In this episode, host Scott Moran welcomes Rob Hallberg and Matt Stefani, Managing Directors and Market Leaders at BMO, marking the first-ever duo to appear on the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast. Together, Rob and Matt share over 50 years of combined experience in commercial banking and open up about how BMO's guiding principle — "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life" — shapes their approach to leadership, culture, and client relationships.

They explore the foundations of effective leadership, emphasizing the power of listening, trust, and authentic communication as the cornerstones of meaningful client and team relationships. Matt discusses the importance of empowering bankers to bring their unique approach to client service, while Rob explains how genuine trust allows teams to navigate challenges with confidence and unity.

The discussion moves into how BMO differentiates itself in a crowded financial marketplace — combining the resources and scale of a global institution with the personal touch and decision-making agility of a local bank. Rob and Matt outline how their "One Client" mindset enables collaboration across business lines to deliver comprehensive, relationship-driven solutions.

They also share insight on the challenges facing today's business leaders — from information overload to AI's evolving role in banking — and how BMO helps clients cut through noise and focus on facts. With practical examples and thoughtful perspective, Rob and Matt offer a grounded view of how leadership, culture, and client advocacy come together to drive long-term success.

Listen now to discover how two of Chicago's top banking leaders are redefining relationship banking — and what their leadership lessons can teach every business owner about focus, trust, and growth.

Connect with Rob & Matt at BMO:
🌐 https://www.bmo.com

Matt Stefani, matt.stefani@bmo.com

Rob Hallberg, rob.hallberg@bmo.com

Connect with Scott:
🌐 https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services.

In this episode, host Scott Moran sits down with Chris Gallagher, co-founder of Green Office Partner, a 50-person technology firm recently named the #1 Best Place to Work by both Crain's Chicago Business and the Chicago Sun-Times. Chris shares how he and his brother built Green Office Partner from the ground up — transforming it into a nationwide leader in managed print services, document digitization, and conference room technology serving clients across 49 states and Canada.

Chris reflects on his decision to leave corporate America to pursue entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in leadership and delegation, and the importance of building a culture where employees come first — echoing Richard Branson's philosophy that happy employees create happy clients. He explains how EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helped structure growth, how recruiting top talent has fueled "hockey stick" results, and why learning what not to chase has been key to scaling efficiently.

The conversation also touches on the power of nimble decision-making in a saturated industry, navigating family business dynamics, and insights from Green Office Partner's vantage point on shifting workplace trends — from the return to office to AI adoption. Chris also introduces a timely concept: "job hugging" — the tendency for employees to stay put amid economic uncertainty — and how it's affecting recruiting in today's climate.

Listen now to hear how Chris and his team at Green Office Partner are redefining leadership, culture, and client service — and what their journey can teach every business leader about growth, focus, and resilience.

Connect with Chris Gallagher:
📧 cgallagher@greenofficepartner.com
📞 (312) 399-5299

Connect with Scott:
🌐 https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services.

In this episode, host Scott Moran sits down with Lee Singer, a 40-year veteran in public accounting and a partner and executive at FGMK, a 250-person Midwest-based professional services firm. Lee shares how FGMK evolved from a small bookkeeping shop into a national powerhouse, serving clients across all 50 states by growing alongside them and building robust in-house expertise rather than merging up with larger firms.

Lee dives into leadership shifts post-COVID, highlighting the expanded talent pool with remote work but also the cultural and training challenges it creates. He emphasizes the importance of proactive client communication, creative tax and structure strategies (including re-evaluating LLC vs. S-Corp status), succession planning for aging business owners, and implementing phantom equity plans to retain top talent long-term.

Listen now to discover how to future-proof your business with proven leadership, tax, and talent strategies from FGMK's Lee Singer. Don't miss these insights that could transform your next move.

Connect with Lee Singer: lsinger@fgmk.com

Connect with Scott: https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services