Optics in Action

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Founder of Labor Titan, Jason Krantz. Jason's journey from a corporate role to entrepreneurship was fueled by a deep-seated desire to help others. He recognized early on that while many sought assistance, few knew how to effectively harness the power of information. His career blossomed around the concept of leveraging data and analytics to aid decision-making, a path that led him to establish Labor Titan.

To learn more about Jason's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Member Engagement of Illinois Manufacturers'​ Association, Maria Moran. Maria's journey to the IMA is fascinating, starting from her days as a respiratory therapist, which she humorously notes was "before it was cool." Her transition into the manufacturing space and dive into lean methodology showcases a career built on improving processes and fostering efficiency. This background fuels her daily enthusiasm for her role at the IMA, where she feels she's providing the most holistic support to manufacturers she's ever offered.

The IMA serves as a critical voice for manufacturers in Springfield, engaging in lobbying efforts that have tangible impacts on the sector. Maria highlighted the IMA's role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example of their work, from defining essential businesses to advising on vaccine distribution. The association's ability to review over 8,000 pieces of legislation last session alone is a testament to their dedication to understanding and influencing laws that affect manufacturers.

To learn more about Maria's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Chief Growth Officer of NaviStone, Ted Bray. Ted's philosophy is simple yet profound: it's all about people, teams, alignment, and achievement. His passion for working with amazing people to accomplish amazing things is what drives him. This ethos was evident from his days playing basketball, where the joy came not from winning championships but from being part of a team and contributing to a collective goal. It's a mindset that has seamlessly transitioned into his professional life.

At NaviStone, Ted leads a team responsible for driving the organization's growth. NaviStone specializes in understanding digital audiences for B2C businesses. They excel at audience analytics, identifying prospects likely to make a purchase, and facilitating meaningful interactions between clients and their customers.

To learn more about Ted's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Co-Founder and Principal of PTIS Global, Brian Wagner. Mentorship is a powerful tool, and Ryan has been incredibly fortunate to have Brian as his mentor. His expertise in packaging, business, and strategy has been invaluable to Ryan's growth. Reflecting on their relationship, Ryan is reminded of a mentoring weekend that was pivotal in his career. Brian introduced Ryan to concepts that have since become the cornerstone of his professional philosophy.

Brian delved into the future of packaging and the challenges that the industry faces. At the heart of driving innovation lies the importance of people and processes. It's not just about the materials or the technology; it's about how to harness the collective strengths and diverse perspectives of those around us to push boundaries and create something truly revolutionary.

Brian shared his philosophy of not judging others but rather embracing the diversity of thought. This approach has been a game-changer in problem-solving, as it allows for a multitude of solutions to emerge from different perspectives. He encouraged us to pay it forward, a sentiment held dear as we continue to grow and connect with others in the industry.

To learn more about Brian's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the CEO of Mogul Realty Group, James Knull. James' story is one of evolution and passion. He began as an investor, which gave him a unique perspective on the real estate industry. This experience was the catalyst for his transition into becoming a realtor, eventually leading to the establishment of Mogul Realty Group. With headquarters in Alberta and a secondary office in Vancouver, his company has become a beacon for investor clients looking to navigate the Western Canadian real estate market.

The conversation shed light on the complexities of real estate transactions. James broke down the critical stages, from property analysis and sourcing to negotiation and ongoing management. He stressed the importance of staying abreast of market trends and technological advancements, which are essential for adapting to the ever-changing landscape of real estate.

To learn more about James' work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with Infrastructure Technology Leader, Brian Hale. Brian's path into technology is a story of passion and purpose. From his early experiences tinkering with technology to his drive to help people, Brian's career is a testament to where curiosity and a service mindset can lead. His journey reminds us that at the heart of technology lies the potential to solve real-world problems and improve lives.

One of the key themes of the conversation was the evolution of technology infrastructure and its alignment with business objectives. Brian stressed the importance of ensuring that technology initiatives drive profitability and efficiency. In today's fast-paced environment, it's not enough for technology to be cutting-edge; it must also serve the organization's strategic goals.

To learn more about Brian's work, click HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the CEO and Project Manager of Norhart, Mike Kaeding. Mike unveiled the ambitious goal of Norhart: to achieve a staggering 50% reduction in construction costs. This isn't just a lofty dream; it's a necessary response to America's escalating housing affordability crisis. Norhart isn't just building apartments; they're crafting a future where more people can afford a place to call home.

Mike's drive is fueled by a profound desire to make a meaningful, positive impact. He's not in the game for wealth accumulation; his eyes are set on the bigger picture—improving lives. This ethos is the bedrock of Norhart's culture, where finding the best people is key to driving continuous improvement and fostering a team dedicated to making a difference.

To learn more about Mike's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Founder and CEO of Shift Financial Insights, Spencer Sheinin. Spencer's journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a rich background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Spencer has navigated various entrepreneurial waters, owning and managing businesses across diverse industries, from manufacturing to construction and even a cold storage venture. However, despite his success, Spencer faced a pivotal moment when he realized a misalignment with his business's purpose—or the lack thereof. This epiphany propelled him to exit those ventures and embark on a transformative period of self-discovery.

Spencer shared how he unearthed his true calling: to assist entrepreneurs in changing the world. Spencer aims to illuminate the financial blind spots that often hinder visionary creators. By aligning purpose with financial acumen, Spencer enables entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses and make a significant impact on their communities and beyond.

To learn more about Spencer's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the CEO of teambuilding.com, Michael Alexis. Michael shared the compelling mission behind teambuilding.com: to foster happiness at work on a massive scale, touching the lives of individuals along the way. The company, renowned for its corporate team-building events, boasts an impressive clientele including tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon, as well as esteemed organizations such as NASA and Netflix.

Michael recounted heartwarming feedback from event participants, which serves as a driving force for his team. One participant felt a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of the pandemic, while another connected with a colleague in a way they hadn't managed to in three years. These moments of joy and connection are the essence of what TeamBuilding.com strives to create.

To learn more about Michael's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.

Your host, Ryan Weiss, talks with the Founder and CEO of Vonza, Uyi Abraham. Uyi's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Nigeria, he arrived in America with just $100 and a suitcase of clothes. His initial job at a movie theater, earning $6.15 an hour, was a stark contrast to the life he knew back home, where most people live on less than $2 a day. Uyi's perspective on wealth was transformed, and he quickly realized that hard work was the key to achieving his dreams.

Uyi's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when he recognized the potential of the online space for business owners. After creating a course and facing the challenge of scaling due to the need for multiple tools, the idea for Vonza was born. Vonza is a comprehensive software platform designed to help creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs sell online and run their businesses with ease.

To learn more about Uyi's work, click HERE and HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Want to learn more about Ryan's work? Check out his website at https://www.epsoptics.com/.