The Path Less Traveled Podcast
We are dedicated to showcasing the untold stories of business leaders who have dared to forge their own path. Our mission is to provide a platform for visionary entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and those who have overcome adversity in their journey. Join us as we amplify the voices of these unsung heroes, celebrating their resilience, innovation, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the path less taken.
Episodes
Episodes
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Steve Brenneman - ATC Trailers & Aluminum Insights
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Steve is the founder of ATC trailers and Aluminum Insights
Steve founded ATC Trailers back in 1999 and Aluminum Insights in 2020. Steve decided there must be a better way to build and sell utility trailers than the one-size-fits-all approach. He created an all-aluminum base frame and wall structure to be lighter, higher quality and more durable than the steel frame trailers that dominated the market.
Steve founded ATC Trailers in 1999 and Aluminum Insights in in 2020.
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Dr. Hugh Davis - Greencroft Communities
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Dr. Hugh Davis is the President and CEO of Greencroft Communities
Greencroft Communities is a nonprofit organization providing senior living services across several locations in Indiana and Ohio. With a history rooted in Mennonite values, it operates multiple Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), offering a range of care levels including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Greencroft serves over 2,000 residents and emphasizes service excellence, compassionate care, and community engagement.
Hugh's been the President and CEO since 2024.
Check out Greencroft Communities - https://www.greencroft.org/
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Sean McCrindle - Bashor Children's Home
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Sean is the President and CEO of Bashor Children's Home
Bashor Children’s Home is a non profit child welfare agency affiliated with the United Methodist Church. They provide help for troubled children and their families through residential care, day treatment/ alternative education, and foster care.
Sean's been the President and CEO since 2021.
Check out Bashor- https://bashor.org/HOME.aspx
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Stephanie Murphy - St. Joseph County Public Library
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Stephanie is the Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Public Library
The St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL), located throughout St. Joseph County, Indiana, offers extensive resources including books, digital media, and community programs designed to enhance literacy and digital skills. Committed to fostering a sense of connection and inclusion, SJCPL serves a diverse demographic by providing engaging spaces and services that address the evolving needs of the local community.
Stephanie's been the Executive Director since 2022.
Check out the SJCPL- https://sjcpl.org/
Episode Markers:
00:00 - Intro
02:47 - The Library's Mission
03:28 - Stephanie's Experience
05:53 - Library's Next Chapter
08:02 - Stephanie's Path Less Traveled
09:02 - Why Culture Matters
10:04 - Difficult Conversations
13:00 - Advice to a Younger You
14:02 - Favorite Failure
16:58 - Saying Yes & No
18:55 - New Experiences
20:00 - Favorite Books
22:00 - Most Proud Of
23:50 - Leadership Style
25:10 - Billboard Message
26:16 - Kindest Thing
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Jason Lippert - LCI Industries
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Jason is the President & CEO of Lippert
From over 140 manufacturing and distribution facilities located throughout North America, Africa and Europe, Lippert supplies a broad array of highly engineered components for the leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, automobiles, watercraft and prefab homes. They also operate in adjacent markets, including hospitality, transportation, construction and agriculture.
With over 12,500 team members and a diverse portfolio of best-in-class brands, Lippert adopts a team-based business philosophy and has proven that, by putting people first, the possibilities for growth and development are truly endless.
Jason's been the President & CEO since 2003.
Check out Lippert - https://www.lippert.com/
Episode Markers:
00:00 - Intro
02:08 - About Lippert
03:42 - Values
05:39 - Helping People Find Their Why
08:53 - Jason's Path Less Traveled Journey
10:58 - Jason's Core Values / Guiding Principles
13:20 - People That Believed in Jason
14:50 - Most Proud Of
18:10 - Challenging Parts of Leadership
20:44 - Advice to a Younger You
22:45 - Favorite Risks
25:08 - How Do You Recharge
26:30 - Habits
28:20 - Most Worthwhile Investments
30:50 - Kindest Thing
31:59 - Final Thoughts
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Hayley Boling - Boling Vision Center
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Hayley is the CEO of Boling Vision Center
Boling Vision Center, serving Michiana since 1960, is celebrated for its exceptional vision care and community involvement, earning accolades such as "Best of Elkhart County" and the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year. The center partners with Notre Dame Athletics, supports local charities, and has pioneered initiatives like the first eye care mobile unit in the U.S. for children.
Hayley's been the CEO since 2009.
Check out Boling Vision Center - https://www.bolingvisioncenter.com/
Episode Markers:
00:00 - Intro & Being a CEO at 23 Years Old
03:30 - Hayley's Grit
06:40 - About Boling Vision Center
10:04 - Hayley's Local, State, National & International Involvement
11:08 - How Do You Decide What to Say Yes/No To
12:55 - How Do You Remain Present in the Moment
15:27 - Hayley's Path Less Traveled Journey
17:18 - How Do You Recharge
19:30 - Continuous Learning
23:15 - Current Focus for Growth
25:46 - Most Proud Of
28:27 - Kindest Thing
30:08 - Final Thoughts
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Laurie Nafziger - Oaklawn
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Laurie is the President and CEO of Oaklawn
Oaklawn is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services to individuals and families in Northern Indiana. Founded in 1965, Oaklawn offers a range of services including outpatient therapy, residential treatment, and community support, guided by values of compassion, respect, and a commitment to improving mental health and well-being.
Laurie's been the President and CEO since 2006.
Check out Oaklawn - https://oaklawn.org/
Episode Markers:
00:00 - Intro
03:10 - About Oaklawn
07:15 - What's Next
08:00 - Laurie's Leadership Journey
09:22 - Mentors Along the Way
09:45 - Who Believed In You
12:47 - Proud Moments
14:55 - How Do You Stay Sharp
15:55 - Favorite Books
17:09 - Habits
19:50 - Most Challenging Part of Leadership
21:43 - Favorite Risk
23:07 - How Do You Recharge
23:57 - Deciding What to Say Yes/No to
28:00 - Most Worthwhile Investments
30:18 - Path Less Traveled
32:15 - Final Thoughts
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Debie Coble - Goodwill Industries of Michiana
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Debie is the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana
Goodwill Industries of Michiana, established in 1965, provides tailored job training and employment services to individuals with disabilities and other barriers in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Their distinctive model leverages revenue from retail stores and donation centers to fund these services, directly contributing to local community development and individual empowerment.
Debie's been the President and CEO since 2013.
Check out Goodwill Industries of Michiana - https://www.goodwill-ni.org/
Episode Markers:
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - About Goodwill
05:17 - What Do You Love About Your Job
05:37 - Debie's Leadership Journey
06:24 - Debie's Leadership Style
07:00 - People that Believed in Debie
08:12 - How Do You Have Hard Conversations
09:45 - Favorite Failure
11:26 - Advice to a Younger You
12:44 - Culture
13:40 - What's Next
15:00 - Continuous Learning
16:18 - Mentors
17:30 - Favorite Books
18:55 - Recharging
21:35 - Saying Yes and No
23:00 - Most Proud Of
24:17 - Purchase of $100 of Less
25:00 - Most Worthwhile Investments
25:32 - Billboard Message
26:00 - Kindest Thing Someone's Done
26:22 - Final Thoughts