In 1986, President Ronald Reagan visited Spokane and stayed at the Sheraton Hotel. As residential manager of the hotel Harry Sladich not only got to meet the President but had a rare behind the scenes look at the presidential security machine. That started a remarkable business and marketing career for one of the most charismatic leaders Spokane has ever known. Harry led the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau for five years, was executive vice president of sales and marketing at Red Lion Hotels and currently founder and CEO of Go Joe Patrol, a franchise security company. He is one of the most charismatic leaders in the Spokane region and he has done all of it with a high school education. He’s also our guest on Episode 44 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
When you’ve had as successful a career in business and finance as Tom Stevenson, what do you do for an encore when you retire? Help feed kids of course! After 30 years in public accounting at Moss Adams including over 20 years spent as its managing partner overseeing 27 offices up and down the West Coast, Tom took on the role of Volunteer President for At the Core, a nonprofit that collaborates with Second Harvest to feed over 11,000 elementary and high school students in Eastern Washington who don’t have enough food on the weekends. Find out about Tom’s insatiable love for Spokane and how he quietly makes huge impacts across his hometown on Episode 43 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
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How do you get a meeting with Mother Teresa? Rob McCann, CEO of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, had the incredible honor of meeting and working with Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, as a young twenty something member of Catholic Relief Services Worldwide. Hear about his incredible encounter on Episode 41 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
Holistic medicine and naturopathy are on the rise in America. What are they and why are so many people choosing an alternative path to healing? Let’s ask someone who sees it everyday. Dr. Desiree Stahl was born and raised in Germany, the birthplace of Naturopathic Medicine, so it’s no surprise she wanted to study holistic medicine. She graduated with high honors from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2013. Dr. Stahl now practices at Cedar Natural Healthcare in Spokane, a clinic focused on natural and holistic approaches to medicine. Join Frank and Dr. Stahl as they discuss everything from coffee enimas to the fall of the Berlin Wall on episode 38 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
What is the process for creating quality liquor? Who better to ask than Don Poffenroth, CEO of Dry Fly Distilling. Don, a Whitworth University graduate and avid fisherman, has been the CEO at Dry Fly for over 18 years. He specializes in vodka, gin, whiskey, and canned cocktails made with self produced spirits and natural ingredients. Once he retires, he hopes to drive pre 1910 cars across the country while taking time to stop and fish. Join Frank and Don for this invigorating conversation on Episode 38 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
The hardest job in the world is being your own boss. Debbie Hesier is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, while also pursuing their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. After rising through the ranks of corporate America for companies like Sprint and Citi, Debbie now helps business owners take meaningful steps to perform at a high level and live happy lives at the same time. Join Frank and Debbie for this transformative conversation about leadership on episode 37 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
.Will the Zags qualify for the NCAA tournament for a 25th consecutive year? Will the Zags join the Big 12? Will the GU women’s team make it back to the Elite 8… or further? Are Name, Image and Likeness and the transfer portal hurting or helping college basketball? Who better to ask than the head honcho himself, Chris Standiford, Gonzaga University’s Director of Athletics, on episode 36 of the Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
Some stories are so inspiring, it’s hard to believe they’re true. Five years ago, Jerrica Ford’s life was in turmoil. A formerly unhoused heroin addict, recently removed from her children and husband, she had few options to turn her life around. Today, thanks to the programs of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, Jerrica is clean, living with her husband and children in a new home, and ironically managing one of Catholic Charities downtown affordable housing Havens, where she helps people navigate homelessness and addiction. Watch and listen to Jerrica’s courageous story on Episode 35 of the Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.
What’s it like to pitch in the major leagues? And what do you do next when all your dreams havealready come true? Boston Red Sox pitcher Wyatt Mills shares his inspiring story on the 34thepisode of the MIP Podcast. Drafted 93rd overall in the 2017 MLB draft, this former GonzagaPrep Bullpup, Zag, and Seattle Mariner talks about the incredible growth he’s experienced frommeeting Ichiro to pitching at Yankee Stadium and overcoming Tommy John surgery. Watch andlisten now. Spring training is closer than you think! Stay interesting!
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Ellen Travolta, an accomplished Broadway and television star, sat down with Frank this week to share her story. Ellen reflects upon her time in show business, her role models, her path to stardom, and her family life. Additionally, Ellen discusses moving to Coeur d’Alene and participating in the summer theater. This year, she will be returning to General Hospital 30 years after her initial role and has two hallmark movies coming out. Tune in to the full episode to hear the rest of Ellen’s riveting story about show business, life, and love.
What’s it like to grow up black in Spokane, as the son of a legendary Baptist Minister? James Walkins shares his amazing story on this episode of the MIP Podcast. Currently the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, James talks about stepping into his father, Happy Watkins’ shoes and also shares with Frank his remarkable 30+ year career from correctional officer to program manager at Airway Heights Correction Center. James shares his unique insight into the world of the incarcerated population in America and his ideas on how to improve it. Be inspired by this incredible man who has dedicated his life to service in his family, church, and community. Make sure to like and subscribe.