Painless Pals: 

Hello friends! Before you log off to enjoy the long weekend, don’t forget to mark your calendar for NEXT Wednesday’s event AND grab a ticket to reserve your spot. Here’s the key info…

TEDx Presentation: The Power of Bicycles | F.K. Day

Join F.K. Day & Carey Pinkowski on Sept 5 to “Network with a Purpose”

We’ve teamed up with World Bicycle Relieffor an evening of painless networking, inspiring discussion and giving back NEXT Wednesday, Sept 5.

Together with our friends at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, World Bicycle Relief presents “Entrepreneurs Creating Impact: Networking with Purpose.”

Not only will we “network with purpose” but we’ll hear how the “Power of Bicycles” changes lives and the marathon impacts locally, nationally and globally.

Enjoy an interactive panel discussion with power players in the world of endurance sport as they share their experiences, featuring:

• F.K. Day Co-Founder SRAM and World Bicycle Relief
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon Race Director Carey Pinkowski

NEW FadeAway: USA Softball Legend Monica Abbott

FadeAway with Deon Thomas & Eric Schmidt
Arguably the most decorated softball player ever, Monica Abbott just added another accomplishment to her resume. She and her Team USA teammates recently won a thrilling World Championship game against Japan. The win secures Team USA a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — ending a 12-year absence of softball from the Olympics.

Monica joins Deon and Eric to discuss her role in women’s sports, how she approaches her craft and having the “Million Dollar Arm.”

Click HERE for a SoundCloud playlist with all 14 FadeAway episodes.

Pictured: Monica Abbott playing for Team USA

Latest from the Painless Podcast

Catch four terrific chats from Northwestern University’s Masters of Sports Administration”Facilities of the Future” symposium held a few weeks back:
Ep 49: Solly Fulp (EVP, Learfield Campus+)
Ep 50: John Neimuth (Director, Sports America, AECOM)
Ep 51: Andy Totten (VP, McHugh Construction)
Ep 52: Jane Obringer (Manager, Partnership Solutions, Learfield) and Julia Millon (Program Coordinator, Principal Gifts at Northwestern University) (Posting tomorrow, August 30)

ALL 52 Painless Pod episodes are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts. Find them on the Painless site HERE.

Onward!

Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking

Painless Pals: 

Hope you’re enjoying summer! Apply another coat of SPF 50, then check out the latest Painless news below. Don’t forget to scroll down for podcast info and job listings!

SAVE Sept 5 and “Network with a Purpose”

Join fellow Painless Networkers as we’ve teamed up with World Bicycle Relief for an evening of networking and discussion!

In partnership with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, World Bicycle Relief presents “Entrepreneurs Creating Impact: Networking with Purpose.”

We’ll not only “network with purpose” but discuss what it takes to start a business, how to grow a brand while remaining true to its mission and values, and building a shared sense of community that’s ingrained into the company’s mission. Learn how the “Power of Bicycles” has changed lives and the impact marathon runners have had on a local and global stage.

Enjoy an interactive panel discussion hosted by yours truly with power players in the world of endurance sport as they share their experiences, featuring:

Painless member Nik Lapin is close to filling out his 4th Annual Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing. To help close it out, he’s offering Painless Members $100 off a foursome! Call (847.971.0718) or email (niklapin@aol.com) Nik to lock in your spot today!

Committed players include The FadeAway podcast hosts Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt along with other Illini greats including Steve Bardo, Kurt Kittner, Robert Archibald, Jim Grabowski, Walter Young and CBS 2’s Ryan Baker.

Enjoy complimentary beers from Two Brothers and Solemn Oath, Wildfire gift cards and more in your swag bag.

Head to the Painless Calendar for more member-added events!

Painless Podcast
Had the privilege to attend the “Facilities of the Future” symposium held by Northwestern University’s Masters of Sports Administration program a few weeks back.

Sat down with panelists Solly Fulp(EVP, Learfield Campus+), John Neimuth(Director, Sports America, AECOM) and Andy Totten(VP, McHugh Construction) about finding their career passion and advice to others looking to do the same. Then I spoke with Jane Obringer (Manager, Partnership Solutions, Learfield), a recent grad and Julia Millon (President of the MSA Leadership Council, and Program Coordinator, Principal Gifts at Northwestern University), a current student, about finding and then maximizing a master’s program.

Fulp – Ep 49 HERE
Niemuth – Ep 50 HERE
Totten – Ep 51 Posting Aug 14
Obringer & Milton – Ep 52 Aug 15

Painless Pod host Chris Hartweg pictured with: Solly Fulp (top), Jon Niemuth (middle) and Andy Totten (bottom). Not pictured: Julia Millon and Jane Obringer. 

There have been so many great guests, make sure you check them ALL out. Here are the 15 most recent episodes to get you started:
Ep 47 & 48: A. Potter (BMO Harris/WISE) & J. Haferkamp (Mosaic/WISE)
Ep 45: Sean Callahan (Jack Morton)
Ep 44: Chris Hastings (Chicago Sport & Social)
Ep 43: Dave Knickerbocker (Banner Collective)
Ep 42: *LIVE* at ISBC w/ A. Krzyzak & J. Ronovsky (Wolves & White Sox)
Ep 41: Jim Andrews (IEG Sponsorship Conference & ESP Properties)
Ep 40: J. Goldstein & S. Kirkpatrick (Chi Sports + Entertainment Partners)
Ep 39: Steve Buzby (Revel Marketing)
Ep 38: Skinny Sheahan & Jen Kramer (Special Olympics Chi/Polar Plunge)
Ep 37: Tony Schiller (Paragon)
Ep 36: Justin Breen (BrEpic Communications)
Ep 35: John Murray (Arena Partners + World Sport Chi + Chi Sports Comm)
Ep 34: Rob Cressy (Bacon Sports & Cress Media)
Ep 33: Jason Coyle (Stadium & 120 Sports)

And for fellow Illini alums, don’t miss the latest The FadeAway with Deon and Eric, where the guys talk to Dan Hartleb, head coach of the Illini baseball team.

Onward!

Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking

Painless Connections: 

Been a little while!

Between graduations, recitals, spring sports, client events, new business, BBQs and cramming in a run because of over-eating at said BBQs, this is certainly a crazy time of year. Hope you’re having as much fun as I am juggling it all!

Without further ado, a few quick notes so we can all get back to knocking items off that long To Do list…

Painless Podcast
Just Posted a great new Ep 46 with Sean Callahan. Read more about Sean, our chat and take a listen HERE.

Help with a Painless Get Together
I’d love to throw an event some evening in July or Aug. We need to take advantage of Chicago’s Summer on a rooftop or in a beer garden! Now I need one of you to lend a hand and help make it happen.

Can you or someone you know host on a Tues, Wed or Thurs evening?

Expect 75+ members. From 6-8p. Near public transportation. Cash bar. No cover. But we do buy a lot of drinks and food when we’re there! Let me know if you have the perfect spot ready to go…

Painless Privileges: LAST CHANCE SAVINGS

Don’t get major FOMO this Summer because you forgot to sign up! Chicago Sport & Social Club’s leagues and tournaments are getting underway!!

Both team and individual registration options are available. Learn more at www.chicagosocial.com. Use the code PAINLESS to save up to $75 on a team!

AND…for a chance to win a FREE team for your office, enter here.

Get Connected at Painless.Network

Make sure your FREE Painless profile is updated and Get Connected with the latest news. Check out fellow member posts at Member Posts & Discussions. View DOZENS of full-time jobs, projects and internships! Head to our Jobs, Projects & Internships Board and get a jump start on hiring, partnering or landing a great new job.

Event Calendar

Head to the Painless Calendar for more on events such as Facilities of the Future, Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations and the 4th Annual Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing!

Onward!

Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking

ALL proceeds from the outing help fund the Nik Lapin Aspiring Sports Professional Scholarship that not only provides financial support, but mentorship to aspiring sports professionals as they begin their careers.

If you cannot attend the outing but would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please CLICK HERE and scroll down to the Nik Lapin scholarship.

Any questions? Interest in getting involved? Want to sponsor the event? Reach out to Painless member Nik Lapin HERE or through the outing website: www.IlliniRSTgolfouting.com

You can share the Painless Calendar listing with friends that includes a calendar invite: https://painless.network/event/4th-annual-illini-rst-celeb-am-golf-outing/

Painless Pals:

Next Event: March Madness/St. Paddy’s Day at Joe’s TOMORROW

Painless Bracket: a 50/50 Fundraiser for #LauraStrong

Because we look out for each other, and try to have a good time doing so, we decided to combine a group NCAA Tournament Bracket Contest with a fundraiser. Our Painless friends Laura and Brock Hendricks recently learned Laura has a rare form of Acute Myeloloid Leukemia (AML). She’s taken leave from her job — and she IS going to win this fight — but she and Brock and their three young children could use some help.

Laura’s co-workers started a GoFundMe page and now Painless co-founder TJ Nolan created a 50/50 bracket contest for us to join the cause. Brackets cost $20/entry with $10 from each bracket going to the Hendricks family fund, the remaining split among the top 4 places. Read more about the bracket HERE. Hurry – you must enter before 11a CT, Thurs, Mar 15! Up to 10 brackets per person. Open to all.

Painless Member Benefits

SAVINGS 1) Our friends at the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle are offering an exclusive offer to Painless members again in 2018. Save $10 off entry for the March 25 race NOW by using this link: http://haku.ly/06c79e. Talk about “Painless,” the link even populates the Promo Code box with our code PAINLESS for you!

SAVINGS 2) Do you like to save $450? You can on the 35th Annual 2018 IEG Sponsorship Conference coming to Chicago Apr 8-11! Painless members receive 20% OFF admission when you head to www.IEG2018.com and use our special code: IEG2018PN.

SAVINGS 3) Don’t miss out on the Social Sports Experience. Chicago Sport & Social Club offers the largest sports leagues in Chicago at locations all over the city. It’s not just competition, it’s camaraderie. Registration for Spring & Summer is now open at www.chicagosocial.com. Use code ‘PAINLESS’ to receive up to $75 in savings (a 5% discount will be applied).

Check out the latest Painless Podcasts

Our latest Painless Podcast (Episode 43) is a treat. Dave Knickerbocker, co-founder of Banner Collective, shares how he broke into sports, hassled the Cubs‘ John McDonough for a job, took a big leap with the Blackhawks and then an even bigger leap to start up Banner, along with partner Pat Dahl.

Pictured: Dave Knickerbocker and Chris Hartweg post podcast at Banner Collective

Episode 42: A special live episode recorded at the University of Illinois Sports Business Conference with Joe Ronovsky from the Chicago White Sox and Anthony Krzyzak from the Chicago Wolves. Both are working their dream jobs in sports, both in sales roles — Anthony leads a ticket sales team while Joe works in corporate partnerships/sponsorships. Hear how they found their first jobs, where they found mentors, how they built their networks and advice for others looking to do the same.

Episode 41: Back to IEG 2018 for a sec. Hear from IEG Conference chair Jim Andrews who not only directs the conference, but also publishes the industry standard ESP Sponsorship Report and heads ESP Properties thought leadership and marketing. Hear how he worked up to his current role, his advice to others and giving back, including a new sports networking organization supporting the LGBTQ community, HomeField Alliance.

Get Connected at Painless.Network

Make sure your FREE profile is complete and Get Connected with the latest news…Check out fellow member posts at Member Posts & Discussions…Or, view nearly 50 full-time jobs, projects and internships from all over the U.S.! Head to our Jobs, Projects & Internships Board and get a jump start on hiring, partnering or landing a great new job.

Onward!

Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking

Hello fellow Painless members!

March’s annual 3-day work week is upon us! The glory of all that is still right with the sports world begins on Thurs morning just after 11a CT. Such a great time of year with Hoops and Spring in the air!

It’s important to take time to pause and be thankful. While many of us may feel carefree, there are Painless friends going through some really challenging times. Two of those friends are Painless “family,” Brock and Laura Hendricks, along with their three young kids.

The family recently learned that Laura was diagnosed with Acute Myeloloid Leukemia (AML). Her treatments have started with aggressive chemo, but due to Laura’s rare type of AML, once most or all of the cancer cells are out of her body, and she is strong enough, she will need a bone marrow transplant.

How can you help?

1) For those inclined, the family is asking people to visit www.bethematch.org to learn how they may be able to help with a bone marrow transplant.

2) Visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurahendricks#wellwishes to sign up to track updates and send along any well wishes and thoughts to the family.

3) Directly help support the family with the mounting costs of medical care and family expenses via the GoFundMe page Laura’s co-workers created: https://www.gofundme.com/laurahendricks-strong

4) Painless wants to throw the support of the group behind and have some fun while we do it, so we’ve created a 50/50 bracket pool where we’re going to donate half the funds to the Hendricks family.

It’s pretty simple to sign up and get in. COPY and PASTE the link below into your browser – do NOT click on it as it will assume you need to be invited:
http://hendricksaml.mayhem.cbssports.com

a) Sign in with your cbssportsline login and password or create one if you don’t have one
b) Go to “Brackets” and make your picks
c) Enter up to 10 total entries

Picks are due by tipoff of first game on Thursday morning, March 15 (around 11a central)! Points are awarded based on the round.

Rules/scoring/totals:
First Round: Each correct pick is worth 3 points
Second Round: Correct pick = 5
Sweet 16 ® : Correct pick = 7
Elite 8 ® : Correct pick = 9
Final Four ® : Correct pick = 12
Championship: Correct pick = 15

Tiebreaker: Total score of the Championship game.

Cost for each entry = $20. Half of this money will go directly to the GoFundMe page. Multiple entries are encouraged! Please forward, so we can get as big a group playing as possible. We’ll pay out the top four spots:
1st = 55%
2nd = 25%
3rd = 12%
4th = 8%

Once you’re in, send your payment for each entry to TJ Nolan. His PayPal address: nolan_tj@hotmail.com

Let TJ know any questions.  Good luck and enjoy the games and thanks for your support in advance!

TJ Nolan & Chris Hartweg