Jose Vazquez on Building Match Kicks and Investing in Yourself
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we sit down with Jose Vazquez, partner at Match Kicks—a brand that began as a sneaker-focused site and...
Brin Kline on Culture, Diagnostics, and Leadership in Auto Repair
Brin KlineofAssured Auto Worksjoins Blood, Sweat & Business to share what makes his shop stand out in a crowded industry. From diagnostic precision...
Colten Ramsay on Growing an Auto Repair Business from Scratch
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, Colten Ramsay, founder of Ramsey Repair, shares the honest truth behind building an auto repair business...
How Coaching Transforms Automotive Shops with Jennifer & Jimmy
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we’re joined by Jennifer Hulbert, shop owner and coach, and Jimmy Lea, VP of Business Development—both...
Tom Jiaras on Building a Wine & Cheese Brand That Lasts
Tom Jiaras, owner of International House of Wine and Cheese and founder of ForWineLovers.com, joins Blood, Sweat & Business to share the story...
How Business Owners Are Using AI to Drive Smarter Growth
AI isn’t just for big tech—it’s reshaping how small and mid-sized businesses operate. In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, Rob Stoner and...
Kim Hickey on Industry Networking and the ATI SuperConference
Get ready to feel inspired! In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we talk with Kim Hickey, Director of Client Fulfillment at Automotive...
Mayor John Antaramian on Supporting Local Business in Kenosha
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we’re joined by Mayor John Antaramian of Kenosha, Wisconsin for a wide-ranging conversation about local...
Bill & Bob Seitz on Evolving a Family Business Across Generations
What happens when you take over the family business—and have to modernize it? In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we talk with Bill and Bob...
Tara Panasewicz on Leading a Nonprofit That Changes Lives
Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead a nonprofit—or whether that path might be right for you? In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we...
Heidi Carey on Launching a Luxury Brand After Motherhood
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we sit down with Heidi Carey, a luxury brand designer who started her business after raising her...
Diane Yetter on Finding Your Niche and Building a Thriving Firm
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we sit down with Diane Yetter, a seasoned accountant and founder of her own firm. With more than 26...
Eric Joern
Eric is a graduate of Columbia College of Missouri with a degree in accounting and joined Kaizen in 2013. He is a licensed CPA and business advisor.
Small business runs deep for Eric. Coming from generations of entrepreneurs, he understands what it takes to build, run, and grow a company because he’s lived it.
Before stepping fully into accounting, Eric spent years getting his hands dirty. From working with concrete to managing an automotive service department, he’s been on the front lines of business. That experience shapes how he approaches his work today, helping business owners improve profitability, tighten operations, and make smarter decisions.
Eric now leads Kaizen’s automotive focus, working with top auto repair shops across the country. His background as an Automotive Service Advisor, combined with strong industry relationships, allows him to bring practical, real-world insight to his clients.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys live music, hands-on projects, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their two dogs. He’s also a dedicated Chicago sports fan and will take any chance he can get to see the Bears, Cubs, Bulls, or Blackhawks live.
John Chiappetta
John is a CFP® professional and licensed financial representative who focuses on helping clients plan for a strong, sustainable financial future. He works closely with individuals and families to think through long-term decisions, weigh tradeoffs, and build plans that actually hold up in real life.
Family is a big part of John’s world. His wife, Helen, shares that entrepreneurial drive and runs a family diner in Antioch, IL. Being part of a small business household gives John a firsthand understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with it. Together, they have two children, Nico and Gianna.
On his days off, John stays active with pickleball, golf, and the occasional pickup football game. He also makes the most of Kenosha’s lakefront, often taking long walks along the beach and catching sunrises over HarborPark.