CEO Confidential

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Let’s get to know the 2018 We Solve Problems Essay Contest winner, Jeremy Cavanaugh, who made history as the first freshmen to win the grand prize award with his essay titled “Protecting our LGBT Youth in Schools”. The 2018 Contest invited high school students from 7 districts to select a problem and solve it in a one-page essay, to be judged by a group of business owners and community leaders. Of the 1500 essays submitted, Jeremy’s was selected based on his choice of problem, solution proposed, and quality of writing. Alex and Molly find out what life is like for this extraordinary sophomore, and how he is helping improve the lives of LGBT students at Chagrin Falls High School.

Read Jeremy’s essay and learn more about the We Solve Problems Essay Contest by visiting www.wesolveproblems-essay.com. If you think you may want to be a judge or sponsor in the contest, join the mailing list at bit.ly/WSPlist to get all the updates.

Watch Jeremy and Alex’s interview on WVIZ/ideastream on May 15, 2018, at www.ideastream.org/programs/ideas/essay-contest-spotlights-high-schoolers-solutions-to-real-world-problems

SHOW NOTES * 1:06 Why Paul is so great; The Botanical Gardens is delightful; Surprises for Susan; Smart Uber-ing; Molly’s Bingo and Gyros with the Boy Scouts * 11:43 Introducing Jeremy Cavanaugh and sharing big news about the We Solve Problems Essay Contest * 19:00 Welcome Jeremy; Enjoying the contest prize; An important transition * 29:40 Helping other students find their path; Effects of winning the Essay Contest * 34:00 Just an average 10th grader, or more than that? Extracurriculars, Weekends, and Classwork * 50:35 Lightning Round

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Paul Marnecheck, Chagrin Falls High School, Susan Priest Richlak, Floh Vodka, John Gadd, Robb Sapp

We cover a lot of ground this week with Mr. Steve Crandall, a Medical Negligence trial lawyer with Crandall & Pera Law LLC. Find out what you need to know about your medical records, and hear about amazing cases that could inspire their own John Grisham novels. Chagrin Falls residents will want to hear Steve’s great ideas for improving the village, and everyone will want to find out how he ended up with LeBron James in his lap. Join Alex, Molly, and Steve in a lively discussion of football safety, neighborly advice, and the resilience of man.  Get in touch with Steve at www.injuryverdicts.com, or on facebook under Steve Crandall or Crandall & Pera Law LLC.

Check out the "Chagrin Falls- Open for Business!" exhibit at the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum through February 28, 2019. This is a historical perspective of businesses in Chagrin Falls shown through signs, photographs, advertising items and memorabilia. More information at chagrinhistorical.org/new-exhibit-chagrin-falls-open-for-business/

You can always find out about all the exciting events being planned by Molly and the Chagrin Falls Chamber of Commerce at cvcc.org.

Are you playing along in the new drinking game where we count how many times Alex mentions Tiffany’s name? The first two people to send us a message with the right number of mentions from episode 62 (Eryka Parker) will receive a prize!

REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE

• Read about the case of the Ohio State University student that was injured by an unsafe construction site at dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/12/20/osu-to-give-500000-tuition-to-injured-student.html

SHOW NOTES

* 1:01 Snapchatting and tech talk; A Star is Born * 3:20 The GLF Mentoring program * 6:50 Introducing Steve Crandall * 8:55 Future mayor of Chagrin Falls? Ideas to help the Village * 16:15 How not to be neighborly; Social media, anonymity, and negativity * 24:38 a Molly love fest; Can we identify homes to be preserved * 30:28 From defending doctors to defending patients; How trial lawyers make the world a better place; Exciting cases and book ideas * 40:07 “Your doctor is most likely writing things in your chart that are not true” * 46:39 The impact of a loss and how to bounce back * 51:55 What happens when there are altered medical records and patients’ rights * 56:04 The big problem with Football * 1:04:15 Early morning Father-Son workouts; Lessons from our parents * 1:08:55 Lightning Round

Entrepreneurs both experienced and aspiring will find value in the stories and experiences of Mr. Terry Capuano. Terry has not only started many businesses including Precision Polymer Casting, LLC, but also saved many as a Business Consultant through his company ASCENDTEK, LLC. While you would think that would be enough for anyone’s plate, Terry also holds 30 patents and runs multiple other businesses as well as a children’s charity. Although Alex hosted this episode solo, he manages to pull out a wealth of valuable business tips from Terry, with advice on running a business well, managing employees and cash flow, overcoming roadblocks, and the importance of a business plan.

Get in touch with Terry through his page on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/mr-terry-capuano-pe-a347304/ or at www.ascendtek.biz.

An audit of your policies can help you avoid the pain of lawsuits. CoverMySix is a one-stop legal audit for your business, led by award-winning litigators and in-house counsel from The Gertsburg Law Firm. CM6 minimizes your exposure to lawsuits, investigations, disgruntled employees and customers, and all the damage that comes with them. Learn more about how to protect your business from lawsuits at covermysix.com.

SHOW NOTES

* 4:51 Welcome Terry; Italian roots with a local home * 6:50 A young entrepreneur becomes a successful mogul; Some people are best at self-employment * 14:20 Important lessons learned: Cash flow, managing employees, and first steps in opening a business * 23:10 Charting your own course; The value of agreements, attention to detail, and help in the right places * 36:10 Resources for business owners; Characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and common roadblocks * 41:44 The path of new ideas; Marketing and business plans * 53:06 Terry reflects on his business experience; The need for fearlessness * 1:02:33 Lightning Round

Do you love to write? Do you hate to write? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you’ll want to listen to this engaging interview with Eryka Parker, Owner of Lyrical Innovations, LLC. This ghostwriter, writing coach, and editor describes all the ways she supports writers at any stage of the writing process, from the conception of an idea to the final published product. Follow her journey from writing personalized poetry to running her own full-fledged literary agency, and join us for deep conversations about the state of publishing now, marketing, and emotions. Plus, gain a new appreciation for Judy Blume, and find out what happens when Eryka hears peaceful piano music.

Connect with Eryka by visiting LyricalInnovationsllc.com and follow her on Instagram & Facebook:  LyricalInnovationsLLC. Eryka’s book is Penpoint Your Perspective: Freewriting Canvas and Writer's Instructional Handbook.

Grove Hill: A True Story, Molly’s documentary about the Chagrin Falls annual pumpkin roll, will have a special screening at Township Hall on October 20th at 2:00pm. Registration required at cvcc.org or  tinyurl.com/ybfcm44n

LINKS AND REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE:

• Paul Marnecheck was our guest on Episode 15 of Best.Podcast.Ever.

[caption id="attachment_1940" align="alignleft" width="254"] Here is the photo that got Eryka’s attention in the studio – Find the original on Ajith Kumar’s Google+ page: plus.google.com/+AjithKumardev/posts/2W4i4GtrkpZ[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1938" align="alignright" width="276"] Eryka meeting the (John) Legend[/caption]

SHOW NOTES

* 1:00 Autumn in NE Ohio; Weekend adventures; What we’re watching; Judy Blume * 16:23 Introducing Eryka Parker * 18:05 Welcome Eryka; Why a Ghost Writer? Writing people’s stories * 24:00 The publishing process; A writing partnership * 27:20 Listen in on a writing consultation; A conversation about blogs * 36:20 Home and office life; Works in Progress * 40:20 How it all began; Current trends in publishing and marketing * 51:10 The intersection of emotion and writing * 55:14 Lightning Round

SHOUT-OUTS IN THIS EPISODE: 

Yours Truly, Paul Marnecheck, Brenda Cain, Bob Hunt, Regina, Solon High School

Get to know the ever-friendly Kim Skala of Skala Insurance Agency. Learn about how Kim took over the family business, what it’s like when your co-workers become your employees, and the juggling act of business ownership. After an insightful conversation on diets and spirit animals, our guest co-host Christi George adds a new question to our lightning round. You’ve probably never enjoyed chatting with your local insurance agent as much as you’ll enjoy this episode. Plus, Molly shares her latest home invasion and Alex sings the praises of his new favorite movie.

Check out Skala Insurance Agency LLC on Facebook and contact Kim on LinkedIn.  Visit the Skala Insurance Agency website at  https://agency.nationwide.com/kim-skala-in-chagrin-falls-oh .

Kim will be speaking at The Empowered Women Succeed event on November 9th in Chagrin Falls, OH. To learn more about the event, visit www.womensucceed.org

The Chagrin Valley Community Open House will take place on Saturday, October 13th. Learn more at www.cvcc.org/events/details/chagrin-valley-community-open-house-2018-20248

LINKS TO REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE

• Christi George was featured in episode 59

SHOW NOTES

* 1:02 What’s bugging Molly; A Simple Movie Debate; The return of Christi George * 8:13 Welcome Kim Skala; How she came to run the agency * 13:45 Taking over from Dad and making some changes; When your employees are your family * 16:47 A different kind of insurance experience * 20:30 Training in the trenches; Behind the scenes of the insurance industry * 29:00 Business Ownership - spend time wisely, pleasing the employees, and a juggling act; Unique abilities and applying talents well * 38:00 Self-improvement and a lifestyle change * 44:45 Butterflies, Owls, and Spirit Animals * 51:40 Lightning Round

SHOUT-OUTS IN THIS EPISODE

Christi George, Emily Gebler

Grab some popcorn and press play as we sit down with Jessica Debeljak, the fabulous assistant to our very own Molly Gebler at the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce. Take a peek inside the chamber office, and then explore Jessica’s side hustle as a commercial model and movie extra. This multifaceted guest will share with us stories from supermarket sprees and unique talents in this side-splitting episode with one of our favorite people.

The Chagrin Valley Chamber’s Community Expo will be held on October 13th at Chagrin Fall Middle School. Learn more at www.cvcc.org/events/details/chagrin-valley-community-open-house-2018-20248

Find links to all of the places streaming our show, including YouTube and Spotify, at thebestpodcastever.com

Fiddler on the Roof will be performed on October 6th and October 7th at Kenston Middle School: kenstonlocal.org/kms

LINKS TO REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE:

• Visit flohvodka.com for more info on FLOH Vodka

Watch Jessica in the commercial for Boogie Board here...[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTfLdKcKkTc]

SHOW NOTES

• * 1:16  Getting in the FLOH, Now find us on YouTube & Spotify, Spazmatics, Movie talk, Fun-raising for CVLT and supporting the community

SHOUT OUTS IN THIS EPISODE TO: Double D and The Spazmatics, Silverspot Theater, Orange Police Department

• The letter from Phish to their fans after having to cancel the Curveball Festival can be read here: phish.com/news/curveball-forced-to-cancel/

• The Dan Sullivan Question (book): private.strategiccoach.com/store/products/126

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8-KYNzrsg?rel=0]

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Unwrap the joy of gift-giving and see how Deby Lexow is making local businesses her business with LOCLE Box. Deby joins us in the studio to share her passion for curating gift baskets with items from local, small batch artisans, and to discuss the tools that help make her business a success. Learn the best time to give a gift and experience the delight of receiving one. Deby’s always looking for new makers and gift givers.

Visit Deby’s website at www.loclebox.com, and watch for the new and improved site coming soon. You can also find her on Facebook @loclebox and her personal page Deby Moll Lexow, on Instagram @locle_box, and LinkedIn. Remember to order holiday boxes early! And sign up now for her weekly newsletter featuring information about Ohio – things to do and places to visit, Fun Facts about Ohio, Gifting Tips, Featured Maker and what’s new in a LOCLE Box.

As soon as Molly’s Mix is ready, you’ll find it at the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop. Coming soon!

Attorney Chris Zirke is the latest addition to The Gertsburg Law Firm team. Mr. Zirke’s practice focuses on contracts and franchise law, counseling and advising both franchisors and franchisees throughout their respective business cycles. He joins a team made up of attorneys who know what it takes to run a successful business because they have done it themselves, either as owners or as in-house counsel. Chris has done both.  For more information about Chris Zirke and Gertsburg Law Firm, visit gertsburglaw.com.

Gertsburg Law Firm is teaming up with The Center for Applied Research in Dementia to support advances in our treatment and care of dementia. Starting today, we will be donating a portion of the fee for every Estate Plan created to dementia research. Learn more about the Center’s mission and research at www.cen4ard.com.

SHOW NOTES * 0:55       Family travels and creating experiences, Molly’s magazine article and renovation update * 5:05       What is LOCLE Box? * 10:00    Welcome Deby Lexow * 13:00    The LOCLE Experience * 27:45    Behind the scenes of the business * 24:55    Deby’s path and the birth of LOCLE Box * 30:10    The best time for a gift * 33:25    Growing the business carefully * 44:35    The impact on makers and recipients * 59:55    Lightning Round

SHOUT OUTS THIS EPISODE: Kristin Pinkett & Dale Fost, Michael Henry/Heidi Kreiger, Lisa Mallis /Impactive Strategies, Strategic Coach, Jeff Griff / Lowe's Greenhouse, Greg Meyers Endodontist in Solon, Sifted, Heidi Cookie, Sugar Me Desserterie, RJ Clay/Rhonda Shultzy, Grey Duck Coffee, White House Cookies by Burton-Middlefield, Cameron Camp / Center for Applied Research in Dementia, Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop