The Jake Rouch Show

In 1983, Bob Nelson opened The Docksider...a LEGENDARY bar in downtown Erie known for its welcoming, friendly vibe, Triple Shot nights, and world class music by local and national acts. Bob is a golden retriever who is filled with "let's have fun together" energy. Bob channeled that natural energy into the space at 420 State Street - yes, 420! - and created a place that entertained tens of thousands, created a community focused on music and kindness, and hatched hundreds of lifelong friendships. For those who patronized The Docsider...chances are that when if ask them to name one of the best nights they have ever had...they were at The Docksider. Enjoy.

Dana Dickerson is a single mother of four who has proven again and again that taking risks, betting on yourself, hard work, and a vision for the future will create a path of personal and professional success. Dana takes us through her upbringing and rebellious youth into motherhood, public assistance, home ownership, and her career in real estate. Honest, vulnerable, confident, committed...Dana is an amazing example of the American dream...and the best is yet to come!

Dr. Curtis Taylor is the Founder and Executive Director of Authentic Wellness & Empowerment (AWE). Curtis shares his journey - from a frustrated teacher who works two job to make ends meet and then jumps into real estate, financial independence, and the discovery of his purpose. Curtis' approach to counseling - "Going from stuck to unstoppable" - is what attracted me to invite him on TJRS, and he did not disappoint.

Katrina Vincent is an Assistant Vice President and Business Banker at Marquette Savings Bank. But anyone who knows this dynamic human being know she is so much more than that. My connection to Katrina goes back to the start of her career and continues through to today. From career journey to motherhood to heartbreak and loss to life threatening health challenges, this episode gives you a clear view of Katrina's faith, perseverance, and continued transcendence through a circuitous road filled with uncertainty and challenges.

Charles "Boo" Hagerty, President of the Hamot Health Foundation, has come a long way since lighting his family's house on fire at age six. Boo's career started in printing sales transitioned into business owner of a strategic marketing firm before entering the healthcare field at the former Hamot Hospital. Since then, Boo has worked on direct healthcare delivery, a healthcare system merger, the health insurance system, and now is President of a Foundation doing life-changing work on a daily basis. Boo is passionate, fun, and insightful. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Let's Go!

Ed Palattella has been a journalist in Erie for over 35 years. Over that time, Ed has been the Erie community's preeminent investigative journalist. Ed's connection to Erie is through his mother who grew up here, but Ed come to Erie via his upbringing was New York, Cincinnati, and Connecticut...and education via St. Louis (Washington University) and San Francisco (Stanford). He came to Erie when the newspaper industry was still thriving...and has ridden the wave of change successfully by staying committed to his belief in a free press, the importance of investigation and facts, and telling a good story.

Kate Philips is the President & CEO of Kate & Co. a woman owned strategic marketing & communications agency. Kate left her loving nest in Lawrence Park for college and experienced a quixotic journey filled with mentors, remarkable experiences, and learning. Along the way, Kate evolved, strengthened, and grew brighter. The journey has led back to her hometown where she continues to influence the world through the work she and her talented and dynamic team do for clients all across the country. This episode is all about optimism, choices, gratitude, and enjoying the journey. Enjoy.

Dean Pepicello is a Harborcreek Supervisor, the public address announcer for the Erie Otters and Erie Seawolves, and a Political prognosticator. Dean has strong voice – literally and figuratively – in our region, but he is a fantastic example of someone who can disagree with the idea but respect the human holding it. Dean and I have known each other for a long time and I always enjoy our discussions - this one was no different. From his start in radio to elected office to a heart attack...Dean candor and honesty come through clearly. A great asset to our community and someone who continues to give back. Enjoy!

Tom Laird is CEO of Expivia Digital - an inbound call center business he created 14 years ago. Call centers run deep in hisblood as he has been working in the industry since 1998 – working at Teletron a company that was started by his mother, Joyce Covatto. But there is far more to Tom than what he does for a living - coach, citizen, volunteer, thought leader, AI enthusiast, dad, and husband. Tom is passionate, articulate, and fun - the is a fun episode and it really highlights a good man and good citizen who is engaging to make a difference. Enjoy!

Jordan Johnson is the owner and operator of Girl Friday Erie– a cleaning, organizing, and more business.  Jordan grew up in the north shore of Chicago and moved to Erie the early 2000s. Jordan is the proud mother to two fine youngmen. Jordan Johnson loves her boys more than anything in the world and has created her business – and made many life decisions – to support them, to be an engaged and available mother, and to pursue her happiness. Jordan is fantasticexample that when you constantly work on mastering yourself, you tap into a power that can transform your life in many ways.