Failing Forward

Tim Petrey, CPA, CGMA

4.5 (2)
Entrepreneurship
Updated Monthly

This show is all about the other side of success. We talk to entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who aren’t afraid to share the mistakes they’ve made because if there's one thing we know for sure, it’s this: every setback is just a setup for something bigger—if you’re willing to learn from it.

Aug 26

From Teaching Kids to Serving Families: Justin Coffin's Mission Through Project MKC

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – SEASON 2, EPISODE 5 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Justin Coffin, Executive Director of Project MKC, former teacher and basketball coach, and a lifelong Mahoning Valley resident whose career took an unexpected turn when he realized success at work was coming at the expense of what mattered most at home. For 13 years, Justin built a career in education and coaching, spending countless hours in classrooms, gyms, and on the sidelines. But in 2020, after his worst season as a coach, the challenges of COVID, and a growing realization that his young daughter needed more of him, Justin found himself at a crossroads. What looked like failure at the time ultimately became the catalyst for an entirely new chapter. Today, Justin leads Project MKC, a nonprofit founded by his mother that provides diapers, hygiene products, period supplies, and other basic necessities to families across Northeast Ohio through more than 100 partner agencies. What began as a small act of service has grown into an organization impacting thousands of lives every year. In our conversation, we dive into: • Growing up in Boardman and the influence of a hardworking single mother • Returning home after Ohio State and building a career in education • The realities of coaching, teaching, and working 80-hour weeks • Why his worst coaching season became one of the best things that ever happened to him • Making the difficult decision to leave a 13-year career • The incredible story behind Project MKC and its mission • Building a family-led nonprofit that serves communities across Northeast Ohio • The power of service, community, and investing in people • What podcasting has taught him after more than 400 episodes • Why staying in the Mahoning Valley was always part of the plan This episode is a reminder that sometimes failure isn't a dead end—it's a redirect. Justin's story shows how one difficult season can create space for a more meaningful purpose, deeper impact, and a life that's aligned with what matters most. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on family, service, leadership, community, and finding purpose through unexpected change. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: Have you ever experienced a setback that ended up leading you somewhere better? Share your story in the comments. #FailingForwardPodcast #Season2 #Episode5 #ProjectMKC #Leadership #CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership #MahoningValley #PurposeDriven #FailingForward
Aug 26

From Sweeping Floors to President: Scott Fleming's Leadership Journey

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – SEASON 2, EPISODE 4 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Scott Fleming, President of Aim Transportation Solutions, to discuss leadership, service, family business, and what it takes to build a company that lasts. Scott's story began long before he held a leadership title. As a teenager, he started at Aim sweeping floors, fueling trucks, and running parts at the company's headquarters in Girard, Ohio. Over the years, he worked his way through nearly every level of the organization, learning firsthand what it means to serve customers, support employees, and lead from the front. But his path wasn't without challenges. While in college, Scott enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was called to active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The leadership lessons he learned during his military service would later shape the way he approached business, team building, and organizational growth. After returning home, Scott continued to grow within Aim, launching new divisions, navigating industry shifts, helping lead the company through the pandemic, and eventually becoming President of one of the nation's largest privately held transportation organizations. In our conversation, we dive into: • Starting at Aim as a teenager and learning the business from the ground up • The lessons learned from military service and leadership under pressure • Building credibility inside a family-owned business • Launching new divisions and navigating periods of rapid growth • Leading through uncertainty and change • Creating a culture that attracts and retains great people • The importance of servant leadership and employee development • Balancing innovation with the values that built the company • Why Northeast Ohio continues to be a place worth investing in This episode is a reminder that great leadership isn't about titles—it's about earning trust, embracing responsibility, and being willing to do the work long before anyone is watching. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on leadership, service, culture, and building something bigger than yourself. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What's the most important leadership lesson you've learned from someone who led by example? #FailingForwardPodcast #Season2 #Episode4 #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #AimTransportation #VeteranLeadership #OhioBusiness #FailingForward
Jul 29

From People Pleaser to Purpose: JR Harvey's Journey to Helping Men Lead

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – SEASON 2, EPISODE 3 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with JR Harvey, founder of Kings Community and a content creator whose message has reached millions of men around the world. From the outside, JR's story looked like a familiar one. He grew up in the Mahoning Valley, graduated from Youngstown State University, built a successful career in technical sales, and checked all the boxes of a stable professional life. But beneath the surface, he was battling addiction, destructive coping mechanisms, and personal struggles that nearly cost him everything—including his marriage and financial future. What followed was a transformation that would ultimately become his life's work. Today, JR leads a global community focused on helping men become stronger leaders, husbands, fathers, and individuals. What started as a few honest conversations online has grown into a movement reaching millions of people across the world. In our conversation, we dive into: • Growing up in the Mahoning Valley and the path that shaped him • The addictions and destructive habits he spent years hiding • Rebuilding his marriage when divorce felt inevitable • Recovering from financial hardship and personal failure • Leaving a successful corporate career to pursue a bigger mission • How Kings Community grew from simple content into a global movement • The truth behind "Nice Guy Syndrome" and why so many men struggle with it • The power of accountability, community, and personal responsibility • What it means to lead yourself before leading others This episode is a powerful reminder that real growth begins when we stop pretending everything is fine and start confronting the things holding us back. JR's story isn't just about personal transformation—it's about what becomes possible when you choose responsibility over excuses and purpose over comfort. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on leadership, marriage, mental health, personal growth, and becoming the man you're capable of being. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What's one lesson you've learned about leadership that started with leading yourself? #FailingForwardPodcast #Season2 #Episode3 #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #MensMentalHealth #KingsCommunity #Marriage #Entrepreneurship #SelfDevelopment #FailingForward
Jul 15

Betting on Yourself: Ron Taylor's Franchise Success Story

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – SEASON 2, EPISODE 2 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Ron Taylor, a franchise operator, business leader, and entrepreneur whose career has taken him from a small town in West Virginia to leading some of the most recognizable franchise brands in the country. Ron’s path wasn’t a straight line. After graduating from West Virginia University and landing what many would consider the “perfect” corporate job, he quickly realized it wasn’t the life he wanted. That realization led him into the world of franchising, where he would go on to build one of the most successful Edible Arrangements operations in company history, earn Franchisee of the Year honors, work alongside Marcus Lemonis, and help lead the comeback of one of retail’s most iconic brands. Along the way, he learned that success isn't about avoiding setbacks—it's about learning how to respond when things don't go according to plan. In our conversation, we dive into: • Walking away from a corporate career after only nine months • The lessons learned from early leadership and operations roles • Building a nine-location Edible Arrangements empire • The difficult decisions required to turn around struggling businesses • Scaling from 150 Valentine's Day orders to over 1,100 with virtually no mistakes • What it was like working directly with Marcus Lemonis • Navigating the challenges of COVID while leading a national franchise brand • Why he saw opportunity in the Bed Bath & Beyond comeback story • The mindset required to succeed as both a franchisee and franchisor • Why entrepreneurship doesn't always mean starting from scratch This episode is a reminder that success often comes from understanding your strengths, staying adaptable, and having the courage to bet on yourself when the path ahead isn't clear. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on leadership, franchising, resilience, and building a business career that evolves with every chapter. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: If you could sit down with one business leader and ask them one question, who would it be and what would you ask? #FailingForwardPodcast #Season2 #Episode2 #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #MarcusLemonis #BedBathAndBeyond #SmallBusiness #BusinessPodcast
Jul 1

Betting on Ohio: Ray Leach's Vision for the Future

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Ray Leach, Co-Founder & President of The O.H.I.O. Fund and the founding CEO of JumpStart — a leader whose work has helped shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across Ohio. Ray’s journey began at just 22 years old when he launched his first company. What followed was a career built on embracing complexity, leading through uncertainty, and creating opportunities for others. From navigating the challenges of the dot-com era to building one of the nation’s most impactful entrepreneurial organizations, Ray has spent decades helping founders turn ideas into thriving businesses. As the founding CEO of JumpStart, Ray helped unite five organizations under a shared vision, supported hundreds of growing companies, and played a role in building Ohio’s innovation economy. Today, he’s leading a new chapter through The O.H.I.O. Fund, an ambitious effort focused on investing in Ohio’s future and creating opportunities for generations to come. In our conversation, we dive into: • Starting his first company at age 22 • The lessons learned from the dot-com crash and 9/11 • Why he chose to build his career in Ohio • Bringing together five organizations with different missions • The leadership principles that guided two decades at JumpStart • What Ohio’s first tech unicorn taught him about scaling success • The importance of strong partnerships in business • The vision behind The O.H.I.O. Fund and Ohio’s future This episode is a reminder that great leaders don’t just build companies—they build ecosystems, opportunities, and pathways for others to succeed. Ray’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a long-term commitment to making an impact where it matters most. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and the future of Ohio. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What’s the biggest opportunity you see for the future of Ohio? Let us know in the comments. #FailingForwardPodcast #Season2 #Episode1 #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #OhioBusiness #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #StartupLeadership #Ohio
Apr 22

Redefining Success in the Agency World: The iSynergy Story

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 22 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Steve Cross, Founder & CEO of iSynergy — a marketing agency built right here in the Mahoning Valley that’s taken a completely different path to success. Steve’s journey isn’t what you’d expect. From a background in physics, math, and even NASA internships, he found himself walking away from corporate America to build something on his own terms. But what makes his story truly stand out isn’t just what he built — it’s what he chose to walk away from. At a time when most agencies chase growth, bigger teams, and more revenue, Steve made the counterintuitive decision to scale down. Fewer clients. Smaller team. More focus. Because he realized that profit, clarity, and quality of life mattered more than vanity metrics. In our conversation, we dive into: • The early career failures that pushed him out of corporate America • The risks of saying yes to the wrong clients when starting out • The pressure and burnout that come with “successful” growth • Why he chose to shrink his business — and what happened next • How a completely flat organization with zero managers actually works • The power of saying “no” and protecting your time, team, and standards • Building a nationally recognized agency from Ohio, not a major city This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t have to follow the traditional playbook — and sometimes the boldest move you can make is doing less, but doing it better. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on leadership, growth, and learning through real-world challenges. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What’s a leadership lesson you had to learn the hard way? Drop it in the comments — or share a moment that changed how you lead. #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FailingForward #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #TeamBuilding #Accountability
Apr 16

Pressure Creates Leaders: Lessons from the Field with Eric Ryan

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 21 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Eric Ryan of JAC Management Group — a leader focused on building strong teams, delivering consistent results, and navigating the realities of managing people, projects, and expectations at scale. Eric’s journey has been shaped by the challenges that come with growth. From early leadership learning curves to the pressure of overseeing operations and people, he’s experienced firsthand how failure often shows up in the day-to-day — miscommunication, tough decisions, and moments where things don’t go as planned. Instead of avoiding those moments, Eric has used them to sharpen his leadership, refine systems, and build a culture rooted in accountability and trust. In our conversation, we dive into: • The early leadership challenges that shaped Eric’s management style • Lessons learned from managing teams and navigating internal pressure • The importance of communication in high-performance environments • What it takes to build systems that actually scale • Balancing growth while maintaining quality and culture • Why ownership and accountability are non-negotiables in leadership This episode is a reminder that strong leadership is built through experience — not perfection — and that the hardest lessons often create the strongest foundations. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on leadership, growth, and learning through real-world challenges. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What’s a leadership lesson you had to learn the hard way? Drop it in the comments — or share a moment that changed how you lead. #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FailingForward #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #TeamBuilding #Accountability
Apr 10

From Setbacks to Service: The Greg Davis Story

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 20 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Greg Davis, Founder of Patriot At Home in Ohio — a company built on service, reliability, and doing right by people when it matters most.Greg’s journey wasn’t a straight line. From early career setbacks and hard financial lessons to navigating the weight of leadership and responsibility, he learned that failure often shows up disguised as pressure, uncertainty, and moments where quitting feels easier than pushing forward. Instead of stepping back, Greg leaned in — building a business rooted in trust, discipline, and long-term relationships.In our conversation, we dive into: • The early mistakes that forced Greg to rethink leadership and accountability • What building a home service company teaches you about resilience • The pressure of payroll, reputation, and carrying responsibility for families • Why consistency beats hype in business growth• The difference between being busy and building something sustainable • How faith, grit, and community shaped Patriot At HomeThis episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, learning fast, and staying steady when things get hard. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation on grit, ownership, and building something that lasts. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and learning from the moments that shape us. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What’s one mistake that made you a better leader? Drop it in the comments — or share how adversity shaped your path forward. #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FailingForward #ResilientLeadership #HomeServices #OhioBusiness #CommunityImpact

4.5

out of 5

2 Ratings

This show is all about the other side of success. We talk to entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who aren’t afraid to share the mistakes they’ve made because if there's one thing we know for sure, it’s this: every setback is just a setup for something bigger—if you’re willing to learn from it.

Creator

Tim Petrey, CPA, CGMA
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

28
Rating

Explicit