Journey Success Stories

In this conversation, John Hitchens shares his inspiring journey from being an Air Force enlisted member to founding His Will Homes, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need. He discusses the challenges faced along the way, including setbacks in funding and support, and emphasizes the importance of community and faith in overcoming obstacles. John outlines his vision for the future, includin...

In this engaging conversation, Rob Courts, team lead for the Platinum Partners Home and Property Team, shares his journey from the corporate world to real estate, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faces in helping clients navigate their biggest financial decisions. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, teamwork, and a strong company culture, while also outlining his aspirations for th...

In this episode, Jennifer Shuffle interviews Kerry Taft, founder and CEO of Taft Systems, a business management platform designed to simplify operations for service providers. Kerry shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The conversation explores the growth of Taft Systems, the importance of education and mentorship, and...

In this conversation, Dennis Devlin, CEO of Clarity Research and Strategy, shares his journey from being laid off during the Great Recession to founding his own business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including adapting to the pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of clarity in business strategy. Dennis highlights the value of coaching and building a supportive network, as well as the si...

In this engaging conversation, Steve Appenfelder, owner and president of Adkisson Insurance, shares his journey into the insurance industry, emphasizing the importance of customer service and community engagement. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic and how technology has reshaped the business landscape. Steve also reflects on his aspirations for the future, the keys to success i...

In this conversation, George White, CEO of CM Paula, shares insights into his diverse career and the structure of his holding company, which manages four distinct businesses. He discusses the importance of creativity, effective management, and the role of a strong team in driving success. George emphasizes the need for adaptability in the face of challenges such as tariffs and market fluctuations,...

In this engaging conversation, Jill McCarthy, founder and president of Adventure Bright, shares her journey into entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of leveraging strengths, particularly for women in business. She discusses the challenges faced by women in negotiating and asserting themselves, the significance of community and collaboration, and the need for personal growth and setting bo...

In this engaging conversation, Steve Bitzer, president of Deerfield Construction, shares his journey from a young boy inspired by his family's construction business to leading a successful multi-generational company. He discusses the importance of building strong client relationships, the challenges of maintaining a family business, and his vision for the future. Steve emphasizes the significance...

In this engaging conversation, Robert Woodhull, president of Woodhull LLC, shares insights into his family's 75-year-old business, the transition to employee ownership, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He discusses the importance of AI in the future of business, his leadership mindset focused on service and humility, and the value of learning from failures. The conversation hig...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel interviews Shane Noem, president and founder of Roebling Solutions. Shane shares his journey from a photojournalism major to a successful lobbyist and business owner. He discusses the importance of helping clients navigate government processes, the difference between being a lobbyist and an advocate, and the strategic pl...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel interviews Dave Bay, the president of Pendleton Hills, an 18-hole golf course in Butler, Kentucky. Dave shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the devastating fire that destroyed the restaurant. He discusses the reimagining of Pendleton Hills into a dest...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel interviews JT Harp, the president and CEO of Transworld Business Advisors of Cincinnati. JT shares his journey from a corporate career at Kroger to becoming a business broker, helping small to medium-sized business owners sell or franchise their businesses. He discusses the unique challenges of business valuation, the im...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel speaks with David Brecount, founder and CEO of US Digital Partners. They discuss the evolution of digital marketing, the importance of understanding client needs, and the shift from traditional SEO to AEO (AI Optimization). David shares insights on the role of a fractional marketing department, the significance of a cont...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel interviews Soumya (Samy) Ranjan Dhal, founder and CEO of Dhal Information Systems Recruiting and Staffing. Sammy shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and successes he has faced in building a global recruitment business. He emphasizes the importance of helping people, building trust, and maintaini...

In this engaging conversation, Bob Kelly, founder and president of KPG Creative, shares his journey from Hollywood to establishing a successful video production company. He discusses the importance of building a strong team culture, understanding client needs, and the strategies that set his business apart in the competitive landscape. Bob emphasizes the significance of relationships in business,...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel interviews Amber Mehle, the owner and medical director of Derma Lounge, a successful medical spa in Northern Kentucky. Amber shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the importance of patient connections in her business. She discusses the unique offerings of Derma Lounge, including private label...

In this engaging conversation, Josh Smitherman, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Jostin Construction, shares insights into the company's journey, the challenges of transitioning leadership from one generation to the next, and the importance of maintaining company culture. He discusses the strategies for growth in the construction industry, the significance of client relation...

In this engaging conversation, Craig Townsend, president of the US Playing Card Company, shares his journey from the footwear industry to the card business, emphasizing the importance of consumer-centric strategies and community engagement. He discusses the company's growth, the significance of storytelling in card play, and the future vision for expanding market reach. The dialogue highlights the...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Sheffel interviews Michael Phillips, CEO and founder of Weldon Phillips International. Michael shares his extensive background in finance and law, detailing his journey to business ownership and the founding of his consulting firm. He discusses the services offered by his company, the challenges faced in the consulting industry,...

In this conversation, Ron Harper shares his journey from a broadcasting career to becoming the owner of 'Videos on Your Website.' He discusses the importance of networking, overcoming challenges in business, and the evolving role of AI in video production. Ron emphasizes the significance of storytelling in marketing and reflects on personal fulfillment and success. The conversation concludes with...

In this engaging conversation, Mavis Linnemann-Clark, the executive chef and fearless leader of Delish Dish, shares her inspiring journey from a freelance journalist to a successful entrepreneur in the catering industry. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and the role of programs like Bad Girl Ventures in her growth. Mavis also shares her future aspirations for D...

In this conversation, Tom Bush, partner at Thrive Fitness Plus, shares his journey in business ownership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community engagement, and personal growth. He discusses the challenges of financial stability, the significance of core values, and the balance between work and family. Tom envisions Thrive Fitness Plus as a beacon of hope in the community, aiming to...

In this conversation, Jennifer Sheffel interviews Jeff Schwegman, the president of Sunshine Cleaners, discussing the journey of his family-owned dry cleaning business, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to adapt to changing market conditions. Jeff shares insights on the importance of goal setting, leveraging technology and AI, and the future of the dry cleaning industry. He empha...

In this episode of the Journey Success Stories podcast, host Jennifer Shuffle speaks with Kurt and Ashton Reynolds, founders of the nonprofit Merry Christmas to All. They discuss the mission of their organization, which aims to provide gifts to underprivileged children during the holiday season. The conversation covers the growth of the nonprofit since its inception in 2018, the challenges they fa...

In this engaging conversation, Rob Courts, team lead for the Platinum Partners Home and Property Team, shares his journey from the corporate world to real estate, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faces in helping clients navigate their biggest financial decisions. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, teamwork, and a strong company culture, while also outlining his aspirations for th...