Working It

On this episode of Working it, Erika and Kortney catch up with Dave Mansfield and Sonia Nofziger-Dasgupta of Envirokure. Dave is the Hicksville Plant Manager and Sonia, who is in Philadelphia, PA, is the Director of Business Development. They give us a little personal history and then talk about an organization that has grown from a garage project to being the only company to patent and commercial...

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Kortney are joined by Sherri Hammersmith. Sherri is the office manager for Clemens Welding and JLC Transportation. On this podcast Sherri talks about the family culture created by the leadership at Clemens and JLC, and how they continue to grow in our region thanks to the quality of their work and customer service they provide. You'll want to listen until t...

On this episode of Working It Erika and Kortney are joined by Diana Savage. Diana is the Director of Business Development at Beilharz Architects. She started her thirty-two-year career in education as a teacher and closed out the last thirteen as the Superintendent of Bryan City Schools. Now she brings her years of administrative experience to the business world and helps us understand the latest...

On this episode of Working It Erika and Kortney are joined by Jamie Fleming from The Fun Factory. Jamie fills us in on the history of The Fun Factory and how its roots date all the way back to 1984 when her father Kenny VanStreader opened Fun Costumes and Novelties. Fast forward to today as Jamie shares with us some marketing secrets that have helped grow the business to what it is today!  Th...

Big things are happening in the small village of Sherwood Ohio. On this episode of Working it, Sherwood Mayor Jack Stantz tells us about himself and how he became the mayor of Sherwood. He shares with us some of the success stories, and some of what the future holds for this thriving community located at the corner of State Routes 18 and 127 in Defiance County. Thank you to the Defiance County Ohi...

On this episode of Working It Erika and Kortney talk with Todd Pariseau (Plant Manager), Lisa Thiel (HR Manager) and Scott Dickenson (operations Manager) of MEC Inc. They give us an inside look at MEC and talk about some of the new technology and automation coming to their facilities that will ensure they remain one of the nation’s leading fabricators. They also highlight their company’s culture a...

On this Episode Erika, Kortney and Sonya break away from their regular format and dive into workforce retention and recruitment. They draw from their vast experience in workforce development to share some strategies that are currently working, some that aren’t and how Defiance Economic Development can help. If you find yourself struggling to attract or retain an engaged workforce, then this is not...

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Kortney are joined by Tony Niswander. Tony is the President and CEO of APT Manufacturing Solutions in Hicksville, Ohio. Tony talks about how his “hands on” attitude and his love of automation contributed to the start, and success of APT. He explains how APT’s need for skilled workers led him to develop a High School Training and Apprenticeship Program. Tony...

On this episode of Working it, Renae Tiejte HR Coordinator and Jennifer Nicelley Vice President of HR talk about what drives the Keller Logistics team. They also discuss some of the employee engagement techniques they use, as well as, what sets them apart in the areas of recruitment and training. Listen as we discover how fortunate we are to have a national company like Keller Logistics, headquart...

Heather Fedderke is the Human Resources Manager at Maumee Valley Vending. She talks about their community involvement and one of their best kept secrets. Also, when it comes to workforce, Maumee Valley Vending is ahead of the game with their flexibility and stream-lined processes. Listen to hear more about what Maumee Valley Vending has to offer.

Cooper Farms executives Cassie Jo Arend, Corporate Communications Director and Heather Parrett, Oakwood Human Resources Mannager talk about their winning strategy and one of their best kept secrets. Also, when it comes to workforce, Cooper Farms is taking risks and those risks are paying off. Listen in to find out the secret to their success and more.

Dan Barbee, the President of Mercy Health - Toledo Rural Market, which includes Mercy Health - Defiance Hospital, Mercy Heath - Tiffin Hospital and Mercy Health - Willard Hospital…talks candidly about COVID 19 and innovative ways the hospital is impacting residents. In this engaging interview he also reveals just how engaged Mercy Health is in the community and with its team members. Truly Inspiri...

Mayor Mike McCann-Mayor of Defiance, Ohio Mayor McCann speaks to Defiance, Ohio’s biggest assets and advantages, along with Defiance secrets every resident and nonresident should know. Also, business runs deep in Mayor McCann’s blood, he made his living being a highly engaged business leader in Defiance, Ohio…now he talks candidly how he leads the city. Being progressive and innovative, is just th...

Tiffany Dargenson – Workforce Supervisor of Ohio Means Jobs – Defiance County, Ohio Tiffany takes a deep dive into training grants and resources every business needs. She also talks skilled trade positions and how they are partnering to develop targeted courses. This method proves to be a win for major employers facing a labor shortage. Listen to hear about the grant opportunities and more.