Uncle Marv sits down with Denice Schafer and Jon Topp at the NAJAC reunion in Bloomington, Indiana. Denice, now Vice President of Human Resources and Volunteer Engagement at Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, reflects on her 38-year career with JA. Her journey began as a delegate in 1979 and evolved into various leadership roles within the organization.

Denice shares how a neighbor's invitation led to her involvement in JA, ultimately shaping her career path in human resources. She reminisces about her experiences as a NAJAC staff member, from manning information tables to supervising programs alongside Uncle Marv.

The conversation highlights the unique bond formed among NAJAC participants, with Denice describing them as an "extended family." She emphasizes the joy of reconnecting with old friends and the ability to pick up conversations right where they left off, even after years apart.

Jon Topp, known as "the questionnaire," shares his story of discovering NAJAC before JA itself. He recounts his journey from delegate to staff member, eventually becoming a fixture in the JA Bowl competition for 11 years.

The podcast takes an emotional turn as Jon opens up about a personal tragedy. He reveals how the NAJAC community rallied around him during a difficult time, demonstrating the deep connections formed through the program.

Both guests reflect on the lasting impact of JA on their lives, from career choices to personal relationships. They also discuss the evolution of JA programs, emphasizing the organization's continued relevance in addressing community needs, particularly in financial literacy and career exploration.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved with their local JA offices, either through volunteering or donations.

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

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Uncle Marv introduces the episode, focusing on the recent NAJAC reunion held in early August. He interviews Jan Griffin Kohler, a NAJAC veteran with two decades of experience on staff, and Audrae Erickson, who attended NAJAC from 1977 to 1980.

Jan shares her journey from being an Achiever in Battle Creek, Michigan, to becoming a staff member. She recalls her initial excitement about returning to the conference after a year of being sidelined due to local politics. Jan emphasizes the deep friendships formed at NAJAC, describing how these bonds have remained strong over the years.

Audrae reflects on her transformative experiences at NAJAC, especially her success in the national sales competition. She explains how coaching students and witnessing their growth in confidence motivated her continued involvement with Junior Achievement.

Both guests discuss the changes in Junior Achievement over the years, noting the challenges of engaging new generations of students. They express their love for the reunions, emphasizing the joy of reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories.

The episode concludes with Jan and Audrae highlighting the enduring spirit of NAJAC and its profound influence on their personal and professional lives. Their stories serve as a testament to the lasting impact of Junior Achievement and the importance of maintaining these connections.

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Uncle Marv welcomes Donna Ross (formerly Donna Scarnecchia) and Rob Montgomery to reminisce about their experiences with Junior Achievement and NAJAC. Donna's journey began in high school in Orange County, California, where she participated in JA's after-school program for three years. She attended NAJAC as a delegate in 1968 and returned as a group counselor in 1969, leading her group to win "Best Group" in her first year - a rare accomplishment.

Donna shares her experiences working with Disney as a liaison for JA initiatives and her involvement in a special JA speaker's corps sponsored by Reader's Digest. She emphasizes the unique bonds formed at NAJAC and the lasting impact of these relationships, noting that she still keeps in touch with her co-counselor from 1969.

Rob Montgomery's involvement with NAJAC spans over two decades, starting as a delegate and progressing through various staff positions. He highlights the closeness of the NAJAC family, often surpassing relationships with people from one's hometown. Rob worked in several competition areas, including corporate secretary, vice president of sales, and conference officer selection.

Both guests reflect on the beauty of the Indiana University campus and the nostalgia of returning for reunions. They discuss the logistical miracle of NAJAC, praising Jim Sweeney's organizational skills in expanding the conference from 60 to over 3,000 delegates. The episode underscores the lasting impact of NAJAC experiences, the strength of friendships formed, and the professional and personal growth fostered by Junior Achievement.

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by introducing Frank Evans, a former JA executive and current owner of Nevins, Inc., a Great Clips franchise. Frank's career with JA spanned 38 years, including roles as executive assistant to CEOs Carl Flemke and Jim Hayes. He shares how JA opened doors for him, transforming a kid from Atlantic City into a successful businessman and philanthropist.

Frank emphasizes the "impact" of NAJAC, highlighting how it inspired thousands of young people to pursue careers in business and consider higher education. He reflects on the selflessness of NAJAC staff and volunteers, who dedicated their time to make the conference a success.

The conversation then shifts to Helene Lollis, CEO of Pathbuilders and former JA student and staff member. Helene recounts her journey from JA student to board member, including her experiences in the President of the Year competition and her roles on NAJAC staff.

Both interviewees discuss the profound connections formed during NAJAC, describing how the intensity of the experience created lasting bonds despite the relatively short time spent together. They reflect on the complexity of organizing the conference, which at its peak involved 3,000 students and 300-350 staff members.

The episode concludes with a poignant discussion about the importance of maintaining connections within the JA community, especially as they begin to lose members of their cohort. Both Frank and Helene express gratitude for the opportunities JA provided and the ongoing impact it has on their lives.

Links:

• Nevins Inc: https://nevinsinc.org/
• Great Clips: https://www.greatclips.com/
• Clips of Kindness: https://www.greatclips.com/about-us/giving/clips-of-kindness
• Pathbuilders: https://www.pathbuilders.com/

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by explaining the significance of NAJAC and why he's dedicating several episodes to this topic. He emphasizes the deep connections formed during the conference and how they've lasted for decades.

Rob shares his NAJAC journey, starting in 1970 as a delegate and evolving into various staff roles. He recounts the origins of the popular dance events, from improvised basement parties to full-scale productions at the tennis courts and swimming pool.

The interview highlights the inexplicable bond between NAJAC attendees, describing it as a connection deeper than those formed in high school or college. Rob emphasizes the difficulty in explaining this unique camaraderie to those who haven't experienced it. Rob discusses the logistical challenges of organizing NAJAC, comparing it to modern tech conferences and marveling at how they managed without today's technology. He also touches on the recent reunions, including the 2019 event that drew over 100 attendees.

The episode concludes with Rob reflecting on the importance of these reunions and the bittersweet realization that the group isn't getting any younger, emphasizing the need to gather more frequently.

Links:

• National Junior Achievement Conference Photo, Bloomington 1993 (I'm at the top left): https://tinyurl.com/mvvmtc3y
• Junior Achievement USA: https://jausa.ja.org/
• Archive of NAJAC Pictures at Indiana University: https://tinyurl.com/3h5v8pfv

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Uncle Marv announces his return to podcasting, explaining the new name "The Unfamous Podcast" and its focus on reconnecting with friends from various life stages. He updates listeners on his IT business, his mother's health, and recent events like Florida's Little League World Series victory.

The episode highlights two major topics: a recent reunion for the National Junior Achievers Conference (NAJAC) and an upcoming Satellite High School reunion. Uncle Marv teases upcoming episodes featuring interviews from the NAJAC reunion, emphasizing the enduring relationships formed through the program. He also provides detailed information about the Satellite High School reunion planned for June 2025, including dates, venue, and pricing.

Links

• Satellite High School Reunion: Classes of 83-87: https://www.facebook.com/groups/441417030297343
• Book Your Room at the Melbourne Beach Hilton: https://tinyurl.com/mr45jk2v

Key Takeaways

• Uncle Marv's podcast returns with a new name: "The Unfamous Podcast"
• Focus on reconnecting with friends from different life stages
• Updates on personal life, business, and family health
• Recent NAJAC reunion and upcoming interviews
• Detailed information about the Satellite High School reunion in 2025
• Florida's victory in the Little League World Series

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Erin's Top 10 Gadgets of 2022: https://tinyurl.com/4f48r9bk

Up to the minute Black Friday deals in one place: https://blackfriday.com/

=== Links to Gadgets Mentioned on Amazon

Samsung 55” The Frame Smart TV: https://amzn.to/3OpgQ9j

Samsung 75-inch QLED Q70A 4K UHD Quantum: https://amzn.to/3hVVpk0

Philips 4300 Fully Automatic Espresso: https://amzn.to/3hXTyvb

Keurig K-Duo Plus Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3Ew0nvA

Breville Smart Oven Pro Toaster Oven: https://amzn.to/3V46zlk

Jackery Wortable Power Station: https://amzn.to/3EzL98G

=== Erin Lawrence

Erin is a blogger for technology, gadgets and consumer products.

Website: www.TechGadgetsCanada.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ErinLawrenceTV

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ErinLYYC/

=== Eric Pinto

Eric is Senior Director at SOCSoter, a cybersecurity platform for small to mid-sized businesses.

Website: https://www.socsoter.com/

=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5

Junior Achievement is a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success

All-star list of guests from the Junior Achievement Community:

Laurie Sallarulo, President, Junior Achievement of South Florida - https://www.jasouthflorida.org/

Denice Shafer, Vice President of Programs, JA of North Central Ohio - https://jaofnco.ja.org/

Helene Lollis, President & CEO, Pathbuilders & Board Member - Junior Achievement of Georgia - https://www.georgia.ja.org/

Cathy Haga, President, Junior Achievement of Miami - https://miami.ja.org/

Ed Grocholski, Chief Marketing Officer, Junior Achievement USA - https://jausa.ja.org/

===

Find a Junior Achievement office near you: https://jausa.ja.org/about/locations

===

JA Programs: https://jausa.ja.org/programs/index

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=== Show and Contact Information

Host: Marvin Bee (marvin@unclemarv.com)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mb.unclemarv/

Twitter: @iamunclemarv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinbee/

RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/dbgzAfi5