The Path Less Traveled Podcast

The Path Less Traveled Podcast

By Craig HeatherlyBusiness
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The Path Less Traveled Podcast episodes

  • Karla Fales | President & CEO, REAL Services | S1:E18

    Karla is the President and CEO of REAL Services

    REAL Services is a nonprofit organization founded in 1966 and based in South Bend, Indiana. They primarily serve elderly and disabled individuals, aiming to empower them to live independently and with dignity. The organization offers a variety of services including home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, in-home care, caregiver support, and advocacy. REAL Services operates across multiple counties in Northern Indiana, partnering with communities to address the unique needs of their clients and enhance their quality of life through compassionate and personalized care.

    Karla's been the President and CEO since 2022.

    Check out REAL Services: https://realservices.org/

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 - Intro & Karla's Love for the Community
  • 02:42 - About REAL Services
  • 04:58 - What's Next
  • 06:30 - REAL Services' Culture
  • 10:38 - How Do You Resonate with 'The Path Less Traveled'
  • 13:05 - Mentors
  • 17:20 - Advice to a Younger You
  • 21:23 - Hardest Part of Leading
  • 23:05 - Continuous Learning
  • 25:05 - Most Proud Of
  • 27:02 - Billboard Message
  • 29:45 - Kindest Thing
  • 31:38 - Final Thoughts
  • 34 min
  • Jeff 'JT' Trenery | President, US Signcrafters | S1:E17

    Jeff is the President of US Signcrafters

     

    Founded in 1991, U.S. Signcrafters, Inc. has evolved from a small local sign and graphics provider to a leading source of visual solutions, offering products and professional services on a national and international level. The company operates through two divisions: U.S. Signcrafters, which specializes in custom signage and graphics, and Building Impressions, focused on custom architectural fabrication. They serve a diverse clientele, including developers, architects, builders, and various commercial and institutional sectors.

     

    Jeff's been the President since 2017.

     

    Check out US Signcrafters: https://ussigncrafters.com/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 - Intro & Mentors
  • 03:00 - About US Signcrafters
  • 05:53 - What's Next
  • 06:47 - Culture at US Signcrafters
  • 08:25 - What Do You Enjoy Most About US Signcrafters
  • 09:27 - Most Unique Job
  • 10:29 - Favorite Hat Jeff Wears
  • 11:20 - Challenges of Leading
  • 12:40 - Having Hard Conversations
  • 13:48 - How Do You Stay Sharp
  • 14:38 - Growth Areas
  • 17:35 - Favorite Failure
  • 18:52 - Most Proud Of
  • 20:28 - How Do You Recharge
  • 23:52 - Billboard Message
  • 26:28 - Final Thoughts
  • 29 min
  • Spencer Lutz | President, American Millwork | S1:E16

    Spencer is the President of American Millwork

     

    Founded in 1987 in Elkhart, Indiana, American Millwork LLC manufactures high-quality hardwood products like mouldings, boards, stair parts, and flooring. Their DIY wainscoting kits emphasize ease of installation, reflecting their dedication to craftsmanship and customer convenience. The company's culture values sustainability, reliable delivery, and building long-term partnerships, underscoring their commitment to quality and integrity in all operations.

     

    Spencer's been the President since 2019.

     

    Check out American Millwork: https://www.americanmillwork.com/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 - Intro 
  • 01:55 - About American Millwork
  • 03:22 - Spence's Commute to Wisconsin
  • 04:13 - Spence's Transition to American Millwork
  • 07:10 - Spence's Growth
  • 08:21 - Spence's Work Ethic
  • 08:55 - Mentors
  • 09:48 - Leadership Style
  • 10:54 - Kevin Brandy & Andrew Wodrich's Thoughts on Spence
  • 12:51 - Who Believed In You
  • 13:56 - Favorite Failure 
  • 15:23 - Spence's Impact on His Kids
  • 16:04 - Most Proud Of
  • 17:42 - Having Difficult Conversations 
  • 18:56 - Advice to a Younger You
  • 20:21 - Favorite Books
  • 22:02 - How Do You Recharge
  • 23:07 - Habits
  • 24:25 - How Do You Decide What to Say Yes/No To
  • 25:17 - Recent Purchase Under $100
  • 26:21 - Most Worthwhile Investments 
  • 27:45 - Billboard Message
  • 28:07 - Kindest Thing
  • 28:45 - Final Thoughts 
  • 31 min
  • Matthew Moersch | CEO, Moersch Hospitality Group | S1:E15

    Matt is the CEO of Moersch Hospitality Group

     

    Moersch Hospitality Group (MHG) is a family-owned enterprise in Southwest Michigan known for its exceptional hospitality experiences, encompassing fine wines, craft beers, and artisan spirits. Established over 50 years ago, MHG includes notable brands like Round Barn Winery, Brewery & Distillery, Free Run Cellars, and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. The company prides itself on creating memorable moments for its guests, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement while offering a variety of events and tasting experiences​

     

    Matt's been the CEO since 2017.

     

    Check out MHG: https://moerschhg.com/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 - Intro & MHG's Hospitality 
  • 02:40 - About MHG
  • 07:14 - What Are You Most Proud Of
  • 08:25 - Favorite Failures
  • 10:25 - Your Leadership Style
  • 11:50 - Hardest Part of Leading
  • 13:08 - Mentors
  • 14:46 - What's Next
  • 16:58 - How Do You Fill Your Tank
  • 19:18 - Advice to a Younger You
  • 21:02 - Most Worthwhile Investments
  • 24:21 - Billboard Message
  • 25:10 - Kindest Thing
  • 26:38 - Final Thoughts
  • 29 min
  • Josh Sisk | Executive Director, Potawatomi Zoo | S1:E14

    Josh is the Executive Director of the Potawatomi Zoo

     

    The Potawatomi Zoo, located in South Bend, Indiana, spans 23 acres and is home to over 400 animals, representing more than 150 different species. It offers a variety of programs and events to engage visitors with wildlife conservation and education, including interactive experiences such as animal encounters and educational workshops. The zoo also supports conservation efforts and has initiatives aimed at preserving endangered species and promoting sustainable practices, attracting around 200,000 visitors annually.

     

    Josh's been the Executive Director since 2019.

     

    Check out the Potawatomi Zoo: https://www.potawatomizoo.org/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 - Intro
  • 02:30 - How Do You Pick the Animals
  • 03:32 - What's Unique About the Zoo
  • 05:19 - Recent & Current Updates
  • 07:08 - Josh's Leadership Journey
  • 09:50 - Josh's Transition Back to South Bend
  • 11:40 - Challenging Parts of Leadership
  • 13:29 - How Do You Manage The Challenges of Leadership
  • 15:39 - Where Does Josh's Hardwork Come From
  • 17:01 - How Do You Recharge
  • 17:48 - 2nd Favorite Zoo
  • 18:18 - Most Worthwhile Investments
  • 19:35 - Why South Bend
  • 21:25 - Continuous Learning
  • 23:16 - Josh's Mentors
  • 25:18 - Josh's Billboard Message
  • 26:26 - Kindest Thing Someone's Done
  • 27:20 - Final Thoughts 
  • 30 min
  • Pete McCown | President, Community Foundation of Elkhart County | S1:E13

    Pete is the President and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County

    The Community Foundation of Elkhart County aims to enhance the quality of life in Elkhart County by fostering generosity. It supports various nonprofits and community initiatives through grants and scholarships, emphasizing values such as integrity, inclusion, excellence, and collaboration. Founded in 1989, the foundation has grown significantly, managing assets of over $450 million as of 2022.

     

    Pete's been the President since 2011.

     

    Check out CFEC: https://www.inspiringgood.org/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 – Intro
  • 02:29 - About the Community Foundation of Elkhart County
  • 04:10 - Favorite Parts of Pete's Job
  • 09:18 - Most Impactful Leader in Pete's Life
  • 13:33 - Advice to a Younger You
  • 16:34 - Why Does Pete Over Deliver
  • 18:17 - Future Goals
  • 22:20 - Favorite Risk or Failure
  • 25:46 - Billboard Message
  • 26:12 - Kindest Thing
  • 27:03 - Final Thoughts
  • 31 min
  • Len Morris | Founder, Viewrail | S1:E12

    Len is the Founder and Principal of Viewrail 

    Viewrail, founded in 2001 as StairSupplies by Len Morris in Goshen, Indiana, specializes in modern stairs and railings. The company evolved from producing wood stair parts to creating advanced railing systems. Significant growth led to multiple production facilities in Goshen and a major expansion in 2019.  Viewrail is a leading national provider of modern stairs and railing, founded in Len's basement.

     

    Len founded Viewrail in 2001.

     

    Check out Viewrail: https://www.viewrail.com/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 – Intro
  • 01:50 - Len's Thoughts on Mentorship
  • 02:43 - About Viewrail
  • 05:23 - Viewrail's Uniqueness
  • 06:50 - Len's Leadership Journey
  • 08:30 - Len's Leadership Style
  • 09:50 - What's Next for Viewrail
  • 11:20 - Favorite Failure 
  • 13:57 - How Do You Reinvent Yourself as a Leader
  • 15:02 - Favorite Books
  • 16:02 - Habits
  • 20:42 - Most Worthwhile Investments
  • 22:47 - Most Proud Of
  • 25:35 - Advice to a Younger You
  • 26:44 - Kindest Thing Someone's Done
  • 27:50 - Final Thoughts
  • 31 min
  • Chris Kingsley | CEO, ADEC | S1:E11

    Chris is the CEO of ADEC

    Named after its four core values – A life of their own, Dignity, Employment, and Community. ADEC (Action for Developmental Education and Community) is an organization that provides support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, Indiana. Their programs include day services, residential options, employment assistance, transportation, therapies, guardianship, and skills training. ADEC aims to enhance the quality of life for its clients by promoting independence, dignity, and informed choice through various community integration and support initiatives. They also operate social enterprises like a coffee shop and an art program to foster community engagement.

     

    Chris's been the CEO since 2023.

     

    Check out ADEC: https://adecinc.com/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 – Intro
  • 02:15 – Chris's History at ADEC
  • 03:25 – About ADEC
  • 07:33 – Why Leadership
  • 10:10 – Challenges of Leadership
  • 12:12 – How Do You Stay Sharp
  • 14:08 – Favorite Books
  • 16:45 – Favorite Peice of Advice
  • 19:40 – Favorite Failure
  • 22:26 – How Do You Decide What You Say Yes and No To?
  • 24:03 – Chris's Mentors
  • 26:45 – Most Worthwhile Investments You've Made
  • 27:45 - Current Books
  • 29:44 - Billboard Message
  • 30:48 – What’s The Kindest Thing Someone’s Done For You?
  • 32:04 - Final Thoughts
  • 36 min
  • Emily Rose | Outreach Director, Women's Care Center | S1:E10

    Emily is the Outreach Director of Women's Care Center

    Founded in 1984 the Women's Care Center provides free, confidential counseling, support and education for pregnant women. Free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds help determine viability and dates (prenatal medical care and abortions not provided).

    The WCC serves 30,000 women annually from 37 centers in 12 states, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania & Wisconsin.

     

    Check out Women's Care Center: https://supportwomenscarecenter.org/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 – Intro
  • 01:40 - About Women's Care Center
  • 03:11 - How WCC Was Founded
  • 04:39 - WCC's Services
  • 09:44 - Why Emily Rose?
  • 11:36 - President Ann Manion's Impact
  • 13:46 - Chuck Freeby's Thoughts on Ann & the WCC
  • 15:23 - Emily's Role at WCC
  • 18:00 - Emily's Why
  • 20:25 - Emily's Role Models
  • 24:05 - Favorite Purchase Under $100
  • 25:21 - Billboard Message
  • 27:44 - Kindest Thing Someone's Done for You
  • 31 min
  • Jon Morningstar | President, MapleTronics | S1:E9

    Jon is the President of MapleTronics

    Founded by Wes Herschberger in 1992, MapleTronics has a long history of helping the community with their technology needs. As technology has transformed over the past 30+ years, MapleTronics has evolved to meet the changing landscape and best serve the communities we service. Today MapleTronics has 2 main office locations in Goshen, IN and Columbia, TN. Serving businesses all over the Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan, and Central TN MTC strives to help their clients achieve their mission. 

     

    Jon's been the President since 2019.

     

    Check out MapleTronics: https://www.mapletronics.com/

     

    Episode Markers:

    • 00:00 – Intro
  • 03:47 – About MapleTronics
  • 06:32 – What’s Next
  • 07:28 – Artificial Intelligence
  • 11:05 – Jon’s Leadership Journey
  • 12:09 – What Was The Transition Like
  • 13:33 – What Did You Learn Leading Through COVID?
  • 16:59 – What Does Continuous Learning Look Like for You?
  • 21:06 – How Do You Protect Your Day Off?
  • 22:55 – Favorite Books
  • 25:51 – How Do You Decide What You Say Yes and No To?
  • 28:27 – Jon’s Mentors
  • 30:01 – What Are You Most Proud Of?
  • 30:53 – What’s The Kindest Thing Someone’s Done For You?
  • 34 min

About The Path Less Traveled Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Highly successful individuals are always focused on what’s next, but they often don’t take time to reflect on their journey and how far they’ve come.