Ford The Rock

Welcome to Ford the Rock, presented by The Element, where we highlight the people, organizations, and ideas helping shape the future of Rockford. Today, we’re joined by Anthony “Tony” Cortez, Executive Director of the Rockford Public Library. A graduate of Rockford University, Tony has dedicated his career to serving our community through administrative positions, access to information, and lifelo...

Born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, today’s guest has never been afraid to bet on himself. After a few years at the University of New Hampshire, he made a life-changing move at just 20 years old—heading to Chicago to work on the legendary futures trading floor at the Chicago Board of Trade, right in the middle of one of the most intense, high-pressure environments in the country. In 2008,...

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Josiah Vander Heyden, a realtor, entrepreneur, and builder with a vision for what’s next. He’s been hard at work developing the Union event space and its bar, helping create a destination that’s bringing new energy to the community. But that’s just one piece of the story. Josiah has also launched a new company focused on prefab homes, tapping into a growing ma...

Paul Sletten knew early on that the restaurant business was where he belonged. He began his culinary journey as a young apprentice at Café Patou, learning the art of fine dining under Chef Philippe Forcioli, and eventually rising to the role of sous chef. Building on that foundation, Paul took the leap into ownership with Brio, which would later become Abreo, his signature restaurant and a corners...

Welcome back to the Ford the Rock podcast by The Element of Rockford. Today, I’m catching up with someone who’s been on the show before, and since then, a lot has changed. Last time we talked, she was the VP at Ad Vice Marketing. Now? She’s running the whole show as President. She’s also a mom to an 18-year-old son, leads a small but mighty team of nine—all women—and she’s making some waves in the...

Welcome to Ford the Rock, presented by The Element of Rockford. Today's guest is Kate Wirth. Kate is a business owner, professional, and advocate. At 40 years old, she was also diagnosed with Autism. In this episode, Kate guides us through her journey of understanding herself, redefining her strengths, and advocating for awareness and acceptance.

This episode's guest is a truly unique individual with a diverse background. Dave Pedersen served in the U.S. Army as both a Military Police officer and a Public Relations specialist. Now, he’s the proud owner of Maze Books, located on East State Street in downtown Rockford. Dave is passionate about doing everything right here in Rockford, including publishing books. Maze Books has also become...

Eric Wilson of the Crusader Clinic Foundation joins us for this episode. Eric is a longtime Rockford resident with a diverse background, including acting alongside his daughter at the Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre. Before becoming the head of the Crusader Clinic Foundation, he was a news anchor at a local TV station. Join us as we explore Eric's experiences in Rockford and delve into...

Today's Ford the Rock podcast episode features Brent Scott and Ita Reilly. Brent is the President of Rockford Community Bank, and Ita is a Vice President and Regional Branch Manager. Both have a long history in the banking industry. This episode highlights the only bank in Rockford that includes "Rockford" in its name. Please enjoy this entertaining and informative episode.

Today's guest is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background story. Pat began his career journey at fast food joints before landing a job at Octane restaurant, the predecessor to 27Aluna in the space on N.Main St. He started as a dishwasher and part-time cook and then moved on to Abreo, where...

Our guest for this episode of Ford the Rock is Jennifer Spencer, a principal at Studio GWA. Jennifer grew up just outside of Madison, WI. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and received her graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Upon graduation, Jen accepted a position working for Rockford architect Gary Anderson. We’ll discuss her love of Rock...

This episode’s guest is Tyler Pickering, a Rockford native who returned to Rockford after a few years in Colorado. Tyler is a graduate of Guilford High School and the University of Illinois. After several jobs of varying difficulty, he was led into the insurance industry, where he is doing well for the Eckburg Insurance Group. Tyler has, along the way, become a community activist. Leading the St....

Today’s guest is Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Ann moved to the Rockford region from the Monterey Peninsula in California, known as one of the most scenic places in the country. She however, was very aware of the rising cost of living there, and thus became a financial immigrant to the Rockford area. Ann received her master’s degree in education from the University of Washi...

Walk into the newly owned Wired Cafe and Joshua greets you as a welcome neighbor. He would not have it any other way. A part of the community, Joshua grabbed the short straw and became Wired Cafe's general manager. A founding member of 815-Capital Group, along with Matthew Simpson, Terence Hall, Jaron Hite, and Clydale Hilson, Joshua ended up as GM. In the podcast, he gives us a short history...

Today's guest is Gretchen Gilmore, General Manager of RAVE - Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority. After working in private-sector accounting, Gretchen started with RAVE as the Director of Finance. She became interim GM during the pandemic and secured well over $20 million in grant funds to keep the BMO Center and the Coronado afloat. Gretchen is employed by ASM Global Management...

Mike Dunn is the Executive Director of the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. Mike is a Rockford native who started his career in Illinois state politics. Mike has presided over much of the tremendous growth that has occurred at Rockford’s airport over the past two decades. Under Mike’s leadership, Chicago Rockford International has become one of the leading cargo airports in the country. Mik...

Our guest this week is Melissa Hagerman of Rockford Career College. Melissa is the Vice President of Career Services, Community Outreach, and Alumni Affairs at the College. Before moving to the Rockford region, she grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and eventually made her way out to DeKalb to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University. Melissa plays a critical ro...

Earlier this year, Kailee Schulz and Kendra Moreno began a homegrown plant business appropriately named “Terrakotta”. While working full-time, they grew and cared for hundreds of plants and ran their business at the Rockford City Market and other local events. Perhaps most shocking is that they started this business in their homes, setting up growth operations in their spare bedrooms and basements...

Kevin Versino is the General Manager of Rocktown Adventures Kevin has been an outdoor guy his whole life. In 2008 an opportunity arose to move to Rockford and make outdoor sports his career. Kevin moved his family here from Chicagoland and has been living a sporting life ever since. Kevin knows the Rockford region’s outdoor sports opportunities as well as anyone. Hear all the possibilities for kay...

Today’s podcast features 317 Art Collaborative in the longest-running arts building in Rockford at 317 Market St. Our guest is Eamonn James Talkington, a resident artist at 317 Collaborative. James attended Columbia College in Chicago. After finishing up at Columbia College, Eamonn moved around the country, trying out different places to live. Ultimately, he returned to Rockford to work in his fat...

A Rockford lifer, Kevin grew up around and in the newspaper business. His father, Wally Haas, worked at the Rockford Register Star for over 40 years. Kevin followed in his father’s footsteps while still in high school. He left the RRS to take over Rock River Current, a local startup on the internet, supplanting the daily newspapers. We are talking today about a startup that places positive news at...

Soccer tournaments, heads in beds, Stroll on State, murals in downtown, and beyond! What do these things have in common? John Groh. John is President & CEO of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. (The CVB for short.) John has been President of the CVB for 14 years and did a stint as executive VP for 8 years. John is currently leading the reinvention of Davis Park on the Rock River...

Summertime is upon us; it is time to discover what the Rockford Park District has planned. Our guest today, Laurie Anderson, is a Superintendent of Operations for the Rockford Park District. Laurie is originally from Peoria, IL, and graduated from Western Illinois University with a Parks & Recreation Management degree. Laurie made her way to Rockford in the 90s and rose through the Rockford Pa...

If you need a loan to start or expand a small business, you want to meet our guest on this episode of Ford the Rock Podcast . John Phelps is the Executive Director of the Rockford Local Development Corporation in Rockford. John and the RLDC historically have specialized in SBA loans. Now, they’re expanding into the housing market. Their housing loans target developers willing to take on single-fam...

Rockford boomerang definition: Individual or couple returning to Rockford for family support while raising a family. Meet Josiah (Joe) Vander Heyden: family man, engineer, developer, realtor, excellent guy, and Rockford boomerang. Joe graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in civil engineering and moved to Houston, Texas to work in the oil and gas industry. We talk with Joe about...