LorainCounty.com Insights

In Episode 21 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Mike Longo, Director of the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency.

Mike explains how the agency supports career development, offers training resources, and collaborates with numerous community partners to meet the workforce needs of our county.

The conversation also touches on support for dislocated workers, youth work programs, and the agency's collaboration with local educational institutions.

Mike shares insights on the importance of workforce development for community growth and economic prosperity, reflecting on his extensive career in human services and workforce development.

Exploring Workforce Development with Mike Longo

00:00 Introduction to Episode 21
01:04 Overview of Workforce Development Services
01:57 Employer Services and Benefits
03:21 Training Programs and Funding
04:44 Youth and Adult Programs
06:49 Community Partnerships and Success Metrics
08:53 Adapting to Workforce Trends
09:43 Mike Longo's Background and Journey
11:40 Personal Goals and Hobbies
13:18 How to Learn More About Lorain County Workforce Development Agency
14:00 Conclusion and Contact Information

In Episode 20 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin interviews Cindy Andrews, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County.

They discuss the Foundation's mission to connect people who care with causes that matter, highlighting initiatives like 'Connect to a Cause,' which has raised over a million dollars for local nonprofits.

Cindy details the Foundation's support for donors and community benefits, including scholarships, engagement events, and strategic collaborations.

They also explore Cindy's professional journey from IBM to her current role, her passion for rescue dogs, and her future goals.

Connecting People and Causes: Insights from Cindy Andrews of the Community Foundation of Lorain County

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:42 Personal Connection with the Foundation
01:56 Community Foundation Services
03:25 VolunteerConnect Initiative
04:11 Support for Donors
05:45 Community Engagement Efforts
08:19 Measuring Success
09:52 Cindy's Background and Journey
11:44 Future Goals and Vision
12:56 Personal Interests and Hobbies
13:28 Getting Involved with the Foundation
14:11 Conclusion and Farewell

In episode 19 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Dawn Calvert, Assistant Safety Service Directory for the City of Elyria.

Dawn talks about her role with the City of Elyria's Economic Development Department and provides an overview of the initiatives aimed at redeveloping and revitalizing the City and the downtown area.

She shares insights into the grant and tax incentive programs available to businesses, the impact of economic development on community services, and the collaborative efforts with various governmental and nonprofits to support local enterprises.

Dawn also touches on the current trends affecting economic development and her personal commitment to the community’s growth and development.

Revitalizing Elyria: Economic Development Insights with Dawn Calvert

00:00 Welcome to the Business Insights Podcast
01:28 Inside Elyria's Economic Development Department
04:17 Collaborative Efforts and Community Support
06:08 Trends and Challenges in Economic Development
07:13 Dawn Calvert's Background and Career Highlights
09:25 Future Goals and Personal Reflections
10:06 Life Beyond Work: Hobbies and Interests
10:32 Connecting with Elyria's Economic Development

In episode 18 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Ben Norton, President and CEO, of Buckeye Community Bank.

Ben talks about the origins and evolution of Buckeye Community Bank since its founding in 1999, highlighting their commitment to serving small and medium-sized businesses in Lorain County.

He provides insights into Buckeye Community Bank’s unique approach to hands-on customer service, and community involvement through initiatives like Buckeye Cares.

Ben also shares his personal journey from bank teller to bank President.

Because they are local, community banks like Buckeye understand the unique needs of local businesses and residents. Through this deep community engagement, Buckeye Community Bank plays an important role in fostering economic growth within Lorain County.

Banking with a Community Focus and a Personal Touch

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:16 The Journey of Buckeye Community Bank
02:20 Services and Community Impact of Buckeye Community Bank
04:59 Adapting to Growth and Expansion
05:42 Future Trends and Adaptations in Banking
06:29 Ben Norton's Personal Journey to Leadership
10:47 Personal Goals and Hobbies of Ben Norton
12:38 How to Connect with Buckeye Community Bank
13:07 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In Episode 17 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Matt Mishak, the Managing Attorney of Mishak Law.

The episode delves into Mishak's personal journey, the firm's commitment to leveraging technology, and how these efforts are addressing the underserved legal needs in the community.

Matt discusses how his firm incorporates advanced technology to improve services in family law, domestic relations, and criminal defense.

He shares his experience at Legal Week in New York and explores the potential of AI technologies like ChatGPT and how these innovations serve as a force multiplier for his firm.

Matt talks about his journey from government attorney to technology enthusiast, emphasizing his efforts to create an efficient, positive work environment.

He shares his history as a pioneer in drone technology and his outlook on the future of legal practices shaped by AI.

Leveraging Technology in Legal Practices with Matt Mishak

00:00 Welcome to the Business Insights Podcast
00:14 Exploring Legal Tech Innovations with Matt Mishak
00:45 Matt's Journey: From Government Attorney to Tech Enthusiast
02:32 Deep Dive into AI and Legal Practice Enhancements
06:34 Personal Insights: Matt Mishak's Background and Passions
11:46 The Future of Mishak Law and Legal Practice
12:55 Outside the Courtroom: Matt's Hobbies and Interests
13:36 Connecting with Mishak Law

In Episode 16 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Jon Hyman, a shareholder and director at Wickens Herzer Panza. 

Jon talks about navigating the intersection of law and business growth, providing an overview of Wickens Herzer Panza’s comprehensive services for small to mid-sized businesses, from business acquisitions to litigation. 

He shares insights on the implications of artificial intelligence and technology and the unique challenges within the craft beer industry. 

Jon also discusses his personal journey to Wickens Herzer Panza, his engagement with social media, his blog, and the podcast that he co-hosts with his daughter.

Navigating Law and Business Growth: Insights from Jon Hyman

00:00 Welcome to the Business Insights Podcast

00:15 Navigating Law and Business Growth with Jon Hyman

01:25 A Deep Dive into Wickens Herzer Panza's Services

02:33 Exploring the Global Reach of Wickens Herzer Panza

03:29 The Impact of AI and Technology on Businesses

05:22 Craft Beer Industry: Challenges and Legal Solutions

07:43 The Craft Beer Practice: A Niche Born from Passion

07:45 Jon Hyman's Journey to Wickens Herzer Panza

10:01 Engaging with the Community: Social Media and Podcasting

13:00 Personal Insights: Hobbies, Family, and Recharging

13:56 Connecting with Wickens Herzer Panza

14:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In Episode 15 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with John Sonnhalter from SCORE Cleveland.

John talks about SCORE Cleveland's role in supporting small businesses and non-profits through mentoring, webinars, and workshops.

With a rich history starting in 1964 and a network of over 10,000 volunteers across 250 chapters, SCORE Cleveland has significantly impacted the local community.

John shares insights into the organization's volunteer-based services, its collaboration with the Small Business Development Centers, and how SCORE's efforts bring value to the community.

John shares a little bit about his journey - from founding his own advertising, marketing, and PR firm with no prior experience, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, to retiring after 42 years and passing the business on to his son.

Understanding SCORE Cleveland's Impact on Small Businesses and Nonprofits

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:12 Understanding SCORE Cleveland's Role

00:42 John Sonhalter's Journey in Entrepreneurship

01:03 Deep Dive into SCORE's Services

02:05 SCORE's Impact on the Community

02:43 What Makes SCORE Unique

03:26 SCORE's Free Mentoring Services

04:39 How SCORE is Funded

05:28 Collaboration with Small Business Development Centers

06:11 The Value of SCORE to the Community

06:42 Measuring Success at SCORE

07:21 Future Trends and SCORE's Adaptation

08:02 John Sonhalter's Personal Journey

08:39 Changes in Marketing and Advertising Over the Years

09:05 John's Proudest Accomplishments with SCORE

09:40 How to Get More Information about SCORE

09:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

In episode 14 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Kevin Woidke, Client Executive at OneDigital.

Kevin talks about how OneDigital positions itself as a full workforce strategy consultant, offering a comprehensive suite of services including insurance, 401k and HR consulting.

Kevin shares insights into the unique approach OneDigital takes to employee benefits, emphasizing strategic, long-term planning and creative solutions to ensure clients' bottom lines remain healthy.

Additionally, Kevin shares his personal journey from playing offensive line at The Ohio State University to finding a fulfilling career at OneDigital, where he continues to protect and support others.

Exploring OneDigital's Comprehensive Suite of Services with Kevin Woidke

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:08 Getting to Know Kevin Woidke and OneDigital

01:27 OneDigital's Unique Approach to Employee Benefits

02:01 How Businesses Can Initiate Contact with OneDigital

02:33 Breakdown of OneDigital's Core Services

03:40 Advice for Businesses Evaluating Employee Benefits

04:07 OneDigital's Success Metrics and Future Trends

05:29 Understanding OneDigital's Clientele and Geographic Focus

06:10 Unique Aspects of OneDigital's Services

07:58 Kevin's Personal Journey and Motivation

09:26 Kevin's Personal Achievements and Work-Life Balance

11:52 How to Connect with Kevin and OneDigital

12:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Kevin's Viral Tweet

In episode 13 of the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast,  host Ed Skimin talks with Ted Esborn, Community Development Director, of the City of Avon Lake. 

Ted talks about the formation and evolution of the Avon Lake Community Development Department, including its planning, zoning, and economic development divisions. 

He shares insights into the services and programs aimed at supporting businesses, the department's impact on the community, and trends in land development. 

Ted also shares his personal journey to Avon Lake and the unique identity of the community. 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:07 Understanding the Community Development Department

02:15 Services and Programs for Avon Lake Businesses

05:11 Impact of the Community Development Department on the Community

06:29 The Creation and Purpose of the Community Development Department

08:16 Future Trends and Adjustments in the Department

09:26 Measuring Success in the Community Development Department

09:26 Getting to Know Ted Esborn

12:05 Surprises and Discoveries in Avon Lake

13:02 Contact Information and Final Remarks

In this episode of LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Cathie Leimbach, the founder of Agon Leadership.

Cathie discusses the changing trends in leadership, highlighting the importance of building trust, promoting collaboration, and making employees feel valued.

She touches on the shifting attitudes of younger employees and shares strategies for tackling leadership challenges related to retention.

Leimbach highlights the need for clarity and accountability in remote work scenarios and concludes with her leadership journey and the reasons behind the inception of Agon Leadership.

00:03 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:17 Emerging Trends in Leadership

02:22 Challenges Faced by Today's Leaders

03:59 Strategies for Developing New Hires

05:02 The Role of Managers in Employee Productivity

06:47 Effective Leadership in Remote Work Scenarios

08:32 Key Areas for Leadership Improvement

09:33 The Importance of a Growth Mindset in Leadership

09:34 The Journey to Founding Agon Leadership

10:30 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

11:19 Conclusion and Contact Information