2022 Business Boot Camp Speakers

Below are our speakers for our 2022 BUSINESS BOOT CAMP! We have assembled a dynamic group of state and local business leaders that will help your new or existing business thrive this year.

This dynamic program includes networking activities, workshops, and take home assignments that are specifically tailored to each session. We give you the tools to learn from some of the best leaders in the state.

Registration closes March 18, 2022! 

First Class is April 6th, 2022!

Mitch Bienvenue, SBDC at CLC

Mitch Bienvenue is Director of the Illinois Small Business Development & International Trade Center (SBDC/ITC) at College of Lake County. He has over 35 years of business experience with 17 years as an entrepreneur starting and growing multiple companies. He and the SBDC/ITC team help people to start and grow small businesses and strengthen the Lake County economy. They do this by inspiring, educating and connecting business owners and entrepreneurs. Their ultimate goal is to provide a well-defined and effective business ecosystem that leverages all the resources available to the Lake County community.

Dan Migacz, A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design

Dan started his career after receiving a Bachelor of Art and Masters of Science in Accounting by working several years at an accounting firm and earning his CPA designation. He moved on to be Controller of a private equity firm for almost five years before taking on his current role. He is now the Chief Financial Officer for a group of contracting companies (General, Landscape, Painting) that have offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Additionally, he is the co-founder and Treasurer of the Rae of Sunshine Foundation that honors his late daughter and provides much needed beauty and peace to others that have lost a newborn tragically.

Chad Eaves, Communication Outcome

Chad’s work in communication spans over three decades in the areas of team communication, strategic communication, and public speaking training. This experience includes working with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, small businesses, and service in the US Navy. He has a  Master of Science in Communication from Northwestern University, an MBA from University of Phoenix, and an engineering degree from the University of Florida. Chad has co-written a published article on informal learning networks and authored several books. He is the publisher of the Communication Outcome newsletter, and hosts the Communication Outcome podcast.

Michael Muir CLCS, CWCA, Muir Insurance Group

Michael was born and raised in Lake Zurich. Michael is the President at Muir Insurance Group in Lake Zurich. Muir Insurance Group has four locations and licensed to do business in over 15 states.

Michael has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. After spending numerous years in the personal lines space, Michael found a passion for commercial insurance, specializing in workers comp.

Outside of work, you can find Michael with his family, volunteering in the community, and on the golf course.

Jonathan Fox, Kelleher + Holland

Jonathan Fox concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate and commercial business, purchasing and selling businesses, drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts businesses use in the daily operation and transaction of their business (including master service agreements, supplier agreements, safety stock agreements, terms and conditions, independent contractor agreements, agent representative agreements and non-disclosure agreements), and real estate (including the purchase, sale and leasing of commercial properties).

​Jonathan, as a result of prior years’ commercial litigation experience, brings a unique perspective and understanding of the risks and liabilities that companies face in the operation of their business. Jonathan utilizes that experience to counsel and strategize with clients on the use of effective methods and strategies to mitigate that risk.

Chad Dershaw, Volle’s Bridal/Mr. Tux

Chad & his wife Susanne decided to leap from their corporate jobs in the Chicago Loop as consultants to owners of Volle’s Bridal & Boutique in Lake Zurich. In the three years after taking over, they have grown the 50 year old business into the largest full service bridal salon in Chicagoland. Despite a lost year due to COVID, they have been able to grow revenue, dramatically cut costs, modernize operations, and grow their workforce. This year’s plans for Volle’s include a major expansion of their building, growing their custom atelier offerings, and broadening their custom men’s clothing options.

David Mierswa, Law Offices of David Mierswa and Associates

David P. Mierswa was born and raised in Wisconsin where he learned the “Hard Midwest Work Ethic.” He has earned several degrees, including but not limited to: Marketing and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin; Marketing and Tax, Master’s in Business Administration from Keller School of Management, Chicago, IL; and a Law Degree from the Law School of Thomas M. Cooley, Lansing MI. We fight for your rights and get results at reasonable prices. Our goal is your success!

David has been practicing law for over 24 years and a business owner for 35 plus years.  His law firm practices in Illinois and Wisconsin, and concentrates its practice in civil litigation and general practice including the following areas: Business law and litigation; Contracts and incorporations; Asset protection, wills, and trusts; Family and divorce law; Real estate law; and Collections.

David has authored several books including but not limited to:  Estate Planning;  Asset Protection;  and “World Class Business:  Kick Ass Sales Machine.”

Carol Marvin, US Events

Marvin is an award-winning business leader creating and assisting hundreds of signature cultural presentations to great acclaim. Her proven methods of asset building attract large audiences with millions in attendance, dozens of top brands with over $20+ million in corporate partnerships from global leaders including Pepsi, Ford, Quicken Loans, Apple, and Verizon as well as a documented $600+ million in economic impact for area businesses. Currently, as Founder and Executive Consultant of Cultural Asset Mgmt, she is using her extensive experience and world-renowned network to help select properties and organizations identify, focus and structure their special mission, assets and market reach more fully, which leads to greater community engagement, corporate partner procurement, revenue generation and results.

Amy Alexander, A2 Sales & Marketing

My name is Amy Alexander. I am a small business supporter and a real estate enthusiast. I specialize in Content Development, Social Media, New Home Sales, and Marketing. For my entire working career, I have worked alongside small business owners in some capacity and it makes my heart happy to see the backbone of our community be successful with their business.  In 2014, I pivoted into consulting, with a focus on digital content within the home building space.  I LOVE new homes, however, I quickly learned that I wanted to help SMB owners succeed in the digital space regardless of their industry!

Frances Simons, Baird & Warner

Frances’ 35-year career spans across the military (medical), financial services (banking), FinTech (data processing/outsourcing) and real estate industries with an emphasis on leadership and strategic growth initiatives. Currently Frances serves as the Designated Managing Broker for the country’s oldest privately held real estate brokerage, Baird & Warner, leading their newest acquisition in the greater Lake Zurich, Illinois communities and a team of approximately 40 brokers.  She also has been a weekly contributor and co-host on the educational radio show, “Real Estate Revealed” on AM560, The Answer. When not focused on “all things real estate”, her passions include her faith, 14-year old daughter, spending quality time with friends, boating, playing golf, reading, walking her dog, traveling and simply being outdoors.

Robert Szafarowicz, Carrera Consulting

Robert graduated from Purdue University with an Electrical Engineering degree and shortly after college, quickly got involved into the world of robotic automation. The tenure in the engineering field was short lived as he found his true north in entrepreneurism and business. In his early 20’s he co-founded a custom manufacturing business that would service domestic and international clientele. Along the way he designed, implemented, and managed pipeline for the sales team, serviced and prospected enterprise customers, improved technology and cybersecurity best practices for the organization, onboarded CNC manufacturing for the production team and helped with onboarding new hires. After 15 years in that space, he moved on and has currently realigned himself in consulting organizations to help design and develop their internal training programs, providing business consulting, and building data analytics dashboards. In his free time he’s heavily involved in the 3D printing space and training for triathlon’s but his top priority is spending time with his family and two children.