Noon Business Lunch

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the importance of having a nurturing manager that is a good ‘people person,’ why new college graduates have unrealistic salary expectations, his thoughts on Zoom and Deloitte eliminating some benefits, and how AI will impact the labor market in the future.

Segment 2: Dennis Rodkin, residential real estate reporter for Crain’s, joins John Williams to talk about spring homebuyers have one-third the choices they had before the pandemic, and Illinois cities fighting Governor Pritzker’s housing plan with their own proposal.

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about housing’s share of the economy dipping below 16% for the first time since 2019, new data showing the salary expectations of college graduates, and why people are talking about Indian mangos.

Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about IBM deepening its commitment to Chicago, West Coast tech firm Databricks expanding their Chicago office, and Chicago AI startup Loop raising $95M.

Segment 3: Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, tells John everything you should know about the new Anne Frank exhibit that just opened at the museum.

Segment 1: Faron Daugs, CFP, Founder and CEO, Harrison Wallace Financial Group, joins John to talk about the markets and economy looking right through the war drama, President Trump announcing new tariffs, what’s going on with the labor market, and what he expects from the new Fed chair.

Segment 2: Rich Gamble, Interim President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance, joins John to break down the numbers of Chicago Loop Alliance’s recently released quarter one 2026 State of the Loop report.

Segment 3: Ramzi Hassan, CEO, Edwards Realty, tells John about the Burr Ridge Village Center and how suburban shopping malls are evolving.

Segment 1: Derik Farrar, head of Everyday Banking and Borrowing at U.S. Bank, tells John about new data that shows two in three Americans say they’re currently delaying at least one major financial milestone, but still are finding ways to adapt their plans to stay focused on long-term goals. Derik explains why consumer confidence remains strong and how he’s helping customers reach their financial goals.

Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, joins John to give us his review of two new products: Viture Beast glasses and Valve’s Steam Controller. Scott also tell John why the state of gadgets is so weird right now.

Segment 3: Sarah E. Needleman, Leadership & Workplace Correspondent at Business Insider, joins John Williams to talk about how companies are trimming even the most prized benefits.

Segment 4: Ryan Easter, Executive Manager at Bob Jass Chevrolet, joins John Williams to talk about their family-owned dealership, how business has been going in the rapid growing area, the strength of working in a small town, if it’s necessary to keep as many cars on the lot, the benefits of being in Kane County, his forecast for EV’s, and the hottest selling vehicles at the dealership right now.

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the stock market nearing all-time highs, her thoughts on the proposed Billionaires Tax in California, how to make your retirement money last, what you should know about annuities, and how inflation is impacting your money. Terry also answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to give some great tips for new college grads who are beginning their first professional job.

Segment 2: Philippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John to talk about the trend of companies consolidating the top tier of their organizational charts. Philippe tells John about the risks involved in this reorganization and what companies should know to make the consolidation successful.

Segment 3: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the stock market still hitting all-time highs, the economy looking strong overall, consumer confidence ticking higher while consumer sentiment dragging, the health of the labor market right now, how he is feeling about the Iran war and its impact on the markets and economy, and what he’s telling clients who want to get retired and stay retired.

Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John on the Noon Business Lunch to talk about the unpredictability of the market, how the market has rallied the past month, why the market seems impervious to turmoil, the advice he’s giving to clients right now, and why he thinks Kevin Warsh is a great pick for the next Fed Chair.

TUNE IN to WGN Radio and listen to The Alpha Wealth Hour on Sundays at 7 AM. Catch up on previous episodes on WGNRadio.com, and subscribe to it on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about Customers Bank signing a partnership with OpenAI, how AI is fueling fraud, America’s hidden debt crisis, and how much you can expect to pay for FIFA World Cup tickets.

Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Morningstar mulling a relocation to the revamped Thompson Center, Rivian beginning production of its new R2 electric vehicle, and UK startup Housr opening a Chicago location.

Segment 3: Katalin Rodriguez Ogren, nationally respected fitness and nutrition coach, owner of Pow! Gym in the West Loop, joins John to talk about they gym she’s run for 25 years in Chicago, how many people work for her at the gym, the typical programs adults are seeking, the importance of strength training as you age, and her new book, ‘Nutrition for Women Navigating Menopause: The Power of Addition: An Anti-Diet Strategy.”

Segment 1: Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about the unpredictability of the market, how the market has rallied the past month, why the market seems impervious to turmoil, the advice he’s giving to clients right now, and why he thinks Kevin Warsh is a great pick for the next Fed Chair.

Segment 2: Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins John Williams to talk about the overall health of the EV market, the latest news on Rivian, and to answer all of your automotive questions

Segment 1: Tim O’Malley, producer of The Summit, Chicago’s biggest tourism, hospitality and special events trade show, joins John Williams to tell us everything we should know about this year’s event and the health of Chicago tourism in 2026.

Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, talks to John about the tenure of Apple CEO Tim Cook, who announced this week that he will be stepping down.

Segment 3: Phillip Shaw, CFP, Senior Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group, joins John to talk about the choppiness of the market over the last number of days, the overall health of the economy, spending not slowing down, his thoughts on economic policy and what he believes the Fed will do with rates next week, and what he’s telling clients right now.