How to Reach Out & Stand Out as a Restaurant
Do you own a restaurant? Struggling to attract customers in today's digital world? This episode is packed with tips to help you boost your...
Hire Better. Keep People. Communicate Smarter in Your Shop
Sara Fraser knows the auto repair world inside and out—and she’s not afraid to call out what’s holding shops back. In this episode of Blood,...
From Pump to Profit: Al Wright’s Journey to Shop Ownership
Meet Al Wright, who owns John's Automotive in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Al shares his journey in the automotive industry, from starting out as a gas...
From Wrench to Strategy: Cecil Bullard on Profitable Auto Repair Shops
Cecil Bullard has worn every hat in the shop—from technician to teacher to trusted advisor. In this episode of Blood, Sweat and Business, he...
The Numbers Behind Auto Repair Tech: PJ Leslie of Tekmetric
Fresh from the VISION Conference, PJ Leslie of Tekmetric joins Blood, Sweat & Business to talk about the data-driven future of auto repair. In...
From IT to Indoor Farming: The Evolution of Platinum Systems
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...
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...
How Al Oramas Grew His Auto Repair Shop by Stepping Out of the Bay
In this episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we sit down with Al Oramas to talk about one of the biggest mindset shifts an auto repair shop owner can...
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...
From Restaurant Roots to Multi-Brand Success with Dimitri Kallianis
We’re joined by multifaceted entrepreneur Dimitri Kallianis of The Shanty Restaurant. What began as a love for food has grown into a collection...
How Junior Martinez Keeps His Hospitality Brand Relevant and Respected
n this spirited episode of Blood, Sweat & Business, we pull up a stool with Junior Martinez, owner of O’Toole’s Pub Group. Junior opens up...
From Underdog to BBQ Empire: Kris Schoenberger’s Bold Journey
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...
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.