The Inspired Stories Podcast

🎙️How a seasoned building materials executive is combining innovation and tradition to lead a historic millwork company into a new era of American manufacturing.  In this insightful episode, David Bryant shares his journey as Chief Operating Officer at Young Manufacturing Company, a 150-year-old manufacturer of stair treads and millwork that recently transitioned from family ownership to an employ...

🎙️ Serial Entrepreneur Karl Schledwitz: From Pawn Shops to a Billion-Dollar Food Empire In this compelling interview, Karl Schledwitz, Chairman and CEO of Monogram Foods, shares his remarkable journey as a serial entrepreneur who has built three companies that made the Inc. 500 fastest-growing private companies list. Karl reveals how he went from selling candy bars at Boy Scout camp to building a...

🎙️ How a century-old company that started with trolley wheels has transformed into a cutting-edge manufacturer supplying the world's most advanced technologies.  In this fascinating episode, Jim Wargo shares insights from his journey at Electric Materials Company, a 110-year-old American manufacturer that has continuously adapted to changing markets while maintaining its commitment to quality. Fro...

🎙️ How a franchising expert is leading a mission-driven company that's transforming the way America cares for its aging population.  In this illuminating episode, Todd Treml shares insights from his 30+ year journey in franchising and his current role as CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, a senior care provider helping elderly and disabled individuals maintain dignity and independence in their own ho...

🎙️ "Success is a Toll Road": JC Gonzalez-Mendez's Journey from McDonald's First Mexican Employee to Restaurant Group CEO In this captivating episode, JC Gonzalez-Mendez shares his remarkable journey from being the very first McDonald's employee in Mexico to serving as President of Latin America and North American Chief Supply Chain Officer before becoming Partner and CEO at Bien Trucha Group. Thro...

🎙️ How a mechanical engineer with a knack for connecting with customers transformed into a chief revenue officer at one of America's fastest-growing industrial inspection companies.  In this insightful episode, Doug Vail shares his unexpected journey from manufacturing roles to leading sales and marketing at Industrial Inspection & Analysis (IIA), a company that has acquired 23 businesses...

🎙️ How Shawn Harrs Leads Digital Transformation in the Hospitality Industry   In this inspiring episode, Shawn Harrs, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Red Lobster, shares his transformational journey from Disney engineer to tech leader at America's largest seafood restaurant chain. He reveals how his diverse functional background across multiple industries fuels his le...

🎙️How seeing patients in their natural environment transforms healthcare delivery and improves outcomes.  In this insightful episode, Dr. Iyad Houshan, Chief Medical Officer at WellBe Senior Medical, shares how their patient-first approach to in-home senior care is revolutionizing the industry and producing remarkable results. ✨ Key Insights You'll Learn: Why seeing patients in their homes provid...

🎙️ How a former military officer on the fast track to becoming a general pivoted to transform restaurant technology across major brands like Domino's, Bloomin' Brands, and now Blaze Pizza.  In this fascinating episode, Chris Demery shares his unique journey from managing complex military communications systems to becoming a Chief Technology Officer focused on creating seamless guest experiences in...

🎙️ How a servant leader transformed a small pallet component operation into a thriving business by focusing on culture, safety, and operational excellence.  In this insightful episode, Ed Determan shares his journey as Plant Manager at Pallet Service Corporation (PSC), where he's helped grow a facility from 8 employees to over 30 while implementing innovative systems that have dramatically improve...

🎙️ How a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed led Pete First to become Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care.  In this insightful episode, Pete shares how BrightStar's nurse-led approach is transforming home healthcare and creating opportunities for franchisees nationwide. With over 400 locations and multiple revenue streams, BrightStar Care continues to innovate in a rapidly growing i...

🎙️ Reimagining Disability Services Through Innovation and Technology   In this episode, Megan McKinney Todd, Chief Strategy and Integrations Officer at Good Life Innovations, shares how her organization is transforming disability services through innovative technology and service models. From her unexpected entry into the field to developing groundbreaking solutions for caregiving challenges, Mega...

🎙️ Finding Solutions Where Others Say No: Philip Viar's Journey with Independence Care   In this powerful episode, Philip Viar, CEO and President of Independence Care, shares his remarkable journey from working in his mother-in-law's home care agency to building a nationwide network of 30 independent home care agencies. Philip reveals how his innovative approach to cluster care and his commitment...

🎙️ From Moving Company to Publishing Success: Robert Esposito's Book Journey   In this fascinating follow-up interview, Robert Esposito, founder of Relocators and author of "Nobody Move (Without Reading This)," shares the remarkable story of how a casual speaking engagement unexpectedly led to a five-book publishing deal. Rob reveals his journey from self-publishing a simple guide to...

🎙️How a physician with a unique business background is revolutionizing care for America's most vulnerable seniors.  In this enlightening episode, Dr. Greg Sawchyn shares insights from his journey combining medicine and business to create more efficient, effective healthcare solutions, culminating in his role at WellBe Senior Medical where they're delivering comprehensive in-home care to the highes...

🎙️ How Virgil Lee Marsmaker Transformed from Sound Designer to Asphalt Industry Leader   In this inspiring episode, Virgil Lee Marsmaker, Chief of Plant Operations at Builders Asphalt, shares his transformational journey from aspiring Hollywood sound designer to a third-generation leader in the asphalt industry. He reveals how his personal growth fuels his leadership style and how he's developed a...

🎙️ How a childhood retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis shaped Jay Solomon's remarkable journey to becoming President and CEO of Aviva Senior Life.  In this moving episode, Jay shares his path from being diagnosed at age 8 to leading a transformative senior living organization. Following in his father's footsteps, Jay reveals how his own experience with progressive vision loss has uniquely equipped him...

🎙️ How Can Mental Health Leaders Scale Access While Maintaining Quality Care?   In this inspiring episode, Dr. Barbara J. Brown, founder and CEO of Capitol Hill Consortium for Counseling and Consultation (CCCC), shares her journey from a clinical psychologist to the leader of an 80+ person mental health practice. She reveals how her commitment to accessible, culturally responsive care has shaped b...

🎙️ From Bedside to Boardroom: Manda Ayoub's Journey to Transforming Senior Care   In this candid conversation, Manda Ayoub, Chief Operating Officer of Pomeroy Living, shares her remarkable 30-year journey from candy striper to healthcare executive. Inspired by witnessing her non-English speaking grandfather's undignified hospital experience, Manda developed a passion for compassionate, patient-cen...

🎙️ When God Speaks: Amy Clary's Extraordinary Journey to International Adoption   In this special unplanned episode, Amy Clary shares the remarkable story behind her family's viral adoption video that captured hearts worldwide. After witnessing the suffering of abused foster children and struggling with anger toward God, Amy experienced what she describes as a divine encounter during her morning c...

🎙️ From Retail to Food Manufacturing: Kourtney Corcoran's Leadership Journey   In this compelling interview, Kourtney Corcoran, CFO of Signature Brands, shares her remarkable career trajectory from a budget analyst at Bradley's to a C-suite executive in the food manufacturing industry. Kourtney reveals how her willingness to have difficult conversations and speak candidly has propelled her career,...

🎙️ How a small shack in Columbus's Short North district became one of Ohio's most beloved pizza brands.  In this engaging episode, Mikey Sorboro shares the unconventional journey of creating Mikey's Late Night Slice - a pizza business built on experience and culture rather than just the food itself. ✨ Key Insights You'll Learn: Why Mikey competes on experience rather than traditional pizza metric...

🎙️ How passion for community impact and continuous improvement transformed Stone Creek Coffee from a small Milwaukee roaster into a nationally recognized leader in specialty coffee.  In this inspiring episode, co-owners Melissa Perez and Eric Resch share their journey of building a values-driven coffee business that prioritizes employee wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and local community eng...

🎙️ How Does Mission Drive Business Growth? Micaela Pearson's Story In this powerful episode, Micaela Pearson, Chief Business Officer at Career Team, reveals how aligning personal mission with business strategy transformed a small workforce development firm into a nationwide force serving over half a million career seekers annually. Her journey from corporate publishing to purpose-driven leader...

🎙️ From Curbside Donuts to Restaurant Empire: Terri Hannifin Buis's Entrepreneurial Journey   In this episode, Terri Hannifin Buis, co-owner of Home Slice Pizza, shares her remarkable journey from childhood donut entrepreneur to running a rapidly expanding restaurant group. Terri reveals how her early passion for hospitality shaped her career, the challenges of building an authentic New York-style...