ROI’s Into the Corner Office Podcast: Powerhouse Middle Market CEOs Telling it Real—Unexpected Caree...

Re-Release: Stephen Wakeling, Founder & CEO, Phobio

In the spirit of summer, we're taking a break from creating new content this August. We'll be back in September with fresh content, but in the meantime, we hope you'll enjoy some of our listeners' favorite episodes!

Stephen Wakeling is a wireless industry entrepreneur with a 10-year track record of developing disruptive, technology-powered services. He is the co-founder and CEO of Phobio, LLC -- a software development company that builds optimized software services to support wireless carriers and retailers. Phobio provides outstanding service and support to wireless retailers around the world and to technology companies, such as Apple, Verizon, and Samsung.

Phobio’s flagship product is Safetrade, a device trade-in software that offers simple solutions, unmatched support, and a risk-free program that guarantees device values to wireless retailers. In 2017, Phobio successfully launched its second product -- Rodio -- which provides a two-way communication system designed specifically for enterprises to send important updates and messages to remote and geographically-dispersed teams with ease, and utilizes AI to maximize team engagement. 

Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is a journalist by education, a technologist at heart, and, as an entrepreneur, he thrives on start-up culture and his personal mission to build things better. Stephen is also an avid pilot, who has moved frequently in his career, living throughout the US, Australia, and Asia. Currently, he lives in Atlanta with his wife and two sons.

Email - stephen.wakeling@phobio.com

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwakeling 

Dave Fink, Founder & CEO, Postie

Dave Fink thinks the best-kept secret in marketing is hiding where you least expect it — your mailbox. Over a 20-year career he’s generated hundreds of millions of dollars in ad revenue, powered viral sensations like Dollar Shave Club, and helped launch celebrity startups for Jessica Simpson, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Kate Bosworth.

Now as founder and CEO of Postie, he’s out to reinvent direct mail marketing for a digital world.

Dave’s first encounter with the awesome potential of digital marketing came during the dotcom boom of the late 90’s. He was working for a web 1.0 marketing company, watching his clients at legacy giants like Procter & Gamble and Clorox toiling away at the same cramped desks year after year. Meanwhile, his contacts at digitally-savvy tech startups were busy trading in their Hyundais for Ferraris. Something big was happening, and he was determined to be a part of it.

Fast forward to the 2010’s, and Dave had transformed that determination into an incredible career as a multiple-time founder, early stage tech investor, and digital marketing guru. He learned to apply emerging AI and machine learning analysis to various digital marketing channels, fueling the launch of over 20 successful consumer internet startups in the process. But despite the success of his strategy, one advertising channel remained stubbornly resistant to his attempts at modernization — direct mail.

After years of research, Dave cracked the problem. In early 2017 he unveiled Postie, finally empowering old-fashioned mail to perform as dynamically as the best modern digital channels. With a suite of powerful tools like real-time attribution and audience modeling, they’ve quickly become the preferred direct mail solution for top digitally native brands like Lyft, Postmates, Casper, Warby Parker, Stitch Fix, and more.

Bill Yoh, Chairman, Yoh and co-owner, Day & Zimmermann

Bill Yoh is chairman of Yoh and co-owner of Day & Zimmermann, Yoh’s parent company. Bill’s prior experience includes president of Yoh and chief customer officer of Day & Zimmermann. A past chairman of the American Staffing Association, which represents the $150 billion US staffing industry, Bill has represented both Yoh and our industry around the country and internationally.

Bill’s expertise also includes family business governance and succession, as Day & Zimmermann is one of the largest family businesses in the US as ranked by Forbes. Bill also recently published his first book, Our Way, a biography on his father and past Yoh president, Spike Yoh. More information at ourwaybook.com.

John Costello, CEO, Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Corporation

John Costello, the President and CEO of Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Corporation, is responsible for the overall development and success of the organization. He is experienced in every aspect of the company. John started out in the company as a sales assistant and moved up through the ranks to manager, partner, and sole owner during his 25-year tenure. John has been a leader and advocate for employee engagement and financial literacy, implementing open-book management in 2018 with tremendous results.

John lives in Illinois with his wife Kim, three beautiful kids Jack, Grace and Leah, and their dog Millie who is adored and loved by all. 

John attended Northern Illinois University. He belongs to several industry professional associations including: MHI (Material Handling Industry), EASE (Ergonomic Assist Systems & Equipment), MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association), and IARW (International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses.) and actively participates in the open book community GGOB. 

John enjoys swimming and competes in 5k open water swims and masters state and national championship meets holding top 10 times in many events.

Sean Caughron, Experienced CEO

Sean Caughron is a renowned leader and industry expert in the water treatment sector, with a  stellar reputation for driving innovation and fostering growth. With a successful tenure as the former owner and CEO of Chester Paul Company, now a division of Elbi of America, Sean has made significant contributions to both the company and the industry as a whole. 

Throughout his illustrious career spanning several decades, Sean played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and success of Chester Paul Company. Under his visionary leadership, the company transitioned from the “soft drink” beverage industry to the drinking water and water treatment market. This strategic move allowed the company to flourish and solidify its position as a leading provider of water treatment systems and components worldwide. Sean's exceptional business acumen and strategic vision enabled the company to expand its product offerings, explore new markets, and forge strong relationships with clients. 

Sean's commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction earned him a stellar reputation within the industry. Known for his hands-on approach, he actively engaged with customers, understood their unique needs, and delivered tailored solutions that consistently exceeded expectations. His ability to build and nurture long-term partnerships significantly contributed to the company's continued success. 

Recognizing the evolving landscape of the industry, Sean spearheaded the decision to sell  Chester Paul Company to Elbi of America. This strategic move facilitated increased synergy,  expanded resources, and enhanced capabilities to better serve clients and remain at the forefront of the industry. 

Currently serving as the VP of Sales for Chester Paul, Elbi of America's Water Treatment division, Sean continues to contribute to the company's success by providing strategic guidance and leveraging his deep understanding of market dynamics to drive sustainable growth. 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sean is actively involved in various not-for-profit organizations, where he serves on boards, committees, sections, and task forces affiliated with the Water Quality Association and its regional partners. His dedication to advancing the industry extends beyond his business endeavors. 

Sean resides in Southern California with his wife Suzette and takes pride in being a devoted father to his two grown children, Brianna and Robert. In his leisure time, he has discovered a  passion for endurance sports and has completed numerous marathons and the ultimate test of endurance, the Ironman triathlon.

Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed, Co-Founders, Huupe

Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed are the co-founders of Huupe, the world's first smart basketball hoop. 

Paul is the CEO of Huupe and is a Greek-American founder originally from Milwaukee, WI. Before becoming a founder, Paul was working as an intellectual property attorney in San Francisco, CA where he helped numerous companies obtain valuable IP. It was through his work in intellectual property where Anton learned about business and what makes a company truly valuable. Anton's first company, Atlas Media, was an out of home advertising startup that was acquired by one of the nation's leading advertising companies. Shortly after that, Anton went on to found Real Shot, an augmented reality basketball gaming company that became part of Deutsche Telekom's exclusive hub:raum accelerator. It has always been Anton's dream to build a way for people to play basketball against each other in different parts of the world. According to Anton, Huupe is a lifelong mission. 

Lyth is the COO of Huupe and is an Arab-American founder originally from Milwaukee, WI. Previously, Lyth helped co-found a luxury ride-share app that has done over 60 million rides to date. After that, Lyth moved on to an AI-recruitment technology company that did 20 Million in revenue in its first year. Lyth has experience in early-stage startups and global expansion. As an operational leader, building successful teams and hitting deadlines is his expertise. His love for basketball, technology and blending the two together is the motive for creating Huupe.

Bill Canady, CEO, Ohio Transmission Corporation

Bill Canady is the CEO of Ohio Transmission Corporation, and the President and CEO of Swagelock. 

is a global business executive in industrial, engineered and consumer products. He aligns with key stakeholders to set a clear and compelling vision that will rally the organization to drive growth, control cost, and increase profitability. Bill also develops strong leaders and management teams and establishes relationships with customers and stakeholders.

Experienced in global public, ESOP, and private companies.

Strategic Growth

• Mergers | Acquisitions | Divestment
• Acquisition Integration
• Business Restructuring
• International Business

P&L Leadership

• Company Transformation
• Turnarounds & Profitable Growth
• Product and Market Share Growth
• People & Team Development

Thomas Carlson, Founder & CEO, ECatalyst

For nearly 22 years Thomas was a serial entrepreneur. He founded or co-founded six businesses in both the US and overseas in fields as diverse as construction, graphic design, and water bottling. He has an extensive cross-cultural background which includes living 10 years in the Middle East, traveling with significant cultural exposure in over 50 countries, and operating at different times in four other languages. He is fluent in Arabic. Thomas has also served as a professional educator, teaching recently as a Professor of Philosophy at CSU-Pueblo and PPCC. He has given guest lectures in many academic and professional contexts over the last 25 years on topics like business, startup principles, philosophy, theology, world religions, and cultural intelligence.

Before starting ECatalyst, Thomas trained on the MIT method of entrepreneurship and set up for-profit ecosystems with LIFE (The Leadership Institute for Entrepreneurs).  

Thomas has his BA from Cornell University in Mathematics, Psychology, and Religion, and graduated summa cum laude in his MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Stephanie and his two amazing red-headed kids

Re-Release: Adam Bryant, Managing Director, Merryck & CO

Adam Bryant is a respected and noted expert on executive leadership whose work includes 525 Corner Office columns for the New York Times. He joins Merryck & Co as managing director and partner after a distinguished career as an editor and journalist. Adam has a proven ability to distill real-world lessons and insights from his hundreds of interviews and turn them into practical tools, presentations, and exercises to help Merryck & Co clients deepen their leadership benches and strengthen their teams. He works with executive leadership teams and organizations to foster a culture of innovation based on a best-practice framework he developed for his widely praised book Quick and Nimble.

Prior to joining Merryck & Co, Adam Bryant worked for thirty years as a journalist, including eighteen years as a report, editor, and columnist at the New York Times. Bryant earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree, English Language, and Literature, from York University in Toronto, and his Masters of Science, Journalism, from Columbia University in New York. He and his wife have two children and live in New York City.

Joel Penton, Founder & CEO, Lifewise Academy

Joel Penton is the Founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, a program that provides Bible education to public school students during school hours. Since its launch in 2019, LifeWise has quickly grown to serve more than 100 schools across the U.S. each week. Nearly 14,000 students attend a LifeWise program and receive a Bible class as part of their public school day.

Joel’s 15-year career as a nonprofit entrepreneur has been marked by the relentless pursuit of impacting students. He honed this skill playing defensive tackle at The Ohio State University where he relentlessly pursued quarterbacks for the Buckeye’s national championship football team. In his senior year at OSU, Penton received the Danny Wuerffel trophy, known as the “Humanitarian Heisman,” which is awarded to one college football player each year for outstanding community service.

Upon graduating, Joel founded Stand For Truth and Relevant Speakers Network, a speakers’ bureau that has touched more than 3,000 public schools and 2 million students nationwide. As a public speaker, Joel has presented to more than 2,000 live audiences and over 1,000,000 people across the country. He is also the author of three books including DURING SCHOOL HOURS: Why and How LifeWise Academy is Reinstalling Religious Education into the Public School Day.

Joel Penton lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, Bethany, and their five children, where they all enjoy telling stories at the dinner table, watching sci-fi movies, and playing full-contact monkey in the middle.