Ford The Rock – Details, episodes & analysis

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Ford The Rock

Edward McCullough

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/36d. Total Eps: 25

Ford The Rock Podcast is brought to you by The Element of Rockford. Join us as we talk to Community Leaders, Artists, Entrepreneurs, and people in the know about what it takes to develop a thriving community. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Data updated on 04/07/2026

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https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support
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Score global : 43%

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Pat Alberto of 27Aluna

Saturday, December 21, 2024 • Duration 42:24

Today's guest is Pat Alberto, the owner of 27Aluna in downtown Rockford. He grew up in the Philippines and moved here when he was 18. His is an interesting background story.

Pat began his career journey at fast food joints before landing a job at Octane restaurant, the predecessor to 27Aluna in the space on N.Main St. He started as a dishwasher and part-time cook and then moved on to Abreo, where he connected with and learned from Paul Sletten, Abreo’s owner. Paul mentored Pat until he became Abreo’s sous chef, and once he’d spent several years there, he was ready to go out on his own. When Dan and Michelle, owners of Octane, offered him a position, Pat jumped at the opportunity. He became head chef and then later purchased the restaurant. With dedication and hard work, Pat managed to survive through COVID and ultimately created 27Aluna.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Jen Spencer, Principal, Studio GWA

Thursday, October 17, 2024 • Duration 51:22

Our guest for this episode of Ford the Rock is Jennifer Spencer, a principal at Studio GWA. Jennifer grew up just outside of Madison, WI. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and received her graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Upon graduation, Jen accepted a position working for Rockford architect Gary Anderson. We’ll discuss her love of Rockford and GWA’s current work, including the Rockford Public Library.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Tyler Pickering

Monday, September 23, 2024 • Duration 38:31

This episode’s guest is Tyler Pickering, a Rockford native who returned to Rockford after a few years in Colorado. Tyler is a graduate of Guilford High School and the University of Illinois. After several jobs of varying difficulty, he was led into the insurance industry, where he is doing well for the Eckburg Insurance Group. Tyler has, along the way, become a community activist. Leading the St. Patrick’s Day parade while serving on the Rockford Maker Center and The Element’s advisory board. Today, we discuss his trip to become a homeowner in the difficult market we are in now. Please stay and listen to one of Rockford’s bright young men.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Ann Wasser, Director, Severson Dells

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 • Duration 53:43

Today’s guest is Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center. Ann moved to the Rockford region from the Monterey Peninsula in California, known as one of the most scenic places in the country. She however, was very aware of the rising cost of living there, and thus became a financial immigrant to the Rockford area. Ann received her master’s degree in education from the University of Washington in Seattle. She began working for Winnebago County seven and a half years ago. Severson Dells Nature Center spun off from the County in March 2023. The Nature Center became a stand-alone 501(c)(3 ) not-for-profit then. Let’s delve into the fascinating life of Severson Dells and all the programs it offers for young and old alike.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Joshua Patterson, Wired Cafe

Season 2 · Episode 1

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • Duration 55:41

Walk into the newly owned Wired Cafe and Joshua greets you as a welcome neighbor. He would not have it any other way. A part of the community, Joshua grabbed the short straw and became Wired Cafe's general manager. A founding member of 815-Capital Group, along with Matthew Simpson, Terence Hall, Jaron Hite, and Clydale Hilson, Joshua ended up as GM.

In the podcast, he gives us a short history of 815-Capital and then gives us the skinny on how 815-Capital made a deal with Crystal Douglas, Shana, and Maggie, former owners of Wired. Joshua reveals his plans for the future expansion of the Wired Cafe brand.

Relax and enjoy a story of some Rockford entrepreneurs doing what they do best.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Gretchen Gilmore, RAVE

Season 2 · Episode 1

Thursday, March 28, 2024 • Duration 44:35

Today's guest is Gretchen Gilmore, General Manager of RAVE - Rockford Area Venues & Entertainment Authority.

After working in private-sector accounting, Gretchen started with RAVE as the Director of Finance. She became interim GM during the pandemic and secured well over $20 million in grant funds to keep the BMO Center and the Coronado afloat. Gretchen is employed by ASM Global Management, which has a management agreement with the RAVE board. Rockford has been Gretchen's home for over 20 years. She has an accounting degree from Western Illinois University. Among her accomplishments, RAVE generated a surplus in operations for the first time in the building's history in 2023. Please enjoy some great background on the workings of downtown Rockford's economic driving force - RAVE.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Mike Dunn

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 • Duration 51:12

Mike Dunn is the Executive Director of the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. Mike is a Rockford native who started his career in Illinois state politics. Mike has presided over much of the tremendous growth that has occurred at Rockford’s airport over the past two decades. Under Mike’s leadership, Chicago Rockford International has become one of the leading cargo airports in the country. Mike has generated this success by creating ongoing bipartisan cooperation among local, state & national politicians. Sit back & listen to a master of the art of “making things happen”

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Melissa Hagerman, Rockford Career College

Season 1 · Episode 19

Friday, September 29, 2023 • Duration 55:09

Our guest this week is Melissa Hagerman of Rockford Career College. Melissa is the Vice President of Career Services, Community Outreach, and Alumni Affairs at the College. Before moving to the Rockford region, she grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and eventually made her way out to DeKalb to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University. Melissa plays a critical role in constantly improving RCC’s relationship to the Rockford Region.

At Rockford Career College, the goal is student success. Students gather in Rockford in a friendly, small-class environment that feels like home. That means you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention, unlike a big school. You’ll learn from highly qualified

and caring instructors, all of whom have real-world experience in their field. Classes are hands-on, so you can get a feel for what you’re learning. During the last quarter of your program, you’ll even enter an externship off-campus at a local employer, where

you’ll put your skills to work.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Terrakotta

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 • Duration 54:41

Earlier this year, Kailee Schulz and Kendra Moreno began a homegrown plant business appropriately named “Terrakotta”. While working full-time, they grew and cared for hundreds of plants and ran their business at the Rockford City Market and other local events. Perhaps most shocking is that they started this business in their homes, setting up growth operations in their spare bedrooms and basements. Join me in learning how two Rockford natives were able to start this small business and their big plans for the future of Terrakotta.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Kevin Versino, Rocktown Adventures

Season 1 · Episode 16

Thursday, August 10, 2023 • Duration 58:00

Kevin Versino is the General Manager of Rocktown Adventures

Kevin has been an outdoor guy his whole life. In 2008 an opportunity arose to move to Rockford and make outdoor sports his career. Kevin moved his family here from Chicagoland and has been living a sporting life ever since. Kevin knows the Rockford region’s outdoor sports opportunities as well as anyone. Hear all the possibilities for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, running, etc, in the Rockford area. Once you’ve finished this podcast, it will be time to get up off the couch and move!

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/edward-mccullough/support

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Ford The Rock – Details, episodes & analysis

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Ford The Rock – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Spotify1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Spotify1