🎙️ From Blue Collar Roots to CFO: Jessica Silwick's Mission Making Quality STEM Education Accessible

In this inspiring episode, Jessica Silwick, CFO and COO at ABET, shares her remarkable journey from being a first-generation college student in a blue collar community to leading finance and operations at the world's leading STEM accreditation organization. Through candid stories about researching college applications alone without guidance, transferring schools after realizing honors programs weren't the right fit, crying when her first boss threw papers across the desk for pages facing wrong direction, standing before 50+ white male board members constantly proving her worth as a young woman in male-dominated fields, and championing ABET's expansion from degree accreditation into recognizing short-term credentials and certificates, Jessica reveals how education serves as a catalyst for transforming individual lives and entire communities—proving that first-gen students who question their belonging can build careers championing access to quality education for learners worldwide.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• First-generation college journey: self-navigated applications, campus tours, financial aid without family guidance

• Strategic pivot: left honors program at university for community college semester, then transferred to first-gen friendly campus

• Career transformation: left Fortune 200 energy company after being recruited at building coffee cart for six months

• ABET's 3,000 volunteer peer reviewers: motivated by mission, create symbiotic learning while evaluating programs

• Accreditation versus quality assurance: degree programs require 18-month rigorous process, credentials offer flexible recognition

• Credential revolution: addressing changing learner demographics through bite-sized certificates as stepping stones or career pivots

• Proving herself: standing before all-male board constantly earning respect as young woman in STEM fields

• CEO Dr. Michael Milligan's championing: first female CFO/COO at ABET, advocates for women in leadership globally

  
  

🌟 Jessica's Key Mentors & Influences:

• Her Supportive Family: Second-generation Greek and third-generation Italian providing stories proving world's potential

• First Internship Boss (Rich): Threw papers across desk teaching attention to detail, later championed her to energy company

• Deloitte Auditor Connection: Remembered Rich's endorsement, opened door to Fortune 200 energy company opportunity

• Dr. Michael Milligan (ABET CEO): Champion for women, appointed first female CFO/COO, provides global perspective coaching

• ABET Coffee Cart Recruiter: Pursued Jessica six months saying "I know you belong here, you'll do great things"

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about education as catalyst for transforming lives, navigating imposter syndrome as first-gen professional, proving worth repeatedly as woman in male-dominated STEM fields, and why expanding quality assurance beyond traditional degrees creates pathways for diverse learners facing grand challenges.

🔗 Connect with Jessica Silwick:

LinkedIn: Jessica Silwick

Email: jsilwick@abet.org

📄 Transcript Available: Championing Educational Access: Jessica Silwick on ABET's Purpose Serving Thousands of Volunteer Experts, Educators, and Learners

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#STEMEducation #FirstGenStudent #EducationalAccreditation #WomenInLeadership #QualityAssurance #CredentialRecognition #LifelongLearning #EducationCatalyst #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Harvard to Cannabis Distribution: Will Brophy's Journey Building the #1 Licensed Wholesaling Platform

In this inspiring episode, Will Brophy, Chief Operating Officer at Nabis, shares his remarkable journey from helping a college friend hire for an operations role to becoming COO of the nation's leading cannabis distribution platform operating across California, Nevada, and New York. Through candid stories about his wife recognizing his passion during a walk through Prospect Park, the "420 from hell" that exposed critical capacity planning flaws, building modern technology to let 400+ brands "choose their own adventure" with customizable pricing rules, and navigating banking restrictions where federally illegal status blocks access to Chase mortgages and most software vendors, Will reveals how Nabis is professionalizing cannabis distribution through best-in-class supply chain operations—proving that normalizing cannabis requires more than just removing stigma; it demands clean testing, accessible products, and railroad tracks built for an industry defining moment.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Wife's Prospect Park observation shifted career: "You sound way more excited about this than your real job"

• Joined at 40 people with demand exceeding technological capacity, now 450+ employees across three states

• Distribution role: warehousing, delivering to retailers, collecting capital, remitting to 400+ brands with 9,000+ SKUs

• Technology differentiation: 2,000 customizable pricing rules letting brands "choose their own adventure" on self-service platform

• "420 from hell" capacity crisis: 3-4X peak volume exposed warehouse overflow, drove four years of process improvements

• Federal illegality cascades: no major bank access, 90% of software vendors initially unavailable, capital extremely difficult

• California state vouching enabled East West Bank partnership that followed Nabis across state expansions

• Testing critical after "vape gate": legacy market health crisis proved need for third-party testing and clean products

🌟 Will's Key Mentors & Influences:

• June (Nabis Co-founder): College friend who convinced Will to leave finance for cannabis industry mission

• Will's Wife: Recognized passion mismatch during Prospect Park walk, encouraged cross-country move to Oakland

• Sean Arroyo (Nabis President): Brought liquor industry expertise from beer company and large distributor experience

• Nabis Executive Team: Responded to "420 from hell" by working warehouse shifts alongside staff

• Brand and Retail Partners: 400+ partners whose trust and feedback drive continuous platform improvement

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about professionalizing emerging industries, building technology that scales human relationships, leading through operational failures that become defining learning moments, and why the cannabis normalization fight extends beyond consumer perception to banking access and political advocacy.

🔗 Connect with Will Brophy:

LinkedIn: Will Brophy Email (Brand/Retail Partnerships): partnerships@nabis.com Nabis: #1 Licensed Cannabis Wholesaling Platform Markets: California, Nevada, New York Fleet: 90+ vehicles delivering 400+ brands and 9,000+ products Website: nabis.com

📄 Transcript Available: Building Railroad Tracks for Cannabis: Will Brophy's Mission Normalizing the Industry Through Nabis

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#CannabisDistribution #SupplyChainTech #CannabisIndustry #LicensedWholesaling #EmergingMarkets #OperationalExcellence #CannabisBanking #ComplianceTech #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Adrenaline Rush to Pizza Passion: Carl Bachmann's Journey to Building Riko's National Brand

In this inspiring episode, Carl Bachmann, President and COO of Riko's Pizza, shares his remarkable 30-year journey in the food and beverage industry, from washing dishes to leading major restaurant chains through transformational growth. Carl reveals how a near-death COVID experience reshaped his leadership philosophy and led him to Riko's, where he's building something truly special - a unique tavern-style pizza concept that lets toddlers hold their own slices. Through personal stories of triumph over adversity, Carl demonstrates how servant leadership, passion for people, and the right foundational pillars can transform both businesses and lives.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• The five foundational pillars for scaling restaurant chains successfully

• Why tavern-style pizza creates magical family dining experiences

• How to hire for passion over experience and train the right attitude

• Building company culture through servant leadership principles

• Real estate selection strategies: growing like a bush, not a vine

• Learning management systems that actually engage restaurant employees

• Franchising approaches for sustainable geographic expansion

• Crisis leadership lessons from managing during early COVID pandemic

• The power of vulnerability and authentic leadership in business growth

• How personal adversity can redirect career priorities toward meaningful work

🌟 Carl's Key Mentors:

• Kent State Football Coaches: Taught technique, teamwork, and keeping your eyes up

• Early Restaurant Managers: Instilled passion for service and joy in hospitality

• BurgerFi and Smashburger Teams: Collaborated on turnaround strategies and restructuring

• Rico (Founder): Demonstrated authentic passion for people, product, and community impact

• Hospital Staff During COVID: Showed true servant leadership during life-threatening crisis

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building restaurant empires, overcoming life-threatening illness, and how finding your true purpose can transform both personal fulfillment and business success.

🔗 Connect with Carl Bachmann: Email: carl@ricospizza.com Website: ricospizza.com

📄 Transcript Available:Five Pillars of Restaurant Success: Carl Bachmann's Riko's Pizza Revolution

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

🎙️ Reclaiming Life While Growing Your Business: Madeleine Niebauer's Leadership Journey

Madeleine Niebauer, CEO of vChief in Middleton, Wisconsin, shares her powerful journey from overwhelmed business owner to balanced leader who champions the belief that you don't have to sacrifice everything to build a thriving company. Through delegation, automation, and intentional leadership, Maddie transformed her approach to running vChief, proving that sustainable success comes from working smarter, not harder.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Why leaders must stop working excessive hours and reclaim personal lives through delegation

• The transformative power of stepping back to let teams grow stronger

• Building a business that thrives without your constant presence

• How vulnerability creates deeper trust and stronger team relationships

• Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship during critical family transitions

• Using automation and delegation to create sustainable business growth

• The importance of teaching yoga and maintaining personal passions alongside leadership

• Why exposing your belly like a dog builds authentic business connections

• Creating impact-driven companies that value people over constant hustle

• Celebrating team excellence while preparing for senior year college transitions

🌟 Maddie's Key Mentors:

• Her Team at vChief: Demonstrated next-level capability that allowed her to step back without fear, proving the business could thrive in good hands

• Personal Experience with Burnout: Taught her the critical lesson that sustainable success requires balance and intentional delegation

• Her Daughter's Senior Year Journey: Provided perspective on what truly matters and the importance of being present for family milestones

• Yoga Teaching Practice: Offered a grounding influence and reminder that personal passions fuel better leadership

• EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) Chicago: Provided community and peer learning opportunities for navigating leadership challenges

• The Business Challenge Itself: Forced her to confront the unsustainability of constant overwork and develop new leadership approaches

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about sustainable leadership, intentional delegation, work-life integration, and building businesses that support rather than consume your life.

🔗 Connect with Madeleine Niebauer:

LinkedIn: Madeleine Niebauer, CEO at vChief

vChief Website: vchiefs.com

📄 Transcript Available: How Delegation Creates Freedom: Madeleine Niebauer's Approach to Sustainable Growth

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#SustainableLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #Delegation #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #TeamEmpowerment #CEOLife #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Building Excellence From Mediocrity: Luke Barrett's Franchise Transformation Journey

Luke Barrett, owner of Citywide Facility Solutions in Rogers, Arkansas, shares his unconventional path from college baseball coach to franchise leader. After three years managing a 50-employee operation in Oklahoma City, Luke seized an opportunity to transform an underperforming franchise, partnering with investors from Wichita and Edge Hill Investments to create an impact-driven facility solutions company.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How subcontracting cleaning crews allows sitting on the same side of the table as clients

• The ripple effect business model that impacts employees, contractors, and communities

• Building a culture of extreme ownership and vulnerability in leadership

• Transforming mediocrity into excellence when taking over underperforming teams

• Setting aggressive goals beyond comfort zones to drive diamond-level performance

• Why falling short of goals occasionally indicates proper goal-setting

• The power of vulnerability in creating stronger teams and relationships

• Transitioning from passion-driven careers to financially sustainable business leadership

• How pressure and 1% daily improvement compound into extraordinary results

• Pursuing Platinum Club status (top 10 franchises nationally) within one year

🌟 Luke's Key Mentors:

• Jocko Willink (via "Extreme Ownership"): Taught the transformative power of taking complete ownership of failures and outcomes, fundamentally changing Luke's approach to leadership and marriage

• Baseball coaching experience: Developed his people-first mentality and understanding of team dynamics before entering the business world

• Previous franchise leadership: Three years managing a 50-employee Oklahoma City operation provided the foundation for his current franchise ownership

• Partner at previous company: Forced Luke to read "Extreme Ownership" and present on vulnerability, initiating his personal transformation as a leader

• Edge Hill Investments partners: Provided the investment partnership and multi-market franchise expertise to support his Rogers, Arkansas takeover

• Wichita market partners: Co-owners who brought additional franchise experience and collaborative support to the venture

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming underperforming teams, embracing extreme ownership, building impact-driven businesses, and pursuing aggressive growth goals.

🔗 Connect with Luke Barrett:

LinkedIn: Luke Barrett, Owner at Citywide Facility Solutions Citywide Facility Solutions Website: Citywide Facility Solutions

📄 Transcript Available: Turning Around Underperforming Franchises: Luke Barrett's Strategic Approach

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#FranchiseLeadership #ExtremeOwnership #BusinessTransformation #LeadershipDevelopment #FacilitySolutions #CultureChange #ImpactDriven #Entrepreneurship #GoalSetting #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From College Waiter to Industry Leader: Daniel Benefiel's Journey Through Staffing's Perfect Storm

In this inspiring episode, Daniel Benefiel, Vice President of Staffing Operations at Morales Group, shares his remarkable journey from waiting tables to put himself through college to leading a staffing organization through unprecedented industry disruption. Through candid stories about stumbling into staffing through a buddy's referral, winning over a tough Japanese automotive HR manager on a maternity leave cover assignment, surviving his father's unexpected death while stepping into executive leadership, and navigating post-COVID market contraction while acquiring new business lines, Daniel reveals how blind optimism, resilience, and the mantra "this too shall pass" carried him through 20+ years of connecting people to meaningful work—and why the future of staffing lies in letting AI handle administration so recruiters can focus on the human connection that fills their cup.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Industry evolution: 22 years in light industrial expanding into professional exempt and technical recruitment

• Acquisition strategy: Career Transitions purchase and strategic acqui-hires building family of brands platform

• Light industrial challenges: post-COVID client internalization, margin compression, supply chain disruption, hiring freezes

• Direct hire and contract recruitment growth: six-month breathing cycles between hourly and permanent placement

• Personal crisis leadership: father's suicide coinciding with C-suite promotion taught measured leadership

• "This too shall pass" philosophy: survival through perfect storm creates peaceful confidence in future rebuilding

• Core values in action: ownership choosing people over spreadsheets during tough decisions

• Deep work methodology: eliminating distractions for contemplative strategy sessions

• EOS system: core value-based performance reviews every six months replacing traditional burdensome approach

🌟 Daniel's Key Mentors & Influences:

• College Buddy (Staffing Industry): Opened door by referring Daniel for recruiter position knowing he spoke Spanish

• Kim Rayford (Now VP of Sales, Morales Group): Branch manager who should have fired him five times but saw potential, later recruited him to Morales

• Pam Griggs: Sales rep who left Staffmark for Morales and helped recruit Daniel to join

• Seth Morales (Founder): Coffee meeting where Daniel fell in love with organization's mission and values

• Jennifer (Wife): Held Daniel up during father's death and career transition perfect storm

• Morales Ownership: Supported Daniel through personal tragedy with flexibility and compassion

• Cal Newport (Author): Deep Work book gift from old boss revolutionized Daniel's approach to focused strategy

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about finding purpose in connecting people to work, leading through personal tragedy, building culture through core values not platitudes, and why the future of recruitment is freeing humans from administration to focus on the human connection that makes the industry addictive.

🔗 Connect with Daniel Benefiel:

LinkedIn: Daniel Benefiel Email: daniel.benefiel@moralesgroup.net

Morales Group: Indianapolis, Indiana Markets: Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky

Website: Morales Group

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#StaffingIndustry #RecruitmentLeadership #LightIndustrial #ProfessionalRecruiting #CoreValues #DeepWork #AIinRecruitment #LeadershipThroughAdversity #StaffingOperations #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Cubicle to CEO: Sydne Jacques' Journey Building Leadership Culture Through the Upper Arrow

In this inspiring episode, Sydne Jacques, CEO of Next Level Leadership, shares her remarkable transformation from reluctant civil engineer to leadership keynote speaker and culture transformation expert. Through candid discussions about overcoming financial hardship, learning from Stephen Covey, and discovering her passion for developing people, Sydne reveals how her Upper Arrow Growth Model and Retention Revolution framework help organizations create cultures where employees stay and thrive. Her story demonstrates how personal adversity can become the foundation for helping others achieve their greatest potential.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Farm upbringing foundation: work hard, play hard philosophy creating balanced leadership approach

• Cubicle realization moment: recognizing mismatch between personality and traditional engineering roles

• Stephen Covey training opportunity: discovering speaking passion while gaining principle-centered leadership tools

• Upper Arrow differentiation model: going beyond quality to create memorable customer experiences

• Connection questions framework: starting meetings with engagement to build trust and participation

• HIP conversation model: handling difficult conversations through Happening, Impact, Plan structure

• Personal branding strategy: defining three words that guide daily interactions and professional presence

• Retention Revolution principles: creating internal upper arrows that make employees never want to leave

• Government assistance turning point: using rock bottom moment as catalyst for business breakthrough

• Building people philosophy: recognizing that developing relationships creates lasting legacy over achievements

🌟 Sydne's Key Mentors:

• Farm Parents: Taught work ethic, supportive presence, and play hard after working hard philosophy

• Stephen Covey: Direct training in seven habits and principle-centered leadership fundamentals

• Michael Jordan Article: Fear insight that led to entrepreneurial leap and business launch courage

• Dad's Voice During Crisis: Encouragement that "world is waiting for you to do big things"

• Industry Conference Attendees: Early speaking fans who became first clients for consulting business

• Client Stories and Feedback: Continuous learning from organizations implementing culture transformation methods

• Mentoring Relationships: Informal guidance network supporting other women in engineering and leadership

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about finding purpose through adversity, the practical frameworks that transform workplace culture, and how building people becomes our life's most important work.

🔗 Connect with Sydne Jacques:

Website: SydneSpeaks.com Book: "Build What Matters: How Building People is Our Life's Work" LinkedIn: Sydne Jacques, CEO at Next Level Leadership

📄 Transcript Available: Upper Arrow Success: Sydne Jacques' Framework for Employee Retention and Culture Change

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRetention #CivilEngineering #KeynoteSpeaking #OrganizationalConsulting #TrustBuilding #StephenCoveyPrinciples #PersonalBranding #ConstructionIndustryLeadership #TeamBuilding #CultureTransformation #WorkLifeBalance #ProfessionalDevelopment #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Breaking Cycles: Rena Cater's Journey from Dysfunction to HR Leadership

In this deeply moving episode, Rena Cater, VP of Human Resources at Eagle Transport Corporation, shares her powerful story of rising from a dysfunctional childhood marked by family tragedy and alcoholism to becoming a transformational HR leader. Through raw honesty about early responsibilities, resilience through adversity, and the importance of accountability, Rena reveals how her challenging past became the foundation for helping others break their own cycles of struggle. Her story demonstrates how putting the human back in human resources can create lasting positive change for both individuals and organizations.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Growing up in dysfunction: learning resilience while managing family chaos from age seven

• Early accountability lessons: taking responsibility versus making excuses in professional settings

• Career pivot from computer programming: discovering passion for helping people develop and grow

• Building HR from scratch: creating department without prior HR experience through continuous learning

• Putting human back in HR: transforming transactional processes into direct people-focused support

• Breaking generational cycles: using personal struggles to guide others toward better futures

• Care coach program impact: providing confidential pastoral counseling at every terminal location

• Digital communication solutions: connecting dispersed workforce through screens and intranet platforms

• Benefits innovation strategy: adding cancer care, surgery programs, and prescription savings for employees

• Personal accountability transformation: learning from career mistakes to become trusted leadership resource

🌟 Rena's Key Mentors:

• Parents Despite Struggles: Provided love foundation even amid dysfunction and addiction challenges

• Early Bosses and Supervisors: Taught importance of accountability and professional responsibility through tough lessons

• HR Professionals at Parent Company: Guided initial department building through knowledge sharing and support

• Professional Development Programs: Certificate classes and conferences providing compliance and leadership training

• Eagle Executive Team: Shared vision for treating employees fairly and maintaining family culture

• Care Coach Network: Pastoral counselors demonstrating holistic approach to employee wellbeing

• Professional Reading and Learning: Books like "The Goal" informing process improvement and leadership approaches

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming personal adversity into professional purpose, the evolution of human resources from transactional to transformational, and how authentic vulnerability creates environments where people can thrive and break cycles of struggle.

🔗 Connect with Rena Cater:

LinkedIn: Rena Cater, VP Human Resources at Eagle Transport Corporation

📄 Transcript Available: Breaking Cycles Through HR: Rena Cater's Approach to Employee Support at Eagle Transport

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#HumanResourcesLeadership #BreakingCycles #ChildhoodAdversity #EmployeeCare #TransportationIndustry #FamilyDysfunction #ResilienceBuilding #Accountability #CareCoaching #BenefitsInnovation #WorkplaceCulture #PersonalDevelopment #HRTransformation #EmployeeSupportSystems #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From London School of Economics to Inclusive Leadership: David Dubinsky's Mission to Transform Lives at Pomeroy Center

In this inspiring episode, David Dubinsky, CEO of Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, shares his remarkable journey from studying collaborative leadership under the head of London School of Economics to transforming a struggling nonprofit into a thriving million-dollar community hub. Through deeply personal stories about choosing family over career advancement and professional challenges that tested his values, David reveals how 32 years at Source America taught him that everyone has inherent value. From revolutionizing therapeutic pool programs to planning an inclusive preschool that will shape future leaders, David demonstrates how authentic leadership, strategic endowment building, and unwavering belief in human potential can create extraordinary community impact for people with developmental disabilities.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How collaborative learning philosophy from London School of Economics shaped inclusive leadership approach

• Building sustainable nonprofits through strategic endowment growth from $6M toward $30M goal

• Therapeutic pool transformation: growing revenue from $180K to over $1M in nine years

• Serving diverse communities: children, seniors, and adults with developmental disabilities under one roof

• Creating family-first workplace culture while maintaining organizational excellence and growth

• Federal procurement strategies for employing adults with disabilities across US territories

• Inclusive preschool development: breaking barriers between typical and special needs children

• Crisis leadership during family emergencies while building long-term career momentum

• Fundraising strategies in high-wealth communities for mission-driven organizations

• Learning from participants: how people with disabilities teach resilience and joy daily

🌟 David's Key Mentors:

• Wilfred Beckerman (London School of Economics): Taught collaborative learning without assumptions or note-taking

• General Ivy Johansson (Source America CEO): Demonstrated visionary leadership and trust in emerging talent

• Source America Colleagues: Provided 32 years of diverse nonprofit management experience across multiple territories

• Pomeroy Participants and Staff: Daily teachers about resilience, finding joy in simplicity, and human value

• San Francisco Community Leaders: Partners in building sustainable support networks for vulnerable populations

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming lives through inclusive programming, building financial sustainability in nonprofits, and how personal challenges can strengthen both leadership capabilities and organizational impact.

🔗 Connect with David Dubinsky:

• LinkedIn: David Dubinsky

• Email: ddubinsky@prrcsf.org

• Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center: 207 Skyline Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94132

📄 Transcript Available: Building Inclusive Communities: David Dubinsky's Leadership at Pomeroy Center

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com#NonprofitLeadership #InclusiveEducation #CommunityImpact

🎙️ From Secrets to Authentic Leadership: Tim Perdion's Journey of Self-Discovery and Professional Growth

In this deeply moving episode, Tim Perdion, Director of Practice Management and Service Delivery Technology at Ascend Partner Services, shares his courageous journey from living behind masks to embracing authentic leadership. Through candid discussions about adoption, family secrets, personal trauma, and professional transformation, Tim reveals how facing his deepest challenges led to his greatest strengths. His story demonstrates how vulnerability becomes a superpower, enabling him to help accounting firms scale while creating psychologically safe environments where people can thrive authentically.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• How childhood adoption and family secrets shaped a pattern of carrying others' unfinished business

• The transformation from wearing masks to authentic leadership in professional settings

• Meeting biological parents at 45: identity discovery as a catalyst for personal growth

• Residential treatment and faith journey: tools for emotional regulation and healing

• Vulnerability as strength: opening doors for meaningful connections with colleagues

• Reading below the waterline: developing discernment to see what others miss

• Creating psychological safety in tech transformation and change management

• Building empathy through personal struggles to better support team members

• Surrendering control: how faith and community accelerated professional opportunities

• Turning personal pain into purpose through authentic relationship building

🌟 Tim's Key Mentors:

• Adoptive Parents: Provided loving foundation despite family patterns of secrecy

• Biological Uncle: Connected over faith and provided answers about family history

• Sierra Tucson Treatment Team: Taught emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and healing tools

• Church Community: Non-denominational environment fostering spiritual growth and authenticity

• Men's Retreat Leaders: Guided journey from spiritual slavery to spiritual sonship

• Close Friend from Workplace: Parallel journey of vulnerability and personal growth

• Ascend Leadership Team: Models servant leadership and people-first organizational culture

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming trauma into wisdom, the courage to seek help, and how personal authenticity creates safer, more effective work environments for everyone.

🔗 Connect with Tim Perdion:

LinkedIn: Tim Perdion, Director at Ascend Partner Services Website: Ascend Partner Services

📄 Transcript Available: Removing the Masks: Tim Perdion's Journey through Personal Challenges to Purpose-Driven Leadership

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#AuthenticLeadership #AdoptionJourney #VulnerabilityInLeadership #TraumaRecovery #SpiritualAwakening #PsychologicalSafety #ChangeManagement #TechnologyTransformation #AccountingIndustry #PersonalGrowth #FaithJourney #EmotionalIntelligence #MensMentalHealth #WorkplaceEmpathy #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Corporate Marketing to Pizza Empire: Eric Soller's Old Scratch Pizza Journey

In this inspiring episode, Eric Soller, founder of Old Scratch Pizza, shares his transformation from ITW corporate marketing director to successful restaurateur building a multi-location pizza empire in Ohio. After spending over a decade in food service equipment marketing, Eric took the entrepreneurial leap at age 44 to create something uniquely his own: "Midwestern-ly Neapolitan" pizza served in a beer hall atmosphere. Through candid discussions about raising capital, building systems, and the challenges of restaurant operations, Eric demonstrates how combining culinary expertise, business acumen, and unwavering confidence can create a thriving hospitality business that serves both community and profit.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from secure corporate career to restaurant entrepreneurship at 44

• Creating "Midwestern-ly Neapolitan" pizza: traditional Italian techniques with Midwest sensibilities

• Raising capital through network: 5 pitches, 5 yes responses from local investors

• Building community through large communal tables and family-friendly atmosphere

• "Cones for a Cause" program: $300,000+ donated to charity through free ice cream donations

• Operating without freezers or microwaves: everything made from scratch daily

• Scaling from one to four locations with systematic approach to operations

• Using sophisticated demographic data (Experian Mosaic) for targeted marketing

• Training 16-year-olds to master Neapolitan pizza techniques in three weeks

• Planning Columbus expansion and additional growth for 2026

🌟 Eric's Key Influences:

• Antico Pizza (Atlanta): Inspired the wood-fired oven, communal table beer hall concept

• ITW Corporate Experience: Applied world-class manufacturing principles to restaurant operations

• Wife's Support: Provided encouragement during entrepreneurial transition and ongoing operations

• Restaurant Peer Groups: Customer advisory boards and industry networks for problem-solving

• AI/ChatGPT: Uses as brainstorming partner and operational streamlining tool

• Hospitality Books: "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Lou Gardenia, "Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer

• Local Network: Strong Dayton professional relationships enabled successful capital raising

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building authentic hospitality experiences, the importance of systematic operations, and how entrepreneurial confidence can overcome the complexities of restaurant ownership.

🔗 Connect with Eric Soller:

• Website: oldscratchpizza.com

• Instagram: @oldscratchpizza

• Location: Multiple Dayton, Ohio area locations with Columbus expansion coming 2026

• Address: 1100 Oakwood Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419

📄 Transcript Available: Restaurant Growth Strategy: Old Scratch Pizza & Eric Soller's Path from One Location to Multi-Market Expansion

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#RestaurantEntrepreneurship #NeapolitanPizza #CorporateCareerTransition #HospitalityBusiness #CommunityFocusedDining #RestaurantScaling #FoodServiceMarketing #BeerHallConcept #CharitableGiving #OperationalSystems #RestaurantTechnology #FranchiseGrowth #CulinaryArts #BusinessNetworking #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ Scaling Innovation: George Schultz's Journey from FedEx Janitor to COO of Fetch Package

In this dynamic episode, George Schultz, COO of Fetch Package Inc., shares his remarkable journey from cleaning toilets as a FedEx hourly employee to leading operations at one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in America. Through candid discussions about imposter syndrome, career pivots, and breakthrough innovations, George reveals how early exposure to technology adoption and crisis management shaped his leadership philosophy. His story demonstrates how embracing discomfort and continuous learning can transform challenges into competitive advantages in rapidly evolving industries.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Technology adoption mindset: staying ahead of tech curves since FedEx handheld deployment in late 1980s

• Crisis management through over-communication: breaking chaos into manageable steps during emergencies

• Amazon vs FedEx cultures: operational discipline versus high-velocity innovation environments

• Scaling from startup to enterprise: building trust while delegating critical responsibilities

• Multifamily housing revolution: solving package overload problems with offsite management solutions

• Service diversification strategy: leveraging core strengths to expand into storage, market, and valet services

• OCR technology deployment: eliminating manual processes to handle massive volume surges seamlessly

• Imposter syndrome as catalyst: using self-doubt to drive continuous education and performance improvement

• AI verification systems: creating unbroken chains of custody for package protection and fraud prevention

• Network effects in career growth: maintaining vibrant professional relationships throughout leadership journey

🌟 George's Key Mentors:

• FedEx Early Leaders: Taught operational discipline, process adherence, and technology adoption principles

• Amazon Senior Leadership: Demonstrated bias for action, data-driven decisions, and rapid iteration methods

• Crisis Response Teams: Showed value of empowering frontline decision-making with clear guardrails

• Direct Report Feedback: Subordinates who challenged him to delegate more and trust team capabilities

• Fetch Leadership Team: CEO Michael Patton, CTO Boone Putney, CFO Aaron Anderson providing collaborative foundation

• Marquette Professor Connection: Introduced him to ParcelPing founders solving supply chain verification challenges

• Industry Network: Spanning technology, pharmaceutical, food and beverage sectors for continuous learning

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about transforming operations through innovation, building trust in high-growth environments, and how embracing discomfort becomes a leadership superpower in scaling businesses.

🔗 Connect with George Schultz:

LinkedIn: George Schultz, COO at Fetch Package Website: FetchPackage.com ParcelPing: ParcelPing.us

📄 Transcript Available: Technology Adoption and Trust Building: George Schultz's Corporate Leadership Evolution

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#LogisticsLeadership #PackageManagement #MultifamilyHousing #TechnologyAdoption #OperationsScaling #CrisisManagement #ImposterSyndrome #SupplyChainInnovation #StartupGrowth #AmazonCulture #FedExOperations #StrategicAdvisory #AIVerification #FraudPrevention #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Pakistan to AI Pioneer: Syed Alam's Journey of Innovation and Resilience Through Crisis

In this inspiring episode, Syed Alam, founder and CEO of AccentEdge, shares his remarkable journey from arriving alone in Milwaukee in 1984 to building a cutting-edge technology company that pivoted through the COVID-19 pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. With over 30 years of experience in technology and business, Syed reveals how losing 80% of his business overnight led to breakthrough innovations in early cancer detection and democratic engagement, proving that America's greatest strength lies in its transparent systems and endless opportunities for those willing to adapt and persevere.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• America's transparent systems create predictable opportunities for entrepreneurs

• Building relationships and being dependable opens more doors than technical skills alone

• Business school provides frameworks that complement real-world network building

• COVID-19 crisis forced pivot from airlines/banking to healthcare and government sectors

• Early cancer detection through AI can predict 50+ cancer types up to five years in advance

• Digital biomarkers from imaging combined with blood markers revolutionize screening

• Government contracting through SAM.gov provides transparent bidding opportunities

• Fighting misinformation requires analyzing legislator voice penetration versus interest groups

• Solving humanity's biggest challenges creates the greatest business opportunities

• Personal isolation and rebuilding life from scratch builds unshakeable resilience

🌟 Syed's Key Mentors:

• University Roommates: Welcomed him with curiosity and generosity, teaching American openness 

• Wisconsin Bank Supervisors: Recognized dependability over genius, showed value of reliability 

• MBA Project Partner: Connected him to first $50,000 consulting opportunity that launched entrepreneurship 

• Major Corporation Colleagues: Built network that enabled pivot during COVID crisis 

• Healthcare University Partners: Provided anonymized, diverse data for AI algorithm training 

• Chicago Healthcare Incubators: Connected him to Matter and other ecosystem resources for cancer research

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about immigrant entrepreneurship, crisis-driven innovation, and how America's systematic transparency creates opportunities for those bold enough to seize them.

🔗 Connect with Syed Alam:

LinkedIn: Syed Alam, Founder & CEO at AccentEdge 

AccentEdge Website: accentedge.com 

Email: Available through website contact 

Office: 625 West Adams Street, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661

📄 Transcript Available: Syed Alam Transforms Healthcare Through AI: Early Cancer Detection Five Years in Advance

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#ImmigrantEntrepreneur #AICancerDetection #COVIDPivot #HealthcareInnovation #DemocraticEngagement #TechnologyConsulting #CrisisAdaptation #AmericanOpportunity #TransparentSystems #EarlyCancerScreening #BusinessResilience #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Healthcare Tech to Mediterranean Innovation: Dan Simpson's Journey Building Taziki's Culture

In this inspiring episode, Dan Simpson, CEO of Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, shares his unconventional path from healthcare technology to leading a 109-location restaurant chain dedicated to authentic Mediterranean cuisine and elevated hospitality. After successfully scaling healthcare companies and launching technology ventures, Dan joined Taziki's as Chief Innovation Officer before transitioning to CEO—a rare career arc that brought fresh perspective to traditional restaurant operations. Through candid discussions about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating COVID-19 challenges, and advocating for immigration solutions in Washington DC, Dan demonstrates how empathy-driven leadership, strategic technology integration, and commitment to community can create sustainable growth in the competitive restaurant industry.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from healthcare tech entrepreneurship to restaurant leadership without industry experience

• Implementing AI-driven personalization: custom training paths and guest experience optimization

• Launching successful bowl program: most successful limited-time offer in 27-year company history

• Building hybrid franchise model: 60% traditional franchises, 40% company joint ventures with local equity partners

• Overcoming imposter syndrome when transitioning from advisor to CEO role

• Navigating COVID-19 by "breaking all rules": empowering franchisees to innovate locally

• Creating elevated fast-casual experience: wine service, imported Mediterranean ingredients, community atmosphere

• Advocating for immigration solutions in Washington DC to address workforce challenges

• Using data integration to personalize customer experiences while maintaining authentic hospitality

• Building company culture around empathy, partnership, and employee equity opportunities

🌟 Dan's Key Influences:

• AIM Healthcare Leadership: Taught speed-to-trust approach and empowering talented people in deep-end challenges

• Michael Bodner (Fresh Hospitality): Connected Dan to restaurant industry through technology integration partnerships

• Keith Richards (Taziki's Founder): Mentored transition from consultant to CEO, emphasized authentic Mediterranean cuisine

• David Wilcox Quote: "Live where you swim close enough to shore to stay alive, far enough to feel alive"

• Armando Perez Success Story: Venezuelan immigrant who rose from entry-level to managing 13 locations with equity

• COVID-19 Crisis: Forced innovation, rule-breaking, and focus on core hospitality values

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building inclusive workplace culture, leveraging technology for authentic hospitality, and how personal vulnerability can drive organizational transformation in challenging times.

🔗 Connect with Dan Simpson:

• Website: tazikis.com

• LinkedIn: Dan Simpson

• Company: Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

• Locations: 109+ locations across multiple states

• Address: 4511 Nebraska Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37209

• Franchise Opportunities: Available through website contact

📄 Transcript Available: The Outsider's Advantage: How Dan Simpson Transformed Taziki's Through Fresh Perspective

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#RestaurantLeadership #MediterraneanCuisine #FastCasualDining #FranchiseOperations #HealthcareTechnologyTransition #AIPersonalization #EmployeeEquityPartnerships #ImmigrationAdvocacy #COVIDRestaurantAdaptation #ImposterSyndrome #HospitalityInnovation #CommunityBuilding #TechnologyIntegration #AuthenticLeadership #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Plants to People: Bob Grover’s Landscape Leadership Journey

In this episode of Inspired Stories, Bob Grover, President of Pacific Landscape Management and co-founder of Osprey Landscape Group, shares how a teenage nursery job blossomed into a 50-year career in the green industry. Bob walks us through his journey from horticulture student to running one of the top 20 landscape firms in the U.S., known for sustainable practices and people-first leadership.

✨ Key Insights You’ll Learn:

• Why focusing on people, not just financial metrics, fuels long-term growth
  

• Building opportunity ladders for employees — from laborer to manager
  

• Lessons from True Green Landcare on culture vs. corporate metrics
  

• Sustainable landscaping: water conservation, green roofs, bioswales
  

• Growing through partnerships and acquisitions while protecting culture
  

• Taking the scary leap from manager to entrepreneur with family support
  

🌟 Bob’s Key Mentors:

• Elias Gatinez: Co-founder and operations leader, skilled at training and developing people
  

• Northwest Landscape Owners: Early role models in quality and culture-focused leadership
  

• His Wife: Provided critical support in the risky leap from employee to entrepreneur
  

👉 Don’t miss Bob’s inspiring story of leadership, sustainability, and scaling with heart.

🔗 Connect with Bob Grover: Email: bob.grover@pacscape.com Company: Pacific Landscape Management | [Osprey Landscape Group]

📄 Transcript Available: How Bob Grover Built One of the Top 20 Landscape Companies in the U.S. 📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast 📄 Special Thanks: Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency

#LandscapeManagement #Sustainability #BusinessLeadership #InspiredStoriesPodcast #TeamCulture #EmployeeGrowth #Entrepreneurship

🎙️ From Italian Beach Club to Dallas Restaurant Empire: Danilo Di Nardo's Journey of Resilience

In this inspiring episode, Danilo Di Nardo, Vice President of Operations at Lombardi Family Concepts, shares his remarkable transformation from a 13-year-old runaway barista in Italy to leading a 49-year-old family restaurant empire in Texas. Starting with stealing money to chase his first job and buy expensive jeans, Danilo's story unfolds through immigration challenges, devastating business failures, and the power of mentorship in shaping hospitality excellence. Through candid discussions about overcoming depression, building wine expertise, and creating family-oriented workplace culture, Danilo demonstrates how authentic leadership, relentless positivity, and genuine care for people can build lasting success in the competitive restaurant industry.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Starting work at 13 by running away from home to become a beach club barista in Italy

• Immigrating to Miami in 2003 with 300 euros and no English speaking ability

• Building restaurant expertise from dishwasher to general manager across multiple states

• Surviving devastating business failure and financial ruin in Miami during 2008 recession

• Developing sommelier expertise and earning Wine Spectator Awards for six consecutive years

• Leading 17 concepts and 20 restaurants with three more in construction pipeline

• Creating family-oriented culture: employees working 30-44 years, following leadership across companies

• Implementing AI solutions: 17% increase in reservations through automated phone systems

• Building authentic hospitality through genuine care: bailing employees from jail, lending money for family needs

• Expanding across Texas markets with plans for multi-state growth

🌟 Danilo's Key Influences:

• His Father: Provided initial house down payment but demanded mortgage responsibility, teaching financial accountability

• Arturo & Rosaria Gismondi (Arturo's Restaurant): First mentors in American hospitality, introduced fine dining service standards

• Greg Rivera: Wine distributor who discovered Danilo's palate, guided sommelier certification path

• Louis Lazinaro: New York mentor who provided growth opportunity during economic recovery

• His Mother: Flew to Florida during depression, provided crucial emotional support and resilience lessons

• Alberto Lombardi: Lombardi Family Concepts founder, father-figure relationship enabling operational leadership growth

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about immigrant resilience, the importance of mentorship, and how authentic family culture can create exceptional hospitality experiences that last generations.

🔗 Connect with Danilo Di Nardo:

• Website: lombardyfamilyconcepts.com

• Instagram: @danilo.dinardo83

• Company Social: @lombardyfamilyconcepts (Instagram/Facebook)

• Locations: Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, Acoma Mexico

• Address: 3108 Bridgewater Drive, Little Elm, Texas 75068

📄 Transcript Available: Building Family Culture Through Authentic Leadership: Danilo Di Nardo's Story

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#RestaurantOperations #HospitalityLeadership #ItalianImmigrationStory #SommelierExpertise #WineSpectatorAwards #FamilyRestaurantCulture #EmployeeRetention #BusinessFailureRecovery #MiamiRestaurantIndustry #DallasDiningScene #AuthenticHospitality #ImmigrantEntrepreneur #DepressionRecovery #MentorshipImportance #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Navy Service to Healthcare Leadership: Cheryl Lynn Lovell's Journey Through Crisis and Innovation

In this inspiring episode, Cheryl Lynn Lovell, COO of Constellation Health Services and CEO of CLC Group, shares her transformation from Gulf War Navy veteran to healthcare executive leading operations across multiple states. After being steered away from nursing school due to industry misconceptions, Cheryl built her career from CNA to C-suite through hands-on experience in every aspect of post-acute healthcare. Through candid discussions about family challenges including foster care adoption, business failures, and the complexities of healthcare regulations, Cheryl demonstrates how resilience, authentic leadership, and strategic thinking can create meaningful impact in healthcare delivery.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from military service to healthcare administration after being redirected from nursing

• Building leadership skills without clinical background: forced innovation through team development

• Learning harsh business lessons during rapid growth: cash flow management in receivables-heavy industry

• Navigating foster care adoption challenges and advocating for middle-class mental health access

• Understanding Medicare's outdated DOS-based backend systems impacting industry efficiency

• Implementing operational efficiencies: scheduling optimization and workflow improvements

• Managing post-acute care with 60-day payment delays while fronting service costs

• Creating "outside perspective" consulting approach to identify workflow bottlenecks

• Surviving business closure as turnaround CEO: building dream teams under pressure

• Leading five hospice startups across Eastern US in single year

🌟 Cheryl's Key Influences:

• Betty McNamara (Kelly Assisted Living): Early mentor who taught transition from military command to civilian leadership

• Gulf War Navy Experience: Emergency trauma training foundation for healthcare understanding

• Foster Care Adoption Journey: Developed compassion and persistence through challenging parenting experiences

• Business Failure at Charter Healthcare: Learned team-building and relationship importance during crisis

• Webster University Military Support: Enabled degree completion despite frequent relocations

• Family Support System: Arizona family network provided stability during difficult child-rearing years

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building healthcare teams, navigating regulatory complexities, and how personal challenges can strengthen professional leadership in demanding industries.

🔗 Connect with Cheryl Lynn Lovell:

• Email: cheryl@clcgroupco.com

• Company: Constellation Health Services (COO) & CLC Group (CEO)

• Services: Home health, hospice, palliative care across Eastern US

• Consulting: Operational efficiency and financial improvement for healthcare organizations

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona (serving East Coast clients)

📄 Transcript Available: Adoption, Adversity, and Advocacy: Cheryl Lovell’s Personal and Professional Journey

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#HealthcareAdministration #HomeHealthServices #HospiceCare #PalliativeCare #MilitaryTransition #FosterCareAdoption #HealthcareConsulting #OperationalEfficiency #MedicareChallenges #PostAcuteCare #HealthcareLeadership #BusinessTurnaround #TeamBuilding #RegulatoryCompliance #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Wall Street to Brick Manufacturing: Brad Belden's Leadership Journey at America's Largest Family-Owned Brick Company

In this inspiring episode, Brad Belden, President and COO of Belden Brick Company, shares his remarkable journey from Chicago options trading and New York banking to leading America's largest family-owned brick manufacturer. Through authentic storytelling, Brad reveals how environmental compliance challenges became learning opportunities, transforming potential disasters into stronger EPA relationships. He discusses innovative approaches to sustainability, including revolutionary waste-to-raw-materials programs that turn industrial byproducts into brick components, and the company's embrace of cutting-edge technology like digital printing and advanced automation. Brad's story demonstrates how fifth-generation family businesses can balance tradition with innovation while maintaining competitive advantages through superior product quality, extensive customization options, and deep industry relationships built over 140 years.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Fifth-generation family business leadership without mandatory succession expectations

• Environmental compliance transformation from crisis management to EPA partnership building

• Industrial waste recycling innovation turning byproducts into valuable raw materials

• Brick manufacturing automation addressing post-COVID workforce challenges

• Digital printing technology revolutionizing color consistency and custom design capabilities

• Commercial focus strategy targeting universities, schools, and stadium construction projects

• Specialty shapes and custom sizing competitive advantages in architectural applications

• Distributor partnership models including joint ventures with competing manufacturers

• Attendance bonus systems and education assistance programs improving employee retention

• Community board involvement philosophy for industry knowledge and civic responsibility

🌟 Brad's Key Mentors:

• Father and Cousins (Bill and Bob): Fourth-generation family leaders who provided guidance during environmental crisis

• Environmental Health and Safety Predecessor: Veteran employee who taught foundational environmental regulations and processes

• Cousin John Streb: Environmental department collaborator who helped build strong EPA relationships

• JP Morgan Chase Colleagues: Banking professionals who taught advanced Excel skills and process optimization

• Chicago Trading Floor Team: Market makers who provided foundational business discipline and accountability training

• Ohio EPA Representatives: Regulatory partners who evolved from adversaries to collaborative environmental stewards

• Brick Industry Veterans: Trade association members and competitors who fostered industry-wide collaborative relationships

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about environmental stewardship, manufacturing innovation, family business succession, and how crisis management can strengthen regulatory relationships while building competitive advantages.

🔗 Connect with Brad Belden:

Website: beldenbrick.com 

Instagram: @BeldenBrickCo 

Location: Canton, Ohio

📄 Transcript Available: Brad Belden on Fifth-Generation Leadership and Manufacturing Innovation in Brick Industry

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency:

AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#BrickManufacturing #FamilyBusinessSuccession #EnvironmentalCompliance #IndustrialWasteRecycling #ManufacturingAutomation #DigitalPrintingTechnology #CommercialConstruction #SpecialtyBuildingMaterials #EPAPartnership #ManufacturingInnovation #WorkforceDevelopment #DistributorPartnerships #ConstructionMaterials #SustainabilityPractices #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ How Michael Dominguez Built ALHI Into the Premier Luxury Hotel Sales Network Through Leadership and Connection

In this inspiring episode, Michael Dominguez, President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), shares his remarkable 30-year journey from busing tables at Hyatt San Antonio to leading a global sales organization representing over 250 prestigious independent hotels. Through powerful stories of mentorship, crisis leadership during the Las Vegas shooting tragedy, and the philosophy of "pounding the rock," Michael reveals how authentic relationships and intentional leadership transformed both his career and the hospitality industry.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Mentorship matters: Hard-but-loving guidance sets foundation for lifetime success

• Corporate culture trumps talent: Hiring for fit over resume creates winning teams

• "Pounding the rock" philosophy: Small consistent efforts eventually break through barriers

• Crisis leadership through authentic connection: Personal relationships provide credibility when leading through tragedy

• San Antonio Spurs model: Most winning organization teaches culture of selfless excellence

• White space in agendas: Modern meetings need intentional breathing room for deeper connections

• Rhythm over balance: Strategic choices in work-life integration rather than perfect balance

• AI customization revolution: Technology will enhance human touchpoints, not replace them

• Personal choices create experiences: Taking ownership rather than playing victim transforms leadership

• Human capital as greatest asset: Time allocation must reflect stated priorities

🌟 Michael's Key Mentors:

• Pat Donnelly (Former Hyatt F&B Director): Taught unpredictability and accountability in leadership

• San Antonio Spurs Organization: Model of culture-driven excellence and team-first mentality

• Pop Greenberg (ALHI Chairman): Recognized leadership potential and provided career-changing opportunity

• Dr. Ted Willie: Power of choice philosophy - choices create experiences, not circumstances

• Mrs. Bennett (Kindergarten Teacher): Early lessons on choices and consequences for his daughter

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building winning cultures, leading through crisis, and how authentic relationships drive business success in the luxury hospitality industry.

🔗 Connect with Michael Dominguez:

Email: mdominguez@alhi.com LinkedIn: Michael Dominguez ALHI Website: www.alhi.com Beyond the Meeting Room Podcast

📄 Transcript Available: The Power of Choice: Michael Dominguez's Journey from Restaurant Manager to Hospitality CEO

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

#HospitalityLeadership #CrisisLeadership #CorporateCulture #LuxuryHotels #SalesLeadership #TeamBuilding #Mentorship #AuthenticLeadership #HospitalityIndustry #InspiredStoriesPodcast

🎙️ From Surf Shack Dreams to Global Flavors: Wing Lam’s Wahoo’s Fish Taco Story In this episode of Inspired Stories, Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, shares how a surf-inspired idea turned into an iconic California restaurant brand with 40+ locations. From his Brazilian-Chinese upbringing to infusing teriyaki, black beans, and global flavors into the SoCal surf scene, Wing built more than a restaurant — he built a cultural movement.

✨ Key Insights You’ll Learn:

• How a finance degree shaped Wing’s approach to restaurant risk and growth
  

• Why “give first” and unreasonable hospitality drive brand loyalty
  

• Building Wahoo’s by partnering with surf, skate, and snowboarding communities
  

• Turning bartering into brand partnerships with Vans, Billabong, Monster, and more
  

• How the California Love Drop began during COVID and still thrives today
  

• The power of community, charity, and culture in scaling a restaurant brand
  

🌟 Wing’s Key Mentors & Influences:

• His Parents: Restaurateurs across Asia and Brazil who modeled hard work and generosity
  

• Action Sports Brands: Early partners who embraced his “feed the athletes” approach
  

• Surfing & Skate Icons: Relationships built through decades of grassroots hospitality
  

👉 Don’t miss Wing’s story of blending food, culture, and philanthropy into a restaurant empire.

🔗 Connect with Wing Lam: Company: Wahoo’s Fish Taco Community: California Love Drop

📄 Transcript Available: From Surf Shack Dreams to Global Flavors: Wing Lam’s Wahoo’s Fish Taco Story 📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency 🌐 Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

#RestaurantLeadership #FoodEntrepreneurship #ActionSportsCulture #InspiredStoriesPodcast #CommunityImpact #UnreasonableHospitality #GiveFirst