Real Leadership

Rocky Fiore, Chief Operating Officer of Prairie Capital Advisors

This ownership strategy is changing the way we work. 
Rocky Fiore, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Prairie Capital Advisors, is an expert in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (called ESOP). 
For owners considering an eventual exit from your business or those just hungry for a strategy that can position your company for greater success, this is worth a listen.
In this episode, you will: 
Discover the types of businesses that thrive with an ESOP model
Uncover how ESOPs unlock tax benefits and liquidity options
Learn how an ESOP can help you not just transition ownership, but transform your company’s culture and future. 
Show Notes: 
Connect with Rocky: fiore@prairiecap.com 
Rocky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-fiore-762b1417/
Prairie Capital Advisors: https://www.prairiecap.com/ 
Prairie Capital Advisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prairie-capital-advisors-inc/  
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work

Stephan Mathis, Co-Founder of Molo Solutions

A chance conversation launched his career. 
Before Stephan Mathis became the co-founder of the billion-dollar company Molo Solutions, he was a part-time valet. But Stephan didn’t let his humble beginnings hold him back — he used them to pave his path forward. 
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss:
Why failure in your twenties can be the secret ingredient for future success
When to take a leap of faith 
What it takes to actually become more confident 
Show Notes
Connect with Stephan
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-mathis-0474712a/ 
Website: https://www.stephanmathis.com/ 
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/stephan_mathis1
Connect with Jim
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 
 

Tammi Carter, Chief Executive Officer of E4D Technologies

Strategy is NOT the key to success. 
Tammi Carter, Chief Executive Officer at E4D Technologies, reveals the secret sauce propelling success in the dynamic world of manufacturing and technology. In an era of rapid change, Tammi is orchestrating a transformative culture that's turning heads and changing the industry.
In this episode, we dive beneath the surface of traditional manufacturing to discuss:
Why women belong in manufacturing — and how they can reshape it
Why climbing the career ladder isn't a balancing act
What tackling the talent drought looks like an age of workforce shortages
…and why transitioning from professional musician to CEO isn't as crazy as it sounds
Show Notes
E4D Technologies: https://e4d.com/ 
E4D Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e4d-technologies/ n
Connect with Tammi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammicarter/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Ōnin Staffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onin-staffing/ 
The Ōnin Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-onin-group/ 
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/ 

Kellye Terrell, Executive HR Director at Georgia Tech

Rediscover your WHY.
In a world racing for the next best thing, Kellye Terrell, Human Resources Executive at Georgia Tech, believes in letting your purpose define your pace.
Is this episode your wake-up call to slow down and find a more authentic way forward?
Join us for a journey into the heart of reflective leadership, where we discuss:
Why you should embrace a daily reset
The power of grounding your leadership in your passion
How to not only forgive your missteps as a leader, but use them as a stepping stone
Show Notes
Georgia Tech: https://www.gatech.edu/ 
Careers at Georgia Tech: https://hr.gatech.edu/careers 
Georgia Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/georgia-institute-of-technology/ 
Connect with Kellye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellye-terrell-940b6062/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Ōnin Staffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onin-staffing/
The Ōnin Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-onin-group/
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/ 

Mike Bartikoski, COO, CraftMark Bakery

Leaders, STOP TALKING…Michael Bartikoski, COO at CraftMark Bakery shares his battle-tested leadership philosophy honed by working for industry titans like Coca-Cola, Hershey, Quaker Oats, Nestle, and Pepsi.Leaders often think they need to have all the answers and solve all the problems, BUT do they? You’ll be so inspired by Mike’s story that you’ll want to send this to your entire team.You'll discover: 
How Mike navigated through supply chain disruptions and increased production efficiency.
Ideas for embracing technology, industry consolidation, and rewarding quality and relationships.
Strategies for attracting skilled talent and addressing the labor force participation gap.
Tips on maintaining work-life balance, staying fit, and finding fulfillment.
Driving through disruption. Cooking up innovative recipes for success.Show Notes:
CraftMark Bakery: http://craftmark.com
Summit5s Consulting: http://summit5sconsulting.com
Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbartikoski/ 
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 

Robert Hunt, Author

What's really holding you back from thriving in chaos? Find out in this episode…
 
Robert J. Hunt, an executive coach from Frisco, Texas, dedicated to developing leaders and championing the journey from victimhood to victory. As the co-author of "Nobody Cares Until You Do" and the founder of the Renaissance Executive Forums in Dallas, Fort Worth, Robert's insights into leadership, accountability, and personal growth are invaluable. 
 
In this episode of Real Leadership, you’ll discover:
The profound difference between responsibility and accountability
Why professional accomplishments aren't the only metric for success.
How creating "margin" in life ensures there's space for unexpected events and avoids constant overload, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Show Notes:
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/
On creating “margin”: margindfw.com 
Get the Book: nobodycaresbook.com 
CEO Groups in DFW: refdallas.com

Michael Thomas

This leadership advice transcends industries.
From turning around a university's financial crisis to pioneering cutting-edge automotive technology, President of the Systems Group of Companies Michael Thomas knows what it takes to make an impact. In this episode of Real Leadership, we explore the magic of transforming deficits into triumphs, all while securing a remarkable encounter with a vice president.
 
On this episode of Real Leadership, you'll discover:
A distinctive problem-solving approach that defies conventions
 Strategies to confront challenges head-on
The profound impact of corporate giants on local economies and communities
Show Notes
Michael’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-thomas-9a283518/
The Systems Group of Companies: www.systemscompanies.com 
Systems Automotive Interiors: https://sai-ms.com/
Systems Automotive Interiors Alabama: https://sai-al.com/ 
Systems Electro Coating: https://sec-ms.com/
Systems Consultants Associates: https://sca-ms.com/ 
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 

Will Jenkins

This is how you disrupt an industry. 
At age 27, Will Jenkins co-founded freight brokerage company MoLo Solutions and began a fascinating journey of growth, grit, and game-changing innovation. Today, Will knows what it takes to build a billion-dollar company from the ground up. 
On this episode of Real Leadership, dive into a riveting journey through the world of transportation and entrepreneurship to learn: 
How to balance aggressive growth with honing business processes 
How to transform a shaky rookie into a confident sales champion
Why discovering your passion is part of the success process
Show Notes
 
Connect with Will 
Website: willjenkinswcj.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willjenkinswcj/ 
Twitter: @willjenkinswcj
Connect with Ōnin
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 
 

Carin Sampson - VP of Marketing and HR for IBT Industrial Solutions

This is how leaders can help anyone learn anything — and change the course of a company in the process. 
 
Discover how Carin Sampson ​​unleashed IBT Industrial Solution's potential by embracing curiosity. 
 
As the Vice President of Marketing and Human Resources at IBT Industrial Solutions, Carin has helped the respected 70-plus-year-old business pivot for a bold new future. From embracing change to breaking free from limiting corporate cultures, this eye-opening conversation is sure to leave you inspired.
 
On this episode of Real Leadership, you'll discover:
What your shoes say about your leadership style
The secret to building a learning and development culture
How to overcome resistance to change and embrace new opportunities
What it takes to transform warehouses into digital powerhouses
 
Show Notes
Carin's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinsampson/ 
IBT Industrial Solution Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibt-inc/
IBT Industrial: https://ibtinc.com/ 
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 
 

Mike Schillinger - COO of Advanced Plastics

This is how he moved from company contractor to COO. 
 
Mike Schillinger took a different path to the top, and the results speak for themselves. 
 
In the world of plastics, one man's journey from IT consultant to COO unveils the secrets behind thriving company, Advanced Plastic. From sprint races and unexpected challenges to the art of balancing flexibility and rigidity, discover how this custom plastic extrusion company is shaping the industry and leaving its mark.
On this episode of Real Leadership, you will also discover:
The secret to personalized customer service
The surprising art of plastic extrusion — and why it’s so important
How Mike knew it was time to take a leadership leap
…and why he’s ready to take another one
 
Show Notes
Mike’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schillinger-66a4651/ 
Advanced Plastic Website: http://www.advancedplastic.com/
Advanced Plastic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-plastics-mfg/ 
Advanced Plastic Phone Number: (847) 674-2070
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.