The Chicago Journal

The Chicago Journal
The Chicago Journal

Forged in Chicago: A Family Legacy of Precision and Strength at Lexco® Cable

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 10, 2025

 1974, tucked into the industrial fabric of Illinois, a family-run operation began with a simple yet powerful vision: to craft durable, high-quality cable products that could withstand the demands of a growing, changing world. That vision became Lexco® Cable, a company that would grow to define precision and reliability in the wire rope and cable assembly industry. Over the decades, what started as a modest venture has become a trusted partner for clients across industries: from aerospace and defense to construction, fitness, and OEM manufacturing.

Family Roots, Future Focus

What sets Lexco apart isn’t just the products they produce; it’s the way they’ve stayed true to their roots. Still family-owned and operated more than 50 years later, Lexco’s legacy is steeped in hands-on leadership, long-term vision, and a shared sense of responsibility that spans generations. The continuity of family involvement infuses the company culture with a commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and long-standing relationships.

That personal investment is evident in how the company operates. At every level, from the engineering team to the shop floor, there’s a clear sense of pride and precision. Lexco® Cable’s employees don’t just make cable assemblies; they shape solutions that support everything from military aircraft to fitness equipment.

Forged in Chicago: A Family Legacy of Precision and Strength at Lexco® Cable

Photo Courtesy: Lexco

Built on the Chicago Industry

Lexco’s connection to the greater Chicago manufacturing scene is more than just geographic. For decades, the company has partnered with local businesses, contractors, and OEMs to provide custom, application-specific assemblies that meet rigorous standards. Their reputation for quick turnarounds and reliable delivery has helped establish them as a dependable presence within the region’s industrial network.

Their team of engineers works closely with customers to design assemblies tailored to exact performance needs. From wire rope assemblies to bungee cords, each product reflects the company’s dedication to thoughtful design and dependable execution. Their responsiveness has made them a reliable resource in Chicago and across the nation.

Certified for Quality, Trusted for Excellence

Over time, Lexco’s steady focus on quality and performance has earned it an industry-respected credential: ISO 9001 certification. This international standard reflects the company’s internal systems, product consistency, and dedication to continual improvement. But at Lexco, that certification is just the baseline.

Their quality control department works hand in hand with production and engineering to uphold high standards. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about building trust with every client they serve. When you work with Lexco, you know your project will be completed with care and attention from start to finish.

Forged in Chicago: A Family Legacy of Precision and Strength at Lexco® Cable

Photo Courtesy: Lexco

Workforce Pride and Community Care

Behind the machines, the cables, and the custom assemblies is something even more powerful: the people. Lexco’s workforce is at the heart of its success, and that’s no accident. The company maintains a culture of collaboration, attention to detail, and professional growth. Whether they’re mentoring new hires or working closely with vendors, Lexco’s employees are part of a team that values relationships as much as results.

This focus on people extends beyond the company walls. Lexco® Cable takes pride in contributing to the communities where they live and work, reinforcing their role not just as a business, but as a neighbor and long-term supporter of local development.

From Past to Future

As Lexco® Cable marks over 50 years in business, its story continues. It’s the story of a family that believed in hard work, smart design, and standing behind every product. It’s a journey that has grown alongside Chicago’s manufacturing legacy and one that still values precision, strength, and trust.

For those seeking a partner in cable manufacturing, Lexco offers more than a product; it offers a legacy. From humble beginnings to its role today as a respected name in wire rope and cable assemblies, Lexco® Cable remains forged in Chicago, shaped by family, strengthened by community, and motivated by precision and long-standing values.

Why You Can’t Separate Your Wallet From Your Soul with Sheldon Zeiger

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 8, 2025

By: Matt Emma

For generations, Americans have been taught to keep their financial lives and their spiritual lives in separate, airtight boxes. Money belongs to the practical world, religion to the private interior one. But according to attorney and author Sheldon Zeiger, that separation may be artificial, and it’s likely difficult to fully maintain. He suggests that it’s also one of the reasons so many people feel morally conflicted about their financial decisions.

Zeiger, who has spent decades immersed in both the legal and financial worlds, is emerging as an unexpected voice in a national conversation about “moral capitalism.” His latest book, The Eye Inside, approaches personal finance through the lens of spirituality, drawing on moral philosophy, psychology, and religious tradition. In a recent conversation with his media team, he laid out the argument at the heart of his work: Money and morality are often intertwined, and they are not two separate stories, but rather aspects of the same narrative told from different angles.

“People think they can split themselves into compartments,” Zeiger says. “But you can’t. Your financial self and your spiritual self are two sides of the same person. You’d like to separate them, but human beings just don’t seem to work that way.”

Zeiger grounds this claim not in sentiment but in history. The foundations of modern economics were built by moral philosophers, not bankers or technocrats. Adam Smith and David Hume, two pillars of the Scottish Enlightenment, believed economic behavior could not be fully understood without examining empathy, conscience, and human psychology. Smith’s famous Theory of Moral Sentiments preceded The Wealth of Nations, offering a framework that positioned markets within a larger ethical ecosystem.

Somewhere along the line, Zeiger argues, that integrated worldview fractured. Money became clinical, drained of moral context. Religion retreated into private life. And Americans were encouraged to live like two separate characters: one who prayed or reflected, and another who invested, borrowed, spent, and saved.

“That split could be why so many people feel shame about money,” Zeiger says. “It’s why they feel spiritually alienated from their own financial decisions. They think they’re violating something sacred, but the real problem is that the culture has led them to believe these two parts weren’t supposed to touch.”

Today, as millions of people navigate student loan burdens, rising interest rates, ethical investing trends, and ongoing debates about inequality, the search for values-based financial frameworks is particularly urgent. A growing number of Americans want their money choices to align with their beliefs, but may not always have the tools to bridge the gap.

Zeiger thinks the solution may begin with honesty about human nature. To explain his approach, he uses an idea from perennial philosophy: non-dual awareness, the understanding that internal divisions are often illusions. Just as the persona and the shadow in psychology are two expressions of the same self, he says, so too are the spiritual self and the financial self.

“You can’t cut a person in half,” he says. “The part of you that gives to charity and the part of you that invests for retirement, they’re both you. They come from the same values, the same fears, the same hopes.”

Zeiger’s own journey reflects that unity. Raised in traditional finance thinking, he attended a conservative business school during the Reagan era, and later realized that much of what he had been taught was influenced by supply-side ideology and a belief in economic rationalism that lacked consideration for moral factors. Over time, he became disillusioned with the idea that markets operate independently from human ethics.

“The moment you pretend money has nothing to do with morality is when you stop questioning who benefits and who suffers,” he says. “That’s how inequality can grow.”

He points to the country’s dramatic wealth gap to illustrate the consequences. Roughly 1,000 billionaire households now hold more combined net worth than 60 million households at the bottom half of the population. Meanwhile, debates over food assistance, healthcare cuts, and student loan forgiveness unfold in a nation whose total net worth exceeds $135 trillion.

“For children to go hungry in a country that is wealthy is a moral concern, not just a financial one,” Zeiger says.

His willingness to frame economic issues as spiritual ones has gained attention and controversy. As social media clips of his commentary circulate and his press presence expands, Zeiger anticipates more public conversation about the philosophical underpinnings of American capitalism, including his critique of Ayn Rand, libertarian individualism, and the belief that self-interest alone can produce a just society.

But for now, his focus remains on helping ordinary people reconnect their internal worlds to their financial lives, not through guilt or dogma, but through reflection.

“People are desperate for meaning around money,” he says. “They want guidance that speaks to who they really are, not who the market says they should be. The truth is simple: your wallet and your soul have always been speaking to each other. It’s time we stopped pretending otherwise.”

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a professional financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

How Mary Gunther and The Social G Co. Are Redefining Modern Social Media

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 6, 2025

By: William Jones

In an era where social media can sometimes feel increasingly transactional, the rise of The Social G Co. feels almost subversive. The agency is unmistakably modern, yet its ethos is grounded in something rare: a belief that content should feel more like a relationship rather than a performance. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, far from the manufactured intensity of coastal marketing hubs, founder Mary Gunther is building a model that reflects a deeper cultural shift. Social media is no longer solely about chasing trends. It is about trust, alignment, and consistency. The Social G Co. exists because she saw that shift early on, before many agencies were willing to acknowledge it.

Gunther’s path into entrepreneurship did not begin with an obsession for algorithms or metrics. It began in human resources and organizational development, where she spent years studying what makes people feel seen, supported, and understood. She speaks about her early career the way some founders talk about investor meetings, with an unmistakable sense that those years formed the bedrock of everything she does now.

“I have always been people-focused,” she says. “People are your greatest asset. When I started creating content for myself, I noticed that what resonated was not the perfection, but the honesty. People would stop me in public to say they related to something I posted. That was the moment I understood that social media works ideally when it feels authentic.”

Her shift into entrepreneurship was never part of a master plan. She was simply good at creating content that seemed to resonate with people. Eventually, she realized that the skills she relied on in HR — interpersonal understanding, relational communication, emotional intelligence — translated seamlessly into her work online. She had built a personal brand almost by accident, and it became the foundation for something bigger.

Building an Agency Around Human Behavior Instead of Virality

The Social G Co. was never meant to be a one-woman operation. Gunther hired a team almost immediately, driven by the same instinct that shaped her corporate career. She wanted collaboration, shared thinking, and the camaraderie of a workplace built on contribution. Her agency emerged from that instinct. It is a business where strategy and warmth coexist, and where transparency is valued as a core principle rather than a marketing slogan.

Her approach to client relationships is unusually patient for an industry built on urgency. “I am all about the slow burn,” she says. “If someone is not ready to work with us, that is completely fine. I want them to come in at the right moment and feel confident about the partnership.”

This mindset, quiet but firm, is what gives the brand its tone. Calm confidence. Clear communication. A sense of humility without hesitation. It is the atmosphere beneath everything the agency produces.

Gunther credits her investment in business coaching for helping her maintain that energy while scaling a high-touch model. “Mindset matters so much,” she says. “When you are grounded, you can lead with curiosity, communicate clearly, and stay focused on the long-term vision.”

The Mid-Market Shift: A Turning Point

For several years, The Social G Co. primarily supported small businesses and lifestyle brands. But something began to change as the agency’s work grew more sophisticated. Mid-market companies and marketing directors started showing up with a similar set of challenges. Their teams were overwhelmed. Their content was inconsistent. Their brand stories were diluted by scattered voices and fragmented execution.

Gunther recognized the moment immediately. “People think social media is easy because anyone can post,” she says. “But good social requires consistency, experimentation, and a deep understanding of your audience. Brands were looking at their competitors and thinking they could never have content like that. I wanted to show them that they were more than capable of achieving similar results.”

This realization became the agency’s next evolution. Mid-market brands were not simply the next revenue tier. They were the audience who needed what The Social G Co. did best.

The Misunderstandings Holding Companies Back

When Gunther describes the biggest misconceptions companies hold about social media, she does not talk about hashtags or algorithm changes. She talks about expectations.

“People think posting is the work,” she says. “Posting is the starting line. What matters is creating content that connects, builds deeper relationships, and eventually converts. That takes time. It takes craft. It takes understanding your audience well enough to speak directly to them.”

Consistency, she says, is always the first point of failure. Not aesthetic consistency, but relational consistency. Consistently showing up with clarity. Consistently showing up with intention. Showing up with content that actually reflects the business.

This is why her agency’s model is built around what she calls “strategically relational social.” It is content that feels personal but is informed by data. It is a strategy woven into human experience. It is brand alignment expressed through craft.

Where Agencies Get It Wrong

Gunther is careful when she talks about competitors, but she is clear-eyed about the gap she saw in the industry before she began filling it.

“Many agencies and freelancers are talented, but clients often say they do not hear from them or do not get results,” she says. “We run our business like a business. Our clients get a full team, consistent communication, and a level of professionalism that builds trust. You cannot execute relational content without providing relational service.”

Her organizational development background also shapes the agency’s intake process. She asks questions that seem unrelated to social media but reveal crucial operational or audience insights. In many ways, she becomes a partner across the business, supporting events, brainstorming campaigns, and offering referral connections when clients need resources outside of social media.

“I want clients to feel like they have a truly embedded team,” she says. “We are here to elevate their entire presence, not just their posting schedule.”

The Long View: Redefining What Brands Believe Is Possible

Gunther’s long-term vision for The Social G Co. is rooted in access. She wants high-quality content to feel attainable for brands that have assumed it is out of reach. She wants founders, marketing directors, and mid-market companies to stop assuming they need a coastal agency to get creative excellence.

“I want brands to see us as the partner that gives them the content they have always wanted but did not think they could have,” she says. “When a client sees a post we created, and they get excited or laugh or feel proud, that is the best part of this work.”

Her vision is expansive, but it is not rushed. She embraces the idea of growing steadily, with intention, and without compromising the relational core that makes the agency what it is. Whether the future takes her into new markets, larger teams, or expanded offerings, her compass remains the same: Strategy. Humanity. Elevated creative. Midwest honesty.

The combination feels both refreshing and overdue.

In a digital landscape increasingly shaped by noise, Mary Gunther is building a brand that feels like clarity. The Social G Co. is not just another agency. It is a reminder that the most impactful content is not the loudest. It is the content that understands who it is speaking to and why it matters.

And in that quiet confidence, a new standard is being set.

From Central London Specialist to Pan-European Real Asset Investor: Nick Millican’s Vision for Greycoat

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 5, 2025

By: Shawn Mars

When Nick Millican joined Greycoat Real Estate in 2012, the firm was respected but limited in scope—essentially a consultancy leveraging decades of property expertise to advise asset owners. Thirteen years later, Nick Millican has transformed Greycoat into an operating partner with a track record of high-profile London projects, strategic partnerships with blue-chip investors like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and now, a newly established European platform with offices in Paris. As the firm prepares to relaunch its website and brand positioning, Millican reflects on the journey, the philosophy that’s driven Greycoat’s evolution, and why he believes the next phase of growth lies beyond the UK.

The Transformation

“When I arrived, the business wasn’t really set up or used to buying assets,” Millican recalls. ” Typically, what would happen is someone would already own something, and it would kind of hit a different stage of its lifecycle. They’d want some help with planning and redevelopment or actually doing it, but it was people that already owned the real estate.”

The shift from advisory work to operating partner required more than just new processes—it required new people and new capabilities. Millican set about building an acquisitions team “pretty much from scratch,” recruiting professionals who could identify opportunities, structure deals, and execute joint ventures with institutional capital partners.

The results speak for themselves. Under Millican’s leadership, Greycoat reached peak assets under management of £2.5 billion by the end of 2018-2019. Notable projects include leading the acquisition of a minority stake in MOTO, the UK’s leading motorway service area business, then negotiating its sale to a leading UK pension fund in 2015; the acquisition and redevelopment of Premier Place in EC2, which was entirely pre-let and forward sold to a prominent Asian investor in 2020; and raising approximately £170 million in structured co-investment capital from the principals of a leading European buyout fund in 2021.

Then came a fortuitous decision. “We actually sold out of the vast majority of those properties just before COVID hit, ironically, just more through luck than judgment,” Millican says. That timing left Greycoat with capital and flexibility just as the pandemic reshaped commercial real estate markets globally.

Three Pillars: The Millican Philosophy

While Millican doesn’t explicitly articulate a “three-pillar strategy,” his approach to real estate investment reveals consistent priorities that have defined Greycoat’s positioning: sustainability as a competitive advantage, strategic opportunism in market dislocations, and creating experiential workplaces that meet evolving tenant demands.

Sustainability First

Long before ESG became a boardroom buzzword, Millican was focused on embedded carbon and refurbishment over demolition. “It’s extremely hard to demolish a building and then use what you’ve taken to then build a new building,” he explains. “It’s not really practical. So the more you can retain, the better the carbon footprint of what you’re doing.”

This isn’t just environmental philosophy—it’s business strategy. Greycoat’s 2023 acquisition of 20 Finsbury Dials with Goldman Sachs Asset Management exemplifies the approach: a comprehensive “brown to green” transformation targeting BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, and WELL Platinum ratings through refurbishment rather than reconstruction. The project even repurposes materials from the building’s old facade by grinding them down and transforming them into tiles for reuse—circular economy principles in practice.

For each new project, carbon budgets are treated with the same rigor as financial analyses. “I think there’s more of a need to invest in buildings now than there has been historically, because of the environmental regulations here changing,” Millican notes. “And so people are kind of forced to make their buildings more energy-efficient.”

Strategic Opportunism

Millican has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify market dislocations and act when others hesitate. Selling before COVID was one example; reinvesting at the end of last year is another.

“Part of the reason [assets are] depressed is the input costs are bigger, so the CapEx has gone with inflation and also the machinery you put into buildings is more expensive because you’re going for a higher performance standard,” Millican explains. “And obviously, interest rates are much higher, so some of the input costs have gone up, and that’s a large part of why values have fallen.”

But here’s the opportunity: “What’s more important for us as a business is there isn’t a huge amount of investors looking to invest obviously, right now for the obvious reasons. So I guess it’s less competitive than historically has been. So you tend to get a couple of people turning up to look at buying something rather than 10.”

It’s classic contrarian thinking—acting when the crowd is paralyzed by uncertainty.

Experiential Workplaces

The pandemic forced a reckoning with office space, creating what Millican describes as a “two-tier market.” “There’s good buildings in desirable locations with modern environmental performance that are doing very well, and rents are actually going up,” he says. “Then there are properties that aren’t really fit for purpose and are in the wrong location that probably needs to be repurposed into something else.”

Greycoat focuses on the former—properties where tenants see the office as competing with work-from-home. “People are actively thinking about how to persuade people to make the commute,” Millican observes. “Some of that is about having just nice space and some outside space maybe, but I think a lot of it is being in a location that has a lot of attractions for people to do after work or before work or at lunchtime.”

As a developer, Millican says Greycoat’s role is ensuring “the bones of the building enable someone to do that. So typically, we’d be very focused on provision of outside space for tenants, provision of an entrance experience that typically would have breakout space, cafe, etc., at the lower ground floor to give a bit of atmosphere and environment for tenants in a building.”

The European Expansion

Greycoat’s move into Europe represents Millican’s most ambitious transformation of the firm yet. “We are intending to open an office in France near term in Paris, which is quite a big change,” he says. “It’s obviously different language, different legal system, different ways of doing business.”

The Paris office, established in 2025 with senior partners Arnaud Malbos and Semih Bayar Eren leading operations, isn’t just geographic expansion—it’s a repositioning of what Greycoat is. No longer simply a London developer, the firm is evolving toward what Millican envisions as a pan-European real asset investment business.

“Depending on how that works through, the obvious one’s Germany, just given the scale of the economy,” Millican says of potential next markets, though he’s characteristically cautious about overextending. Real estate remains “very much a local game,” he notes, requiring physical presence, market knowledge, and understanding of local regulations.

The Specialization Strategy

One of Millican’s core business principles is focus. “One strategy that has significantly contributed to the growth of Greycoat is our focus on excelling in a single area rather than spreading our efforts too thinly across multiple disciplines,” he explains. “By concentrating on one core competency, we have been able to invest deeply in the necessary resources that drive excellence in this area.”

That focus has been on large-scale office refurbishments in prime urban locations, primarily in London. The European expansion doesn’t abandon this focus—it extends it to new geographies while maintaining the core competency.

Millican learned the importance of specialization the hard way. At one point, Greycoat explored residential apartment development. “We recruited some top-notch professionals and dedicated considerable time and resources to it, but we concluded that competing with major housebuilders wasn’t feasible for us,” he recalls. “They had the scale to build more cost-effectively and could afford to outbid us for prime sites.”

The lesson: “Thoroughly understanding the competitive landscape before entering a new market segment” is essential. It’s advice Millican is clearly applying to the European expansion, moving deliberately with experienced partners rather than rushing in.

Looking Forward

As Greycoat repositions its brand and website to reflect its evolution, Millican sees the next 24 to 36 months as particularly promising. “We still feel quite excited about the next phase from the perspective of the assets being a bit cheaper than they used to be,” he says.

It’s characteristic Millican—measured optimism grounded in market analysis, not hype. From his chemistry degree at Worcester College, Oxford, through investment banking at Citi and six years overseeing UK investment and asset management at Rockpoint Group, to transforming Greycoat over the past thirteen years, his approach has been consistently analytical and strategic.

“I think we’ll see over time more and more focus on retention and refurbishment rather than demolition and rebuild,” Millican predicts—a trend he’s not just observing but actively shaping. As Greycoat extends its model across Europe, that vision of sustainable, strategically opportunistic, tenant-focused development goes continental.

For a firm that began as a London consultancy, it’s a remarkable transformation. And for Nick Millican, who orchestrated it, the work is just beginning.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or financial advice. The strategies and market trends discussed reflect the author’s views and experiences within the real estate sector. Real estate investments carry inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to consult with qualified financial or real estate professionals to evaluate their specific circumstances before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may fluctuate.

Plant-Powered Calm: Jubi’s Wellness Revolution in Chicago

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 5, 2025

By: William Jones

Chicago’s wellness culture is changing, and it’s happening fast. Across the city, from River North offices to Logan Square creative studios, people are looking for ways to unwind that don’t rely on alcohol or a next-day recovery plan.

Into that new shift steps Jubi Brands, the Bedford Hills–based company bringing plant-powered clarity to the Midwest with a fresh take on functional wellness.

Jubi prides itself on using traditional botanicals on a clean, modern formulation. Its lineup, most notably the Kava Chill Shot and Lion’s Mane Clarity + Energy Shot, is meant to appeal to a growing number of professionals who want to feel good without added stimulants, sugar crashes, or anything artificial.

The Midwest Wants a Different Kind of “Wind Down”

Chicagoans are settling into new routines that feel good without the usual trade-offs of drinking culture. That shift’s opened the door for gentler options like Kava, a centuries-old root with a reputation for helping the mind unwind without intoxication, and Lion’s Mane, long appreciated for supporting steady focus.

Jubi brings both botanicals into simple, portable shots meant to blend into real life: during an after-work lakefront walk, a quick breather between meetings, or a chill evening with friends.

Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Delmore says the goal isn’t to overhaul anyone’s routine, just to make calm and clarity easier to reach. And as Jubi establishes its presence in the Midwest, he’s been looking into how Chicagoans can use these products for their own lives, something he talks more about in the conversation below.

In your opinion, what’s driving Chicago’s interest in non-alcoholic alternatives?

Matthew: Honestly, I think people just want to feel good without paying for it the next morning. Chicago has this incredible sense of community and a very active spirit. It’s a city where people work hard but also care about showing up for their friends, their families, and their hobbies. When you’re juggling all of that, having a way to unwind that doesn’t derail tomorrow becomes a pretty appealing idea.

Also, and this isn’t limited to Chicago, but there’s a growing awareness of how alcohol fits into people’s lives. A lot of folks here are looking for something gentler, something that helps them simmer down after a long day without feeling like they’re stepping out of themselves.

Why did Jubi choose the Midwest for expansion?

Matthew: The Midwest is very honest about what works and what doesn’t. We think people here don’t follow a trend just because it looks good online. They instead look for options that fit their routines and support the way they move through everyday life — and that’s the kind of client we’re after as well.

How do you explain Kava to someone who’s never tried it?

Matthew: I like to say that it feels like the exhale your body has been waiting for. It eases that mental tightness you might not even realize you’ve been carrying around, but it doesn’t make you feel out of it or dulled.

I also like to point out, naturally, that our Chill Shot in particular is one of the best ways to get that real Kava feeling in a way that’s clean, quick, and portable. You can take it before dinner with friends, after a stressful meeting, or during one of those evenings when you just need a reset.

Plant-Powered Calm: Jubi’s Wellness Revolution in Chicago

Photo Courtesy: Jubi

And what about the Lion’s Mane Clarity + Energy Shot?

Matthew: That one is all about consistent, collected focus. Our customers tell us they feel more alert, more clear-headed, but without that twitchy, buzzing sensation that comes with a lot of caffeine. It’s essentially a smoother type of energy that lets you think clearly.

When we created it, the idea was for something that supported the mind without contributing to the frantic pace a lot of us already live in. We really don’t need one more thing that sends us bouncing off the walls. This is about feeling steady and sharp.

How do you see people using Jubi products day to day?

Matthew: A lot of people take the Lion’s Mane shot in the morning to start their day off on the right foot. Others reach for the Kava shot at night when they are winding down or creating a little transition between the busy part of their evening and the restful part. It really depends on the person.

Also, we hear a lot of people pairing them: Lion’s Mane to stay sharp during the day, Kava to ease back down at night.

What makes Jubi different from other functional beverage brands?

Matthew: The name of the game for our company is honesty. We’re very clear about what ingredients we use, with no hidden elements in the formula or confusing labels, and all of our products are manufactured in facilities that follow GMP guidelines.

Really, everything we make is born out of a desire to help people feel balanced. We want our clients to have zero doubts about our processes and full confidence in our goal to serve them. When something is made with intention, people can tell.

Relaxation As a Routine With Jubi Brands

As more people in Chicago are rethinking what it means to unwind, Jubi Brands offers an accessible alternative that seeks to accompany how people live: busy, social, and intentional. The brand is carving out a new lane of wellness that’s both modern and timeless in equal measure, and for a city that prides itself on balance, its arrival couldn’t be better timed.

Sometime Child: Richard Bruce’s Compassionate Look at Class, Chance, and the Unexpected Ties That Bind

The Chicago Journal Staff on December 2, 2025

By: Maria Stone

In Sometime Child, author Richard Bruce delivers a deeply human story born at the intersection of privilege, poverty, trauma, and second chances. Set against the vivid backdrop of New York City, the novel traces an unlikely connection between three characters whose lives collide during a violent alleyway encounter—an event that becomes a catalyst for narrative momentum and the possibility of personal transformation.

From the very first pages, Bruce makes a clear choice: he opens with rupture rather than resolution. The book’s gripping inciting incident shows three lives changing before the reader has had time to form attachments or assumptions, allowing character evolutions to reveal themselves as the story unfolds. As Bruce explains, he wanted to establish “a ‘before’…without hinting of the fact that the lives of each of the characters could change in unexpected ways as they interacted with each other.” At this early point, he notes, he didn’t intend for readers to feel “much in the way of hope for either of the assailants”—a narrative strategy that lays emotional groundwork for what becomes a compelling redemptive arc.

A Story Rooted in Real Experience

While Bruce’s novel is fiction, it is not conjured from imagination alone. It is supported by years of real-world experience working with underserved youth. In 1999, he volunteered with a program devoted to helping teenagers living in dangerous neighborhoods, unstable family structures, and struggling school systems. His first student, he recalls, told him it was unsafe for him to visit her at home. That relationship left a profound mark.

“As I spent time with her, I came to understand the difficulties she faced firsthand,” Bruce says. His experiences with her—and with many similar students—provided much of the emotional insight that shaped Sometime Child. These encounters gave him a living sense of what it means to come of age while navigating scarcity, fear, and systems that may be ill-equipped to nurture potential.

The Ties That Bridge Distant Worlds

The novel’s central connection—between a well-established attorney and two teenage assailants—serves as a conduit for exploring class divides. By all logic, their worlds should repel one another; Bruce instead allows them to intertwine. His approach reflects a core belief: that young people, regardless of background, “have the same dreams and hopes.” He seeks to show how people from “wildly different backgrounds might find some connection if they are willing to spend the time and effort to listen to each other.” That willingness, he suggests, can allow everyone to grow: “Those who have so little may find ways to improve their lives while those with so much can find ways to be kind to others, so it could be a win/win.”

That spirit of mutual transformation is the book’s emotional anchor.

Forgiveness as a Forward Motion

For Bruce, forgiveness is not just a literary theme—it is a philosophy for living. “Holding grudges is an extra weight that serves no purpose,” he shares. In his view, many people who have made mistakes are “in need and have the hidden desire to improve their lives,” though they often need someone to listen, encourage, and help them imagine new directions. His characters reflect this truth in both small and grand moments, making redemption feel both reachable and emotionally earned.

The City as Character

New York City is not merely the book’s setting—it is its crucible. Bruce portrays a metropolis where opulence and poverty live just blocks apart, where proximity alone is not enough to bridge the emotional and material distance between inhabitants. The city, he notes, “allowed me to portray my main characters living or working just minutes apart but in totally different environments… environments that can put a mark on their lives…good or bad that may be difficult to shed.” The places that shape us, he suggests, are not easily escaped—but neither are they destiny.

A Title of Aspiration and Empathy

The title Sometime Child gestures toward longing—and possibility. Children raised in poverty absorb constant reminders of what they lack. They see what they don’t have on television, on the internet, and in the world around them. Still, Bruce emphasizes, they hold the same dreams as those raised in comfort. He hopes that “SOMETIME their dreams might come true,” and felt the title perfectly captured “a path that might make a child’s dreams come true.”

Balancing Darkness and Light

Though the novel contains violence, inequality, and deep personal struggle, Bruce is careful to balance hardship with hope. “Despite all the turmoil and challenges in the world today…I wanted my book to be upbeat…but, at the same time, I wanted my book to be based in reality.” His goal was to “walk that line between evil and goodness,” trusting that readers would walk it with him.

What Readers Take With Them

Empathy is a throughline in Sometime Child. Bruce hopes readers will emerge more mindful of judgment and more attuned to the unseen forces that shape others’ lives. “I hope readers will see how important it is to avoid pre-judging and be empathetic to troubled children born into environments that they would not have chosen had they been able to do so,” he says.

With its cinematic pacing and emotional resonance, Sometime Child offers not just a story, but an invitation—to listen, to understand, and to believe in unexpected paths to hope.

Grab your copy of Sometime Child on Amazon today.

Championing Women’s Rights in Divorce: How Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group Is Transforming Family Law in Chicago

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 28, 2025

A Leading Advocate for Women’s Divorce Rights

In Chicago, a city where family law cases can often be complex and emotionally charged, one law firm has made significant strides in supporting women navigating divorce, custody disputes, and other family law matters. Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group by Haid and Teich LLP was founded with a clear mission: to ensure that women’s rights are prioritized in the family law system.

The firm’s founders, experienced family law attorneys, recognized that women face distinct challenges in divorce and custody proceedings. “Women need a legal team that understands their unique circumstances and works to protect their best interests, especially in a system that may not always address their concerns adequately,” says the firm’s managing attorney. With this understanding, the firm created a space where women could feel supported, heard, and empowered throughout their legal challenges.

Building the Foundation: Compassionate Legal Services

Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group was established as one of the few law firms in the Chicagoland area dedicated to addressing the specific needs of women in family law matters. With a focus on divorce, child custody, spousal support, and parental alienation, the firm provides expert legal services tailored to help women navigate these challenging circumstances.

“We understand the emotional and financial stress that often accompanies divorce, especially when children are involved. Our goal is to guide women through the legal process while ensuring they have the support they need,” says one of the firm’s lead attorneys.

Overcoming Challenges: Addressing the Unique Needs of Women

From its inception, Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group faced the challenge of establishing itself in a traditional legal landscape. The firm’s founders recognized the need for a space where women could receive the necessary legal counsel and advocacy in family law matters, particularly in custody and spousal support cases, which many women found to be disproportionately challenging.

Championing Women’s Rights in Divorce: How Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group Is Transforming Family Law in Chicago

Photo: Unsplash.com

“It wasn’t easy at first to convince others of the importance of a firm focused exclusively on women’s rights in family law,” shares. “But we were committed to ensuring that women could not only access legal services but also have their voices heard in the legal process.”

Despite these challenges, the firm’s dedication to fairness and client advocacy quickly established it as a trusted leader in family law.

Recognized Excellence in Family Law

In a relatively short period, Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group has earned recognition for its high standards of service and client-focused approach. With accolades like “Super Lawyer” recognition from 2016 to 2025, the firm has established itself as a trusted resource for women seeking legal representation in family law matters.

The firm’s success is rooted in more than just winning cases; it’s about forming relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and developing strategies that align with their goals. “We listen to our clients and take the time to understand their concerns, ensuring they feel confident and supported throughout the process,”.

What Sets Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group Apart

What distinguishes Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group from other firms in Chicago is its unwavering commitment to addressing the unique challenges women face in family law matters. Whether navigating a divorce, child custody dispute, or seeking fair spousal support, the firm’s attorneys work diligently to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Additionally, the firm’s approach emphasizes collaboration over confrontation. “Our attorneys are skilled negotiators, focused on solutions that respect the needs of all parties involved,” explains. “We prioritize open communication and strive for resolutions that serve the long-term interests of families.”

Beyond their legal expertise, the firm is also known for its compassionate approach. “Going through a divorce or custody dispute is emotionally taxing, and we’re here not just to represent our clients in court, but to guide them through every stage of the process,” says.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Commitment to Justice

As the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group grows, it remains dedicated to its core mission: providing strong legal advocacy for women in family law cases. The firm plans to expand its team and extend its outreach to ensure more women in Chicago can access the specialized support they need.

“We’re constantly evolving and improving our services to meet the changing needs of our clients and to remain a trusted resource for women navigating family law challenges,”. For women facing divorce, custody battles, or other family law issues, Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group offers more than just legal counsel. They provide advocacy, understanding, and a commitment to achieving fair and just resolutions.

Taking the First Step Toward Resolution

If you are navigating divorce, child custody, or other family law matters, Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group is here to guide you through the process with expertise and compassion. To learn more or schedule a consultation with a chicago divorce attorneys, visit divorce attorney Chicago, check out their Yelp page, and follow them on X. Your path to a fair resolution begins here.

By focusing on the rights and needs of women, the firm has become a trusted resource for family law matters in Chicago. Through a combination of legal expertise, client-centered service, and empathy, Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group continues to lead the way in providing comprehensive family law support.

 

Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss their specific legal needs and concerns.

A Legacy of Advocacy: 30 Years of Empowerment at IAG

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 27, 2025

By: Nadine Crespo

For three decades, Individual Advocacy Group (IAG) has stood as a force for transformation not just an organization, but a movement redefining what empowerment and inclusion look like for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since its founding in the mid-1990s, IAG has grown from a small, determined team into a multi-program agency recognized nationally for its creativity, compassion, and results-driven advocacy.

At the foundation of this journey is Dr. Charlene Bennett, whose vision and leadership helped shape IAG’s identity and mission. While Dr. Bennett’s influence is unmistakable, the heart of the story is IAG itself which is a community of advocates, professionals, and self-advocates united around one simple but radical belief: that every person deserves the right to live a full, self-directed life.

A Legacy of Advocacy: 30 Years of Empowerment at IAG

Photo Courtesy: Individual Advocacy Group

When IAG began, the disability services field was dominated by institutional models and rigid systems. IAG challenged that status quo by prioritizing people over processes. The organization’s person-centered philosophy focused on dignity, choice, and individuality rather than on checklists and compliance. This values-driven shift became the cornerstone of IAG’s model, influencing how services are delivered and how people are viewed across the system.

Over the years, IAG’s commitment to listening, relationship-building, and innovation produced groundbreaking programs that are now considered models for best practice. Its person-centered planning, individualized supports, and community-based opportunities enable people to live, work, and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them. Whether through employment, volunteering, or artistic expression, IAG ensures that every individual is seen not as a client, but as a community member with something valuable to offer.

The Stabilization-First Model: Advocacy in Action

A Legacy of Advocacy: 30 Years of Empowerment at IAG

Photo Courtesy: Individual Advocacy Group

One of IAG’s most impactful innovations has been its Stabilization-First approach: a model that prioritizes safety, trust, and stability before anything else. Rather than relying on institutional placements or crisis-driven interventions, IAG’s approach focuses on rebuilding lives through relationships, routines, and community integration.

This model recognizes that meaningful progress begins when people feel safe and supported. By helping individuals stabilize their environment, manage challenges, and regain a sense of control, IAG sets the foundation for long-term growth. The results speak for themselves: fewer unnecessary hospitalizations, stronger community ties, and measurable improvements in quality of life.

The Stabilization Program has become one of IAG’s signature successes.  This is a tangible example of what happens when advocacy meets action. As IAG looks toward the future, expanding this program remains a key priority. The goal is clear: to bring stability, safety, and opportunity to even more individuals and families.

Building Pathways to Independence

IAG’s impact extends far beyond stabilization. The organization offers a wide portfolio of programs that empower individuals to live, work, and express themselves fully.

  • The Transitional Living Program works with DCFS to help youth move from unstable environments into homes where they are fully supported and guided to have autonomy to make their own decisions.
  • Community Day Services offer opportunities for creativity and skill-building through art, cooking, and vocational training.  This far surpasses programs to help pass the time but offers opportunities for individuals to learn skills that generalize in their communities, workplaces and relationships. 
  • Entrepreneurship and media initiatives give individuals the tools to launch podcasts, businesses, and creative projects that amplify their voices and redefine independence.

Every IAG program is built on the same foundation: person-centered support that fosters self-reliance, confidence, and connection.

A Culture of Collaboration and Inclusion

What sets IAG apart is its belief that advocacy must be inclusive. Families, professionals, and the people supported by IAG all play an active role in shaping the organization’s services and direction. This collaborative spirit has not only strengthened IAG’s programs but also influenced policy conversations and public understanding of disability rights nationwide.

Our employees are all a part of our mission.  Their investment in IAG’s vision and heart help create and expand programs and services to different areas.  The level of commitment that IAG employees have surpasses our organization.  Through working here they have learned and embodied true advocacy that has furthered our reach on a ground level. 

By opening its doors to legislators, media, and community partners, IAG demonstrates that community-based living is not only more humane it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and transformative.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Impact

As IAG celebrates three decades of advocacy, its focus is firmly on the future. The agency is exploring ways to expand the Stabilization Program and extend its reach to more communities that lack adequate support systems. This next phase of growth will include new partnerships, housing opportunities, and professional development initiatives that ensure IAG’s high standards of care remain consistent across every region.

IAG’s continued evolution is powered by the people who believe in its mission – the staff, advocates, families, and individuals who remind the world that change begins with compassion and commitment.

A Living Legacy

While IAG’s roots are tied to visionary leaders who saw what was possible when dignity meets determination, its strength lies in the collective. Thirty years later, IAG stands as a testament to what can happen when advocacy becomes everyday practice — when stabilization leads to empowerment, and when inclusion becomes the norm rather than the goal.

The future of IAG is about more than growth — it’s about deepening impact. Through expansion, innovation, and steadfast advocacy, IAG continues to prove that when people are given the tools and respect to lead their own lives, entire communities thrive. Join the e-mail list to stay up to date on all things IAG at www.iagcares.org.

Patricia Leavy on Bias, Creativity, and the Path Toward Becoming The Artist Academic

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 26, 2025

By: Evan Sinclair

Patricia Leavy has long stood at the intersection of scholarship and creativity, and in her newest book, The Artist Academic, she reflects openly on the challenges, turning points, and unexpected revelations that shaped her path. Through personal storytelling and thoughtful guidance, she invites readers to reimagine what an academic life can be. Her experiences offer both practical advice and emotional reassurance for scholars, artists, and anyone trying to merge intellect with imagination.

Confronting Bias and Institutional Barriers

In The Artist Academic, Leavy does not shy away from discussing the bias and institutional roadblocks she has encountered. Throughout her career, she has faced gender based challenges and gatekeeping within both academia and publishing. While these moments were far from pleasant, she believed it would be dishonest to leave them out.

She explains that navigating bias and difficult personalities has been a defining part of her story. By sharing these experiences honestly, she hopes to provide readers with a toolkit for handling adversity. She wants others to know that they are not alone and that hardships do not preclude personal fulfillment or success. Her message is clear. You can face hostility or unfairness and still build the life you want. You can still thrive.

Unexpected Lessons in Reflection

Writing The Artist Academic led Leavy to discover insights she had not anticipated. Through the act of reflection, she realized how many seemingly ordinary moments in her early life shaped her creative and scholarly path. She rediscovered the influence of her grandmother, who told enchanting stories, and her teenage friends who loved to debate philosophy. She recalled the artists she met in graduate school whose presence helped expand her sense of what was possible.

She also gained a new perspective on the setbacks she once experienced. While they felt devastating in the moment, she now sees how each disappointment pushed her toward opportunities that were far better aligned with her purpose. This revelation brought her a profound sense of gratitude. It reminded her that obstacles and delays can sometimes be disguised forms of direction.

Helping Scholars Move Beyond Feeling Stuck

Many academics feel trapped within traditional expectations and struggle to imagine how creativity might fit into their professional lives. Leavy encourages scholars to start small and experiment without pressure. She suggests transforming interview research into poetry or turning ethnographic notes into short stories. Simple exercises at the end of her book guide readers to reflect on their current career and envision what they truly want it to be.

One exercise asks readers to write a letter to themselves about their career as it exists and as they wish it were. This honesty can reveal the “messy gut checks” that often signal the need for change. Leavy believes that identifying these internal signals is the first step toward meaningful turning points.

Protecting Creative Time in a Demanding Environment

Balancing institutional responsibilities with creative goals is a challenge many academics know well. Leavy offers a strategy that has been essential in her own life. Create a regular writing or artistic discipline. She emphasizes the importance of carving out dedicated time free from distractions like email or social media. During that time, you must show up fully, even if the work involves staring at a blank screen or allowing space for thought.

She views this scheduled time as sacred. If someone else had booked a meeting with you, you would keep it. She encourages readers to honor their appointments with themselves in the same way. Breaking promises to oneself weakens creative momentum, while keeping them builds confidence and discipline.

Building a Public Creative Voice

For those new to communicating with broader audiences, Leavy suggests approaching the process with curiosity and patience. One of her most practical tips is to write a mock blog post or op-ed, even if it is never published. This exercise helps scholars learn how to translate complex ideas into accessible language. It is a skill that becomes invaluable across fields and career stages.

Another strategy is to practice speaking about your creative work. She recommends writing down interview questions someone might ask about a manuscript or artistic project and then answering them. This builds comfort and fluency when describing your work to others, a necessary step toward sharing art with the world.

Leavy herself spent years practicing these skills, long before she wrote novels for general audiences. She believes these early efforts played a major role in her later success.

A Guidebook for Reinvention and Courage

The Artist Academic is ultimately more than a memoir. It is a companion for anyone standing at a crossroads. With candor and compassion, Leavy encourages readers to examine their lives honestly and to trust their creative instincts. She reminds us that traditional paths are not the only paths and that meaningful change begins with small acts of courage.

Through lessons shaped by experience and reflection, she shows that it is possible to lead a life that integrates scholarship, creativity, and purpose. Her journey is a reminder that even in environments marked by bias or constraint, individuals can chart their own course. The Artist Academic empowers readers to imagine what their careers could become and to take the first steps toward making that vision real.

Get your copy of The Artist Academic on Amazon today.

Corey Holcomb Brings His Unfiltered Humor to North America in New Comedy Tour

The Chicago Journal Staff on November 26, 2025

Comedian, Actor, and Radio Host Corey Holcomb Kicks Off North American Tour

Corey Holcomb, the comedian, actor, and radio host, has revealed the upcoming tour dates for his highly anticipated “5150 Industry Repo Show.” The tour, promoted by Live Nation, is set to begin on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA, and will make stops across major cities in North America. The 5150 Industry Repo Show swears to deliver a memorable experience, blending humor, storytelling, and Corey’s unique perspective on relationships.

The 5150 Industry Repo Show Tour Dates

The “5150 Industry Repo Show” will take Corey Holcomb to four major cities, where fans can enjoy his raw, unfiltered humor. Tickets for the shows will be available through various presale events and the general onsale, starting October 16.

  • Sun, Dec 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore

  • Sun, Dec 28 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

  • Sat, Jan 18 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

  • Sun, Feb 01 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
Corey Holcomb Brings His Unfiltered Humor to North America in New Comedy Tour

Photo Courtesy: 5150 Show

Ticket Sales and Presale Information

Tickets for the 5150 Industry Repo Show will go on sale starting Thursday, October 16, with an exclusive artist presale event. Additional presales will be available throughout the week, and the general onsale will begin on Friday, October 17 at 12PM local time on LiveNation.com.

Phone-Free Experience for Holcomb’s Show

As part of the tour’s unique experience, Corey Holcomb’s performances will be a phone-free event. Audience members will be required to secure their phones, smart watches, and accessories in Yondr pouches upon arrival at the venue. The devices will remain in these pouches throughout the show and can only be accessed in designated areas. Anyone caught using a device during the performance will be escorted out, ensuring that attendees can fully immerse themselves in the comedic experience.

About Corey Holcomb

Corey Holcomb is a comedy legend known for his unapologetic humor and insightful commentary on relationships. His ability to bridge gaps across different cultures and demographics has made him one of the most relatable comedians in the industry. Holcomb’s comedy draws from his unique perspective on relationships, particularly his take on how men navigate the complex dynamics with women.

A defining feature of Holcomb’s comedy is his advice on how men can reclaim control in relationships after feeling overwhelmed by a “hostile takeover” from their partners. His stage presence is equally compelling, with his expressive facial gestures enhancing the humor and deepening the audience’s connection to his performance.

Despite his success and fame, Holcomb remains grounded and approachable. His down-to-earth nature and willingness to share his own experiences on stage have earned him a loyal following.

Holcomb’s Career in Comedy and Entertainment

Corey Holcomb’s career spans over two decades and includes a variety of standout performances across television, film, and live comedy. He has appeared on popular TV shows such as The Tonight Show, Mad TV, Wild ‘N Out, and Last Comic Standing. Holcomb’s film career includes roles in Think Like A Man Too, Wedding Ringer, and Like Mike. He has also contributed to major comedy specials, including Corey Holcomb: The Problem Is You, Comedy Central Presents: Corey Holcomb, and Corey Holcomb: Your Way Ain’t Working.

Holcomb’s comedic influence extends beyond the stage. He has appeared in the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s These Walls and continues to host his popular podcast, The Corey Holcomb 5150 Show, which airs on YouTube. The podcast offers Holcomb a platform to connect directly with his fans, discussing everything from comedy to relationship dynamics and beyond.

Corey Holcomb’s Unique Approach to Comedy

Holcomb’s comedy is rooted in his distinctive observational style. He blends personal experiences with relatable commentary, often touching on the everyday struggles of relationships. His humor resonates deeply with audiences because it offers a balance of both laughter and introspection. Fans appreciate his ability to address serious themes with a light-hearted approach, making him one of the most sought-after stand-up comedians in the industry today.

While many comedians focus on current events or political satire, Holcomb’s humor is timeless, allowing his performances to remain relevant across generations. His jokes often revolve around personal relationships, making them accessible to a wide audience, no matter their background.

Media and Press Information

For those seeking media credentials or additional information about Corey Holcomb’s upcoming tour, please contact the Live Nation Concerts team. All inquiries for press credentials can be directed to:

Maya Sarin
Email: mayasarin@livenation.com
For media inquiries and press credentials, visit: Live Nation Press Requests

Stay Connected with Corey Holcomb

Corey Holcomb continues to engage with his fans through social media, where he offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into his comedic journey. To stay up to date with the latest news and tour updates, follow Corey Holcomb on his official social media channels:

Get Your Tickets for The 5150 Industry Repo Show

Corey Holcomb Brings His Unfiltered Humor to North America in New Comedy Tour

Photo Courtesy: Live Nation Concerts

Fans can secure their tickets starting Thursday, October 16 for presale access, with the general onsale beginning Friday, October 17 at LiveNation.com. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the funniest and most influential comedians live in action.