Tristan Tripodi

On my way!

Last week we wrapped up End of Summer Fun Week at KOBOLD USA! 🎉 Four days (Labor Day gave us a head start on the fun), four themes, and enough snacks to test the structural limits of our break room. We told the team they're all that AND a bag of chips, and we backed it up with an actual box of chips. The candy bar alone could be seen from space. Wednesday was Support Your Favorite Team day. The Steelers showed up in force, as required by Pittsburgh law. Soccer made a strong showing. And one dedicated volleyball mom repped her daughter's jersey straight from the previous night's match, unwashed. That's fandom. We spend our days measuring flow, level, pressure, and temperature. Last week we mostly measured sugar intake. Grateful for a team that works hard and has fun doing it.

Portage Community Bank Announces New President RAVENNA, OH, September 16, 2026 - Connie M. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Portage Community Bank (“PCB”), is proud to announce the promotion of Robert S. Standardi to President of Portage Community Bank. Robert will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer and has also been appointed as a Director of Portage Community Bank with an effective date of September 1, 2026. This appointment was part of the bank’s leadership succession plan. Robert succeeds Ann H. Durr, who recently retired after years of leadership in the position and a distinguished career in community banking. “Robert’s passion for growth, financial strength, and operations of the bank, coupled with his deep commitment to the communities we serve, has been evident throughout his many years with PCB,” said Connie M. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer. “His extensive community banking experience, proven leadership, and dedication to our employees, customers, and communities makes him exceptionally well positioned to take on his new role. The Board of Directors has tremendous confidence in Robert and believes he is the right person to serve as PCB’s next President.” With more than twenty years of community banking experience, Robert’s career has been defined by strong leadership, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the community-focused values embodied in the bank’s longstanding motto, “Neighbors Serving Neighbors.” Robert has been part of PCB’s officer team since 2011, serving dynamically in the following roles: Controller, Chief Risk Officer, interim Chief Financial Officer, and most recently, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As President, Robert’s dedication to community banking and knowledge of the banking industry will help lead PCB with continued focus on growth, innovation, and superior customer service, while staying true to the relationship banking that has always defined PCB. Robert is a cum laude graduate from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking (“GSB”) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Robert additionally completed the GSB Financial Manager's School, the Ohio Banker's League Bank Leadership Institute and Leadership Portage County. Robert is active in the community and is the chair of the University Hospital’s Portage Medical Foundation’s Board and a member of the University Hospital’s South Market Board of Directors. Robert is a previous member of the Ohio Banker’s League Next Generation Advisory Board, Ohio Banker’s League Accounting/Advisory Council, the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni Council, and the United Way of Portage County Community Impact Committee. For media inquiries, please contact: Connie M. Bennett Chief Executive Officer Portage Community Bank (330) 296-8090

Meet Bob McDonough, Jr., CPA, Principal and Director of Audit & Assurance at S.R. Snodgrass.   Since 1946, S.R. Snodgrass has built its reputation on being approachable, easy to work with, and committed to a “whatever it takes” mindset for every client. Bob brings that philosophy to life by making sure the guidance he provides is tailored to each client’s unique needs.   With extensive experience in audit and tax, Bob specializes in serving community financial institutions, including commercial banks, savings banks, mutual thrifts, and credit unions, as well as nonprofit organizations. Whether clients are navigating SEC registration, annual reporting requirements, stock offerings, or policy development, Bob provides practical insight based on their specific circumstances.   His personalized approach, industry knowledge, and commitment to understanding each organization help our clients make informed decisions and confidently navigate complex financial matters.   #MeetTheTeam #AuditAndAssurance #CommunityBanking #FinancialInstitutions #SnodgrassExperts

Why do so many organizations become paralyzed by endless policies, approvals, and suffocating bureaucracy? Because when a workplace lacks a foundation of genuine trust, control steps in as a desperate substitute. "When culture is weak, rules multiply. When culture is strong, trust simplifies." Dysfunctional environments attempt to legislate integrity. Insecure leadership piles policy upon policy, monitoring every minute, policing every decision, and treating capable adults like suspects. This hyper-control does not create excellence; it breeds quiet disengagement, stifles creativity, and suffocates psychological safety. A vibrant, human-centric culture operates on a completely different frequency. When values are lived—not just posted on a wall—you don't need a rulebook for every move. Shared purpose and mutual respect become the compass. Leaders let go of micromanagement, and employees feel empowered to take courageous ownership, solve problems with agility, and innovate fearlessly. Trust strips away the friction of bureaucracy and frees people to bring their absolute best to the mission. Lead with heart, anchor your team in unshakable values, and let trust pave the way. Control polices behavior, but trust inspires brilliance. Strengthen your values, drop the excessive rules, and watch your people soar. Ready to master the ultimate blueprint of human-centric leadership and cultivate an empowering, high-trust culture where your team thrives every single day? Order copies of my book, The Blueprint of Leadership, on Amazon for your entire team today. Build an unbreakable culture of trust, and watch how effortlessly greatness follows. Invest in your team’s growth. Order on Amazon today: https://geni.us/s2nooOD

“Most Likely to Already Have It Handled.” I have to admit… this one made me smile. 😊 I was honored to receive this superlative from the Blood Cancer United Leadership Committee — a group of incredible people who are passionate about making a difference for those affected by blood cancer. And while “having it handled” might be the joke, being part of this leadership committee is something I take very seriously. I’m proud to lend my time, energy, and connections to a cause that is doing so much to support patients, families, and the blood cancer community. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert, a fundraiser, or have a ton of time to make a difference. You just have to be willing to get involved. If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved with Blood Cancer United, supporting the mission, joining an event, sponsoring, volunteering, or simply learning more — I’d love to connect with you. Send me a message. I’d be happy to tell you more about what we’re doing and how you can be part of it. 🩸

The NYSE welcomes MSA - The Safety Company to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. (NYSE: MSA)