Outstanding Ohioans

For Episode 46, I had the good fortune to interview Ryan Borgman, President of Borgman Athletics.  Borgman Athletics' motto is "We Make Sports Happen".  Check out the photo gallery of the type of work Borgman Athletics does. So many of us participate or spectate sports indoors and outdoors.  The demand and expectations of the users is extremely high.  Facility space is often at a premium, and Borgman Athletics specializes in creative solutions to maximize and optimize the safety of these facilities. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like "The Outstanding Ohioans" on Facebook On your computer Here are some of the topics we discussed: Ryan's career path, and the valuable lessons of customer service, hard work, creativity, and attention to detail that he learned along the way. Who served as Ryan's mentors the importance of relationships giving back to the community the necessity of a leader staying positive and solving problems the type of work Borgman Athletics started wit

For episode 45 of the Outstanding Ohioans show, I had the privilege of re-interviewing "the Barn Artist", Scott Hagan from Jerusalem, Ohio (Belmont County). Click here to listen to episode 20 If you have driven anywhere in the state, you have come across Scott's work.  Enjoy his story, and I reckon you will pay more attention on your future driving trips around Ohio. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like on Facebook On your computer Here are some highlights from the interview with Scott: new projects in Ohio that Scott is working on how Scott was interested in art throughout his life, and preferred to find a "larger" canvas when he was 19 years old, he painted his first barn (his dad's barn) and the ramifications of this work that led to being commissioned to paint bicentennial barns in Ohio finding a mentor just down the road, legendary "Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco" barn painter Harley Warrick Scott's keys to success:   work ethic (he paints each barn with an old-fashione

In Episodes 43 & 44, I had the privilege of interviewing Lois Wolfe (Director) & Board of Trustee members Robert Wheeler, John Blakeman & Don Gfell, who help operate the Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio of the Edison Birthplace Association, Inc., a private, non-profit organization. Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher After the death of Thomas A. Edison from complications of diabetes on October 18, 1931, opening his birthplace to the public as a memorial and museum became the private project of his wife, Mina Miller Edison, and their daughter, Mrs. John Eyre Sloane. The Edison Birthplace Museum opened on the centennial of the inventor's birth in 1947.   Here are some of the highlights from our conversation: the history of the Edison family in this house what brought the Edison family to Milan, Ohio, "the Silicon Valley of the Midwest" during its heyday how Thomas Edison was shaped by the environment of the town and diversity of the people p

In Episodes 43 & 44, I had the privilege of interviewing Lois Wolfe (Director) & Board of Trustee members Robert Wheeler, John Blakeman & Don Gfell, who help operate the Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio of the Edison Birthplace Association, Inc., a private, non-profit organization. Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher After the death of Thomas A. Edison from complications of diabetes on October 18, 1931, opening his birthplace to the public as a memorial and museum became the private project of his wife, Mina Miller Edison, and their daughter, Mrs. John Eyre Sloane. The Edison Birthplace Museum opened on the centennial of the inventor's birth in 1947.   Here are some of the highlights from our conversation: the history of the Edison family in this house what brought the Edison family to Milan, Ohio, "the Silicon Valley of the Midwest" during its heyday how Thomas Edison was shaped by the environment of the town and diversity of the people p

In Episode 42, I had the privilege of interviewing Marc Biales, Owner of Wild Berry, a world renowned incense manufacturer, in Oxford, Ohio. Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher The Wild Berry was established circa 1971 in Oxford, Ohio.  From humble beginnings, we've now spread our peace, love, and incense all over the world.  With over 90 premium quality fragrances we're sure you'll enjoy America's Best Incense (from Wild Berry website) Here are some of the highlights from our conversation: Marc talked about his childhood growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. how he knew his path would involve being an entrepreneur why he enrolled at Miami University Opening his first "store", working with leather, and eventually learning about incense how Wild Berry grew their business and opening of a large manufacturing facility how important core values are to an organization and allowing employees to work with autonomy to be successful the importance of customer service, finding a

In Episode 41, I had the privilege of interviewing Anastasia Congdon & Margaret Lewis, Founders of Kokosing Valley School in Gambier, Ohio (Knox County). Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher The Kokosing Valley School is based on the Sudbury School Model founded in 1968.  It is a model based on freedom, self-paced learning, mixed peer ages, play, interest exploration, and democratic processes. It is in fact nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wreck and ruin without fail. -Albert Einstein Here are some of the highlights from our conversation: Anastasia and Margaret's backgrounds prior to founding the school in 2015 How each person came across the Sudbury model The tipping point for taking action for their children, and why they felt the Sudbury model was the best f

In this episode, I am privileged to talk with Dr. Jim Burson for the third time.  Here is the link to the two previous interviews. Dr. Burson is the Owner of Solution-Based Basketball, Author of The Golden Whistle & The Daily Nugget, retired collegiate basketball coach, and consultant to Nike Basketball and 94Fifty. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like on Facebook  Here were some highlights from our discussion: what Coach Burson can provide through his coaching program his tips on delegation and core values how to balance outcomes (winning) and process servant leadership potential book project with George Raveling how to keep things in perspective Coach Burson's contact information website: http://jimburson.com/ email:  jim@jimburson.com

For Episode 40, I had the privilege of interview Lynne Sturtevant.  Lynne is a local history buff, published author, and entrepreneur.  Listen to my previous Interview with her brother James Sturtevant. Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher Lynne is the owner of Hidden Marietta and The History Biz.  She has authored Haunted Marietta:  History and Mystery in Ohio's Oldest City and A Guide to Historic Marietta, Ohio. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation: how her father stoked her interest in history her career path from State of Ohio employee to travel agent to marketing director to Marietta businesses how she has leveraged three H's (history, haunted, and heritage) into her businesses the ghost ladies, indian mounds, and why Marietta is the most haunted city in Ohio an example creating a history program through the Cambridge Victorian Village funeral celebration her writing process with the Charleston Press the importance of creating a memorable, immersive

For episode 38, I had the pleasure of interviewing James Sturtevant, a 31-Year Teacher extraordinaire at Big Walnut High School and Author of the book You've Gotta Connect: Building Relationships That Lead to Engaged Students, Productive Classrooms, and Higher Achievement.  Mr. Sturtevant was referred to me by previous guest Jim Burson (Jim Burson Interview 1 & Interview 2.  You will love his energy and commitment to serve his student. Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher James has been around great teachers his whole life.  His father was a history teacher at Muskingum College (now Muskingum University).  He graduated from Muskingum with his bachelor's degree and then Ohio State with his master's degree.  He is married to Penny, the principal at Big Walnut Middle School. Here were some of our discussion points: his tipping point were he made up his mind the teaching profession was his path how to connect and to engage all types of students The influence of Daniel Pi

For Episodes 36 & 37 of the Outstanding Ohioans show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Mayer, President of Opportunity Ohio.  Opportunity Ohio (O2) is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for Ohioans through educating policymakers and citizens. We pay particular attention to the impact of state and local government decisions and how they foster or hinder job creation and economic growth. Our strategic aim is to provide our leaders with sound policies for a better tomorrow. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Matt A. Mayer serves as President of Opportunity Ohio. Previously, Mayer wrote and spoke on national security and federalism issues as a Visiting Fellow with The Heritage Foundation. His Heritage federalism work earned the runner-up prize in the 2012 Better Government Competition. Mayer has been a national policy leader for more than a decade. Mayer is the author of three books.  Mayer’s first book, Homeland Security and Fede

For Episodes 36 & 37 of the Outstanding Ohioans show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Mayer, President of Opportunity Ohio.  Opportunity Ohio (O2) is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for Ohioans through educating policymakers and citizens. We pay particular attention to the impact of state and local government decisions and how they foster or hinder job creation and economic growth. Our strategic aim is to provide our leaders with sound policies for a better tomorrow. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Matt A. Mayer serves as President of Opportunity Ohio. Previously, Mayer wrote and spoke on national security and federalism issues as a Visiting Fellow with The Heritage Foundation. His Heritage federalism work earned the runner-up prize in the 2012 Better Government Competition. Mayer has been a national policy leader for more than a decade. Mayer is the author of three books.  Mayer’s first book, Homeland Security and Fede

For the Episode 35, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aaron Harris, the Deputy Communications Director/Central Committee Member/Spokesman for the Libertarian Party of Ohio. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Aaron became involved in the Libertarian Party when he felt the Republican Party was not representing his views on liberty and fiscal management.  Here were the topics we discussed: growing up in Fairborn, Ohio his professional background as a teacher, journalist, and writer what is a libertarian? how he got involved with libertarian party? issues with ballot access for candidates outside the two major parties, including the current lawsuit between the Libertarian Party of Ohio and Husted Documentary Of the People, By the People, For the People what's his take on Governor Kasich's performance what changes are needed in the tax code and entitlement programs the current ballot issue about the legalization of marijuana how supporting

For the Episode 34, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tiffany Young, the owner of the Young Leaders Learning Center in Ross, Ohio.  Tiffany is passionate and strongly committed to serving youngsters and providing a strong educational foundation to last a lifetime. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Episode 34 on your computer or mobile device Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Here were the topics we discussed: Tiffany's background, role models & mentors, and how she developed her passion for educating others her background working at a charter school prior to opening the center how her philosophy of education has changed over the course of her career what burning issue drove and committed her to opening the center in October 2014 how she developed the business plan and curriculum focus the myriad of regulations based on the business and services she offers the core values of her business how she structures a day of activities based on age & individual ability

Back from our summer break....thank you to tuning into Episode 33. I had the pleasure of Sheila Fox.  I sought out the interview because of her role as the Executive Director of the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.  During the interview, I also learned that Sheila owns a successful event planning business called Event In Site.   To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Episode 33 on your computer or mobile device Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Here were some of the topics we discussed: What is the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame and what is the purpose? Shelia's professional journey Importance of self-discipline, writing skills, attention to detail, great customer service, & partnerships, hospitality, and connecting with people what is the current state of the hall of fame, and what are the plans for future physical locations of the building? how to purchase DVD's of all HOF banquet events how to donate to the HOF elected members of the HOF connect with Sheila email &

For episodes 31 & 32, I had the privilege of interviewing Mark Eppler of Mark Eppler International.  Mark works as a speaker, seminar leader, and author.  He also provides leadership ministry for the Cincinnati City Gospel.  Mark's work focuses on leadership, change, management, customer service, or personal effectiveness. Mark is the author of two books with a third one coming out soon.  His books are: The Wright Way: 7 Problem-Solving Principles from the Wright Brothers That Can Make Your Business Soar Management Mess-ups: 57 Pitfalls You Can Avoid (and Stories of Those Who Didn't) To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Here are some highlights from his interview: why his parents were his role models growing up in Kentucky Abraham Lincoln was one of his early heroes working professionally in electronic manufacturing and teaching at Indiana University how writing his books enhanced his business why the Wright Brothers book is for

For episodes 31 & 32, I had the privilege of interviewing Mark Eppler of Mark Eppler International.  Mark works as a speaker, seminar leader, and author.  He also provides leadership ministry for the Cincinnati City Gospel.  Mark's work focuses on leadership, change, management, customer service, or personal effectiveness. Mark is the author of two books with a third one coming out soon.  His books are: The Wright Way: 7 Problem-Solving Principles from the Wright Brothers That Can Make Your Business Soar Management Mess-ups: 57 Pitfalls You Can Avoid (and Stories of Those Who Didn't) To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Stitcher Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Here are some highlights from his interview: why his parents were his role models growing up in Kentucky Abraham Lincoln was one of his early heroes working professionally in electronic manufacturing and teaching at Indiana University how writing his books enhanced his business why the Wright Brothers book is for

        For Episode 30, I had the privilege of interviewing Laura DeYoung, Executive Director of Urban Shepherds, Co-Owner of Spicy Lamb Farm, and Environmental Planner for NEFCO. I came across Laura's work while reading Episode 7 guest Gene Logsdon's weekly blog post.  In this post, Mr. Logsdon referenced an event discussing an upcoming Urban Shepherd program.  I spoke to Laura a few days before this event. Laura's purpose is the result of two of her interests, the environment and sheep.  One mission is to have homeowners use their yards as pasture, rather than using lawn mowers, as part of a neighborhood grazing program. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Sticher Your computer or mobile device, Episode 30

For episode 29, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cafe O Play Co-Owners John and Carolyn Green from Stow, Ohio. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Sticher Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Here were some highlights from our conversation: John and Carolyn's background- GreensBio what is Cafe O Play? how did they get interested in this business concept?  A visit to the Treehouse Involvement with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions challenge of funding how the business got its name Importance of Customer Service and the Customer Experience to become a sustainable business some tips on finding great team members Hours of Operation and average number of customers daily IPlay video games and designing indoor play structures What is Gaga Ball Enjoyment of their children being involved in the operation of the family business and the lifelong skills they will learn Upcoming Events Connection with 

  As today is Opening Day, it is fitting that this podcast interview is about baseball.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Rick Huhn, Baseball Biographer, regarding his book The Sizzler:  George Sisler, Baseball's Forgotten Great, about native Ohioan and Baseball Hall of Famer George Sisler. In a legendary career as an amateur player, professional player, and professional baseball management, George Sisler set many records and was regarded by his peers as one of the all-time greats.  After his playing career ended, Sisler faded from the limelight and many fans' memories.  Rick Huhn took a look at why this happened at the behest of Sisler's son George Sisler Jr.  Rick has compiled an outstanding biography with great detail that any baseball fan will love. To listen to the show, click on one of the following: Itunes Sticher Your computer or mobile device, Episode 28 Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook Here were some highlights from our conversation: growing up in Marion, Ohio, his involvement with writing

For the next three podcast episodes, I had the pleasure of talking to Matt Kramer, a terrific High School Basketball Coach and Author.  Matt currently resides in Georgia, but was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.  His current team Milton High School is one of the outstanding programs in Georgia with national-level aspirations. Coach Kramer is the co-author of the great book The Best-Laid Plans of a High School Basketball CEO, which he wrote with legendary Ohio High School Basketball Coach Randy Montgomery.  Coach Kramer wrote the book to document his journey and provide a resource for up and coming coaches. Here are the fantastic highlights from our great conversation: Looking up to his dad, a teacher and coach, who provided the inspiration for his own playing, teaching, and coaching career. Having an outstanding athlete to learn from in Olympian Butch Reynolds. The core values he learned growing up about:  caring for players, skill development, building relationships with a family-type environment, be inv