The Path Less Traveled Podcast

Josh Sisk | Executive Director, Potawatomi Zoo | S1:E14

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 | President, Community Foundation of Elkhart County | S1:E13

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 | Founder, Viewrail | S1:E12

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 | CEO, ADEC | S1:E11

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

Emily Rose | Outreach Director, Women's Care Center | S1:E10

Emily is the Outreach Director of Women's Care Center
Founded in 1984 the Women's Care Center provides free, confidential counseling, support and education for pregnant women. Free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds help determine viability and dates (prenatal medical care and abortions not provided).
The WCC serves 30,000 women annually from 37 centers in 12 states, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania & Wisconsin.
 
Check out Women's Care Center: https://supportwomenscarecenter.org/
 
Episode Markers:
00:00 – Intro
01:40 - About Women's Care Center
03:11 - How WCC Was Founded
04:39 - WCC's Services
09:44 - Why Emily Rose?
11:36 - President Ann Manion's Impact
13:46 - Chuck Freeby's Thoughts on Ann & the WCC
15:23 - Emily's Role at WCC
18:00 - Emily's Why
20:25 - Emily's Role Models
24:05 - Favorite Purchase Under $100
25:21 - Billboard Message
27:44 - Kindest Thing Someone's Done for You

Jon Morningstar | President, MapleTronics | S1:E9

Jon is the President of MapleTronics
Founded by Wes Herschberger in 1992, MapleTronics has a long history of helping the community with their technology needs. As technology has transformed over the past 30+ years, MapleTronics has evolved to meet the changing landscape and best serve the communities we service. Today MapleTronics has 2 main office locations in Goshen, IN and Columbia, TN. Serving businesses all over the Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan, and Central TN MTC strives to help their clients achieve their mission. 
 
Jon's been the President since 2019.
 
Check out MapleTronics: https://www.mapletronics.com/
 
Episode Markers:
00:00 – Intro
03:47 – About MapleTronics
06:32 – What’s Next
07:28 – Artificial Intelligence
11:05 – Jon’s Leadership Journey
12:09 – What Was The Transition Like
13:33 – What Did You Learn Leading Through COVID?
16:59 – What Does Continuous Learning Look Like for You?
21:06 – How Do You Protect Your Day Off?
22:55 – Favorite Books
25:51 – How Do You Decide What You Say Yes and No To?
28:27 – Jon’s Mentors
30:01 – What Are You Most Proud Of?
30:53 – What’s The Kindest Thing Someone’s Done For You?

R. Yoder Construction | S1:E8

Jason Yoder (President) - Nate Yoder (Director of Business Development) - Steve Clark (General Manager & General Counsel)
In 1978, Randy Yoder began working on small residential repairs in the greater Nappanee area. Throughout the years, his integrity along with the quality, value, and service of his work naturally grew the company. He continued to expand both his area of reach and project capabilities to meet the needs of business owners and residents alike.
Today, Randy’s 3 sons are leading the company – Jason, Brad, and Kevin. Their mission is to deliver high-quality, value-driven projects on schedule by employing and supporting motivated, safety-minded and focused teams. They highly value the importance of relationships and will continue to remain fair and true in all dealings with employees, clients, vendors, and partners. They know their clients count on R. Yoder Construction’s reliability, drive, and integrity. Most importantly Jason, Brad, and Kevin aspire to lead R. Yoder Construction on a mission to serve with character and a purpose that brings honor to God.
 
Check out the R. Yoder Construction: https://ryoderconstruction.com/
 
Episode Markers:
00:00 – Intro & R. Yoder Overview (Jason)
03:25 – Recent & Current Growth (Nate)
04:44 – What’s Next (Jason)
06:31 – R. Yoder's Uniqueness (Steve)
08:34 - Leadership Dynamics (Steve)
09:48 - What's The Vision (Jason)
11:35 - Advice to a Younger You (Nate)
13:26 - Unique Habits (Steve)
16:11 - How Do You Say Yes & No To Things (Jason)
18:50 - How Do You Approach Difficult Conversations (Jason)
20:42 - How Do You Recharge (Nate)
23:21 - Favorite Books (Steve)
25:42 - Favorite Purchase Under $100 (Nate)
27:38 - Billboard Message (Jason)
29:02 - Kindest Thing Someone's Done (Steve)
32:29 - Final Thoughts (Jason)
 

Rudy Yakym III | U.S. House of Representatives | S1:E7

Rudy is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and serves in Indiana's 2nd Congressional District. 
Congressman Rudy Yakym is a fourth generation Hoosier who is proud to represent the people of Indiana’s Second District. A Christian, family man, and conservative, Rudy is working tirelessly to bring common sense, Hoosier values to Washington, D.C.
Born and raised in South Bend, Rudy received a bachelor’s degree in business finance and administration from Indiana University South Bend. He later went on to earn an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rudy served as Director of Growth Initiatives at Kem Krest, a company that specializes in removing friction from supply chains. Throughout his career in business, Rudy has held senior positions at various companies, helping them to develop effective growth strategies.
Rudy and his wife Sallyann currently live in Granger, where they are raising their three wonderful children; Elle, Rudy IV, and Eliza. They worship at New Life Baptist Church, where Rudy serves the congregation as Head Usher.
 
Rudy's been a member of Congress since 2022. 
 
Check out Congressman Rudy Yakym: https://yakym.house.gov/
 
Episode Markers:
00:00 – Intro & Rudy’s Personal Interests
02:29 – Why Politics
04:13 – Why Service? Why Serving of Others?
04:54 – Snapshot of Role Locally & Nationally
06:44 – Rudy’s Hard Working Political Team
08:26 – Rudy’s “Home Team”
09:40 – Why Do You Strive for Excellence
11:09 – How Do You Make Difficult Decisions
12:41 – A Few of Rudy’s Mentors
14:02 – How Do You Fill Your Tank
15:14 – Books You’d Recommend
16:25 – How Do You Decide What to Say Yes to and No to
17:31 – Favorite Failure
18:53 – What Are You Most Proud Of
20:03 – What Advice Would You Give to a Younger You
21:00 – Rudy’s ‘Rookie Mindest’
22:47 – What’s One of the Kindest Things Someone’s Done For You
25:33 – Rudy’s Final Thoughts