Never Say Never: How Thom Mariner's Winding Career Journey Led to Nonprofit Publishing Success

Get in Touch with Dan by Texting NowReconnecting after 35 years, Dan sits down with Thom Mariner for a fascinating conversation about musical journeys, unexpected career paths, and finding success in Cincinnati's nonprofit publishing world.Thom opens up about his "confused and twisted life" that began with opera training and has taken him through retail management, B2B sales, music direction, marketing research, and finally to his current role in publishing. With disarming honesty, he shares how a pivotal conversation with his father before ninth grade – "You're not going to be a football star, we think you should be something in music" – set him on his musical path.The conversation weaves through nostalgic memories of first cars (a Ford Pinto station wagon and later a beloved Saab 900), epic road trips across the Rockies, and the challenges of balancing musical ambitions with practical realities. Thom explains why he and his first wife, both trained singers, chose to pursue "real jobs" while maintaining professional singing opportunities on the side, a decision that has preserved his voice well into his seventies.At the heart of the episode is Thom’s journey with Movers & Makers magazine, approaching its 30th anniversary as the public voice for Greater Cincinnati nonprofit organizations. What began as a for-profit publication has evolved into a nonprofit platform integrating print, digital, social media, and email newsletters to support causes ranging from animal welfare to social justice, arts, healthcare, and education.Thom’s life philosophy – "Never say never. Absolutes get you in trouble" – serves as powerful advice for listeners of any age. His biggest regret? Not taking certain chances when they presented themselves. "The worst somebody's gonna do is tell you no," he advises, encouraging everyone to "put yourself out there and be brave."Ready for a road trip with fascinating conversation? Subscribe to Dan the Road Trip Guy for more inspiring stories of passion, resilience and the pursuit of happiness from everyday travelers to thrill seekers and everyone in between.Be sure to visit the website for Movers & Makers, https://moversmakers.org/.