

There is often a mentoring gap between senior management and emerging millennial leaders.  This is the problem that Kathryn Spitznagle is solving with her business, Mentoring Women Millennials.    

Kathryn starts off the podcast by explaining her professional background.  As a leader with 30+ years of experience with companies like Caterpillar and Purina, she accumulated tons of leadership models and examples that she continues to share with young emerging leaders.

  We discuss Kathryn's book, Rock Star Millennials.  Kathryn explains her motivation behind writing the book and talks about some of the impactful topics that she shares in her writing. You can find a copy of the book here:

   https://mentoringwomenmillennials.com/shop/ols/all?sortOption=descend_by_created_at 

Kathryn also talks about her Rock Star Millennials Podcast.  She explains what topics she shares in her podcast and talks about the guests she has on the show.  We even learn some of the tactics Kathryn uses to find guests, record shows, and produce the final show.   You can listen to the Rock Star Millennials Podcast here:  

https://mentoringwomenmillennials.com/podcasts

In this throwback BIZ TIPS episode, Garrett and Derek talk about books that have helped escalate their business success.  Yes- Garrett and Derek can read!

"Reading for an hour a day is only 4% of your day, but that 4% will put you at the top of your field within 10 years."  -Patrick Bet-David  

Listen in to get some good reading material ideas and share your favorite business books in the comments!

Blake Pierce joins the CIBL Podcast to talk all things Mattoon, IL.  Blake is the Director of Finance at Rural King, President of Emerald Acres Sports Complex, and Owner of Warren James Winery.    

Blake kicks off the interview by explaining how he worked his way into his current role at Rural King.  We take a deep dive into Rural King's growth and explain a few reasons for their strong customer following.    

We then talk about the Emerald Acres Sports Complex which is a brand new concept that is taking shape in Mattoon.  The new sports complex will provide indoor and outdoor sports facilities that will draw athletes and families from all over the Midwest.   Construction of the new complex is planned to start in the near future.  

We wrap up the show by learning about Blake's new business, Warren James Winery.  Blake and his brother, Cole, have partnered together to start building the winery.  Cole and Blake have been envisioning building a winery for several years and finally found the opportunity to start the business.    Warren James Winery is expected to open in in early summer of 2023.  They will several wine varieties to amuse the palate of any wine drinker.   

Come take a listen and learn about Mattoon's most interesting man!

Check out this CIBL throwback to our first-ever BIZ TIPS recording.  In this episode Derek & Garrett talk about using video to grow your business.

Video is a huge part of communication in today's business world.  Derek & Garrett walk through the tools they are using to drive business growth.   You'll leave this episode with actionable items to improve your reach with video.

Wes Ernst joins the CIBL Podcast to talk about his story.  Wes is the CEO of Halo Solar in Goodfield, IL.

Wes kicks off the show by explaining his professional journey.  He initially found a niche in the food and restaurant industry.  After a period of time working in restaurants in Spain, he found his way back to Peoria Heights and continued to work in the food scene.  Wes eventually worked his way into a Jimmy John's management role where he found a passion for leading and mentoring people.  His final stop prior to Halo Solar was in the food industry with a food service organization selling food to restaurants.  The pandemic put a fork in that opportunity (pun intended), which led Wes to continuing his education and igniting a passion in renewable energy.

Wes was introduced to the opportunity with Halo Solar in 2021.  Halo Solar provides solar energy solutions across Central Illinois.  They have the capability to work with commercial, industrial, farm, rural, and residential clients.  

During the interview, Wes explains some of the benefits and incentives associated with solar energy.  The cost savings alone is a huge incentive for businesses and homeowners, but when you add the incredible incentives through the state of Illinois its often a no-brainer!

Check out this informative interview with Wes and see if solar is a fit for you and your business!

Have you been interested in starting a side hustle but don't know where to begin?  Do you ever wonder how other people started their side hustles?  

Check out this BIZ TIPS series with Andrew "Dozer" Dial, owner of Jedco Sales and Peace Lily Metal Works in Effingham, IL.  Dozer is also the co-host of The Short Story Long Podcast.    

In our second side hustle episode, Dozer gives us a handful of tips and tricks for starting your own gig.  He talks through some of the things he learned along the way that helped him grow his side business.    

This is a cool story that can help motivate anyone looking to start their own side gig.  Give it a listen to find the inspiration to start your own gig!

Tune in as Mark Probst joins the CIBL Podcast to share his inspiring business story.  Mark is the owner of Probst Auto Body in Dieterich and Flora, IL.   

Mark starts off the show by telling us how he started in the auto business.  As a young man, he was working and going to school to further his career in the auto industry.  At the age of 26, he decided it was time to start his own auto body business.  

Mark explains why and how he started his own gig.  After a few opportunities disguised as issues, he took the leap of faith and turned his home-garage hobby into a full-time business.  On his own and not knowing much about business, Mark began operating Probst Auto Body in downtown Dieterich.  

We dive into how Mark expanded and added more employees as his business grew.  We also talk about his acquisition of the Flora location.  Mark explains an educational partnership he has formed with Paap Auto Body in Mattoon.  Mark has partnered with Tim Paap to help young and growing body shops navigate the ever-changing auto industry.  Together they share their trials and triumphs to give back to their industry.  

We finish up by talking about Mark's experience with triathlons.  Mark has finished multiple races and plans to compete in another tri in July.  

You won't regret listening to this story of a successful small-town Central IL business leader!!

Have you been interested in starting a side hustle but don't know where to begin?  Do you ever wonder how other people started their side hustles?  

Check out this BIZ TIPS series with Andrew "Dozer" Dial, owner of Jedco Sales and Peace Lily Metal Works in Effingham, IL.  Dozer is also the co-host of The Short Story Long Podcast.    

In the first episode of this series, Dozer explains how he stumbled into his side hustle.  He explains a few of the events that helped him shift his mindset and eventually opened his eyes to a side hustle opportunity.  Dozer also talks about some of the hurdles he had to overcome to make his vintage garden tractor business happen. 

 This is a cool story that can help motivate anyone look start their own side gig.  Give it a listen to find the inspiration to start your own gig!

One year ago on the CIBL Podcast...

Andy Shirk drops by the CIBL Podcast to share his story and talk about his unique business.  Andy is the President of BEER NUTS Brand Snacks in Bloomington, IL.

 Andy talks about the history of BEER NUTS and shares how this family-owned business has evolved through the years.  Andy also explains his involvement with the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. 

Toward the end of the interview, Andy makes Derek and Garrett jealous as he relives his opportunity to talk about marketing and branding with Gary Vaynerchuk!    

Central Illinois is proud to have such a cool business in our backyard!