On this episode of Working it, Erika and Kortney catch up with Dave Mansfield and Sonia Nofziger-Dasgupta of Envirokure. Dave is the Hicksville Plant Manager and Sonia, who is in Philadelphia, PA, is the Director of Business Development. They give us a little personal history and then talk about an organization that has grown from a garage project to being the only company to patent and commercialize biostimulant technology derived from nature’s finest fertilizer – chicken manure. With the new flagship production facility nearing completion in Hicksville, EnviroKure will be able to produce biostimulants to service 4 million acres. This Working It episode is proudly sponsored by Defiance County Ohio Means Jobs.

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Kortney are joined by Sherri Hammersmith. Sherri is the office manager for Clemens Welding and JLC Transportation. On this podcast Sherri talks about the family culture created by the leadership at Clemens and JLC, and how they continue to grow in our region thanks to the quality of their work and customer service they provide. You'll want to listen until the end to hear this office manager's best kept secret for keeping morale high around the shop! This podcast is proudly sponsored by Defiance County Ohio Means Jobs.

On this episode of Working It Erika and Kortney are joined by Diana Savage. Diana is the Director of Business Development at Beilharz Architects. She started her thirty-two-year career in education as a teacher and closed out the last thirteen as the Superintendent of Bryan City Schools. Now she brings her years of administrative experience to the business world and helps us understand the latest developments, and trends, associated with the design and construction of projects here in our community. This podcast is proudly sponsored by Defiance County Ohio Means Jobs!

On this episode of Working It Erika and Kortney are joined by Jamie Fleming from The Fun Factory. Jamie fills us in on the history of The Fun Factory and how its roots date all the way back to 1984 when her father Kenny VanStreader opened Fun Costumes and Novelties. Fast forward to today as Jamie shares with us some marketing secrets that have helped grow the business to what it is today!  This podcast is proudly sponsored by Defiance County Ohio Means Jobs.

Big things are happening in the small village of Sherwood Ohio. On this episode of Working it, Sherwood Mayor Jack Stantz tells us about himself and how he became the mayor of Sherwood. He shares with us some of the success stories, and some of what the future holds for this thriving community located at the corner of State Routes 18 and 127 in Defiance County. Thank you to the Defiance County Ohio Means Jobs office for making this program possible.

On this episode of Working It Erika and Kortney talk with Todd Pariseau (Plant Manager), Lisa Thiel (HR Manager) and Scott Dickenson (operations Manager) of MEC Inc. They give us an inside look at MEC and talk about some of the new technology and automation coming to their facilities that will ensure they remain one of the nation’s leading fabricators. They also highlight their company’s culture as it pertains to community relations, training their workforce, and promoting from within. Listen as we hear why this employee-owned company is considered one of the gems of Defiance County. We would like to thank Ohio Means Jobs of Defiance County for sponsoring this podcast!

On this Episode Erika, Kortney and Sonya break away from their regular format and dive into workforce retention and recruitment. They draw from their vast experience in workforce development to share some strategies that are currently working, some that aren’t and how Defiance Economic Development can help. If you find yourself struggling to attract or retain an engaged workforce, then this is not an episode you are going to want to miss!

On this episode of Working It, Erika and Kortney are joined by Tony Niswander. Tony is the President and CEO of APT Manufacturing Solutions in Hicksville, Ohio. Tony talks about how his “hands on” attitude and his love of automation contributed to the start, and success of APT. He explains how APT’s need for skilled workers led him to develop a High School Training and Apprenticeship Program. Tony’s desire for building his business, a skilled workforce, and the community he lives and works in is infectious. A special thanks to Ohio Means Jobs of Defiance County for sponsoring this program.

On this episode of Working it, Renae Tiejte HR Coordinator and Jennifer Nicelley Vice President of HR talk about what drives the Keller Logistics team. They also discuss some of the employee engagement techniques they use, as well as, what sets them apart in the areas of recruitment and training. Listen as we discover how fortunate we are to have a national company like Keller Logistics, headquartered right here in Defiance County!

Heather Fedderke is the Human Resources Manager at Maumee Valley Vending. She talks about their community involvement and one of their best kept secrets. Also, when it comes to workforce, Maumee Valley Vending is ahead of the game with their flexibility and stream-lined processes. Listen to hear more about what Maumee Valley Vending has to offer.