Lessons learned in those early days helped Dan D'Angelo - Executive Director of the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club - revitalize his own organization by...

🏋️ Strengthening the board and his staff

⛹️‍♀️ Revamping the club's programming

🤝 Committing to an open-door policy, and...

🧙‍♂️ Mentoring the next generation of leadership!

Watch this episode to hear about a beloved community club, the kids it serves, and the devoted and enthusiastic staff who make it happen!

ABOUT DAN:

💡 Guest: Dan D'Angelo 💡 What he does: Executive Director of the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club 💡 Where to find Dan: LinkedIn; wsbgclub.org

Curious about the HR challenges unique to manufacturing? Ed Sullivan is the COO of Sullivan Paper - the world-class paper converter founded by his grandparents in the 1940s. Ed's long career in business, politics, and beyond makes for an episode ripe with family business stories, leadership lessons, and more! Watch Dakota and Felicia's conversation with Ed and learn: 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why the FAMILY needs to serve the BUSINESS, and not the other way around 🏭 Why HR in manufacturing is SO DIFFERENT from the typical HR responsibilities 🏛 How Ed's business ethos helped him bring success to his city as Mayor ☘ His must-go places in Dingle, Ireland - which was named sister-city of West Springfield as part of Ed's work with the sister cities organization

💡 Guest: Ed Sullivan 💡 What he does: COO of Sullivan Paper; Former Mayor of West Springfield, Massachusetts 💡 Company: Sullivan Paper 💡 Where to find Ed: Sullivan Paper, Inc. >>

💡 Guest: Megan Butz 💡 What she does: General Counsel for HR Compliance at Checkwriters 💡Company: Checkwriters 💡Noteworthy: Megan is an attorney who serves as Checkwriters' General Counsel, advising on HR Compliance issues 💡Where to find Megan: Follow her on LinkedIn!

Our interview with David Mersky felt just like that.

David’s firm not only advises nonprofit leaders on how to create top-notch experiences for their donors and staff, but in many cases he’s developed these leaders and helped them land the top job.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

- Why you should never stop onboarding your team - Why you should tread carefully if hiring the best interviewee - The difference between leaders and managers - The number one trait leaders can’t compromise on - How to build trust and loyalty in your organization - Why you should model your succession plan after the British monarchy

...and more sage advice from David Mersky, Founding Partner at Mersky, Jaffe & Associates.

💡 Guest: David Mersky 💡 What he does: Nonprofit Executive Coach, Advisor, Business Founder 💡Company: Mersky, Jaffe & Associates 💡Noteworthy: David Mersky began his career as a congregational rabbi before transitioning to nonprofit leadership, eventually founding Mersky, Jaffe & Associates. He also served on the faculty at Brandeis University, where he taught nonprofit leadership and management. 💡Where to find David: LinkedIn, Mersky, Jaffe & Associates

They've got many of the same challenges! Finding staff aligned with their goals, building and maintaining culture, plus the added challenge of fundraising.

Our guest in this episode is Michelle Theroux - she's taken nonprofit operations to the next level by combining strategic business leadership with a mission-driven mentality. Michelle has used her expertise to turn around several struggling organizations, chaired boards in the human service and healthcare worlds, and been honored with BusinessWest's 40 under 40, and Women of Impact Awards.

As the current CEO of Berkshire Hills Music Academy - a thriving Adult Residential School with music at its core, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities - Michelle shares valuable insight on creating culture, maintaining mission, and the art and science of fundraising in this episode of Checkwriters.

💡 Guest: Michelle Theroux 💡 What she does: CEO 💡Organization: Berkshire Hills Music Academy 💡Noteworthy: Michelle Theroux - Passionate leader in non-profit revitalization and expert fundraiser, transforming communities. 💡Where to find Michelle: LinkedIn

• How the brand began when he started distilling vodka in his basement
• All about the trip to Poland where he discovered V-One’s secret ingredient
• How working in his Dad’s business as a kid built his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit
• What it's like competing against behemoth brands like Grey Goose and Absolut
• How he develops new flavors and crafts new cocktails
• Why V-One Vodka is not only the smoothest, but also the healthiest vodka on the market

Guest-at-a-Glance 💡 Name: Paul Kozub 💡What he does: Founder and Creator of Premium Vodka Brand 💡Company: V-One Vodka 💡Noteworthy: Pioneered craft vodka using 100% organic spelt 💡 Where to find him: www.v1vodka.com, Instagram, LinkedIn

He's also one of the most accessible employee benefits advisors in the industry. In fact, Mike says if you don't hear back from him fast, you ought to do a wellness check.

After 25 years in the employee benefits industry and roles in sales, service, management, and now owner, Mike Welnicki of Webber & Grinnell Insurance Agency, an Alera Group Company is an invaluable resource in the benefits world.

Listen to this episode of Checkwriters to gain insight from this industry veteran about building a benefits plan that your employees actually like, the differences of captives, HSAs, and HRAs, and his diagnosis of why costs continue to rise and what employers can do to address it.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Guest: Michael Welnicki 💡 What he does: Partner, Owner, Employee Benefits Consultant 💡Company: Webber & Grinnell Insurance, an Alera Group Company 💡Noteworthy: Michael Welnicki has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in risk management, client relations, employee outreach and communication 💡Where to find Michael: LinkedIn

Megan also touches on the implementation of 'de minimis' incentives under the Secure 2.0 Act, explaining the concept and its implications for employer-sponsored retirement plans. This segment emphasizes practical advice for HR professionals and business owners, aiming to clarify the application of new federal guidelines.

The conversation further explores the intersection of student loan payments and retirement contributions, an emerging issue relevant to recent graduates and their employers. Megan outlines how the Secure 2.0 Act facilitates employees' ability to manage student loans while saving for retirement, illustrating the act's broader implications for workforce management and employee benefits.

Andrea discusses the nuanced art of matchmaking in recruitment, highlighting the balance between a candidate's qualifications and the cultural fit with potential employers. She underlines the significance of not judging candidates solely by their resumes, advocating a deeper look into individual capabilities and employer expectations. This approach aims to discover the best fit, ensuring both parties' satisfaction and longevity in the employment relationship.

Furthermore, the conversation sheds light on practical aspects of recruitment, including navigating candidate interviews and the strategic use of incentives by employers. Andrea stresses the importance of mutual authenticity and the need for candidates to demonstrate genuine engagement and flexibility. She offers advice to employers on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace, crucial for retaining talent in a competitive job market.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Guest: Andrea Cataldo 💡 What she does: Founder, Executive 💡Company: Recruit 413 💡Noteworthy: Andrea Cataldo: Over 30 years in recruiting, owned and sold staffing company 💡Where to find Andrea: LinkedIn

The conversation dives into the significance of adaptability and passion in the hospitality sector. The Rosskothens recount their venture into the restaurant industry, initially driven by the unique concept of Boston Chicken (now Boston Market). Their story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and the willingness to evolve, which enabled them to navigate the industry's challenges successfully.

As the discussion unfolds, the theme of personal connection with their restaurant and hotel patrons emerges as a cornerstone of their success. From intimate wedding celebrations to innovative dining experiences, the Rosskothens’ approach to business is deeply rooted in creating memorable moments for their guests. Their commitment to quality and personal touch in every venture reflects the essence of their brand, setting a benchmark for excellence in hospitality entrepreneurship.