ERC We help leaders build great workplaces through thought leadership, comprehensive data & HR solutions

Through our certified HR advisors, we offer compensation benchmarking and data, workplace polls and surveys, employee development, networking, and cost savings opportunities. ERC is also the founder of NorthCoast 99, and sponsors the ERChealth insurance program for Ohio employers.

08/02/2025

Cleaning toilets is a little different than working on fighter jets, right?

But that’s the scenario Dave Banyard faced as a young military leader, with 25 18-year-olds reporting to him who had to work their way up the ranks, starting with cleaning toilets.

🎙️ On What’s Up at Work?, Dave shares how he learned some valuable lessons in motivating people from this experience:

• Show them the bigger mission
• Take time to understand who they were and what they want
• Repeat the message again and again, don't assume they know it

It’s a masterclass in leading with purpose.

07/29/2025

“Just tell it like it is.”

That’s the leadership trait Dave Banyard, CEO of MasterBrand, says defines him most.

And he means it. Honesty, context, and action. No sugarcoating.

🎥 Watch the clip from our latest What’s Up at Work? episode to hear how he channels Churchill’s wartime communication into everyday leadership.

Full episode in the comments 👇

07/03/2025

Are you staying relevant?

Well, if you're reading the same media from the same people you've always been consuming...you might not be.

Micki Byrnes points out in this clip from What’s Up at Work?, most of us are stuck in self-curated echo chambers.

“You’ve got a feed on your phone that’s basically self-censored. You’re in an echo chamber of your own design.”

So what’s her advice?

To intentionally break your bubble:
✅ Read sources you wouldn’t normally seek out
✅ Subscribe to perspectives you may not agree with
✅ Go deeper into your market, your industry, and your community

Why does this matter?

Because the more informed you are about the world around you, the more articulate and credible you sound, whether you’re applying for a job, interviewing for a promotion, or presenting a strategy to your leadership team.

07/01/2025

When Micki Byrnes retired from her longtime role as President of WKYC, she thought she was ready.

But like many high-achieving professionals, she quickly realized the job had become part of her identity.

“So much of who I am was tied up in what I did.”

In this clip, Micki shares the real emotional challenge of retirement and how she found her way forward by redefining purpose outside of a title.

Watch the clip for an honest take on what it really feels like to leave a legacy role behind.

06/13/2025

Would you rather ride the chairlift by yourself or with other people?

Kelly Keefe, President and CEO of ERC, explains why she always chooses the shared ride, whether it’s on the slopes or in the office. In this clip, she talks about how being around others fuels her energy, why collaboration beats isolation, and how that same mindset translates into building a strong, connected workplace culture.

06/10/2025

You don’t need to have all the answers to be a great leader...In fact, thinking you do might be a problem.

Here’s what Kelly Keefe, President & CEO of ERC, had to say on the What’s Up at Work? podcast when asked which leadership trait has helped her the most:

👉 Vulnerability
👉 Openness to feedback
👉 Willingness to listen, even if she’s not the expert.

This clip is a quick watch, and a good reminder for anyone in a leadership role.

Watch or listen to the full interview by clicking the links in the comments.

05/22/2025

First day as CEO—what’s your move?

For Matt Dailey, President & CEO of Royal Chemical, the answer was clear: build trust first.

“No pretty presentation about strategic direction is going to gain traction if there isn’t a base level of trust.”

In this clip from What’s Up at Work?, Matt shares why establishing relationships was his first priority and why nothing meaningful happens without trust.

05/20/2025

Some CEOs pace. Others stress eat. Matt stretches.

Matt Dailey, CEO of Royal Chemical, told us about the one work habit he’s not giving up even if it turns a few heads.

Glass office? ✔️
Floor stretches? ✔️
No shame.✔️

Help us celebrate a big milestone for one of our wonderful team members — Valerie Lakios is celebrating 5 years with ERC...
05/19/2025

Help us celebrate a big milestone for one of our wonderful team members — Valerie Lakios is celebrating 5 years with ERC! 🎉

As an HR Consultant, Valerie is one of the expert voices behind our Member Help Desk — guiding ERC Members as they navigate their toughest HR questions with clarity and care.

She’s known for her kindness, collaborative spirit, and total dedication to supporting the people and organizations we serve. Simply put: she makes ERC better.

Valerie, thank you for being such a bright light on our team. We’re so lucky to have you!

🎉 Today we’re celebrating two years with  Reed!Caroline is a key part of our Sales Team and plays a big role in supporti...
05/08/2025

🎉 Today we’re celebrating two years with Reed!

Caroline is a key part of our Sales Team and plays a big role in supporting our NorthCoast 99 winners. She’s smart, motivated, full of positive energy—and always eager to learn and grow.

Whether she’s helping ERC members or cheering on the Cleveland Guardians (with her Corgi sidekick, Wrigley), Caroline brings incredible heart to everything she does.

We’re so lucky to have her on the team. Happy anniversary, Caroline! 💜

From the HR Hot Seat on our 'What's Up At Work' podcast:"What's one workplace habit you picked up early in your career t...
05/02/2025

From the HR Hot Seat on our 'What's Up At Work' podcast:

"What's one workplace habit you picked up early in your career that you still have today?"

Kristin Warzocha, President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank:
"The harder you work, the luckier you get."

Simple, but great advice.

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