BLOOD, SWEAT AND BUSINESS PODCAST

Real business owners, telling real stories about their
real business experiences.

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Entrepreneurial Navigation: Where Style and Success Converge

Entrepreneurial Navigation: Where Style and Success Converge

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Jose Vazquez, a visionary entrepreneur and partner at Match Kicks, guiding us through the fascinating...

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Crafting a Culture of Excellence in Automotive Repair

Crafting a Culture of Excellence in Automotive Repair

Brin Klinedelves into what setsAssured Auto Worksapart in the world of general automotive repair shops. He emphasizes the importance of...

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Navigating the Automotive Business Landscape

Navigating the Automotive Business Landscape

John and Eric sit down with Colten Ramsey, the founder of Ramsey Repair in Iowa. Colten opens up about his early career aspirations, two agricultural...

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The Power of Coaching in Automotive Business

The Power of Coaching in Automotive Business

In this latest episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming two incredible guests from the Institute of Automotive Business Excellence - Jennifer...

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Crafting a Legacy Business

Crafting a Legacy Business

Tom Jiaras is the owner of International House of Wine and Cheese, and the brains behind Forwinelovers.com. This week he shares the extraordinary...

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Business Owners Harnessing the Power of AI

Harnessing The Power Of AI

Rob and Mike share their firsthand experiences as business owners who have successfully integrated AI into their operations. Rob and Mike provide...

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The power of networking in your industry

The Power Of Networking In Your Industry

Get ready to feel inspired with this week's podcast featuring Kim Hickey, the Director of Client Fulfillment with Automotive Training Institute...

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Serving Local Business Owners

Serving local business owners

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mayor John Antaramian of beautiful Kenosha, Wisconsin as he shares his vision for building a vibrant...

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Running a Family Business

Running a family business

Bill and Bob Seitz, brothers and the owners of Libertyville Car Spa and BP of Lake Forest, joined us to discuss their j ourney from taking over...

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Running a nonprofit

Running a nonprofit

Have you ever wondered if working for a nonprofit organization is for you or what it takes to be a part of a nonprofit? Tara Panasewicz, CEO at Boys...

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From empty nester to business owner

From Empty Nester to Business Owner

Heidi is a luxury brand designer whose dreams of starting her business were paused as she navigated motherhood. In this episode, we discuss the...

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Finding your speciality in business

Finding Your Speciality In Business

Diane is a seasoned accountant with over 26 years of experience in accounting. Diane's success comes from her ability to find her niche in...

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Meet Your Hosts

Eric Joern

Eric Joern

Eric is a graduate of Columbia College of Missouri with a degree in accounting and joined the firm in 2013. He is a licensed CPA and a key business advisor at Kaizen. Coming from generations of entrepreneurs, small business is in his blood.

He has spent his working career getting his hands dirty with concrete, increasing profits and efficiency, managing an automotive service department, and currently is a key resource for many small business owners. Eric is currently the lead on our Automotive concentration, with years of experience as an Automotive Service Advisor and connections in the industry to better serve his clients.

Eric enjoys live music, working with his hands, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their two pooches. A big fan of the Chicago Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks, he jumps at the chance to catch ‘em live and in person when he can.

John Chiappetta bw (1)

John Chiappetta

John is a graduate of Carthage College in Kenosha, WI and the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul in Chicago, IL. In 2003, John purchased a small tax practice in Antioch IL. He continued his entrepreneurial adventure, purchasing and merging with multiple accounting firms, and in 2022, merged his firm with Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. John has predominantly focused on tax planning and compliance. He also has his CFP® and is a licensed financial representative. John enjoys helping clients plan for a healthy financial future.

John enjoys spending time with his family. His wife Helen also has the entrepreneurial spirit, running a family diner in Antioch, IL. John and Helen have two children, Nico and Gianna. On John’s days off, he likes playing pickleball, golf, and the occasional pickup game of football. John appreciates Kenosha’s lakefront and frequently takes long walks on the beach. (He takes some amazing pics of the sunrises over Kenosha’s HarborPark!)