Meet Benjamin Wright, President at Chicagoland Hearing
Get to know Ben, a new member of EFBC!
Chicagoland Hearing
Founded: 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
1. Tell us about your background and career leading up to where you are now
I graduated college in 2004 and worked for another company for five years. After gaining experience, I decided to start my own business in 2009 with one support staff – receptionist, as my sole employee.
Over the years, we’ve grown significantly, expanding from 25 locations in the Chicago area to approximately 150 locations across eight or nine states. We’re continually seeking new growth opportunities.
2. Are you planning to expand outside the United States?
My wife and business partner have discussed the possibility of expanding overseas. However, the healthcare systems in many countries differ significantly from the United States, with socialized medicine being more common. We’re carefully considering this option but haven’t made any concrete plans yet.
3. What do you like the most about what you’re doing right now?
The most rewarding aspect of our work is helping people regain their quality of life. Whether it’s an older individual or a child, hearing loss can significantly impact relationships and overall well-being. We’re proud to be able to provide solutions that restore those connections.
4. How did you first hear about EFBC?
I learned about EFBC through a friend, John Kabance, who joined a few years ago. We’ve known each other for a long time, and our children attend the same school.
5. What motivated you to join EFBC?
As our company has grown rapidly from a small team to a large organization with over 150 locations, I’ve found myself increasingly focused on business management rather than direct patient care. I joined EFBC to gain insights and support as I navigate this new phase of business growth.
6. What do you hope to gain from your membership?
Beyond networking, I’m looking for practical tools to run my business more efficiently. There are many aspects to consider, from HR to other operational areas. I hope to learn from other business owners and discover resources that can help me grow in my role.
7. Have you been in any other organizations like EFBC before, such as peer networks?
I haven’t been in a membership-based organization like EFBC. I’m part of a group of audiology practice owners, but it’s more of a networking circle without formal dues. While similar in some ways, it’s focused specifically on the audiology industry.
8. Do you have any passions or hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy traveling with my family and we try to go overseas two or three times a year. I also play tennis and have recently taken up metalworking as a hobby.
Join us in welcoming Ben Wright to the EFBC community! Members can log in and connect with Ben via the EFBC Member Directory.
Meet Carolyn Quinn, President at Pike Systems Inc.
Get to know Carolyn, a new member of EFBC!
Pike Systems Inc.
Founded: 1985
Location: Montgomery, IL
- Tell us about your background & career leading up to where you are now?
I attended Babson College, a specialized institution focusing solely on business education, where approximately 25% of students come from family businesses, creating a unique environment. During my time there, my team and I initiated a business venture that, although ultimately dissolved, provided valuable insights and experiences. We donated all profits to a charity of our choice, reflecting our commitment to social responsibility.
Throughout my college years, I participated in numerous consulting projects for various companies, fostering a strong business-oriented mindset. Following graduation, I joined Goldman Sachs, where I worked on the equity derivatives trading floor in New York City.
However, my desire to return home eventually led me to reconsider my career path. Instead of transferring within Goldman Sachs, I approached my father about returning to work at Pike Systems – our family business. After careful consideration, I made the choice to return.
Initially, my role primarily involved marketing and sales support, but over time, I transitioned into a more sales-focused position, eventually managing my own sales territory. For the majority of my tenure leading up to purchasing the business, I focused on outside sales. Now, as the owner of the Pike Systems for six years, I remain deeply committed to its continued growth and success.
- What do you like the most about what you’re doing right now?
I really enjoy the variety of challenges that come with my current role. As a business owner, there’s always something new to tackle, which keeps things interesting. Whether it’s solving problems or adapting to changes in the economy, there’s never a dull moment.
- How did you first hear about EBC?
I first heard about EFBC through an email event invitation, which was quite a while ago, maybe over five years back, if not longer. My dad had just retired, and we attended the EFBC event together that was held at Loyola. It was a movie viewing event showcasing a business owner’s journey in South America. It turned out to be a memorable family bonding experience. At that time, I wasn’t ready to join.
It wasn’t until I crossed paths with another EFBC member, Bob Stahurski. Bob invited me as his guest to the Summer Social & Leadership Award event last August, and it was an amazing experience. At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting the two siblings who are the 4th generation of Italian Village owners. A group of us ended up going to dinner at Italian Village that evening. The event was filled with such vibrant and engaging people, and it truly left a lasting impression on me.
- What motivated you to join EFBC?
I joined EFBC (Entrepreneurs and Founders Business Club) for its robust in-person events and networking opportunities. The diverse membership, spanning various industries and sizes, offers unique perspectives and collaborations. Being Chicago-based, EFBC connects me to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Despite its premium offerings, EFBC remains affordable, making it an invaluable resource for my professional growth.
- What do you hope to gain from your membership?
I’m primarily looking to expand my professional network and connect with like-minded individuals in the business community. Building relationships and fostering connections with other members is my top priority at the moment.
A great example of the value I seek from my membership was the recent NIL Fireside Chat event. It wasn’t a topic I was particularly familiar with, but I made a commitment to myself to be more involved and attend more networking events. Leaving the event, I found myself engaged in conversations about a topic that was entirely new to me. It was an eye-opening experience to learn and connect with fellow members, even on topics outside of my usual interests, which I hope to continue experiencing through my membership with EFBC
- Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your business?
Pike Systems, Inc. specializes in janitorial and sanitation supplies, providing cutting-edge solutions for facility management. Their product range, including cleaning chemicals and equipment, enhances cleanliness and operational efficiency. Committed to sustainability, Pike Systems delivers personalized services for a healthier workplace. Visit Pike Systems Inc. for innovative facility solutions.
Join us in welcoming Carolyn Quinn to the EFBC community! Members can log in and connect with Carolyn via the EFBC Member Directory.
Meet Pete Vallino, Vice President at I.V. House, Inc.
Get to know Pete, a new member of EFBC!
I.V. House, Inc.
Founded: 1991
Location: St. Louis, MO
1.Tell us about your background & career leading up to where you are now?
Looking back on my journey, I wanted to pursue a career in the sports industry. I always had a passion for sports, having grown up playing hockey, baseball, and golf. I was drawn not only to the games themselves but also to the behind-the-scenes business aspects. I even considered a role with the Philadelphia 76ers at one point, but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit for me. Instead, I embarked on a sales role in Chicago for 2 years.
After gaining a couple of years of experience in Sales, I received an exciting proposition from my family’s company. With an opening available, I made the decision to join the team full-time. Fast forward almost 6 years, and I’ve enjoyed a rewarding journey. Starting as a sales rep for our medical device company, I’ve had the chance to engage directly with healthcare professionals, training them on product usage. Over time, I’ve taken on more leadership responsibilities and have been involved in various aspects of business operations.
2. What do you like the most about what you do right now?
What I find most fulfilling about my current role is the direct impact we have on patients, particularly pediatrics. Our products play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of kids undergoing medical treatment, especially when it involves IV procedures. It’s heartening to know that our efforts contribute to improving their hospital experience and reducing patient harm. Witnessing the positive outcomes we achieve in healthcare facilities is incredibly rewarding.
Additionally, I genuinely enjoy working with our tight-knit team. Despite being a small group of people, our collective dedication and synergy makes a noticeable difference in our workplace dynamics. It’s inspiring to witness the longevity of our team members’ tenure, reflecting both their commitment to the company and the positive working environment we’ve cultivated.
3. How did you hear about EFBC?
I was introduced to EFBC through my father-in-law, who was a longstanding member and owner of James and Sons Fine Jewelry. With his extensive experience as a member, he recognized the value EFBC could offer me as I navigate my career path, particularly as I plan to assume ownership of the company. Knowing the invaluable networking opportunities and resources EFBC provides, he encouraged me to explore membership as a beneficial resource. His recommendation resonated with me, prompting my interest in connecting with like-minded individuals facing similar professional transitions.
4. What motivated you to join EFBC?
Networking has always been a significant driver for me. Back in college at The University of Dayton, instead of traditional assignments, one of my professors emphasized the importance of networking. We were tasked with reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, initiating conversations, and setting up meetings, with grades tied to the number of successful connections made. This experience proved invaluable as it allowed me to gain insights directly from industry professionals.
Now, as I navigate my professional journey, I recognize the immense value of networking once again. Joining EFBC presents an opportunity to engage with individuals facing similar professional challenges and opportunities. While I may be on the younger side at 30, I appreciate the diverse experiences and perspectives that EFBC members bring to the table. Engaging with individuals who have walked similar paths and overcome comparable challenges is invaluable as I navigate the complexities of business ownership and leadership.
5. What do you hope to gain or achieve from your membership?
Primarily, I’m seeking shared experiences and insights from fellow members who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in running a small business. As part of a small company, I often lack a broad network of peers to turn to for guidance and support. Joining EFBC provides me with access to a diverse community of professionals who have navigated similar paths and can offer invaluable insights and advice based on their firsthand experiences. I aim to tap into this wealth of knowledge to enhance my own leadership skills, overcome obstacles, and drive growth within my company.
6. Outside of professional interests, do you have any hobbies or passions you’d like to share?
When I’m not focused on work, you’ll often find me on the ice, playing hockey. It’s a passion of mine that I’ve carried since childhood. Additionally, my wife and I share a love for travel. We are fortunate that our families get along so well, allowing us to enjoy vacations together. And speaking of family, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of our first child in a couple of months, which is an incredibly exciting milestone for us and our future.
Join us in welcoming Pete Vallino to the EFBC community!
Meet Tiffany Rotondo, Senior Human Resources Manager at The Jel Sert Company
Get to know Tiffany, a new member of EFBC!
The Jel Sert Company
Founded: 1926
Location: West Chicago, IL
Tell us about your career leading up to where you are now:
My name is Tiffany Rotondo and I’m with The Jel Sert Company. I’ve been here for almost 16 years. I started in HR about 25 years ago. I originally started in HR at another family owned company in West Chicago, that specialized in horticulture. I took a 4 and a ½ year break to stay at home and raise my children and re-entered the workforce at The Jel Sert Company as an HR Assistant and have moved my way up to a Senior Manager of Corporate Human Resources. I have two older children, ages 24 and 22 and I’ve been married for 25 years. Actually, this past May we celebrated our 25th anniversary by going on a 12-day trip to Europe. It was a trip of a lifetime!
What do you like most about what you do?
I like the variety. Prior to being promoted to Senior Manager, I used to be an HR Generalist, and I still have some of the generalist responsibilities in my day-to-day work. Overall, I handle compensation, policies, and procedures, implementing state and federal laws, and implementing new policies to ensure we remain compliant. Additionally, I manage our budget, performance evaluations, and of course employee relations, so it’s just a little bit of everything.
How did you hear about the EFBC?
Nisha Patel, of Systematics, Inc. and EFBC member, used to work for me at Jel Sert as our HR Assistant. At the time she was part-time and eventually left to go to work with her family at Systematics. We stayed in touch over the years, and she encouraged me to join and has been talking to me about her experiences, basically since she joined EFBC. She felt it was an opportunity that would be beneficial to me because we are a family-owned business, almost 100 years old, with the third generation currently running the company and the fourth generation working in the business, in sales and marketing roles.
Why did you join, and what do you hope to gain from your membership?
Working for a family organization and specifically in human resources, you do not get a lot of outlets to talk to people or to try and come up with solutions outside of talking to those within your department. I felt that this would be a great opportunity for me to open up and share with others about different things that might be going on for me personally within the business. I hope to be able to use shared experiences for how other companies have handled various situations and how to apply their experiences to where I am at when I am problem solving. Additionally, the community building piece truly intrigued me. Being able to get to know other people from other family owned businesses and the opportunity to join a group of people that I can trust and count on is important in my role and in my life.
Join us in welcoming Tiffany to the EFBC community.
Meet Giovanna & Jonathan Capitanini
Get to know Giovanna & Jonathan, new members of EFBC!
Italian Village Restaurants
Founded: 1927
Location: Chicago, IL
Tell us a little about yourselves:
(Giovanna) Jonathan and I have started the process of transitioning the business from our mother to us. We are the fourth generation to run the business. In the day-to-day, I handle the marketing side of things. I am responsible for any of the ads, social media, influencers, PR, signage, website, menus, etc.; all that good stuff. In January of last year, we refreshed The Village brand, so I spent a lot of time on that project and implementing it across channels. The next big project I am working on is our newest concept, Bar Sotto, an Italian take on a Chicago dive bar.
(Jonathan) I more recently joined the business and come from a background in management consulting, and I also worked with another restaurant brand prior. We call my role the ‘Head Dishwasher,’ which has been passed down through the generations; but it is essentially the operations role. I focus on operations, finance, HR, and the opening of our newest concept with Giovanna.
I studied economics in college, which was a pretty generalist degree, and a good way to figure out what I wanted to do. From a young age, both of us were told not to go into the restaurant business. Our family wanted us to go work in Corporate America because they knew how hard the restaurant industry could be. But I think, as with many things, the more your parents tell you not to do something, the more drawn to it you are. Still, we both pursued alternative career paths after college, which was how Giovanna got into marketing and I got into consulting.
But once the pandemic hit, it was an incredibly hard time for the restaurant industry, so I began to focus more on the family business knowing the skillsets I had built in consulting would be particularly valuable in this time. Slowly, as the business started to stabilize, we realized that our mom was nearing retirement age and started looking at our succession plan. At that point, we realized our different strengths and what we both brought to the table and the differences we have that both add value to the business.
We also identified that, aside from the first generation, previous generations were missing prior work experience in different restaurants. We thought our business was stuck in the ‘old ways’ a little too much and did not have enough outside perspective, so I found an opportunity to work for another restaurant group, Boqueria Restaurants, they have a location in Chicago, but are based on the East Coast. I was able to run through their manager-in-training (MIT) program, where you rotate through each role in the business, from back of house to front of house, and then the corporate team where I worked on strategic initiatives across all units. Finally, I came back home, just over a year ago, to start to apply some of those learnings.
(Giovanna) So Jonathan took a more direct route, in learning the ins-and-outs of the restaurant industry while I took more of a roundabout route. I graduated college with a marketing degree, focused on digital media. I had a few internships with marketing firms in Chicago, and one global firm before ending up at Modern Luxury in their digital media department. I was part of a 5-person digital team – we were doing everything from digital ads, SEO tracking, website management, everything you can think of for the digital brand. After about 3 or 4 years there, there was an opening at the restaurant for a person doing what I was doing and so I started working closely with our PR firm. And then when COVID hit, I started taking over more of the website maintenance and more of the social media on my own as we cut costs and let go of the outsourced marketing/PR partner.
Tell us how you work with each other, especially given the nuances and unique aspects of being in business with your family members.
(Jonathan) It’s definitely something we are working on and will continue to work on as we move forward. As a wise person once told us, in family business, “your business is in your family and your family is in your business.” It’s interesting to navigate the different hats and relationships we have with each other, from siblings, to colleagues, to manager, etc., and sometimes it can be challenging expressing thoughts or concerns when you haven’t clarified which hat you’re speaking from at that time. If you are trying to give feedback but they are approaching the situation like a family member the response is totally different than, for example, if you are coming to the person as a colleague. We have made a lot of progress in the past year, and I am proud of how far we have come and looking forward to what we can accomplish in the future. Our ability to collaborate and come together has proven successful in elevating us to further heights and a big step for us was joining EFBC. We were looking to find mentorship beyond the family, because sometimes when you are seeking shared experiences outside of your family others just don’t understand the different dynamics. We are excited to build community from a broader audience and hear perspectives on other people’s challenges with communication and problem solving.
(Giovanna) We often get asked about how working with family is, and we regularly joke that we haven’t killed each other yet. But aside from that, Jonathan and I have a real passion for our business. We grew up in this business, it’s in our blood. And at the end of the day, we have the best interest of the restaurant and our employees at heart and at the end of the day we are family. To us, that’s the most important thing. That way, when we approach each other, we have a basis of understanding of where both of us are coming from and it helps us understand each other a little better. We joined the EFBC to be able to gain an outside perspective, especially because most friends and other colleagues do not have the experience of what it’s like working with your family.
How did you first hear about EFBC?
(Both) Our uncle, Al Capitanini.
(Jonathan) When you are the fourth generation in a family business, you understand that no matter what the previous generation does to ‘solve’ certain problems, you run into the same sorts of family problems, like communication among family members and figuring out a way to get support from people who know what you’re going through and so he [Al] had an understating of the EFBC when he was involved with the business, found it helpful, and recommended it as an option for us as we start to make that transition into ownership and leadership roles.
What made you want to finally join EFBC and what are you hoping to gain from your membership?
(Jonathan) I knew, at the time, we weren’t doing our best in terms of communicating and working together, and we were struggling to find the proper ways to collaborate. So it became obvious that we each needed some outside perspective on things to alleviate having to include other family members, like our mom having to be the referee, which ultimately wasn’t getting us anywhere as our mom just wants us both happy and getting along. Great in family, but that approach doesn’t really help the business. We needed to be able to make some tough decisions and have agreement and commitment to those decisions, which is what pushed me to explore EFBC more.
(Giovanna) In general, we were kind of looking for someone, a third party, just to give us an outside perspective on things. When you are close with your family and are in business together, everyone you talk to about it is so inclined to give their own opinions on every matter and you end up with a lot of advice from people, but they haven’t necessarily worked in the day-to-day nor do they have an understanding of how the business operates. I think, additionally, the EFBC community is so great because there are so many different types of businesses, multiple generations, and perspectives that will be helpful for us to learn from.
(Jonathan) Just to drive home Giovanna’s point on community, at the end of the summer, we attended the Summer Social at Avli, and it truly felt like folks went out of their way to talk to us and make us feel comfortable and included. As we were making our decision on whether to join, so many shared their own experiences from the value they get out of EFBC, which really “sealed the deal” for us.
(Giovanna) Everyone was really welcoming and excited to talk about EFBC and how it has improved their lives, their businesses, and so many other aspects – that was really the cherry on top!
Join us in welcoming Giovanna & Jonathan to the EFBC community.
Member Spotlight: Krusinski Construction 50th Anniversary
This month we’re celebrating Krusinski Construction Company!
In the ever-evolving world of construction, it is a remarkable achievement for any company to reach the momentous milestone of 50 years in business. Such an accomplishment showcases not only perseverance, but also a steadfast commitment to their core values and the community they serve.
Krusinski Construction Company, a family-owned business, has consistently operated under the belief that treating clients, employees, and the community the right way is the only way to do business, lovingly referred to as the “Krusinski way.” When working with them, you can truly feel the difference in their approach and dedication to delivering exceptional results. Today, on behalf of the EFBC Community, we proudly extend our heartfelt congratulations to this valuable member, as they celebrate their remarkable journey of half a century.
To celebrate this significant milestone, Krusinski Construction has released a special video featuring the founder, Joe Krusinski, along with CEO Jerry Krusinski and President Jeff Krusinski. In this video, the three leaders reflect on the company’s journey and discuss their vision for the future. Their insights give us a glimpse into the family’s strong values that have undoubtedly contributed to the company’s longevity and success. Check out their special video HERE!
Looking ahead, Krusinski Construction Company continues to forge a path of innovation and industry leadership. With a solid foundation built over the past 50 years and a clear vision for the future, they are well-equipped to navigate the evolving construction landscape and shape the industry for years to come. Congratulations to Krusinski Construction on this remarkable milestone, and here’s to the next 50 years of success!
Meet Dan Migacz, CFO at A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design
Get to know Dan, a new member of EFBC!
A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design / Lotz Custom Carpentry, Inc.
Founded: 2009
Location: Mundelein, IL / Salem, WI
Tell us about your career leading up to where you are now:
I studied accounting in undergrad (IWU) and grad school (ISU). Once I graduated, I went to work at a public accounting firm, McGladrey (now RSM US) and passed my CPA exams. After a couple of years there, however, I knew that I didn’t want to stay in public accounting. I transitioned over to Cardinal Health and was there for a short time. I moved on to a private equity firm called Sherman Residential, where I was the Controller for five years. That was a fantastic role, and I learned a lot about deal making, acquisitions, and running large multi-family properties. And now, for the past six years, I finally came to work with my brother!
What do you like most about what you do?
As the CFO, I work a lot with numbers. I wouldn’t necessarily say numbers are my favorite thing, but I definitely have a knack for them. I just really enjoy getting to spend every day with my best friends. I work directly with my brother and other family members and then our business partners have basically become family. And it’s just great to be able to get to do what we do, while also being able to spend every day together. When it comes to problem solving, it is exciting that we are the ones problem solving, and collectively coming together to make a decision. But of course, there’s pros and cons to that, because the full responsibility of the decision making does fall on us as well.
How did you hear about the EFBC?
So, I’ve known Marcus Newman (EFBC Membership Director and Strategic Partner) for several years now. He does our company group insurance benefits. We were talking about some health insurance items and he brought it up. He asked us if we had ever heard about EFBC and mentioned that it would benefit our business and that it would be really good for us. A week or so later I reached out to him and expressed that I was interested in heard more and he sent me over some information and the website and said that if I wanted to know more to get in contact with Liz Fidanovski (EFBC Executive Director) and have her come out and sit down with you guys and explain what EFBC Is all about.
Why did you join, and what do you hope to gain from your membership?
I would say it was a combination of two things. The first is the programs. Liz described the programs EFBC hosts, and I was excited at the opportunity to not only participate but my brother, our partners, and our key employees. Whether it’s an HR roundtable, a finance roundtable or different programs that we can send our employees to. We are always interested in continuing learning opportunities and staying up to date on current policies and best practices. In addition to that, the second and for me, personally, the biggest draw were the peer groups, or forums. I was excited to have a group, that meets regularly who have been through a lot of the same things I am going through. I was excited for the shared experiences with a group of businesspeople who are on the same level to gain insight but to also share my own experiences in a safe, confidential environment on both personal and professional lives. It was just exciting to have regular sit downs and have a good, honest conversation with a group of people that actually care about me. In other groups I have participated in, the interpersonal experiences varied drastically, and this just feels on a different level from that. Our business partner, at the moment, is busy with his family but I have been sharing with my brother who will hopefully be joining soon.
Join us in welcoming Dan to the EFBC community.
Meet Gregory Cooney, Owner and Partner CMO of Educational Environments
Get to know Gregory, a new member of the EFBC.
Educational Environments
Founded: 1967
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Tell us about your career leading up to where you are now:
Well I’ve been at Educational Environments much longer than I care to admit! I worked in menswear as a buyer for a time before starting here, but I basically grew up in this business. My father owned the company, but my brother, my sister and myself have run it for 40 years now. The company itself has been in business for 56 years. I joined thinking it would be something transitional but ended up liking the work, so I made a career out of it. My focus is in sales, marketing, and design.
What do you like most about what you do?
Having the focus of providing furniture solutions that encourage new learning models and ways of teaching that are more relevant to students today makes it very engaging to be doing this work.
How did you hear about the EFBC?
Interestingly enough I heard about it from a “friendly competitor” also in this field! They had been involved in EFBC for a number of years, and I was speaking to him at a conference where he mentioned EFBC to myself and my daughter as something that may benefit our company.
Why did you join, and what do you hope to gain from your membership?
Looking for resources around succession planning or a transition to a new generation of the family was important to me. Learning more about Forum and doing my first Forum session, now my team and my daughter’s are more interested in joining Forum too. It’s really nice to have those outside resources, especially when you’re a family business, because it’s easy to get tunnel vision. Having these outside influences helps us to avoid that tunnel vision and the different perspectives are something I really appreciate and can learn a lot from.
Join us in welcoming Gregory to the EFBC community.
Meet Kornel Grygo, CEO of Tasty Catering
Get to know Kornel, a new member of the EFBC.
Tasty Catering
Founded: 1989
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Tell us about your career leading up to where you are now:
I started at Tasty in 2007, and officially became CEO January of 2019.
I graduated high school in ‘04. I took a little break from school and worked some different jobs. And I quickly figured out that not getting an education is not the best route for my future. So in 2007 I decided to go back to school and attended UIC, where I studied Business Management. At the time, I was looking for something that’s really flexible with my schedule. And my girlfriend at the time, is a niece of the Walter brothers, who own Tasty Catering. I started off at Tasty as a delivery driver. At the time I was in school full time and working full time. Tasty is a 24-hour, 7 day a week operation, so I was able to easily work full time.
I remained in that role until I graduated, which was 2012. At that point, I was promoted to Director of Logistics, in charge of our delivery staff, fleet maintenance, and part of the leadership team. Throughout the years, I fell in love with the company. They always took care of the people, were always culture focused. I actually approached Tom Walter, who was the CEO at the time, and is the current owner and said “hey, I want your job, what do we have to do?”. We then worked together to create a timeline and metrics I had to achieve to in order to prepare myself for that position. I have held almost every position at tasty, so I understand the whole operation and a lot of the staff here have been together for a long time.
What do you like most about what you do?
I really like the daily challenges. It’s always something. And obviously we’re in a food business, so the pandemic had a huge impact on our business. It’s easy, a lot of times, to focus on the negatives, but there are also a lot of positives in our business that allowed us all to get closer and work through the challenges we faced in 2020 and to this day. It helped us focus and really live our culture and ‘walk the talk’. It allowed us to focus on the core values and the principles we always preach about. Everybody says, ‘we take care of people’. When your business drops 85% overnight and you know that you are not making a lot of layoffs, you focus your efforts on investing in the team. It was hard, especially not knowing what’s going to happen day-to-day, week-to-week, hour by hour is just kind of made us all closer. We follow those core values, and we follow our mission, and we all care about each other and it’s just, well, that’s kind of been the biggest story for us. We’re always looking through the lens of ‘hey, this is a challenge and how can we learn from it and make our company better as a result’.
How did you hear about the EFBC?
I believe Tasty has been involved with EFBC since the beginning, back when EFBC was at UIC, and was the Chicago Family Business Council. Tom Walter has always been associated with it. Tasty has always been a family-owned company, so I think that’s what drew the Walter brothers to the organization originally. Once I stepped into some of these leadership roles after college that’s when I got involved with EFBC. I was in charge of the sales team, so that was my first introduction to some of the educational programming. I was able to participate in the sales roundtables.
Why did you join, and what do you hope to gain from your membership?
In the past few years, as I have taken on this leadership role, I appreciate being able to understand and talk to other business leaders, and to have that support and that shared experience, which is critical because you know sometimes leaders feel alone. You have a lot of pressure because at the end of the day, I’m responsible for everything that happens under this roof, every employee and all their family members. I can lean on the members of EFBC, other leaders, without judgement. I appreciate the most the shared experience piece. There is no advice or how you should do things, rather there is the opportunity to listen to what works in other organizations so that our team can then take that back to our company and determine what would work best for us. Every organization is different, so just hearing those stories is invaluable.
I just try to continue to grow and to become a better leader and person. That is what I continue to look forward to in my membership. Educational programming really forces you to think. What can I take from this? How can I use this in our organization? Will this work for us? The community is also great. You have so many members. At any time, I can just pick up a phone and pick someone’s brain about something I am struggling with and it’s far less isolating, it’s that relationship piece that I highly value. I can surround myself with people that can help me, can hold me accountable.
Join us in welcoming Kornel to the EFBC community.