Inside Northwest Columbus

Lisa Federico

Welcome to Inside Northwest Columbus, the premier Columbus Ohio community podcast celebrating the vibrant business community and inspiring stories that make Columbus, Ohio extraordinary. As the audio companion to Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle magazine, each episode takes you inside the lives of local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community champions who are shaping our community's future. This Columbus lifestyle podcast helps you discover the passion projects, innovative ventures, and heartwarming human interest stories that define Columbus living at its finest. From established Columbus business owners sharing their journey to success, to emerging northwest Columbus entrepreneurs making their mark, we spotlight the positive energy and creative spirit that drives our community forward.  Whether you're a Columbus resident looking for inspiration, a business owner seeking connection with like-minded professionals, or simply someone who loves uplifting stories about real people making a real difference, Inside Northwest Columbus offers the perfect blend of Columbus business insights and feel-good content that celebrates everything we love about calling Columbus home.  Our luxury lifestyle Columbus podcast features authentic conversations, practical wisdom, and the kind of stories that remind us why Columbus is more than just a place we live – it's a community we're proud to be part of. Each episode delivers Columbus local news and events coverage alongside Columbus business owner spotlights, giving you the inside scoop on what makes our Columbus business community thrive.  Join us for genuine conversations with the people behind Columbus's most exciting ventures, from innovative startups to established community pillars. Every episode of this Columbus business insights podcast brings you closer to the entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who are writing the next chapter of Columbus's success story. New episodes featuring the best of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle magazine, bringing you closer to the people and businesses that make our community shine

  1. Investing with Clarity: Why Modern Financial Planning Goes Beyond Investments

    Apr 15

    Investing with Clarity: Why Modern Financial Planning Goes Beyond Investments

    Money used to be simple — at least in theory. You saved, invested, and hoped the markets cooperated. But today, financial decisions are more complex than ever. Taxes, insurance, retirement income strategies, estate planning, and constantly changing regulations all influence whether a financial plan actually works. At the same time, technology has made investing easier and cheaper than ever before. Apps promise instant portfolios. Online tools claim to replace advisors entirely. So the question many people are asking is: Do you really need a financial advisor anymore? This week on Inside Northwest Columbus, we’re talking with Nathan Daugherty of NDF Financial Advisors, who explains how the role of a financial advisor has evolved — and why modern financial planning is about far more than picking investments. We explore how technology is transforming financial planning, why the most important value an advisor provides today is seeing the whole picture, and how working with a professional can help individuals and families make smarter decisions at every stage of life. If you've ever wondered whether you're making the right financial decisions — or whether you're missing something important — this conversation is for you. Nathan Daugherty, CFP® NDF Financial Advisors Nathan leads his advisory team based in Dublin and has more than 15 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions. His practice focuses on comprehensive planning that integrates investments, taxes, protection strategies, and long-term goals into a cohesive financial strategy. Learn more: https://www.ndffinancialadvisors.com Phone: (614) 389-3400

    36 min
  2. Reinventing the Dream: From MLB to Home Remodeling

    Mar 18

    Reinventing the Dream: From MLB to Home Remodeling

    For eight seasons, Mike Mayers competed at the highest level of professional baseball — pitching for organizations including the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Life on the mound demanded preparation, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Today, that same mindset fuels a very different pursuit. In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, I sit down with Mike, owner of The Designery Columbus, to talk about his transition from Major League Baseball to the world of home design and remodeling — and why his new showroom at 329 W. Bridge Street in Dublin represents more than just a retail space. It represents clarity in an industry often defined by overwhelm. We discuss identity shifts, leadership, and the surprising parallels between professional sports and building kitchens, baths, and everyday living spaces. From real-time 3D design renderings and virtual walkthroughs to a culture rooted in teamwork and accountability, Mike shares how The Designery is redefining the remodeling experience for homeowners across Central Ohio. If you’ve ever felt anxious about making big design decisions — or wondered how someone pivots from the mound to managing a design-build firm — this episode offers perspective, honesty, and inspiration. Mike Mayers  Owner, The Designery Columbus The Designery Columbus is a Central Ohio design and remodeling firm offering cabinetry, countertops, and full-service design-build solutions for kitchens, baths, closets, laundry rooms, home offices, and more. Their new showroom opens March 12 at 329 W. Bridge Street in Dublin. www.thedesignerycolumbus.com

    27 min
  3. The Future of Outdoor Living- w/ Mike Chekanoff - The Exterior Living Company

    Mar 11

    The Future of Outdoor Living- w/ Mike Chekanoff - The Exterior Living Company

    As the days get longer and homeowners begin thinking about how they want to live outside this season — and for years to come — outdoor living has become more than a backyard upgrade. It’s become an extension of the home itself. In this episode of Inside Northwest Columbus, I sit down with Mike Chekanoff, owner of The Exterior Living Company, to talk about the evolution of outdoor living in our community. What was once a simple deck or patio is now being designed with the same intention as a kitchen renovation or great room addition — focused on connection, flow, and long-term livability. We talk about Mike’s roots in the building trades, how he built his company right here in Northwest Columbus, and why thoughtful design — not just features — is driving today’s biggest outdoor trends. From seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and elevation strategy to motorized screens, phased outdoor kitchens, and four-season comfort, this conversation explores how outdoor spaces are becoming calmer, more functional, and truly integrated with the home. If you’ve ever looked at your backyard and imagined something more — or wondered what makes an outdoor space feel cohesive instead of chaotic — this episode offers clarity, insight, and inspiration for designing spaces that are built to last. Visit & Connect with The Exterior Living Company Mike Chekanoff  Owner, The Exterior Living Company The Exterior Living Company is a Northwest Columbus–based design-build firm specializing in custom decks, sunrooms, and outdoor living spaces. With decades of hands-on experience in the building trades, Mike is known for his thoughtful, design-forward approach that prioritizes cohesion with the home, long-term functionality, and timeless materials. Website: www.exteriorliving.co

    35 min

About

Welcome to Inside Northwest Columbus, the premier Columbus Ohio community podcast celebrating the vibrant business community and inspiring stories that make Columbus, Ohio extraordinary. As the audio companion to Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle magazine, each episode takes you inside the lives of local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community champions who are shaping our community's future. This Columbus lifestyle podcast helps you discover the passion projects, innovative ventures, and heartwarming human interest stories that define Columbus living at its finest. From established Columbus business owners sharing their journey to success, to emerging northwest Columbus entrepreneurs making their mark, we spotlight the positive energy and creative spirit that drives our community forward.  Whether you're a Columbus resident looking for inspiration, a business owner seeking connection with like-minded professionals, or simply someone who loves uplifting stories about real people making a real difference, Inside Northwest Columbus offers the perfect blend of Columbus business insights and feel-good content that celebrates everything we love about calling Columbus home.  Our luxury lifestyle Columbus podcast features authentic conversations, practical wisdom, and the kind of stories that remind us why Columbus is more than just a place we live – it's a community we're proud to be part of. Each episode delivers Columbus local news and events coverage alongside Columbus business owner spotlights, giving you the inside scoop on what makes our Columbus business community thrive.  Join us for genuine conversations with the people behind Columbus's most exciting ventures, from innovative startups to established community pillars. Every episode of this Columbus business insights podcast brings you closer to the entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers who are writing the next chapter of Columbus's success story. New episodes featuring the best of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle magazine, bringing you closer to the people and businesses that make our community shine