part innovator, part war hero, part community builder. Known to many by his ham radio callsign K8US, he’s been a dedicated amateur radio operator since his teenage years, and served as President of the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society for 7 years. Under his leadership, the club skyrocketed from 30 members to over 1,000 strong. He even got the legendary Gary Gargus involved—hosting meetings at Gargus Hall, right across from the Gin Mill now the MAHD House.He’s also been a Director of the USS COD submarine memorial in Cleveland for over 40 years, helping preserve and share an important piece of naval history on the shores of Lake Erie.In the world of engineering and innovation, he was 300 feet up on an MCI tower, installing one of the region’s first amateur radio repeater systems. His early work helped lay the foundation for modern cell systems.He’s the founder of U.S. Sports Video—a company launched in 1989 that revolutionized how teams across the country analyze and review game film. You can still check them out at ussportsvideo.com.He’s also a former national champion model boat racer, having won the U.S. Championship in 1975, and served as President of the Cleveland Model Boat Club.In athletics, he wore many hats: Athletic Director at Amherst St. Joe’s, designer of an 8-acre sports complex, and longtime Little League and Lorain Catholic baseball coach—mentoring generations of Northeast Ohio athletes.Oh, and did we mention he was on the ship providing electronic support for missions? He was part of the very first air strikes against North Vietnam in Operation Flaming Dart in 1965—a true veteran who served his country with honor and grit.Lastly, he’s a founding member of the Silver Wheels Bicycle Club.

Mark A. Ballard, Sr. is a highly respected African American entrepreneur, community leader, and music industry executive from Lorain, Ohio. Born and raised in Lorain, Ballard has built a legacy as the “quiet force” behind numerous social services and initiatives that make Lorain County a better place to live, learn, and work . He is widely regarded as an astute businessman, visionary, and servant-leader who leverages his faith and talents to uplift his community

This morning we’re honored to sit down with a true Lorain legend: Tony Giardini.Tony has spent over 40 years as a top-tier attorney and driven force behind Lorain’s economic Main Street Lorain Development/ Lorain Growth. As partner at Giardini, Poplar & Mason, he’s spearheaded transformative commercial real-estate projects—most notably the Lighthouse Village shopping center, the Harborwalk residential community on the Black River, and the iconic Shipyards Event Center in the old industrial shipyard.But Tony’s impact extends well beyond property. A longtime member and former chair of the Lorain County Democratic Party and the Board of Elections, he’s been a steady voice in civic leadership since at least 1997. He’s also active on Main Street initiatives, championing downtown revitalization and urging public-private investment to boost local growth.Whether drafting contracts, fighting for fair elections, or raising a glass to a stronger Lorain, Tony’s blend of legal prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, and community heart is what makes today’s bar talk one for the books