Outstanding Ohioans

For Episode 46, I had the good fortune to interview Ryan Borgman, President of Borgman Athletics.  Borgman Athletics' motto is "We Make Sports Happen".  Check out the photo gallery of the type of work Borgman Athletics does.

So many of us participate or spectate sports indoors and outdoors.  The demand and expectations of the users is extremely high.  Facility space is often at a premium, and Borgman Athletics specializes in creative solutions to maximize and optimize the safety of these facilities.

To listen to the show, click on one of the following:

• Itunes
• Stitcher
• Like "The Outstanding Ohioans" on Facebook
• On your computer

Here are some of the topics we discussed:

• Ryan's career path, and the valuable lessons of customer service, hard work, creativity, and attention to detail that he learned along the way.
• Who served as Ryan's mentors
• the importance of relationships
• giving back to the community
• the necessity of a leader staying positive and solving problems
• the type of work Borgman Athletics started with, who they partner with, and how their business is growing and diversifying
• the adversity Ryan faced in his business, and how he moved his organization and team forward
• the ways Ryan works to recruit, develop, and retain his team
• desire to brand the Borgman name to build upon the legacy created by his predecessors

To reach Ryan and Borgman Athletics, you may do the following:

• http://www.borgmanathletics.com/
• Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram
• 513-844-1420 

Thank you for listening, have a great Easter!

Ron

For episode 45 of the Outstanding Ohioans show, I had the privilege of re-interviewing "the Barn Artist", Scott Hagan from Jerusalem, Ohio (Belmont County).

Click here to listen to episode 20

If you have driven anywhere in the state, you have come across Scott's work.  Enjoy his story, and I reckon you will pay more attention on your future driving trips around Ohio.

To listen to the show, click on one of the following:

• Itunes
• Stitcher
• Like on Facebook
• On your computer

Here are some highlights from the interview with Scott:

• new projects in Ohio that Scott is working on
• how Scott was interested in art throughout his life, and preferred to find a "larger" canvas
• when he was 19 years old, he painted his first barn (his dad's barn) and the ramifications of this work that led to being commissioned to paint bicentennial barns in Ohio
• finding a mentor just down the road, legendary "Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco" barn painter Harley Warrick
• Scott's keys to success:  
  • work ethic (he paints each barn with an old-fashioned brush)
  • respect for the process and details, such as painting crisp lines
  • gratitude
  • faith
  • ability to interact and share his ideas with others
• the joy of his children accompanying him on some of the projects
• in addition to barns, other "canvases" that Scott uses
• Connect with Scott
  • http://barnartist.com/
  • Facebook

In Episodes 43 & 44, I had the privilege of interviewing Lois Wolfe (Director) & Board of Trustee members Robert Wheeler, John Blakeman & Don Gfell, who help operate the Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio of the Edison Birthplace Association, Inc., a private, non-profit organization.

Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher

After the death of Thomas A. Edison from complications of diabetes on October 18, 1931, opening his birthplace to the public as a memorial and museum became the private project of his wife, Mina Miller Edison, and their daughter, Mrs. John Eyre Sloane. The Edison Birthplace Museum opened on the centennial of the inventor's birth in 1947.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

• the history of the Edison family in this house
• what brought the Edison family to Milan, Ohio, "the Silicon Valley of the Midwest" during its heyday
• how Thomas Edison was shaped by the environment of the town and diversity of the people present
• background on Edison's "formal" and "informal" educations, and the influence of his mother and sister in his development
• some of the mischief Edison got into as a child
• how Thomas Edison is the personification of the American Dream, and why learning about his achievements is so needed in America today
• how Thomas Edison considered the greatest invention to be "the mind of a child" and how he used his "child-like" curiosity to solve problems and connect the dots through invention and improvements
• how Edison combined an inventive spirit with the sense of the marketplace, and how he learned this lesson
• his greatest invention should be considered creating the first Research and Development Company to serve mankind.
• his leadership ability with his team and ability to mastermind with other prominent businessmen/inventors
• how adults and children alike can promote an environment and mindset of innovation 

Some resources to learn more about Thomas Edison or mentioned in the interview:

• Innovate Like Edison:  The Five-Step System For Breakthrough Business Success by Michael Gelb and Sarah Miller Caldicott
• The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World by Randall E. Stross
• Uncommon Friends: Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh by James Newton
• Henry Ford's Greenfield Village

To contact the Edison Birthplace Museum, you may do the following:

• website
• Facebook page
• Email 
• Phone at (419) 499-2135

Thank you for listening.

In Episodes 43 & 44, I had the privilege of interviewing Lois Wolfe (Director) & Board of Trustee members Robert Wheeler, John Blakeman & Don Gfell, who help operate the Thomas Alva Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio of the Edison Birthplace Association, Inc., a private, non-profit organization.

Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher

After the death of Thomas A. Edison from complications of diabetes on October 18, 1931, opening his birthplace to the public as a memorial and museum became the private project of his wife, Mina Miller Edison, and their daughter, Mrs. John Eyre Sloane. The Edison Birthplace Museum opened on the centennial of the inventor's birth in 1947.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

• the history of the Edison family in this house
• what brought the Edison family to Milan, Ohio, "the Silicon Valley of the Midwest" during its heyday
• how Thomas Edison was shaped by the environment of the town and diversity of the people present
• background on Edison's "formal" and "informal" educations, and the influence of his mother and sister in his development
• some of the mischief Edison got into as a child
• how Thomas Edison is the personification of the American Dream, and why learning about his achievements is so needed in America today
• how Thomas Edison considered the greatest invention to be "the mind of a child" and how he used his "child-like" curiosity to solve problems and connect the dots through invention and improvements
• how Edison combined an inventive spirit with the sense of the marketplace, and how he learned this lesson
• his greatest invention should be considered creating the first Research and Development Company to serve mankind.
• his leadership ability with his team and ability to mastermind with other prominent businessmen/inventors
• how adults and children alike can promote an environment and mindset of innovation 

Some resources to learn more about Thomas Edison or mentioned in the interview:

• Innovate Like Edison:  The Five-Step System For Breakthrough Business Success by Michael Gelb and Sarah Miller Caldicott
• The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World by Randall E. Stross
• Uncommon Friends: Life with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh by James Newton
• Henry Ford's Greenfield Village

To contact the Edison Birthplace Museum, you may do the following:

• website
• Facebook page
• Email 
• Phone at (419) 499-2135

Thank you for listening.

In Episode 42, I had the privilege of interviewing Marc Biales, Owner of Wild Berry, a world renowned incense manufacturer, in Oxford, Ohio.

Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher

The Wild Berry was established circa 1971 in Oxford, Ohio.  From humble beginnings, we've now spread our peace, love, and incense all over the world.  With over 90 premium quality fragrances we're sure you'll enjoy America's Best Incense (from Wild Berry website)

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

• Marc talked about his childhood growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
• how he knew his path would involve being an entrepreneur
• why he enrolled at Miami University
• Opening his first "store", working with leather, and eventually learning about incense
• how Wild Berry grew their business and opening of a large manufacturing facility
• how important core values are to an organization and allowing employees to work with autonomy to be successful
• the importance of customer service, finding a niche, and being irreverant
• the negative impact of regulations
• Marc's hope for a return of more "independence" in America
• what does the future hold for Wild Berry

To connect with Wild Berry, go to the website, facebook, email at [email protected], or call (800)542-3779

In Episode 41, I had the privilege of interviewing Anastasia Congdon & Margaret Lewis, Founders of Kokosing Valley School in Gambier, Ohio (Knox County).

Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher

The Kokosing Valley School is based on the Sudbury School Model founded in 1968.  It is a model based on freedom, self-paced learning, mixed peer ages, play, interest exploration, and democratic processes.

It is in fact nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wreck and ruin without fail.

-Albert Einstein

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

• Anastasia and Margaret's backgrounds prior to founding the school in 2015
• How each person came across the Sudbury model
• The tipping point for taking action for their children, and why they felt the Sudbury model was the best fit
• The inspirational, massive action they took to create the school within 7 months
• are they impacted by the school establishment of the state
• how the beautiful property contributes to the experience of the students
• the what a day looks like for the school children
• the parental support needed to make it successful
• the benefits the children receive from the Sudbury model, including the value of mixed ages all together
• historical outcomes of students that have gone through this model
• their vision for the future and legacy they hope to leave behind

Some resources to learn more about the Sudbury school model or mentioned in the interview:

• Research articles and videos
• Free At Last:  The Sudbury Valley School book by Daniel Greenberg
• Starting A Sudbury School:  A Summary of the Experiences of Fifteen Start Ups by Daniel Greenberg
• Free to Learn by Peter Gray
• Creative Schools:  The Grassroots Revolution that is Transforming Education by Sir Ken Robinson

To contact the school, you may do the following:

• website
• Facebook page
• Email at [email protected]
• Phone at (740) 427-2037

Thank you for listening.

In this episode, I am privileged to talk with Dr. Jim Burson for the third time.  Here is the link to the two previous interviews.

Dr. Burson is the Owner of Solution-Based Basketball, Author of The Golden Whistle & The Daily Nugget, retired collegiate basketball coach, and consultant to Nike Basketball and 94Fifty.

To listen to the show, click on one of the following:

• Itunes
• Stitcher
• Like on Facebook

 Here were some highlights from our discussion:

• what Coach Burson can provide through his coaching program
• his tips on delegation and core values
• how to balance outcomes (winning) and process
• servant leadership
• potential book project with George Raveling
• how to keep things in perspective
• Coach Burson's contact information
  • website: http://jimburson.com/
  • email:  [email protected]

For Episode 40, I had the privilege of interview Lynne Sturtevant.  Lynne is a local history buff, published author, and entrepreneur.  Listen to my previous Interview with her brother James Sturtevant.

Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher

Lynne is the owner of Hidden Marietta and The History Biz.  She has authored Haunted Marietta:  History and Mystery in Ohio's Oldest City and A Guide to Historic Marietta, Ohio.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

• how her father stoked her interest in history
• her career path from State of Ohio employee to travel agent to marketing director to Marietta businesses
• how she has leveraged three H's (history, haunted, and heritage) into her businesses
• the ghost ladies, indian mounds, and why Marietta is the most haunted city in Ohio
• an example creating a history program through the Cambridge Victorian Village funeral celebration
• her writing process with the Charleston Press
• the importance of creating a memorable, immersive experience to get people interested in local history programs
• core values of being a successful businessperson, make a return for all involved, and the customer experience
• Marietta is a tourist attraction because of its recreation opportunities, museums, attractions, Revolutionary War cemetery, and nearby former slave plantation across the river in West Virginia
• Consumes content from the Fizzle Podcast, Pat Flynn, Side Hustle Podcast, Daniel Pink, & Seth Godin

 Click here to contact Lynne.  Thank you for listening.

For episode 38, I had the pleasure of interviewing James Sturtevant, a 31-Year Teacher extraordinaire at Big Walnut High School and Author of the book You've Gotta Connect: Building Relationships That Lead to Engaged Students, Productive Classrooms, and Higher Achievement.  Mr. Sturtevant was referred to me by previous guest Jim Burson (Jim Burson Interview 1 & Interview 2.  You will love his energy and commitment to serve his student.

Connect with the Outstanding Ohioans show on Facebook, Itunes, or Stitcher

James has been around great teachers his whole life.  His father was a history teacher at Muskingum College (now Muskingum University).  He graduated from Muskingum with his bachelor's degree and then Ohio State with his master's degree.  He is married to Penny, the principal at Big Walnut Middle School.

Here were some of our discussion points:

• his tipping point were he made up his mind the teaching profession was his path
• how to connect and to engage all types of students
• The influence of Daniel Pink's book A Whole New Mind and TedTalk, as well as John Hattie's Visible Learning for Teachers:  Maximizing Impact on Learning
• why it is important to move beyond "nostalgia" and embrace the present and future
• the classroom value of acceptance, communication, non-verbal communication, safety, enjoyment, & advocacy
• sharing stories
• the impact he hopes he has made and thoughts on serving others in his future

Connect with James Sturtevant on his website or contact form.

Thank you for listening.

For Episodes 36 & 37 of the Outstanding Ohioans show, I had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Mayer, President of Opportunity Ohio.  Opportunity Ohio (O2) is dedicated to enhancing prosperity for Ohioans through educating policymakers and citizens. We pay particular attention to the impact of state and local government decisions and how they foster or hinder job creation and economic growth. Our strategic aim is to provide our leaders with sound policies for a better tomorrow.

To listen to the show, click on one of the following:

• Itunes
• Stitcher
• Like Outstanding Ohioans on Facebook

Matt A. Mayer serves as President of Opportunity Ohio. Previously, Mayer wrote and spoke on national security and federalism issues as a Visiting Fellow with The Heritage Foundation. His Heritage federalism work earned the runner-up prize in the 2012 Better Government Competition. Mayer has been a national policy leader for more than a decade.

Mayer is the author of three books.  Mayer’s first book, Homeland Security and Federalism: Protecting America from Outside the Beltway (with Foreward by the Honorable Edwin Meese III), argued for reversing the nationalization of homeland security by returning power to states and localities. His second book, Taxpayers Don’t Stand a Chance: Why Battleground Ohio Loses No Matter Who Wins (And What To Do About It), exposes systemic problems that have made Ohio fall from a national leader to a laggard. His third book, The Founding Debate: Where Should the Power Over Our Lives Reside?, highlights to top five arguments from the Federalist and Anti-Federalist, as well as excerpts from ten key Supreme Court cases, to help readers decide where they think the power should be.

Prior to his public policy work, Mayer was a senior official at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the leadership of Secretaries Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff where he provided DHS leaders with policy and operational advice as the Counselor to the Deputy Secretary and where he headed the $3.5 billion terrorism preparedness office charged with developing initiatives to transform America to meet the demands of a post-9/11 environment.

Mayer came to DHS from Colorado where he served Governor Bill Owens as the Deputy Director for the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Mayer co-developed Colorado’s Regulatory Notice system that utilizes electronic mail to notify stakeholders of all proposed regulations before those regulations become final. The Regulatory Notice system earned the Denver Business Journal’s 2003 “Innovative Product/Service Award” for making government more transparent and accountable.

Prior to joining Governor Owens’ team, Mayer served as a deputy in Colorado Senator Wayne Allard’s reelection effort in 2002, and ran a widely hailed congressional campaign for a first-time candidate. As a result of his campaign work, the Colorado Statesman selected Mayer for its 2002 “Rising Star Award.”

Mayer was a 2007 Lincoln Fellow with The Claremont Institute for the Study of Statesmanship and Political Philosophy and a 2006 American Marshall Memorial Fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States. In September 2005, The Ohio State University Alumni Association awarded Mayer the William Thompson Oxley Award for early career achievement. At the age of 29, the Denver Business Journal recognized Mayer as one of Colorado’s young leaders by naming him to its “Forty Under 4