Real World Leaders

Listen to our interview with students from KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy as they interview Annie Frankel, former Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University. Listen as Annie provides the students with guidance and encouragement to step out of their comfort zones, raise their hands when opportunities arise and be to be confident in speaking up and having a voice. We follow that up with Executive Vice President of RW Dake Construction interview about growing up on job sites and learning to use power tools at six, Ryan Barber was destined for a career in construction. He juggles sales, management, operations, and the people side of the business. From wrestling to woodworking, Ryan shares how discipline, patience, and hands-on experience shaped his leadership style. He believes in listening first, leading by example, and keeping things organized—whether on a job site or in life. Tune in to hear how he builds not just structures, but strong teams and lasting relationships.

Students from Manassas Park High School interview Larry Blue, former CEO of Bell + Howell, and hear his insights on the importance of being present and actively listening to others, cultivating curiosity, staying flexible in the face of change, and embracing continuous learning. Through his experiences, students learn how these principles can shape effective leadership, foster strong relationships, and drive personal and professional growth. Followed by students from Manassas Park High School interview with Tom Rimel, the President of Stockwell Elastomerics. Tom shares his incredible journey—from renovating old homes with his family to earning a chemical engineering degree and becoming the first non-family member President of Stockwell Elastomerics, a company with a rich 100+ year history. Tune in to hear how Tom's relentless drive and dedication to innovation helped shape his path to leadership in the manufacturing industry.

In this episode of Real World Leaders, Larry Bendesky, Managing Partner at Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Bendesky, shares what it means to be at the center of the action—both on the baseball field and in the courtroom. From flipping burgers to leading one of Pennsylvania’s top personal injury law firms, Larry’s journey is built on hustle, teamwork, and learning from failure. He believes that empathy is just as crucial as strategy when fighting for clients, and that a strong team mentality fuels success. In this episode, Larry shares how sports shaped his leadership, why mentorship matters, and why giving back is a responsibility, not a choice. Followed by our interview with Marc Albero, Vice President and General Manager of PAC Strapping Products. Listen as he shares his inspiring journey with students from the Academies of Roxborough High School. Marc reflects on his early experiences helping special needs children and how that commitment to giving back has shaped his leadership philosophy. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, giving back, and the importance of family.

Tacony Academy Charter High School students interview Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, and hear valuable insights on how staying true to yourself and seeking out guidance from others can help you reach your goals. Followed by, How do you build a pharma company dedicated to addressing women's health needs? In this episode, Legends Charter School student cohosts an inspiring conversation with Gerianne DiPiano, Chairman & CEO of Femme Pharma. Listen as Gerianne shares how her deep focus and passion for improving lives drove her to create a company committed to innovating and advancing women’s health. Don’t miss this powerful story of compassion, entrepreneurship, and purpose!

ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter School students sit down with Kevin O'Donnell, Owner and CEO of O'Donnell Roofing Co., to discuss leadership, work-life balance, and why it's important not to be too hard on yourself. Followed by, Is a career in banking all about the money? Listen as students from Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School interview Dave Freeman, President and CEO of QNB bank and learn how starting as a teller, his now 50 year career in banking has allowed him to prioritize his family and enjoy music which he loves so much.

Joe Messner, CEO & Founder of JGM, knows what it takes to rise, fall, and climb back to the top. Coming from a long line of construction entrepreneurs, he watched his family go from success to struggle and back again, shaping his relentless drive. A former football center and childhood leader, he understands the value of teamwork and resilience. Join us as Joe shares his journey of grit, growth, and the lessons learned in both business and life. Followed by our interview withScott Rankin, President (or rather, "Visionary") of Vulcan Spring Manufacturing. He has been wired for business since childhood. From running his own print shop at 15 to leading a family business that started in his basement, Scott thrives on solving problems and creating opportunities. He believes that success comes from flexibility, efficiency, and taking care of the people who depend on you. Whether he’s leading a company, keeping a workspace tidy, or building race cars, Scott is always driven to make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about business, leadership, and the power of perseverance.

Chris Caba, CEO of Total Rental, turned a childhood dream into a thriving business. Growing up in Phoenixville, PA, as the youngest of four, he spent his summers working in the family rental business, learning the ropes from an early age. After the loss of his father, Chris took the company from just 8 employees to 120, fueled by his competitive drive and passion for leadership. A former hockey team captain, he believes teamwork and resilience are key to success in business. Tune in as Chris shares his journey of growth, grit, and the power of embracing competition. We follow that with our interview with students from KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy as they interview Annie Frankel, former Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University. Listen as Annie provides the students with guidance and encouragement to step out of their comfort zones, raise their hands when opportunities arise and be to be confident in speaking up and having a voice.

Michael Sharp, Executive Chairman of Sharp Financial, isn’t just redefining the financial world—he’s reshaping how leaders connect and support others. Growing up in Philadelphia as the oldest of three, he developed a passion for mentorship, coaching, and building relationships. His goal is to bring integrity and collaboration to an industry known for its cutthroat nature. Whether he's guiding clients in wealth management or coaching future basketball stars, Michael believes true success is about investing in people. Tune in to hear his journey of leadership, authenticity, and impact. Followed by our interview with our very own  Heather Carter, producer at Real World Leaders. Listen as she share how she built a career around curiosity, connection, and creating meaningful experiences. From her early days as a teacher and YMCA director to her work shaping opportunities for future leaders, she thrives on helping others see their potential. Heather believes every problem has a solution and that questioning the world around us is the key to growth. At the heart of her work is a passion for empowering others and making a lasting impact. Tune in to hear how Heather's journey has shaped her approach to leadership, learning, and life.

Listen as John Rapchinski, Principal at Maximus Partners shares his story of having 200 cousins and taking his dad's advice to work hard in everything he does has led to his success in business and life. Listen as John provides advice and guidance to students from Norristown Area High School about seeing past the dollars and cents and seeing the people you are helping. Followed by our interview with Scott Rankin, President (or rather, "Visionary") of Vulcan Spring Manufacturing. Scott has been wired for business since childhood. From running his own print shop at 15 to leading a family business that started in his basement, Scott thrives on solving problems and creating opportunities. He believes that success comes from flexibility, efficiency, and taking care of the people who depend on you. Whether he’s leading a company, keeping a workspace tidy, or building race cars, Scott is always driven to make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about business, leadership, and the power of perseverance.

Student Co-hosts from Williamson College of the Trades sit down with Robert Peppelman, CEO of RJP Consulting Group, to explore how faith and family shape business decisions. Robert shares insights on how prioritizing healthy relationships and strong character has played a pivotal role in his success. Tune in for a conversation about the values that drive meaningful business leadership and how personal principles can influence professional growth.