Wintrust Business Lunch

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the uncertainty in the market, how he hasn’t seen any economic data that would mean a recession is looming, when he thinks we might fully recover from the war in Iran, if he thinks the Fed is making the right policy […]

Segment 1: Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John Williams to talk about the market whipsaw, the fundamentals of the market still being strong, why he doesn’t see an interest rate hike coming, if there he thinks the market will bounce back once the war […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the markets being down nearly 8% for the year right now, what to do with your estate plans if you are alone, and to answer all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about a new study that found workers who were most impressed by corporate speak don’t perform as well in their jobs. Segment 2: Phillip Shaw, CFP, Senior Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group, joins John Williams to talk about the market volatility over the last couple […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about the impact of the war in Iran on jet fuel prices, what this will mean for the price of airfare, what you should do if you think you have been a victim of a scam, and the money behind March Madness. Segment […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John to talk about why the markets are down again, if he believes the Fed will raise interest rates, why the Fed would consider raising rates, the environment creating a tremendous buying opportunity, what’s going on with oil prices, if he’s worried about a recession […]

Segment 1: Jack Ablin, Founding Partner & Chief Investment Strategist, Cresset Capital, talks to John about high energy prices, the Fed’s decision on keeping interest rates steady, and how companies are using AI to layoff employees. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John everything about what he saw at SXSW. Segment 3: Chris Balke, Owner, All […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the unexpected Producer Price Index reading, the market not making big headlines, why it could be time to rebalance your portfolio, and why the Fed can’t cut interest rates. Terry also answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to explain why Gen Z wants to work in the office. Segment 2: Philippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John to talk about why 2026 is seeing a surge in individuals choosing to start their own businesses. Segment 3: Michael Miller, Economics Professor, Western Washington University and Professor Emeritus […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about the war in Iran, how the war is impacting the price of oil, and what to know about the U.S. Senate passing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Chicago startup Chowbus […]

Segment 1: Faron Daugs, CFP, Founder and CEO, Harrison Wallace Financial Group, joins John to talk about the war in Iran and how it’s impacting the economy and stock market, what the Fed will do with interest rates, and what he’s telling his clients right now. Segment 2: Carl Prouty, “The Technologist” at Abt Electronics in Glenview, talks to […]

Segment 1: Tom Hainlin, National Investment Strategist with U.S. Bank, joins John to talk about how the war in Iran is moving markets, how high energy prices impact consumers in the U.S., and what he is telling clients about their portfolios during this market volatility. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the markets being uncertain about Iran, a benign CPI report released this morning, housing simmering down, and the war in Iran having long-term economic consequences. Terry also talks about her recent column on the importance of estate planning and to answer all of your […]

Segment 1: Sarah Foster, Economic Analyst, Bankrate, joins John to talk about the rise of financial fraud and what you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Segment 2: Amanda Hoover, Senior Correspondent, Business Insider, tells John Williams about how hiring managers and recruiters are increasingly not relying on candidate resumes to fill vacant jobs. Segment […]

Segment 1: Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor and Market Strategist, Murphy & Sylvest, joins John to talk about why he’s still bullish on the stock market, the economy being okay overall, the expectation that the war in Iran being relatively short, how inflation is impacting consumers, what the next move by the Fed will be, and […]

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the disappointing and surprising job report data, how the attack on Iran is impacting the economy, why we need to pay attention to the price of oil, why he’s still expecting economic growth this year, how the markets are reacting to […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John to talk about how the attack on Iran has impacting the markets, why he’s not concerned about the volatility of the market, when oil prices will come down, what he expects from interest rates, and what he’s telling investors right now. Segment 2: Scott […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about how the stock market is working its way through the conflict in the Middle East, and what you should know if you are trying to ‘beat the market.’ Oh, and don’t forget you can join Terry (and Bob Sirott) on a trip to Spain! […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the ‘no hire, no fire’ work environment, the demise of remote work, the impact of AI on the economy and jobs, and how geopolitical uncertainty could be good for the labor market. Segment 2: Philippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John to […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about the accumulated wealth of the Silent Generation, how the market is reacting to the U.S. attack on Iran, and what’s likely to happen with oil prices. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Chicago startup SpotHero being officially […]

Segment 1: Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about how the market is reacting to today’s hot inflation report, the impact that next week’s labor report might have on the economy, what is likely to happen at the next Fed […]

Segment 1: Mark Hamrick, Washington Bureau Chief and Senior Economic Analyst for Bankrate.com, joins John Williams to talk about the ‘low fire, lower hire” job market. Mark also tells John what to expect from the next Fed meeting in March. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John what we can expect from Apple’s new product event happening […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the market making a little bounce back after Monday’s losses, the impact of AI on the economy, and why this is a perfect time to look at your market exposure. And as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to break down the current health of the labor market, the challenge of finding a job right now, what you can do if you lose your job, and how technology has impacted the labor market. Tom also offers some helpful tips if you are […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about the state of financial wellness for 2026. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Cameo securing an injunction against OpenAI, and how Chicago-area schools stack up at producing unicorn startup founders. Segment 3: Michael Bempah, Founder of Pinpoint […]

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the mixed reaction from the markets after news on inflation, GDP, and SCOTUS ruling on tariffs, what all the data means for Fed policy moving forward, why expects a volatile year in the markets, the existential retirement crisis in America, […]

Segment 1: Elliot Richardson, Co-founder and President, Small Business Advocacy Council, joins John to talk about the challenges small businesses are facing when it comes to procuring affordable, quality health insurance and how the SBAC is focused on lowering the cost of health insurance. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about the next wave of […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about what seniors should know about this tax season. And, as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Amy Schubert, Market leader, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, to talk about what we are seeing in the labor market right now, and what you can do to prepare for expected and unexpected job changes. Segment 2: Phillippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John Williams to talk about why many bosses should consider ‘momentum milestones’ […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, and publisher of Love, Money + Real Estate on Substack, joins John Williams to talk about why existing home sales are decreasing, the reason why Gen Z and Alpha are putting their money in the stock market, and a new survey that shows many Americans are feeling financial stress. Segment […]

Segment 1:  Laura Ellis, chief strategy officer, executive vice president and president of residential sales at Baird & Warner talks about trends in a post-Super Bowl housing market. Segment 2: Emily Stewart, Senior Correspondent, Business Insider, talks about the corporate wellness boom permeating offices around the country. Segment 3: Landis Beverly, General Manager of new […]

Segment 1: Jane Oates, policy advisor and former President of Working Nation, joins John Williams to discuss the January jobs report, the top sectors where jobs were created, and her forecast for the FED. Segment 2: Scott Stein, editor at large for CNET, joins John to discuss Samsung's upcoming phone event, what most people want […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the release of the January jobs report and what that means for the economy moving forward, what we should expect from the CPI data released later this week, the impact of AI on the market and the economy. and making a return appearance already […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about the importance of keeping your employees happy. Tom believes that if you hire great people, train them well, and treat them great, your business will be a success. Tom offers some tips for employers to make the work atmosphere great. Segment […]

Segment 1: Steven Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management in Lake Forest, joins John Williams to talk about the Dow reaching 50K, the overall health of the market, why he doesn’t think inflation will be a problem, how he expects the economy perform in the next quarter, what he expects from the jobs numbers this week, when he believes […]

Segment 1: Phillip Shaw, CFP, Senior Advisor, Goldstone Financial Group, joins Tom Gimbel to talks about why the market is soaring today, the market continuing to broaden out, the disconnect between the strong market and overall economic health, his thoughts on interest rates and Fed policy moving forward, and what we should know this tax season. Segment 2: […]

Segment 1: Julianne Olivo, Director of Public Relations, Brookfield Zoo, joins John to talk about how you can celebrate the season of love at the zoo! Julianne talks about the annual Name a Cockroach fundraiser, the ROAR-mantic Rhythms Jazz Dinner, the Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope, and much more! Segment 3: Craig Bolanos, […]

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about how powerful business leaders need to call out social evils that are negatively impacting the world, what’s going on with the housing market right now, and if buying a house is still a good use for your money. And as always, Terry answers all […]

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to tell us the best way to apply for a job in 2026. What do you need to do to enhance your accomplishments and help you stand out? Segment 2:  Phillippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John Williams to talk about the rise in […]

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, and publisher of Love, Money + Real Estate on Substack, joins John Williams to talk about affordability and what that term actually means, and why more people are struggling to pay their mortgage. Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about a startup called When raised […]

Segment 1: Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about President Trump’s pick for the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve, why the market has taken a bit of dip, what’s going on with gold prices, why tax refunds are going […]

Segment 1: Albert Friedman, Chairman and CEO, Friedman Properties, joins John Williams to talk about the work they do, the importance of preserving historical landmarks, why hospitality is a critical component of their business, the role that art and culture play in development, the various type of properties they own, the biggest challenges they face […]