Whiskey and Risk

EP 22 - Behind the Ballpark: How Michael Larson Turns Schaumburg Boomers Baseball into a Full-On Experience

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Larson, General Manager of the Schaumburg Boomers, who pulls back the curtain on what it takes to turn a minor league ballpark into a must-visit experience. From the fan-first atmosphere to the creative touches that keep people coming back, Michael shares how the Boomers have become more than just a baseball team, they’re a full-blown entertainment brand. With thousands of fans walking through the gates each year, plus everything from bounce houses and fireworks to live entertainment and on-field promotions, managing risk is no small feat. The general liability coverage behind a professional baseball team is far more complex than your average business. As an entertainment venue, the Boomers face a unique set of exposures, and ensuring they’re properly protected is just as critical as delivering a great game-day experience. Michael also offers straight-up, no-fluff advice for anyone looking to break into sports management: start at the bottom, say yes to everything, and learn what captures attention.

EP. 21 - The Risk & Reward of Running a Design-Build Firm with Conrad Szajna

On this episode of Whiskey & Risk, we sit down with Conrad Szajna, Founder of Formed Space, a boutique design-build firm in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood. With over a decade of experience in architecture and construction, Conrad has worked on a range of innovative projects, from modern school designs to high-end residential spaces. He shares how the industry has evolved over the past 10 years, from shifting trends in financing and banking to changes in subcontractor relationships and evolving customer expectations.

EP.20 - Winning Strategies for Insurance Agencies with Brent Kelly

On this episode of Whiskey & Risk, we sit down with Brent, President of Sitkins Group, to discuss the biggest challenges facing independent agencies and how Sitkins helps them thrive. Brent shares his leadership journey, the power of producer specialization, and what sets their training apart. Plus, he gives us a glimpse into the future of Sitkins Group. If you're in the industry, you won’t want to miss this one!

EP.19 - Purpose-Driven Success with Isaac Sandoval

In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Sandoval, a visionary entrepreneur who built a thriving career in real estate before founding At Home Advocacy, a company dedicated to supporting families of individuals with disabilities. Discover how Isaac scaled his business, transformed countless lives, and achieved the remarkable milestone of selling his company and retiring at the age of 39. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, purpose, and the power of entrepreneurship to create lasting change.

EP.18 - Arjun Rishi’s AI Solution for the Future of Physical Therapy

In this episode of Whiskey & Risk, hosts Max Katzbeck and Jackson Doyle from J. Krug sit down with Arjun Rishi, CEO and Founder of Virdio Health, to explore how AI is transforming physical therapy. Arjun shares his journey as a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years in software technology and discusses the inspiration behind Virdio Health—an AI-driven, at-home physical therapy platform tackling challenges like patient compliance, cost, and accessibility. Together, we delve into the risks of launching a health-tech startup in a $24+ billion market, how AI enhances patient engagement and outcomes while maintaining safety, and the importance of building trust through strong data and outcomes. Arjun also offers insights on risk management, scaling a business, and navigating the insurance landscape, all while revolutionizing the future of physical therapy and healthcare.