Failing Forward

Tim Petrey, CPA, CGMA
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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.

  1. Leading Through Uncertainty: Kip Botirius on Failure, Growth, & Executive Perspective

    6D AGO

    Leading Through Uncertainty: Kip Botirius on Failure, Growth, & Executive Perspective

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 19 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Kip Botirius, EVP at Mod Op — a nationally recognized marketing and communications agency known for helping brands navigate growth, transformation, and the ever-changing digital landscape. Kip’s journey is a story of evolution, leadership, and learning to adapt in an industry that never stands still. From early career missteps and missed opportunities to helping lead major client relationships and agency growth, he’s experienced firsthand how failure can sharpen instincts, strengthen leadership, and redefine what success really looks like. In our conversation, we dive into: • The early career mistakes that helped shape his leadership approach • What he learned from opportunities that didn’t go as planned • The pressure and responsibility that comes with leading at the executive level • Navigating change in a fast-moving marketing and communications industry • How failure builds resilience, perspective, and better decision-making • Why growth often requires stepping into uncertainty before you’re ready Kip’s story is a reminder that the strongest leaders aren’t defined by avoiding failure — but by how they respond to it, learn from it, and use it to move forward with clarity and purpose. Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. #FailingForward #Podcast #ModOp #Leadership #Marketing #Entrepreneurship #AgencyLife #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #SuccessThroughFailure #BusinessPodcast #TimPetrey

    1h 41m
  2. When the Mission Comes First: Bob Hannon on Leadership, Service, & Failing Forward

    MAR 23

    When the Mission Comes First: Bob Hannon on Leadership, Service, & Failing Forward

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 18 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Bob Hannon, President & CEO of United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley — a cornerstone organization driving impact, collaboration, and change across the region. Bob’s journey is one rooted in service, accountability, and navigating complexity where the stakes are real and the outcomes matter. Leading a mission-driven organization means balancing limited resources, community expectations, and long-term vision — all while responding to immediate needs. Along the way, that responsibility has come with tough calls, initiatives that didn’t land as planned, and moments that forced reflection, recalibration, and growth. In our conversation, we dive into: • The leadership challenges unique to nonprofit and community-based organizations • Programs and initiatives that fell short — and what they revealed • Making hard decisions when resources, funding, and needs don’t align • Building trust and alignment across partners, donors, and the community • How failure sharpens clarity, strengthens leadership, and fuels impact • What it really takes to lead with purpose in moments of pressure This episode is a reminder that progress in the nonprofit world isn’t linear. Real impact is built through learning, listening, and having the courage to adjust when things don’t go as planned. 🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on servant leadership, community impact, and failing forward with intention. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and the lessons that shape lasting organizations. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What’s a challenge or failure that changed how you lead or serve others? #FailingForward #LeadershipPodcast #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #ServantLeadership #Resilience #Youngstown

    1h 9m
  3. Scaling Care Without Losing Culture: Steve Davenport on Leadership, Growth, & Hard Lessons

    MAR 13

    Scaling Care Without Losing Culture: Steve Davenport on Leadership, Growth, & Hard Lessons

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 17 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Steve Davenport, Chief Operating Officer of Southwoods Health — one of the most impactful healthcare organizations in the Mahoning Valley. Steve’s journey is a story of disciplined growth, tough decisions, and learning through pressure. From Southwoods’ early days as a small outpatient facility to a regional healthcare system serving hundreds of thousands of patients each year, he’s been on the front lines of scaling healthcare without losing quality, culture, or community focus. Along the way, that growth came with missteps, hard conversations, and moments where the path forward wasn’t clear. In our conversation, we dive into: • The early operational challenges and failures that shaped Southwoods’ foundation • What broke while scaling from a small practice to a multi-location healthcare system • Lessons learned from initiatives that didn’t work — and knowing when to pivot • The leadership pressure of rapid growth, staffing, and physician ownership • Balancing quality, culture, and expansion in a demanding healthcare landscape • How failure became a tool for building resilience, trust, and long-term vision This episode is a reminder that meaningful growth — especially in healthcare — isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about learning fast, leading honestly, and committing to improvement even when the stakes are high. 🎧 Tune in for an episode on leadership under pressure, scaling with intention, and failing forward in healthcare. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and the lessons that shape lasting organizations. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Us: LinkedIn + Instagram 💬 Join the conversation: What’s a failure that ultimately made you a better leader or organization? Drop your thoughts below. #FailingForward #LeadershipPodcast #HealthcareLeadership #Resilience #GrowthThroughFailure #CommunityImpact #OperationalExcellence

    1h 20m
  4. Building Brands: Jeff's Journey Through Loss, Life's Pivots, & the Power of 898

    FEB 17

    Building Brands: Jeff's Journey Through Loss, Life's Pivots, & the Power of 898

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 15 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Jeff Ryznar, Founder and President of 898 Marketing — a nationally recognized agency built on service, integrity, and doing the right thing, no matter what. Jeff’s journey spans global ad agencies, professional sports, Silicon Valley startups, and ultimately a return home to build something meaningful. Along the way, failure showed up in unexpected moments — cutting a honeymoon short, walking away from “dream jobs,” redefining success, and learning that career wins don’t always equal life wins. In our conversation, we dive into: • The failures that shaped Jeff’s career and personal priorities • Why walking away from success can be the hardest — and right — decision • How loss, grief, and belief led to the creation of 898 Marketing • Redefining success beyond titles, recognition, and growth charts • The role of partnership, family, and integrity in long-term leadership • Teaching failure, resilience, and perspective to the next generation This episode is a reminder that failure doesn’t define you — how you respond to it does. 🎧 Tune in for an episode on courage, clarity, and choosing growth when the path ahead isn’t certain. 🔔 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 leadership lesson that’s shaped your journey? Drop it in the comments—or share how mentorship has helped you “fail forward.” #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #FailingForward #ResilientLeadership #Mentorship #CommunityImpact #BusinessGrowth

    1h 22m
  5. From Bankruptcy to Breakthrough: How Mark Lamoncha Turned Industrial Athletes Into Champions

    FEB 3

    From Bankruptcy to Breakthrough: How Mark Lamoncha Turned Industrial Athletes Into Champions

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 14 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Mark Lamoncha, CEO of Humtown Products, to unpack one of the most dramatic reinventions in modern manufacturing. In 2008, Mark watched his family business collapse from 220 employees to just three. On the brink of bankruptcy—and often running machines himself in the middle of the night—he was forced to confront a hard truth: the traditional way of leading people and running a company was broken. What followed wasn’t just a turnaround—it was a complete reimagining of work. By treating factory workers like industrial athletes, introducing real-time performance visibility, and blending technology with a people-first philosophy, Mark built a culture that transformed productivity, engagement, and profitability—earning national recognition and reshaping how manufacturing leaders think about their teams. In our conversation, we dive into: • The failure that nearly ended a multi-generation family business • What it’s like to lead when everything you built is on the line • Why traditional pay structures often punish high performers • The creation of the Visual Earnings System and real-time gamification • Treating employees as athletes—and leaders as coaches • How culture, trust, and alignment drive sustainable growth • What “failing forward” really looks like when survival is the only option 🎧 Tune in for a powerful, honest conversation about leadership under pressure, bold mindset shifts, and how failure can become the foundation for something far greater. 🔔 Subscribe for more: If stories of resilience, leadership, and reinvention inspire you, hit Subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss an episode. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple 🔗 Connect with Us: Follow us on LinkedIn + FB/IG 💬 Join the conversation: What failure pushed you to rethink everything—and ultimately made you better? Drop it in the comments and keep failing forward. #FailingForward #LeadershipPodcast #Manufacturing #IndustrialAthlete #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #BusinessTransformation #FailForward

    1h 42m
  6. From One Store to a National Legacy: Leonard Fisher on Growth, Integrity, & Preserving Tradition

    JAN 12

    From One Store to a National Legacy: Leonard Fisher on Growth, Integrity, & Preserving Tradition

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 16 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Leonard “Lenny” Fisher, Chairman of the Board and long-time steward of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream — the iconic brand that went from a beloved Youngstown ice cream stand to a nationally recognized franchise loved for its fresh, handcrafted scoops.  Lenny’s story is one of tradition, perseverance, and honoring legacy while bravely scaling a business. After purchasing the original single-store operation from founder Alice Handel in 1985, he dedicated himself not only to preserving her original recipes, but also to growing the brand across the country. Along the way, he faced the challenges of turning tradition into expansion, leading with integrity, and navigating the highs and lows that come with scaling a beloved local favorite into a national force.  In our conversation, we dive into: • What it meant to take on a legacy business — and not change a thing about what made it special • The early struggles of transitioning from one shop to a franchise model • Why staying true to quality and community mattered more than shortcuts • How personal loss and purpose shaped his leadership and philanthropy • Creating culture in a family-oriented business without losing heart • Lessons in resilience, humility, and long-term vision This episode is a reminder that staying humble, honoring your roots, and growing with heart is not just good business — it’s the foundation of lasting success. 🎧 Tune in for an episode on grit, tradition, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. 🔔 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 tradition in your life or business you’ve committed to preserving — even when change seemed easier? Drop your answer below! #LeadershipPodcast #FailingForward #Entrepreneurship #LegacyLeadership #Resilience #CommunityDriven #BusinessGrowth

    1h 7m
  7. 2025 YSU Commencement Speech

    12/19/2025

    2025 YSU Commencement Speech

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – SPECIAL FEATURE 🎙️ In this special episode, host Tim Petrey reflects on one of the greatest honors of his career — delivering the 2025 commencement speech at Youngstown State University. From growing up in Youngstown to becoming a CEO, mentor, and community leader, Tim’s journey has been shaped by hard lessons, unexpected turns, and the willingness to evolve. Standing on the YSU stage wasn’t just a milestone — it was a full-circle moment rooted in gratitude and responsibility. In this episode, Tim opens up about: • What he wishes every graduate understood about success and self-awareness • How failure and resilience shaped his leadership style • The pressure and privilege of speaking to the next generation • The message he hopes students carry into their careers and their lives A conversation about perspective, purpose, and embracing the journey — wherever it leads.

    14 min
  8. Pizza, Beer & The City of Youngstown

    12/09/2025

    Pizza, Beer & The City of Youngstown

    FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 11 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with two local powerhouses who have helped shape the culture, flavor, and identity of Youngstown: the team behind Penguin City Brewing and the creator of Youngstown Pizza Reviews. Penguin City has become one of Youngstown’s most recognizable brands — a brewery built on grit, community, and the belief that a hometown business can bring people together. Youngstown Pizza Reviews has turned a simple love of pizza into a platform that connects locals, highlights small businesses, and celebrates the food that defines this city. Together, they represent two sides of the same story: passionate locals using creativity, consistency, and a whole lot of trial-and-error to lift their community and build something meaningful. In our conversation, we dive into: • The early days of building a Youngstown-born brand from scratch • The challenges of staying authentic while growing a loyal following • How community support — and criticism — shaped their direction • Lessons learned from turning passion projects into real, operational businesses • The role of storytelling, transparency, and local pride in building trust • What “failing forward” looks like in the world of food, reviews, and craft brewing 🎧 Tune in for a conversation filled with energy, honesty, laughter, and the real stories behind two brands that have become part of Youngstown’s identity. 🔔 Subscribe for more: If stories of leadership, resilience, and local entrepreneurship inspire you, hit Subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss an episode. 🎧 Listen on: Spotify | YouTube | Apple 🔗 Connect with Us: Follow us on LinkedIn + FB/IG 💬 Join the conversation: What local business or creator inspires you to keep pushing forward? Drop it in the comments — and keep failing forward. #FailingForward #LeadershipPodcast #Youngstown #Entrepreneurship #PenguinCity #YoungstownPizzaReviews #FailForward #LocalBusiness #CommunityBuilders

    1h 13m
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Petrey, CPA, CGMA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit