"In the therapy world, we talk about how we as therapists get just as much from our clients as they get from us. Their internal work and reflection causes us to reflect and think deeply about ourselves. I really enjoyed getting to know each of my lovely mentees, and they really gave as much to me as I gave to them. They helped me reflect on myself and my journey, and what I'm looking for in my career as I move forward. I really appreciate them and EPIC for giving me the opportunity to do this."

"I was blessed to be partnered with such a highly talented and energetic group. We realized a lot of commonality we had together. This group made me incredibly comfortable from the get go, and for me this relationship doesn't end tonight. I would like to stay in touch. You were always helping me and making me think, not only on the things you were seeking in your careers and professional lives, but also by reminding me of the challenges we face as professionals and leaders. It made me reflect on the work that I do every day. Every time we left a meeting or ended a conversation, I found myself thinking more about my team.

I am humbled by how thoughtful, strategic, and motivated you are. Your curiosity, motivation, and the body of work you have in your careers already, I felt so blessed to be paired with you. I'd bet my job today that each of you will achieve remarkable things in your career."

"I'm proud of all three of them. We are not the most influencing group, we learned together that we don't share a lot of influence, but we are strategic thinkers, executors, and relationship builders, and I'm grateful for the relationships I built with you."

"It became very apparent to me after our first conversation that I had a focused, driven group of individuals. We decided to increase our touch base, maybe once a week or more if needed. I feel I am a connector, and I went through my network and curated one individual per person to sit down and help the mentees.

It's my expectation that my relationship with these four will not end simply because I'm turning over a certificate; I want to be there to support them through their journeys as much as I can. I learned about the challenges that are facing the workforce now. It's so different than some of the challenges I faced, so it gave me insight as to how I could help my team. After each call, there was always something I wrote down about how I could be better. So thank you."

The 2026 EPIC Toledo Golf Outing was a HUGE success! We were so excited to host this event once again at Belmont Country Club, pairing up 18 teams of established community leaders with our emerging young professional leaders. Between 18 holes played in perfect weather, light competition for a chance to win gift cards to the pro shop, and a delicious luncheon with drinks and great conversation, the EPIC Toledo Golf Outing fostered connection and fun.

EPIC Toledo showed up for an unforgettable evening with Chef Kengo Kato—rolling sushi, learning the craft, and getting a behind-the-scenes experience you can’t find just anywhere.

The evening began with drinks and networking with Chef Kengo, Anneke Kurt, and the rest of Kengo Sushi's incredible staff. Once everyone found their station (complete with all the materials to roll the sushi and some Goldfish and Swedish Fish to boot), Chef Kengo gave a brief overview of the history of his experience and his restaurant. Then, it was time to get rolling.

Chef Kengo's goal was to teach us how to make two custom rolls. We learned the proper technique and design of rolling a spicy crab roll and a tuna roll, after which Chef Kengo cut each roll and added ginger and wasabi for the ultimate taste test. 

The results? A sushi success! The attendees enjoyed their rolls, learned a new skill, and kicked back for a private party in the restaurant after. It was the perfect mix of learning, networking, and straight-up fun.

Good vibes, great company, and seriously amazing sushi... what else could we ask for?

If you missed this one… just know we’ve always got events like this on the horizon for EPIC Toledo members.

EPIC Toledo spent our Wednesday volunteering with Bittersweet Farms! A group of 10 of us went to Whitehouse to learn more about the group, tour the property, then dove right in taking care of maintenance and yardwork to help enhance the homestead and its residents!
The mission of Bittersweet Farms is to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and those whose lives they touch. Bittersweet engages in a model which employs meaning and motivation, aerobic activity, partnership and planning, and structure and support. This provides a community of interdependence and a holistic and healthy environment in which the potential of each participant is envisioned and developed. Every interaction is a lesson in reciprocal communication, relationship building, and mutual cooperation between staff and participant.
Gardens Specialist Beth Kuntz-Wineland led the charge for EPIC member assignments that day, and gave us some information regarding how our work helped Bittersweet Farms:

"Thanks to the amazing EPIC volunteers, who brought organization and ease to our storage greenhouse by compiling similar items together, properly setting aside our extra hoses for storage, and cleaned all aisles for better navigation, and pulled weeds out of 14 raised beds, spread organic compost, raked the beds level in preparation for planting, and learned how to use our Earthway seeder to seed 2 beds of spinach and 2 beds of beets! These crops will go to source our residential homes with healthy, hyperlocal organically grown produce, as well as stock our free pantry for staff! This tremendous boost early in the season will help our Gardens team be able to grow food to share within the Bittersweet community and beyond, as 100% of produce grown will be donated to the Bittersweet community and also to local food pantries and animal rescues throughout the year."

Check out more photos from the volunteer event, below:

Basketball fans and EPIC friends alike came to the Hollywood Casino for our March Madness social!
We had a great time in the Sportsbook private lounge, with EPIC Advisory, existing members, and new members!

Rudolph Libbe Group's generous sponsorship provided food from the Hollywood Casino Toledo's restaurants for guests to enjoy. Attendees were encouraged to grab a drink, enjoy the lounge, and wander around the casino to play games and try their luck.

With over 70 attendees, it was a great opportunity for networking, connection, and a lot of basketball. Check out some of our event photos, below:

EPIC Toledo hosted another impactful Boss Talk, presented by Prephan Enterprises, this time featuring JR Toland, President & CEO of Savage and Associates. The event took place at Savage and Associates' Maumee office, providing a gorgeous backdrop for an insightful conversation surrounding leadership, service, and community impact.

JR gave his audience of almost 30 young professionals insight on Savage and Associates, how he came to be the company's leader, and how he maintains a positive environment for his employees and clients. He took the time to candidly answer questions from attendees about his professional journey, leadership style, and the challenges and triumphs he’s experienced throughout his career. He also encouraged young professionals to give back to the community, in money or time, and to unplug from their stressors of work emails and technology and live in the present with loved ones to avoid burnout.

Immediately following the Boss Talk, Savage and Associates employee and EPIC Toledo 2026 Chair Andrew Smigelski took attendees on a tour of the building, and hosted a brief networking hour for attendees to chat one-on-one with JR. Thank you again to Prephan Enterprises for sponsoring the 2026 Boss Talk series.
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Stay tuned for more Boss Talks with EPIC Toledo, and check out photos from the event, below:

​Some members opted to stay inside the park's facility, enjoying appetizers from The Garden by Poco Piatti and a less chaotic atmosphere to get to know one another and make meaningful connections. 

If you missed this event don't worry – we have plenty more coming up! Check out our calendar for more information, and look at some of the pictures from our Skate & Socialize event, below: