Working It

On this Episode of Working It, Erika, Hannah, and Paige provide an update about what’s going on in the office. They start things off with Hannah explaining the Grand Re-Opening of Goodwill Industries, along with the launch of the Job Connection Center and how this will be a huge benefit to Defiance County and hopefully surrounding communities. Next Paige takes over and discusses the Four Flags of...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by the City of Defiance Mayor, Mike McCann. To updated roadwork being done in the City to all of the open sites available for development, they discuss it all! And to top it off, a recently announced grant that allows to keep improving the quality of life right here in Defiance, Ohio! Tune in to hear what the Mayor says is his greatest acc...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Rocky again to hear about the best practices regarding the labor shortage. He explains how employers are starting to get very creative with how they operate with their employees. Rocky also discusses “Apprenticeships” and is busting all the myths! And tune in to learn about the relationship between the Greater Ohio Workforce Board and y...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by 2 top members of The Greater Ohio Workforce Board, John & Rocky. John provides great statistics on the labor shortage and 4 key takeaways you won’t want to miss. He explains how they looked outside of the box during the Covid pandemic to gather data…” social media listening”. John discusses what entices the difference generations ba...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah discuss all things design with Karen from The JDI Group. What does The JDI Group do? Listen in to hear Karen explain all the market sectors they support, which may be one of their best kept secrets. JDI’s mission is to turn clients’ visions into working realities that address their wants and needs while exceeding their expectations. And they do just...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Gerken Paving to discuss who they are and the endless employment opportunities that are available. Many people in Northwest Ohio know the name Gerken Paving, but what they don’t know is the many sister companies that come with the Gerken name. They are a one-stop shop when it comes to the asphalt and concrete business. Listen in to find...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by local dairy farmer and businessowner, Lambert VanderMade. Lambert and his family transitioned to the United States from the Netherlands to pursue dairy farming when he was just a young adult. Fast forward to today, Lambert has been part-owner of Arps Dairy for 7 years. He said there is much pride in keeping milk products local. There ar...

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Four County Career Center’s newest leader, Superintendent, Jeff Slattery. Jeff discusses the path he took to get to where he is today, and it isn’t your ordinary story. Starting out in the Manufacturing Industry, then deciding to go back to college for Education and becoming a teacher, then ending up in the Healthcare Industry, and even...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika, Hannah, and Paige dive into what exactly their roles are here at the Economic Development Office. They each get a chance to discuss their positions along with some of the initiatives they have for 2023. Tune in to see how our office can assist you, how you can get involved in some of our programs, and why investing in Defiance County is so important!

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Drake Jimenez of Holy Hill Media. A hometown guy that moved away from Defiance County, but eventually found his way back. His main goal is educating the community about digital marketing and in today’s age, businesses must be budgeting for it. Drake explains the importance of branding your company and being consistent on all platforms....

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by recent college graduate, Julianne Roop. Julianne discusses how working at iScribeMD has helped her succeed in her college career, but more importantly, how it has elevated her as she is about to head off to PA school in Florida. But, what is a Medical Scribe? Turns out, they are right here in one of our Defiance County Hospitals! Listen...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah discuss all things workforce with the workforce guru herself, Denise Dahl. They deep dive into multiple aspects of current workforce issues such as having a work life balance, quality vs quantity, and overworked employees. They also discuss burnout in the workplace. Tune in to hear who is the most burnt out and why that is.

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by Hicksville native, Taylor Klepper of Klepper Building Company. Taylor discusses why he and his wife decided to move back to Hicksville, Ohio after spending a couple years in the bigger city life. Upon his return, he has made it his personal goal to turn Hicksville into a place where younger generations want to return and raise a family....

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Ashley DeLuca to discuss her journey of marketing through many ups and downs. She explains the business plan she made at NWSCC is now what she uses daily as her guide through running her own business. Ashley offers many tips and advises all companies, big or small, to use email marketing as leverage for their workforce needs. Tune in to...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika is joined by Tiffany Goings, Workforce Supervisor for OhioMeansJobs Defiance & Paulding Counties. They discuss the steps that need to be taken in order to start an apprenticeship program within your company. Tiffany explains all the resources and grants that are available that many companies are leaving on the table. Tune in to see how Tiffany and OhioMeans...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah discuss the services Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio has to offer with David and Willie. Although, they have a retail store in Defiance, they are looking to expand their mission right here in Defiance County. One program they focus heavily on is their Reentry Program. Being a reentry citizen himself, Willie stresses the importance of a second c...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah join two of Mercy Health Defiance Hospital’s key employees. Sonya and Jeff discuss which positions are in the highest need for not only their campus, but across the healthcare system. To help fill this gap, Mercy has developed the “Guild Program” which provides monetary assistance to those wanting to go into the healthcare field. The “Guild Program”...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with April Moore-Powers of Powers of CPR, LLC. Tune in to hear how her tragedy of losing her sister turned into her passion of teaching others how to save lives. April discusses the variety of classes she teaches and her desire for being in the medical field. She is dedicated to what she does and prides herself on teaching her students until...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by two of ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital’s finest employees. Jack and Jill reminisce on their time at ProMedica as the location celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. The family-like environment is a quality they both agreed was one of the many aspects they enjoy about working at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital. Their main g...

On this Episode of Working It, Erika discusses the housing issues in Defiance County with one of the area’s top sales agents, Matt Joost, Broker/Owner of Re/Max Realty of Defiance. Is the housing market crashing or rebalancing? Tune in to find out what housing expert, Matt, has to say.

On this Episode of Working It, Erika joins Defiance County’s OMJ’s Workforce Supervisor, Tiffany Goings. People will often say, “this is too good to be true” and it usually is, but with OhioMeansJobs & Tiffany Goings, IT IS TRUE. Their services are free and very underutilized. Listen to Tiffany discuss how to take advantage of their free offerings.

On this Episode of Working It, Erika sits down with the City of Defiance Mayor, Mike McCann. Listen in as they discuss the key to solving the workforce issue here in Defiance County. He also shares the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind.

On his episode of Working It Erika and Kortney talk with Beth Sigg of Northwest Realty. Join us as this former teacher turned entrepreneur shares a wealth of knowledge and good old commons sense about starting a business. She also shares her expert opinion on the housing market and how Defiance County real estate is still one of the best bargains and options for those wanting to settle down and ra...

On this episode of Working It Erica and Kortney sit down with Nemco Food Equipment HR Manager and Controller Michelle Rumpz. From its humble beginnings with the spiral fry potato cutter to becoming the market driver in the food service prep industry both domestically and internationally, Nemco Food equipment truly is a gem in the heart of Defiance County. This episode is proudly sponsored by Ohio...

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Kortney spend time chatting with the President/CEO of the Sherwood State Bank, Mickey Schwarzbek. Mickey got his start in the financial service industry right out of the military and never looked back. He shares his philosophy on what makes a community bank successful, and how the Sherwood State Bank can help families and businesses analyze their financial...