Whether you're new to the world of insurance or just looking for practical tips to safeguard your family's legacy, this episode is packed with relatable stories and expert insights.

Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Leah Jennings, an insurance advisor with years of experience in helping families secure their futures. Leah shares her journey from starting in a captive agency to becoming an independent insurance advisor at Synergy Financial, where she specializes in personalized life insurance and financial planning—especially for middle America.

In this conversation, you'll learn why the personal touch matters so much in the insurance industry, the key differences between insurance advisors and financial advisors, and why face-to-face meetings are essential. Leah also breaks down common misunderstandings about life insurance, highlights the importance of living benefits and long-term care, and offers actionable advice for people just starting to think about financial protection—including what college grads should know about student loan debt and insurance.

Grandview Heights

Key Takeaways:

1. Face-to-face matters: Sitting down in person with a life insurance advisor helps ensure you fully understand your policy, ask the right questions, and avoid missing critical details.
2. Protection is more than you think: Life insurance isn’t just about what happens when you’re gone—it can include living benefits like long-term care that support you and your loved ones while you’re alive.
3. Start early—especially if you have debt: Even recent grads with student loans should strongly consider life insurance to protect their family from unexpected financial burdens.

Copyright 2026 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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Brought to you by Grandview Heights

Business Inspires is brought to you by Grandview Heights, where opportunity isn’t just a promise, it’s a way of life. This is where innovation meets community. This is where local businesses thrive alongside vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're building a company, raising a family, or investing in the future, Grandview Heights offers the perfect balance of access, culture, and connection.

Grandview Heights

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Welcome to a very special edition of Business Inspires! In this milestone 100th episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis are joined by original host Michelle Wilson for a heartfelt look back at the evolution of the podcast and the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership.

From its humble beginnings in 2017 as a daring experiment in business storytelling, to the thriving platform it’s become—highlighting local entrepreneurial journeys and driving chamber engagement—the trio reflects on the many chapters, challenges, and unique roles the podcast has played over time.

You’ll hear inside stories from behind the scenes, lessons learned as hosts, and the impact of shifting formats. Plus, get a peek at what’s ahead: big anniversaries, innovative events, and evolving roles for both the chamber and Experience Columbus.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or just discovering Business Inspires, this episode celebrates community, adaptability, and the power of connection through conversation.

Moments

00:00 "Business Inspires: Episode 100"

03:22 Tri Village Chamber Podcast Pitch

08:01 Chamber Podcast's Organic Evolution

12:28 "Marketing Platform for Expression"

15:11 Entrepreneur Stories in Tri Village

17:14 Co-Hosting Transition and Support

21:46 "Be Your Best Conference"

Here are three key takeaways from this special episode:

Podcasting as a Chamber Differentiator

Business Inspires broke new ground by being one of the first chamber-led podcasts in Central Ohio, giving members a unique and flexible marketing platform to tell their stories in their own voices.

The Power of Organic Conversations

Both Michelle Wilson and Katie Ellis highlighted how authentic, unscripted interviews offered members space to open up, build confidence, and connect on a deeper level with their community—a win for relationship-building.

Continuous Evolution for Member Value

From shifting to virtual recordings for greater accessibility to introducing new sponsorship opportunities and celebrating significant milestones, such as the upcoming 10-year merger anniversary in 2026, the podcast embodies the Chamber's continual innovation in serving its members.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

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We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!

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Building Culture and Community Through Fast Casual Natural Food at Roots

We’re excited to share the story behind Roots Natural Kitchen, the fast-casual restaurant making waves with its radically accessible, natural food. We sit down with Henry Borgeson, CEO of Roots, to explore how the brand grew from a single college-town eatery in 2015 to a mission-driven company with over 16 locations and a team of more than 750 employees.

Henry shares how a group of UVA students teamed up with local chefs to create the kind of restaurant they—and their university community—craved: a place where great-tasting, wholesome food didn’t have to be complicated or inaccessible.

We discuss Roots’ unique philosophy of combining bold flavors with simplicity, the behind-the-scenes technology and menu innovations driving their rapid growth, and how they’re building a culture rooted in empathy, resilience, and humility.

From catering for major Columbus events to cultivating community partnerships and expanding across the Midwest, hear how Roots keeps authenticity at its core while meeting customers—quite literally—where they are (yes, including drive-thrus!).

Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to grow a value-driven brand, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Founding a Healthy Fast-Casual Eatery

05:30 Radically Accessible Opportunities at Roots

07:03 "Signature Bowls: Roots' Unique Appeal"

11:36 Drive-Thru Accessibility Innovation

14:04 "Restaurant Online Ordering Evolution"

15:42 Quick Pivot: Pre-COVID Ordering App

20:50 "Versatile Catering Options"

25:02 "Values-Driven, Principle-Based Success"

27:04 "Challenges in Vision and Capital"

29:55 Restaurant Fundraisers: Community Partnerships

32:58 Roots Menu Innovation: New Steak Offering

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone interested in scaling a purpose-driven business:

• Radical Accessibility is More Than Just a Slogan: Roots’ focus on making healthy, tasty food convenient and approachable—regardless of your dietary needs or background—has set them apart. Their signature bowls simplify decisions for customers and allow customization while ensuring flavor and nutrition.
• Growth Powered by Customer Feedback: Expansion strategies were informed by listening closely to what each new community wanted, whether that meant developing an ordering app, launching catering, or adding drive-thru service in Columbus. Meeting customers where they are is at the heart of the Roots philosophy!
• Values-Driven Hiring & Culture: At Roots, team members are hired and trained based on shared values like friendliness, empathy, resilience, and humility, not just experience. This commitment fuels a culture of operational excellence and empowers employees to grow within the company.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

If you’re curious about what it takes to blend tradition, innovation, and community into a small business, this episode is for you.

Welcome to a fresh episode of Business Inspires, the podcast powered by the Tri Village Chamber Partnership! In today’s conversation, co-hosts Katie Ellis and Brett Johnson sit down with Daniel Hamm, the new owner of Winans Coffee and Chocolate in Grandview Yard. Daniel brings a genuine passion for hospitality, a rich background in restaurant management, and a heartfelt connection to the Grandview community—which has been his home for nearly two decades.

Daniel shares his personal journey from Rochester, New York to Columbus, Ohio, his initial hesitancy and ultimate embrace of the franchise model, and how Winans became a staple in his personal and professional life.

He discusses plans for an exciting store refresh, including cozy new seating, decor updates, and specialty offerings like the much-anticipated Taylor Swift-inspired "Showgirl" latte.

Daniel also gives us a peek at upcoming holiday treats, from Buckeyes to chocolate-dipped Oreos and a new hot cocoa gift line. Plus, he teases community-focused initiatives and shares what success will look like in his first year of ownership.

Here's the link Daniel mentions to order the holiday guide and support Winans in Grandview.

And stay tuned for details about Winans’ upcoming grand re-opening, complete with free coffee for a year for the first 25 in line and plenty of chocolate samples to go around!

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Community-Driven Business: Daniel’s deep connection to Grandview shines through his commitment to making Winans more than a coffee shop—he’s partnering with local schools and organizations, making the shop a true community hub.
• Embrace Change & Creativity: Although initially hesitant about franchising, Daniel found that the right franchise can support creative visions. His upcoming refresh of Winans includes cozier seating, new menu options, and a more vibrant atmosphere.
• Continuous Learning: Even with years of food service experience, Daniel shares candidly about the surprises and “learning curves”—like the unpredictability of espresso machines! He’s focused on creating memorable customer experiences and building genuine relationships.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

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Please leave us a review on Google!

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Today, we sit down with John Riley and Deborah Andrews, the dynamic team behind Ready Set Agile.

With years of experience in agile coaching, people operations, and organizational transformation, John and Deborah share how they help businesses align technical and cultural strategies for long-term success. You’ll hear the story of how Ready Set Agile was born, the importance of company culture in navigating change, and practical insights on fostering self-managing teams that thrive through continuous learning.

Whether you’re a leader looking to drive real, lasting change or someone passionate about workforce development, this conversation delivers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways for everyone looking to build a more agile and resilient organization.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 Agile Experts John & Deborah Andrews

03:43 Deborah's Impactful Leadership Journey

08:01 Aligning Vision for Effective Solutions

13:17 Consulting vs. Coaching Models

14:43 Empowering Through Coaching

18:40 "Empowering Change Agents Over Leaders"

22:59 Workshops: Personalized Common Experiences

25:45 Next Gen Talent Development Program

27:36 Reach Out for Agile Collaboration

3 key takeaways that stood out:

• Culture is the Gatekeeper: Deborah shared how true organizational culture shows itself under pressure, not just when things are going well. Building psychological safety is essential to creating self-managing, innovative teams.
• Coaching Over Consulting: Instead of just solving short-term problems, Ready Set Agile arms teams and individuals with skills and tools for continuous improvement. The goal? To make organizations self-sufficient and adaptable long after the engagement ends.
• Everyone Can Be a Leader: Leadership and change don't just flow from the top. By empowering “change agents” at every level (even the quiet knowledge-keepers), Ready Set Agile helps make transformation contagious throughout an organization.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please leave us a review on Google!

We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!

Discover more podcasts like this at Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/kitchen-dance - License code: U9SOBWUIY0PUOLOY

Copyright 2026 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership...

In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Ashley Dick, Chief Retail and Community Development Officer at Fortuna Bank—a groundbreaking, women-owned financial institution in Columbus, Ohio.

Ashley shares Fortuna Bank’s mission-driven approach to banking, designed to close the capital and education gaps faced by women entrepreneurs. From hosting peer-led networking and educational events to launching mentorship programs that empower new business owners, Fortuna Bank is more than just a financial institution—it’s a vibrant community-building hub.

You’ll hear about the vision and determination of founder Lisa Berger, the unique challenges of launching a women-owned bank, and the commitment to making banking approachable, supportive, and tailored to local businesses.

Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with insights on building connections, fostering confidence, and growing with the support of a like-minded community. This is an inspiring conversation about redefining what it means to be a bank, and discovering how Fortuna Bank is helping small businesses—and their owners—thrive.

Key takeaways from the conversation:

• Mission-Driven Banking: Fortuna Bank was intentionally founded by Lisa Berger to address the gap in access to capital and resources for women entrepreneurs. Their focus goes beyond traditional banking—building a supportive community that empowers all business owners.
• Relationship and Education First: While providing the full suite of personal and business banking services, Fortuna differentiates itself with hands-on financial education, client networking, peer-led lecture series, and a soon-to-launch mentorship program.
• A Community Hub, Not Just a Bank: Their space is intentionally designed to be inviting and collaborative, offering local entrepreneurs a home base for meetings and events—and a gateway to invaluable business connections.

Inspiring Moments

05:53 Empowering Community Through Unique Services

07:25 "Connecting Experienced and New Entrepreneurs"

11:26 Business Connector and Advisor Service

16:42 Empowering Business Conversations

19:15 "Fortuna's Mission: Community and Growth"

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more...

We had an energizing interview with Jennifer Griffith, Regional President of First Merchants Bank in Ohio.

Jennifer shared her journey and insights on leadership, growth, and building strong, values-driven teams. Her people-first mentality and actionable advice were truly inspiring, not just for those in banking but for leaders and professionals everywhere.

Here are 3 key takeaways worth reflecting on:

• Lead with Influence, Not Authority: Jennifer emphasized the power of humility, self-awareness, and servant leadership. Focusing on positively influencing your team rather than relying on formal authority.
• Don’t Wait for an Invitation—Bring Your Value: Especially for women and underrepresented groups, Jennifer’s advice was clear: always be prepared, speak up, and find ways to contribute meaningfully in every room you enter.
• Invest in Growth and Self-Awareness: Whether it’s through supporting community initiatives or encouraging personal and professional development, Jennifer highlights the lasting impact of continuous learning and self-reflection.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 "Complexity & Misunderstanding in Banking"

04:23 "Influence Over Authority in Leadership"

09:30 Understanding Roles in Meetings

13:08 "Build Careers on Personal Values"

16:26 "Embrace Strengths for Growth"

22:44 Community Impact Through Organizing

24:22 Future of Digital Transactions

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please leave us a review on Google!

We'd love it if you could please share this podcast with your social media friends!

Discover more podcasts like this at Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/kitchen-dance - License code: U9SOBWUIY0PUOLOY

Copyright 2026 Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

The Business Case for DEI - "We've been incorporating this work from day one because frankly, it's smart business." Jennifer Sconyers

In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis sit down with Jennifer Sconyers, founder of Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC). Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from an ambitious 15-year-old dreaming of entrepreneurship to the creator of a consulting firm focused on building high-performing, healthy organizations through a holistic, values-driven, and abundance-minded approach.

Jennifer reveals her insights on the true meaning of abundance in leadership, the importance of creating workplaces where employees genuinely want to stay, and practical strategies for navigating change and chaos—both internally with your team and externally with your clients.

She reinforces the vital integration of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles, the role of creative collaboration across ecosystems, and shares real-life success stories where ALC helped turn organizational challenges into measurable progress.

Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or someone passionate about positive change in the workplace, this episode offers thoughtful advice and actionable inspiration to help you and your organization thrive—especially in times of uncertainty.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Abundance Mindset Fuels Innovation: Jennifer highlights that thinking abundantly means focusing on possibilities, even in challenging times. This mindset helps leaders balance realism with visionary thinking, fortifying organizations during unpredictable shifts.

Values-Driven Cultures Retain Talent: ALC’s work emphasizes that alignment between individual and organizational values is fundamental for happiness and retention. Operationalizing values through transparency, feedback, and clear decision-making builds strong teams that want to stay and grow together.

Communication & Connection Build Resilience: Especially during change, Jennifer urges leaders to proactively communicate with both staff and clients. Frequent, transparent check-ins alleviate anxiety, foster trust, and help teams adapt to chaos with confidence.

Inspiring Moments

03:31 From Employee to Entrepreneur

09:52 Effective Change Communication Strategies

12:39 Proactive Communication and Funding Strategies

14:46 DEI: Essential for Business Success

20:01 Evolving Leadership Through Experience

21:21 "Embrace Discomfort in Leadership"

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

katie@chamberpartnership.org

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Please leave us a