Shane Meeker is the Company Historian and Corporate Storyteller for Procter & Gamble, the world's largest consumer products company. There he teaches and shares the power of story and how to use it as an innovation, heritage and strategic tool. Early on in his 23 year P&G career he developed a unique way to connect what worked in his favorite movies with how to tell better business stories. In fact, he often tells groups that you can solve almost any business problem with what works in Star Wars (don't worry, he will explain how).

For over 13 years now Shane has been sharing his storytelling content both inside and outside P&G and around the world, conducting regular keynotes and workshops for some of the world's biggest companies and brands such as Walt Disney, Ford, Anheuser Busch, FedEx, Nike, American Express, Exxon Mobil, US Bank and Nationwide just to name a few. Shane regularly presents on university campuses and is an adjunct professor at both the Chicago Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Cincinnati.

Just like when he was a kid, he still finds most of his inspiration from the fantastic stories of stage, page and screen. Please visit his site for more information at www.storymythos.com

Shane Meeker is the Company Historian and Corporate Storyteller for Procter & Gamble, the world's largest consumer products company. There he teaches and shares the power of story and how to use it as an innovation, heritage and strategic tool. Early on in his 23 year P&G career he developed a unique way to connect what worked in his favorite movies with how to tell better business stories. In fact, he often tells groups that you can solve almost any business problem with what works in Star Wars (don't worry, he will explain how).

For over 13 years now Shane has been sharing his storytelling content both inside and outside P&G and around the world, conducting regular keynotes and workshops for some of the world's biggest companies and brands such as Walt Disney, Ford, Anheuser Busch, FedEx, Nike, American Express, Exxon Mobil, US Bank and Nationwide just to name a few. Shane regularly presents on university campuses and is an adjunct professor at both the Chicago Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Cincinnati.

Just like when he was a kid, he still finds most of his inspiration from the fantastic stories of stage, page and screen. Please visit his site for more information at www.storymythos.com

Wade Kapszukiewicz was elected mayor of Toledo, Ohio on November 7, 2017 and took the oath of office on January 2, 2018, becoming the 58th mayor of the city.

Creating a regional water system, increasing the size and diversity of the police force, restoring discipline to the city’s budget, improving educational opportunities for Toledo's youngest residents, and improving city services are among Mayor Kapszukiewicz's top goals.

Kapszukiewicz has presided over a period of strong economic growth in Toledo. In 2018, Site Selection Magazine ranked Toledo third in the nation for economic development among mid-sized cities, and in 2019 Kempler Industries ranked Toledo the fourth-best city in the United States for manufacturing jobs.  According to the Associated General Contractors of America, Toledo was the fifth-fastest growing construction job market in the country from June 2018 to June 2019.

Watch the full presentation here.

Catherine “Katy” Crosby serves as the chief of staff for the City of Toledo where she works with a team to oversee the city operations and advance Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s policy agenda.  In this capacity, she provides leadership to approximately 2700 employees, oversees day to day operations and administers a budget in excess of $800M with all funds included. Her direct responsibilities include the departments of Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Diversity and Inclusion.  She also provides direction in developing the city’s community and economic development strategy. She also provides policy and operational guidance to the Mayor, Council, departments and other stakeholders on the development, implementation and administration of policies and strategic priorities.

Catherine “Katy” Crosby serves as the chief of staff for the City of Toledo where she works with a team to oversee the city operations and advance Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s policy agenda.  In this capacity, she provides leadership to approximately 2700 employees, oversees day to day operations and administers a budget in excess of $800M with all funds included. Her direct responsibilities include the departments of Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Diversity and Inclusion.  She also provides direction in developing the city’s community and economic development strategy. She also provides policy and operational guidance to the Mayor, Council, departments and other stakeholders on the development, implementation and administration of policies and strategic priorities.

Chris Higgins is a writer, filmmaker, and podcaster. He works in nonfiction using plain language. His books include The Blogger Abides and Breakfast on Mars. He has written for This American Life, The Atlantic, Mental Floss, and many other magazines. The 2019 feature film Ode to Joy was inspired by his reporting.

Cristine has been leading engaging, intuitive digital experiences for more than 20 years. She brings a strong blend of skills in product design, user research, customer experience, digital strategy and design thinking. She has worked for a wide range of industries and business sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Cristine currently leads the User Research team at Kroger Technology & Digital.

Cristine has been leading engaging, intuitive digital experiences for more than 20 years. She brings a strong blend of skills in product design, user research, customer experience, digital strategy and design thinking. She has worked for a wide range of industries and business sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Cristine currently leads the User Research team at Kroger Technology & Digital.

Kara has 10+ years of experience in digital user experience (UX) and is currently a Group Product Design Manager with Kroger. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati School of Design with a degree in Digital Design. She has Certification through the Nielsen Norman Group in UX Management.

Eric is an associate at RKCA, an investment bank and private equity syndicate in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also the co-founder and co-host of the upside podcast, a podcast about startup investing outside of Silicon Valley.

Eric is from Ohio and lived in Hong Kong/Shanghai, Chicago, New York before boomeranging back. You can follow Eric on Twitter at @ekhornung.

Watch the ful presentation here.

Eric is an associate at RKCA, an investment bank and private equity syndicate in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also the co-founder and co-host of the upside podcast, a podcast about startup investing outside of Silicon Valley.

Eric is from Ohio and lived in Hong Kong/Shanghai, Chicago, New York before boomeranging back. You can follow Eric on Twitter at @ekhornung.

Jay is the creator of Freelancing School, which provides the training and community to help people make a living freelancing. He is also the founder of Unreal Collective, a community for founders, freelancers, and creators. The flagship product is a 12-week accelerator program.

Jay hosts Creative Elements, a podcast for creatives in the trenches of building their businesses, and upside, a podcast about startup investing outside of Silicon Valley. You can connect with Jay on Twitter @jayclouse or sign up for his weekly newsletter for creatives at jayclouse.com.

Watch the ful presentation here.

Being the son of a Chinese scientist and an American novelist, Brandon was bound to be a little different. His parents always encouraged him to follow his dreams and despite being the only kid in school who was interested in film, he pursued it anyway.

It started with an 8-year stint in Reality TV, where he thoroughly enjoyed himself and honed in on his documentary skills. But what he really wanted, was to work on cinematic and aesthetically-driven projects. This choice lead Brandon to where he is now – shooting inspiring travel films, and he couldn’t be happier!

To date, he has filmed in over 40 countries, featuring in National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institute, BBC and TIME. Some of his commercial clients have also included BMW, Nike, Etihad Airways, and Airtickets.com.

Being the son of a Chinese scientist and an American novelist, Brandon was bound to be a little different. His parents always encouraged him to follow his dreams and despite being the only kid in school who was interested in film, he pursued it anyway.

It started with an 8-year stint in Reality TV, where he thoroughly enjoyed himself and honed in on his documentary skills. But what he really wanted, was to work on cinematic and aesthetically-driven projects. This choice lead Brandon to where he is now – shooting inspiring travel films, and he couldn’t be happier!

To date, he has filmed in over 40 countries, featuring in National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institute, BBC and TIME. Some of his commercial clients have also included BMW, Nike, Etihad Airways, and Airtickets.com.

Jerry Schnepp is a technologist, designer and creative problem-solver. He is an Associate Professor of Visual Communication Technology in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering at Bowling Green State University. He teaches courses in Interactive Media, User Experience and Digital Photography. In addition to teaching, he researches in the areas of accommodations for the Deaf and technological pedagogy. He is also the director of the Collab Lab: a hands-on, creative space for students and faculty to engage in collaborative work. Its goal is to support teams of innovators working together to conceive, create, develop and refine new ideas that leverage the unique talents inherent in the university community.

Jerry has a Ph.D. in Computer Science and a masters in Human-Computer Interactionfrom DePaul University, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Illinois.

For over 25 years, Brett Leonard has been at the forefront of the digital media revolution - whether it be as Director/ Writer of the groundbreaking cult-classic film Lawnmower Man, which introduced the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture - or being the first to pioneer modern stereoscopic techniques and photo-realistic CGI in his hit IMAX 3D film “T-Rex” - or introducing American audiences to Russell Crowe and many other talents both in front of and behind the camera - Brett’s work as a visionary Director/ Producer/ Futurist has always pushed the edge of innovation in the entertainment industry, and continues to do so with a project slate at his company Studio Lightship, focused on creation of VX (Virtual eXperience) executed in a hybrid approach with Film and Television. Studio Lightship is dedicated to defining a process and platform for truly interactive narrative VX StoryWorlds for the emerging era of Immersive Entertainment. 

Brett is currently finishing two feature film projects he has directed- “Hollywood Rooftop”, the first film to be shot in both 360VR and traditional cinema - and “Triumph”, starring Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard, star of the hit television series “Empire”, and RJ Mitte, star of the groundbreaking series “Breaking Bad”. Both films will be released in 2020. Brett is next slated to direct “Dark Star”, a SciFi thriller written and produced by Sean Stone, which will also be created in both traditional cinema and Virtual Reality.

For over 25 years, Brett Leonard has been at the forefront of the digital media revolution - whether it be as Director/ Writer of the groundbreaking cult-classic film Lawnmower Man, which introduced the concept of Virtual Reality to popular culture - or being the first to pioneer modern stereoscopic techniques and photo-realistic CGI in his hit IMAX 3D film “T-Rex” - or introducing American audiences to Russell Crowe and many other talents both in front of and behind the camera - Brett’s work as a visionary Director/ Producer/ Futurist has always pushed the edge of innovation in the entertainment industry, and continues to do so with a project slate at his company Studio Lightship, focused on creation of VX (Virtual eXperience) executed in a hybrid approach with Film and Television. Studio Lightship is dedicated to defining a process and platform for truly interactive narrative VX StoryWorlds for the emerging era of Immersive Entertainment. 

Brett is currently finishing two feature film projects he has directed- “Hollywood Rooftop”, the first film to be shot in both 360VR and traditional cinema - and “Triumph”, starring Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard, star of the hit television series “Empire”, and RJ Mitte, star of the groundbreaking series “Breaking Bad”. Both films will be released in 2020. Brett is next slated to direct “Dark Star”, a SciFi thriller written and produced by Sean Stone, which will also be created in both traditional cinema and Virtual Reality.

Crystal Phelps is the Momentum Coordinator for The Arts Commission. Momentum is a three day festival of music and art in downtown Toledo, Ohio, centered on our revitalizing waterfront. In its inaugural year Momentum brought over 17,000 attendees downtown while celebrating Toledo’s creative culture and supported over 100 local artists and musicians while engaging in dynamic programming that was interactive and accessible. Crystal is passionate about empowering our community through networking, collaboration, engagement, and innovative art experiences.

Crystal is an MFA graduate from Maine College of Art and has presented her performative work both nationally and abroad. Outside of the studio she actively trains at Birds Eye View Circus Space and volunteers with environmental and human rights organizations.

Nick Corbin is the creator and owner of Nick Corbin Productions, a multimedia company founded in 2010 that creates commercials, training materials, wedding films and music videos, as well as independent films written, directed and produced by Nick. He is a self-taught narrative and documentary filmmaker and musician and the creator of a documentary series, Reclaiming Spaces, about the revitalization of downtown Toledo, Ohio. He has also shot and edited nearly every Smashing Toledo video since 2014.

Nick has a bachelor’s and master's degree in English Literature, an associate degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in teaching composition.

Nick Corbin is the creator and owner of Nick Corbin Productions, a multimedia company founded in 2010 that creates commercials, training materials, wedding films and music videos, as well as independent films written, directed and produced by Nick. He is a self-taught narrative and documentary filmmaker and musician and the creator of a documentary series, Reclaiming Spaces, about the revitalization of downtown Toledo, Ohio. He has also shot and edited nearly every Smashing Toledo video since 2014.

Nick has a bachelor’s and master's degree in English Literature, an associate degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in teaching composition.

Great Lakes Tonics, home of Boochy Mama’s Probiotic Tonic, was formed in January of 2015 by Toledo native Stacy Jurich. Stacy learned how to brew kombucha while residing in a sustainable eco-village in Hawaii in 2010. Her intrigue in fermentation and understanding of the health benefits of kombucha lead her to continue brewing once back in Toledo. After a few more years, she was selling kombucha to friends of friends and decided a business was organically underway.

Her first project in Toledo was co-founding Toledo Choose Local with a group of business owners and community leaders. This non-profit was formed to promote locally owned independent businesses and to educate about the economic importance of choosing local.

Great Lakes Tonics, home of Boochy Mama’s Probiotic Tonic, was formed in January of 2015 by Toledo native Stacy Jurich. Stacy learned how to brew kombucha while residing in a sustainable eco-village in Hawaii in 2010. Her intrigue in fermentation and understanding of the health benefits of kombucha lead her to continue brewing once back in Toledo. After a few more years, she was selling kombucha to friends of friends and decided a business was organically underway.

Her first project in Toledo was co-founding Toledo Choose Local with a group of business owners and community leaders. This non-profit was formed to promote locally owned independent businesses and to educate about the economic importance of choosing local.

Toledo born, Amanda Held is a certified stress coach and certified equine specialist, who creates programs and custom workshops using a wide variety of new and unique personal development methods, based on real life experiences, to help people and teams overcome stress, embrace change and achieve success. A lifelong equestrian, Amanda is a veteran with 16 years combined service in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, who has personally overcome PTSD. She founded HOOVES with a vision to reach out to other veterans and share her healing experience. Since founding her non-profit HOOVES in 2009, she has helped over 250 veterans and their family members with healing from PTSD, grief and reintegration struggles. She has also rescued and rehabilitated over 100 horses, 10 of which were wild mustangs. Amanda currently resides in Grand Rapids, Ohio with her husband Justin, daughter Joelle and son Trenton.

HOOVES is driven by a single goal; to do their part in rescuing horses and enlisting them to help servicemen and women heal, regain control and return to the life they fought to protect. Their decision making process is informed by comprehensive empirical studies and high quality data evaluation. They strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of their pursuits.

John Dewees is the Supervisor of Digital Services at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. He works in the Local History Department and oversees digitization, archival work and more. He led an archival research session with the Midstory students in preparation for their individual projects and stories throughout the summer.

John Dewees is the Supervisor of Digital Services at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. He works in the Local History Department and oversees digitization, archival work and more. He led an archival research session with the Midstory students in preparation for their individual projects and stories throughout the summer.

Tedd Long is the CEO of Managed Care Advisory Group, a revenue recovery consulting firm. He has been a member of many local boards, and is very involved in Toledo’s history and culture. He is also a writer, photographer and local historian who has been studying Maumee valley history since 1988. He is the author of numerous articles and manuscripts, including histories of Toledo-area neighborhoods, industries, and places of worship. He most recently curated an award-winning history exhibit for the ProMedica Headquarters and designed the newly-opened Toledo History Museum located in the Valentine Building. Long hosts an annual regional tour for Leadership Toledo and serves as a step-on guide for Destination Toledo.

The son of an entrepreneur, Mike owned his first business plowing snow when he was in high school and started another company in college. Mike joined the family business, Hart Associates, in 1983. His father and business partner, Tom Hart, died in 1998.

Mike has a strong sense of community. He makes time to serve on the boards of The Trust Company of Toledo, the Catholic Community Foundation of Northwest Ohio, The Toledo Area Sanitary District, Imagination Station’s Science Society and Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. And, he is co-chair of Toledo’s Distinguished Clown Corps, which performs and raises funds to defer the cost of the city’s Downtown Holiday Parade.

He is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Multimedia, Marketing and Communications category for the Central Great Lakes Region. Mike also has served on the boards of the Press Club of Toledo, The University of Toledo’s Center for Family Business, the Toledo Area Small Business Association (TASBA) and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio plus many more.

Mike is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He and his wife, Kelly, are the parents of a son, Zachary, and a daughter, Shannon.

The son of an entrepreneur, Mike owned his first business plowing snow when he was in high school and started another company in college. Mike joined the family business, Hart Associates, in 1983. His father and business partner, Tom Hart, died in 1998.

Mike has a strong sense of community. He makes time to serve on the boards of The Trust Company of Toledo, the Catholic Community Foundation of Northwest Ohio, The Toledo Area Sanitary District, Imagination Station’s Science Society and Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. And, he is co-chair of Toledo’s Distinguished Clown Corps, which performs and raises funds to defer the cost of the city’s Downtown Holiday Parade.

He is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Multimedia, Marketing and Communications category for the Central Great Lakes Region. Mike also has served on the boards of the Press Club of Toledo, The University of Toledo’s Center for Family Business, the Toledo Area Small Business Association (TASBA) and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio plus many more.

Mike is a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He and his wife, Kelly, are the parents of a son, Zachary, and a daughter, Shannon.

Bob Howell began his career with SSOE in 1980. During his tenure, he worked his way up from a draftsman trainee through draftsman, designer, senior designer, and project manager. He was named an associate in 1990.

In 1993, Bob helped “kick start” the firm’s food sector. He was named a principal in 1999, ultimately taking the helm of all Industrial Process Operations in 2004. Under his leadership, the Industrial Operations group grew significantly–adding a number of Fortune 500 and international clients to the company’s roster. Bob moved into an International Operations position in late 2008 to support SSOE’s expansion globally, specifically in Asia, where he assisted in growing our Shanghai office into SSOE’s second largest office at the time and initiated our acquisition of NKS / d-Tech in India. In October 2009, Bob was named Chief Operating Officer, responsible for SSOE’s global operations.

In 2006, Bob was elected to SSOE’s Board of Directors and served as Chairman from December 2007 to December 2012. Due to term limits, Bob relinquished his Board seat in 2013 and became a non-voting Board Advisor. He was re-elected to the Board in December of 2013 and now serves in a permanent capacity during his tenure as CEO. Bob serves on a number of community boards and was recently honored by EY as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year award for Michigan and Northwest Ohio.

Betsy has nearly 20 years of experience marketing the architecture, engineering, and construction management industry. In her role, Betsy oversees a lean, focused, and energetic department of B2B marketers responsible for all marketing, communications, and public relations functions. She builds awareness of and shapes SSOE’s brand through various marketing communication channels and also oversees business planning, account management, and the proposal process. Betsy joined SSOE as a student intern in 2000. Graduating from the University of Toledo in 2001, she has served in various positions, rising through the ranks of the marketing department to become Director of Marketing in 2015.

Betsy has nearly 20 years of experience marketing the architecture, engineering, and construction management industry. In her role, Betsy oversees a lean, focused, and energetic department of B2B marketers responsible for all marketing, communications, and public relations functions. She builds awareness of and shapes SSOE’s brand through various marketing communication channels and also oversees business planning, account management, and the proposal process. Betsy joined SSOE as a student intern in 2000. Graduating from the University of Toledo in 2001, she has served in various positions, rising through the ranks of the marketing department to become Director of Marketing in 2015.

Michael Murray is a Toledoan born in 1944 and raised in the South Side. He has a background in advertising and marketing and always has an interesting story to share. He is also an artist, using cars as his canvas. He even pinstriped the oldest Ford known to exist and the 20 millionth Ford created. After owning a bench advertising company, he then got into real estate, where he has been extremely successful. He has spent 40 plus years as a Real Estate Agent/Broker and is also a licensed auctioneer. He also owned 2210 Robinwood Avenue, in the Old West End, which used to be the home of John North Willys, owner of the Overland Car Company (which we know today as Jeep). Murray was an active part of the Old West End, and was president of the Old West End Association in 1985.

Jim Witter is the program coordinator and naturalist at Wood County Parks. A Toledo native, he became interested in birds in 2nd grade and wrote in journal entry in 5th grade that stated that he wanted to be a naturalist. He graduated with a degree in biology from the College of Wooster and then completed internships and seasonal work in Pennsylvania and Ohio, with Toledo Metroparks and the Ohio Division of Wildlife before becoming a naturalist at Wood County Parks and moving to the coordinator in 2014.

Jim Witter is the program coordinator and naturalist at Wood County Parks. A Toledo native, he became interested in birds in 2nd grade and wrote in journal entry in 5th grade that stated that he wanted to be a naturalist. He graduated with a degree in biology from the College of Wooster and then completed internships and seasonal work in Pennsylvania and Ohio, with Toledo Metroparks and the Ohio Division of Wildlife before becoming a naturalist at Wood County Parks and moving to the coordinator in 2014.

A native Toledoan, John Burchfield fell in love with wild weather at a young age. The winter weather, severe storms, and temperature swings of northwest Ohio captivated his interest. As a young aspiring meteorologist, John tuned into WTOL for the latest information on the weather. In high school, John toured the WTOL studio and met some of his future co-workers. Inspired by his childhood role models, John built a green screen in his basement and uploaded local weather forecasts to YouTube. In high school, John attended a summer weather camp at Penn State University and constructed a tornado simulation chamber for a science research project. John's childhood experiences in meteorology culminated in four years at Cornell University studying Atmospheric Science. While in college, John served as a fill-in meteorologist for WENY in Elmira, New York and interned at his future workplace, WTOL. When John graduated, he earned his first professional on-air gig as a meteorologist for ABC21 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a neighboring city to Toledo. In June, he started working at his hometown station.

When John isn't sharing weather updates on-air and on social media, he enjoys pursuing his passion of running. Last October, John ran a 50 mile trail ultramarathon to raise money for his late Grandpa Burchfield, who passed away from Parkinson's Disease, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Coming off a stress reaction, John successfully recovered in time to run the Boston Marathon, raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. And this October, John will race the Indiana Trail 100, a 100 mile trail ultra at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Running is a hobby John shares with his family, including his mom, dad, and younger brother and sister. John's parents still live in Toledo. John hopes to use his platform for WTOL to keep people safe during inclement weather and inspire change in Toledo.

Keith Instone is a user experience consultant with 30 years of experience, specializing in helping organizations start, grow, and mature their user experience practice through apprenticeship, coaching, and mentoring. He got his start doing research at BGSU, then the web came along in the 90’s. He got into information architecture and then worked on one of the first web-based design systems at IBM. Lately, he has turned his focus on local issues, such as the role of technology design in the Toledo regional economic future.

Keith Instone is a user experience consultant with 30 years of experience, specializing in helping organizations start, grow, and mature their user experience practice through apprenticeship, coaching, and mentoring. He got his start doing research at BGSU, then the web came along in the 90’s. He got into information architecture and then worked on one of the first web-based design systems at IBM. Lately, he has turned his focus on local issues, such as the role of technology design in the Toledo regional economic future.

From the moment her feet hit the floor in the morning, Molly Thompson is constantly thinking about how to implement big ideas, challenge the status quo, and inspire others. Molly’s DNA is made up of equal parts entrepreneurship, strategy and service.

Molly’s particular brand of entrepreneurship is experiential. Her framework for success includes creating/following a defined process, focusing on what you do best and understanding what value you provide (and for whom), building relationships on quality interactions and taking action (#talkischeap)…and measuring the heck out of everything. She uses and teaches iterative systems thinking tools such as the business model canvas to help startups create and measure their progress.

Molly’s results include founding/co-founding seven companies; investments in three start-ups; and serving on numerous boards. She has raised nearly $3 million and successfully rebuilt previously struggling programs. She has mentored dozens of food, tech, and arts-related startups and created a curriculum for entrepreneurship in urban agriculture at a local college.

Currently, Molly is co-founder of Perrysburg Energy Solutions, a full-service LED lighting company she and her husband started in 2016. Her most successful “startup”? Avery and Jack, 16-year old twins, co-founded with her husband, Scott.

Trained as a historical archaeologist, Erin has worked in cultural resource management since receiving her MA in Anthropology from Western Michigan University in 2010. Toledo Revival started out as an Instagram account and was supposed to eventually become a blog to document the updating and decorating of the 1923 Tudor Revival that Erin and her husband purchased when they relocated to Toledo along with their little girl and cat in the spring of 2015. But before that blog ever launched, the meaning of Toledo Revival started to shift. Enamored with Toledo's incredible historical architecture, Erin began to look for ways to practice and advocate for historic preservation as a tool for redevelopment and revitalization in her adopted city. In January of 2017 with the purchase of the Hotel Royal property she launched Toledo Revival, not as house rehab and design blog, but as a real estate redevelopment and cultural resource management consulting company. In 2018 she co-founded a new non-profit dedicated to historic preservation education and advocacy, Preserve! Toledo.

Trained as a historical archaeologist, Erin has worked in cultural resource management since receiving her MA in Anthropology from Western Michigan University in 2010. Toledo Revival started out as an Instagram account and was supposed to eventually become a blog to document the updating and decorating of the 1923 Tudor Revival that Erin and her husband purchased when they relocated to Toledo along with their little girl and cat in the spring of 2015. But before that blog ever launched, the meaning of Toledo Revival started to shift. Enamored with Toledo's incredible historical architecture, Erin began to look for ways to practice and advocate for historic preservation as a tool for redevelopment and revitalization in her adopted city. In January of 2017 with the purchase of the Hotel Royal property she launched Toledo Revival, not as house rehab and design blog, but as a real estate redevelopment and cultural resource management consulting company. In 2018 she co-founded a new non-profit dedicated to historic preservation education and advocacy, Preserve! Toledo.

Dave Zenk is the executive director of Metroparks Toledo, where he has helped secure $40 million in grants, which has allowed Metroparks to grow and develop over 12,000 acres of land. He also oversaw the development of the agencies’ comprehensive plan, developed the “10 parks in 10 years” and “A park within 5 Miles” strategy, and manages park planning, construction, maintenance, land acquisition, and programming, and more.

Zenk holds a masters degree in public administration, specializing in organizational development, from BGSU and a bachelor of science from The Ohio State University. He also completed a one-year program focusing on leadership in Preston, England, and also is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association’s director school.

The Toledo Symphony’s Principal Second Violin, Merwin Siu also serves as the Artistic Administrator for the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts. Alongside his work at the TSO, Merwin enjoys creating festival experiences for Toledo audiences. With his counterpart at the Toledo Museum of Art, Scott Boberg, he has implemented annual music marathons, culminating in this year’s 4(19) Festival. Merwin has made numerous solo appearances with the TSO and regularly performs recitals and chamber music throughout the Midwest.

An enthusiastic teacher, Merwin works with students at the University of Toledo, the Toledo Symphony School of Music, and his private studio. A regular participant on Toledo SymphonyLab, the TSO’s weekly podcast, he also hosts the TSO’s pre-concert conversations.

Merwin holds a Masters in Music from Indiana University and degrees from McGill University. He lives in Ottawa Hills with his wife, Kimberly, and their sons Kai and Matthias.

The Toledo Symphony’s Principal Second Violin, Merwin Siu also serves as the Artistic Administrator for the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts. Alongside his work at the TSO, Merwin enjoys creating festival experiences for Toledo audiences. With his counterpart at the Toledo Museum of Art, Scott Boberg, he has implemented annual music marathons, culminating in this year’s 4(19) Festival. Merwin has made numerous solo appearances with the TSO and regularly performs recitals and chamber music throughout the Midwest.

An enthusiastic teacher, Merwin works with students at the University of Toledo, the Toledo Symphony School of Music, and his private studio. A regular participant on Toledo SymphonyLab, the TSO’s weekly podcast, he also hosts the TSO’s pre-concert conversations.

Merwin holds a Masters in Music from Indiana University and degrees from McGill University. He lives in Ottawa Hills with his wife, Kimberly, and their sons Kai and Matthias.

Scott Boberg is the manager of Programs and Audience Engagement at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Vincent Rocha is the owner and director of VCREATIVE, a local marketing and advertising firm. He has worked with clients such as the University of Toledo, the Toledo Police Department, Mercy Health and more.

Vincent Rocha is the owner and director of VCREATIVE, a local marketing and advertising firm. He has worked with clients such as the University of Toledo, the Toledo Police Department, Mercy Health and more.

For 20 years, Chrys Peterson was the face of WTOL news, anchoring the 5, 6 & 11 PM newscasts. She was inducted into the Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2014, and has earned six Emmy Awards and four coveted Edward R. Murrow awards for her storytelling.

In 2014, Chrys retired from television news and started a leadership and communication consulting business. She has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is proud to use 32 years of TV News and community leadership experience to help ProMedica Health System and other local companies and nonprofits.

Chrys is active in the community, serving on the Lourdes University Board of Trustees and the Toledo Police Foundation board, is president of the Press Club of Toledo, and has served as Honorary Chair for the NW Ohio Komen Race for the Cure for 25 years. She has also been involved with the 20 Under 40 Leadership Awards for 23 years.

Adam Cassi is the Executive Director of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful (KT/LCB). In this role he partners with the City of Toledo, the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District, and other area organizations to provide adult and youth education programs focusing on proper recycling, litter preventions, and environmental stewardship. Additionally, KT/LCB assists with litter cleanups, administers an adopt a street/road program, and assists with large event trash and recycling logistics.

Adam has his degree in Restoration Ecology from Defiance College, spent a semester studying in Queensland Australia, and interned with the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming. He has held numerous positions at outdoor education centers, was the Director of Events and Facilities at a local college, and has worked for the Toledo Zoo.

Adam’s career has allowed him the opportunity to facilitate teambuilding and leadership programming for high school and college/university teams, as well as grassroots startups, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies.

Adam Cassi is the Executive Director of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful (KT/LCB). In this role he partners with the City of Toledo, the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District, and other area organizations to provide adult and youth education programs focusing on proper recycling, litter preventions, and environmental stewardship. Additionally, KT/LCB assists with litter cleanups, administers an adopt a street/road program, and assists with large event trash and recycling logistics.

Adam has his degree in Restoration Ecology from Defiance College, spent a semester studying in Queensland Australia, and interned with the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming. He has held numerous positions at outdoor education centers, was the Director of Events and Facilities at a local college, and has worked for the Toledo Zoo.

Adam’s career has allowed him the opportunity to facilitate teambuilding and leadership programming for high school and college/university teams, as well as grassroots startups, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies.

Jerry Schnepp is a technologist, designer and creative problem-solver. He is an Associate Professor of Visual Communication Technology in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering at Bowling Green State University. He teaches courses in Interactive Media, User Experience and Digital Photography. In addition to teaching, he researches in the areas of accommodations for the Deaf and technological pedagogy. He is also the director of the Collab Lab: a hands-on, creative space for students and faculty to engage in collaborative work. Its goal is to support teams of innovators working together to conceive, create, develop and refine new ideas that leverage the unique talents inherent in the university community.

Jerry has a Ph.D. in Computer Science and a masters in Human-Computer Interactionfrom DePaul University, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Illinois.

Anna Toney, a Toledo Native, is the current executive director at Leadership Toledo. Moving back to the area in 2011, Anna was a participant in the Leadership Toledo class where she discovered her passion for the nonprofit world, the NW Ohio region and celebrating all that it has to offer. In 2012, she was hired as the program coordinator for the organization; eventually becoming the program director for Youth Leadership Toledo. At that time, she also began her master’s in organizational leadership at Lourdes University, graduating in 2014. After five years with LT, Anna was hired as only the third executive director in the organization’s 38 year history. Since taking on that role, Anna is taking action to keep the vision of cultivating a community of leaders, both youth and adults, in the Toledo Region. Anna lives in Toledo with her husband and two daughters Emma and Maxine ages 3 and 2.

Anna Toney, a Toledo Native, is the current executive director at Leadership Toledo. Moving back to the area in 2011, Anna was a participant in the Leadership Toledo class where she discovered her passion for the nonprofit world, the NW Ohio region and celebrating all that it has to offer. In 2012, she was hired as the program coordinator for the organization; eventually becoming the program director for Youth Leadership Toledo. At that time, she also began her master’s in organizational leadership at Lourdes University, graduating in 2014. After five years with LT, Anna was hired as only the third executive director in the organization’s 38 year history. Since taking on that role, Anna is taking action to keep the vision of cultivating a community of leaders, both youth and adults, in the Toledo Region. Anna lives in Toledo with her husband and two daughters Emma and Maxine ages 3 and 2.

Philipp Levering is a proud lifelong Toledoan. He is a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School and the University of Toledo with an undergraduate degree in Communication & Broadcast Journalism. Phil began his career as a broadcasting contractor with various outlets, having stories aired locally and nationally, including on ABC Sports and ESPN 2. He is also an “Emmy” Award winner with a co-producer for their work in production and journalism with the University of Toledo in 2010. Phil moved into education with St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy, serving as a teacher, campus minister, administrator, and head rowing coach for the nationally ranked Titans from 2011-2018. He is “new” to the Leadership Toledo team, having celebrated one year with the company. Phil is empowered by the work to empower and elevate young leaders in our community through LT’s various community-minded programs.

Tiffany Richmond holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from Bowling Green State University. She received her M.A. degree in Literature, Certificate in the Teaching of Writing and B.A. degree in English Literature from The University of Toledo, in 2012 and 2009 respectively. Her research areas include nineteenth century missionary women's rhetoric and appropriation of rhetorical space in Victorian literature. She is deeply interested in the revitalization efforts for the Toledo region and a proud supporter of community initiatives that offer local, holistic approaches to rebuilding this portion of the Rustbelt.

Tiffany Richmond holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from Bowling Green State University. She received her M.A. degree in Literature, Certificate in the Teaching of Writing and B.A. degree in English Literature from The University of Toledo, in 2012 and 2009 respectively. Her research areas include nineteenth century missionary women's rhetoric and appropriation of rhetorical space in Victorian literature. She is deeply interested in the revitalization efforts for the Toledo region and a proud supporter of community initiatives that offer local, holistic approaches to rebuilding this portion of the Rustbelt.

A father of three crazy kids, Jake thrives in high pressure positions supervising the activities of creatives. As the writing half of Sparr Games, Jake has been responsible for creating their games before they reach the design stage. His favorite game that he hasn’t helped create is Secret Hitler by the creators of Cards Against Humanity. After graduating from conservatory in New York City, and healing from heart surgeries in Louisville, Kentucky, Jake moved his family back to his hometown of Toledo Ohio where he and his wife raise their children in a life full of collaboration, innovation and playfulness.

I am a native Toledoan who at the age of 18 landed at Malone University with a soccer and track scholarship and a pursuit in nursing. I made trips to Kenya, Africa and had it set in stone to live the rest of my life there. Sometimes life has different plans and I somehow ended up back in the place I tried to flee from: Toledo, Ohio. I earned multiple degrees from the University of Toledo, with the last being a post-masters degree in advanced nursing. I have worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner in both the hospital and outpatient settings. My passion is in preventative care which led me to obtain a certificate from e-Cornell’s Plant Based Nutrition Program. I have a love for my beloved city, Toledo, my true home, and as a part of Midstory, I truly look forward to working with all the interns each summer!

I am a native Toledoan who at the age of 18 landed at Malone University with a soccer and track scholarship and a pursuit in nursing. I made trips to Kenya, Africa and had it set in stone to live the rest of my life there. Sometimes life has different plans and I somehow ended up back in the place I tried to flee from: Toledo, Ohio. I earned multiple degrees from the University of Toledo, with the last being a post-masters degree in advanced nursing. I have worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner in both the hospital and outpatient settings. My passion is in preventative care which led me to obtain a certificate from e-Cornell’s Plant Based Nutrition Program. I have a love for my beloved city, Toledo, my true home, and as a part of Midstory, I truly look forward to working with all the interns each summer!

Crystal Phelps is the Momentum Coordinator for The Arts Commission. Momentum is a three day festival of music and art in downtown Toledo, Ohio, centered on our revitalizing waterfront. In its inaugural year Momentum brought over 17,000 attendees downtown while celebrating Toledo’s creative culture and supported over 100 local artists and musicians while engaging in dynamic programming that was interactive and accessible. Crystal is passionate about empowering our community through networking, collaboration, engagement, and innovative art experiences.

Crystal is an MFA graduate from Maine College of Art and has presented her performative work both nationally and abroad. Outside of the studio she actively trains at Birds Eye View Circus Space and volunteers with environmental and human rights organizations.

Nick Corbin is the creator and owner of Nick Corbin Productions, a multimedia company founded in 2010 that creates commercials, training materials, wedding films and music videos, as well as independent films written, directed and produced by Nick. He is a self-taught narrative and documentary filmmaker and musician and the creator of a documentary series, Reclaiming Spaces, about the revitalization of downtown Toledo, Ohio. He has also shot and edited nearly every Smashing Toledo video since 2014.

Nick has a bachelor’s and master's degree in English Literature, an associate degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in teaching composition.

Nick Corbin is the creator and owner of Nick Corbin Productions, a multimedia company founded in 2010 that creates commercials, training materials, wedding films and music videos, as well as independent films written, directed and produced by Nick. He is a self-taught narrative and documentary filmmaker and musician and the creator of a documentary series, Reclaiming Spaces, about the revitalization of downtown Toledo, Ohio. He has also shot and edited nearly every Smashing Toledo video since 2014.

Nick has a bachelor’s and master's degree in English Literature, an associate degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in teaching composition.

Radio Content Producer and On-Air Host Haley Taylor is a graduate of Spring Arbor University in Michigan, where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in Music (piano/voice). While at Spring Arbor, she created and administered a popular podcasting series; produced a radio news feature that won first place in the Michigan Association of Broadcasters College Awards, and was editor-in-chief of the college newspaper. Haley currently works at WGTE Public Media; coming to the station first as an intern, creating a 13 episode radio series that chronicled her life as a struggling, unemployed recent college grad, and now working full-time hosting 3 different classical music programs and producing the arts and culture radio series, The Rough Draft Diaries. Haley also hosts Morning Edition during the summer months and occasionally works in TV.