The Path Less Traveled Podcast

Hayley Boling | CEO, Boling Vision Center | S1:E22

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

Laurie Nafziger | President & CEO, Oaklawn | S1:E21

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

Debie Coble | President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of Michiana | S1:E20

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

Tim Leman | CEO, Gibson | S1:E19

Tim is the CEO of Gibson
Gibson is a growing, employee-owned Top 100 US Insurance Broker, with offices in AZ, IL, IN, MI & UT. They help business owners, leaders, and individuals find their edge. They're passionate about their clients and focused on delivering a world-class employee experience.
 
Tim's been the CEO since 2011.
Check out Gibson: https://www.thegibsonedge.com/
Episode Markers:
00:00 - Intro 
03:20 - Why is Tim Obessed w/ Culture 
05:00 - About Gibson
07:37 - What's Unique & Next for Gibson
10:00 - Someone That's Impacted You
12:58 - Tim's Habits
15:06 - Books
20:22 - Reflecting on Tim's Health Scare
22:32 - What Are You Most Proud Of
25:30 - Advice to a Younger You
29:50- Billboard Message
30:23 - Worthwhile Investments
32:45 - Final Thoughts

Karla Fales | President & CEO, REAL Services | S1:E18

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 | President, US Signcrafters | S1:E17

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 | President, American Millwork | S1:E16

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 | CEO, Moersch Hospitality Group | S1:E15

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