What does it take to build a thriving, forward-thinking manufacturing business in America today? In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik sits down with Alex Khakham, co-owner of Gil Sewing and High Performance Uniforms, to explore his family’s inspiring immigrant story, their start with six sewing machines, and how they’ve grown into a powerhouse serving retail brands, Fortune 500s, and the U.S. military.

Learn how Alex navigates global supply chains, evolving labor markets, and rising tariffs - all while remaining agile and values driven. From producing 25,000 bomber jackets in less than four months for Walgreens to building proprietary ordering tech, this is a story of vision, grit, and modern manufacturing at its best.

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In this inspiring episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik, Partner at Vivaldi Capital Management, sits down with Chicago entrepreneur and restaurateur Dimitri Syrkin-Nikolau, the founder of Dimo’s Pizza and upcoming Southport Betty's. From crafting experimental slice combos to creating face shields during COVID, Dimitri's entrepreneurial spirit is as creative as it is resilient.

In This Episode:

How an 8-year-old with a BB pencil prototype grew into a business owner with five restaurant locations.

-Launching a pizzeria at age 22 in the middle of a financial crisis.

-Navigating burnout, stepping away—and coming back stronger.

-Building a people-first culture that nurtures entrepreneurs and long-time staff.

-Using technology to build a competitive advantage in restaurant operations.

-Why stability—not just growth—is the next summit for this founder.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just love a good origin story, Dimitri's candid insights on creativity, resilience, and risk-taking will leave you inspired.

Watch now and subscribe to Journeys to the Summit for more stories from business builders who took the leap and carved their own paths to the top.

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Join me in an exclusive conversation with David Sternberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Vivaldi. From his unexpected leap into trading at the Chicago Board Options Exchange to navigating market crashes with precision and discipline, David shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

Discover how he reinvented himself after trading, built a firm that redefines wealth management, and empowered the next generation of leaders at Vivaldi. This episode dives deep into the mindset of an entrepreneur who thrives on risk management, innovation, and a relentless passion for creating value.

Tune in and subscribe!