Midway Business Podcast

Too Busy to Market: The Silent Killer of Small Business Growth

Small and mid-sized business owners — grab your coffee (or something stronger) because this one hits close to home. Host Butch Zemar sits down with marketing pro Samuel Thimothy to talk about why your sales pipeline feels more like a mystery novel than a growth strategy. They dive into how too many SMBs spend all their time putting out fires instead of building systems that attract clients on autopilot — and why “hope” isn’t a marketing plan (even if it’s free).
From content creation that doesn’t feel like yelling into the void to building awareness before your competitors eat your lunch, this episode dishes out real, actionable advice. If you’ve ever said, “We’ll get to marketing after this busy season” for the fifth year in a row — this one’s for you.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
To contact Samuel Thimothy: 888-663-4671 or OneIMS - Integrated Marketing Solutions

Passion Starts a Business. Revenue (or Lack of It) Decides If You Keep It.

Starting a business usually begins with passion… but eventually, reality sends you an invoice labeled Revenue or Bust. Too many SMBs stall because they treat revenue like a broken water pump—prime, sputter, repeat—without realizing growth requires new strategies, not just more elbow grease. Expenses creep, “business gods” test your patience, and suddenly your P&L looks more like a rollercoaster than a roadmap.
In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar unpacks why most businesses get stuck in survival mode, how to break through revenue thresholds, and why learning from setbacks is your real competitive advantage. White-knuckling the same old tactics is about as effective as Happy Gilmore’s backswing in the boardroom.
Tune in to hear practical, battle-tested tips SMBs can use to push past mediocrity, scale smarter, and actually enjoy the ride.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall—Your Business Reflects It All

Too many leaders treat business like parenting gone wrong—ignoring problems, making excuses, and hoping things magically work out. The truth? Your company is a mirror. If you’re constantly firefighting, chasing the wrong prospects, or blaming vendors, the reflection is staring back at you.
In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar calls out the blame game, explains why ignoring responsibility is like hitting “snooze” on your growth, and shows how even small shifts in focus can create ripple effects across your entire business (and life).
If you’re tired of excuses draining your margins, tune in and learn how to take back control before mediocrity becomes your brand.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Leadership or Liability: How Stagnant Thinking Sinks Companies

Most companies don’t collapse from competitors—they implode from the inside. Leadership either raises the bar or clings to mediocrity like it’s a security blanket. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar dives into why too many executives celebrate shaving 4% off renewals (while torching $400K in waste), and why “normal” has quietly become code for “we’re bleeding cash.”
From Steve Jobs refusing limits, to NHL goalies finally wearing masks, to scuba divers moving from bicycle pumps to actual air tanks—progress happens when leaders stop settling. The same goes for benefits. Sticking with the status quo isn’t safe; it’s expensive.
Tune in to hear how moderation is for cowards, mediocrity is a money pit, and why your benefits strategy deserves more than “we survived another renewal.”
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

AI Won’t Steal Your Job… But the Guy Who Uses It Will

In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with Alan Stern to talk about how SMBs can stop marketing like it’s 1999 and start using AI and personal branding to actually stand out. AI isn’t here to steal your job—it’s here to be the best employee you’ll never have to put on payroll.
Alan also shares his HEAT Method—Humor, Education, Adding Value, and Trust—a playbook for building real connections instead of sounding like every other “we’re passionate about excellence” company brochure. If you’re tired of blending in, grab your coffee (or something stronger) and listen in. Your future customers will thank you.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
To contact Alan Stern: alan@personamarketingservices.com or Persona Marketing Inc. 

Mediocrity Called—It Wants Its Participation Trophy Back

Sales isn’t about doing more of the same and hoping it magically works. Yet too many SMBs let their sales teams fall into old habits—busy with emails, paperwork, and “pipeline reviews” that never move revenue. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar shares simple but powerful tips SMBs can use: structure your week, focus on revenue-generating activities, and stop letting mediocrity set the bar.
Think of it as a playbook for small and mid-sized businesses: block your calendar, prioritize prospecting, and eliminate non-sales fluff. Because white space on your calendar isn’t “breathing room”—it’s lost opportunity.
Tune in to hear how SMB leaders can keep their sales teams disciplined, focused, and actually driving growth.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Why “Saving 4%” Is Broker Code for Wasting Six Figures

Business evolves when we act on new information—but too often, leaders cling to outdated systems like they’re diving with hand pumps instead of modern scuba gear. In this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar shares why businesses still treat benefits like it’s 1987—overpaying while their broker brags about saving “4%” (right before heading to the golf course.)
The truth? Renewal paralysis, blind loyalty, and ignored data are torching margins. It’s like running payroll on a fax machine and calling it “innovation.” With the right information—and the guts to act—SMBs can cut six figures in waste and finally take control of their benefits.
Tune in to hear how “new information” is the lever to move your business forward.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Breaking Free from the Renewal Trap: Stop Funding Your Broker’s Golf Habit

Most businesses get stuck in two traps: Parkinson’s Law (work magically takes as long as the calendar allows) and Stockholm Syndrome (loyalty to broken systems and brokers). Together, they hijack your benefits program and quietly torch your budget.
On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar breaks down how hockey kids, CFOs, and even HR teams all fall into the same time-wasting habits—dragging their skates until renewal season forces a last-minute scramble. Your “loyalty” to an outdated process is costing six figures while your broker is out golfing.
If you’re tired of watching margins bleed while your team warms the bench, listen in and get a plan that actually wins. 
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

From Credible to Cringe: How Clip Art Is Sabotaging Your Brand

Running a business is hard enough—you don’t need your videos looking like they were shot on a flip phone. On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with videographer and drone pilot Dancello Bennett to unpack how SMBs can use video to tell stories that connect (instead of putting audiences to sleep).
From construction sites to weddings, Dancello shares practical lessons on preparation, creativity, and keeping up with fast-moving trends. The message? Stop winging it with DIY content—your brand deserves better than stock photos and clip art.
Tune in for tips every SMB can use to sharpen their brand and finally look as good on video as they say they do in meetings.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
To contact Dancello Bennett: 708-465-0595 or The Space Between Films And Dreams

The Business of Giving Back: Wounded Warrior Family Support

On this episode of the Midway Business Podcast, Butch Zemar sits down with Kate McCauley from Wounded Warrior Family Support to explore how one small nonprofit is filling critical gaps for America’s veterans and their families.
Kate shares powerful stories from her 18 years with the organization—how a “mom-and-pop” idea grew into nationwide programs providing mobility vehicles, respite care for caregivers, welding certifications, and financial education. Beyond the logistics, it’s a lesson in leadership, resourcefulness, and building sustainable impact even with a lean staff.
For SMB owners, CFOs, and HR leaders, this conversation is packed with inspiration: how to build credibility through transparency, why culture and mission drive long-term loyalty, and what it really takes to create programs that last.
Listen in for strategies you can apply to your own business while also learning how to support an organization that’s truly changing lives.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
To contact Kate McCauley at: kate@wwfs.org or Wounded Warrior Family Support