Ford The Rock

Barbara Berney

Born in Amityville, NY, Barbara Berney is a freelance graphic artist, editor, and jewelry designer, a member of The ELEMENT,  and an exhibiting board member of the Inscap

Anthony Cortez, Executive Director, Rockford Public Library

Welcome to Ford the Rock, presented by The Element, where we highlight the people, organizations, and ideas helping shape the future of Rockford. Today, we’re joined by

Bobby Walsh

Born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, today’s guest has never been afraid to bet on himself. After a few years at the University of New Hampshire, he made a life-c

Josiah Vander Hayden

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Josiah Vander Heyden, a realtor, entrepreneur, and builder with a vision for what’s next. He’s been hard at work developing the Unio

Paul Sletten

Paul Sletten knew early on that the restaurant business was where he belonged. He began his culinary journey as a young apprentice at Café Patou, learning the art of fine

Amy Chatfield, Ad Vice Marketing

Welcome back to the Ford the Rock podcast by The Element of Rockford. Today, I’m catching up with someone who’s been on the show before, and since then, a lot has changed

Kate Wirth, Autism & Advocacy

Welcome to Ford the Rock, presented by The Element of Rockford. Today's guest is Kate Wirth. Kate is a business owner, professional, and advocate. At 40 years old, she wa

Dave Pedersen, Maze Books

This episode's guest is a truly unique individual with a diverse background. Dave Pedersen served in the U.S. Army as both a Military Police officer and a Public Relation

Eric Wilson

Eric Wilson of the Crusader Clinic Foundation joins us for this episode. Eric is a longtime Rockford resident with a diverse background, including acting alongside his da

Brent Scott and Ita Reilly, Rockford Community Bank

Today's Ford the Rock podcast episode features Brent Scott and Ita Reilly. Brent is the President of Rockford Community Bank, and Ita is a Vice President and Regional Bra

Pat Alberto of 27Aluna

Today's guest is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background sto

Jen Spencer, Principal, Studio GWA

Our guest for this episode of Ford the Rock is Jennifer Spencer, a principal at Studio GWA. Jennifer grew up just outside of Madison, WI. She completed her undergraduate

Tyler Pickering

This episode’s guest is Tyler Pickering, a Rockford native who returned to Rockford after a few years in Colorado. Tyler is a graduate of Guilford High School and the Uni

Ann Wasser, Director, Severson Dells

Today’s guest is Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Ann moved to the Rockford region from the Monterey Peninsula in California, known as one of the mos

Joshua Patterson, Wired Cafe

Walk into the newly owned Wired Cafe and Joshua greets you as a welcome neighbor. He would not have it any other way. A part of the community, Joshua grabbed the short st

Gretchen Gilmore, RAVE

Today's guest is Gretchen Gilmore, General Manager of RAVE - Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority. After working in private-sector accounting, Gretchen started

Mike Dunn

Mike Dunn is the Executive Director of the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. Mike is a Rockford native who started his career in Illinois state politics. Mike has p

Melissa Hagerman, Rockford Career College

Our guest this week is Melissa Hagerman of Rockford Career College. Melissa is the Vice President of Career Services, Community Outreach, and Alumni Affairs at the Colleg

Terrakotta

Earlier this year, Kailee Schulz and Kendra Moreno began a homegrown plant business appropriately named “Terrakotta”. While working full-time, they grew and cared for hun

Kevin Versino, Rocktown Adventures

Kevin Versino is the General Manager of Rocktown Adventures Kevin has been an outdoor guy his whole life. In 2008 an opportunity arose to move to Rockford and make outdo