How to Raise the Bar

What’s it like to take an unpopular stand for something you know is important? What’s it like to make public service a pillar of your life? What’s important in making a good life for your family? Join us for a chat with the First Family...of Cottonwood, AZ as we learn about leadership, service, entrepreneurship, adventure, and more. Tim and Ruth Ellen Elinski are right in the thick of it. Tim is the current and recently re-elected mayor of cottonwood, and his wife, Ruth Ellen, a long-time non-profit leader and entrepreneur, is a Business Analyst for the Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College. Together they are working to build the economic and community strength of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley, while raising two daughters and launching their own small business. We get into what it was like for Tim, as mayor, and for the Elinskis as a family, to face protesters in front of their house after Tim’s controversial mayoral proclamation. We go exploring with them to the wilds of Miami, Arizona and the birth of their most recent business venture. And we find out what it means to them to serve and support their community - the whole community, even the people who boldly disagree. Link to more information in the show notes: www.rocketfeather.com/pod