The People Business

The People Business Podcast with Frank FavaroIn this heartfelt episode, host Frank Favaro is joined by Mary Beth Kohler, daughter of Coach Billy Barger, the legendary architect behind the Walsh Jesuit wrestling dynasty of the 1990s. Together, they reflect on the life and impact of a man who not only built champions but inspired generations through faith, leadership, and service.From his time as a Vietnam veteran to his rise as a National Wrestling Hall of Fame coach, Coach Barger's journey is a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose. Frank and Mary Beth explore the stories, values, and philosophy that continue to shape lives today—both on and off the mat.The rise of Walsh Jesuit's national wrestling dominanceBilly Barger's servant leadership style and mentorship legacyHis powerful promise during Vietnam that shaped his life's missionLessons from his personal writings on faith and peaceWhy presence, purpose, and unconditional love defined his leadershipBehind-the-scenes memories and insights from the Clash of Dynasties documentaryClash of Dynasties – A must-watch documentary on Coach Barger and the Walsh Jesuit wrestling program."You're never alone. You're loved. Be you." — Billy BargerFrank Favaro – Host of The People Business Podcast

What does it take to nearly triple your customer base while building a world-class experience? In this episode, Frank Favaro sits down with Antoinette Kula, Executive Vice President at Playhouse Square, to uncover how she helped turn a regional theater hub into the largest performing arts center in America outside of NYC.Antoinette shares her inspiring path—from pursuing acting to leading one of the most successful entertainment organizations in the country. Discover how her people-first mindset, fun with accountability, and relentless focus on service fueled record-breaking season ticket growth.

In this powerful episode of The People Business Podcast, host Frank Favaro sits down with Justin Azbill — Chief Servant Leader at The Tribal Group and former Director of Safety at Milwaukee Tool. Justin shares his raw, deeply personal journey through leadership burnout, depression, and rediscovery — with a focus on family, faith, and the power of vulnerability.They explore critical issues plaguing the construction industry:✅ Why 76% of workers don't trust their leaders✅ How status-based leadership is destroying culture✅ What 3,100+ surveys revealed about suicide risk, burnout, and employee turnover✅ And how “shadow work” and small expectations can transform teamsThis is a must-watch conversation for leaders in construction, business, or any industry dealing with people.

In this episode, we're joined by Mike Goetz, Director of Sales and Partner at The Northrich Company, one of the leading HVAC manufacturers' reps in the U.S. Mike walks us through his incredible journey, starting at HVAC trade school at just 16, working for industry giant York, and rising to leadership in sales. Mike shares invaluable insights into mentorship, the ever-evolving HVAC industry, and how embracing change is key to success in this fast-paced field. Whether you're an HVAC professional, someone considering a career in trades, or a business leader looking for strategies to develop your team, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways! Key Topics: Mike Goetz's journey from HVAC trade school to leadership The importance of mentorship in career growth Adapting to the evolving HVAC industry The value of having a clear career path and company culture Why Northrich Company is a leader in HVAC sales and service Quotes: "I always knew I was going to be successful, but it's the work that gets you there." "For years, it was all about money, but now success means helping others achieve their goals." "In the HVAC industry, there's always an opportunity for growth—you just need to stay adaptable." Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Mike Goetz and The Northrich Company [02:15] Starting HVAC trade school at 16 [04:50] Working at York and transitioning into sales [08:30] Mentorship and leadership lessons learned [12:45] The changing landscape of the HVAC industry [16:00] Northrich's approach to hiring and retention of Gen Z [22:30] The importance of company culture and growth Host: Frank Favaro Contact: https://serve-centric.com/ Follow Us: Subscribe for more industry insights and leadership stories! Leave a review if you found this episode valuable. Hashtags: #HVACIndustry #SalesLeadership #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #HVACJobs #TradesEducation #BusinessSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment

In this exclusive episode of The People Business Podcast, host Frank Favaro sits down with Ben Hatta, the acclaimed director behind the upcoming docu-series Clash of Dynasties. This series delves into the intense 10-year rivalry between Ohio high school wrestling powerhouses St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit. Ben Hatta, known for his work on the "Team Foxcatcher" and "Angle" documentaries, shares the inspiration, challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped this once-in-a-lifetime documentary.

Welcome back to The People Business Podcast!

Episode Highlights: In this episode of The People Business Podcast, host Frank Favaro sits down with Todd Barnhart, CEO and President of Gardner. Todd shares his incredible journey from starting as a sales engineer to becoming the majority owner of one of the top HVAC energy solution providers in the industry. Learn about the core values that have kept Gardner at the forefront for decades, the importance of family-first culture, and the strategies that have led to their remarkable success.

In this episode of The People Business, we dive deep into the essence of successful entrepreneurship and leadership with very special guest, Bob Burg, the co-author of the renowned book "The Go-Giver." Bob shares his insights on the power of giving and how it has transformed lives and businesses around the world. Tune in to learn how shifting your focus from getting to giving can dramatically enhance your professional and personal life. Key Points Discussed:  Bob Burg's journey from the author of "The Endless Referral System" to inspiring a global movement with "The Go-Giver." Insights into the Go-Giver philosophy and how it can be applied to achieve substantial business growth and personal fulfillment. Real-life success stories of individuals who have applied the Go-Giver principles. Bob's approach to building meaningful relationships in business and life. Advice for young professionals on differentiating themselves in competitive industries. Featured Guest: Bob Burg, Author and Speaker Contact: Website site: Burg.com Daily Impact email: https://burg.com/daily-impact/   SALESWISE LIVE: https://saleswiselive.com/ Host: Frank Favaro Contact: https://serve-centric.com/   Join our community for more inspiring stories and strategies from leaders like Bob. Subscribe to our podcast and never miss an episode!

In this episode of The People Business, I joined a three-part CommTALK podcast series where we discussed contemporary business culture, strategies for improvement, and methods for measuring it. For more information about this podcast or ServeCentric Coaching contact us at: ⁠frank@servecentriccoaching.com

Step into the shoes of Andy Hirko, VP of Relmec Mechanical and treasurer of MCA Cleveland. In this episode, Andy reflects on his humble beginnings of selling projects as a young teenager to now working with notable names in the industry. His down-to-earth approach and steadfast commitment make this a conversation you won't want to miss. For more information about this podcast or ServeCentric Coaching contact us at: frank@servecentriccoaching.com

In this episode, we're joined by Robert Beck, CEO of the 140-year-old JOHN W Danforth Company and the National President of MCAA. A true connector of people in the industry, Robert delves into the significance of continually forging and solidifying relationships. He sheds light on the power of influence and its role in serving the greater good for everyone involved. Amid the earnest conversation, Robert highlights the importance of infusing fun into all aspects of the day. #RobertBeckLeadership #MCAAInfluence #FrankFavaro #JohnWDanforthLegacy

Craig Berman, CEO of Geauga Mechanical and VP of Cleveland SMACNA, joins us to explore the evolution of his third-generation family business. We'll dive into the significance of fostering a fun work environment and how it's propelled their company to unprecedented heights. Tune in as we uncover the secrets behind their thriving culture. #CraigBerman #GeaugaMechanical #ClevelandBusiness #SMACNA #FamilyBusiness #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessEvolution #FunWorkEnvironment #ThrivingCulture #IndustryLeaders

Bill Bassett – USA Wrestling coach, innovative educator at Bishop McCort High School, and the entrepreneurial mind behind The Compound – takes center stage in this week's episode of 'The People Business.' As the father of the celebrated Bassett Brothers, Bill shares his unique insights into shaping future champions in sports and life. Tune in for an inspiring delve into his world of leadership, mentorship, and the power of positive influence.

In the latest episode of "The People Business with Frank Favaro," we are joined by the dynamic Aaron Watters, a former Division 1 collegiate wrestler turned Founder and CEO of OEM Interactive. OEM Interactive, a trailblazer in digital marketing for automotive parts and accessories, has been recognized on the Inc 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States in 2023. This episode takes a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurial success and the significance of nurturing work environments for astonishing growth. Aaron, with his unique blend of athletic discipline and business acumen, sheds light on the parallels between his wrestling background and his approach to business challenges. Listeners will be intrigued by the story of how Frank and Aaron's paths crossed, initially as competitors in youth wrestling, and how this competitive spirit translated into their professional lives. Aaron's involvement in various influential projects, such as Parts Messenger Pro, Fixed Ops Jobs, and Fixed Ops Mastermind, and his role as the host of the PitStop Podcast, further enrich the conversation with diverse perspectives. #EntrepreneurialSuccessStories #BusinessGrowthJourney #AthleteToCEO #DigitalMarketingInnovation

Tim Brink is the CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, which serves 2600 businesses across North America. In this episode, Tim shares his journey, from his grandfather's plumbing business to the mentors who guided him, the importance of caring for people, and the value of authentic relationships.

Emily Lord, Director of Business Development at AM Higley in Cleveland, OH, is a true business badass. She thrived as a Division One soccer player at Western Carolina University, earning a degree in Construction Management. Despite being one of only three girls in her program, Emily embraced her uniqueness and turned it into a competitive advantage. Her superpowers of empathy and communication have played a pivotal role in her successful career.  

Today I talk about building relationships and how we have to get out of our comfort zone if we plan to go to the next level.   We must take on a relationship building mindset to achieve growth.we must take on a relationship building mindset to build more relationships   Growth only comes from outside the comfort zone.

Kevin Smith is the newly appointed Associate Dean at Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve.    Kevin shares his thoughts growth and fixed mindsets, why businesses and individuals need coaches and gaining a competitive advantage in a world full of distractions. 

Oswald Companies Vice Chairman Dave Jacobs joins to discuss his start in the business world, his passion for mentoring people and helping them push past their comfort zone, how he and his team grew Oswald from 12 million in revenue to 175 million, and his favorite musician out there today. 

On this episode, Donwil President, Chris Massetti joins me to discuss how he has been able to keep the Donwil brand promise alive and well for over 57 years, how he wants customers to describe doing business with Donwil and shares his favorite band and author of all time. 

Former wrestling teammate, Jeff Knupp, accomplished things in the sport of wrestling that 99.9% of people will never know. A three-time state champion, national champion, national merit finalist, and first-team all-American, Jeff won his final 94 matches in a row. In this episode, he discusses being a high school Freshman and helping Walsh Jesuit win the national championship on ESPN. Jeff also discusses dealing with adversity when his college career didn't go as planned and how wrestling made him who he is today.

Mike Greene, President of Air Control Products, joins me to discuss the HVAC industry and how he has been able to create a culture of excellence by emphasizing fun, service, and professionalism.  This episode is value-packed and a must-listen to episode for anyone In the HVAC industry. 

Josh Dimacchia was a Division I wrestler at Kent State University, a national champion on St. Ed's famed 1989 championship team and today is a Director of Sales with Viega, the worlds leading press technology manufacturer. Josh share some great insight on working with people, perseverance, persistence and positive attitude.

Scott Overholt has trained and coached some of the world's best athletes.  In this episode, he shares how his competitive spirit led him to the sport of wrestling and how personal injuries allowed him to find purpose and help live the highest quality of life through his specialized fitness system, which emphasizes quality of movement versus quantity.

John Meade, President of Bell and Blaire Mechanical Contractors, joins me to share best practices from his company, coaching athletes and employees, lessons learned from his grandfather on how to work with customers, suppliers and employees and his favorite part of the business.

My friend and former teammate, Cleveland State assistant head wrestling coach Clint Musser joins me to discuss the current landscape of collegiate athletics, his experience as an 2 X All-American at Penn State, God doing for him, what he couldn't do himself ,and using life experiences as an asset to help others today. 

Ben Hatta is a St. Ed's state wrestling champion, Emmy-nominated film and television producer, and creator of the Netflix hit documentary Foxcatcher, the soon-to-be-released Kurt Angle documentary, and a slew of hit television shows.     In this action-packed episode, Ben joins to share lessons learned from his famed father on the parent/child relationship in athletics, the making of Foxcatcher,  what Angle can teach us about re-discovering our championship spirit in the face of adversity, and a new project we are working on together.    Welcome to The People Business.

Social media visionary Shon Christy joins me to give thanks, discuss the dos and don't of social media and how social has changed the way we connect and do business in today's fast-paced world. 

Best-selling author and President of The Dijulius Group, John Dijulius, joins me to discuss how the pandemic has created an excellent opportunity for experience-driven companies to create an advantage over their competition and how they can become the brand customers can't live without.

We all have to serve somebody. Today's episode is about working harder on yourself, making choices, and finding answers...through faith.

Jason Winkler, President of Summit Construction Company, joins me to talk about the power of authentic relationships, leadership, improvement, and how they create an attractive culture that is ALL about People

Today on The People Business, I discuss finding purpose in our work and...how it ignites passion. 

President and CEO of AM Higley joins me to talk about the benefits of reading and exercising, instilling and demonstrating the Higley core values, advice from his rugby coach in the UK on breaking noses, and a soon-to-be-released lifestyle brand. 

Notre Dame College's head wrestling coach Sonny Marchette stops by to talk leadership, improvement and how putting focus on becoming better is more valuable than becoming best.

David Held is a St. Ed's hall of fame wrestler, coach, and leader. He is a 2-time All-American Wrestler and former mayor of North Canton, Ohio.  Listen in as he shares stories of his all-time great coaches Howard Ferguson and Mike Deanna, how they created a culture of excellence through belief and encouragement, and how you can do the same in your organization!  

We all deserve happiness.  It may be packed away in some old box within, but it's in you, and it is a gift. We all have something special that we can give this world and people who need it. It would be a sin to waste it.  Let's talk about unpacking your exceptional talent this week on The People Business.

There comes a moment where you realize it's time - to make a change, to discover a difference, to create a connection. This is that time - don't wait any longer, you want to be your best version, to share gifts with the world. And you know what it takes to get there? People. Listen in and let's start the connection.  

A sneak peek at what's ahead on The People Business!