On today's episode we decided to switch it up a bit and talk about a topic that is on everybody's minds: Where is the Human in the AI loop? To help us talk about this we brought on an AI expert Dirk Vander Noot who is the owner of Telltales Operations.

Dirk Vander Noot is a Fractional COO or the right hand man to vision focused founders and business owners.

Through process development, tech integration, and a focus on supporting people, he has achieved sustainable growth, and allowed business leaders the freedom to lead the way you were meant to.

Recently, his time has been focused on the proper integration and use of technology like AI and Automations into business workflows.

Dirks Email: dirk.vandernoot@gmail.com

Telltales Operations Website

Link to register for July 17, 2025 AI talk: https://inniches.com/ai?937

Today we have a very special guest, Morgan Samson the Owner of Marketing with Morgan located in Chicago, IL.

Morgan Samson is the founder of Marketing With Morgan, a content marketing agency that helps businesses grow through strategic storytelling and impactful digital content. With a passion for creativity and analytics, Morgan specializes in crafting engaging campaigns that resonate with audiences on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. His expertise spans social media strategy, content creation, and video marketing, with a focus on helping businesses stand out in competitive markets.

Morgan’s collaborative spirit extends to partnerships with networking groups such as Community Collective and the Naperville Networking Alliance, where he fosters connections between like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals.

When he's not working with clients, Morgan can be found reading comic books, drawing (@ComicBooksWithMorgan), playing music, listening to music (passion for Chicago house music!), or brainstorming new content ideas. As a passionate content creator, he thrives on helping businesses elevate their message and encourages others to challenge themselves to bring their creative ideas to life.

Join us on this episode to learn how Morgan has taken his creativity to new heights with his marketing company.

Morgan's LinkedIn Page

Email: MarketingWithMorganSamson@gmail.com

Website

Today we have a very special guest, Courtney Van Erem the Owner of Opulent Sales Consulting located in Chicago, IL.

Courtney is keen on helping others, simply put! She is enthusiastic about life and overcoming challenges both personally and for your business. Optimism and strategy are the keys to her success and she is happy to help you achieve the same.

Today, Courtney shares with us how to be your true authentic self when in sales and how to teach your sales team to do the same.

Courtney's LinkedIn Profile

Email: Courtney@opulentconsult.com

Call or Text: 704-500-7148

Website

Today we have a very special guest, Rory Tarko the Publisher of Neighbors of North Naperville Magazine located in Naperville, IL.

Rory connects local businesses to customers with innovative print and digital advertising solutions through her publication. She also brings awareness to the neighbors in the North Naperville area. Building connections and long-lasting relationships through her publication is what it is all about.

Today, Rory shares with us her journey and how she went from getting a Masters in Music to becoming a publisher.

Rory Tarko's LinkedIn Page

Email: rtarko@bestversionmedia.com

Website

Today we have a very special guest, Jeremiah Shumaker the Creative Director and Owner of Sleepy Dog Creative located in Chicago, IL.

Jeremiah is a creative visionary with a passion for storytelling through the medium of audio and video production.

With over 6 years of experience in cinematography, music production, and photography, Jeremiah is continually working in many layers of the creative industry.

In 2020, Jeremiah founded Caffeinated Records, a business built on the value of partnership and creative collaboration. Through his leadership, Caffeinated Records partnered with aspiring artists, professional musicians, and local businesses to create art that reflected their personal identity and mission.

Today, Jeremiah uses his skillset and creative eye to tell stories of all aspects of the human experience. He also has his own Podcast called Over the Edge which takes you through the evolving journey of how Jeremiah is starting his business and growing.

Join us today to learn how Jeremiah goes about sharing his clients stories in an effective way.

Jeremiah Shumaker's LinkedIn Profile

Email: jeremiah@sleepy.dog

Phone Number: 847-533-7408

Website: www.sleepy.dog

Podcast: Over the Edge

Today we have a very special guest, Patrick Kenny, Insperity, located in Downers Grove, IL.

With over six years of experience in the employee benefits industry, Patrick is passionate about helping business leaders improve efficiencies, reduce risk, and contain cost on all areas surrounding their people.

As a Business Performance Advisor at Insperity, Patrick leverages his expertise in employee benefits, communication, and customer service to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs and goals of business owners. He values integrity, innovation, and collaboration, and strives to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations and foster long-term relationships.

Join us today to learn how Patrick has figured out effective ways to prospect and establish long-term relationships.

Patrick's LinkedIn Page

Email: patrick.kenny@insperity.com

Phone Number: 630-470-5127

Today we have a very special guest, Jessica Roubitchek, MBA Confidante, located in Chicago, IL.

Jessica offers local business owners the strategic support they need to navigate with clarity and confidence so that they can focus on what they're great at-running their businesses-without the stress of endlessly wrangling their marketing.

Join us today to learn how Jessica has taken risks throughout her professional career to land her dream job today.

Jessica's LinkedIn Page

Email: jessica@mbaconfidante.com

Website

Today we have a very special guest, Lauren Bierschenk, Farmers Insurance, located in Woodridge, IL.

Lauren is an experienced insurance professional with over 12 years as an insurance producer and more than 3 years as an agency owner. She specializes in identifying gaps in personal and small business insurance coverage, ensuring clients are protected against the unexpected. Lauren is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and serving as a trusted resource within her local community.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Lauren is actively engaged in both her business and personal communities. Between coaching her sons hockey team to attending chamber events Lauren shares how she has found a balance.

Join us today to learn how Lauren has grown as a business owner and has found the life work balance we all want.

Lauren's LinkedIn Page

Phone: 630-333-1860

Email: lbierschenk@farmersagent.com

Website