On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Gerken Paving to discuss who they are and the endless employment opportunities that are available. Many people in Northwest Ohio know the name Gerken Paving, but what they don’t know is the many sister companies that come with the Gerken name. They are a one-stop shop when it comes to the asphalt and concrete business. Listen in to find out more about the Gerken Companies. A special thanks to Ohio Means Jobs of Defiance County for making this program possible!

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by local dairy farmer and businessowner, Lambert VanderMade. Lambert and his family transitioned to the United States from the Netherlands to pursue dairy farming when he was just a young adult. Fast forward to today, Lambert has been part-owner of Arps Dairy for 7 years. He said there is much pride in keeping milk products local. There are 13 dairy farms that feed into Arps Dairy, all located within 20 miles of Defiance, Ohio. Keep listening for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT from Lambert himself!

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Four County Career Center’s newest leader, Superintendent, Jeff Slattery. Jeff discusses the path he took to get to where he is today, and it isn’t your ordinary story. Starting out in the Manufacturing Industry, then deciding to go back to college for Education and becoming a teacher, then ending up in the Healthcare Industry, and eventually back to Education in 2012. He’s been on the job at Four County since January and learning the in’s and out’s of Tech School. He explains the benefits, but also some struggles that are taking place at Four County Career Center. Thanks to OhioMeansJobs of Defiance County for sponsoring this program!

On this Episode of Working It, Erika, Hannah, and Paige dive into what exactly their roles are here at the Economic Development Office. They each get a chance to discuss their positions along with some of the initiatives they have for 2023. Tune in to see how our office can assist you, how you can get involved in some of our programs, and why investing in Defiance County is so important!

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Drake Jimenez of Holy Hill Media. A hometown guy that moved away from Defiance County, but eventually found his way back. His main goal is educating the community about digital marketing and in today’s age, businesses must be budgeting for it. Drake explains the importance of branding your company and being consistent on all platforms. Learn what a Digital Ecosystem is, why its important and how to build it.

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by recent college graduate, Julianne Roop. Julianne discusses how working at iScribeMD has helped her succeed in her college career, but more importantly, how it has elevated her as she is about to head off to PA school in Florida. But, what is a Medical Scribe? Turns out, they are right here in one of our Defiance County Hospitals! Listen in as she informs us the importance of what she does and how Defiance benefits from medical scribes.

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah discuss all things workforce with the workforce guru herself, Denise Dahl. They deep dive into multiple aspects of current workforce issues such as having a work life balance, quality vs quantity, and overworked employees. They also discuss burnout in the workplace. Tune in to hear who is the most burnt out and why that is.

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah are joined by Hicksville native, Taylor Klepper of Klepper Building Company. Taylor discusses why he and his wife decided to move back to Hicksville, Ohio after spending a couple years in the bigger city life. Upon his return, he has made it his personal goal to turn Hicksville into a place where younger generations want to return and raise a family. Finding that 3rd location is key – a place to hangout outside of home and work. Tune in to hear not only Taylor’s personal goals, but the goals of Klepper Building Company as well – starting with revitalizing a downtown building!

On this Episode of Working It, Erika and Hannah sit down with Ashley DeLuca to discuss her journey of marketing through many ups and downs. She explains the business plan she made at NWSCC is now what she uses daily as her guide through running her own business. Ashley offers many tips and advises all companies, big or small, to use email marketing as leverage for their workforce needs. Tune in to hear Ashley share a wealth of knowledge in her expert market, E-mail Marketing!

On this Episode of Working It, Erika is joined by Tiffany Goings, Workforce Supervisor for OhioMeansJobs Defiance & Paulding Counties. They discuss the steps that need to be taken in order to start an apprenticeship program within your company. Tiffany explains all the resources and grants that are available that many companies are leaving on the table. Tune in to see how Tiffany and OhioMeansJobs can assist your company today!