+ New Pods with Fulp, Niemuth & More from NU MSA
+ 40+ Jobs; OFFER$: Outing
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:
Bank of America Chicago MarathonExecutive Race Director Carey Pinkowski
Tickets are $20 and all event proceeds benefit World Bicycle Relief. Beverages and light snacks will be provided.
CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket. Please NOTE space is limited.
Events and Offers
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
+ 60+ Jobs
+ OFFER$: Volleywood
Painless Pals:
Before you head out for the 4th of July, some Painless Reminders — double up the SPF, remember your insect repellant and no matter how tempting, don’t shoot that bottle rocket out of that beer bottle in your hand…
Painless Podcast
There’s a fantastic new MEGAPOD — had so much good stuff to talk about and stories to share and lessons learned with Amy Potter and Julie Haferkamp that we needed TWO episodes! Hear from them on finding the right job, mentoring, listening, curiosity and of course, WISE Chicago, on awesome new Eps 47 & 48 HERE.
Painless Privileges: $5 OFF Volleywood
Chicago Sport & Social Clubs has important news: Volleywood is BACK! The biggest beach volleyball tournament paired with Summer’s best one-day music festival returns to Chicago’s North Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 14. This hybrid tournament-festival features the best DJs, delicious food and stocked bars, tons of volleyball all while surrounded by Chicago’s incredible skyline and lakefront. Use code CHICAGO5 to get $5.00 off GA or VIP tickets at volleywoodchicago.com.
AND…for a chance to win your office a FREE CSSC team in an upcoming league enter here!
Events on the way
Head to the Painless Calendar for more on events such as esports 101: An Interactive Professional Workshop, Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary celebrations and the 4th Annual Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing. And stay tuned for a Painless gathering in August we have in the works.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
+ Help on next event?
+ OFFER$: Chicago Sport & Social
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
Don’t get major FOMO this Summer because you forgot to sign up. Don’t watch from the sidelines on Chicago’s Lakefront, get into the game!
You better hurry: Chicago Sport and Social Club (chicagosocial.com)‘s Volleyball leagues get underway in less than 2 weeks! Oak Street & North Ave Thursday nights ARE 99% SOLD OUT!!
Join Sunday-Friday for Coed 2’s, 4’s or 6’s leagues at Montrose, North Avenue or Oak Street Beaches. Both team and individual registration are still available, but not for long!
Learn more at www.chicagosocial.com.
For a chance to win a FREE team for your office, enter here.
Painless members — don’t forget to use the code “PAINLESS” when you register. You’ll get up to $75 off your team registration!
+ Join USGA & WISE for great panel TOMORROW
+ Don’t Miss 50+ Jobs/Internships and Benefits
Painless Members:
RSVP now for our special event tomorrow evening, April 19!
YOU DA (WO)MAN!
We’ve teamed up with WISE Chicago once again for another outstanding networking-focused event with amazing experts!
Joining us as a third partner for “Golf Power Play” are the United States Golf Association (USGA). The USGA is staging the inaugural U.S. Women’s Senior Open at legendary Chicago Golf in Wheaton this July.
At our exclusive networking event, leading golf professionals will discuss working in the golf industry, using golf to network and what’s in the works for the US Women’s Senior Open.
Bonus: Each ticketed guest will receive One Complimentary Ticket to the U.S. Senior Women’s Open (July 12-15)!
Please join us TOMORROW (Thurs, April 19) from 6-8p at Intersport (303 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60601) for this rock solid panel discussion with power players in golf as they share their experiences within the sport/industry, PLUS networking time with USGA leaders as well as WISE and Painless members!
Your Golf Power Play ticket ($15, with $5 off for WISE members) includes light appetizers and beverages.
PS – YES, men are invited too!
CLICK HERE to register NOW!
CONFIRMED PANELISTS:
Jane Geddes
CEO – LPGA Women Who Play
Shannon Rouillard
Director of U.S. Women’s Open & U.S. Senior Women’s Open – USGA
Shannon Dan
Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy – Intersport
Hosted by CBS Sports Radio’s Amy Lawrence.
Head to the Painless Calendar for complete details: https://painless.network/event/save-the-date-usga-wise-painless/
Don’t forget to scroll down to see the latest and greatest Painless Job Board posts and special Painless member offers.
Let’s Get Connected — Tomorrow!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
Painless Members:
Quick special email to let you know that tickets are now on sale for our special event.
FORE!
We’ve teamed up with WISE Chicago again for what promises to be another outstanding event!
This time we’ve added the United States Golf Association (USGA) as a partner to present “Golf Power Play,” an exclusive networking event with leading golf professionals about working within the golf industry, using golf to network and what’s in the works for the inaugural U.S. Women’s Senior Open at legendary Chicago Golf in Wheaton this July.
Join us on Thurs, April 19, from 6-8p at Intersport (303 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60601) for an exciting panel discussion with power players in golf as they share their experiences within the sport/industry.
Your Golf Power Play ticket includes light appetizers and beverages.
BONUS: each guest will receive One Complimentary Ticket to the U.S. Senior Women’s Open (July 12-15)!
CONFIRMED PANELISTS:
Jane Geddes
CEO – LPGA Women Who Play
Shannon Rouillard
Director of U.S. Women’s Open & U.S. Senior Women’s Open – USGA
Shannon Dan
Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy – Intersport
Hosted by CBS Sports Radio’s Amy Lawrence.
Let’s Get Connected April 19!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
+ Podcast: Chicago Sport & Social’s Hastings
Painless Pals:
FORE! Save April 19
Current Painless Member Benefits
OFFER 1) Do you like saving hundreds of dollars? How about $450? You can on the 35th Annual 2018 IEG Sponsorship Conference coming to Chicago Apr 8-11! Painless members receive 20% OFF admission at www.IEG2018.com when using our code: IEG2018PN. Make sure you check out the roundtables hosted by yours truly!
OFFER 2) 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).
Our latest Painless Podcast
Painless Podcast (Episode 44) features a former “possession receiver” who instead of running the NBA or NFL, instead reports to 130,000 athletes and participants as president of Chicago Sport & Social. Hear how Chris Hastings has Herbie Hancock to blame for his job and much more.
Pictured: Chris Hastings (president, Chicago Sport & Social Clubs) and Chris Hartweg (founder, Painless) at Chicago Sport & Social offices following their Painless Podcast
Plus these great recent pods…
Ep 43: 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.
Ep 42: A live episode from the University of Illinois Sports Business Conference features Joe Ronovsky from the Chicago White Sox and Anthony Krzyzak from the Chicago Wolves.
Ep 41: Hear from IEG 2018 Conference chair Jim Andrews not only about the conference, but the industry standard ESP Sponsorship Report and ESP Properties thought leadership and marketing.
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 DOZENS of 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
+ Bracket Contest/Fundraiser
+ Podcast: Banner Collective’s Knickerbocker
Painless Pals:
Next Event: March Madness/St. Paddy’s Day at Joe’s TOMORROW
Our annual NCAA Tourney Kick-off/St. Paddy’s Celebration is THIS Thurs, Mar 15, from 430-830p at Joe’s on Weed (940 W. Weed St., Chicago)! Watch games, warm up for St. Paddy’s Day Weekend and network Painlessly with ~100 fellow college hoops fans. We’ll have our own dedicated space: the VIP Loft Lounge.
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 $75 in savings (a 5% discount will be applied).
Check out the latest Painless Podcasts
Our latest Painless Podcast (Episode 43) is a treat. Dave Knickerbocker, co-founder of Banner Collective, shares how he broke into sports, hassled the Cubs‘ John McDonough for a job, took a big leap with the Blackhawks and then an even bigger leap to start up Banner, along with partner Pat Dahl.
Pictured: Dave Knickerbocker and Chris Hartweg post podcast at Banner Collective
Episode 42: A special live episode recorded at the University of Illinois Sports Business Conference with Joe Ronovsky from the Chicago White Sox and Anthony Krzyzak from the Chicago Wolves. Both are working their dream jobs in sports, both in sales roles — Anthony leads a ticket sales team while Joe works in corporate partnerships/sponsorships. Hear how they found their first jobs, where they found mentors, how they built their networks and advice for others looking to do the same.
Episode 41: Back to IEG 2018 for a sec. Hear from IEG Conference chair Jim Andrews who not only directs the conference, but also publishes the industry standard ESP Sponsorship Report and heads ESP Properties thought leadership and marketing. Hear how he worked up to his current role, his advice to others and giving back, including a new sports networking organization supporting the LGBTQ community, HomeField Alliance.
Get Connected at Painless.Network
Make sure your FREE profile is complete and Get Connected with the latest news…Check out fellow member posts at Member Posts & Discussions…Or, view nearly 50 full-time jobs, projects and internships from all over the U.S.! Head to our Jobs, Projects & Internships Board and get a jump start on hiring, partnering or landing a great new job.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
+ Podcast: Andrews (IEG/ESP)
+ OFFER$: Shamrock Shuffle, IEG Sponsorship Conf.
Painless Pals:
Two events: V Day & Tourney/St. Paddy’s Day
1) Had an awesome morning meet-up this morning at Assemble Shared Office‘s Gold Coast space (1165 N. Clark St., Chicago). Nothing better than Metropolis Coffee, Do-Rite Donuts, Burrito Beach breakfast burritos and fruit (thanks Tempesta Media!) while mingling with 30+ entrepreneurial members of both Assemble and Painless.
If you’re interested in a FREE day pass at Assemble Gold Coast, it’s not too late! Click HERE to head to Assemble’s Tour Scheduler. Painless members and Assemble marketers Dayna or Liz will hook you up, just let them know you’re a Painless Member!
2) Our annual NCAA Tourney Kick-off/St. Paddy’s Celebration is Thurs, Mar 15, from 430-830p at Joe’s on Weed (940 W. Weed St., Chicago)! Watch the games, warm up for St. Paddy’s Day Weekend and network Painlessly with ~100 fellow college hoops fans. We’ll have our own dedicated space: the VIP Loft Lounge.
Painless Privileges: 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, using that link even populates the Promo Code box with our code PAINLESS for you!
2) Do you like to save $450? You can on the 35th Annual 2018 IEG Sponsorship Conference coming to Chicago Apr 8-11! Painless members receive 20% OFF admission when you head to www.IEG2018.com and use our special code: IEG2018PN.
Check out the latest Painless Podcasts
Speaking of IEG 2018, the chair of the conference, Jim Andrews joins us on the latest Painless Podcast. He not only directs the conference, but is the publisher of the industry standard ESP Sponsorship Report and heads ESP Properties thought leadership and marketing. Hear how he climbed to his current role as senior vice president on Painless Podcast Episode 41!
With the Olympics underway and the Paralympics coming Mar 9, Episode 40 with Jeannie Goldstein and Scott Kirkpatrick, founders and partners at Chicago Sports + Entertainment Partners is very timely! Hear from two terrific networkers and mentors currently working with 30+ current and former Olympians/Paralympians.
And for my fellow Illini alums, don’t miss the latest The FadeAway with Deon and Eric, where the guys talk with four distinguished alums: UI AD Josh Whitman, former basketball players Robert Archibald and Brian Randle, plus 2003 Miss America and current candidate for Illinois Attorney General, Erika Harold.
Get Connected at Painless.Network
Make sure your FREE profile is complete and Get Connected with the latest news. Check out fellow member posts at Member Posts & Discussions. View FORTY full-time jobs, projects internships from IL, OH, NY, CA, PA , MI and MORE! Head to our Jobs, Projects & Internships Board and get a jump start on hiring, partnering or landing a great new job.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
+ Podcast: Goldstein & Kirkpatrick (CSEP)
+ OFFER$: Shamrock Shuffle, IEG Sponsorship Conf.
Painless Pals:
Two events coming up: V Day & Tourney/St. Paddy’s Day
1) Time to try something different for Valentine’s Day! Wait…what??
Yep, we’ve partnering with Assemble Shared Office to make sure everyone “gets connected” on Valentine’s Day! Join us Wed, Feb 14 from 730 – 9a at Assemble Gold Coast (1165 N. Clark St., Chicago, at the Clark/Division Red Line stop above CVS). Fuel some morning networking with coffee, donuts and breakfast burritos provided by Assemble Member Tempesta Media, and mingle with entrepreneurial Members of both Assemble and Painless.
Space is limited – but get this: come the event and then stay and work all day for FREE at Assemble Gold Coast! To RSVP, click HERE to head to Assemble’s Tour Scheduler, enter your info and then include “Painless” in the “Tell Us About Your Company” box. See YOU on Feb 14.
2) Mark your calendar for the annual NCAA Tourney Kick-off/St. Paddy’s Celebration on Thurs, Mar 15, from 430-830p at Joe’s on Weed (940 W. Weed St., Chicago)! Watch the games, warm up for St. Paddy’s Day Weekend and network Painlessly with ~100 fellow college hoops fans. We’ll have our own dedicated space: the VIP Loft Lounge.
Painless Privileges: 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 race entry for the March 25 now by using this link: http://haku.ly/06c79e. Talk about painless, using that link even populates the Promo Code box with “PAINLESS” for you!
2) How would you like to save $450? Well 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.
Check out the latest Painless Podcast
With the Olympics starting next Fri (Feb 9) and then the Paralympics on Mar 9, it’s a perfect time to talk to Jeannie Goldstein and Scott Kirkpatrick, founders and partners at Chicago Sports + Entertainment Partners. Episode 40 of the Painless Podcast features two terrific networkers and mentors currently working with 30+ current and former Olympians/Paralympians. Check out their work – an impressive roster of athletes and brands!
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. View FORTY full-time jobs, projects internships from IL, OH, NY, CA, PA , MI and MORE! 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