Why Finding Your People Changes Everything

She Found Her Purpose After Her Kids Grew Up

On this episode of The Ill Noise Business Playbook, Joe sits down with Mary McMahon, publisher of Lake in the Hills Living, to discuss how a desire to find renewed purpose after raising her children led her to a career focused on celebrating local families, supporting small businesses, and strengthening community connections. Mary shares her journey from a successful career in radio sales to publishing a community magazine, why authentic storytelling continues to matter in a digital world, and how building meaningful relationships has become the foundation of both her business and her life. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, networking, community involvement, print and digital media, family, adoption, diversity, empathy, and the importance of helping others feel seen, valued, and connected. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, parent entering a new season of life, or someone passionate about making a difference in your community, Mary's story is a reminder that purpose can often be found by investing in the people around you. Contact Lake in the Hills Living: 🌐 Website: [https://www.lakeinthehillsliving.com/](https://www.lakeinthehillsliving.com/) [https://www.lakeinthehillsliving.com/](https://www.lakeinthehillsliving.com/)] 📘 Facebook: [ / lakeinthehillsliving [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVEhJdGpkZFA3V0Z5V243MlI5LVJnVnxBR3JiS2FrMC11MkI2MTU2UGM3QUpNVE96Y0Jpak5vZG54S3FramVJSDBUekhKWV9RaUw0UDQ3X2dpdndOMFQ3cDZCbjFSUFg1Y201NUt5cGZTd0xQS09xQ3E3YXJrS1k1TG5s&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLakeintheHillsLiving&v=BTlbN-zTPIY]]( / lakeinthehillsliving [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rU3hEVndfb2lYai1ZUFlkWndYb256aXxBR3JiS2Fsd3Z1d045V3k5T0d4bWo5Ull5UXA0b2pVUlR4SFJQNlFhaXpRa3B5WDQxXzE3dzZxNkFTVFJOalI4TVQyT3paZVFfRlhIVjFFaUZmdC12ZE1ON1JZLU5SV1oteDlR&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLakeintheHillsLiving&v=BTlbN-zTPIY]) 📸 Instagram: [ / lakeinthehillsliving [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rU2FDTl9KYi03VzhKdTZCSWd0YlF3MXxBR3JiS2FtbWpyMDZZQlJGM2Y5S1BzMVNQYmZBMFpKWHUtRy15RjFaalRrQ1FiN1dacE1UM1U0Z0NMR2d4b0ZTMmpyUHUyd1RQdl9RX0E2Uy1ZMHpUT1FnTVNPYjdDS25RNk11&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flakeinthehillsliving%2F&v=BTlbN-zTPIY]]( / lakeinthehillsliving [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUWFjemFqcDYtNGdjZllJQVd1emxuaHxBR3JiS2FteEVjZDNhRHNWTkV5VVBpWVFMRWFDbzRVNmtvSUh6X29yWGZnMS1qY0xZWGh6c0JmX1JTMHBaRnBnQjhvdFd0dnR5aXVHOEw0YkxRNnNkQWNDOEppOFpnZzd1U2k2&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flakeinthehillsliving%2F&v=BTlbN-zTPIY]) Follow The Ill Noise Business Playbook for more conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers making a positive impact.

She Had No Idea Balloon Art Could Be a Career

On this episode of The Ill Noise Business Playbook, Joe sits down with Brooke Howard, founder of Doodle Loon Balloon Design, to discuss how a simple balloon garland for her sister's baby shower unexpectedly became the start of a thriving creative business Brooke shares how her lifelong love of creativity led her to discover the world of balloon artistry, the moment she realized people actually make a career creating balloon installations, and why bringing joy to others continues to fuel her passion every day. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, creativity, networking, motherhood, community, and the importance of trusting the process while building a business from the ground up. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, parent, or someone wondering if your passion could become a business, Brooke's story is a reminder that some of the best opportunities begin with curiosity and the courage to take the first step. In this episode: How a baby shower inspired Doodle Loon Balloon Design Discovering that balloon artistry could become a career Turning creativity into a business Networking through the Chamber and local community Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood Why making people smile is the best part of the job Trusting the process and building a business one event at a time Contact Doodle Loon Balloon Design: 🌐 Website: https://doodleloonballoondesign.carrd.co/ [https://doodleloonballoondesign.carrd.co/] 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566768819687 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566768819687] 2📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doodle_loon_/ [https://www.instagram.com/doodle_loon_/]

How Jim Maley Turned His Mental Health Journey Into a Mission to Help Others

On this episode of The Ill Noise Business Playbook, Joe sits down with Jim Maley, founder of The Maley Way, to discuss his deeply personal mental health journey and how it inspired a mission to help others. Jim shares how depression impacted his life as a college basketball player, the difficult moments that changed everything, and how opening up about his struggles became the foundation for helping students, athletes, parents, and communities better understand mental health. The conversation also explores coaching, sports, family, podcasting, resilience, and why vulnerability can become one of our greatest strengths. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, educator, business leader, or someone navigating your own challenges, Jim's story is one of hope, purpose, and perseverance. In this episode: Jim's personal mental health journey Basketball, coaching, and life lessons Why asking for help is a sign of strength Building The Maley Way Podcasting with his wife and family Supporting young people through mental health challenges Community, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from Jim's story. Follow The Ill Noise Business Playbook for more conversations with entrepreneurs,

The Bakery Born From a Mother's Memory

What happens when a personal loss becomes a mission to help others? After losing her mother, Pam never imagined that one day she would open a bakery where people with food allergies and dietary restrictions could once again enjoy the foods they love. What began as a deeply personal journey became Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets—a place built on love, faith, community, and the belief that no one should feel left out around the table. Episode Overview In this episode of The Ill Noise Business Playbook, host Joe Weisman sits down with Pam, founder of Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets, to discuss entrepreneurship, faith, family, community, and how life's most difficult moments can lead us toward a greater purpose. This conversation isn't just about a gluten-free bakery. It's about: • turning grief into purpose • creating food everyone can enjoy • building a business rooted in love and service • making people feel included again • serving a community with compassion and heart Pam shares the story behind Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets, the inspiration she found in her mother, and how her bakery has become a place where customers who once felt limited by food allergies can once again experience joy through something as simple as dessert. What Pam Is Building Through Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets, Pam is creating more than a bakery. She's creating a place centered around: • inclusion • community • faith • family • wellness • compassion • connection Her mission is simple: Everyone deserves to enjoy great food and feel like they belong. Who This Is For This episode is for you if you: 👉 live with food allergies or dietary restrictions 👉 believe business can be a force for good 👉 enjoy hearing inspiring entrepreneurial stories 👉 are looking for hope after loss 👉 believe community begins around the table 💬 What meal or dessert brings back your favorite family memories? Let us know in the comments. About TINBP The Ill Noise Business Playbook is built around one idea: *Stories → Connection* *Education → Trust* Community → Growth Real stories. Real people. Real community. If any of this resonates with you, give our channel a follow or share. Connect with Rosie's Gluten Free Sweets Website: https://rosiesglutenfreesweets.com/ [https://rosiesglutenfreesweets.com/] Facebook: / rosiesglutenfreesweets [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGJtR2pYei15QmFhd0k0YWFGVTcwU1RQRXpsUXxBQ3Jtc0trNmVaa2hkaWh0czN5OGxZa0gwY3dWWGs3aklNMzRiZzE2S0d5OGNVQUpOU2N0NmJRanlZdkRuT01nem96WnRsZ2FwZkZmZkxRU1FsNUtrOGR6Q2RVclpWM09MQmtxLV95Z1VELVRoSHZZMXpSSWRKdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRosiesGlutenFreeSweets&v=0IJ6DQT0I-Y] Instagram: / rosiesglutenfreesweets [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjhmMHRVVjV3a1VIMVJzWjF5VGNrY1ZkbGphd3xBQ3Jtc0tubHFmaDdDMHFYblpkREQ5MHh3UXJ3RUt0MU5MVVhEX0dEai1zTWVrRFVNY2J1ZENFZlB0czdUbXhUSlZPMm9ndjlsVF9fMHJYZ2I2c1NlXzNhMEZoOU1FYTl3Uk1YZlk3TENzbjRvak1ld2JOSWRNZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Frosiesglutenfreesweets%2F&v=0IJ6DQT0I-Y]

Why Finding Your People Changes Everything

What happens when success isn't just about business, but about finding a community where you truly belong? In this episode of The Ill Noise Business Playbook, Joe Weisman sits down with Jackie Merritt of the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club to discuss leadership, service, community involvement, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who share your values. Jackie shares her journey from years of chamber involvement to discovering a deeper sense of connection through Rotary. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of service, building meaningful relationships, supporting local initiatives, and why finding the right community can have a lasting impact on both your personal and professional life. Throughout the conversation, Jackie opens up about volunteerism, local events, Rotary's mission of Service Above Self, and the friendships that have shaped her journey. She explains how organizations like Rotary help bring people together, create opportunities to give back, and strengthen communities one relationship at a time. One thing we especially appreciated about Jackie is her genuine passion for helping others. Whether she is organizing community events, supporting local causes, or encouraging others to get involved, Jackie leads with generosity, positivity, and a belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. If you've ever searched for a place where you feel connected, supported, and inspired to make a difference, this conversation offers powerful insights into the value of community, service, and finding your people. Connect with Jackie Merritt: FB: https://www.facebook.com/LakeInTheHillsRotaryClub [https://www.facebook.com/LakeInTheHillsRotaryClub] 📍 Lake in the Hills Rotary Club https://www.lithrotary.org/ [https://www.lithrotary.org/] Connect with The Ill Noise Business Playbook 🌐 https://www.tinbp.biz [https://www.tinbp.biz] Tools. Interviews. Real Stories from Local Entrepreneurs.