Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Dan Kjeldbjerg, President of Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, and Jennifer, the company’s Director of Marketing, to explore the story behind one of the Midwest’s most respected names in landscaping. Founded in 1966 by Danish immigrant Paul (Poul) Kjeldbjerg, this family business has blossomed from a single-truck operation into a multi-acre, multi-generational powerhouse offering full-service landscape design, instal...

Send us a text In this fiery and flavorful episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Daniel, the bold and passionate creator behind Park Avenue Hot Sauces—a brand that’s lighting up taste buds and redefining what it means to bottle flavor with heart. From the very first batch made in a home kitchen to selling out at markets and being featured on shelves, Daniel shares his journey of turning a passion project into a growing business rooted in community, creativity, and spice. We di...

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Michelle, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the heart behind not just one—but two thriving local businesses in the heart of Downtown Wauconda. As the proud owner of both a full-service salon and boutique, as well as the modern, elegant fashion destination SophEve on Main, Michelle has built more than businesses—she’s cultivated experiences rooted in confidence, connection, and community. We dive into Michelle’s...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Amanda and Chelsea, the inspiring duo behind The Stubborn Sunflower—a small business rooted in creativity, service, and community. These two passionate moms turned their love for crafting and connection into a mission-driven brand that celebrates life’s most meaningful moments through handcrafted, heartfelt gifts. From custom home décor to personalized keepsakes, every piece from The Stubborn Sunflower is infused wit...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Mike Bender, one of the founding partners of 41 North Contractors, a fast-growing general contracting company that’s redefining how commercial construction gets done. With operations in both Chicago, Illinois, and Scottsdale, Arizona, 41 North Contractors specializes in retail, restaurant, and commercial development, combining innovation with integrity to deliver results that speak for themselves. Mike walks us throu...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Nick, the passionate owner of Andy’s Records, a beloved vinyl record store that’s breathing life into the music scene and keeping the soul of analog alive in the digital age. Nestled in the heart of the community, Andy’s Records is more than just a shop—it’s a sanctuary for music lovers, a space to connect over sound, nostalgia, and the pure joy of flipping through records. Nick shares the story of how Andy’s Records...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we’re stepping into the whimsical world of children’s party planning with Tanya and Chuck, the passionate duo behind Kiddiewinks Events. Located in Barrington, Illinois, Kiddiewinks Events is a boutique, all-inclusive children's party venue that specializes in creating unforgettable, stress-free celebrations for kids ages 4–12. With themed parties that include everything from dress-up and makeup to pizza, cupcakes, and temporary tat...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we sit down with Andy from Perfect Brewing Supply, the go-to destination for homebrewing, winemaking, and fermentation enthusiasts. What started as a small warehouse operation has evolved into a full-fledged storefront in Libertyville, offering not just ingredients and equipment but also expert knowledge and hands-on support for anyone passionate about brewing. Andy shares the fascinating journey of Perfect Brewing Supply, from its ...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we sit down with Kris, the entrepreneur behind My Mighty Meals, a meal prep company that’s revolutionizing the way people eat. Focused on healthy, convenient, and delicious meals, My Mighty Meals is changing the game for busy professionals, athletes, and families who want nutritious food without the hassle. Kris shares the inspiration behind My Mighty Meals, from identifying a gap in the market for fresh, pre-portioned, and balanced...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we sit down with Justin Maki, the visionary founder of Ryse Athletic Club, a high-performance training facility that blends fitness, community, and innovation. Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early passion for athletics to the challenges of launching and scaling a fitness business in a competitive industry. From Passion to Business: The Birth of Ryse Athletic Club Justin’s story begins with his deep-rooted love f...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we sit down with Eric Falberg, the visionary behind 28 Mile Distillery, a premier craft spirits destination known for its exceptional whiskey, craft cocktails, and gourmet pizza. Located in Highwood, Illinois, 28 Mile Distillery has become a hotspot for both spirit enthusiasts and food lovers, combining the art of distillation with the perfect wood-fired pizza experience. Eric shares his entrepreneurial journey, from the early days ...

Send us a text In this episode of "Small Business Big Dreams," we sit down with Maggie Grothe, the proud founder of Root Dental, to discuss her journey from dreamer to dental practice owner. Maggie’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to both her craft and her patients. With years of experience in dentistry, Maggie shares how she knew early on that she wanted to create her own space where patients could feel comfortable and cared for in a modern and welcoming environment. O...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we welcome Natalie Ziemba from Woodstock, Illinois, as she takes us on a journey through the vibrant small business community in her hometown. Woodstock is a charming town known for its rich history, but it’s also home to a thriving ecosystem of unique and diverse small businesses that are making a big impact both locally and beyond. Natalie shares her insights into what makes Woodstock such a hub for entrepreneurial spirit, highlig...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, Eric Bohl sits down with Karina, the passionate and dedicated owner of Wiggle and Woof Dog Academy. Karina shares her incredible journey, from her early days working with dogs to building a successful business that’s now a go-to for dog training and behavioral consulting. Wiggle and Woof Dog Academy is built on Karina’s philosophy of positive reinforcement and trust-based training. She believes in creating strong, lasting bonds betw...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we sit down with the founders of Craft Collective in Palatine, Illinois, to explore their journey from idea to a thriving hub for local artisans. Craft Collective, which features over 40 vendors selling handmade products, has become a destination for shoppers seeking unique, locally crafted goods. The episode delves into how the shop brings together makers who specialize in items such as candles, jewelry, home décor, bath products, ...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, host Eric Bohl sits down with Sarah Hellenbrand, the founder and owner of Studio Elevate Fit, to discuss her inspiring journey in the fitness industry and the unique philosophy behind her boutique fitness studio. Studio Elevate Fit is more than just a place to work out; it’s a community built on mindfulness, healing, and personal growth. Sarah shares how she’s spent over a decade in the fitness world, specializing in everything from...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, host Eric Bohl sits down with Mayte from American Family Insurance, an experienced and dedicated insurance agent who is passionate about protecting what matters most: your family, business, and future. With years of experience in the insurance industry, Mayte provides insights into the vital role insurance plays in safeguarding personal and business assets. Whether you’re a small business owner, a new homeowner, or simply someone lo...

Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we dive into the world of barbering with Maira, the talented owner of Good American Barber. Maira’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and dedication to her craft. As the face behind one of the most well-regarded barber shops in the area, Maira shares her story of starting from scratch and building a brand that resonates deeply with her community. For her, barbering is more than just haircuts—it’s about building connections a...

Send us a text In this exciting episode of Small Business Big Dreams, we’re joined by Megan Kaster of Moments of Magic by Megs, a Disney Travel Planner who offers completely free planning services to help you create the ultimate Disney vacation. That’s right—Megan’s expert guidance, including her custom Disney itineraries, comes at no extra cost to you! If you’re dreaming of a magical Disney trip but don’t know where to start, Megan’s here to show you how to turn that dream into reality—witho...

Send us a text In this episode of "Small Business Big Dreams," Eric Bohl chats with Darcy, the vibrant founder of Lakeshore Pet Services, to dive into the heartwarming and sometimes hilarious world of pet care. Darcy’s love for animals is the driving force behind her successful pet services company, where every pet is treated like family. Darcy kicks off by sharing her journey, from being that kid who always brought home stray animals to running a business that's all about making pets and the...