We’re wrapping up Season 6 with an episode that is sure to make you smile! We talk a lot about hardships and the grit shown to get through them. Dr. Joseph Mellion, of Mellion Orthodontics, has had his fair share of hardships, but through it all he was determined to succeed, confident in his abilities, and committed to always treating people right. Hear his passion shine through as we talk about his legacy and what it took to get to where he is today.

There is no greater achievement than being able to impact another’s life. Our two guests this week, Steve Chrisman and Chris Kalina, of Medina County Career Center, share their story of how others helped guide their life to lead them to where they are today. Now, they work every day to be that guide for others. Listen in as they share their passion for others and how they are working to make a difference through education.

Do you trust your intuition or have you let fear stand in your way? Have you had a dream that you were just too afraid to pursue? At just 27 years old, Richard Blank, CEO of Costa Rica’s Call Center, landed in Costa Rica with passion and a dream. What was seen as a risky choice, for a young man out of college, turned into his greatest opportunity. Hear more about his decision to leave his friends and family as he pursued a career in another country and his advice on building a company and life that you’re proud of.

While we know success doesn’t happen overnight, it is easy to forget to trust the process and believe in the abilities we have. It is easy to forget others’ success didn’t happen overnight because what we don’t see from the outside looking in are the moments of failure, the long hours, and the years of consistency it takes to grow a business. Jim and Susan Heiser, owners of Bullseye Activewear, share this message as they talk about growing their small business into a multifaceted business working with some of the largest names in Northeast Ohio.

Oftentimes, people are so focused on the credentials they need to get their dream job or reach the next position up on the ladder, that they forget just how important it is to discover what you’re capable of and what you love doing. If you find a job you love and continuously put the effort in, good things will come your way. Mark Svozil, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Landscape Services at Davey Tree Expert Company, shares the wisdom and values rooted into his lifestyle that has helped him climb the ladder and reach success with a company he loves.

Take. The. Risk. With next to no money and a job that didn’t fulfill his passion, Craig Nolletti, founder of The Warehouse 24/7 Gym in Ashland and Wooster and CrossFit419, knew he needed to do whatever it took to make his entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from pursuing your dreams, hear how Craig was able to start his journey as an entrepreneur through a side hustle, put in hours of early mornings, late nights, and hard work, and eventually turn his passion into his full time business.

We all make a plan for what we want our life to be; what we think our life will be… but sometimes plans change. The fear of making a change can be crippling. Maybe you’ve worked your whole life in a career and are afraid to start over or frozen by the reality of affording a comfortable lifestyle for your family, but you can’t give up on following your passion because of fear. Listen as Tom O’Connell, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Medina County, shares his story of fear, faith, and trusting your gut to know when it is time to make that change.

The words you tell yourself and the words you are told by others can guide and warp your future. Whether or not you choose to believe the negativity can determine if you follow your dreams or give up on yourself. Linda Randall has faced countless adversity from others telling her she couldn’t become a veterinarian. But, her grit and determination allowed her to believe in herself, follow her dream, and lead her to success as an entrepreneur, opening her own veterinary practice, Cloverleaf Animal Hospital, and beginning her own dog training practice, One Smart Dog.

Entrepreneurship can pull you in a lot of different directions, and it is easy to get caught up in the busyness. But, when you stay true to your values and continue to do the right thing, things will work in your favor. Entrepreneur, and now owner of FASTSIGNS® of Medina, Ed Gonzalez, demonstrates the perfect example of “doing the right thing.” Listen as he shares his journey and entrepreneurship insights by taking ownership and adapting to the changing market and demands.

Do you feel stuck in your career? It is easy to stay in a comfortable situation, but if you want to grow, you have to take a leap out of your comfort zone. Thomas Nightingale took a risk early in his career and decided to leave his comfortable, well paying job, to pursue an MBA. He knew he had more to offer and chose to pursue a graduate degree, while working full-time, to gain the skills and knowledge to support his goals. He now excels as the CEO of AFS Logistics, and continues to push AFS to keep innovating and growing.