Zack Karmin is chairing the 5th Annual Revolving Tables, a one-of-a-kind networking event, hosted annually by the Visions Young Leadership Board of the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF). ChiTribe chatted with him about being involved with ICRF and why Revolving Tables is one of the best networking opportunities in Chicago, and for a good cause too! Registration closes April 26th for this year’s Revolving Tables.
Tell Us How You Got to Be Here Today
Well, I am 25 years old now and I grew up in Chicago just in the Wrigleyville area. I started at Anshe Emet for K-8, then high school at Francis Parker and on to the University of Michigan. I loved all my school experiences, and even live with two of my best friends from my Anshe days. I also spent my summers at Camp Kawaga.
After college, I worked in sales and marketing for 2 years in order to learn the sales industry. Now, I work in the insurance industry for my family’s company, Associated Agencies consulting on insurance matters and selling insurance to individuals, families and businesses.
What Do You Like to Do for Fun?
I’m really into music, I love live music. Last year, I saw around 20-30 shows. Most recently, I was in Miami for a music festival. I enjoy traveling around the country to see my favorite band, Dispatch. I’ll be seeing them live in Milwaukee and Portland, Maine this summer.
I’m a self-taught guitar player, but mostly because I like to play and sing for fun. I did check off a bucket list item in college when I played a 2 hour concert for about 100 people, just me and my guitar. I’m hoping to play another concert soon in Chicago.
I’m also a die-hard sports fan (Michigan, Cubs, Bears and Bulls, Hawks) and try to stay active and play sports as much as I can in my spare time. I have an older sister and younger brother who also went to Michigan. We are fourth generation Michigan students
Tell me about getting involved with Israel Cancer Research Fund
I got involved when my company sponsored the Revolving Tables event last year. When I went last year I was really impressed with everything from the networking aspects to the organizations and speaker, but also how unique the event really is.
It provides such a great opportunity for peer-to-peer networking. You really get to meet willing and accomplished mentors who want to provide their guidance to young people in the community. It is rare to get people who are so busy to give their time and access to them even after the event.
So, after last year’s event I became involved in the Visions Board, which is the young professional board that is open to most people willing to make a commitment. I saw an opportunity to commit my time and energy and I am honored to step in and share my skills for the event this year.
Tell Us About Last Year’s Event, What is a Memory You Have from It?
Last year I had the opportunity to sit down with a man named Pete Kadens, who is a mentor again this year. I was incredibly impressed by how down-to-earth he seemed, and how willing he was to share his story. I thought, this is not only an opportunity personally but professionally.
Pete is an accomplished entrepreneur, and someone who has been successful in the cannabis industry, a space I’ve had success insuring. I learned a lot from Pete, and appreciate his willingness to share. It is so much more than a night where I pass out business cards and get free drinks, but to make real business connections and mentors.
What can you tell us more about ICRF?
Israel has some of the most innovative leaders in the world, particularly in science and technology. But because of the security threat that they face as a nation, so much of the funding is directed towards protecting themselves. ICRF can’t solve all funding issues, but we do what we can to help bridge the gap and allow for the talented researchers to do their part.
What Would You Say to Someone Interested in Coming to Revolving Tables 2019
If you’re someone looking to grow your network, learn from some of the brightest C-Level executives in our city or if you are looking to have a fun night while contributing to a great organization, Revolving Tables is a no-brainer. The 5th Annual event is pushing to be our best yet!
5th Annual Revolving Tables – Israel Cancer Research Fund
- Date: Thursday, May 2, 2019
- Time: 5:30 pm Cocktail Reception, 6:30 pm Dinner and Program
- Dinner Schedule: Program and three 30-minute courses, each with a different mentor. The dinner concludes at 9:00 pm, followed by cocktails and networking until 10:00 pm.
- Location: Ivy Room, 12 East Ohio Street, Chicago
- Ticket Price: $90
- Raffle Prizes: Grand Prize Raffle is a 7 Day Trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! Additional raffle prizes include Chicago professional sports tickets, theater tickets and restaurant gift cards.
- Attire: Business casual
Find Jewish events in Chicago on ChiTribe’s Event Calendar