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 open...
Aug 15, 2025•58 min
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 coach Overcoming personal and professional adve...
Jun 30, 2025•57 min
The People Business Podcast with Frank Favaro In 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...
Jun 10, 2025•54 min
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...
May 30, 2025•1 hr
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 lea...
May 22, 2025•46 min
🎙️ 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...
Feb 04, 2025•19 min
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,...
Sep 17, 2024•33 min
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 doc...
Aug 22, 2024•59 min
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...
Jul 17, 2024•42 min
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. 🌟 ...
Jun 20, 2024•45 min
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...
May 09, 2024•48 min
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
Apr 23, 2024•28 min
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...
Mar 21, 2024•36 min
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...
Feb 22, 2024•31 min
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 #IndustryLea...
Feb 08, 2024•38 min
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....
Jan 25, 2024•33 min
In the latest episode of "The People Business with Frank Favaro ," we are joined by the dynamic Aaron Watter s, 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 nurtur...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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.
Sep 27, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 23
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....
Sep 13, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 22
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.
Feb 02, 2023•18 min
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.
Dec 15, 2022•38 min
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.
Sep 08, 2022•46 min
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.
Aug 30, 2022•42 min
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 h...
Aug 18, 2022•43 min
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.
Aug 12, 2022•41 min
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.
Jun 24, 2022•1 hr 4 min
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.
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 5 min
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.
Feb 02, 2022•57 min
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.
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 33 min
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 ...
Dec 16, 2021•1 hr