Shut Up and Listen: Small Town Stories

Shut Up and Listen: Ignite 419

Got feedback? Maybe it's our turn to Shut Up and Listen! Send us a Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1917982/open_sms] Part of our job is to support the region through workforce development. In doing so, we hear from professionals and entrepreneurs all the time, and we've found they all have similar questions: What do I need to know about tax law? What happens after onboarding a new employee? What are the key points in developing a brand guideline? And these are only a select few! Oftentimes it can feel overwhelming to run a business or organization. The need for information is so much bigger than one community. Ignite 419 is a brand-new event for business leaders and organizations across Northwest Ohio who have questions about finance, human resources, marketing, or small business leadership.  Renee takes the back seat while Sarah gives the whole 4-1-1 with the assistance of event committee team member, Ashley Barger, who also happens to be a panelist in the upcoming event.  There will be several 'Ask Me Anything' panels by industry type, a 'Tell All' Small Business Owner panel, a TedX Keynote Speakers, and a Wildfire Leadership Workshop. Ready to reignite your passion? www.ignite419.com  Get to know us [https://linktr.ee/sulwithsarahandrenee] ... And, find us on Apple to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-listen-small-town-stories/id1608240193?utm_source=Apple&utm_medium=Podcast]! Or, listen to our favorite songs [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ytwQ3EjcMtxB6fHZTQ9GO?si=1d3eb57601684d11] ; -)

Shut Up and Listen: New Superintendent

Got feedback? Maybe it's our turn to Shut Up and Listen! Send us a Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1917982/open_sms] "Enroll, employ, enlist - I want kids to know there’s a reason they’re at school and everyone there is going to hold them accountable because we care." @fostoriasuper a.k.a. Jason Longbrake nailed his first podcast interview.  Originally he had dreams of being a wildlife specialist out west, but started his education at The Ohio State University working towards a degree in social studies education. His first role was as a teacher and he quickly progressed to principal in Swanton OH which was literally 1 hour from his doorstep in Fostoria. Jason got his Superintendent license and then the opportunity with Fostoria City Schools opened up.  You can tell Jason is passionate about Fostoria and our school system. He’s an insider who’s had experience from the outside. He can relate to the students and their surroundings and he’s excited about the amazing facilities Fostoria City Schools boasts. Of course, he’s also pretty pumped about his new 6-minute commute to work. His best advice: Be yourself. Be honest.  He’s tried some unique approaches while he was a school principal - pushing the trash can around the cafeteria and handing out candy bars to teachers at random…  Now, we’ll see what he does with some of the new requirements of education in things like grants, funding, and graduation. Don't forget to follow @FostoriaSuper on X! Get to know us [https://linktr.ee/sulwithsarahandrenee] ... And, find us on Apple to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-listen-small-town-stories/id1608240193?utm_source=Apple&utm_medium=Podcast]! Or, listen to our favorite songs [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ytwQ3EjcMtxB6fHZTQ9GO?si=1d3eb57601684d11] ; -)

Shut Up and Listen: Interview with Financial Design Agency of Ohio

Got feedback? Maybe it's our turn to Shut Up and Listen! Send us a Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1917982/open_sms] Aaron Smith and Weston Reinbolt take a seat on the couch and it was honestly hard to keep a straight face, at times… Maybe it was because we learned that Weston shops for Aaron’s shoes for him, or perhaps it was the point in our conversation when Aaron took an opportunity to reference the phone book. Sarah&Renee did get to the heart of the matter, which is that both Aaron and Weston are firmly rooted in their communities and that they take every opportunity to invest in their small towns while growing their company: Financial Design Agency of Ohio. Through Aaron’s steadfastness and Weston’s ambition, they’ve taken on new challenges and have set plans for working alongside new technology like AI as well as defining the organization’s succession plan.  Get to know us [https://linktr.ee/sulwithsarahandrenee] ... And, find us on Apple to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-listen-small-town-stories/id1608240193?utm_source=Apple&utm_medium=Podcast]! Or, listen to our favorite songs [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ytwQ3EjcMtxB6fHZTQ9GO?si=1d3eb57601684d11] ; -)

Shut Up and Listen: Matt Kibler with Northwest State and Custom Training Solutions

Got feedback? Maybe it's our turn to Shut Up and Listen! Send us a Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1917982/open_sms] Here he is - a blast from our not-so-distant past! Matt Kibler is the Director of Business Development for Custom Training Solutions which is a division of Northwest State Community College. Those who interact with us during our day-jobs may remember that Matt used to work for the Learning Center, but he took an opportunity he couldn't refuse AND we still get to work with him in his new role.  With Matt, we dive into workforce development and the specific trainings that he helps facilitate. He works directly with employers and the employees he helps train, so he has a really good grasp on our regional workforce wins and where we might have room to grow.  The truth is, upskilling current operations compared to hiring is the most cost-effective option. Custom Training Solutions can help employers tailor their training specific to their deficits.  There are a few small scuttles on the coach - of course - but overall this was a fun, lighthearted convo with one of our favorite guys in the business! Plus, Matt brings up grant dollars that might just help your business get the training you need.  Get to know us [https://linktr.ee/sulwithsarahandrenee] ... And, find us on Apple to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-listen-small-town-stories/id1608240193?utm_source=Apple&utm_medium=Podcast]! Or, listen to our favorite songs [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ytwQ3EjcMtxB6fHZTQ9GO?si=1d3eb57601684d11] ; -)

Shut Up and Listen: Interview with Do Some Good Marketing

Got feedback? Maybe it's our turn to Shut Up and Listen! Send us a Text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1917982/open_sms] Well, this interview has certainly been a long time coming! And she's possibly our most reluctant guest, yet. Ashley Barger has been the woman behind the scenes of this podcast since it began in February of 2022. We've relied on her to capture each and every moment, but just this once we wanted to share her with you. Ashley is a Northwest Ohio native and a graduate of The Ohio State University where she studied Strategic Communications. She's mainly worked in public relations, event planning, and marketing for organizations such as the Columbus Rotary Club, Coachtressel.com, the 2nd & Seven Foundation, the Arnold Sports Festival, Cancer Patient Services, Your Perfect Day, and FriendsOffice. But in 2020, she took the leap and opened up her own marketing consulting agency: Do Some Good Marketing. Ashley has seen first-hand the many organizations and people who come together in our community to help make Fostoria a better place. If you want the #bts look, she's your girl. Thanks for allowing this interview to happen, Ashley! Get to know us [https://linktr.ee/sulwithsarahandrenee] ... And, find us on Apple to leave us a review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-and-listen-small-town-stories/id1608240193?utm_source=Apple&utm_medium=Podcast]! Or, listen to our favorite songs [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ytwQ3EjcMtxB6fHZTQ9GO?si=1d3eb57601684d11] ; -)