 | Just like that... our Mentorship Program 2025 has come to an end! On July 10th, we celebrated the incredible accomplishments of our mentorship program graduates at Taylor Hyundai in Perrysburg — and what a celebration it was! Surrounded by proud mentors and beaming graduates, the event marked the culmination of months of hard work, growth, and meaningful connections. The atmosphere was electric with pride as participants shared stories of lessons learned, goals achieved, and the powerful impact of guidance and community. Special thanks to the team at Taylor Automotive for graciously hosting the event and providing such a warm and welcoming space. It was a memorable day that reminded us why mentorship matters. Congratulations to all our graduates — your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you next! Check out the mentor's wrap up statements, as well as pictures from the event, below: Photo credits to Taylor Automotive/China Koch. |
Bryan Blair (University of Toledo):
I was blessed to have amazing mentees. I mean, all of you have very different backgrounds, very different stages of life. And I really, really enjoyed our conversations. The little secret is, I guarantee you I learn more from each of you than you learn from me. I think our conversations, our commentary, the questions you asked, responses I gave, oftentimes reminded me of life lessons that I've learned throughout time, or other mentors that have poured into me. I was just regurgitating what I've been told, but it allowed me to revisit on some things. I go back to my notes and remind myself, "Okay, this is how it applies to your life, and to their lives." I appreciate you letting me be a small part of your journey. This ain't over. You're not shaking me that easy, but I look forward to growing relationships and I'm more than happy to be there anytime I can for any of you, and I hope the same, right? The same people you see on the way up are the same people you see on the way down, so make sure you treat everybody solidly all the way around. And I count you all as friends now, certainly as colleagues, and I appreciate everything you brought to the table.
I was blessed to have amazing mentees. I mean, all of you have very different backgrounds, very different stages of life. And I really, really enjoyed our conversations. The little secret is, I guarantee you I learn more from each of you than you learn from me. I think our conversations, our commentary, the questions you asked, responses I gave, oftentimes reminded me of life lessons that I've learned throughout time, or other mentors that have poured into me. I was just regurgitating what I've been told, but it allowed me to revisit on some things. I go back to my notes and remind myself, "Okay, this is how it applies to your life, and to their lives." I appreciate you letting me be a small part of your journey. This ain't over. You're not shaking me that easy, but I look forward to growing relationships and I'm more than happy to be there anytime I can for any of you, and I hope the same, right? The same people you see on the way up are the same people you see on the way down, so make sure you treat everybody solidly all the way around. And I count you all as friends now, certainly as colleagues, and I appreciate everything you brought to the table.
Chrys Peterson (Chrys Peterson Consulting):
I'm just learning from my group. I had an amazing group. Also, you guys were incredible. You did everything I asked of you and more; I was blown away by your leadership intentions. What we found was there's a lot of common ground between all of us in what's important to us, and understanding each other is really important and helps us lead in a more compassionate and intentional way with people. So, thank you for everything you gave to the program. I'm just so proud of all of you, and it was such an honor for me to meet all of you and to get to know you so well. I'm always going to be in your corner. So even though we're just celebrating the end of the program here, you always have me, right? And I feel like I've made some really great friends for life. So, thank you for everything that you brought to the table.
I'm just learning from my group. I had an amazing group. Also, you guys were incredible. You did everything I asked of you and more; I was blown away by your leadership intentions. What we found was there's a lot of common ground between all of us in what's important to us, and understanding each other is really important and helps us lead in a more compassionate and intentional way with people. So, thank you for everything you gave to the program. I'm just so proud of all of you, and it was such an honor for me to meet all of you and to get to know you so well. I'm always going to be in your corner. So even though we're just celebrating the end of the program here, you always have me, right? And I feel like I've made some really great friends for life. So, thank you for everything that you brought to the table.
Kengo Kato (Kengo Sushi, Kato Ramen, Papa K's, Shobu by Kengo):
When Riley approached me about this program, I didn’t know what to expect. How do I mentor? And then when I met my mentees, now my friends, I thought, how do I mentor you guys? What I was able to offer was a network of people that I know, but it’s been an honor to be a mentor to you guys and hopefully we can continue this friendship. Thank you. Thanks for having me be a part of this.
When Riley approached me about this program, I didn’t know what to expect. How do I mentor? And then when I met my mentees, now my friends, I thought, how do I mentor you guys? What I was able to offer was a network of people that I know, but it’s been an honor to be a mentor to you guys and hopefully we can continue this friendship. Thank you. Thanks for having me be a part of this.
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