The People Business

In this powerful episode of The People Business Podcast, host Frank Favaro sits down with Michael DiSabato—lead plaintiff, whistleblower, and member of a family considered Ohio wrestling royalty. Michael shares his deeply personal account of growing up in a household defined by grit, competition, and excellence on the mat—and how that same relentless spirit fueled his fight to expose the decades-long sexual abuse scandal involving Dr. Richard Strauss at The Ohio State University.Michael opens up about the challenges of breaking the silence, the culture of denial within OSU athletics, and the personal and professional toll of being a whistleblower. Together, Frank and Michael discuss the HBO documentary Surviving Ohio State, how it’s changing public perception about abuse in sports, and what it means to stand for truth when it comes at a cost.This candid, emotional conversation is both a stark reminder of the damage caused by institutional cover-ups and a rallying cry for accountability, survivor advocacy, and athlete safety.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Michael’s journey from wrestling standout to national whistleblowerThe culture of silence that allowed abuse to persist for decadesThe impact of Surviving Ohio State and why it’s resonating worldwideHow survivors can find strength in speaking outActionable steps for protecting athletes and children from abuse📺 Surviving Ohio State is streaming now on HBO Max.Watch on: HBO📌 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the leaders shaping business, sports, and community.🎧 Available on all major platforms📲 Connect with Frank Favarohttps://serve-centric.com

On today’s episode of The People Business Podcast, host Frank Favaro sits down with newly named Kent State Wrestling Head Coach Josh Moore. A two-time All-American and NCAA finalist at Penn State, Josh shares the powerful story of how relationships, resilience, and staying consistent through adversity shaped his career — and why caring is the leadership trait that defines him.💬 Topics Discussed:Josh’s transition from NCAA competitor to college coachOvercoming personal and professional adversityBuilding a culture of accountability and careHow relationships helped him land his dream jobWhat the future holds for Kent State WrestlingAdvice for student-athletes and future coachesWhy Northeast Ohio is essential to the program’s visionWhether you're in athletics, business, or leadership, this episode is filled with timeless lessons on staying the course and leading with heart.🔗 Connect with Frank Favaro:https://serve-centric.com/🔗 Follow the podcast for more interviews with real leaders doing real things in the real world.#KentStateWrestling #JoshMoore #NCAAWrestling #CollegeWrestling #WrestlingCoach #LeadershipPodcast #OvercomingAdversity #SportsLeadership #PeopleBusinessPodcast #WrestlingCulture #StudentAthletes #FrankFavaro #ServeCentricCoaching #CoachingJourney #WrestlingCommunity #WrestlingFamily #BuildTheCulture #AthleteMindset #PennStateWrestling #NortheastOhio

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📩 Contact Frank🌐 www.servecentriccoaching.comDon’t miss upcoming episodes that explore leadership, purpose, and human connection in business and beyond.Subscribe on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeGoogle PodcastsTop Hashtags:#BillyBarger #WalshJesuit #WrestlingLegend #PeopleBusinessPodcast #FrankFavaro #ServantLeadership #FaithInLeadership #ClashOfDynasties #CoachingLegacy #LeadershipPodcastTop Search Tags:Billy Barger, Walsh Jesuit wrestling, Frank Favaro podcast, Clash of Dynasties, wrestling coach Ohio, servant leadership, Billy Barger legacy, Ohio wrestling history, coaching podcast, leadership stories📝 Episode Summary:📌 Topics Discussed:🎥 Mentioned in This Episode:💡 Key Quote:🔗 Connect with Us:📲 Follow & Subscribe:🔖 Tags & Hashtags:

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, Assistant Director, Ticket Sales & Service 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 episode, you’ll learn:How to lead cultural transformation that fuels growthThe key traits of a service-first leadership styleCreative ways to build loyal fans and strong teamsInsights to elevate your customer and employee experience💡 Whether you’re in hospitality, business, sales, or leadership, this episode delivers powerful takeaways to help you grow with purpose.📲 Follow, rate, and share if you believe people are the heart of your business!#PeopleBusinessPodcast #FrankFavaro #AntoinetteKula #PlayhouseSquare #CustomerExperience #Leadership #EmployeeExperience #CX #BusinessGrowth #CultureMatters #ServiceLeadership #LiveEvents #TransformationStories

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.📌 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to never miss an episode!

🎙️ Host: Frank Favaro🎙️ Guest: Dan Slattery, Service Manager at Geauga Mechanical In this engaging episode of The People Business, Frank Favaro sits down with Dan Slattery, a seasoned expert in the HVAC industry with nearly 25 years of experience. Together, they discuss the keys to growing a successful service business, fostering strong customer relationships, and building a proactive company culture. Key Takeaways: The Power of Consistency: How Geauga Mechanical ensures the same technicians serve clients to build trust and long-term relationships. Proactive vs. Reactive Service: Why anticipating customer needs leads to stronger partnerships and better outcomes. Frontline Excellence Training: Insights into how people skills and customer interaction strategies have transformed Geauga Mechanical’s service team, modeled after world-class companies like Ritz-Carlton and Chick-fil-A. Growing Through Preventative Maintenance: Tips for integrating preventative maintenance agreements to enhance service offerings and increase revenue. Dan also shares how Geauga Mechanical’s culture emphasizes ongoing training, technology adoption, and a commitment to excellence in customer service. Highlights from the Episode: What it takes to create "moments of truth" that deepen client relationships. The importance of balancing technical expertise with exceptional customer experiences. How experiential learning and role-playing exercises in training can lead to immediate improvements in client interactions. Geauga Mechanical isn’t just a contractor—they’re building long-term partnerships through consistency, integrity, and proactive solutions. Connect with Geauga Mechanical:Explore their services, including HVAC, building automation, and more. If you’re looking for a trusted commercial contractor, Geauga Mechanical is ready to deliver excellence. ✨ Follow The People Business Podcast to stay inspired by stories of leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship! #ThePeopleBusiness #Leadership #HVACIndustry #CustomerExperience #ServiceExcellence #ProactiveService #GeaugaMechanical Listen to the full episode now and transform the way you think about service in the HVAC industry!

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. 🏆 Key Discussion Points: The origins and evolution of the Clash of Dynasties docu-series. Why Ben Hatta chose to focus on the St. Edward vs. Walsh Jesuit rivalry. The broader themes beyond wrestling that make this story resonate with a wide audience. Insights into the production process, including interviews with former rivals and the search for archival footage. Reflections on the dynasties' impact on Ohio wrestling and their lasting legacy. 🎧 Tune In:Listen as Frank and Ben explore what it takes to capture the essence of a sports rivalry that goes beyond the mat, offering lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. 📅 Release Date:This episode is now live and available for streaming on all major podcast platforms. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most compelling stories in high school sports history. Subscribe to The People Business Podcast for more in-depth conversations with leaders and innovators. Stay tuned for updates on the release of Clash of Dynasties and other exclusive content. #ClashOfDynasties #WrestlingDocumentary #BenHatta #OhioWrestling #PodcastInterview #SportsHistory #Leadership #Teamwork 🕒 Episode Timestamp Highlights: [00:02:15] - Introduction of Ben Hatta and overview of his work. [00:10:45] - The genesis of Clash of Dynasties and why this story needed to be told. [00:25:30] - Behind-the-scenes challenges in documenting the rivalry. [00:40:10] - Reflections on the legacy of St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit wrestling dynasties. [00:55:20] - What viewers can expect from the documentary and its release details. 🔗 YouTube Video:Watch the podcast video for this episode HERE.

Welcome back to The People Business Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Host, Frank Favaro sits down with Maria Ford, President of Commercial and Industrial at DeWalt. Maria shares her unique journey from aspiring fashion professional to leading one of the most renowned power tool companies. Discover how her background in collegiate sports shaped her approach to business with key lessons in discipline, grit, and teamwork. Key Topics: Maria's unexpected career path from fashion to DeWalt The influence of collegiate sports on her leadership style DeWalt's "Grow the Trades" $30 million initiative Balancing professional and personal life The importance of mentorship and challenging teams for better performance Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation! Host: Frank Favaro Contact: https://serve-centric.com/ #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #CareerJourney #WomenInTrades #DeWalt #GrowTheTrades #WorkLifeBalance #Mentorship #Podcast #ThePeopleBusiness

Episode Highlights: In this episode of The People Business Podcast, host Frank Favaro sits down with Todd Barnhart, CEO and President of Gardiner. 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 Gardiner at the forefront for decades, the importance of family-first culture, and the strategies that have led to their remarkable success. 🌟 Key Takeaways: Building a Family-First Culture: Todd emphasizes the foundational values instilled by Bill Gardiner, focusing on treating everyone equally and fostering a supportive, family-first environment. Consistent Leadership: The significance of consistency in leadership and decision-making is highlighted, showing how it contributes to a stable and thriving workplace. Embracing Change and Innovation: Todd discusses how Gardiner has adapted to industry changes, incorporating new ideas and metrics to maintain their top workplace status. Mentorship and Growth: The role of mentorship in personal and professional development, and how Todd's mentors influenced his leadership style. Celebrating Success and Learning from Failure: Insights into how celebrating achievements and learning from failures are integral to continuous improvement and growth. 🚀 In This Episode: [01:30] Todd Barnhart's background and journey at Gardiner. [08:15] Core values and the family-first mantra. [15:45] Maintaining a top workplace status for 14 years. [22:00] Adapting to industry changes and embracing innovation. [28:30] Mentorship and its impact on leadership. [35:00] Celebrating successes and the importance of consistency. [42:45] Dealing with failures and learning from them. 🔗 Links and Resources: Connect with Todd Barnhart on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile Learn more about Gardiner: Gardiner HVAC Solutions Follow Frank Favaro on LinkedIn: Frank Favaro Explore Serve-Centric Coaching: Serve-Centric Coaching 🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Don't miss an episode of The People Business Podcast! Subscribe and leave a review! 📲 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media and join the discussion using the hashtags: #ThePeopleBusinessPodcast #Leadership #HVACSuccess #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #FamilyFirst #TopWorkplace #Mentorship #CelebrateSuccess #LearnFromFailure

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.