CEOs You Should Know - Chicago

Mahomed Ouedraogo: CEO of Access Community Health

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:05:33 +0000

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Masroor Ahmed: CEO of Symetria Recovery

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:33:49 +0000

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Michael Klein: CEO at Airoom Architects Builders & Remodelers

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:28:37 +0000

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Dr. Shantay N. Bolton: President and CEO of Columbia College Chicago:

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:39:02 +0000

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Gabie Boko: Chief Marketing Officer of NetApp

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:45:01 +0000

Gabie Boko is the Chief Marketing Officer at NetApp. She has spent over 22 years in the technology industry and led transformations in senior marketing roles for companies including Cognos, SAP, Sage and HPE. Her experience has focused on connecting customer success to innovative experiences in software applications and cloud services, digital marketing and websites, customer storytelling, product UX and events. Born and raised in Alaska, Ms. Boko is an avid outdoors person, wildlife photographer and advocate for protecting our natural resources and rural communities.

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Howard Ankin: Ankin Law Chicago

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:42:46 +0000

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Kaleem Qazi: CEO of Insight Health Systems

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:48:14 +0000

In this episode of CEO's You Should Know, Adam Kurtz sit down with Kaleem Qazi: CEO of Insight Health Systems.

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Doug Cook: CEO of Feldco

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:38:11 +0000

In this episode of CEO's You Should Know, Adam Kurtz sit down with Doug Cook, CEO 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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Jordan Justus: CEO of Automotus

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:44:27 +0000

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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Kurt Kane: President and CEO of TruGreen

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:47:01 +0000

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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David Konsoer: Vice President of Sales at Proven Winners

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:55:48 +0000

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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Jeffrey Haydon: President and CEO Ravinia Festival

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:54:40 +0000

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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Jay Timmons: President and CEO of National Association of Manufacturers

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:21:42 +0000

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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Dr. Lynette D. Stokes: President of South Suburban College

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:01:38 +0000

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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Lance Neuhauser: CEO Wendy by The Story Company

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:57:18 +0000

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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Aizik Zimerman: CEO J Blanton Plumbing

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:59:02 +0000

Aizik Zimerman is the CEO and owner of J. Blanton Plumbing, a leading residential plumbing company based in Chicago. Under his leadership, the company has experienced significant growth, tripling in size within a short period. Zimerman attributes this success to cultivating a winning company culture and implementing innovative marketing strategies.

Tune in as Aizik chats with iHeartMedia Chicago President Adam Kurtz about the positive company culture and his innovative approach to business growth!

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