Episodios

  • Relish Brand - Derrick Baker

    Relish Brand - Derrick Baker
    Mar 12 2025
    Discovering Lake County: The Journey of Derrick Baker and the Rise of Relish In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," the host sits down with Derrick Baker, the creative force behind the Chicago-themed clothing brand "Relish." The conversation delves into Derrick's background, his journey into entrepreneurship, and the challenges and triumphs of running a successful business. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and creative professionals. Introduction to Derrick and Relish Background and Inspiration Derrick Baker, a native of Round Lake, Illinois, attended Columbia College in Chicago, where he developed a deep appreciation for the city's culture. His brand, Relish, is a celebration of Chicago, offering unique merchandise that resonates with both locals and visitors. Derrick's journey into graphic design and entrepreneurship was influenced by his artistic upbringing and his desire to create accessible, affordable art. The Birth of Relish Frustrated by the lack of appealing Chicago-themed merchandise, Derrick decided to create his own. His brand, Relish, was born out of a desire to offer cool, unique designs that went beyond the generic graphics commonly found in the market. The name "Relish" not only references the bright green condiment on a Chicago-style hot dog but also embodies the idea of savoring experiences and art. The Creative Process From Idea to Product Derrick's creative process is influenced by various cultural elements, including punk rock and skate culture. He often incorporates skeletons into his designs, allowing him to create visually appealing art while avoiding legal issues related to likenesses. His designs maintain a unique twist that resonates with his audience, setting Relish apart from competitors. Importance of Quality Derrick prioritizes sourcing the best materials to ensure customer satisfaction. He contrasts his approach with cheaper alternatives found online, highlighting the value of investing in quality apparel that lasts. This commitment to quality has helped build a loyal customer base and a strong brand reputation. The Challenges of Entrepreneurship Balancing Creativity and Business One of the main challenges Derrick faces is balancing his creative pursuits with the practicalities of running a business. While he excels in design, the business side is more challenging for him. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with creative individuals and creating an inspiring workspace, which he has done in his print shop. Financial Pressures Running a business comes with financial pressures, and Derrick candidly discusses the investment required to scale his operations. He uses both manual and automatic printing presses to produce his merchandise, highlighting the ongoing expenses that arise as the business grows. Marketing and Branding Leveraging Social Media Derrick is active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok under the handle "relish_brand." His creative and humorous approach to marketing has helped build a strong online presence. Memorable promotional videos, such as a playful homage to the iconic Eagle Insurance commercial, have resonated with his audience and boosted brand visibility. Community Engagement Derrick's involvement in local fundraisers and community events has strengthened his brand's presence. Collaborating with local businesses and participating in events helps build a sense of community and fosters customer loyalty. The host praises Derek's contributions to local fundraisers, including a recent bachelor-bachelorette auction, highlighting the importance of community support. Insights and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Hard Work and Perseverance Derrick emphasizes the value of hard work and perseverance in building a successful business. He reflects on the long hours and relentless dedication required to keep his business thriving, often putting in 16-hour days and taking only about 20 days off each year. He encourages listeners to understand the effort required and to push through challenges. Staying True to Your Vision Staying true to one's artistic identity is crucial for long-term success. Derrick's designs are inspired by his love for Chicago and his unique artistic vision. By maintaining a consistent brand identity, he has built a loyal customer base that resonates with his work. Importance of Kindness and Community The host and Derrick touch on the importance of kindness and community support. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on others and foster a sense of community. Engaging with the local community and supporting fellow entrepreneurs can create a positive environment that benefits everyone. Conclusion This episode of "Discovering Lake County" provides valuable insights into Derrick Baker's journey as an entrepreneur and creative professional. From the birth of Relish to the challenges of ...
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    1 h y 7 m
  • STU "The Piano Guy" - Michael Stoinski

    STU "The Piano Guy" - Michael Stoinski
    Feb 27 2025

    Michael “Stu” Stoinski was born and raised in the Northern Chicago Suburbs and found his love for music at a very young age. As a child he would spend countless hours listening to music from his library of records & would hide his Fisher Price Tape Recorder under his pillow and listen to cassettes while falling asleep. The piano stole his heart at the age of 8 when he attended a musical where the production had a clear, see-through piano on stage. He begged his parents for lessons & would pretend to play the piano along with TV theme songs, using gloves laid on the floor as his imaginary keyboard. His parents finally started him on lessons the age of 9 and got a rent-to-own piano. He still has that same piano today. His lessons began with a classical music teacher named Georgia Cobb. She gave Stu his piano groundwork, but she was strict with her music style and refused to teach other than classical. Stu’s next teacher, Eric Sutz, taught him how to play songs he really enjoyed with more freedom. Stu took these more “free-style” lessons six years and truly credits Eric for creating the foundation for the musician he is today. Stu started playing in a garage band, went on to perform solo, & was an original member in the Wisconsin band, “Bella Cain”. He is most commonly a “one-man-show” but does occasionally play with a drummer or as a trio. Stu regularly plays at countless bars and restaurants, entertains for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and numerous other special events. He is known for his fun attitude, free-style playing and high energy. Of his many accomplishments Stu is most proud of his original music, he has funded and recorded two albums with a third hopefully in the future. Stu currently offers a large array of services, including but not limited to weddings, special events, composing and more! He plays mainly in-between Milwaukee and Chicago but has enjoyed traveling to further distances for events as well! From a cook-out in swim shorts, to a black tie wedding in a tuxedo, Stu can customize your musical experience do be exactly what you want for your event. For more information please feel free to contact him on the Contact page of this site!
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Carmel Street Scenes 2025

    Carmel Street Scenes 2025
    Feb 6 2025

    In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," host David Woll explores the annual Street Scenes event at Carmel Catholic High School. Joined by Brian, the Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer, and Michelle, the Director of Street Scenes, they delve into the event's history and significance. Brian discusses the school's commitment to providing a values-based education and financial accessibility. Michelle shares her role in organizing the event, detailing its evolution and the variety of entertainment options, including student shows and live music. The episode highlights the community spirit and volunteer efforts that make Street Scenes a cherished tradition.
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    50 m
  • Discovering Lake County, IL Podcast Introduction

    Discovering Lake County, IL Podcast Introduction
    Jan 4 2025

    Discovering Lake County is the latest community-driven podcast created and hosted by David Woll. Building on the success of Discovering Grayslake and Discovering Libertyville, this new series explores the rich stories, hidden gems, and vibrant people that make up Lake County, IL.

    Each episode features engaging interviews with local business owners, community leaders, and residents who are shaping the culture and spirit of the area. From spotlighting small businesses to uncovering unique traditions, Discovering Lake County is your go-to source for connecting with the heartbeat of the community.
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    2 m