Torch Talk

Lindsey Chupp

Torch Talk is the podcast for bold local leaders. Each week, we sit down with entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers to talk strategy, leadership, marketing, and what it really takes to grow a business today. Honest insights. No fluff. Real stories.

  1. 3D AGO

    When Business is a Mission

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Ty Meyer, founder of Promotion Therapy, for an honest conversation about servant leadership, family-first values, and what it really takes to build a healthcare business that puts people before profit. Ty shares his journey into physical therapy, shaped by early injuries, a love for science, and lessons learned growing up in a family-run Dairy Queen business. He walks through his career path, from hospital leadership to launching Promotion Therapy during a busy season of family life, choosing steady, values-driven growth over rapid expansion and heavy debt. The conversation dives deep into the realities of healthcare, including navigating insurance limitations, serving patients who need more care than coverage allows, and why Ty often chooses to help people even when it doesn’t make financial sense. He also opens up about leadership challenges, including conflict, staffing, flexibility, and carrying the weight of payroll during uncertain times like COVID. Throughout the episode, Ty emphasizes faith, humility, and service as the foundation of his leadership, along with the importance of flexibility for employees and building a culture where people feel supported both at work and at home. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why Ty chose physical therapy and a service-based careerLessons learned from family business and early leadership experiencesBuilding Promotion Therapy with slow, intentional growthBalancing faith, family, and business decisionsNavigating healthcare challenges while doing what’s right for patientsLeading with flexibility, humility, and long-term perspectiveThis episode offers a thoughtful, grounded look at leadership that prioritizes people, purpose, and integrity, both inside and outside the clinic.

    44 min

  2. FEB 17

    Catalyst for Change

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Samira, President of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, community, and what it looks like to serve local businesses through seasons of growth and crisis. Samira shares her career journey, from leaving a full-time marketing role to take a part-time position at the Chamber, working multiple jobs to make it work, and eventually stepping into the president role during the height of the pandemic. She reflects on the uncertainty of that season, the responsibility she felt toward local businesses, and the moments that solidified her commitment to the Chamber’s mission. The conversation highlights how the Chamber pivoted during COVID to support businesses, from grants and webinars to creative initiatives that kept doors open. Samira also walks through the programs the Chamber offers today, including Loyal to Local, Leadership Wooster, Manufacturing Day, Lemonade Day, workforce support, and community events that connect residents, businesses, and future leaders. Throughout the episode, Samira emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and the power of showing up for your community, even when the path forward isn’t clear. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Samira’s nontraditional path into Chamber leadershipTaking on the president's role during the pandemicHow the Chamber supported businesses through the crisisPrograms that encourage local spending, workforce development, and youth entrepreneurshipWhy connection and community matter for long-term growthThis episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership rooted in service, and the quiet, consistent work that helps communities thrive.

    27 min

  3. FEB 10

    Discipline Over Motivation

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Craig Nolletti, owner of The Warehouse Gyms, for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, discipline, and building a business rooted in consistency and long-term thinking. Craig shares how his journey started in fitness at a young age, eventually leading him to open multiple gyms across Ohio. He walks through the evolution of his business, from running CrossFit gyms alongside a full-time job to transitioning fully into a 24/7 gym model designed around accessibility, quality equipment, and member experience. Throughout the conversation, Craig explains how every decision he makes is guided by a simple question: what would he want as a customer? The discussion also dives into leadership and business realities, including hiring carefully, charging what your business is worth, acting on gut instinct, and building something that can function without the owner being present every day. Craig offers candid advice for business owners who feel stretched thin, especially when it comes to health, discipline, and taking care of their bodies with the same seriousness they give to their work. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Craig built and scaled The Warehouse Gyms across multiple locationsWhy the 24/7 gym model works for both members and ownersThe importance of acting on instinct and learning through mistakesWhy business owners must treat their health as non-negotiableBuilding a business that can grow beyond the founderThis episode offers a practical, no-nonsense look at business ownership, personal discipline, and creating something that lasts, both inside and beyond the gym.

    40 min

  4. FEB 3

    Walking with Families After Adoption

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Larry Yoder, co-executive director of Pure Gift of God, to talk about adoption, foster care, and the long-term support families need beyond the moment a child comes home. Larry shares both his personal connection to adoption and the story behind Pure Gift of God, an organization created to remove financial barriers and provide ongoing resources for adoptive and foster families. The conversation explores the realities many families face after adoption, including trauma, behavioral challenges, and the need for community and education. Larry explains how Pure Gift of God has expanded its mission over the years, from adoption grants to support groups, parent training, therapy services, and the Halo intensive program that equips both parents and children with tools to heal and grow together. Larry also walks through the different adoption paths, including domestic infant adoption, foster-to-adopt, and international adoption, offering practical insight into costs, timelines, and common misconceptions. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that adoption is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey that requires support, patience, and a willingness to learn. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The mission and evolution of Pure Gift of GodWhy adoption support is just as crucial after placementTrauma-informed parenting and the Halo programThe realities of foster care and adoption in OhioHow families can find help, community, and resourcesWays individuals and businesses can support adoptive and foster familiesThis episode offers an honest, compassionate look at adoption and foster care and a reminder that no family should have to walk that journey alone.

    42 min

  5. JAN 27

    Stone & Strategy

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Rick Mast, founder of Casa di Sassi, to talk about what it really looks like to build a manufacturing business rooted in craftsmanship, relationships, and long-term thinking. Rick shares the full story behind Casa di Sassi, from his early days in the stone veneer industry to launching his own company, acquiring Casa di Sassi, and eventually building a state-of-the-art production facility in Apple Creek. Rick explains how Casa di Sassi blends natural stone artistry with precision manufacturing, including how profiles are developed, why real stone is still central to the process, and what goes into sourcing materials through hands-on “rock hunts.” He also walks through how the company balances timeless design with subtle shifts in trends, while staying focused on quality over quick wins. The conversation dives into leadership and scale, including how Rick has intentionally built a team that doesn’t rely on him day to day, the role of automation in growing without constantly adding staff, and why morale, trust, and strong customer relationships matter more than titles or control. Rick also shares his perspective on integrity, handling mistakes, and building partnerships that last beyond transactions. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Casa di Sassi grew from a small venture into a national stone veneer manufacturerWhy real stone, craftsmanship, and design discipline still matterThe role of automation and efficiency in sustainable manufacturing growthBuilding a leadership team that makes the business resilientWhy long-term relationships define success more than short-term gainsThis episode offers an honest look at manufacturing, leadership, and what it takes to build a business designed to last.

    33 min

  6. JAN 20

    Ask The Right Questions

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with David Beasley, recently retired Goodyear executive and Chair of C12 Northeast Ohio, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, faith, and purpose in the marketplace. After nearly 40 years with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, David reflects on the lessons learned from a long corporate career and how those experiences shaped the work he’s doing today with business owners. David shares his journey from starting in tire sales to leading the North American truck tire business, including the pivotal season he spent in China that challenged him personally, professionally, and spiritually. That experience reshaped how he viewed leadership, success, and what it means to serve God through work, not just after retirement. The conversation explores the loneliness many business owners feel, the importance of peer relationships, and how C12 creates space for honest conversation, accountability, and action. David also explains how strategic planning, mission, vision, and values play a role in long-term business health, especially for faith-based leaders. In this episode, you’ll hear about: David’s career journey and leadership lessons from GoodyearHow faith and business can be integrated, not separatedWhy business owners often feel isolated and how peer groups helpThe role of strategic planning, mission, and core valuesWhat success looks like when people matter more than resultsThis episode offers a grounded, encouraging look at leadership that prioritizes people, purpose, and long-term impact, both inside and outside the workplace.

    41 min

  7. JAN 13

    Core Value Culture

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Holly Simms, Director of Quality and Distribution at CrowWorks, for an in-depth conversation about growth, adaptability, and building strong teams inside a fast-moving manufacturing business. Holly shares her non-linear career path, from sports management and event operations to holding six different roles at CrowWorks over seven years. She walks through how each role shaped her leadership style and gave her a deeper understanding of operations, client experience, and quality control inside a growing organization. The conversation dives into what it takes to scale a company without losing culture. Holly explains how CrowWorks uses clear core values, open communication, and flexibility to support team members, especially in an environment where change is constant. She also offers practical insight into hiring for adaptability, managing change fatigue, and creating systems that support both people and performance. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Holly’s career evolution across multiple departments at CrowWorksWhy adaptability and curiosity are essential in growing businessesHow core values guide hiring, feedback, and team cultureBalancing structure and flexibility in operations and leadershipWhat small, people-first practices make a big difference for teamsThis episode is a thoughtful look at leadership inside a changing organization, and a reminder that growth doesn’t require a perfect plan, just a willingness to learn, adapt, and invest in people.

    33 min

  8. JAN 6

    Blaze 2026

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Julia Kooser, Director of Client Success, to unpack what the Blaze Network is and why it matters heading into 2026. Blaze isn’t another marketing trend or side project. It’s the educational and connection-driven hub behind Fierce, built to support business owners and leaders beyond execution alone. The conversation walks through how Blaze brings education, community, and practical tools together in one place. Julia breaks down each part of the network, how they connect, and what business owners can expect in the year ahead as Blaze continues to grow. In this episode, you’ll hear about: What the Blaze Network is and why it existsHow Torch Talk fits into the bigger Blaze ecosystemMonthly Spark Sessions and their focus on actionable learningIgnite Insights and why print and digital education still matterHow Blaze is creating real connections among local business leadersWhat’s coming next, including the Blaze Business Expo in 2026This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Blaze is designed to support growth, learning, and leadership for businesses at every stage.

    11 min
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About

Torch Talk is the podcast for bold local leaders. Each week, we sit down with entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers to talk strategy, leadership, marketing, and what it really takes to grow a business today. Honest insights. No fluff. Real stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Lindsey Chupp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Torch Talk
  • Show Website
    Torch Talk