The Path Less Traveled Podcast

Karla Fales - REAL Services

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

Jeff 'JT' Trenery - US Signcrafters

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

Spencer Lutz - American Millwork

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 

Matthew Moersch - Moersch Hospitality Group

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

Josh Sisk - Potawatomi Zoo

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 

Pete McCown - Community Foundation of Elkhart County

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

Len Morris - Viewrail

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

Chris Kingsley - ADEC

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