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.

2D AGO

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
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
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
11/25/2025

Choosing Growth Over Comfort – A Conversation with Sam Huston

🎙️ FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 12 Forks in the Road: Growth, Family, and Leadership with Sam Huston In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Sam Huston from Huntington National Bank for a powerful conversation about navigating life’s turning points — from leaving the safety of a family business to redefining success through leadership and personal growth. Sam opens up about: • The hard choice to step away from his family’s company • How those lessons shaped his career in banking • The evolving balance between work, family, and purpose • Learning to parent differently and break old patterns • Why failure — and reflection — are essential to becoming a better leader 🎧 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 29m
11/22/2025

Scoops, Setbacks & Success: The Jaffer Family Story

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 10 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Adil and Leigh Jaffer — the husband-and-wife team behind multiple Handel’s Ice Cream locations and a family legacy that’s been built through hard work, grit, and a whole lot of learning on the fly. Leigh grew up inside the iconic Handel’s brand after her parents purchased the business from founder Alice Handel. Adil built a successful medical practice before stepping into the unpredictable world of retail, franchising, and multi-location expansion. Together, they’ve learned to balance marriage, business, parenting, and the realities of entrepreneurship — all while keeping tradition at the heart of their growth. In our conversation, Adil & Leigh open up about: • The unglamorous truths of growing up in a family business — and the lessons that stuck • Transitioning from medicine to ice cream, and the identity shift that came with it • The hardest disagreements they’ve had as business partners — and how they worked through them • Expanding from one store to four, and the failures they had to learn the hard way • Parenting two sons while running multiple businesses and keeping their marriage strong • What “failing forward” means when you’re responsible for a beloved local brand and a growing team 🎧 Tune in for a conversation filled with authenticity, laughter, transparency, and the real stories behind scaling a family business while keeping your values at the center. 🔔 Subscribe for more: If stories of leadership, resilience, and growth 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’s one lesson from a family business or partnership that shaped how you lead today? Share it below — and keep failing forward. #FailingForward #LeadershipPodcast #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ResilientLeadership #HandelsIceCream #BusinessGrowth #FailForward #Youngstown

1h 13m
11/11/2025

From Finance to Community Impact: Matthew Longmire’s Path Forward

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 13 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Matthew Longmire — economic development professional at Valley Partners and dedicated advocate for small businesses across Northeast Ohio. Matthew’s journey is one of purpose-driven leadership, community investment, and learning how to turn setbacks into stepping stones for growth. From helping entrepreneurs secure funding to fostering long-term sustainability, his work is proof that local business success drives community success. In our conversation, Matthew opens up about: • The lessons learned helping small businesses navigate challenges and funding hurdles • Why sustainable growth matters more than quick wins • How failure can serve as the foundation for strategic leadership • The power of community, connection, and Cleveland pride 🎧 Tune in for a conversation that dives into perseverance, purpose, and what it truly means to “fail forward” — one small business at a time. 🔔 Subscribe for more: If stories of leadership, growth, and resilience 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’s one lesson you’ve learned from failure that shaped your career? Share it below — and keep failing forward. #FailingForward #LeadershipPodcast #CommunityImpact #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #ValleyPartners #ResilientLeadership #PurposeDriven

1h 14m
11/11/2025

From Military Discipline to Entrepreneurial Freedom — Chris Thomas on Being the Guardrails

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 9 🎙️ In this episode of Failing Forward, host Tim Petrey sits down with Chris Thomas – entrepreneur, veteran, and owner of Tri County Tower. After years of military service, Chris made the bold decision to leave a stable government career to take over his father-in-law’s business in 2014. What followed was a journey defined by mentorship, leadership growth, and a deep commitment to community. In our conversation, Chris opens up about: • The challenges of transitioning from military life to entrepreneurship • How mentorship from Tim shaped his approach to leadership and growth • The lessons learned from balancing ambition with stability • Why empowering his team and giving back to local nonprofits like Dylan’s House and Potential Development drives his purpose 🎧 Tune in for a candid conversation about transformation, resilience, and what it means to lead with intention. 🔔 Subscribe for more: If stories of leadership, growth, and perseverance 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’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 1m
10/14/2025

From Setbacks to Strength: Heather Fronk & Candace Turpack

FAILING FORWARD PODCAST – EPISODE 7🎙️ In this episode, hosts Tim Petrey & Will Rauber sit down with Heather Fronk (founder of Clothed In Strength) and Candace Turpack (CFP & Senior Wealth Advisor) to explore how resilience, financial freedom, and community collide. From Heather’s journey pivoting from banking to building a nonprofit for single mothers, to Candace’s experience navigating male-dominated finance, both share powerful lessons on turning setbacks into comebacks. We dive into: ✨ Building a mission-driven organization from the ground up ✨ Creating space for women to thrive in finance & business ✨ The upcoming November Fashion Show — where fashion meets empowerment This conversation is all about women empowering women, redefining success, and failing forward with purpose. 🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on reinvention, values-driven leadership, and leaving a lasting impact. 🔔 Subscribe for more: If stories of leadership, resilience, and growth 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: Drop your biggest takeaway from Harold’s story in the comments—or share your own “second act” moment where failure led to growth. #LeadershipPodcast #ResilientLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #FailingForward #SecondAct

1h 23m

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

15