In this weekly podcast, Spire chats with local leaders who had to overcome challenges to find success. Be inspired by real, local stories of true grit and courage.
Dr. Radiah Blanton has always had a passion for people. Now as the Associate Dean of Liberal Arts for Cuyahoga Community College, she has the opportunity to impact individuals, families, and the community. Listen to how Blanton has used her unique work experience to get where she is today.
Having entered corporate America at the young age of 18, Steven Walbolt found a passion for innovating successful businesses. Listen to how the president of MDG Flooring America learned how to get out of his own way and reach his full potential.
Having started as an intern, Andy Felter had a vision for what the future of Webster Industries could look like. Listen to how this President and CEO made changes to grow a sustainable and successful company.
Andy Stephey did not want to work in an environment where there was a ceiling. Instead, he strives everyday to set new benchmarks for sales and revenue. Listen to how he used grit and determination to become one of the leading salespeople for UIS Insurance & Investments.
One of the biggest motivators for former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Jay Goyal, was to make an impact. Listen to how he went from knocking on doors to solving economic problems all at the age of 25.
Economic developer, Kathy Breitenbucher, has tried to work against her nature in the past. Now, she is motivated by challenge and plays a key role in problem solving for her county. Listen to how Breitenbucher has cultivated her passion to bring in new business.
Owner and founder of Marathon Real Estate Group, Sam Livingston, has found success through consistency and the willingness to take risks. Listen to how he has continued to adapt to changes and become a strong leader.
What has kept top-rated crêpe maker, Kelly Horter, in business for 11 years? The willingness to adapt and prove her doubters wrong. Listen to how she overcame the pandemic and lives everyday differently.
From volunteering to being a regular at her crossfit gym, Debbie Kiley had to build up an emotional toughness to lead her to where she is today. Listen to how Kiley pushed self doubt aside and gained the confidence to lead 106 employees.
As the superintendent of the fifth largest career center in the state of Ohio, Greg Nickoli, has found his purpose in motivating young students to find their light at the end of the tunnel. Listen to how Nickoli has used his own childhood experience to guide future workers.
Pastor, drag racer, and father of 14 children are just some of the ways to describe Mike Bucher. Listen to how he has spread the word of God and became a beacon of light for the Hope Over Heroin movement.
Female business owner, Mary Kay Ziniewicz, saw a need to help strong women like herself: moms. Listen to how she created a workforce marketplace that believes in the intelligence and perseverance of moms.
An unlikely entrepreneur, Peter Graham Dunn, has learned a lot about owning a business over the years. As he faced bankruptcy and starting from scratch, Dunn never lost his entrepreneurial spirit. Listen to how he overcame the obstacles in his career.
Overcoming loss and illness, Victoria Langer is a woman who has not quit, and will not quit. Listen to how this medical entrepreneur has improved the lives of many with her international, woman-owned business of 26 years.
With a focus on turning the volume down on negativity, financial guru of 41 years, Charlie Epstein, has learned how to prioritize his true desires. Listen to how he overcame a rocky divorce and turned his life around by daring to be bold everyday.
While a corporate world and entrepreneurial world may seem different, attorney Phil Truax has juggled both in his career. After deciding to change his law specialty a week before the pandemic began, Truax learned how to adjust to change and never give up. Listen to how Truax continues to follow his passion.
Owner and CEO of Jarrett Companies, Mike Jarrett, has focused on getting better everyday since 1998. The founder of one of the fastest growing companies in the United States shares his experience with turmoil and success. Listen to hear why he loves what he does.
Growing up on a small family farm, Dennis Neate learned the importance of grit and determination at a young age. He is now an acting Vice President for Oswald Companies. Listen to what led him to become the businessman he is today.
With over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, overcoming personal obstacles of loss and recovery, and starting up his own coaching business, Dr. Manuel Astruc has captured the true definition of grit. Listen to how he turned his life around and committed to enjoying the ride no matter what.
Entrepreneur and visionary, Jason Stevenson, dabbles in various areas from working in insurance to owning over 100 hair salons. He has found success in his career but it does not come without struggle and high mental energy. Listen to how he prioritizes his time and has become comfortable with delegating important tasks.
As a women entrepreneur, Lynn Child, has shown grit over the many years she has poured into CentraComm. As the Principal Founder and President, she has overcome both personal and business challenges along the way. Listen to how she perseveres.
Ron Kaminski believes in help first. At Culture Shoc he instills that in not only his team but the companies he guides. Through the recession of 2008 and the 2020 pandemic, Ron has learned valuable lessons that will carry into future tough situations. Listen in to see how he approaches storms head-on.
Being a part of a fourth-generation family business can be tough. Brian Kimmel shares how his family has come together to pivot in an ever-changing industry. Listen in to his story.
Erin Halper saw a need and jumped in after it. Pursing the solution has led her to being the CEO of The Upside, an award-winning accelerator and community for consultants. Listen in to hear more about her journey.
As Vice President of Sales at the Akron Rubber Ducks, one of the challenges Dave Burke has faced throughout his career happened in 2020 due to COVID-19. Listen to how he and the team pivoted to keep momentum during a bleak season.
Once Billy Keels learned that his calendar is the driver of his time, and that time is what leads to profitability and satisfaction, he began prioritizing. As an account executive at an enterprise software company and a business owner himself, listen to his story.
Chris Winkelmann, owner of Chris Winkelmann Insurance Agency, found that if stepped outside his business he could solve internal roadblocks. Find out how he learned to take a step out to take a step forward.
As one of the founders of Buckeye Distributing, Jim Gilbride shares the roller coaster ride of an entrepreneurship venture he has had over the years. He has seen ebbs and flows but to this day believes success is the lessons learned. Now an Area President at Focus CFO, he guides other businesses with his experience.
From nearly losing the business he worked so hard to build up, to now being the president of Legacy Business Advisors, Mark Dorman is a walking definition of grit. He continues to share his story and advise other business owners with his perseverance through tough times.
Like most entrepreneurs, Sande Golgart started his grit story with frustration about the industry he was in. He identified the solution, pivoted and is now the President of Zonez modular construction. Listen in for more about his story.