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BLOOD, SWEAT AND BUSINESS PODCAST

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

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Blood, Sweat & Business podcast features Matt (Founder) and Danny Carlson (CEO) of Platinum Systems. Platinum Systems

First Tech, Now Crops

Technology is a game changer, and it is changing faster than ever. On this episode with chat with Matt (Founder) and Danny Carlson (CEO) of...

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Discover the hidden value in your business with Andrew Parrish of Alternative Tax Solutions.

Riches in the Niches

In this episode of the Blood, Sweat, and Business podcast, business owners get to hear from Andrew Parrish of Alternative Tax Solutions. The...

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Knowledge is NOT power, Action IS

Knowledge is NOT Power, Action IS

In this episode of the Blood, Sweat & Business we talk with Al Oramas. We discuss how he made the transition from working on cars to growing his...

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g2 revolution, led by President Scott DeMuth, is revolutionizing recycling through transparency and hard work.

Recycling Transparency

Meet Scott DeMuth the President of g2 revolution an engineer who found a way to turn recycling into a sprawling business. Join us and see how...

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Blood, Sweat & Business Podcast: Do It Because It Inspires You

Do It Because It Inspires You

We’re joined by the multifaceted entrepreneur, Dimitri Kallianis, from The Shanty Restaurant. Dimitri has extended his entrepreneurial palette...

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Blood, Sweat & Business Podcast: Staying Relevant in Hospitality

Staying Relevant in Hospitality

Join us in this spirited episode as we pull up a stool with Junior Martinez, the owner of O'Toole's Pub Group. Junior shares the secret brew to...

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Blood, Sweat & Business Podcast: You Had Failure Written All Over You

You Had Failure Written All Over You

In today's gripping episode, we sit down with the indomitable Kris Schoenberger, the owner of BBQ'd Productions and Station 51. Dive deep into...

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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

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

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

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

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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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!)