This episode's guest is a truly unique individual with a diverse background. Dave Pedersen served in the U.S. Army as both a Military Police officer and a Public Relations specialist. Now, he’s the proud owner of Maze Books, located on East State Street in downtown Rockford. Dave is passionate about doing everything right here in Rockford, including publishing

books. Maze Books has also become a vibrant “third space” for the community, hosting a variety of special events. Take a listen as Dave shares his fascinating journey from soldier to bookseller.

Eric Wilson of the Crusader Clinic Foundation joins us for this episode. Eric is a longtime Rockford resident with a diverse background, including acting alongside his daughter at the Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre. Before becoming the head of the Crusader Clinic Foundation, he was a news anchor at a local TV station. Join us as we explore Eric's experiences in Rockford and delve into the workings of one of the city's leading health service providers.

Today's Ford the Rock podcast episode features Brent Scott and Ita Reilly. Brent is the President of Rockford Community Bank, and Ita is a Vice President and Regional Branch Manager. Both have a long history in the banking industry. This episode highlights the only bank in Rockford that includes "Rockford" in its name. Please enjoy this entertaining and informative episode.

Today's guest is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background story.

Pat began his career journey at fast food joints before landing a job at Octane restaurant, the predecessor to 27Aluna in the space on N.Main St. He started as a dishwasher and part-time cook and then moved on to Abreo, where he connected with and learned from Paul Sletten, Abreo’s owner. Paul mentored Pat until he became Abreo’s sous chef, and once he’d spent several years there, he was ready to go out on his own. When Dan and Michelle, owners of Octane, offered him a position, Pat jumped at the opportunity. He became head chef and then later purchased the restaurant. With dedication and hard work, Pat managed to survive through COVID and ultimately created 27Aluna.

Our guest for this episode of Ford the Rock is Jennifer Spencer, a principal at Studio GWA. Jennifer grew up just outside of Madison, WI. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and received her graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Upon graduation, Jen accepted a position working for Rockford architect Gary Anderson. We’ll discuss her love of Rockford and GWA’s current work, including the Rockford Public Library.

This episode’s guest is Tyler Pickering, a Rockford native who returned to Rockford after a few years in Colorado. Tyler is a graduate of Guilford High School and the University of Illinois. After several jobs of varying difficulty, he was led into the insurance industry, where he is doing well for the Eckburg Insurance Group. Tyler has, along the way, become a community activist. Leading the St. Patrick’s Day parade while serving on the Rockford Maker Center and The Element’s advisory board. Today, we discuss his trip to become a homeowner in the difficult market we are in now. Please stay and listen to one of Rockford’s bright young men.

Today’s guest is Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Ann moved to the Rockford region from the Monterey Peninsula in California, known as one of the most scenic places in the country. She however, was very aware of the rising cost of living there, and thus became a financial immigrant to the Rockford area. Ann received her master’s degree in education from the University of Washington in Seattle. She began working for Winnebago County seven and a half years ago. Severson Dells Nature Center spun off from the County in March 2023. The Nature Center became a stand-alone 501(c)(3 ) not-for-profit then. Let’s delve into the fascinating life of Severson Dells and all the programs it offers for young and old alike.

Walk into the newly owned Wired Cafe and Joshua greets you as a welcome neighbor. He would not have it any other way. A part of the community, Joshua grabbed the short straw and became Wired Cafe's general manager. A founding member of 815-Capital Group, along with Matthew Simpson, Terence Hall, Jaron Hite, and Clydale Hilson, Joshua ended up as GM.

In the podcast, he gives us a short history of 815-Capital and then gives us the skinny on how 815-Capital made a deal with Crystal Douglas, Shana, and Maggie, former owners of Wired. Joshua reveals his plans for the future expansion of the Wired Cafe brand.

Relax and enjoy a story of some Rockford entrepreneurs doing what they do best.

Today's guest is Gretchen Gilmore, General Manager of RAVE - Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority.

After working in private-sector accounting, Gretchen started with RAVE as the Director of Finance. She became interim GM during the pandemic and secured well over $20 million in grant funds to keep the BMO Center and the Coronado afloat. Gretchen is employed by ASM Global Management, which has a management agreement with the RAVE board. Rockford has been Gretchen's home for over 20 years. She has an accounting degree from Western Illinois University. Among her accomplishments, RAVE generated a surplus in operations for the first time in the building's history in 2023. Please enjoy some great background on the workings of downtown Rockford's economic driving force - RAVE.

Mike Dunn is the Executive Director of the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. Mike is a Rockford native who started his career in Illinois state politics. Mike has presided over much of the tremendous growth that has occurred at Rockford’s airport over the past two decades. Under Mike’s leadership, Chicago Rockford International has become one of the leading cargo airports in the country. Mike has generated this success by creating ongoing bipartisan cooperation among local, state & national politicians. Sit back & listen to a master of the art of “making things happen”