Real World Leaders

Young adults from Hopeworks and the OIC Philly Culinary Arts interview Scott Rankin, President of Vulcan Spring, and Larry Stuardi, President of MRA group, and discuss working on the little things, adversity vs. inner drive, and staying grounded

What's the key to turning people skills into success? Franklin Learning Center and Hopeworks students interview Crystal MacNeill, President & CEO of Acentus Practice Management, and David DeLizza, Chairman of the Board of Pennoni, and discuss customer service, lifelong learning, and balancing creativity with hard work.

What does it take to lead when the pressure is on? Hopeworks and North10 Philadelphia students interview Kevin O'Donnell, President of O'Donnell Roofing, and Angela Rubino Hines, President & Co-Principal of Bovio Rubino Service, and discuss leadership through responsibility, staying level headed under pressure, and building strong relationships with the people around you.

 How do you grow into a leader without losing who you are? Hopeworks and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview Jason Scholl, President of LK Miller, and Jill Gearin, Director of Communications for the Charleston Dirty Birds, and explore how authenticity, discipline, and communication can help people find their voice and lead by example.

How do you make quick decisions while still taking the time to really listen? Franklin Learning Center High School and North10 Philadelphia students interview Joe Hand Jr., President of Joe Hand Promotions, and Jeff Kenton, Vice President & General Manager of Solenis, and explore how testing ideas, paying attention to people, and thinking beyond the obvious shape real-world decision making.

How do strong leaders build relationships that last? Hopeworks and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, and Jeff Mack, Executive Managing Director of NEWMARK, and explore how communication, empathy, and personal growth shape strong teams and create meaningful career paths.

What does it take to build a successful business and lead with purpose? Franklin Learning Center High School and North10 Philadelphia students interview Todd Sager, President & CEO of AWE Tuning, and Michael Slupecki, CEO of Griswold Home Care, and explore how problem solving, communication, and investing in people can shape strong teams and create meaningful career paths.

What's the most important thing to learn for success? DC International and Franklin Towne Charter HS students interview Guido Gallicchio, President of Thayer Distribution, and Adam Pardes, President of Neuroflow and discuss mental health, optimizing a smaller team, and building from nothing.

What's the key to leading a collaborative team? Franklin Towne Charter HS students and young professionals from Hopeworks interview Tim Andrews, Former President & CEO of Advertising Specialty Institute and Evan Loh, CEO of Paratek and discuss small town life, creativity, and playing the cards life deals. 

What's the hardest decision in business? Young adults from Hopeworks and high school students from KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy interview Jane Hollingsworth, Co-Founder of Militia Hill Ventures, and Todd Schumacher, CEO of Vici Media and discuss self-doubt and being proud of taking a chance, having a strong work ethic, and iron sharpening iron

What's the foundation of a good employee? DC International School and Franklin Charter Towne High School students interview Jeff Reimel, President of Reimel Machine, and Marc Albero, Vice President and General Manager of PAC Strapping and discuss habits and hobbies for success, growing a company, and quitting jobs. 

What's the upside of tragedy? Franklin Towne Charter High School and North10 Philadelphia students interview Jeff Mack, Executive Managing Director of Newmark, and Gregory Reaves, CEO of Mosaic Development Partners and discuss creating camaraderie, staying even keeled, and restarting from scratch. 

What's the key to creating a quality team? Franklin Towne Charter High School and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview William Stockwell, Chairman of the Board and Former CEO of Stockwell Elastomerics and Marty Wolner, Former CEO of Wolner Financial, and discuss habits for success, keeping your team motivated, and leaving a great legacy.

What do you absolutely need to build a business? Franklin Towne Charter High School and North10 PHL students interview Jake Leone, President & CEO of Corporate Interiors and Ron Scheese, President and CEO of F.M. Brown's, and discuss empathy vs. sympathy, looking beyond challenges to see potential, and creating unique spaces. 

Why does nobody ever wash a rental car? Norristown Area and Wilmington Freire Charter High School students interview Denise Napier, CEO of VitalGain Healthcare Consulting, and Mark Wilkin, President of Andesa Services, and discuss women in healthcare leadership roles, AI, and knowing when to get out of the way. 

What is life's compass? TECH-Freire Charter and Upper Perkiomen High School students interview Kimura Anderson, President of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) Ch. 145, and Rich Trotter, Owner & President of Rosati Ice, and discuss dumb questions, being a well-rounded person, and doing the right thing.

What do you do when you don't know what to do? Belmont Charter and Franklin Towne Charter High School students interview Todd Schumacher, CEO of Vici Media, and Joe Arcangelo, Founding Partner of Inception Group, and discuss what really helps when starting a business, being a die-hard procrastinator, and a student of the world. 

What's the most important form of leadership? Freire Charter High School and DC International School students interview Larry Blue, Retired CEO of Bell & Howell, and John Starling, CEO of Pietential, and discuss volunteering for the hard jobs, accountability, and being athletic, creative, or both.

 Which important conversation are you possibly avoiding? Tacony Academy Charter School and Moore High School students interview Ken Won, Principal Owner of Navpac Advisors, LLC, and Cathy Lockyer Moulton, President of Thomas Wynn Apartments, and discuss how to make a safe environment, making life more interesting, and translating skills from home to work life.

How can life be great if you have no plan? Legends Charter School and Community Academy of Philadelphia students interview Casey Benefield, First Officer at Southwest Airlines and USMC Vet, and Rich Trotter, Owner and President of Rosati Ice, and discuss starting early and sticking with it, the key to a great team, and how to turn ambition into success.

Why not call your company a family? Academies at Roxborough High School and Imhotep Charter Institute students interview Robert Ferrilli, Owner & President of Ferrilli, and Paul Tramo, President & CEO of Sentinel Process Systems, Inc., and discuss failing fast, causing trouble, and putting your nose to the grindstone. 

What if everything they tell you is a lie? New Hope-Solebury High School and Moore High School students interview Brad Calder, Executive Director of TIFF, and Bree McQuillan, CEO of PDC Machines, and discuss not selling too early, balancing a heavy workload, and being a natural born leader.  

Who is eligible for greatness? Tacony Academy High School students interview Jason Scholl, President of LK Miller Commerial Construction, and Mary Marcus, CEO of NewAge Industries, and discuss how to succeed anywhere, emotional intelligence, and running your own race.

What's the #1 trait that a CEO needs? Community Academy of Philadelphia and DC International High School students interview Chris HeffernanCEO of Dilvrd, and Dave DeLizza, President & CEO of Pennoni, and discuss bonding over badminton, delegating and disappearing, and being lifelong learners.

What simple thing can eliminate conflict? Norristown Area High School and New Hope-Solebury High School students interview Dilo WijesuriyaPresident & COO of ARC Document Solutions, and Jeff Kenton VP & General Manager of Solenis, and discuss the DNA of company culture, breaking barriers, and centering yourself.

How far does inspiration take you? Moore High School and Belmont Charter High School students interview Jon Etter, President of B&G Manufacturing, and Jake Leone, CEO of Corporate Interiors, and discuss opening doors, slamming doors, remembering to celebrate, and having empathy.

 When is a B+ better than an A? Real World Leaders Institute externs interview Jim Ashton, General Partner of Newspring Capital, and Scott Rankin, CEO of Vulcan Spring, and discuss how to succeed with A.I., taking the limits off, and the most important things in life.

 When should you take dirty, hairy things off a plate? Real World Leaders Institute externs interview Eric Logan, CEO of Jacob Stern & Sons, and also go into deeper detail about their own dreams and aspirations. Listen as we discuss faith and fitness, everybody's isms, and the love of art.

When is looking like a fool okay? Real World Leaders Institute externs interview Sam Thevanayagam, President & CEO of Parts Life, Inc.DeVal Lifecycle Support, and LC Engineers, Inc., and Marc Albero, General Manager of PAC Strapping, and discuss prep school guys gone wild, being a good steward, and reserved parking spaces.

In this episode our first guest CEO dives deep into two critical pillars of lasting success: relationships and responsibility. First, we explore the undeniable power of networking—how talking to your peers, building connections, and surrounding yourself with the right people can open doors you never imagined. In business, it truly is about who you know. Then, we shift to leadership—the kind that takes full ownership. When a team fails, it's the leader's responsibility. When a team wins, the praise belongs to everyone else. We’ll also unpack the mindset behind success: the perseverance to keep going when you hear “no,” and the importance of visualizing your version of success to stay motivated. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up, this episode will challenge you to build authentic connections, lead with integrity, and define success on your own terms.

What does it take to just keep showing up? Real World Leaders Institute externs interview Joe Hand Jr.,President of Joe Hand Promotions, and Chris DiPaolo, President and CEO of Protecs, and discuss keeping an open mind, the two most valuable skills you can develop, and using your heart.

What's that about a solo act? Real World Leaders Institute externs and DC International School students interview Bill Edmonds, CEO of B&G Manufacturing, and Brett Levin, President of MHS Lift, and discuss not empowering the next generation, being a cook, and not having a set path.

n this motivating episode, our CEO's Bill Cumby III of Cumby Construction & Kareem Afzal of PD Machines talk about embracing the mindset that life—and your career—is never truly perfected. There’s always another step to take, another goal to reach, and something new to improve. That constant pursuit of growth is what keeps us sharp, humble, and motivated. Student reflections bring it home, especially from Elvis, who shares how asking more questions became a key to overcoming challenges and deepening his learning. This episode is about staying curious, pushing forward, and never settling for "good enough".

 In this inspiring episode, a bold CEO encourages students to take the leap—to move beyond fear and step into the unknown with confidence. You'll also hear from a student whose biggest takeaway is the power of curiosity—how asking questions and staying open can lead to unexpected opportunities and life-changing connections. Whether you're choosing a career path or figuring out your next step, this episode will challenge you to lead with courage and curiosity. Listen now—and take your leap

As an entrepreneur, who's your boss? Belmont Charter High School and Hatboro-Horsham High School students interview Scott Hamberger, Retired CEO of Fortessa Tablewear Solutions, and Joe Arcangelo, Co-founder & Managing Partner of inSeption Group, and discuss failure, the foundation for starting a business, and being stubborn.

What does doing your best get you? Academies at Roxborough High School and Prep Charter High School students interview Joe Gambone, CEO of the Gambone Group, and Todd Shumacher, CEO of Vici Media, and discuss the fun of hard work, being detail-oriented in social situations, and how not to burn out.

What makes a family? Tacony Academy Charter High School and Legends Charter School students interview Tara Carcillo, President & CEO of The Clearing, and Javier Solis, Founder & CEO of Toro Taxes, and discuss not backing down, moving past an idea into action, and building your inner circle. 

What's the downside of planning? Executive Education Academy Charter School and Tacony Academy Charter High School students interview Joe Arcangelo, Co-founder & Managing Partner of inSeption Group, and Nate Bower, President of Rebling, and having work as a hobby, making your boss's life easier, and working hard but not too hard.

Can't we all just get along? Franklin Towne Charter High School and Sankofa Freedom Academy students interview Ernie Hanna, Senior Consultant at GZA, and John Blaskovich, CEO of MedEast, and discuss the keys to working together, having a village to push you, and getting a good dinner out of the deal. 

What's the worst part of life? Norristown Area High School and Freire Charter High School students interview Joe Arcangelo, Co-founder & Managing Partner at inSeption Group, and Jonathan Evans, President & CEO of B&A, and discuss commonalities between bartenders and newspaper writers, what resilience really is, and winning where you can.

What does “just go for it” look like? Upper Perkiomen High School and New Hope-Solebury High School students interview Gary Rubin, Sales Manager at Imperial Dade, and Paul Chantler, President of Sovereign Property Management, and discuss being an outsider, learning from many different sources, and how to be the biggest winner.

What does Culture eat for breakfast? KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy and TECH-Freire Charter High School students interview Craig Edsill, CEO of Clemens Food Group, and Mary Marcus, CEO of NewAge Industries, and discuss the importance of people, setting goals, and how to have fun.

 Listen to our interview with students from KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy as they interview Annie Frankel, former Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University. Listen as Annie provides the students with guidance and encouragement to step out of their comfort zones, raise their hands when opportunities arise and be to be confident in speaking up and having a voice. We follow that up with Executive Vice President of RW Dake Construction interview about growing up on job sites and learning to use power tools at six, Ryan Barber was destined for a career in construction. He juggles sales, management, operations, and the people side of the business. From wrestling to woodworking, Ryan shares how discipline, patience, and hands-on experience shaped his leadership style. He believes in listening first, leading by example, and keeping things organized—whether on a job site or in life. Tune in to hear how he builds not just structures, but strong teams and lasting relationships.

Students from Manassas Park High School interview Larry Blue, former CEO of Bell + Howell, and hear his insights on the importance of being present and actively listening to others, cultivating curiosity, staying flexible in the face of change, and embracing continuous learning. Through his experiences, students learn how these principles can shape effective leadership, foster strong relationships, and drive personal and professional growth. Followed by students from Manassas Park High School interview with Tom Rimel, the President of Stockwell Elastomerics. Tom shares his incredible journey—from renovating old homes with his family to earning a chemical engineering degree and becoming the first non-family member President of Stockwell Elastomerics, a company with a rich 100+ year history. Tune in to hear how Tom's relentless drive and dedication to innovation helped shape his path to leadership in the manufacturing industry.

In this episode of Real World Leaders, Larry Bendesky, Managing Partner at Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Bendesky, shares what it means to be at the center of the action—both on the baseball field and in the courtroom. From flipping burgers to leading one of Pennsylvania’s top personal injury law firms, Larry’s journey is built on hustle, teamwork, and learning from failure. He believes that empathy is just as crucial as strategy when fighting for clients, and that a strong team mentality fuels success. In this episode, Larry shares how sports shaped his leadership, why mentorship matters, and why giving back is a responsibility, not a choice. Followed by our interview with Marc Albero, Vice President and General Manager of PAC Strapping Products. Listen as he shares his inspiring journey with students from the Academies of Roxborough High School. Marc reflects on his early experiences helping special needs children and how that commitment to giving back has shaped his leadership philosophy. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, giving back, and the importance of family.

Tacony Academy Charter High School students interview Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, and hear valuable insights on how staying true to yourself and seeking out guidance from others can help you reach your goals. Followed by, How do you build a pharma company dedicated to addressing women's health needs? In this episode, Legends Charter School student cohosts an inspiring conversation with Gerianne DiPiano, Chairman & CEO of Femme Pharma. Listen as Gerianne shares how her deep focus and passion for improving lives drove her to create a company committed to innovating and advancing women’s health. Don’t miss this powerful story of compassion, entrepreneurship, and purpose! 

 ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter School students sit down with Kevin O'Donnell, Owner and CEO of O'Donnell Roofing Co., to discuss leadership, work-life balance, and why it's important not to be too hard on yourself. Followed by, Is a career in banking all about the money? Listen as students from Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School interview Dave Freeman, President and CEO of QNB bank and learn how starting as a teller, his now 50 year career in banking has allowed him to prioritize his family and enjoy music which he loves so much.

 Joe Messner, CEO & Founder of JGM, knows what it takes to rise, fall, and climb back to the top. Coming from a long line of construction entrepreneurs, he watched his family go from success to struggle and back again, shaping his relentless drive. A former football center and childhood leader, he understands the value of teamwork and resilience. Join us as Joe shares his journey of grit, growth, and the lessons learned in both business and life. Followed by our interview withScott Rankin, President (or rather, "Visionary") of Vulcan Spring Manufacturing. He has been wired for business since childhood. From running his own print shop at 15 to leading a family business that started in his basement, Scott thrives on solving problems and creating opportunities. He believes that success comes from flexibility, efficiency, and taking care of the people who depend on you. Whether he’s leading a company, keeping a workspace tidy, or building race cars, Scott is always driven to make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about business, leadership, and the power of perseverance.

Chris Caba, CEO of Total Rental, turned a childhood dream into a thriving business. Growing up in Phoenixville, PA, as the youngest of four, he spent his summers working in the family rental business, learning the ropes from an early age. After the loss of his father, Chris took the company from just 8 employees to 120, fueled by his competitive drive and passion for leadership. A former hockey team captain, he believes teamwork and resilience are key to success in business. Tune in as Chris shares his journey of growth, grit, and the power of embracing competition. We follow that with our interview with students from KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy as they interview Annie Frankel, former Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University. Listen as Annie provides the students with guidance and encouragement to step out of their comfort zones, raise their hands when opportunities arise and be to be confident in speaking up and having a voice. 

 Michael Sharp, Executive Chairman of Sharp Financial, isn’t just redefining the financial world—he’s reshaping how leaders connect and support others. Growing up in Philadelphia as the oldest of three, he developed a passion for mentorship, coaching, and building relationships. His goal is to bring integrity and collaboration to an industry known for its cutthroat nature. Whether he's guiding clients in wealth management or coaching future basketball stars, Michael believes true success is about investing in people. Tune in to hear his journey of leadership, authenticity, and impact. Followed by our interview with our very own  Heather Carter, producer at Real World Leaders. Listen as she share how she built a career around curiosity, connection, and creating meaningful experiences. From her early days as a teacher and YMCA director to her work shaping opportunities for future leaders, she thrives on helping others see their potential. Heather believes every problem has a solution and that questioning the world around us is the key to growth. At the heart of her work is a passion for empowering others and making a lasting impact. Tune in to hear how Heather's journey has shaped her approach to leadership, learning, and life.