DBR Chamber Podcast

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Credit unions are “by the people, for the people.” Unlike banks focused on profit, Advia is member-owned and puts people and communities at the center of everything they do, guided by four pillars: integrity, progress, relationships, and keeping people at the core.

* Advia is open to everyone. No union membership or special affiliation required. Anyone in the community can join and access competitive financial products including personal banking, auto loans, mortgages, and business accounts.

* Credit cards are a hidden gem. Credit union credit card rates are often half of what major banks charge (some near 30%), and new members can get 0% APR for the first 12 months, making it a great option for balance transfers.

* Community involvement is core to their mission. Through the Advia Foundation, they’ve provided grants to local nonprofits like the Center for Enriched Living, Salvation Army, and others, and they actively collaborate with neighboring businesses in the Riverwoods area.

* They prioritize financial education and long-term relationships. Advia aims to be a trusted financial partner for life, from a first auto loan at 19 to mortgages and retirement accounts, focusing on transformation, not just transactions..

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* New Role at First Financial Bank: Joe was recently appointed Mortgage Sales Manager for BankFinancial, now a division of First Financial Bank. He brings over a decade of experience and has processed and closed over $1 billion in residential mortgages.

* Community-First Banking: First Financial is a community-based bank that only lends in states where it has offices. It prioritizes local staff, local appraisers, and real-time access to live humans. No 800 numbers. No offshore processing.

* Home Equity Opportunity: With suburban Chicago home values up significantly over the last five years, homeowners are sitting on substantial equity. Joe highlighted cash-out refinancing and home equity loans as valuable tools, including one client who used it to fund a child’s education.

* Why the Housing Market Has Stalled: ~50-60% of mortgaged homeowners have rates below 4%, making it hard to justify moving when current rates are around 6%. Joe expects this to shift as the average 7-10 year homeownership cycle catches up with pandemic-era buyers.

* Ideal Referral Partners: Real estate agents, attorneys, financial advisors, and accountants are Joe’s top referral sources. He’s also launching a free quarterly lunch-and-learn program through the DBR Chamber to provide professional support to local business owners.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Tamarisk NorthShore is independent living, not assisted living. Residents maintain full autonomy — they can come and go, skip meals, and live on their own terms. It’s hospitality-driven, not clinically driven. If a resident eventually needs nursing or medication management, Tamarisk partners with nearby communities like the Weinberg Community on campus.

* Video builds trust and authenticity. Jeff emphasized that authentic, imperfect video is more powerful than polished, AI-generated content. For any business — especially senior living — showing the real, unfiltered community via smartphone video builds the transparency that earns trust with prospective clients.

* The “why” behind moving is social connection. The biggest driver for residents isn’t convenience or safety — it’s combating isolation. Studies show that living alone as you age is mentally demoralizing. Tamarisk offers camaraderie, kinship, and activity without forcing participation; it’s a buffet, not a mandate.

* Flexible, low-commitment rental model. There’s a one-time community fee and a year lease, but residents can exit with just 30 days’ notice for any reason. This is a key differentiator from buy-in communities that require major financial and time commitments.

* Visit multiple times before deciding and get on the waitlist early. Two-bedroom units are fully spoken for with a waitlist (at the time of recording). Jeff encourages prospective residents to visit at different times of day to get a true feel for the community, and to reach out early even if they’re 1–2 years away from being ready.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* From client to owner – Andrea’s journey went from client (2015) to instructor (2018) to franchise owner. She opened her studio in October 2025 after relocating to the Chicago North Shore area where there was no Barre3 nearby.

* Barre3’s inclusive, low-intimidation approach – The studio serves a wide range (ages 14–70+), with small class sizes (max 29), a welcoming “cozy” atmosphere, and a philosophy of offering options/modifications rather than pushing people to the breaking point. The mindfulness element — listening to your body and taking breaks — is woven throughout every class.

* Franchising was a clear advantage – Rather than starting from scratch, the franchise model let Andrea focus her energy on clients and her team instead of building operations manuals, training programs, brand identity, and tech infrastructure from zero.

* Community and local partnerships are a core strategy – Andrea is intentionally building relationships with other local businesses (especially female-owned ones), leaning on the DBR Chamber for visibility, and revitalizing the Bannockburn Green Plaza together with neighboring businesses.

* The business is AI-resistant but AI-assisted – Human connection and in-person fitness can’t be replaced by AI, but Andrea is actively using AI tools for communications, social media, newsletters, and event brainstorming — crediting her tech-savvy husband for pushing her to adopt them.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Deep Community Roots and Experience

* Cathy Kedjidjian is the Chief Communications Officer for Deerfield Public Schools District 109. She is a Deerfield resident, has children who went through the district, and previously served in the same communications role from 2010–2018 before returning. Her personal and professional ties to the community shape her commitment to the district.

* Role as a Storyteller and Connector

* Cathy sees her primary job as telling the stories of the district’s students, staff, and schools, celebrating their achievements, and ensuring families and the broader community are informed and engaged. She emphasizes the importance of making everyone feel connected to the schools, whether or not they have children enrolled.

* Championing Authentic Community Partnerships

* She is passionate about creating authentic learning experiences by connecting students with local businesses and community members. Cathy encourages business leaders to get involved—through volunteering, mentoring, or hosting students—to enrich students’ education and foster real-world skills.

* Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

* Cathy prioritizes accessible communication, ensuring information is available to all families regardless of language or income. She notes the district’s growing diversity and the importance of reflecting that in communications, including ADA-compliant websites and multilingual resources.

* Vision for Stronger Community Collaboration

* Cathy is a driving force behind initiatives like “Stronger Together, Deerfield,” which aims to unite schools, businesses, and local organizations to support student well-being, resilience, and community health. She invites anyone with ideas or a desire to help to reach out, highlighting the district’s openness to new partnerships and community-driven projects.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* CJE Senior Life Offers Comprehensive Senior Services: CJE provides a wide range of services for older adults, including assisted living, memory support, day programs, counseling, and home-delivered meals. Their Weinberg Community in Deerfield, Illinois, features both assisted living and memory care facilities.

* Community Engagement and Partnerships Are Central: The organization is deeply involved in the local community, partnering with entities like the Deerfield Library, West Deerfield Township, and local churches and synagogues. They co-facilitate programs such as the Memory Cafe and host community events like the Festival of Generations.

* Support for Families and Caregivers: CJE Senior Life not only serves residents but also provides resources and education for families and caregivers, including immersive dementia training and support groups. They emphasize the importance of proactive planning for senior care.

* Volunteer and Referral Opportunities: Volunteers are a vital part of CJE Senior Life’s operations, and the organization welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and skills. Ideal referral partners include geriatric care managers, physicians, rehab centers, and anyone connected to older adults who may need support.

* Accessible Information and Contact Points: The organization encourages people to reach out for information, whether for themselves, family members, or as potential referral partners. Contact can be made via their website, phone, or directly through Marla Goldberg, and they pride themselves on having knowledgeable staff ready to assist.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Assured Healthcare Staffing’s Unique Approach: The company, led by Leslie Kischer, focuses on both medical staffing for institutions (like schools and long-term care facilities) and medical home care, differentiating itself by providing licensed nurses and CNAs for both settings.

* Geographic Reach: Assured Healthcare Staffing serves a wide area, including Lake County, McHenry County, parts of Cook County in Illinois, and extends into Wisconsin and even Minnesota for school staffing.

* Flexible Work for Nurses and CNAs: The agency offers flexible opportunities for nurses and CNAs, attracting a diverse pool including retirees, those seeking extra income, and professionals needing non-traditional schedules. Their average staff tenure is over three years, much higher than industry norms.

* Pandemic Adaptation and Resilience: The business faced major challenges during the pandemic, especially with school closures, but successfully pivoted to support essential services and later adapted again as the situation evolved.

* Value of Chamber Membership and Networking: Leslie highlights the importance of being active in the local chamber for building relationships, learning from other business owners, and finding both clients and referral partners—especially in education and geriatric care management.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Strongpay is a payroll company with deep expertise in both payroll and retirement services, uniquely originating from a retirement TPA background.

* The company’s core “why” is building lasting relationships and making a positive impact on clients and the community, focusing on personalized service over being a large, impersonal provider.

* Strongpay’s ideal clients are small businesses or individuals who wear multiple hats and need help with payroll and compliance, especially those for whom payroll is not their primary focus.

* Accountants, CPAs, and 401k advisors are key referral partners, as Strongpay often collaborates with them to serve mutual clients efficiently.

* Rob Ruff’s experience as both a business leader and small business owner (of a hair salon with his wife) gives him valuable perspective on the challenges clients face, and he uses Strongpay for his small business.

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Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:

* Flexible workspaces like Venture X are thriving by offering professional, all-inclusive office solutions in suburban areas, reducing commutes and supporting modern work trends.

* Venture X’s model provides flexibility for both small businesses and large corporations, allowing companies to scale up or down easily without long-term commitments.

* Membership includes bundled services—utilities, internet, cleaning, and on-site support—making it easier and more cost-effective than traditional office leases.

* The community aspect is central: members can network, attend events, and access multiple locations nationwide, supporting both local and traveling professionals.

* The subscription-based, month-to-month approach is disrupting traditional real estate, mirroring trends in other industries and offering greater choice and value to members.

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Ultimate Edges Academy is a new fitness business in Deerfield specializing in ninja warrior-style training for kids, owned by Jen Brody.

The business model is membership-based, offering a monthly plan that includes four classes per week, open gym access, and discounts for parties and siblings.

The gym’s mission is to build kids’ confidence and physical fitness through fun, engaging activities inspired by ninja warrior competitions, with a focus on positive early experiences with exercise.

Jen’s background combines fitness expertise and teaching, making the academy a blend of professional training and child development.

The business leverages community involvement by joining the Chamber of Commerce and participating in local events to connect with families and promote its offerings.

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