OUTdrive

Nicholas Harrison, a Canadian-born author, actor, and self-proclaimed Jedi, has led an extraordinary life that intertwines with the world of entertainment and creativity. With a Ph.D. in film and theater history, Nick's career spans 35 years, covering various roles from a fight director and stunt performer to a morning radio personality and corporate entertainer. His small-town, blue-collar upbringing, where entertainment served as a vital escape and joy, has deeply influenced his passion for the industry. His stories and wisdom, accumulated from a lifetime of diverse experiences, reflect his dedication to his craft and the entertainment world.

Nick's approach to marketing and content creation is rooted in authenticity and the power of human connections. His ability to create enchanting characters and experiences, honed through delighting guests at Disneyland and corporate events, offers valuable lessons for marketing beyond the entertainment sector. Tune in to learn more about the art of crafting stories that resonate.

Ever wonder how the Missouri and Iowa State Fairs became such beloved events? According to Gary Slater, formerly the director of both fairs, "It's all about vision and teamwork." Gary's insights into the art of drawing crowds to these agricultural, entertainment and community celebrations reveal a shared belief in the importance of engaging the audiences and creating memorable experiences. This episode is a masterclass in event marketing and engagement that you don't want to miss.

It's not every day you meet someone who has built their career from the ground up. Jason Moore's rise from a homebuilder to carpenter at the Missouri State Fairgrounds to Missouri State Fair director is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion. His journey began with hands-on work, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the fair's operations. From there, he was promoted to facilities manager where he further honed his skills. Now serving as director, he's ambitiously leading the fair into new territory. Jason is a real people person and has a vision for where he sees the fair going, and he's dreaming big.

Tune in to hear about the intricate planning required to create lasting memories for thousands of fairgoers, the projects going on right now on the fairgrounds, and the vision for the Missouri State Fair of the future. And make plans to attend the fair happening August 8-18 for 11 days of Summer's Best Story.

Growing up on a farm teaches the value of community and caring—not just for the land and animals, but for the people around us. Dr. Misty Todd grew up on a farm in northeast Missouri, where she learned the values of diligence, community service, and caring for others, which later propelled her toward a career in family medicine. Her journey led her to the Bothwell Cole Camp Clinic and the Bothwell University of Missouri Rural Family Residency program, which she leads for Bothwell.

Dr. Todd plays a pivotal role in training new physicians through this innovative program, a partnership with the University of Missouri aimed at combating the shortage of rural physicians. Bothwell's teaching hospital environment provides residents with a rich learning experience, while Dr. Todd and her colleagues strive to create a supportive community that encourages young doctors to establish their practices locally.

Listen in to learn more about the crucial impact of rural medicine on national health care and Bothwell's commitment to nurturing a new generation of family physicians in the heart of rural America.

In today's competitive industry, marketing strategies like trade shows and fostering long-term client relationships are crucial for sustainable business growth. Mike Hill, general manager of Big Rocks Engineering, a company making significant strides in the manufacturing and engineering sector, shares the importance of trade shows in their marketing strategy. Big Rocks Engineering skillfully utilizes trade shows to maintain a strong presence, connecting with existing customers and reaching potential new ones. This approach has become a fundamental element in their search for new business opportunities and in demonstrating the value they offer.

Mike's impressive background spans over two decades in engineering and manufacturing, beginning with a physics degree and evolving through various roles, including aerospace defense and running his own manufacturing plant, before founding Big Rocks Engineering in 2015. Listen in to learn the importance of strong business relationships and adapting to industry changes.

Crafting the perfect trip is not just about finding a spot on the sand, it's about creating a travel experience that dives deeper into your passions. Jamie Anderson is an independent travel consultant known for her personalized travel planning and rural Missouri charm. Despite the digital age making travel planning seem easy, Jamie's services are in high demand because she offers a human touch that algorithms cannot. She meticulously tailors each journey to her client's desires, ensuring their trips are meaningful and aligned with their interests.

Join us to learn more about the irreplaceable value of a travel consultant in crafting unforgettable journeys, reminding us that the essence of travel lies in the personalized experiences and memories we create. And for those planning their next trip, consider the unparalleled benefits of working with a travel consultant to make your adventure truly your own.

Doug Fish, CEO of BTC Bank, is a true embodiment of rural American values and a visionary in community banking. From his humble beginnings on a small dairy farm to leading BTC Bank's expansion to 23 locations across Missouri and Iowa, his story is one of hard work and innovation. Imagine setting up mobile banks in shipping containers to reach the underserved – that's BTC Bank's level of commitment! This innovative approach is a testament to their dedication to serving people where they are, quite literally. But it's not just about being physically present, it's about embedding oneself into the fabric of the community for the long haul.

Listen in to our 200th episode to discover how technology, community involvement, and customer preferences are shaping the future of rural banking.

It's fascinating how chance encounters can lead to monumental projects and a pivotal moment that completely changes the course of your career. In this episode, Michael Eaton, the Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, recounts the 'God moments' that led to his incredible journey from architecture to art and then eventually marketing to manufacturing—a transition driven by the practical need to make a living while staying true to his creative roots. Today, Michael supports the work of the growing Missouri manufacturing industry and his story is a compelling narrative of how one can intertwine their creative passions with their professional life.

Dive into Michael's story for a dose of inspiration and a reminder that sometimes the universe conspires in our favor.

Sometimes, the best investment is in the next generation. Seasoned entrepreneur Wayne Swisher collaborated with his wife Kelly to create Waymaker, a platform to connect retiring business owners with young, aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, they encourage every individual to stay active in business and community life, regardless of age, and help young people transition into new careers as business owners. For them, it's all about ensuring a legacy of reliability, work ethic and invaluable life lessons.

Tune in to hear Wayne's full story and learn about the power of mentorship, adapting to market changes and staying true to your roots.

Ever wonder what it takes to bring a brand to life? It's not just about the visuals; it's the voice that often resonates with us. Today's guest, Michael Ashcraft, a professional voice and on-screen talent who you may know as the voice of the Missouri State Fair, dives into the creative process. Together, he and Cliff explore how collaboration in the studio is key to refining the delivery of advertising content. It's not just about reading a script; it's about interpreting and perfecting it to ensure the message hits home.

Tune in to learn more about what it means to be a recognizable sound in an ever-changing world of advertising.