
Focus on Outcomes
TechnologyTech News16 episodes
Welcome to "Focus on Outcomes," Elevity's podcast where we spotlight organizations making a positive impact in their communities. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders from various industries, including nonprofits and for-profit organizations, to uncover the outcomes of their work and the real-world impact they create. Hosted by Elevity’s Jeff Dotzler and Candice Meyers, the podcast dives into thought-provoking discussions about challenges, innovations, and successes in the managed services space and beyond.
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Closing Out the Year with Purpose: Community, Culture, and Care
15 min 25 sec
In this year-end episode of Focus on Outcomes, hosts Jeff Dotzler and Candice Meyers reflect on impactful conversations from the past year and highlight nonprofit organizations making a difference. From the employee-led Gordon Flesch Charitable Foundation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Open Door Columbus, and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, this episode is packed with stories of service, giving, and community impact.
Expect insights on:
● How corporate giving programs are empowering local communities
● Volunteer opportunities and fundraising efforts at RMHC Madison
● Open Door’s inclusive sensory park initiative
● The PB&J Challenge fighting childhood hunger in Wisconsin
Whether you're looking to give back or simply feel inspired, this episode is a reminder of the power of purpose-driven work.Play episode
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Endres Manufacturing: A Century of Structural Steel & Community Support
16 min 18 sec
In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, hosts Jeff Dotzler and Candice Meyers sit down with Sam Ballweg, President and fourth-generation leader of Endres Manufacturing Company—an iconic Wisconsin-based structural steel fabricator approaching its 100-year anniversary.
Sam shares the remarkable story of his family’s century-long business, from early repair work and inventive beginnings to today’s expansive steel projects supporting major campuses, local developments, and rapidly growing data center construction across the U.S.
The conversation also highlights the Endres Family Foundation, a philanthropic effort started in 1996 that has contributed nearly $5 million to local organizations. Sam discusses how the foundation selects grant recipients, why community-focused giving is core to their culture, and the impact of supporting causes like the River Food Pantry.
Whether you’re passionate about multi-generational leadership, community impact, or the evolution of modern manufacturing, this episode offers valuable insights into building a business rooted in stewardship, service, and purpose. And yes—you’ll even hear the story behind the famous goats of Waunakee.Play episode
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From Sales to Strategy: Lift Consulting’s Journey to Impact
19 min 24 sec
<p>In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, hosts Jeff Dotzler and Candice Meyers sit down with <b>Matt Pletzer, Founder & CEO of Lift Consulting</b>. Matt shares his journey from corporate sales leadership to launching his own consulting firm, helping organizations with sales training, leadership development, strategic planning, and culture transformation.</p>
<p>Discover how Lift Consulting supports companies from startups to enterprises, why accountability and consistency are key to long-term growth, and what separates successful change efforts from those that fall short.</p>
<p>Whether you’re a business leader or team builder, this episode is packed with insights on scaling organizations, driving strategy, and leading with purpose.</p>Play episode
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Tech, Art & Inclusion: How Open Door is Transforming Disability Support
24 min 49 sec
<p>In this powerful episode of Focus on Outcomes, we’re joined by <b>Sean Moore, Community Relations Manager at Open Door Columbus</b>, an organization with deep roots in disability support and a bold vision for the future.</p>
<p>What You’ll Learn:</p>
<ol>
<li>How Open Door’s innovative use of remote support technology is reshaping independence for adults with disabilities</li>
<li>The story behind their new sensory park, a first-of-its-kind, fully inclusive space in West Columbus</li>
<li>Why immersive tech, virtual art programs, and AI-assisted communication tools are game changers in human services</li>
<li>How Sean’s background in fine arts and advocacy fuels Open Door’s creative approach to care</li>
<li>What it means to truly support people in “inspiring their life journey,” not just care, but connection, empowerment, and choice</li>
</ol>
<p>Whether you're in healthcare, human services, education, or tech, this conversation will open your mind to how technology, compassion, and community-building can (and should) work together.</p>
<p>Plus: Learn how local businesses, donors, and volunteers can get involved in bringing the Open Door sensory park to life!</p>Play episode
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AI for All: How Applied AI Lab is Building the Future of Tech Talent
28 min 3 sec
<p>In this episode of Focus on Outcomes, we sit down with <b>Sarah Baszka, Director of the Applied AI Lab at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC)</b> and an internationally recognized leader in AI strategy, education, and innovation.</p>
<p>What we cover:</p>
<ul>
<li>Why Wisconsin is becoming a rising AI hub (hello, Silicon Prairie!)</li>
<li>How the Applied AI Lab is helping small and mid-sized businesses adopt AI tools and strategy</li>
<li>AI-powered accelerator programs for entrepreneurs (including partnerships with gener8tor)</li>
<li>What it takes to build ethical and responsible AI practices in a fast-changing world</li>
<li>Sarah’s vision for applied learning and workforce development in tech</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you're an educator, innovator, startup founder, or simply curious about the future of artificial intelligence in the Midwest, this conversation will give you both practical insights and big-picture perspective.</p>
<p>Plus: Learn how WCTC is using supercomputing resources, real-world training, and AI degree programs to fuel local talent and transform the regional economy.</p>Play episode
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