Top 3 Marcia O'Connor

On this episode of Top 3, Marcia is joined by Marci Schankweiler, Esq., CEO & Founder of For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation. Marci founded For Pete's Sake in 2000, uniting families through respite and giving them a community to grow with, lean on, and learn from forever.

It's all about stewardship. Marci and her team's work is incredibly impactful, providing families facing cancer with much-needed support and respite. Hearing how they're helping families navigate such a challenging time is inspiring. Get a glimpse into the heart of their mission and the magic they bring to families' lives.

On this episode of Top 3, Marcia O'Connor is joined by Shana Steigerwalt, Founder & President of Modern Driven Media a digital marketing agency focusing on social media, paid media, SEO, and growth digital solutions.

Starting in 2015, Shaina shares how she started her company, what she wishes she had known sooner, and advice she would give to other entrepreneurs to help their growth path.

On this episode of Top 3, Marcia O'Connor is joined by Brian Lipstein, CEO & Founder of Henry A. Davidsen. Brian created Henry A. Davidsen 18 years ago and wanted to build a brand that was bigger than himself. Brian and his team help individuals feel more comfortable about themselves by offering the finest in custom-tailored clothing, casual wear, accessories, and image consulting for professionals.

Listen to how Brian overcame economic uncertainty, how he tapped into client relationships, and how he defined the mission of his company.

In this episode of Top 3, Marcia O’Connor is joined by Renee Rhinehart, the founder of Party Host Helpers and Events by Renee. Renee's story reflects her determination and adaptability in the face of challenges. Starting with her dream of becoming a wedding planner in high school, Renee eventually founded Events by Renee in 2007. Recognizing the need for additional event staffing, she launched Party Host Helpers in 2013, which quickly gained traction and expanded nationally.

Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal life, Renee remains committed to her vision. Through strategic hiring, fostering a culture of excellence, and leveraging her network, she continues to drive her businesses forward.

Renee's success underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community support in entrepreneurship. Her story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the rewards of pursuing one's passions, seizing opportunities, and nurturing relationships in the business world.

In this episode of Top 3, Marcia O'Connor, CEO of The O'Connor Group, welcomes Kristin Smedley of Thriving Blind Academy to discuss her journey. Kristin shares her experience of raising blind children and founding Thriving Blind Academy. Despite initial devastation, she learned to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. Through her children’s successes, she realized the importance of accessibility and empowerment. Kristin's TED Talk on disability stigma reflects her belief in seizing opportunities to share impactful messages. The conversation touches on her upcoming film project, highlighting the journey of blind individuals in the IT world and baseball. Kristin’s story serves as inspiration, reminding us that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth.

Steph McClure, an HR Partner at The O’Connor Group, recently had a compelling conversation with Leslie Slingsby, of Mission Kids, on the Top 3 podcast. The focus was on Mission Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding child abuse victims. Mission Kids provides vital services: forensic interviewing, therapy, and family advocacy, aiding victims of different ages.



Leslie outlined the pivotal role of advocates, paid staff supporting families throughout the complex legal process. Stressing the need for community involvement, Leslie highlighted various ways The O’Connor Group can contribute: volunteering, joining committees or the board, and supporting prevention education programs like Roar, aimed at schools.



The discussion unfolded into the topic of the Young Professionals Board, inviting a new generation to guide Mission Kids' philanthropic endeavors. Additionally, Leslie mentioned how donations, including snacks, teddy bears, and art supplies, play a significant role in supporting their cause. The conversation concluded with a reminder that Mission Kids' success stems from community support and a call for further involvement to protect and heal abused children.