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How Marketers and Communicators Can Tap Into Their Creativity

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:19:19 GMT

Marketing and communications professionals exist in a constant state of creation. Every day, we craft messaging, find innovative ways to showcase products and services, and develop engaging content. We pour our creativity into our clients—internal and external—without hesitation. But when was the last time you created something just for yourself?

Nearly a year ago, my mom passed away, and in many ways, I broke. I found myself questioning everything. I’m in my mid-40s, a mother myself, staring at the second half of my life without my own mom. Those nagging questions crept in: What am I really doing? What truly matters?

Maybe we all go through something like this, but I'm thankful that my grief led me to look for solid ground and remember the creative person I started as when I was a kid—a painter, a writer of wild stories about mysterious neighbors, a backyard photographer, a journalist wielding my First Sony recorder and a microphone, interviewing my stuffed animals like I was Barbara Walters. (Who am I kidding? I was more Phil Donahue or Sally Jessy.)

This reflection became action, and I sat down and wrote—not for a client, not on a deadline, but just for me. Sitting down to write for myself was transformative. It reminded me why I chose this career in the first place. The fact that I was able to turn what I love into a career is incredible, but I realized that a part of me (a very big part) had lost the artful fun of writing.

How Creativity Drives Professionalism

Amid this reflection on creativity, I found myself searching for ways to nurture this muscle even more. Discoveries such as Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, a 12-week journey (part guidebook, part spiritual exploration) to what she calls "creative recovery," have helped lead me to further exercise my creativity. Writing three pages every morning in a journal with no rules or expectations, for example, has helped me organize what I need from the day and fuels creative momentum. In fact, it led me to write this very article.

It may sound surprising to some, but harnessing creativity outside of work can strengthen problem-solving, storytelling and strategic thinking—critical skills for marketing and business success. Even when drafting technical content, I find myself sharper and more fluid. It’s like a football player taking dance classes to move more nimbly on the field. By engaging in personal creative practices, professionals can generate fresher ideas, improve brand narratives and approach challenges with a more innovative mindset.

So, creative professionals, this is your call to make personal creativity a part of your professional quest.

Reigniting Your Creativity As A Busy Professional

You don’t need to quit your job or retreat to a cabin to reconnect with your creative side. (But, let’s be honest, a week at the lake wouldn’t hurt.) If your work demands all your creative energy, here are some ways to nurture your artistic spark without turning it into another task on your to-do list.

Morning Pages: A few minutes of freewriting can declutter your mind, generate new ideas and make you more intentional. No pressure, no editing—just let the words spill out.

Creative Constraints: Give yourself a mini creative challenge. Write a haiku about your morning coffee or try sketching a five-minute portrait of your dog without judgment. Creativity can thrive within boundaries.

Unplugged Creativity: Try something tactile like painting, playing an instrument or even rearranging your bookshelf by color. Engaging with your hands can help spark ideas in unexpected ways.

Creativity Sprints: If your calendar is packed, schedule short bursts of creativity the way you would a work meeting. Ten minutes of uninterrupted time to jot down ideas, brainstorm a personal project or simply daydream can work wonders.

Micro-Journaling: If you're not into long-form journaling, I recommend keeping a small notebook (or a notes app) and jotting down interesting thoughts, phrases or observations throughout the day. These fragments can become the seeds of something bigger.

Time In Nature: Nature is the ultimate artist. No two sunrises are the same. Spend time outside without an agenda and let your senses take in the sights, sounds and textures. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from simply being.

Telling Your Own Stories: If you can tell a friend about something funny that happened last week, you can write it down. Start small; write a letter you’ll never send, a fictionalized version of your commute or a ridiculous "what if" scenario.

Making time for creativity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For those struggling to find the time, remember that just 15 minutes a day is all it takes. If you want to spend more time, great, but don’t ask more of yourself than that. Treat it like any essential habit by making it a mental and physical priority.

I schedule my creative time, like morning pages, as I would a meeting, ensuring it’s nonnegotiable. It won’t be perfect at first, but aim for consistency, even if it’s just 50% of the time.

A habit tracker app can also help reinforce the routine by making progress visible and rewarding. The more you integrate creativity into your day, the easier it becomes to sustain.

Keeping The Spark Alive

These creative exercises might feel like something completely removed from your professional responsibilities, but the truth is that nurturing creativity outside of work directly enhances the skills you rely on every day. Freewriting sharpens clarity in strategic messaging, storytelling exercises improve brand narratives and creative constraints train you to think more effectively within business limitations. Even something as simple as stepping away from a screen to engage in tactile creativity can help reframe problems and unlock fresh ideas for marketing campaigns, client pitches or content development.

Remember, creativity isn’t an on-off switch; it’s a way of moving through the world, noticing things and making connections. So, give yourself the gift of creating for the sake of it without deadlines, clients or pressure. You will reignite your passion while strengthening your professional skills.

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Locals: Meet Mark Healy of the Midwest Lost Ski Areas Project

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:47:38 GMT

Locals: Meet Mark Healy of the Midwest Lost Ski Areas Project

Mark Healy was already 17 ski days deep into the season when we spoke in mid-December. He started the Saturday after Thanksgiving. When I reached out to schedule our chat, he let me know he skis every morning so our conversation had to fit neatly around his time on the slopes. In the winter, he skis 90 to 95 days a season, mostly at his “home hills” of Wilmot Mountain and Alpine Valley in Wisconsin—before hanging up his skis in the spring and switching to kayaking for the warmer months.

Mark is the kind of person you could talk to for hours and barely scratch the surface of his knowledge. He’s a true gem of the Midwest ski community, a historian at heart, and the founder of the Midwest Lost Ski Areas Project (MWLSAP, www.mwlsap.org), a website dedicated to preserving the history of the region’s forgotten ski hills. His motivation? “Someone has to do it, or it’s all going to be forgotten.”

The idea took root in 2020 when Mark retired after 30 years of teaching economics at a community college in northern Illinois, where he still lives. He had dabbled in web design while helping his mother with the Red Lake County (Minnesota) Historical Society, and when he came across the New England Lost Ski Areas Project, he knew the Midwest needed something similar. So, he built it. MWLSAP is a treasure trove of lost ski hill histories, old maps, and archived articles—an evolving digital library dedicated to capturing what once was. He started by compiling lists of lost ski areas using an old ski area book from 1978, adding historical maps from Skimap.org, and referencing countless newspaper clippings. Over time, skiers, riders, and historians alike have contributed tips and stories, expanding the project into a rich archive of Midwestern skiing history.

One of the more striking stories from his research is the ski hill in Wisconsin that was utterly transformed—hauled away, quite literally. When the ski area shut down, the land was converted into a gravel pit. Instead of a hill, there’s now a hole where skiers once carved turns. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly history can disappear if no one takes the time to document it.

Mark’s passion for Midwest skiing runs deep. He grew up in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, just 90 miles south of Canada. His first turns were at Timberlane, a small ski area started by the Steiger Brothers, the same folks behind Steiger Tractor. His uncle owned the land the Steiger brothers leased for the hill and struck a deal: his nieces and nephews could ski for free. That changed everything. Mark was hooked, and the hill, open just a few days a week with four rope tows and all-natural snow, became his winter playground.

While Mark’s website is simple by design, its nostalgic, no-frills layout is almost part of the charm. “It’s more about making sure the history exists,” he told me. He spent hours poring over old news articles, tracking down lost ski areas, and connecting with local historical societies—some of whom didn’t even realize the ski hills existed in their towns. Many of these hills were modest operations, featuring just a few runs serviced by rope tows, embodying the grassroots spirit of Midwest skiing. Some of the stories he’s unearthed are downright unbelievable, even for a born-and-raised Midwesterner like me.

Take, for example, the University of Kansas’s Shocker Mountain, a rope tow that ran under their stadium for college ski classes. Or the ski jump competitions once held at Soldier Field, complete with hay bales lining the aisles and snow covering the seats. You could also ski there—they set up rope tows so skiers could ride from the field up the stands before making their descent. Mark summed it up with a chuckle, “They didn’t make any money, but what a good try.” And Devil’s Nest, Nebraska, a resort with chairlifts and lodges but no reliable snowfall, leaving the lifts standing frozen in time. The Midwest’s ski history is wild, full of ambitious plans, fleeting dreams, and entire ski hills that have literally been hauled away as gravel pits.

The Midwest has played a significant role in the development of skiing and snowsports in the United States. In 1841, miners from Beloit, Wisconsin, became the first people documented to ski recreationally in the U.S. The region also boasts the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum in Ishpeming, Michigan, recognizing its pivotal contributions to the sport.

Mark loves the Midwest for what it is—a place where people make the most of what they have.

“When people tell me they only ski Colorado or out west,” he said, “I just shake my head and say, ‘I’m sorry for you.’ They usually ask why, and that’s when I tell them, ‘Well, you don’t ski very much, do you?’”

The truth is that Midwest skiing has a special kind of grit. You see the same people on the lifts all winter long, forming a tight-knit community that makes Midwest ski areas feel like home. Unlike sprawling resorts out west, where lift rides are often with strangers, here you get to know the folks riding next to you, running the same slopes time and again. Midwest ski resorts tend to foster a strong sense of community, with many being family-run operations that offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere where skiers and riders quickly feel at home. You drive hours to ski and ride because it’s worth it. And you find ways to make the most of the season, like hitting the terrain parks or learning to tandem ski with double bindings mounted on a long pair of skis, just as Mark and his son Lucas did. They even captured a video of their ride at Wilmot Mountain, Wisconsin. (P.S. – They once tried this at a well-known Colorado resort, but let’s just say it didn’t go over well with “management”.)

When I asked him what advice he’d give to someone looking for a place to ski, his answer was simple: “Go to the closest place and go often.” The Midwest is full of hidden gems—some lost, some still standing, all part of a history worth remembering.

You can find the Midwest Lost Ski Areas Project online at www.mwlsap.org and on Facebook .

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Straight Cutting Oils vs Coolants: Your CNC Machining Fluid Guide

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:30:04 GMT

In CNC machining, every component, cut, and edge finish depends on precision—not only in the equipment but in the fluids that keep it running smoothly. A finely tuned balance of lubrication and cooling is essential to minimize wear, control temperatures, and ensure consistent quality. Choosing the right fluid is more than a technical decision; it’s a strategic choice that impacts the longevity of both tools and machines.

When it comes to cutting oils versus coolants , the differences may seem subtle but are crucial for matching the fluid to specific tasks and machining environments. Cutting oils bring high lubricity that protects intricate cuts and sensitive tooling, while coolants prioritize temperature control for high-speed operations. Understanding these distinctions can mean the difference between routine maintenance and unexpected downtime for production managers, product engineers, and CNC professionals.

What are Straight Cutting Oils?

Straight cutting oils , also called “neat oils,” are oil-based fluids designed to provide strong lubrication without mixing with water. Made from mineral or synthetic oils with added extreme-pressure additives (like sulfur or chlorine), they create a protective film that reduces friction and heat between the tool and the workpiece.

Ideal Applications

These oils are especially effective for precision tasks, such as threading, broaching, and Swiss-style screw machining, where fine detail and tight tolerances are needed.

Benefits

Straight cutting oils help extend tool life, improve surface finishes, and keep machines cleaner by resisting bacterial growth and breakdown over time. This leads to smoother operations with fewer interruptions and lower tool maintenance and machine cleaning costs.

What are Coolants?

Coolants are water-based fluids that keep cutting tools and workpieces cool during high-speed machining. Unlike cutting oils, coolants primarily focus on temperature control, using a mix of water, lubricants, and other additives to dissipate heat from the cutting area quickly.

Ideal Applications

Coolants are best for high-speed CNC operations where managing heat is essential to prevent bad part quality, oxidation, and excessive tool wear. They’re widely used in tasks that involve aggressive cutting speeds and harder materials that generate more heat.

Benefits

Coolants enable higher cutting speeds by efficiently lowering temperatures and reducing the risk of tool damage from heat. This results in fewer instances of oxidation, a more consistent surface finish, and extended tool life, making coolants an ideal choice for faster-paced production environments.

Key Differences Between Cutting Oils and Coolants

While cutting oils and coolants both play a role in CNC machining, they are designed with different primary functions. Here’s a closer look at how these fluids differ in purpose, material compatibility, safety, and performance impact.

Lubrication vs. Cooling Focus

The core difference lies in their purpose. Cutting oils prioritize lubrication, forming a barrier that reduces friction between the tool and the material. This barrier minimizes wear and allows for precise, intricate cuts, which are instrumental in lower-speed, high-precision applications. Coolants focus on heat dissipation, drawing heat away from the cutting area to allow for higher-speed operations and prevent heat-related damage.

Material Compatibility

Different materials respond better to specific fluids. Cutting oils are typically well-suited for metals requiring high lubricity, like stainless steel or aluminum, and for tasks requiring a clean, smooth finish. Coolants, being water-based, are more commonly used for harder materials and high-speed operations, where quick heat removal is crucial. Selecting the proper fluid based on material type helps optimize both tool life and finish quality.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Each fluid type has unique considerations for operator safety and environmental impact. Cutting oils generally produce less mist than coolants, improving the workspace’s air quality. However, they can be more challenging to dispose of due to their oil-based nature. Coolants, while easier to dispose of, can produce more mist and may harbor bacteria if not properly maintained, which requires routine monitoring and replacement to ensure safety.

Performance Impact

Cutting oils offer enhanced lubricity, which reduces tool wear and improves surface finish quality but can lead to oil buildup if not managed. Coolants allow for faster cutting speeds and extended tool life under high-stress conditions by keeping temperatures low but may require frequent cleaning to avoid residue buildup and microbial growth.

Choosing the Right Fluid for Your CNC Application

Selecting the right fluid can be pivotal to your machining outcomes. Below are key questions to consider and practical advice to guide your decision.

What’s the Speed of Your Machining Process?

Coolants may be the better choice when working with high-speed CNC operations. Their primary role is cooling, which prevents overheating during fast-paced, high-stress cutting. Cutting oils are likely the best fit for slower, precision-focused tasks, as they provide the lubricity needed for delicate operations without requiring intense heat dissipation.

What Material Are You Machining?

Materials react differently to fluids. For hard metals, which generate substantial heat during machining, a coolant can help manage temperatures and prevent thermal damage. Softer metals or intricate parts often benefit from cutting oils, providing a smooth, consistent finish without overheating.

Which Tool Type Are You Using?

Tools that require precise lubrication to prevent chipping or wear, such as those used in threading or broaching, pair well with cutting oils. Tools designed for heavy-duty, high-speed cuts work better with coolants, as the fluid keeps the tool cool under prolonged use.

How Large is Your Production Scale?

Coolants often provide a better fit for large-scale, high-volume operations, as they support faster speeds and continuous operation without needing frequent reapplication. Cutting oils may benefit smaller-scale or specialized production where quality and finish are prioritized over speed, providing reliable lubrication that maintains tool integrity over time.

Optimize Your CNC Operations with the Right Fluid Choice

Choosing the right fluid for your CNC operations can significantly affect tool longevity, machining quality, and overall productivity. Cutting oils are ideal for precision tasks that require high lubricity, while coolants excel in high-speed operations where heat dissipation is critical. Understanding these distinctions helps match the fluid to your specific machining needs, ensuring optimal results and longer-lasting equipment.

Impact Fluids is here to help you make the best choice for your operation. More than a supplier of high-quality fluids , Impact Fluids partners with clients to improve production efficiency through tailored fluid selection, custom mixing, and fluid reduction strategies . By working closely with you, we ensure the right fluid is used correctly, helping reduce waste, enhance workplace safety, and deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.

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A Mother's Legacy

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:37:55 GMT

A Mother’s Legacy in Midwest Summers and Winters

The wind blowing my hair back. The earthy smell of lake water. Lake Michigan’s impossible turquoise. Fresh snow crunching under skis. The warmth of mom-and-pop ski lodges, all wood smoke and hot cocoa. A-frames along snowy roads. These moments bring me back to the Midwest of my childhood and to my mom – the woman who made it possible.

My mom wasn’t outdoorsy.

She didn’t like to “rough it.” Creature comforts were more her style, and luxury was her preference. Yet when I think about my connection to this land, the lakes, and the winters, my thoughts go straight to her.

Every weekend in the summer, we’d pack up and head out to our boat. My first memory is of our open-bow speedboat in Nunica, Michigan. We’d spend days cruising the Grand River, taking the boat to Lake Michigan, and beaching it by the dunes. Later, we upgraded to a cabin cruiser docked in Muskegon, and every Friday after my parents got off work, we’d haul ourselves to the marina. Coolers packed, overnight bags slung over our shoulders, we became part of the weekend warrior crowd.

Towels and bathing suits hung to dry on the boat railing while we took boat rides from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, swimming off the back of the boat. The waves always felt enormous to my skinny kid self. I’d sit in my mom’s lap and drive the boat, her hands guiding mine at the helm. She loved it—being behind the helm and on the water. I’m glad I saw my son sit in her lap and drive the boat, too, before she left us.

My mom passed away in April 2024 after a rapid battle with lung disease. Losing her so suddenly was shocking and painful, but a slow loss of breath would have crushed her spirit faster than it did her body. She didn’t want to live a life half-lived, and I don’t begrudge her that.

My mom was summer.

She loved the lakes, the long days, the warmth. Fourth of July was her holiday, and summer was her season. Her birthday was in July. So is mine. This first summer without her was devastating, but through it all, I was reminded of how much my childhood experiences in the Midwest outdoors are tied to her. She loved this place, and without me realizing it, she passed that love down to me.

Our summer vacations were boat trips to Northern Michigan, stopping at port towns like Ludington, Frankfort, Leland, Charlevoix, and Petoskey. I’d wake up already on the water, the lake around us, heading to the next port. When it was choppy, my mom would hand me cereal in a coffee mug so it wouldn’t spill.

For someone who claimed not to like “roughing it,” our boat trips weren’t glamorous, and certainly not five-star. It was like camping, just in marinas instead of campsites. But she still made it happen and was always the driving force behind our adventures.

Just as summer was defined by days spent on the lakes, winter had its rhythm. Our love for the Midwest outdoors spanned the seasons, moving from the water in the warm months to the slopes in the cold. Trips “up north” to ski—Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, Sugarloaf, Schuss Mountain, Crystal Mountain—are some of my fondest memories. I can still smell the little A-frames we stayed in, with their scent of wood, fire embers, and just a hint of mildew.

Our family photo albums are full of these outdoor escapades. Smiling faces in the water, lighthouses and sunsets, tousled hat hair headed kids with hot cocoa. There’s a picture of my mom, carrying me in a baby carrier on her back, cross-country skiing. I was six months old, and she was out there, already introducing me to the outdoors. Because she wanted to do it, we did it, too. She planned, organized, and got us going. She may have had help from my dad, but she was the one who made it all happen.

Now, I’m a mom, too, and I try to instill that same love of the outdoors in my own child. To appreciate what we have here. To protect it. Spending time on our trails, on our freshwater lakes, and teaching him to ski on the same mom and pop hills where I learned.

The thing about legacy is that it happens quietly. By doing what we do and celebrating the things we love, we leave behind something that lasts.

It wasn’t about grand adventures but rather the little moments. I didn’t realize it then, but becoming a mom myself made me see it. My mom wasn’t climbing mountains or conquering trails, but her legacy is full of these small, beautiful memories. It was an afternoon cross-country skiing with a baby on her back, a day spent by Lake Michigan, walking the shoreline and looking for the perfect rocks. It was learning the names of the plants that grow here, recognizing how they change with the seasons. It was choosing to sit outside in the evening instead of staying indoors, soaking in the long days of summer. It was these moments, more than anything, that gave me my connection to the outdoors and to this place.

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The Impact of Material Handling Automation on McDougall & Sons' Cherry Production

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:39:42 GMT

The Impact of Material Handling Automation on McDougall & Sons' Cherry Production

From orchard to market: See how advanced automation and data analytics from RH Brown, now proudly part of Bastian Solutions, transformed a fourth-generation family business.

Wenatchee, Washington, may be known as the "Apple Capital of the World," but is also renowned for its bountiful sweet cherry orchards. McDougall & Sons, a fourth-generation family-owned business, has been growing, processing, and distributing cherries and other tree fruits for decades. With Washington state producing millions of pounds of cherries annually, meeting the demand for fresh and high-quality sweet cherries is no small achievement. McDougall & Sons faced the challenge of increasing processing rates, managing peak capacity, and balancing production across multiple lines.

To meet the demand for customers in both domestic and export markets, they partnered with RH Brown. Their collaboration led to significant improvements through advanced material handling automation, warehouse control software, and data analytics, transforming McDougall & Sons' operations and efficiency.

Overcoming Operational Hurdles and Industry Shift

McDougall & Sons faced several operational challenges. Increasing processing rates was needed to keep up with the high demand for their premium sweet cherries. Managing capacity during peak times required a precise and efficient approach to handle the influx of cherries being harvested. Additionally, balancing production between two cherry lines posed difficulties, demanding seamless coordination to maintain consistency and quality. Another critical aspect was improving the visibility of the cherry production process, which was essential for accurate and real-time grower payments.

McDougall & Sons recognized the need to adapt to new packaging preferences as the fruit industry evolved. The market shifted from bulk cartons to smaller consumer packaging, such as small bags and clamshells. Lee Coonfield, Plant Technology Manager, understood the implications of these changes and saw the necessity for a new solution to meet these industry demands. The traditional methods were no longer sufficient to efficiently handle the complexities and increased volume. This realization prompted the search for an innovative approach to streamline operations and maintain McDougall & Sons' commitment to quality.

Processing sweet cherries presents unique challenges with the short growing season and intense, demanding work schedule. “We run two 10-hour shifts, seven days a week for almost 60 days straight,” explains Coonfield saying that cherry season “is one of the biggest grinds imaginable,” necessitating a seamless and well-coordinated approach to maintain the high standards McDougall & Sons is known for.

Coonfield’s commitment to delivering top-quality sweet cherries drives every aspect of the operation. He emphasizes the importance of not leaving any step to chance, ensuring that every process is meticulously managed, from “harvest to storage to packing, to provide consumers with a great eating experience.” This dedication drove the need for advanced automation and innovative solutions to overcome operational challenges during peak season.

RH Brown & Bastian Solutions: Material Handing Automation Integrator Partners

To address these challenges, McDougall & Sons turned to RH Brown As a leading integrator of automated material handling solutions, warehouse control software, and data analytics, the team was well-equipped to provide the necessary advancements.

The tailored solution featured three primary components:

Automated Material Handling

The introduction of advanced automation streamlined carton movement, significantly reducing manual labor. This automation ensured a smoother, more efficient process, minimizing the potential for errors and delays.

Warehouse Control Software

The new warehouse control software allowed for precise management of production lines. This system provided real-time insights into processing operations, facilitating quick decision-making and enhancing overall efficiency.

Data Analytics

Processing cherries and tracking grower payments required robust data analytics capabilities. These analytics provide valuable information about the production processes, enabling better accuracy and speed in carton handling. Coonfield noted the impact of this feature, stating, “It has enabled our accounting department to have a concrete platform to stand on when accounting for cartons. Also, the system handles cartons at more than twice the speed at which our old system did and with 99.9% accuracy. Without this feature, we would not have been able to run at all.”

Impact and Results

Implementing the tailored solution significantly improved McDougall & Sons' operations. The most notable achievements include a 130% increase in throughput, a remarkable enhancement that enabled the company to meet and exceed its production goals. Specifically, one production line now processes an average of 20 tons of cherries per hour, while the second line handles 17 tons per hour. Additionally, each production line can process an impressive 100 cases per minute, a testament to the efficiency gains realized through the new system.

Coonfield expresses his satisfaction with the partnership, highlighting RH Brown’s ' critical role in their success. “RH Brown [now part of Bastian Solutions] listens. It’s one of the most critical attributes of any partnership,” Coonfield remarked, underscoring the importance of effective communication and collaboration in achieving these outstanding results. The enhancements streamlined McDougall & Sons' operations and reinforced their commitment to delivering top-quality cherries to consumers.

If you want to transform your operations and achieve significant efficiency improvements like McDougall & Sons, consider partnering with RH Brown, now part of Bastian Solutions. With expertise in automated material handling solutions, warehouse control software, and data analytics, we’re ready to help you meet your unique challenges and optimize your processes.

Contact our team today for a consultation and discover how tailored automation can grow your business.

RH Brown, founded in 1911, is a fourth-generation family-owned business with offices in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. RH Brown, together in partnership with Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Automated Logistics company, is a premier provider of material handling solutions in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We are excited to share that later this year, the RH Brown systems integration team will be rebranding as Bastian Solutions. This change marks a significant milestone in our journey together and reflects our commitment to providing companies with the highest level of service and innovation in material handling and automated solutions.

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Scholarship Honors Tom Grove

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:58:25 GMT

Scholarship Honors Tom Grove’s

Impact as a Teacher and Artist

Tom Grove was a skilled fine artist and photographer with a quick wit, sharp intelligence, and mastery of Scrabble and crossword puzzles. But what is remembered most about Tom is how he made people feel good about themselves and helped them believe they could accomplish anything.

“He was the guy in the room that if you were around him, it was something special,” says Tom’s brother, Stephen Grove.

Tom grew up in a large, tight-knit family in southern Indiana. He was known as the funny guy in the family with a keen ability to make others laugh. He attended Ball State University, initially pursuing a degree in architecture but later changed to fine art and education. He was also deeply involved in Greek life at the university, where he developed lifelong friendships.

While he was an extremely talented painter and illustrator, he gravitated toward photography. Perhaps it was the science of photography and the ability to look at the everyday as art. “When you saw Tom’s photography, you got a glimpse into his eye, what he was seeing, and why he would capture it and frame it as art,” says Steve. “He once explained to me it’s not that you are showing someone that a particular thing is art, but instead looking at it and saying, ‘What if this was art?’”

Tom and his work earned many prestigious awards, including a two-time Lilly Creative Teacher Fellow, a Toyota International Teacher Program participant, and the National Endowment for the Humanities Research participant. A selection of his art is on permanent exhibit at the Midwest Museum of Art in Elkhart, Indiana.

In his 40-year career as an educator at Elkhart Central High School, Tom didn’t just teach thousands of students. He inspired them. Tom was a beloved photography teacher, retiring as the head of the Art Department just months before he died in 2017. He had been diagnosed with cancer and complications from treatment caused his untimely passing. “Good teachers
know their stuff, and Tom knew his stuff,” says Cynthia Holland Marks, who taught in the art department with Tom for many years. “He gave 100% every day. Kids loved him. He stood up for the fine arts.”

When Tom passed, his fraternity brothers, spearheaded by friend Bill Dougherty, suggested the scholarship. Their goal is to honor Tom’s legacy by supporting his passion for the classroom and young artists. “We aspired to create a scholarship that Tom would have wanted. A way for Tom to still be out there, encouraging these young artists, even though he is no longer with us,” says Steve.

For Tom, encouraging students to pursue their interests in art and photography was important. The arts aren’t always as supported or held in the same esteem of other fields. The scholarship helps to validate a career in the arts and inspires people to follow their passion. It continues the impact he made on students in his honor. Mario Casto, who was awarded the scholarship in 2020, says, “I’m really thankful for the scholarship. I’m still inspired by it; it’s motivated me to keep driving forward.” Mario is pursuing a double major in Photography and Marketing at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois, with the goal of owning a gallery and teaching photography at the college level.

Tom’s former wife, Mary Jo Sartorius, connected the scholarship creation efforts with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. “I knew from previous experience that in the hands of the Community Foundation, the scholarship would be well managed and offer a way to endow the scholarship, so his legacy lives on,” says Mary Jo. “Working with the Community Foundation takes the burden of the day-to-day management of the scholarship off of his family and friends.”

Tom’s life meant something to everyone that he touched. He lived by the golden rule to do unto others as you would have done to you, and he gave back to his community in a way that isn’t consistently recognized. Tom’s life illustrated how you can do good and make an impact on people through your actions, how you live your life, and by inspiring others.

On Tom’s memorial Facebook page, a former student wrote, “Grover, you set my path in life, and I could never thank you enough. I’ve had a camera in my hands or around my neck since the day I first took your class. I’ve built a successful business and it’s kept me going through some pretty rough times. Today I am turning in my application for my first big kid job (at the age of 38) as a high school photography teacher and the only person I want to call is you. I hope I can change at least one kid’s life like you changed mine.”

“He gave 100% every day. Kids loved him. He stood up for the fine arts.”

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sara-4

How Marketers and Communicators Can Tap Into Their Creativity

How Creativity Drives Professionalism

Reigniting Your Creativity As A Busy Professional

Keeping The Spark Alive

Locals: Meet Mark Healy of the Midwest Lost Ski Areas Project

Locals: Meet Mark Healy of the Midwest Lost Ski Areas Project

Straight Cutting Oils vs Coolants: Your CNC Machining Fluid Guide

What are Straight Cutting Oils?

Ideal Applications

Benefits

What are Coolants?

Ideal Applications

Benefits

Key Differences Between Cutting Oils and Coolants

Lubrication vs. Cooling Focus

Material Compatibility

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Performance Impact

Choosing the Right Fluid for Your CNC Application

What’s the Speed of Your Machining Process?

What Material Are You Machining?

Which Tool Type Are You Using?

How Large is Your Production Scale?

Optimize Your CNC Operations with the Right Fluid Choice

A Mother's Legacy

A Mother’s Legacy in Midwest Summers and Winters

The Impact of Material Handling Automation on McDougall & Sons' Cherry Production

The Impact of Material Handling Automation on McDougall & Sons' Cherry Production

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Overcoming Operational Hurdles and Industry Shift

RH Brown & Bastian Solutions: Material Handing Automation Integrator Partners

Impact and Results

Scholarship Honors Tom Grove

Scholarship Honors Tom Grove’s

﻿ Impact as a Teacher and Artist

Impact as a Teacher and Artist