Episode 39: Putting Past Experiences to Work in City Leadership with Mike Bodine & Rob Cowell

City of Marion Service Director Mike Bodine and Safety Director Rob Cowell join host Luke Henry to reveal how their unexpected career paths prepared them for public service—and how they're leveraging those skills to secure millions in grant funding for betterment of the city.

Behind every successful community initiative lies a network of relationships years in the making. "You never know what's going to come back around," Bodine shares, explaining how connections from his past have resurfaced to create powerful collaborations. From hiring a dedicated grant writer who's already secured multiple funding opportunities to partnering with the local vocational school to replace blighted properties with student-built homes, Marion's approach demonstrates how creativity and persistence can overcome limited resources.

The city's innovative fire station project exemplifies their pragmatic problem-solving. Rather than building entirely from scratch, they're repurposing a 15-year-old building that could save taxpayers upwards of two million dollars. It's this kind of thinking that recently earned Marion recognition as "Strongest Town in the United States and Canada," mobilizing schools, businesses, and citizens in a display of community pride that surprised even its leaders.

For anyone involved in community development, this conversation offers invaluable insights into turning grand visions into practical reality. The directors' emphasis on relationship-building, creative funding strategies, and patient persistence provides a roadmap for communities facing similar challenges. Whether you're a local Marion resident or a change-maker in your own town, their experiences demonstrate how collaborative effort can trigger the ripple effects that transform communities from within.

Guest Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityofmarionohio

Main Street Reimagined:

Facebook: facebook.com/MainStreetReimagined

The Main Street Reimagined Podcast, Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqfkmF5bRH0od1d3iiYKs3oEn_gvMYk7N



Henry Development Group:

Facebook: facebook.com/henrydevelopmentgroup

Website: www.henrydevelopmentgroup.com

Developing News Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/33110524eb5c/developing-news


Luke Henry:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/luhenry

Facebook: facebook.com/luke.henry.148

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