Smart-ish After the Name Tags Come Off

Tom Gosche
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Marketing
  • Monthly

Smart-ish: The After MeetingDescription:Welcome to Smart-ish: The After Meeting — the unofficial, unexpected, and occasionally insightful podcast of the ACA Schaumburg Business Club. Hosted by three business professionals with just enough sense to be dangerous, this monthly podcast takes you behind the scenes of one of the most dynamic networking communities around. Think SmartLess, but with more local flavor, business banter, and surprise guests from the ACA community.Each episode features:A surprise guest from the club (even the hosts don’t know who’s coming!)Real conversations about business, networking, and lifeStories from the front lines of entrepreneurship and leadershipA healthy dose of humor, connection, and maybe even wisdomSmart-ish is where the real conversations begin — after the name tags come off.

  1. Nov 1

    Episode 13- Meet Ken Orth – Beyond the Numbers

    Meet Ken Orth – Beyond the Numbers In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest Ken Orth, CPA, CVA, and Partner at CJG Partners LLP. Ken has spent more than 15 years helping closely held and family-owned businesses navigate accounting, taxes, and business valuations. But his work goes well beyond preparing financial statements and tax returns. He helps business owners understand what their numbers are telling them and how those numbers can influence important business decisions. The conversation explores why being profitable doesn't always mean having money in the bank, what makes a business valuable, and why owners should be talking with their CPA before making major decisions rather than after the fact. Ken shares his perspective on helping businesses plan ahead, recognize opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes. The group also gets into the unique challenges of family-owned businesses, the importance of building trust with clients, and how relationships and networking contribute to professional success. Along the way, Ken shares some of his own career experiences and what he's learned about working with business owners. And, of course, Chris and Scott have to figure out who Tom brought onto the show. In this episode: Why a CPA's role goes well beyond preparing taxesUnderstanding the difference between profit and cash flowWhat makes a business valuableWhy business owners should plan aheadThe challenges of family-owned businessesHow trust and relationships contribute to business successLessons Ken has learned from more than 15 years in the professionAnd whether Chris and Scott can figure out what Ken actually does About Ken Orth Ken Orth is a CPA and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) with more than 15 years of experience helping closely held businesses navigate assurance, tax, and valuation matters. A Partner at CJG Partners LLP, Ken specializes in family-owned businesses, 401(k) plan audits, and business valuations, with a focus on helping owners understand the financial and tax implications of strategic decisions. Known for translating complex concepts into practical guidance, Ken takes a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and supporting long-term growth. Connect with Ken Orth CJG Partners LLP 1900 E. Golf Road, Suite 425 Schaumburg, IL 60173 Phone: (847) 517-8222 Email: korth@cjgpartners.com Website: https://www.cjgpartners.com Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  2. Oct 1

    Podcast 12: Meet Mary Biagini – Stop Chasing the Next Lead

    Meet Mary Biagini – Stop Chasing the Next Lead In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest Mary Biagini, sales consultant and Founder of Invisible Business Partner Solutions. Mary has spent her career in sales, and today she helps businesses rethink where their next opportunity may actually come from. Instead of constantly chasing new leads, Mary focuses on helping businesses generate more revenue from the clients and relationships they already have. The conversation explores why sales doesn’t need to be complicated, where businesses may be leaving opportunities on the table, and the importance of staying connected after the initial sale. Mary shares her approach to simplifying sales challenges into practical strategies that business owners and salespeople can actually put into action. The group also gets into sales conversations, follow-up, referrals, existing clients, and some of the habits that can make selling feel more natural and less forced. Mary touches briefly on her real estate background and how years of working directly with customers helped shape the way she approaches sales training today. And, of course, Chris and Scott have to figure out who Tom brought onto the show before Mary gives too much away. In this episode: Why the next opportunity may already be in your client baseMaking sales conversations less complicatedThe value of follow-up after the saleTurning existing relationships into repeat and referral businessWhy sales training needs to be practical and usableLessons Mary has learned from a career in salesAnd whether Chris and Scott can figure out what Mary actually does About Mary Biagini Mary Biagini is a sales consultant and the Founder of Invisible Business Partner Solutions, where she helps businesses stop chasing new leads and start generating more revenue from the clients they already have. A career-long sales professional, Mary brings a unique ability to simplify complex sales challenges into clear, actionable strategies her clients can trust and actually execute on. Known for her honesty, energy, and personable, results-driven approach, Mary makes growing a business feel a whole lot less complicated. Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  3. Sep 1

    Episode 11: Meet Dave Nauert – Taking the Headaches Out of HR

    Episode 11: Meet Dave Nauert – Taking the Headaches Out of HR In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott welcome surprise guest Dave Nauert, Vice President of Sales at Engage PEO, for a conversation about HR, business ownership, relationships, and what happens behind the scenes as companies grow. As usual, Chris and Scott don't know who's coming through the virtual door. They get their chance to guess before Dave joins the conversation and reveals a career spanning nearly 30 years in the PEO and HR outsourcing industry. Dave breaks down what a PEO actually does and why HR becomes increasingly complicated as a business grows. From payroll and employee benefits to compliance and workforce management, the conversation explores the responsibilities business owners often find themselves handling—and when bringing in outside expertise can make sense. But the conversation isn't just about HR. Dave shares his approach to sales, networking, and building long-term relationships with clients and trusted referral partners. Rather than leading with a product, his focus is understanding the organization, identifying the real problem, and finding the right solution. As always, the discussion goes beyond the job title and gets into the person behind it—along with a few laughs, stories, and unexpected turns along the way. 👤 Guest Bio: Dave Nauert Dave Nauert is Vice President of Sales at Engage PEO, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the PEO and HR outsourcing industry. He works closely with business owners and leadership teams to simplify HR, payroll, employee benefits, compliance, and workforce management. Dave is passionate about building long-term relationships with clients and trusted referral partners and takes a consultative, solutions-focused approach to helping organizations succeed. He serves businesses throughout the Midwest and across the country through Engage PEO's national platform. 🔑 Episode Highlights: Chris and Scott try to figure out Tom's surprise guest.What a PEO actually is—and what it does for businesses.Why HR gets more complicated as a company grows.Payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce management.Knowing when it makes sense to bring in outside expertise.Dave's nearly 30 years in the PEO and HR outsourcing industry.Why listening is an important part of the sales process.Building long-term relationships with clients and referral partners.Taking a consultative approach instead of simply selling a service. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a business owner who's tired of wearing every hat—or anyone who enjoys discovering the people behind the professions. Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  4. Aug 1

    Episode 10: Meet Anna Reed – The People Behind the Paychecks

    In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott welcome surprise guest Anna Reed for a conversation that starts with payroll processing but quickly becomes a discussion about people, trust, and the realities of keeping a business running smoothly. For one of the first times on the podcast, Tom successfully keeps the guest a true surprise. Chris and Scott throw out plenty of guesses before Anna finally joins the conversation, making for some entertaining moments and proving that even good detectives can't always crack the case. Anna shares the often-overlooked world of payroll—the deadlines, regulations, changing requirements, and the responsibility that comes with making sure employees are paid accurately and on time. While payroll may seem straightforward from the outside, Anna explains the many moving parts and why even small details can have a big impact on both businesses and employees. As always, the discussion expands beyond the job itself. The hosts explore relationships, problem-solving, customer service, adapting to constant change, and the satisfaction that comes from helping businesses avoid unnecessary headaches. It's a reminder that many of the most important roles in business are the ones people rarely notice until something goes wrong. 👤 Guest Bio: Anna Reed Anna Reed is an experienced payroll professional who helps businesses navigate the complexities of payroll processing, compliance, and employee compensation. She understands the importance of accuracy, consistency, and communication, ensuring that one of the most critical parts of every business operates smoothly behind the scenes. 🔑 Episode Highlights: Tom finally keeps the surprise guest a secret.Chris and Scott struggle to guess who's joining the show.The challenges and misconceptions of payroll processing.Why payroll is much more complicated than simply issuing paychecks.Managing deadlines, regulations, and changing requirements.The importance of trust and accuracy in business.Building relationships through dependable service.Looking beyond the job title to the people behind the work. Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  5. Jul 1

    Episode 9: Meet John Barcanic – Stop Being the Bottleneck

    Episode 9: Meet John Barcanic – Stop Being the Bottleneck In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest John Barcanic, who helps CEOs and business owners with growing companies stop being the bottleneck through which everything important flows. What begins as a conversation about leadership quickly expands into a discussion about trust, delegation, and what it takes to build a business that doesn't depend on one person making every decision. John shares why so many owners struggle to let go, how strong teams are developed, and why real growth is measured by more than just revenue. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, company culture, relationships, and the challenge of creating a business that gives owners both greater freedom and greater impact. As with most Smart-ish episodes, the discussion goes beyond business tactics and into the real conversations that happen after the meeting ends. This episode is a reminder that great businesses aren't built by leaders who do everything—they're built by leaders who develop people, build trust, and create systems that allow everyone to thrive. 👤 Guest Bio: John Barcanic John Barcanic helps CEOs and business owners with more than 10 employees stop being the bottleneck in their companies. Through leadership coaching and business strategy, he helps clients build teams they can trust, increase revenue, gain more time, and create businesses that can thrive without depending on one person for every important decision. 🔑 Episode Highlights: Why business owners become the bottleneckBuilding teams you can trustDelegating without losing controlLeadership beyond day-to-day managementCreating more time and freedomThe importance of relationships and company cultureGrowing a business that can thrive without you 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who's ready to spend less time putting out fires and more time leading a business that can grow. Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  6. Jun 1

    Smart-Ish Episode 8: Meet Erin Zylka – Redefining What Wealth Really Means

    In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest Erin Zylka, founder of Kona Financial Planning and co-founder of WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN).   What begins as a conversation about financial planning quickly evolves into a broader discussion about values, relationships, and what it truly means to build a wealthy life. Rather than focusing on investments or financial advice, Erin shares her perspective on the human side of money—why financial conversations are often emotional, how trust shapes financial decisions, and why aligning money with personal values can lead to greater confidence and fulfillment.   The conversation explores entrepreneurship, independence, networking, and the challenges of building a business centered around meaningful client relationships. Erin also discusses the inspiration behind WHealthy Empowerment Network and how healthier businesses can create healthier outcomes for both professionals and the people they serve.   As with most Smart-ish episodes, the discussion goes beyond business tactics and into the real conversations that happen after the meeting ends—covering trust, success, relationships, and what truly matters.   This episode is a reminder that wealth is about more than numbers—it’s about creating a life that reflects your values and priorities.   👤 Guest Bio: Erin Zylka Erin Zylka has worked as a financial planner since 2009, combining technical expertise with a relationship-focused approach. She believes true wealth begins when your money aligns with your values. In 2021, she founded Kona Financial Planning, an independent firm dedicated to helping clients feel confident and empowered in their financial lives. In 2024, she co-founded WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN), an operations, technology, and coaching platform designed to support independent financial advisors and encourage a broader conversation around true wealth.   Erin Zylka, CFP®, AIF®, MBA Owner, Kona Financial Planning   Erin@konafp.com (419) 340-6462 https://konafinancialplanning.com/   🔑 Episode Highlights: • Why true wealth goes beyond money and financial metrics • The role trust plays in financial and business relationships • How personal values influence financial decisions • The emotional side of money conversations • Building an independent business around relationships and service • Networking, referrals, and creating meaningful professional connections • Why success looks different for everyone • The mission behind WHealthy Empowerment Network (WHEN) • Common misconceptions about financial planners and wealth • How aligning your values and goals creates greater confidence   🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who could use a fresh perspective on success, relationships, and what wealth really means. Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  7. May 1

    Smart-ish Episode 7: Meet Hutch Hutchinson – B2B Marketing

    🎙️ Episode: Meet Hutch Hutchinson – Making Your Marketing Actually Work Podcast: Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off Description: In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest Hutch Hutchinson, founder of HUTCHINSON., a Chicago-area communication design firm specializing in branding, websites, and SEO. What starts as a conversation about branding quickly shifts into a deeper discussion about clarity—what businesses are really trying to say, and why so many struggle to say it well. Hutch brings a practical, no-nonsense perspective on marketing, explaining the difference between looking good and actually communicating effectively. The conversation explores why visibility alone isn’t enough, how unclear messaging holds businesses back, and why being easy to understand is one of the most valuable advantages a company can have. Hutch also shares how branding shows up in everyday interactions, especially in networking, and how better communication leads to stronger referrals and real growth. As with most Smart-ish episodes, the discussion moves beyond tactics into how people connect, how trust is built, and why clarity drives better business relationships. This episode is a reminder that marketing isn’t about making things look nice—it’s about making them work. 👤 Guest Bio: Hutch Hutchinson Hutch, also known as Jerry “Hutch” Hutchinson, is the founder and president of HUTCHINSON., a communication design firm specializing in branding, website design and development, and SEO. For more than 25 years, Hutch has helped businesses show up clearly, look credible, and grow with purposeful, results-driven design. Known for his strategic thinking, strong creative direction, and refreshingly honest approach, Hutch focuses on work that performs in the real world—not just work that looks good. 🔑 Episode Highlights: • The difference between looking good and communicating clearly • Why most businesses struggle with messaging before marketing • Visibility vs. effectiveness in branding and marketing • How clarity impacts referrals and networking conversations • Why the best marketing isn’t flashy—it’s understood Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

  8. Apr 1

    Smart-ish Episode 6- Blair Woerfel – Event Planner

    🎙️ Episode 6: Meet Blair Woerfel – Creating Experiences People Remember Podcast: Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off Description: In this episode of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off, Tom, Chris, and Scott are joined by surprise guest Blair Woerfel, founder of BW Studio + Events. What starts as a conversation about event planning quickly turns into a broader discussion about experiences — what makes them memorable, why details matter, and how creating the right environment can completely change how people connect. Blair shares how she built a business around designing events that feel more like the best dinner party you’ve ever attended than a traditional gathering. The conversation also touches on how her natural ability to plan and host started early, and how that has translated into her work today. As with most Smart-ish episodes, the discussion moves beyond business into relationships — how shared experiences (whether events, conversations, or even small moments) are often what people remember most. This episode is a reminder that whether it’s an event, a meeting, or a networking group, the goal isn’t just to show up — it’s to create something people actually enjoy being part of. 👤 Guest Bio: Blair Woerfel Blair Woerfel is the founder of BW Studio + Events, a Chicago-based wedding and planning company known for creating celebrations that feel like the best dinner party you’ve ever been invited to. A lifelong planner, Blair turned her love of themed parties and nonprofit galas into a career designing customized events across the Midwest and beyond. When she’s not planning events, she enjoys reading and spending time with her two cats, Max and Misha. 🔑 Episode Highlights: Why the best events feel intentional, not overproduced How small details shape big experiences Turning a natural skill into a business Why people remember how something felt more than what happened The overlap between events, networking, and relationship-building  Subscribe & Share: Catch new episodes of Smart-ish: After the Name Tags Come Off every month as we sit down with real ACA members to talk business, life, and the stories that don’t get told during the meeting. Follow, subscribe, and share with other ACA members. Know someone who should be a guest? Nominate them. Produced by: ACA Schaumburg Business Club Hosted by: Tom Gosche, Chris Prestegaard, and Scott Weinberg Recorded on Zoom. Lightly edited, never scripted.

See All (13)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Smart-ish: The After MeetingDescription:Welcome to Smart-ish: The After Meeting — the unofficial, unexpected, and occasionally insightful podcast of the ACA Schaumburg Business Club. Hosted by three business professionals with just enough sense to be dangerous, this monthly podcast takes you behind the scenes of one of the most dynamic networking communities around. Think SmartLess, but with more local flavor, business banter, and surprise guests from the ACA community.Each episode features:A surprise guest from the club (even the hosts don’t know who’s coming!)Real conversations about business, networking, and lifeStories from the front lines of entrepreneurship and leadershipA healthy dose of humor, connection, and maybe even wisdomSmart-ish is where the real conversations begin — after the name tags come off.

Information