NEVER DOUBT DAVIS

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- The recent Austintown Fireworks Celebration was a testament to community bonding, orchestrated meticulously by none other than Jim Davis, a former trustee and long-standing member of the community. His passion for bringing joy and unity to Austintown is palpable, making him the heart and soul of this annual event. In a recent episode of the “YSN Coach’s Corner” podcast, DJ Yokley sat down with Jim Davis to delve into the man behind the magic.

From the outset, it was clear that Jim’s dedication is geared towards serving his community. “It’s all for the community,” Jim emphasized. “It’s great to have things like this for the kids and for everybody to come out and enjoy.”

One might think that orchestrating such a grand event for the Austintown community would lead to stress, but for Davis, the challenge is a labor of love. “The motivation is the community and knowing how much they love and enjoy it,” he expressed with a sense of pride.

One of the notable discussions during the interview was about the collaboration that made this year’s event possible. Hollywood Gaming played a significant role in hosting the event, offering their expertise in event planning. “Their staff really welcomed us with open arms and said, ‘Here’s the blank canvas. What do you think?'” Jim explained, acknowledging the teamwork that made the event a success.

While some people might get starstruck meeting local celebrities and sports figures, Jim remains grounded. Reflecting on his experiences with notable names, he said, “I just enjoy sitting down with those guys and asking questions… But I’ve never really geeked out over guys.” The only exception to this cool composure, Jim cheekily admits, might be “Hulk Hogan.”

For Jim Davis, community work is deeply personal. Recalling his family’s roots and their decision to settle in Austintown, Jim shared, “My parents made a decision… would they live in Boardman, would they live in Canfield? And they chose Austintown. And ever since then, my heart’s fallen in love with this community.” His sense of duty is clear: “If guys like me, the younger generation, don’t pick up and do it, who’s going to do it? We’re not going to have the fireworks in Austintown.”

The emotional highlight of Jim’s experience each year is a tradition he shares with his daughter. “My daughter counts down from ten to one to light the fireworks with me… It really makes me happy to know she enjoys being a part of it,” he shared, his pride and love as a father shining through. “She is just the apple of my eye, and to get to do that with her is the highlight of my night.”

Not forgetting to express his gratitude, Jim extended heartfelt thanks to YSN for their role in showcasing local talent. “You’re getting our kids out in front of scouts everywhere,” he said. “Making sure these kids in the community have that opportunity like I did, to grow up, be a Falcon, and be successful. And you’ve helped us do that.”

Jim Davis stands as a beacon of dedication and service, ensuring the spirit of Austintown is celebrated and preserved for future generations. The fireworks celebration is more than just a display of pyrotechnics; it is a symbol of community, tradition, and the enduring legacy of those who cherish it.
In closing, as Jim so passionately put it, “I just love the Austintown community.” This sentiment is clearly reflected in every firework that lights up the sky, bringing joy to all who gather to watch.

 

PRESENTED BY

DRIVING THE COMMUNITY FORWARD: RICK SANDOVAL

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AUSTINTOWN, OH-  The bustling atmosphere of Austintown, Ohio, came to life recently on the campus of Hollywood Gaming Gracino, where the latest episode of YSN Podcast featured an inspiring conversation with Rick Sandoval, the General Manager of Greenwood Chevrolet. The event was a vibrant demonstration of the community spirit that Greenwood Chevrolet continually nurtures, underlining why this local dealership means so much to the Austintown area.

Rick Sandoval joined DJ Yokley to discuss Greenwood Chevrolet’s deep-rooted commitment to the community, an ethos that extends far beyond selling cars. As Sandoval articulated, “First of all, it’s a responsibility, right? To have that kind of interaction with our community means so much to us. In the end result is activities like this where people are making memories, having a great deal of fun with their families and everybody. It’s pretty awesome when you invest in the community, you just see so much growth.”

Members of the local community are no strangers to the presence and impact of Greenwood Chevrolet. From supporting local schools to sponsoring sports events, the dealership’s influence is pervasive. When asked why this community-focused approach is so essential to Greenwood’s mission, Sandoval emphasized, “It’s, once again, just keeping as much as we can, getting this area, and helping it to grow and continue to thrive is so important to us.”

The richness of Austintown’s sports culture is another area where Greenwood Chevrolet shines, particularly with its provision of opportunities and support for local athletes. “This area is just… I don’t know, it’s immersed in sports,” Sandoval shared, reflecting on the significance of sports in his life and the community. “I met Pete Rose once… he named every high school in this area Harding, Fitch, Ursuline, Mooney. He was just like an encyclopedia about local here in northeast Ohio.”

Beyond the connection with sports and education, Sandoval noted the internal culture at Greenwood Chevrolet, which thrives on the principles of hospitality and customer service. Highlighting Greg Greenwood’s leadership and the dealership’s philosophy, Sandoval said, “We just thrive on serving our customers. Right now, a lot of us are studying a book called unreasonable hospitality, and it speaks to just being so unreasonable in the way that you treat the community, you treat the people, you treat your employees, your team.”

The passion and dedication Sandoval brings to his role were evident throughout the interview, especially when touching on personal affiliations, such as his loyalty to sports teams. “I am a Steelers fan. But you know what? Since when the Browns came back in 99 and had Carmen policy, a local guy, as their general manager, I would cheer for them, except when they played the Steelers,” he confessed with a smile.
As the evening at Hollywood Gaming Gracino continued, Sandoval expressed his enthusiasm for being part of such a lively community event. “I’m going to be here all night. I’m going to be helping this. He watched everybody here make memories with their children, grandchildren. It’s going to be fun,” he declared.

DJ Yokley wrapped up the interview by acknowledging the invaluable support Greenwood Chevrolet provides to the YSN mission. “Thank you incredibly much, Rick. We can’t thank you enough,” said Yokley, to which Sandoval responded, “No, I very much appreciate it. Thanks for giving me the honor of being on, and whatever we can do, you let us know.”

Rick Sandoval’s passion for serving the community, combined with Greenwood Chevrolet’s unwavering support, continues to forge a brighter future for Austintown, ensuring that the next generation feels celebrated and empowered. Through such heartfelt dedication, they are not merely driving sales – they are driving community spirit and growth.

 

PRESENTED BY

CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE: BOB KIMPEL

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CANFIELD, OH- Bob Kimpel has always been one to help heal people in need.  Personally, his chosen path was in pharmaceuticals, but God seemingly had bigger plans.

For nearly the last two decades, Kimpel has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in some capacity.  While the mission has remained outstanding, Kimpel has brought the impact closer to home.  With his help, FCA: Steel Valley was formed and deployed in northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, helping students and athletes, coaches, and programs alike come closer to their walk with Christ.

Bob Kimpel has impacted change on many different levels, and he’s championed the walk (and sometimes run) toward their faith.

We sat down with the first-ever Champion of Change for YSN, Bob Kimpel to see how he’s influenced and impacted tens of thousands of people in our area with his presence and unwavering support.

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