Empowered Owners

Empowered Owners
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Empowered Owners

Creating connections is essential to building a community. It’s even more important when the people you’re trying to connect with aren’t in the same location. Businesses and companies have always found geographic distance to be a challenge to building a really great community-oriented culture. At Empowered Ventures, the same challenge holds true, which is why we decided to start Empowered Owners, the podcast that takes you inside Empowered Ventures. In each episode, CEO Chris Fredericks will have a discussion with one of our employees to discover and highlight their distinct personalities, perspectives, and skills while also keeping you in the loop with exclusive news, updates on company performance, and a glimpse into the future plans of Empowered Ventures. Not only is this an opportunity for Chris to learn more about our amazing employee-owners, but it’s also an opportunity for you to hear regularly from Chris and others from within Empowered Ventures.

  1. JAN 28

    Acquisitions and Accountability with Firstar’s Luke Orszag

    As the famous quote goes, “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.”It’s been less than a year since Luke Orszag, President of Firstar Precision, appeared on Empowered Owners, but it’s been an eventful stretch. In this episode, host Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, reconnects with Luke to discuss Firstar’s first acquisition, the importance of cultivating a culture of accountability, and how data is transforming the way machinists approach their work.They also talk about Firstar’s strategies for organic growth, the challenges of entering new industries like aerospace and defense, and the role of employee ownership in driving sustainable success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Empowering Employees Through Data: Luke highlights how providing machinists with real-time data on metrics like efficiency and scrap rates helps them take ownership of their work and strive for continuous improvement.A Seamless First Acquisition: The integration of Ameritool, a trusted vendor, into Firstar demonstrated how strong relationships and strategic alignment can make acquisitions a smooth and beneficial process.The Challenges and Rewards of Growth: Luke shares his experience navigating new industries like aerospace and defense, balancing organic growth with acquisitions, and developing innovative strategies to position the company for long-term success.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Luke Orszag(01:39) Luke’s journey from VP of Finance to President of Firstar Precision(02:49) Highlights from the past nine months, including Firstar’s first acquisition(03:38) The seamless integration of Ameritool and lessons learned from the acquisition(05:39) Luke’s vision for future acquisitions and the ideal profile for Firstar’s growth(07:40) Addressing the challenge of finding employees and the importance of talent retention(08:41) How data-driven tools empower employees to take ownership of their work(11:33) Expanding into different industries through strategic partnerships(14:48) How Luke’s background in finance shaped his approach to sales and marketing(15:46) Exploring content marketing strategies for increased visibility(19:02) Looking ahead to Firstar’s future

    20 min

  2. JAN 14

    Building Resilience Through Employee Ownership with Curtis Elliott

    Tough times tend to bring out people’s true colors. The same goes for tough markets and companies, where some wither and others survive or thrive. In this episode, host Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, talks with Curtis Elliott, President of Paramount Plastics, to reflect on the company's journey through three years of employee ownership. Curtis shares how the transition to employee ownership has strengthened team culture, fostered innovation, and inspired a collaborative approach to problem-solving.Curtis and Chris discuss the challenges Paramount Plastics has faced during a downturn in the RV market and the creative strategies that have helped the company remain steady without layoffs. This conversation offers insights into the power of teamwork, the value of ownership, and how prioritizing people can create a lasting impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: Transforming Company Culture Through Ownership: Curtis reflects on how Paramount Plastics’ transition to employee ownership has fostered collaboration, trust, and innovation, creating a stronger and more resilient team.Navigating Market Challenges with Creativity: Curtis and his team have faced downturns in the RV market head-on, leveraging creative problem-solving and diversification to sustain operations without layoffs.The Impact of Employee Buy-In: Curtis shares the journey of employees moving from skepticism to full engagement, showcasing how ownership can shift perspectives and inspire commitment across the organization.Prioritizing People During Tough Times: Curtis emphasizes the importance of keeping employees supported and motivated, highlighting how this approach has strengthened their team’s dedication and drive.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Curtis Elliott(00:29) Reflecting on three years of employee ownership at Paramount Plastics(02:02) How the culture at Paramount has evolved under employee ownership(03:08) The creative solutions employees are bringing to management challenges(04:46) Curtis discusses avoiding layoffs during the RV market downturn(05:30) Navigating challenges and diversifying to sustain operations(12:32) Key innovations and problem-solving initiatives at Paramount(16:24) Building a stronger leadership team and creating depth across roles(19:11) Celebrating wins and fostering a unified, engaged team at Paramount(20:16) Curtis reflects on growth, resilience, and preparing for future success

    22 min

  3. 12/31/2024

    50 Years and Beyond at TVF with Tad Calahan

    Change is hard. Especially when it’s brought about by new systems. For organizations in existence for a half century, change brings about a list of challenges and opportunities. In this episode, host Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, reconnects with Tad Calahan, President of TVF, to explore how TVF has evolved after 50 successful years in business.They discuss TVF's recent CRM and ERP system implementations, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of balancing innovation with honoring the company’s legacy. Tad shares how the team’s resilience and collaboration have driven progress while keeping their focus on providing exceptional service and a meaningful workplace.From celebrating TVF’s 50th anniversary to achieving ambitious goals ahead of schedule, this episode offers an honest look at the rewards and complexities of growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: Building a Legacy of Innovation: TVF focuses on evolving workplace culture and creating a meaningful environment for employees to thrive, ensuring growth for the next 50 years.Balancing Standardization and Customization: TVF approaches system updates by evaluating the need for efficiency while maintaining flexibility for unique business processes.The Role of Change Management in Success: Tad emphasizes the importance of clear communication and collaboration in overcoming resistance and fostering adoption during organizational transformations.Navigating Large-Scale System Changes: Tad shares insights from TVF’s transition to Dynamics 365, highlighting the complexities and rewards of CRM and ERP implementations.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Tad Calahan (01:40) Reflecting on TVF’s 50th anniversary(02:28) Overview of TVF's supply chain challenges and internal system upgrades(07:23) Challenges and lessons from ERP and CRM implementation projects(08:54) Changes in management strategies and overcoming resistance to system upgrades(10:38) Standardizing processes for efficiency during system transitions(13:30) Balancing customization and standardization in new systems(14:14) Communicating the “why” in change management and driving alignment(19:03) Tad’s vision for TVF’s future: growth, evolution, and community impact

    21 min

  4. 12/17/2024

    Let’s Chat: Leaning into Healthcare for Us with Emily Bopp and Kim Dinwiddie

    Very few topics impact both our personal and professional lives. Healthcare is one of the few. Yet, for so many, it feels like a burden rather than a benefit. In this episode, host Chris Fredericks is joined by Emily Bopp, Chief of Staff at EV, and Kim Dinwiddie, VP of Human Resources at EV, to unpack the realities of healthcare today and how Empowered Ventures is tackling these challenges head-on. Chris, Emily, and Kim discuss the launch of “Healthcare for Us,” a collaborative initiative to transform how we approach healthcare benefits. They share how they navigate confusing insurance terms and created Healthcare Avatars that reflect their team's diverse needs. Emily and Kim also shared how listening to employees and fostering open conversations drive meaningful change. In this episode, you’ll learn: Reframing Healthcare Benefits as a Partnership: Emily and Kim share how Empowered Ventures redefines healthcare benefits through collaboration, making it a shared responsibility rather than an isolated decision.Understanding the Evolving Landscape of Insurance: Kim explains the shift from employer-covered benefits to employee-driven choices and how this impacts how people engage with healthcare.Simplifying the Complex World of Healthcare: Emily introduces “Healthcare for Us,” an initiative that demystifies insurance terms and creates tailored profiles to meet the diverse needs of employees.The Role of Employee Ownership in Shaping Culture: Emily and Kim highlight how the employee ownership model fosters open communication and empowers employees to take an active role in healthcare decisions.Building a Collaborative Future for Healthcare: The team discusses how leaning into healthcare challenges together can spark innovation, drive solutions, and create a culture of trust and support.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Emily Bopp and Kim Dinwiddie(02:20) Emily and Kim’s one-word reactions to health insurance(03:27) Kim’s reflection on the evolution of healthcare benefits and employee perceptions(06:33) Emily discusses the shift from healthcare as a benefit to a necessary challenge(09:32) The Healthcare for Us initiative: creating personas to meet diverse employee needs(12:21) How Empowered Ventures listens to employees to guide healthcare changes(17:21) The cultural shift: building a collective mindset to "lean into healthcare together"(18:53) Advice from Emily and Kim on transforming challenges into opportunities through collaboration

    21 min

  5. 12/03/2024

    Navigating a Career Towards Meaning with Casey Grisez and Christine Webb

    Purpose holds a unique meaning for each individual, and discovering it requires time for self-reflection and evaluating the alignment of your life. In this episode, Christine Webb and Casey Grisez share how they found purpose in unexpected places, leading them to Empowered Ventures. Host Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, sits down with Christine and Casey to explore their unique paths to Empowered Ventures and the purpose-driven work they bring to the company. Together, they discuss what it means to find meaning in your career, the challenges of balancing personal purpose with professional growth, and how Empowered Ventures aligns with their shared values. Tune in for an inspiring episode that celebrates the impact of employee ownership and the diverse perspectives that drive Empowered Ventures forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: Finding Purpose in Career Shifts: Christine and Casey discuss how their varied career paths—from social work and community activism to finance and family—have shaped their dedication to meaningful work and aligned with the mission of Empowered Ventures.Employee Ownership as a Force for Good: Casey shares his experience in business valuation and how employee ownership models, like the one at Empowered Ventures, create opportunities for employees to share in the company’s success.Creating Impact through Strategic Problem-Solving: Christine highlights her knack for navigating complex systems, sharing how her problem-solving skills drive her work in supporting Empowered Ventures’ mission and helping employee owners thrive.The Power of Reflection and Career Reassessment: Christine and Casey emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on what matters most in life, allowing them to pursue work that aligns with their personal values and family goals.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Introduction to Christine Webb and Casey Grisez(00:43) Christine’s early aspirations and career shift from social work to community impact(02:06) Casey’s journey from finance to employee ownership and his career influences(04:34) Christine discusses the emotional challenges and rewards of social work(06:15) Casey reflects on family, taking a career pause, and his perspective on meaningful work(09:02) Discovering the impact of employee ownership and what drew them to Empowered Ventures(12:18) Christine’s problem-solving approach and passion for system-level change(14:46) Casey on combining storytelling with finance to drive purpose-driven work(18:03) Advice from Christine and Casey for finding purpose and balance in your career

    34 min

  6. 11/19/2024

    REPLAY: Leading a Learning Organization with Lori Atone

    Have you ever wondered how employee ownership can drive a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a company? Yes? Good news.  In this replay episode of Empowered Owners, Lori Atone, Learning and Development Director at TVF, shares about the importance of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and the impact of learning and development in an employee-owned organization. In this episode, you’ll learn:  The impact of learning and development in an employee-owned company.How to harness the power of strengths and continuous learning to drive personal and company growth.Unconventional approaches, like utilizing AI in the workplace, and their potential for our teams.Jump into the conversation: [01:59] What a Learning and Development program entails [04:08] How Lori started TVF’s L&D program [07:06] The importance of L&D for an employee-owned organization [11:27] Trying new things & failures [16:10] Understanding employee personalities & learning styles

    24 min

  7. 11/05/2024

    REPLAY: A Journey of Service: From Law Enforcement to Leading a Manufacturing Company with Curtis Elliott

    Discovering what you are passionate about and making it a career is an incredible accomplishment.  Some people are lucky enough to experience that feeling a few times in their careers. In this replay episode of Empowered Owners, Curtis Elliott, President at Paramount Plastics, discusses his career path, from his initial goal of joining law enforcement to unexpected opportunities in manufacturing. Curtis's "what's next?" attitude led him on a journey of personal and professional growth that ultimately shaped the successful leader he is today. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Valuable lessons from Curtis' experiences in law enforcement. Learn how crisis management, quick thinking, and on-the-spot decision-making have shaped his leadership style.How you can be a stronger advocate for your colleagues and customers in your own role. Learn ways to support and champion their needs and goals.How to reflect on your own values and how they align with your professional and personal life while identifying areas where you can prioritize what truly matters to you. Jump into the conversation: [04:06] How Curtis started his career in law enforcement [08:02] Transferable skills learned from serving as a police officer [12:41] The importance of passion in your work [15:01] Why Curtis went back to school [19:17] The benefits of employee ownership

    25 min

  8. 10/22/2024

    REPLAY: Customer Service Excellence: The Power of Individualized Management with Shannon Hayden

    Switching careers can be quite an adventure, no matter how many times you've done it before. And when it comes to taking on a new role, especially in management, the challenge doubles. Suddenly, you're not just responsible for your daily tasks but also for building and nurturing relationships with your team. It's no easy feat, but it's a vital part of becoming a successful manager. Join us for an exciting replay episode of Empowered Owners, where we sit down with Shannon Hayden, Customer Support Manager at TVF. With over two decades of management experience under her belt, Shannon understands the importance of getting to know her colleagues and fostering open communication to create strong working relationships. She shares some of her invaluable wisdom and personal insights gained from her journey as a manager. You'll gain valuable insights into leadership, team dynamics, and Shannon's experiences in her new role at TVF. And to top it off, we even sprinkle in some nostalgic 80s and 90s throwbacks at the end.   In this episode, you’ll learn:  The importance of building strong teams and how to foster an open dialogue.How to build rapport and strengthen relationships through proactive communication in a remote environment.The benefits of implementing an individualized management style.What we mean by “Stewarding Excellence” – supporting our companies for the long term Timestamps: [02:18] Shannon’s history in management [10:10] Tips on how to embrace learning in a new role [17:24] The importance of getting to know your colleagues [18:55] Iconic 80s and 90s trends draft [25:04] Takeaways from the conversation

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Creating connections is essential to building a community. It’s even more important when the people you’re trying to connect with aren’t in the same location. Businesses and companies have always found geographic distance to be a challenge to building a really great community-oriented culture. At Empowered Ventures, the same challenge holds true, which is why we decided to start Empowered Owners, the podcast that takes you inside Empowered Ventures. In each episode, CEO Chris Fredericks will have a discussion with one of our employees to discover and highlight their distinct personalities, perspectives, and skills while also keeping you in the loop with exclusive news, updates on company performance, and a glimpse into the future plans of Empowered Ventures. Not only is this an opportunity for Chris to learn more about our amazing employee-owners, but it’s also an opportunity for you to hear regularly from Chris and others from within Empowered Ventures.

Information

  • Creator
    Empowered Owners
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Empowered Owners

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