Episode 6: In this episode, Todd Schmiedeler speaks with Omar Ayyash, the CEO of the World Trade Center of Kentucky (WTCKY), about the role international trade plays in the state’s economy. The WTCKY is a nonprofit organization assisting businesses through training, matchmaking, and trade missions, such as the upcoming trip to Dubai. Todd and Omar explore how businesses can leverage the global World Trade Center network to generate leads and foster connections. They also emphasize the importance of global exposure and cross-cultural understanding, as building blocks for the grit and resilience needed for future workforce development.

Chapters

· 00:31 Welcome and Guest Introduction

· 02:28 Kentucky’s Rise in Global Trade

· 05:53 What Is the World Trade Center Kentucky?

· 10:32 WTCKY’s Dubai Trade Mission

· 15:31 The World Trade Center’s Global Network

· 21:43 Weathering A Shift in Domestic Focus

· 23:31 The Importance of Workforce Development

· 30:15 Conclusion

To Learn More about the World Trade Center Kentucky:

Website: www.WTCKY.org

Phone: (859) 225-0006

So, thank you so much for joining us again this time. I appreciate it so much. I look forward to seeing you again. In two weeks, we'll have a new guest on and we'll be able to chat again about leadership, about making a difference, and how nonprofits and long-term care organizations truly can make a difference in the lives of people every day that’s impactful. So, thanks again. See you in two weeks.

Hey, thanks for joining us on the Blueprint Strategy Podcast. We hope today's conversation sparked new ideas and inspired you to take action in your own organization.

To stay connected and never miss an episode, be sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials.

And remember, you can find more resources and information at www.thumbprint.consulting. Again, that's www.thumbprint.consulting. Until next time, keep finding ways to innovate and to leave your mark.

Episode 5: In this episode, Todd Schmiedeler speaks with Darrell Bramer, Executive Director of Operation Parent, about his personal journey and the vital mission of his organization. Darrell shares his transition from a 32-year career in corporate America to the nonprofit sector, a move he describes not as retirement, but as "rewiring" to align his work with his passion for helping families. The discussion explores Operation Parent's core mission: to empower parents to have "casual, courageous conversations" with their children about difficult topics like technology, mental health, and substance misuse. The conversation provides valuable insights for parents on navigating modern challenges, the importance of community, and how to proactively engage with their children to foster resilience and well-being.

Chapters

• 00:32 Introduction: From Corporate to Calling

• 04:10 The Mission of Operation Parent

• 07:02 Resources for Parents: Handbooks and Webinars

• 11:14 Community Outreach and Impact

• 24:15 Navigating the Digital Age and Mental Health

• 30:30 Leadership, Mentorship, and Looking Forward

• 32:28 Conclusion

To Learn More about Operation Parent:

Website: www.OperationParent.org

Phone: (502) 265-9045

Email: info@operationparent.org

Hey, thanks for joining us on the Blueprint Strategy Podcast. We hope today's conversation sparked new ideas and inspired you to take action in your own organization.

To stay connected and never miss an episode, be sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials.

And remember, you can find more resources and information at www.thumbprint.consulting. Again, that's www.thumbprint.consulting. Until next time, keep finding ways to innovate and to leave your mark.

Episode 4: This podcast episode features Sarah Brady, President of FSH Works, discussing her journey from starting work at age 16 to leading a statewide and multi-state organization focused on helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. FSH Works, an upstream initiative of Family Scholar House, provides comprehensive wraparound services including academic and career coaching, with a particular focus on non-traditional students and entry-level workers. Sarah highlights the organization's data-driven approach, utilizing a custom database to track longitudinal impact and demonstrate return on investment for partners and funders. She also offers advice for aspiring leaders, stressing the value of building relationships and "being in the rooms", ultimately revealing in interesting surprise for Todd, at the end of the episode.

Chapters

00:31 Introductions and Sarah's Path to Leadership

04:40 Understanding FSH Works and Its Reach

07:11 Key Programs and the Trager Response Center

11:00 Impact, Data-Driven Approach, and Overcoming Challenges

23:38 Employer Partnerships and Advice for Aspiring Leaders

29:18 The Power of Mentorship and Final Thoughts on Leadership

34:02 Conclusion

Conclusion

And I'm thankful for the audience spending a little time with us. I look forward to seeing you again in two weeks. Thanks so much and have a great day.

To Learn More about FSW Works:

Website: www.fshworks.family

Phone: (502) 584-8090

Hey, thanks for joining us on the Blueprint Strategy Podcast. We hope today's conversation sparked new ideas and inspired you to take action in your own organization.

To stay connected and never miss an episode, be sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials.

And remember, you can find more resources and information at www.thumbprint.consulting. Again, that's www.thumbprint.consulting. Until next time, keep finding ways to innovate and to leave your mark.

Episode 3: Todd Schmiedeler interviews Parker Bartholomew about his path from business owner to board leader at Angelic Ministries in Knoxville. Parker describes Angelic’s origins, its growth to serving thousands of families each year, and its core programs, Families in Crisis, recovery support, and homeless outreach, focused on restoring dignity by letting people choose what they need. He explains how donations and partnerships (from local families to retailers and the University of Tennessee) fuel their work. He details an innovative push into modular tiny homes as a scalable, affordable housing solution. The conversation emphasizes faith, resilience, collaboration, and leadership that balances passion with accountability to create lasting community impact.

Chapters

00:32 Introductions and Parker’s Background

04:11 The Founding and Growth of Angelic Ministries

06:15 Supporting Families in Crisis

11:31 Donations, Partnerships, and Community Collaboration

16:49 Tiny Homes and Affordable Housing Solutions

26:44 Leadership, Board Dynamics, and Faith

38:13 Closing Reflections and Mentorship

40:19 Conclusion

To Learn More about Angelic Ministries

Website: https://angelicministries.com

Phone: 865-523-8884

Hey, thanks for joining us on the Blueprint Strategy Podcast. We hope today's conversation sparked new ideas and inspired you to take action in your own organization.

To stay connected and never miss an episode, be sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials. And remember, you can find more resources and information at www.thumprint.consulting. Again, that's www.thumprint.consulting. Until next time, keep finding ways to innovate and to leave your mark.

If you’d like to learn more about Thumbprint Consulting and the services we offer, click here. You can also call us at (502) 365-1791. We’ll be happy to speak with you.

Episode 2: In today’s episode, host Todd Schmiedeler interviews Jason Squires, CEO of LeadingAge Kentucky, a Louisville-based, nonprofit member association. It serves approximately 70 nonprofit long-term care members across the state. They’ll discuss major industry changes and challenges, AI’s impact, and strategies to improve quality of care and funding.

Chapters

• 00:31 Welcome and Jason's Journey to LeadingAge Kentucky
• 01:33 Understanding LeadingAge Kentucky's Mission and Reach
• 03:04 Core Member Services and Pressing Industry Challenges
• 05:49 Demystifying Medicaid and Calming Member Anxiety
• 08:47 Effective Communication and Member Advocacy
• 13:17 Enhancing Quality of Care Through Alternative Funding & Vetted Services
• 17:08 Technology's Role in Workforce Support and Caregiver Well-being
• 22:03 Proactive Leadership, AI in Strategic Planning, and Personal Balance
• 28:02 Conclusion

To Learn More about LeadingAge Kentucky:

Website: www.leadingageky.org

Phone: 502-992-4380

Email: info@leadingageky.org

Hey, thanks for joining us on the Blueprint Strategy Podcast. We hope today's conversation sparked new ideas and inspired you to take action in your own organization.

To stay connected and never miss an episode, be sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials. And remember, you can find more resources and information at www.thumprint.consulting. Again, that's www.thumprint.consulting. Until next time, keep finding ways to innovate and to leave your mark.

If you’d like to learn more about Thumbprint Consulting and the services we offer, click here. You can also call us at (502) 365-1791. We’ll be happy to speak with you.

Episode 1: This is the inaugural Blueprint Strategy Podcast episode and features Cathe Dykstra, CEO of Family Scholar House. Todd’s discussion with Cathe highlights her unique leadership philosophy, the remarkable growth and impact of Family Scholar House, and their innovative approach to addressing generational poverty. Central to their success are a commitment to data-driven outcomes, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deeply empathetic, family-centered model that fosters belonging and self-sufficiency.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Blueprint Strategy Podcast and Cathe Dykstra
• 01:37 – Cathe’s Diverse Professional Background and Service Philosophy
• 03:27 - The Transformative Growth of Family Scholar House
• 06:16 - The Two-Generational Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
• 08:40 - Responsive Program Development Through Active Listening
• 11:48 - The Simple Brilliance of Different-Colored Doors
• 14:39 - Leadership Principles: Fostering a Blame-Free, Accountable Environment
• 16:39 - Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovative Initiatives
• 21:37 - The Power of Data and Return on Investment
• 25:55 - Family Scholar House as a Unifying Force and Personal Interests
• 29:34 - Conclusion

To Learn More about Cathe Dykstra and Family Scholar House:

· Website: https://familyscholarhouse.org/

· Website: https://www.familybrands.family

If you’d like to learn more about Thumbprint Consulting and the services we offer, click here. You can also call us at (502) 365-1791. We’ll be happy to speak with you.

Hey, I’m Todd Schmiedeler, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my new podcast, The Blueprint Strategy.

This show is all about real, insightful conversations with — and for — leaders in healthcare and the nonprofit world. We’re digging into the pivotal moments, the breakthroughs, the setbacks, and the wins that shape great leadership.

The Blueprint Strategy launches Friday, August 1st. You’ll be able to watch it on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube — and listen wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.

I’ll be sitting down with incredible guests who are redefining what leadership looks like in their space — sharing stories that will challenge, inspire, and equip you in both your professional and personal journey.

So join me, Todd Schmiedeler, on August 1st for Episode 1 of The Blueprint Strategy. Let’s build something powerful — together.

For more information, visit: https://www.Thumbprint.consulting

Do you lead a healthcare or nonprofit organization ? We're inviting you to the launch of a new leadership podcast, The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler, on Friday, 8/08/25. Todd is a recognized leader in healthcare, with a heart for the nonprofit world. He's the Founder and CEO of Thumbprint Consulting.

Episodes will feature conversations with other leaders uncovering a wide range of key decisions, setbacks and triumphs those leaders experienced.

You'll have a front-row seat for these candid discussions with professionals who are willing to share insights into dynamic leadership strategies.

So, join us on August 8th for Episode 1 of The Blueprint Strategy with Todd Schmiedeler. It's THE podcast for healthcare and nonprofit leaders.

We'll see you in 2 weeks!