Episodios

  • Doug Cook: CEO and President of Feldco

    Doug Cook: CEO and President of Feldco
    Nov 3 2025
    In this episode of CEO's You Should Know, Adam Kurtz sit down with Doug Cook, CEO and Owner of Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors, one of the Midwest’s leading home-improvement firms. Doug shares his journey from Chicago-area roots to a 12-year broadcasting career, then into business ownership after earning his MBA at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern.

    He opens up about how growing up in the Chicago region shaped his leadership style, how he found and acquired Feldco in 2000, and how he has built a company culture rooted in empathy, customer delight and community engagement. Along the way, Doug offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who believe it’s “not yet the right time” and explains why that’s exactly the moment for action.
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    34 m
  • Jordan Justus: CEO of Automotus

    Jordan Justus: CEO of Automotus
    Sep 18 2025
    In this episode, we talk with with Jordan Justus, CEO and Co-founder of Automotus. Automotus is a first-of-its-kind automated curb management solution that helps cities reduce emissions.
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    30 m
  • Kurt Kane: President and CEO of TruGreen

    Kurt Kane: President and CEO of TruGreen
    Sep 10 2025
    In this episode, iHeartMedia Chicago Region President Adam Kurtz talks with Kurt Kane, President and CEO of TruGreen.

    An innovative and people-first leader, Kurt brings more than 25 years of experience with a focus on employee engagement and customer satisfaction to achieve strong company growth. Prior to joining TruGreen, he served as President, U.S., and Chief Commercial Officer at The Wendy's Company where he was responsible for record sales and profit growth while also improving the customer and crew member experience. Before his time at Wendy’s, Kurt held senior management roles at Yum! Brands, where he led and motivated frontline, service-oriented colleagues in the execution of innovative strategies to achieve significant growth at Yum!'s licensed brand Pizza Hut both in the U.S. and globally across 95 countries worldwide. In addition, Kurt has led brand and business transformations at Frito Lay, Molson Coors Brewing Company, and Procter & Gamble which unlocked outsized growth on several of America’s most beloved and well-known brands. Kurt’s leadership and commitment will help lead TruGreen into its next chapter of growth.

    Kurt also has served as an Air Defense Artillery officer in the United States Army, earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, and received a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
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    27 m
  • David Konsoer: Vice President of Sales at Proven Winners

    David Konsoer: Vice President of Sales at Proven Winners
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode, iHeartMedia Chicago Region President Adam Kurtz talks with David Konsoer, Vice President of Sales at Proven Winners, a leading brand in the horticulture industry known for innovation and quality in ornamental plants.

    David shares his unique career path and how his passion for plants and people has shaped his leadership style. He dives into the strategies behind building a trusted national brand, the evolving trends in gardening and landscaping, and how Proven Winners continues to thrive in a competitive market.

    With decades of experience in sales and brand development, David offers practical insights into what it takes to lead with vision, build customer loyalty, and adapt to changing consumer behaviors—all while staying rooted in purpose.
    Whether you're in sales, branding, horticulture, or simply love a good business story, this conversation is full of fresh ideas and real-world wisdom.
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    19 m
  • Jeffrey Haydon: President and CEO Ravinia Festival

    Jeffrey Haydon: President and CEO Ravinia Festival
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode, iHearMedia Chicago Region President Adam Kurtz sits down with Jeffrey Haydon, the President and CEO of the Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. Together, they explore the dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation in the performing arts.

    Jeffrey shares insights into his journey from arts management to helming one of the nation's most iconic cultural institutions. From programming world-class performances to navigating the evolving expectations of modern audiences, he discusses the challenges and opportunities of leading a legacy organization into the future.Listeners will hear about Ravinia’s commitment to community engagement, music education, and diversity, as well as the behind-the-scenes strategy that keeps the festival thriving season after season.

    Whether you're a fan of the arts, an aspiring cultural leader, or simply curious about what it takes to sustain a century-old institution, this conversation offers a compelling look at creativity, leadership, and the power of live music.
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    29 m
  • Jay Timmons: President and CEO of National Association of Manufacturers

    Jay Timmons: President and CEO of National Association of Manufacturers
    Jun 9 2025
    Jay Timmons is president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers and one of the longest-serving trade association leaders in America. Under his leadership, the NAM has doubled in size and helped manufacturers achieve sweeping wins on tax reform, infrastructure, regulatory certainty—and in reshaping the perception of manufacturing and manufacturing careers. Jay is a respected voice across the political spectrum, trusted by CEOs and policymakers alike to anticipate challenges and deliver results. He also chairs the Manufacturing Institute, the NAM’s nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate for building the modern manufacturing workforce.
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    33 m
  • Dr. Lynette D. Stokes: President of South Suburban College

    Dr. Lynette D. Stokes: President of South Suburban College
    Apr 11 2025
    In this inspiring episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia Chicago's Adam Kurtz sits down with Dr. Lynette Stokes, the trailblazing President of South Suburban College.

    Dr. Stokes shares her remarkable journey to leadership—reflecting on the pivotal moments, challenges, and values that shaped her path to becoming the first woman and African American president of the college.With a deep commitment to equity and student success, Dr. Stokes talks about what it means to lead with purpose. She dives into how she continues to make students the top priority, creating opportunities, uplifting communities, and fostering a culture of support and excellence.

    Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with wisdom, heart, and the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting impact.
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    18 m
  • Lance Neuhauser: CEO Wendy by The Story Company

    Lance Neuhauser: CEO Wendy by The Story Company
    Apr 7 2025
    In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Adam Kurtz sits down with Lance Neuhauser, CEO of Wendy by The Story Company, to explore how the company is redefining consumer engagement through innovative tech.

    Lance shares his journey, leadership philosophy, and the bold vision behind his success. Wendy is a new kind of story company, helping kids rediscover the joy of reading through its innovative reading entertainment app. By providing an immersive story-building experience and the ability to work alongside friends, Wendy helps children reclaim time for reading and creative play, offering parents a valuable alternative to gaming, social media, and passive video consumption.

    Recorded in Chicago for iHeartMedia, this conversation offers a fresh look at what it takes to lead in today’s digital economy.
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    29 m