Joe Groh: Founder, Executive Director of the Joseph S Groh Foundation
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
Release Date: 01/29/2021
Laura Johnson, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
In this episode, Dave welcomes Laura Johnson, Executive Director of the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center in Lucas, TX. With her unique background in animal behavior, business, and conservation, Laura walks us through the vital work her organization does rehabilitating injured raptors—birds of prey like hawks, owls, and eagles—while also shedding light on the efforts to protect the endangered Blackland Prairie ecosystem right in our backyard. From the surprising costs of bird rehabilitation to the essential role raptors play in keeping our communities healthy, Laura shares how passionate...
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Carrie Campbell, Mane Mentors
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
"Super" Dave welcomes Carrie Campbell, founder of Mane Mentors, to share her story about transitioning from a corporate insurance career in Los Angeles to starting a purpose-driven equine mentorship program in Fairview, Texas. Carrie Campbell explains how the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a major life change for her and her husband, leading them to relocate to North Texas, embrace small-town living, and follow her lifelong passion for horses. Now serving the adult disability community, Carrie Campbell blends horsemanship, holistic biomechanics, and mindset practices to help neurodiverse...
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Meg Latham, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
"Super" Dave welcomes Meg Latham, Director of Stewardship at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Meg shares what it was like growing up on the sanctuary after her father, Dr. Harold Laughlin, became the museum’s first director, hired by founder Miss Bessie Heard, who created the preserve to protect a piece of Collin County and educate children as development spread. They discuss the Heard’s mission, 289-acre sanctuary, trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, and popular features like the animatronic dinosaur trail. Meg explains stewardship work, including community...
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Paula Phillips - Calibrating Lyfe
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
"Super" Dave sits down with Paula Phillips, a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Calibrating Lyfe in Fairview, Texas. Paula shares her extensive experience of over 20 years in the field, highlighting her passion for proactive, holistic approaches to health and quality of life. She discusses how her medical background shaped her understanding that too many individuals and families only react to health crises rather than taking meaningful prevention steps. This realization led her to create Calibrating Lyfe, where she works both with individuals and organizations to help them...
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Jonathan Price, theMagazine
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
Dave welcomes Jonathan Price, owner of theMagazine, a local bi-monthly magazine that focuses on celebrating life in Fairview and Lucas, Texas. Jonathan shares his passion for community-building through print media, explaining why he believes print still matters in a digital world. He talks about the magazine’s role as a modern-day “front porch,” helping residents connect on a deeper level with their neighbors, local businesses, and the various stories that make their community unique. Throughout the conversation, Dave and Jonathan discuss topics like the importance of fostering genuine...
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Gay Ann Kiser, Athor
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
In this episode, Dave sits down with author and retired teacher Gay Ann Kiser to explore her journey from growing up in the foster care system to becoming a prolific writer in Fairview, Texas. Gay shares candid insights about her childhood struggles, the therapeutic role that writing has played in her life, and how authenticity infuses her memoirs, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about using her own life experiences—including family challenges and foster care—to create flawed, relatable characters and to help readers and aspiring writers feel...
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Cibby Bowden, NTTPA-Fairview Youth
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
Dave welcomes Cibby Bowden, the director and managing director of North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) in Fairview, to discuss her extensive experience in theater education and the impact of the arts on young performers. They discuss how theater participation helps children build confidence, find community, and develop valuable life skills that transcend the stage. Cibby shares personal anecdotes from her early days on stage, her passion for starting and sustaining youth theater programs, and the pivotal role of organizations like NTPA in enriching local culture. The conversation also highlights...
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Tyler Shin, Ghost Kitchen
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
In this episode, Dave welcomes Tyler Shin, the founder of Revolving Kitchen, a ghost kitchen facility located in Fairview, Texas. They discuss Tyler's journey from growing up in the restaurant business and watching his mom work her weekends away in the kitchen. Vowing to forge a different path for himself, Tyler went the Finance route, but eventually, he found his way back to the restaurant world. His experience led him to create a space that offers an affordable solution for budding food businesses, providing them with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities. The Revolving Kitchen not only...
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Carey Zarate, Artistic Endeavors
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
Welcome to another episode of Getting Neighborly, where Dave welcomes Carey Zarate, who shares her journey from part time artist, to full-time entrepreneur. Carey shares her journey from transforming a part-time passion into a full-blown creative business, especially after a pivotal moment during the pandemic. She now runs Artistic Endeavors, a vibrant storefront in Fairview Town Center, where creativity knows no bounds. From printing on anything imaginable to collaborating with local artists and big brands like the Ritz Carlton, Carey's journey is a testament to the magic of creativity and...
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Linda Munson
Getting Neighborly -- Town of Fairview
Dave welcomes Linda Munson, the owner of Housewarmers of Allen. Linda shares her journey from being a computer programmer to owning a business that connects newcomers in the Allen, Fairview, Parker, and Lucas areas with local businesses and community resources. She highlights the importance of fostering a sense of community for new residents and provides detailed insights into how Housewarmers of Allen offers valuable information and trusted referrals to help residents acclimate and thrive. Linda also talks about how their welcoming service bridges gaps in the community, such as helping a...
info_outlineJoe Groh began his career working for contractors, installing residential HVAC equipment before joining Lennox Industries Inc. Joe was an outside sales representative and dealer business consultant, working with contractors in Chicago and downstate Illinois. He graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and held a Bachelor of Science Degree in marketing.
Joe held marketing and sales management positions with Lennox in the Columbus, Ohio division office, and the Richardson, Texas corporate office. He then served as District Manager for North and South Carolina in Charlotte before relocating to Chicago as District Manager for Illinois and Indiana. After 21 years with Lennox, Joe became Director Of Marketing for Excelsior, a sheet metal manufacturer and HVAC distributor based in Chicago. Following that, Joe moved back to the Dallas area as Director Of Product Development for Titus, an industry-leading manufacturer of air management products. Joe then joined PCI Industries in Fort Worth as Vice President Of Sales And Marketing. PCI is a leading manufacturer in the air and sound control industry. Joe received the Dealer Business Consultant of the Year award from Lennox Industries in 1988, the Service Leader Award from Service Roundtable in 2015, and a Humanitarian Award from the Franciscan Alumni Association in 2018.
On June 15, 2008, Joe was severely injured in a bicycle accident, resulting in a C3/C4 complete spinal cord injury. (ASIA-A) In 2009, along with family members and close friends, Joe started the Joseph S Groh Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to:
- Provide extensive information to those with disabilities & their caregivers.
- Provide financial assistance for those connected to the contracting industry who are living with life-altering disabilities.
- Advocate for pathways to affordable short/long-term disability insurance for employees of small businesses in the contracting industry.
The foundation has provided more than $700,000 in grants to 71 individuals in 30 states. If you are interested in contributing to the foundation and helping Joe continue his mission, please visit https://www.josephgrohfoundation.org/.
Joe is a published author penning two books. Check out "From Two Wheels to Four," which chronicles one family's story about learning to prevail in times of extreme difficulty, vowing never to look back, never give up and remain positive. This book talks about overcoming obstacles as a function of your life experiences, your support network, and your faith based on real-life events.
His second book, Stepping Up, is a collection of witty, poignant, and inspirational stories of a physically challenged life. This book chronicles incredible, informational, and just plain funny experiences from the lives of disabled authors. Whether comical, infuriating, or just plain incredulous, these stories are based in reality and offer a compelling window into lives of determination, perseverance, and hope.
You can also email the foundation at hope@josephgrohfoundation.org or call them directly at 214-998-9749.