The Path Less Traveled Podcast

Dr. Marco Clark, President of Holy Cross College, discusses his leadership journey and the college's mission. Marco, who transitioned from Austin, Texas, to South Bend, Indiana, emphasizes Holy Cross's debt-free status, growing endowment, and focus on teaching over research. He highlights the college's history of supporting underserved students and its rapid growth. Marco also shares his underdog mentality, driven by a work ethic instilled from childhood. He stresses the importance of mentorship, continuous improvement, and leading with authenticity and integrity. Marco also reflects on the value of living in the moment and the impact of mentors on his career.

Shaun Phy, President/Integrator of C&S Machine, discusses the company's growth from a $15 million to a $36 million business in four years, with plans to reach $40 million. C&S Machine, founded in 1966, specializes in aerospace components and has grown to 150 employees. Shaun emphasizes the importance of investment in people, facilities, and equipment, with $30 million in CapEx over four years. He highlighted the need for leadership development, transparency, and continuous improvement. Shuan also shares his personal journey, stressing the importance of daily discipline, emotional intelligence, and the impact of leadership on team development and organizational success.

Max Yeakey, co-owner of Premium Services, shares his journey from being a fireman to building a successful business. Starting in 2004, Premium Services evolved from concrete services to offering excavation, asphalt paving, fencing, and building trades. Max emphasizes the importance of determination, loyalty, and a strong work ethic. He highlighted the challenges of balancing business growth with managing a large team. Max also discusses the impact of mentors and community support on his success. He stresses the value of perseverance, continuous improvement, and giving back to the community through initiatives like their academy for high school graduates.

Tom Downey, President & CEO of EVS, discusses the company's evolution from a 1993 startup to a market leader with over 90% of North American ambulances using their products. EVS, founded by Mike Harmon, initially created a child seat integrated into ambulance seats, which evolved into a comprehensive seating solution. Tom highlights the company's transition to a 100% employee-owned ESOP, which has quadrupled its size and improved morale and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, integrity, and employee ownership in leadership, sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his career and family life.

Jeff Rea, the President and CEO of South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, discusses the chamber's role in economic development, tourism, and business advocacy. The chamber serves 1,300 companies employing 60,000 people. Jeff emphasizes the importance of balancing immediate needs with long-term strategies, citing past successes like improving US 31 and advocating for higher education. He highlights the chamber's versatility, combining different roles under one team. Jeff also reflects on his journey, including lessons from his family business and experiences as Mishawaka's mayor, stressing the importance of honesty, resilience, and community involvement.

We feature JB Brown and Jordan Brown from BCI Solutions. JB provides a history of BCI, founded in 1939, and its evolution into a diversified foundry and machining company. They discuss the challenges of leading a family business, including the importance of transparency, accountability, and adapting to change. JB shares his experiences with tough leadership decisions, while Jordan emphasizes the value of self-awareness and continuous growth. They highlight the impact of mentors, family dynamics, and the need for a balanced approach to leadership and business succession.

Jacqueline Barton, President and Founder of Specialized Staffing, shares her journey of starting the company in 2001 after 11 years at a regional staffing firm. Inspired by personal challenges and a desire to create a thriving culture, she built a business with 30 employees across five offices in Michigan, Indiana, and Kansas. Jacqueline emphasized the importance of relationships, community service, and finding joy in work. She highlighted the company's unique approach, focusing on impactful work and community involvement, and shared her leadership philosophy centered on love and service. Jacqueline also discussed the significance of setting personal goals and the power of kindness in leadership.

Matt Harrington, President and CEO of Logan Center, discusses his journey and Logan Center's impact. Logan Center, celebrating its 75th anniversary, serves 1,600 individuals annually across various settings. Matt emphasizes the transition from sheltered workshops to competitive job placements, highlighting the organization's role in fostering inclusion and acceptance. He shares his personal passion for triathlons and the importance of leadership, particularly servant leadership, which he promotes through the Logan Leadership Academy. Matt also reflects on his growth, the significance of vulnerability-based trust, and the impact of his family's involvement in Logan Center's mission.

Amish Shah, CEO of Kem Krest, shared his journey of growing the company from $1 million in revenue to $650 million over 29 years. He emphasized the power of intentionality, presence, and community impact in leadership. Amish credited mentors like Craig Fullmer and Rudy Yakym for shaping his leadership philosophy and discussed his strategies for balancing work and family life, including weekly journaling and digital detox. He also announced the appointment of Marty Brown as President, marking a new chapter for Kem Krest. Viewing the current era as a time of renaissance, Amish encouraged leaders to embrace positivity, growth, and the importance of mentoring young entrepreneurs.

https://www.kemkrest.com/

Ashley Martin, President and CEO of NIBCO, shared insights into the company's 120-year journey, from its origins as the Northern Indiana Brass Company to its evolution into a fifth-generation, employee-owned business. With 15 manufacturing plants worldwide, NIBCO remains at the forefront of innovation in the plumbing industry, striving toward its ambitious goal of reaching $1 billion in revenue.

https://www.nibco.com/