Gregg Horan is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Greggory, an upscale American restaurant in South Barrington, Illinois. Before launching The Greggory, he spent nearly 30 years with Gibsons Restaurant Group, where he helped open and operate several high-profile establishments, including Gibsons Steakhouse and the Polo Bar in New York. Gregg partnered with longtime colleagues Bill Veremis and Chef Jose Sosa to form Hirth Hospitality, combining decades of expertise in hospitality and culinary innovation. His mission is to bring big-city dining and personalized service to the suburban market.

Restaurants are shifting focus beyond just food, emphasizing hospitality and community to stand out in competitive suburban markets. As food lovers seek experiences that blend high-end ambiance with everyday accessibility, leaders are rethinking how they design and manage their spaces. What does it take to launch a new restaurant that feels both luxurious and welcoming?

According to Gregg Horan, who co-founded The Greggory and oversees its operations for Hearth Hospitality, success starts with deep industry experience and a personal passion for hospitality. By leveraging the design insights of trusted partners, a hands-on culinary team, and lessons learned from his decades at Gibsons, Gregg created a space that's both visually stunning and community-driven. The Greggory's menu, ambiance, and customer service model reflect a seamless blend of luxury and approachability tailored for suburban diners.

On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Gregg Horan, Co-founder of The Greggory, for a conversation about building a standout restaurant brand in South Barrington. Gregg shares insights from his time at Gibson's, explains the thought process behind The Greggory's menu and design, and opens up about the personal investment and risk involved in starting a new venture.

John Grace is the Founder and President of Investors Advantage Corp., a Westlake Village, California-based financial advisory firm. With over four decades of experience, John is known for his client-first approach, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and loss mitigation. Under his leadership, Investor's Advantage has established a regional stronghold managing over $1 trillion in assets through its collaboration with LPL Financial Corp. A renowned financial advisor and author, John translates complex economic data into actionable intelligence through his work as a contributing writer for Pacific Coast Business Times.

Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst in shaping a person's career, especially in industries where representation is lacking. Too often, young professionals miss out on guidance that could unlock their potential and set them on a transformative path. How can a single mentor alter the course of someone's life and career trajectory?

According to John Grace, who founded and leads Investors Advantage Corp., his entry into the financial world began with an unexpected offer from the father of a friend — a seasoned advisor who saw promise in him and offered to be his mentor. That relationship gave John not only the technical knowledge to earn his license but also the confidence to succeed in a field where few looked like him. Decades later, he continues that legacy by mentoring the next generation, including the grandson of his original mentor.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's John Corcoran welcomes John Grace, Founder and President of Investors Advantage Corp., for a conversation about financial resilience, mentorship in underserved communities, and what makes engineers the ideal clients. John also offers powerful advice on independent thinking in a saturated financial world and the importance of proactive planning for uncertain futures.

Odette D'Aniello is the Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio, a family-owned and operated retail cake boutique. The company has received numerous awards, including winning Best of Western Washington several times. With experience in the food industry, business strategy sales, and marketing, Odette has obtained additional skills in product design and brand development, event management, and team building.

She is also the Owner of Dragonfly Cakes, the wholesale sister company to Celebrity Cake Studio, designing, developing, and manufacturing delicious handmade and clean-label petit fours, tea cakes, and mini desserts. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she hosts the Celebrity Gourmet Podcast, where she shares insights from successful individuals in the food and beverage sector. ​

Many entrepreneurs struggle to find their niche, especially after experiencing failure or burnout in their initial ventures. How can you pivot from an unsustainable business model to a more profitable and fulfilling path without losing the passion that drove you in the first place?

Baker and entrepreneur Odette D'Aniello's first café business attracted customers but failed financially. After a chance encounter at a wedding expo, Odette recognized the value of focusing solely on custom cakes — a skill she had honed since childhood. By trusting her intuition, closing the café overnight, and boldly repositioning her business, Odette transformed her struggling venture into a thriving cake studio. Embracing risk, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose allowed her to transform a difficult situation into a long-term success.

Tune in to this episode of Top Business Leaders Show as host John Corcoran interviews Odette D'Aniello, Founder and CEO of Celebrity Cake Studio and Dragonfly Cakes, about reinventing a business for greater impact. Odette shares insights on leading a family business, cultivating mindfulness as a leader, and navigating crises like 9/11 and COVID-19.

Mark Hiddleson is the Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, Inc., a nationwide logistics company with industry-leading warehouse storage solutions. It provides clients with innovative products, facility layouts, and designs to optimize their logistics operations. With several decades of service experience in the warehousing and logistics industry, Mark has held leadership roles in several professional industry organizations. Using a holistic approach, he also has experience in equipment material handling, operations management, supply chain optimization, professional development, and public speaking.

What if you could integrate the best scientific and holistic practices to enhance your personal growth, elevate your business, and make a significant contribution to your community? Learn how a thriving entrepreneur and author leverages modern strategies for self-improvement while fostering a positive impact.

Mark Hiddleson shares his journey of transforming his personal and professional life by embracing holistic practices. He discusses how his early exposure to visualization and self-improvement techniques laid the foundation for his success in the storage solutions niche. Mark's path led him to establish Specialized Storage Solutions and host the Tao of Pizza podcast, which focuses on integrating personal growth with business strategies. His story exemplifies the power of visualization and self-awareness in overcoming challenges, such as leaving a lucrative corporate job to start his own business, and how those practices have helped him navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, John Corcoran chats with Mark Hiddleson, Owner of Specialized Storage Solutions, about blending spiritual growth with business acumen, building relationships, and creating a thriving ecosystem within their enterprises. Mark emphasizes holistic development, showcasing how personal growth can transform one's approach to business and life. He shares lessons on embracing challenges, leveraging strengths, and fostering connections that lead to long-term success.

Carl Comeaux is the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., a rapidly expanding pizza brand recognized for its nostalgic dining experience and dedication to quality. Under Carl's leadership, Crust Pizza Co. has grown to 30 locations across Texas and Louisiana, with plans to expand further into the southeast US. His innovative strategies and passion for creating memorable dining experiences have been pivotal in the brand's success within the competitive restaurant industry.

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, with successful brands finding innovative ways to stand out in a competitive market. What are the key ingredients for a rapidly growing pizza franchise to achieve success and maintain consistent quality across multiple locations?

According to restaurant CEO and franchisor Carl Comeaux, the key to success lies in a combination of factors. These include offering a unique and high-quality product, implementing a hybrid service model that balances efficiency with customer experience, and utilizing cutting-edge technology for operations and customer engagement. Carl emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients, daily-made dough, and proprietary recipes for sauce and cheese. He also stresses the significance of selecting the right franchisees who align with brand values and are committed to community involvement.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co., to chat about the brand's rapid expansion, keys to franchisee success, and innovative strategies in the pizza industry. Carl discusses the importance of product quality, franchisee selection, community involvement, and the development of proprietary technology to enhance operations and customer experience.

Beau Maxon is the Founder and Owner of Park City Company and multiple Mid City Vapor Lounge locations. He is an experienced entrepreneur who recently opened a Beans & Brews location in Santa Clara, Utah. Known for his diverse business ventures, Beau has successfully founded a cannabis processing facility and serves as a commercial real estate landlord. He is passionate about advocating for innovation and healthier alternatives against big tobacco and pharmaceutical giants.

The vaping industry is heavily regulated and politically charged, presenting unique challenges for entrepreneurs. What does it take to succeed in such a complex business environment?

According to Beau Maxon, an experienced entrepreneur and business owner, success in the vaping industry requires complete immersion and obsession. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the industry inside and out, including its regulatory landscape and political dynamics. Beau became politically active within six months of opening his first store, participating in lawsuits against governmental entities and working closely with state legislatures. This involvement helped him grasp the intricacies of the industry, from product knowledge to consumer preferences, and enabled him to navigate the complex regulatory environment effectively.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Beau Maxon, Owner of Park City Vapor Company and Mid City Vapor Lounge, to chat about his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of the vaping industry, and his strategies for success. Beau discusses his transition from day trading to business ownership, the importance of political engagement in regulated industries, and his approach to creating standout vape shops through superior build-outs and exceptional customer service.

Jorge Llapur is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Cuban Guys Restaurants, a vibrant eatery known for serving delicious Cuban fritas and authentic Cuban cuisine. With over 25 years of experience in multi-unit leadership within the restaurant industry, Jorge has successfully expanded Cuban Guys to five locations and a food truck, showcasing his commitment to culinary excellence and community engagement. Jorge's journey from working at Burger King to leading Cuban Guys highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for Cuban flavors.

The restaurant industry offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs to combine their passion for food with business acumen. How can aspiring restaurateurs leverage their experience to create successful fast-casual concepts?

According to Jorge Llapur, who co-founded Cuban Guys Restaurants, success in the fast-casual restaurant industry comes from blending culinary passion with operational expertise. Jorge's journey from a part-time job at Burger King to founding his own Cuban-inspired fast-food chain demonstrates the value of learning from established brands and applying that knowledge to create a unique concept. He emphasizes the importance of understanding all aspects of the business, from marketing to facilities management, especially when starting a new venture.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Jorge Llapur, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Cuban Guys Restaurants to chat about his journey in the restaurant industry, the concept behind Cuban Guys, challenges of entrepreneurship, adapting to market changes, and strategies for growth and customer acquisition in the fast-casual dining sector.

Randy Cohen is the Chief Energizing Officer at Z'Tejas, a Tex-Mex restaurant chain with locations in and around Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ. He's also the Chief Energizing Officer and Founder of TicketCity, a leading ticket brokerage company providing access to major sporting events worldwide. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to both industries, notably maintaining TicketCity's reputation for reliability and Z'Tejas' iconic status in the Tex-Mex cuisine scene for over three decades.

The restaurant industry is a challenging and dynamic field that requires constant adaptation and innovation. What does it take to successfully own and operate multiple restaurant locations while maintaining a positive and energetic atmosphere?

According to Randy Cohen, whose mission is to infuse his Z'Tejas restaurant locations with positive energy, the key to success in the restaurant industry lies in creating memorable experiences for guests. He emphasizes the importance of delighting customers, focusing on culture, and maintaining a high level of energy and commitment. Randy stresses that while the food and service are crucial, what truly matters is how guests feel when they leave the restaurant.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen chats with Randy Cohen, Chief Energizing Officer at Z'Tejas, about his journey from the ticket industry to restaurant ownership. Randy discusses the challenges of running restaurants, the impact of COVID-19, his books on business success, and the rewards of creating positive dining experiences. He also shares insights from his background in hospitality and his approach to leadership.

Ken Rice is the Chief Operating Officer at Pickleman's Franchising, a company specializing in upscale, fast-casual sandwich shops known for their fresh, high-quality food. Under his leadership, Pickleman's has achieved 14.57% same-store year-over-year growth and expanded to 28 locations, with plans to add 20 to 25 additional units in the coming years. Ken is a US Army veteran honored with two Army Commendation Medals and is passionate about building strong franchisee-franchisor relationships through effective communication and strategic growth.

The restaurant industry offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs, from fast-casual concepts to upscale dining experiences. What insights can a seasoned executive provide about the franchising landscape in this sector?

According to Ken Rice, successful franchising requires a strong focus on communication and relationship-building between franchisors and franchisees. He emphasizes the importance of listening to franchisees' concerns, providing them with the necessary tools and training, and fostering a collaborative environment where both parties work together to improve the brand. Ken also highlights the value of having franchisees participate in decision-making processes, such as marketing strategies, to ensure their voices are heard and their experiences are leveraged.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Ken Rice, COO of Pickleman's Franchising, to chat about his journey in the restaurant industry, the importance of franchisee-franchisor relationships, and the unique positioning of Pickleman's in the market. Ken shares insights on effective franchise management, the role of technology in operations, and what makes a successful franchisee in today's competitive landscape.

Britni DeLeon and Kasia Bednarz are the Co-founders of FARE, a healthy fast-casual restaurant chain local to Chicago specializing in nutritious, seasonal, and locally sourced meals. Under their leadership, FARE has expanded to multiple locations in Chicago, garnering significant media attention and a loyal customer base for their innovative approach to healthy eating.

Britni and Kasia's journey began with their shared passion for simply prepared and wholesome food, which has translated into a thriving business that challenges traditional notions of fast food. They are committed to making healthy food accessible and flavorful while focusing on sustainability and community engagement.

The restaurant industry is a competitive field where success requires a combination of passion, innovation, and adaptability. How did two women turn their shared love of healthy food into a thriving restaurant business?

According to Britni DeLeon and Kasia Bednarz, Co-founders of FARE, the key to their success lies in their commitment to simple, delicious food made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients. They also emphasize the importance of transparency, building trust with customers by openly sharing their values and sourcing practices. Their collaborative approach to menu creation, embracing adaptability when expanding to new locations, and actively staying informed about health trends have also been crucial to their growth.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen talks to Britni DeLeon and Kasia Bednarz about their journey as co-founders of FARE. Britni and Kasia discuss their shared passion for healthy eating, the challenges of opening their first location, the importance of team culture, and the value of transparency and sustainability. They also share insights into their collaborative menu creation process and their vision for future expansion.