Real World Leaders

What's the real value of a freebie? Students from North Montco Technical Career Center interview JR Godwin, President of Substitute Service Company, and Jack Crowley Jr, Owner of C&J Automotive and Tire, for a conversation about planning for unexpected challenges, how businesses scale, and the importance of your environment.

How do you go from startup to success? Students from North Montco Technical Career Center interview Ken Kelk, Founder & CEO of Choice Party Linens, and Crystal MacNeill, President & CEO of Acentus Practice Management, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, embracing change, and being fulfilled.

What if the challenge isn't really what's holding you back? Young adults from PowerCorps PHL and Souderton High School interview Michael Schreiber, Founder & Executive Chairman of Playfly Sports, and Allen Cohen, CEO of M. Cohen & Sons, for a conversation about avoiding imposter syndrome and burnout, leaning into your strengths, and building team morale.

What's the first question of entrepreneurship? LaunchPad Philly and Hopeworks interns interview Tim Andrews, Former President & CEO of Advertising Specialty Institute, and Chris Drew, CEO of Burnham Holdings, and discuss being straightforward with yourself, the best ways to network and make connections, and letting the best ideas win. 

Which little word is secretly sabotaging you? Philadelphia Youth Network at Conwell Middle School students and young professionals from Hopeworks interview Adam Pardes, Co-Founder & President of Neuroflow, and Joe Trave, Founder & CEO of Village Handcrafted Cabinetry, and discuss music, avoiding burnout, and setting intentions.

What's often the biggest barrier to success? TechCore2 interns and North10 Philadelphia students interview Rich Hipp, CEO of SLM Facilities, and Marc Albero, Vice President & General Manager of PAC Strapping, and discuss hands-on skills, volunteering, and building your future.

 When is being the bad guy good? Philadelphia Youth Network at Conwell Middle School, and TechCore2 students interview Jill Gearin, Director of Communications for the Charleston Dirty Birds, and Dan DiOrio, CEO of Thinc Forward, and discuss leading by liaising, being a serial entrepreneur, and getting through the dark times. 

What do successful leaders trust? North10 Philadelphia and Philadelphia Youth Network at Baldi Middle School students interview Ross Born, Retired CEO of Just Born Quality Confections, and Seth Moore, CEO of T-Rex Solutions, and discuss leading vs. controlling, finding what you love, and making an impact.

What's the best way to start your day? Philadelphia Youth Network students from Cooke and Hancock Middle Schools along with local Philadelphia Young Adults interview Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, and Evan Loh, CEO of Paratek, and discuss being well-rounded, finding your why, and protecting your peace.  

If it's not luck, then what is it? OIC Philadelphia Culinary Arts and Philadelphia Youth Network at Baldi Middle School students interview Paul Tramo, President & CEO of Sentinel, and Dave DeLizza, Chairman of the Board of Pennoni, and discuss entrepreneurship, surrounding yourself with the right people, and being relentless.

How do you know you've made it? Young adults from TechCore2 and Hopeworks interview Scott Rankin, President of Vulcan Spring, and Jonathan Evans, President & CEO of B&A, and discuss keeping an open mind, avoiding burnout, and starting from nothing.

Young adults from Hopeworks and the OIC Philly Culinary Arts interview Scott Rankin, President of Vulcan Spring, and Larry Stuardi, President of MRA group, and discuss working on the little things, adversity vs. inner drive, and staying grounded

What's the key to turning people skills into success? Franklin Learning Center and Hopeworks students interview Crystal MacNeill, President & CEO of Acentus Practice Management, and David DeLizza, Chairman of the Board of Pennoni, and discuss customer service, lifelong learning, and balancing creativity with hard work.

What does it take to lead when the pressure is on? Hopeworks and North10 Philadelphia students interview Kevin O'Donnell, President of O'Donnell Roofing, and Angela Rubino Hines, President & Co-Principal of Bovio Rubino Service, and discuss leadership through responsibility, staying level headed under pressure, and building strong relationships with the people around you.

 How do you grow into a leader without losing who you are? Hopeworks and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview Jason Scholl, President of LK Miller, and Jill Gearin, Director of Communications for the Charleston Dirty Birds, and explore how authenticity, discipline, and communication can help people find their voice and lead by example.

How do you make quick decisions while still taking the time to really listen? Franklin Learning Center High School and North10 Philadelphia students interview Joe Hand Jr., President of Joe Hand Promotions, and Jeff Kenton, Vice President & General Manager of Solenis, and explore how testing ideas, paying attention to people, and thinking beyond the obvious shape real-world decision making.

How do strong leaders build relationships that last? Hopeworks and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, and Jeff Mack, Executive Managing Director of NEWMARK, and explore how communication, empathy, and personal growth shape strong teams and create meaningful career paths.

What does it take to build a successful business and lead with purpose? Franklin Learning Center High School and North10 Philadelphia students interview Todd Sager, President & CEO of AWE Tuning, and Michael Slupecki, CEO of Griswold Home Care, and explore how problem solving, communication, and investing in people can shape strong teams and create meaningful career paths.

What's the most important thing to learn for success? DC International and Franklin Towne Charter HS students interview Guido Gallicchio, President of Thayer Distribution, and Adam Pardes, President of Neuroflow and discuss mental health, optimizing a smaller team, and building from nothing.

What's the key to leading a collaborative team? Franklin Towne Charter HS students and young professionals from Hopeworks interview Tim Andrews, Former President & CEO of Advertising Specialty Institute and Evan Loh, CEO of Paratek and discuss small town life, creativity, and playing the cards life deals. 

What's the hardest decision in business? Young adults from Hopeworks and high school students from KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy interview Jane Hollingsworth, Co-Founder of Militia Hill Ventures, and Todd Schumacher, CEO of Vici Media and discuss self-doubt and being proud of taking a chance, having a strong work ethic, and iron sharpening iron

What's the foundation of a good employee? DC International School and Franklin Charter Towne High School students interview Jeff Reimel, President of Reimel Machine, and Marc Albero, Vice President and General Manager of PAC Strapping and discuss habits and hobbies for success, growing a company, and quitting jobs.  

What's the upside of tragedy? Franklin Towne Charter High School and North10 Philadelphia students interview Jeff Mack, Executive Managing Director of Newmark, and Gregory Reaves, CEO of Mosaic Development Partners and discuss creating camaraderie, staying even keeled, and restarting from scratch.  

What's the key to creating a quality team? Franklin Towne Charter High School and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview William Stockwell, Chairman of the Board and Former CEO of Stockwell Elastomerics and Marty Wolner, Former CEO of Wolner Financial, and discuss habits for success, keeping your team motivated, and leaving a great legacy.

What do you absolutely need to build a business? Franklin Towne Charter High School and North10 PHL students interview Jake Leone, President & CEO of Corporate Interiors and Ron Scheese, President and CEO of F.M. Brown's, and discuss empathy vs. sympathy, looking beyond challenges to see potential, and creating unique spaces.