Branden Raczkowski combined his love of biology, cuisine, and the environment to create Roc City Greens. His company provides fresh local microgreens. What are Microgreens? Microgreens are small edible plants, typically 1-3 inches tall and are often used to bring more color and flavor to meals. Unlike your typical fresh veggies, microgreens are much more nutrient-dense than their mature counterpart. So if you want great-tasting terrific meals with higher nutritional value then you should make sure you are getting your veggies from Roc City Greens. 

Roc City Greens, LLC

Website: www.roccitygreens.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/roc-city-greens

Instagram: www.instagram.com/RocCityGreens

After two years of research, development, and product trials, Roc City Greens LLC. launched in May of 2019 and has been Rochester’s highest quality producer of microgreens ever since. Roc City Greens makes everything in small batches locally at their small growing facility based in a suburb of Rochester, New York, and even supplies some local restaurants.

They give customers healthy and delicious microgreens, but most of all,  expand people’s access to fresh microgreens by working with restaurants and grocers in our immediate area to provide hyper-locally sourced products to our community.

More About Branden Raczkowski

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/branden-raczkowski

Email: [email protected]

Branden Raczkowski has his formal education in Biology and spent 10 years managing the Environmental Health and Safety compliance for various manufacturing/food manufacturing companies.  Branden currently sits on the Board of Directors for a software development company along with developing an online community of Occupational Safety Professionals: Safety Knights.   When starting his latest venture, Roc City Greens, Branden was looking to combine his passion for culinary with his professional background in environmental sustainability and food safety. Recognizing a largely unfulfilled need for year-round, local, sustainably grown produce in Rochester - he started a microgreens farm in order to begin the quest to fill that need. By growing locally and organically, with modern vertical farming techniques and equipment, Branden aims to maximize the nutritional value of what local Rochesterians are eating by eliminating the time between harvest and your plate.

Teens and young adults have many challenges in this world. They are starting things like high school, college, and their first real job. The stress of peer pressure alone can be enough to make some crumble. Add a cancer diagnosis and this group can often find themselves isolated and unsure of where to turn. 13thirty Cancer Connect is unlike most cancer support organizations. They concentrate efforts on a targeted national problem that affects approximately 89,000 young people in the US each year. Executive Director, Lauren Spiker, founded this organization because her daughter Melissa’s last request was that her mother uses what she had learned to “make a difference, to make things better." Melissa’s legacy is a community of supporters that make huge impacts in the lives of young adults and their families. Join host Nick Koziol with guests Lauren Spiker and Steve Esposito (13thirty Cancer Connect, Program Director) to learn more about how this terrific organization makes a difference.

About 13thirty Cancer Connect

13thirty Cancer Connect, Inc. is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 2001 following the death of Melissa Sengbusch who was 19 years old when she died of acute myeloid leukemia. Since its beginning (first called Melissa’s Living Legacy Teen Cancer Foundation), 13thirty has become an internationally known and respected leader in the field of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer because of our strong passion, clear vision, and steadfast commitment to a singular focus – teens and young adults with cancer.

Unlike many other cancer support organizations, we concentrate our efforts and resources on a targeted national problem that affects approximately 89,000 young people in the United States each year. As Melissa asked of her mom, we are making a difference. We are making things better for teens and young adults with cancer around the world.

Connect with Lauren Spiker, Executive Director/Founder

Connect with Steve Esposito, Program Director

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! This week's episode of That Sounds Terrific focuses on the terrific work of Karisa Rountree and the non-profit Scoops and Scripture. Karisa and her amazing volunteers go into the community to build relationships through ice cream socials and the sharing of the gospel. They bring smiles to children and adults alike. It is all about supporting others through service and fellowship!

More About Scoops and Scripture:

www.scoopsandscripture.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scoops-and-Scripture-424472527588471

Instagram: www.instagram.com/scoopsandscripture

Scoops and Scripture is a nonprofit ministry that focuses on the heart of the community by going to different places such as nursing homes, children's homes, adult day care centers, women/men rehab facilities, veteran's homes, etc, and building relationships with the residents there. We go bi-weekly or monthly, depending on what the volunteers can do, and have what we call a "Scoops gathering" that consists of devotion, singing, prayer, taking pictures, door prizes, and of course, a big ice cream party! That is the overall gist. It's all about loving and serving and sharing hope.

Connect with Karisa Rountree, Director of Ministry Services with Scoops and Scripture

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karisa-rountree-1b9578155/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/karisarountree

Twitter: www.twitter.com/karisarountree

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].

Sonya Ward is a Hero. As with most true heroes, she is humble and always gives credit to others. Join us for a very special episode of That Sounds Terrific, a joint in-person recorded podcast with Chris Jones of the Bow Knows VO where we focus on some true American heroes. Sonya Ward's Non-Profit Ibi Semper Training helps our Veterans and First Responders with their PTSD. She improves their lives while helping dogs in need through PTSD Service Dog training. We were also joined by three additional special guests Christine Lucier a graduate of the program and Gina Domermuth with her dog Ollie. Learn more about their incredible stories, get a sneak preview of training, and be sure to help Ibi Semper Training by donating to the cause and spreading PTSD awareness.

More About Sonya:

Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sonya-ward-2460662b

Sonya Ward was born in Germany and raised in Europe. She has traveled extensively, visiting all but one continent and having an innate interest in culture and history. She has a German and American college degree majoring in business and marketing. Sonya has a lifelong love for dogs and has been training Veterans with PTSD and their dogs since 2015. She has and is continuing to attend workshops and training classes as well as immersing herself in material pertaining to Veterans, dogs and PTSD. It was due to the support and interest of the Veterans in the area that Sonya decided to start Ibi Semper Training, Inc and she is looking very much forward to working and training Veterans and First Responders in the Capital District.

Ibi Semper Training:

ibisempertraining.org

Instagram: www.instagram/ibi_semper_training

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ibisempertraining1

Ibi Semper Training (IST) is a charitable non-profit that trains Veterans/1st Responders with PTSD and their dogs in a small guided group, usually no more than 4 teams at one time, to become PTSD Service Dog teams in a 8 months program. The teams will complete 6 months of in-classroom training and will then be tested for the American Kennel Club CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and CGCU (Canine Good Citizen Urban) tests by accredited AKC testers. Upon completion the teams advance to 2 months of Public Access training, where the classroom lessons will be reiterated in a public setting at various locations throughout the Capital District. The teams will complete the program after successfully passing the Public Access test.

More About Chris Jones:

chrisjonesmedia.com

Chris Jones is a Social Media Ad Producer and Voice Talent with strong Video Production Skills. He has a background in professional radio broadcasting and excellent customer service skills. One Google Review says: ‘ He is Professional, funny, caring, fast, and his work is amazing. We highly recommend him. Thank you Chris Jones you are truly one in a million.’ Chris provides Voice and Personality to your Business by reviving dead Social Media accounts with Voice Over, Video, and Management. He can help Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Ad Agencies, Video Editors, and You, achieve Happy Clients. 40 Years of Radio and Sales taught Chris Jones the value of effective communication he will give you the best voice-over possible!

Nikki Murphy had a stormy childhood textured with both joy and great difficulties and loss. Through the changing winds, she developed the inner strength to persevere and invite us all on an enthralling tour through her "Home for Hurricanes". We explore powerful poetry and inspirational thoughts and experience a hard-fought journey that will have us discovering ways to find healing, love, and gratitude. Nikki reminds us that no matter where you come you can weather the storms and are strong enough to withstand anything life may through your way.

Buy the Book, Home for Hurricanes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735387908/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_6SASP3CX50EW41PZ6JKJ

Connect with Nikki Murphy

www.Nikki-Murphy.com

Facebook facebook.com/mrsnikkimurphy

Instagram www.instagram.com/MrsNikkiMurphy

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/mrsnikkimurphy

More about Nikki Murphy

Monique “Nikki” Murphy is an awarded Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Leader, speaker, poet, and best-selling author of Home For Hurricanes: A Memoir of Resilience in Poetry and Prose. As a first-generation college graduate from a tough neighborhood and with the experience of thriving after devastating hardship, Murphy possesses a deep passion for both socio-economic empowerment for underserved communities and for equipping people with the knowledge and inspiration to reach their fullest potential, in spite of life’s obstacles. Her writing, speaking, and DEI work aims to foster understanding across communities and provide expertise to intentionally tackle issues that impede progress toward belonging, inclusion, and personal fulfillment.  Murphy has over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies to enhance their risk management and DEI strategies and has been named a 2019 Diversity Leader by Profiles for Diversity Journal, one of Face2Face Africa’s 30 Black Stars Business and Professional Achievers, and has been awarded a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. She has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences and events, on topics ranging from diversity, equity & inclusion to self-empowerment.  Murphy holds a B.S. in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and resides with her husband and 5-year-old son on Long Island, New York.

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].

Healthcare is an important business. As a customer, you are looking for a great doctor. Doctors spent their time in college doing everything they could to become terrific doctors. There wasn’t a lot of time leftover dedicated on how to run a practice. And now that they are running their own practice the last thing you want is them trying to juggle the business end themselves. That is where Melissa “Missy” Marsocci comes in. She is passionate about excellent doctors and provides them with the opportunity to run a high-quality practice. Missy is driven by her passion to help dedicated healthcare professionals go from just a surviving practice to thriving practice. With a degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s in Science in Health Systems Administration Missy provides the systems, resources, tools, and support that allows doctors to be doctors and takes away any worry about their business. Missy Marsocci is terrific because she allows you to keep that great family physician right there at your local office.

More About Missy Marsocci

Connect on LinkedIn

A Healthcare entrepreneur experienced in the ownership and operation of medical practices. Currently the owner of a Healthcare Consulting company offering a full suite of services, with niche areas in turnaround Consulting and new practice startups.

More About Cornerstone

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At Cornerstone Healthcare Consulting, we are the physician’s “agent.” Our team is here to provide analysis and insight for physicians who need a partner in their practice. Whether it's marketing or branding, opening a new practice, or turning around an existing one, we are ready with solutions that will give you more time to do what matters most - caring for your patients.  Founded by Melissa Marsocci in 2014, we represent group practices, sole practitioners, and hospital-employed physicians across the country. Cornerstone has been involved with a number of projects, including opening multiple practices throughout New York State as well as the Greater Philadelphia Region.  We are passionate about good medicine, high standards of care, and doing what is best for the patient. We seek to build relationships with physicians who are passionate about these things as well.

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].

Join us for a very special episode of "That Sounds Terrific" as we interview our first International Guest. We travel across the Atlantic to speak with David Simmonds, Chairman of HCM Metrics. David gives us a great insight into a new International Metric out of Geneva, Switzerland called ISO 30414. ISO 30414 allows us now to measure the ROI of Human Resources. Traditionally Human Resources has been seen as a passive, transactional function, having to do with hiring and firing. David says no more! He has built his company to bring HR into the C-suite to give Human Resources its proper role as leaders of organizational change.  Join David as he shares how companies can implement standards that provide the metrics, instruments, and give the evidence that Human Resources needs to achieve what it has been doing all these years...by proving its outcomes showing its ROI. 

About HCM Metics:

Website: hcmmetrics.co.uk

Follow on LinkedIn

We are here to transform the workplace - for employees and employers alike! We're passionate about making every job something to look forward to!  The objective, International Standard framework of ISO 30414 HCM reporting empowers the HR function to take its rightful place in the boardroom, and for it to move from a service role by using data-driven evidence-based actions to take the lead in strategic organizational transformation.  This will enable the organization to achieve its strategic plan. And every member of staff will enjoy the ride!  Helping companies measure the ROI of their HR function.

Connect with David Simmonds, Chair of HC Metrics:

email: [email protected]

Connect on LinkedIn

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].

We have all heard about Nature versus Nurture. But how much of nature or events during pregnancy and childbirth really affect the behavior of your child. This week's terrific guest is Kristan Wesidack of BehaviorWorx of Southwestern PA and she is here to help us get a better understanding of the holistic approach to working with children and the behaviors that started from the way they came into this world. So if you manage a mental health agency that provides services to young children and if your employees or staff are unsure about how to handle client behavior; if you are a parent that just needs a better understanding of the root causes of behavior then be sure to add this episode to your queue and to connect with our terrific guest Kristan Weisdack.

About Kristan Weisdack

Connect on LinkedIn

Kristan is the Founder and CEO of BehaviorWorx of Southwestern Pa.  She has personal and professional experience working with children with special needs. She is passionate about helping parents and professionals understand the root causes of behavior with a holistic approach, having training in behavior analysis, infant massage and nutrition.

About BehaviorWorx of Southwestern PA:

Website: www.behaviorworxofsouthwesternpa.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow on LinkedIn

Follow on Facebook

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].

Everyone is creative. Not everyone gets to be creative every day. However, Beth Slazak gets to be creative any time she wants. In fact, finding a creative approach to everything she does is not only encouraged but it's also a necessity. Beth and the team at the Creative Education Foundation help others in the community excel at Creative Problem Solving. They teach you how to use the Creative Problem Solving Method or CPS method to approach your problems or challenges in imaginative and innovative ways. Together they help you to redefine the problems and opportunities you face, in order to come up with new, innovative responses and solutions, in order to take action. It's time to be creative, does That Sound Terrific?

More About the Creative Education Foundation

www.creativeeducationfoundation.org

If you search the Internet for “Creative Problem Solving,” you’ll find many variations, all of which may be traced back to the work started by Alex Osborn in the 1940s and nurtured at Buffalo State College and the Creative Education Foundation. The diversity of approaches to the Creative Problem Solving process that have developed since is a testimony to the power of the idea.

More About Beth Slazak

Connect on LinkedIn

Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Buffalo in History with a minor in Dance, a Social Studies Certification in Education from Buffalo State, and a Masters of Science in Creative Studies from Buffalo State, has completed a three-year Certified Humor Professional program from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and is in the middle of her Masters of Business Administration degree from D’Youville College.  Beth has a passion for improv and enjoys studying it at Buffalo ComedySportz and Toronto’s Second City. From teaching at a middle school to adjuncting at a few of the local colleges, her long career in the education world has taught her the value of what dedicated faculty and staff bring to a student’s life. She combines this knowledge with excitement for deliberative problem solving to train people worldwide through the Creative Education Foundation.

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].

In this episode of TST, we talk to Jim Johnson, a high school basketball coach with experience in winless seasons, multiple championship teams, and some of his players that have made it to the NBA. Every game has historical moments where a player or players are so in the zone that they perform amazing feats. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger's sack for Notre Dame, Team USA Hockey winning Olympic Gold in 1980, baseball's Ron Necciai throwing a nine-inning no-hitter with 27 strikeouts, and basketball's Wilt Chamberland's 100 point game. Coach Johnson created a special moment like Coach Devine for Rudy, he made J-Mac's dream come true when he put him in his first basketball game. What happened in the last few minutes of that final game which honored seniors was nothing less than a miracle.

More About Coach Jim Johnson

www.coachjimjohnson.com

On Feb. 15, 2006, Coach Johnson made the kindhearted gesture of inserting his autistic manager, Jason McElwain, now known to the world as J-Mac into Greece Athena High School’s final home game, which the Trojans won 79-43. J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes, including six three-point baskets, to become an instant national celebrity. Coach Johnson, also, was featured in major news outlets around the country.  To make the Hollywood ending complete, Greece Athena captured the first Section V title of Coach Johnson’s career a few weeks later. A second sectional crown followed in 2007, and Coach Johnson then coached the Trojans to their third straight league title in 2008 by posting a perfect 12-0 record in league play, netting Coach of the Year honors.  Coach Johnson has made a number of radio and television appearances, including the Oprah Winfrey and Jim Rome shows. In 2006 he met President George W. Bush, Governor George Pataki, and Senator Hillary Clinton, to name just a few luminaries. The Athena team was also paid a visit at school by NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. J-Mac’s magic moment won the ESPY for “Best Sports Moment” at the ESPN awards show later that year.

That Sounds Terrific - With Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com  and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at [email protected].