Join us on The Local podcast as we dive into the transformative journey of St. Francis High School with President Phil Kerr. From safety initiatives, academic excellence, and the secret sauce that makes St. Francis, this episode is a must-listen! Their dedication to continuous improvement and culture of excellence and community impact all contribut…

Marc Horner and guest co-host Meg Goodman speak to Justin Witte, the Billy Bean of the art world! The conversation delves into the unique artwork in Mark's office, emphasizing the impact of original pieces in creating a vibrant environment. Justin reveals the trials and tribulations of running exhibits, from logistics to security (cue James Bond th…

With apologies to all his other guests, Taylor welcomes “probably the smartest person” he’s “ever had the chance to interview” to the podcast - the mastermind behind Trunk Tools, Dr. Sarah Buchner. Among her many achievements, Sarah is a Stanford MBA Graduate, holds a PhD in Civil Systems Engineering and Data Science, has been named a Forbes ‘30 Un…

I am thrilled to announce the latest episode of The Local podcast, where we had the pleasure of hosting Moyra Gorski, a local wellness entrepreneur extraordinaire. An informative podcast where Moyra explains you must set boundaries for yourself and get off the emotional roller coaster of life – nobody’s coming! She encouraged listeners to pay atten…

🎙️☕️ In Part 2 of The Local podcast with Pete Leonard, the founder of I Have a Bean, we dive headfirst into the full (and delicious) world of coffee! :) Discover Pete's journey from home roasting enthusiast to creator of a unique coffee roasting business that not only produces top-tier coffee, but also provides employment opportunities for individu…

Luke Payne, President of Western Excavation, returns to the podcast today to join Taylor for a candid exploration of the intricacies of entrepreneurship, resilience, and work-life harmony. Their discussion, filled with personal anecdotes and professional advice, touches on the importance of a supportive family foundation, the concept of a "zero-fai…

From roasting his dorm room to roasting beans, listen how this Jack Of All Trades curiosity and willingness to embrace new experiences allowed him to venture into the world of coffee roasting. Pete's journey serves as a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we least expect. M…

In an era where leadership is often a blend of charisma and strategy, Garry McCarthy stands out as a beacon of resilience, wisdom and an unyielding commitment to service. His journey from the bustling streets of the Bronx to becoming the CEO of McCarthy Byrnes is a narrative rich with lessons on perseverance, leadership and the transformative power…

On this episode of The Local, Marc Horner & co-host Vickie Austin are joined by Dr. Brian Madvig of Arbor Clinical Associates to discuss wealth management beyond stocks and bonds. From the therapeutic benefits of golf, to navigating retirement challenges, this episode explores the importance of family, career, community, and finding fulfillment in …

The legendary “Dozer Dave” Turin, a stalwart of gold mining from the acclaimed series Gold Rush and the brain behind America's Backyard Gold, joins Taylor here today to share his journey from civil engineering to becoming a venerated figure in both television and gold mining. This episode delves into the heart of gold mining, touching on the histor…

A PSA podcast if ever there was one! Did you know that hearing loss can be linked to dementia and how Medicare doesn’t cover the cost! Learn more about this important connection and the importance of getting a hearing baseline at age 50. Worried how they’ll look? Don’t - these are not your grandma’s hearing aids – you’ll “hear” how the new hearing …

Dr. Paul Callaway, Director of Golf Fitness at Cantigny Golf Academy, regales with stories from Pat Riley of the Lakers to learning at the hand of the golf legend Jack Nicklaus. On how Jack's meticulous visualization of his shots and outcomes highlighted the crucial role the mind plays in performance, not just in golf but in all aspects of life. In…

Changing from coordinating rock & roll bands to helping families navigate senior living options is less of a leap than it might sound. Join us for a heartwarming discussion as Melinda Smith shares her experience and reveals unexpected similarities between luxury hospitality and senior care where the details matter. For both. Her story is an insight…

As the DuPage County Historical Museum's annual Casino Night draws near, we wanted to revisit the fantastic time we had at last year's event! Casino Night is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Wheaton Park District that benefits the DuPage County Historical Museum. Join us for an intimate, behind the scenes experience as we visit with the people th…

He’s back! Join us for our annual talk with the Honorable Mayor of Wheaton, Phil Suess. Discover more behind-the-scenes of Wheaton's community development and financial strategies. Mayor Phil Suess spills the tea on city projects and how refinancing moves saved millions. Plus find out why folks visiting Wheaton say, “they had no idea Wheaton was so…

In today’s exclusive episode, Taylor takes center stage, embarking on a solo journey filled with invaluable insights gleaned from questions sourced directly from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Instagram community. Delving into the heart of the construction industry's challenges, Taylor fearlessly addresses topics such as cash flow struggles, the significance …

Marc and Mark co-host this fun and lighthearted interview with The Barber of Wheaton. Topics range from raving about the recent barbershop remodel to the joys of a straight razor shave to warnings about abusing the Barbershop Bat phone. Tune in to discover the secret behind perfect fades, the woes of stubborn cowlicks and the business of barbering.…

Lost Anarchy's own MOJO DIABLO showed up for a great conversation. From his magazine "Lost Anarchy" to the Sunset Strip....the entertainment value is 2nd to none. Enjoy!By Marco Lesher

Throughout the episode, Jimmy’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, leaving you feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own dreams. Whether you're a boxing fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!…

In the latest episode of the CEO Roundtable Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Brian Lee, a visionary entrepreneur behind the innovative platforms Romely and Gilder. His journey is not just a tale of entrepreneurship but a masterclass in transforming vision into reality, a narrative rich with lessons for aspiring founders and season…

Katie Kelleher, aka “Katie Cranes”, an increasingly prominent, award winning figure in the construction industry joins Taylor for what turns out to be her first visit to the podcast today. Katie’s journey from a sales background to her current role as a crane operator and technical development officer exemplifies the importance of seizing opportuni…

Calling all music enthusiasts! Join us as we dive into the world of farting bed posts to who’s the circus act in the band. This enchanting podcast delves into the history and the affects music has on our souls. You won’t be able to deny Amber’s passion for the DuPage Symphony and the significance of the wide range of instruments. This episode will …

One of my best friends on earth Musician/Comedian TAVANA joins us to talk about island life, the entertainment industry past, present and future, fatherhood and how to make it all work.....Enjoy!By Marco Lesher

Curious about the life of a firefighter? Join us on The Local podcast as we dive into the world of firefighting with Chief Robert Brill. From the adrenaline-pumping moments to the impact of the pandemic to the unexpected overlap between firefighting and dodgeball, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these “local” heroes. Do…

Taylor welcomes Brian Dietz, Co-owner of Bob Dietz and Sons Inc., to the podcast today, and together, they turn their spotlight on achieving enduring success in the construction industry, particularly as a family-owned construction business. Brian shares his personal journey, instilled with an outstanding commitment to excellence and a strong work …

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner with co-host Vickie Austin sit down with Lisa Weier of First Trust Cares Foundation. Join this wide-ranging discussion touching on the world of charitable partnerships, competitive water basketball and how Wheaton, Illinois may be second only to Wall Street as a powerhouse of the financial services ind…

Ty Dennis is a very talented drummer/musician and Im honored to have him stop by from a distance to discuss what its like being in a band with Rob Krieger from the Doors as well as shed some knowledge on todays music industry in general. Make sure to stick on through to THE END, pun intended, this was a great conversation!…

Redefining the definition of “Local”, our podcast went international when Will Fraser jetted across the pond to visit us from merry old England. As a professional rugby player, Will and his teams won the equivalent of five Super Bowls. Post-rugby, he now shares his insights on high performance and how to create a successful team dynamic as the foun…

This week, Taylor is joined by legendary leader of Blount Contracting and BuildWitt CFO, Randy Blount, who shares his inspiring journey of taking his family business to simply incredible heights of success. Together, they also dive into such essential themes as leadership, accurate job costing, and the intricacies of managing overhead costs, provid…

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner is joined by Allison Orr of the Downtown Wheaton Association with special guest Adam Pratt of Chaos to Memories. Before making the jump to entrepreneurship, Adam was a technology industry veteran (and superstar). A strong believer in sharing knowledge and experience, you will hear great tips for taking…

In this inspirational episode, hosts Marc Horner and Allison Orr learn from Shannon about her hyper-focus on delivering a unique client experience. A big believer in testing, learning and changing, join her story starting as a home-based business growing to pop-up and on to brick and mortar…two locations…during the pandemic! An impressive story dem…

In this episode Marc Horner and co-host Allison Orr speak with Dan Facchini of Innovation DuPage and their business incubation and acceleration program. Dan shares the importance of collaboration and mentorship in jump-starting the entrepreneurial experience. From start-ups led by college students to more experienced businesspeople who took the lea…

Actor, stuntman Tod Senofonte shares his experiences through the Hollywood maze both on and off set, the price of chasing the dream and the satisfaction of achievement through failure. Keep on trucking folks, enjoy!By Marco Lesher

Dr. Jorgensen discusses his unexpected journey that took him from surgeon to coroner. He shares historical perspective on the creation of the coroner's office going all the way back to medieval times. He also provides perspective on the Fentanyl crisis and how his office is leading the fight against it. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach…

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner and his distinguished guest, former Mayor of Wheaton Jim Carr, dive into the intersection of religion, ethics, and business. The podcast delves into Carr's experiences growing up in Missouri, studying at Yale University and then teaching business ethics at Wheaton College. Join him as they explore the …

In the latest episode of the CEO Roundtable Podcast, Marseil Jackson, the CEO of the Dream Center, shares an inspiring journey that resonates with the ethos of turning visions into tangible success. His story, brimming with lessons, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit, is not just a narrative but a roadmap for aspirants across all walks of life. Jac…

Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent of District 200, talks about the role of schools as assets in the community, and shares his experience transitioning from being a teacher to an administrator. They also discuss the importance of positive interactions between adults and students in the school system. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out …

The visionary behind Dig-It Digital GPS, EJ Herron, joins Taylor on the podcast this week for a fascinating journey through the cutting-edge realm of construction technology. Together, they explore its profound impact on the industry's efficiency and precision, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you're a construction professiona…

In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Local, host Marc Horner is joined by Vickie Austin from the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, as well as Meg Goodman and Mark Long from Flint Rock LLC. They teach us how the sausage is made when it comes to creating and producing a podcast! Listen to this fun, lighthearted and informative session where Meg & Mark…

In this episode of The Local, we visited with Don Westlake, a Wheatonite who retired in his mid-fifties! Born during the Great Depression and lived through multiple world wars, Don shares his wisdom and insights on investing, finding the right fit, and staying mentally and physically active in retirement. Join us as we delve into Don's incredible s…

In the season one finale, Brian & Gary go deep on R.O.I. — return on investment. When you marry Workforce Management principles with a tool fit to the task, you open doors to achieving profits and efficiencies that couldn’t have possibly existed before. Learn the differences between Hard R.O.I. and Soft R.O.I., and how changing up your reporting st…

You’ve implemented the six pillars of Workforce Management. Now what? Sticking to it with a Workforce Management platform, ensuring strict processes and guardrails are in place across the organization to keep things running smoothly. Join Brian & Gary for a conversation all about Discipline. Learn more at our website or on our social channels: Webs…

It’s not every day you get to sit down with a former Chicago Cub and pro baseball player who shares the same town as you.On this episode of The Local,Marc & Vickie hear fun-filled stories from Dave Otto about what it was like to be drafted to the major leagues alongside notable names like Bo Jackson and Barry Larkin, and how opting for college inst…

Aaron Witt: Putting People First to Transform Construction Taylor welcomes self-proclaimed “Chief Dirt Nerd”, Aaron Witt, to the podcast today for an insightful discussion on construction, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Currently the CEO of BuildWitt - a services, media, and software business focused on the infrastructure and mining industr…

Join Brian and Gary on the sixth pillar in the WFM Business Practice: Productivity. We define Productivity as “units of work placed or produced per man hour.” And it’s not to be confused with Earned Value Analysis, that’s a management and planning technique that measures productivity. Measuring it against your Labor Plan can alert you to profit fad…

John Monino, a supervisor with Milton Township, joins Marc Horner and co-host Vickie Austin to explain the relationship between Milton Township and the surrounding municipalities, including Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. John also shares his personal journey of getting involved in local government and discusses the experience and emotional intelligence th…

Brian Kusko is a reptile wrangler and fellow musician who brought some very interesting little friends of his on my show for everyone to learn about. I highly recommend you watch the full episode on YouTube. Special Guest IG: @briankusko Check out the link below for the full YouTube video: General Population with Marco Lesher and special guest Bria…

I had a wonderful time talking with such a great mind Mr. Sean Stone. Special Guest IG: @therealseanstone Check out the link below for the full YouTube video: General Population with Marco Lesher and special guest Sean StoneBy Marco Lesher

Why are we talking about Information? Imagine printing out a colored CAD drawing. All the systems are different colors - the power is blue, the fire alarm is red, etc. But then you send the black and white version of the drawing out to the field to save money. The fifth pillar of Workforce Management is Information because prioritizing it can trans…

In this final part of the series, Bob Jacobson discusses the origins of golf in Wheaton, Illinois. He explains how Charles Blair MacDonald, who was educated in Scotland, brought the idea of golf back to the suburbs of Chicago in the late 1800s. MacDonald's passion for the sport and his association with Tom Morris at St. Andrews (yes, that Tom Morri…