Under Keith’s leadership, Poettker Construction has grown in both reputation and reach. He was recently named the 2025 Most Admired CEO by the Charlotte Business Journal—an honor that reflects more than just business performance. It reflects character.

Poettker Construction was founded by Keith’s father, the late Charles “Chuck” Poettker—a decorated Army veteran and a man remembered as much for his humility and values as for his accomplishments. Today, Keith carries forward that legacy, shaping not just the future of the company, but helping redefine what principled leadership looks like in today’s world.

Host:

• Mike Park, CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests: 

• Danielle Brown, SVP and CIO of Whirlpool Corporation
• Michelle Greene, EVP and CIO of Cardinal Health

Credits: 

• Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
• Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
• Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
• Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Together with our host, Mike Park, CharacterPlus CEO, they discuss the profound impact that "moments that matter" have on shaping culture, whether through small, kind gestures like a young employee offering flowers to a grieving customer or larger corporate commitments to community service. Lisa shares how her company’s 'Lift' program is changing lives, while Dave discusses the role of empathy and humility in leadership, and how his frontline team members contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

Dave and Lisa open up about their personal leadership journeys, sharing the core values that have shaped them. From Dave’s belief in faith, service, and candor to Lisa’s emphasis on love, patience, and empathy, these leaders embody what it means to lead with integrity and to inspire others.

Tune in to hear how character transcends business metrics, influencing everything from employee engagement to customer loyalty. Let this conversation serve as a powerful reminder of how simple acts of kindness can transform lives and build stronger communities.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on empathy, integrity, and the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting legacy.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park, CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests:
Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions
Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners 

Credits:
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Dr. Jeremy Mapp shares how the program has been successfully integrated into the Kirkwood School District, resulting in a more positive school culture and a stronger sense of belonging among students and staff. Dr. Grace Lee discusses the tangible improvements in social-emotional learning and academic performance observed in schools that have embraced EJACE. Michael Barolak highlights inspiring success stories from EJACE cohorts, illustrating how schools are using the program to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

This episode offers valuable insights into how EJACE is helping schools create environments where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests:
Dr. Grace Lee
Dr. Jeremy Mapp
Michael Barolak  

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

This episode features discussions with education leaders who are at the forefront of EJACE: Dr. Grace Lee, Director of the Equity and Justice Academy in Character Education; Dr. Jeremy Mapp, Co-Director of EJACE and Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Kirkwood School District; and Michael Barolak, Director of Counseling Academy in Character Education (CASE) and an EJACE expert. Together, they share how the academy is fostering academic success, strengthening connections within school communities, and promoting a positive environment through a focus on equity and justice.

Learn more at:
www.characterplus.org

Host:
Mike Park CEO of CharacterPlus

Guests:
Dr. Grace Lee
Dr. Jeremy Mapp
Michael Barolak  

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

Join host Mike Park as he converses with Dr. Rene Sommers, an educational consultant with a rich history of transforming schools into character-building powerhouses. They're joined by Alexia Georges, a parent whose active involvement in her children’s school has led to some truly inspiring outcomes.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- The underrated role of parental involvement in schools.

- How character values like "Grit" can be more than just buzzwords.

- Insights that could change the way you approach your child's education.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from both sides of the educational coin— a seasoned educator and an involved parent. Together, they'll share valuable lessons that could reshape how you view your role in your child's education.

Follow Character Plus
www.characterplus.org

Guests:
Alexia Georges
Dr. Rene Sommers
Host:
Mike Park CEO of Character Plus

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander

In 1999 Dr. Marvin Berkowitz was the inaugural Ambassador H.H. Coors Professor of Character Development at the US Air Force Academy. He served as Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Ethics Studies at Marquette University. He was also founder and Associate Director of the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He earned his BA degree from the State University of NY at Buffalo in 1972. He earned his Ph.D. in Life-span Developmental Psychology at Wayne State University in 1977. He served as a Research Associate at the Center for Moral Development and Education at Harvard University 1977-79.

He has also served as a Visiting Professor at the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Development and Education in Berlin (1987-8), as a Visiting Scholar for the Gordon Cook Foundation in Scotland (1995), and as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham, England (2019-2021).

He is joined by Kristen Pelster. She’s spent over two decades as an educator then administrator. She’s a National School of Character recipient and a St. Louis Region Middle School Principal of the Year. For nearly a decade Kristen served as the district leader for character education. Not satisfied with her school becoming a National School of Character her work throughout Fox C-6 was recognized as a National District of Character.  That incredible journey took Kristen before the Senate in Washington, D.C testifying on the positive impact “social, emotional and character development.” Kristin is currently studying for an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL). Her educational achievements at UMSL also include an Ed.S. in Education Administration; M.A. in Education Administration and she is a graduate of the Leadership Academy in Character Education. Kristen received a B.A. in Music Education from Missouri Baptist University.  

This is one episode you don’t want to miss. 

www.characterplus.org
www.characterandcitizenship.org

Guests:
Dr. Marvin Berkowitz
Kristen Pelster
Host & CEO of Character Plus: Mike Park

Credits: 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander
Audio Engineer: Jacob Bowling

Sen. Eslinger holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from The College of the Ozarks. She also earned a master’s degree in education administration and a specialist degree in superintendency and educational system administration from Missouri State University. Senator Eslinger received her doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Prior to her election to the Missouri Senate in 2020, Sen. Eslinger represented District 155 in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2019 through 2020.

Senator Eslinger is a long-time resident of Wasola, where she lives with her family on a farm. She and her husband have also owned and operated a small business for over 35 years. We are truly humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to share her story from education to the senate. 

 Whether you're an educator, business leader, or parent this conversation is guaranteed to inspire and equip you on the journey. 

CharacterPlus.org
Guest: Senator Karla Eslinger
Host & CEO of Character Plus: Mike Park
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander 
Audio Engineer: Jacob Bowling 

Marvin serves as a Board Member of the St. Louis Community Foundation, the Christian Church Foundation, The Interfaith Partnership, Missouri Historical Society, Oasis, Webster University, and we are delighted to have him on the board here at Character Plus.
 
CharacterPlus.org
 Guest: Marvin Anderson
Host & CEO of Character Plus: Mike Park 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexander 
Audio Engineer: Jacob Bowling 

Erika Niles Twitter. Click Here

CharacterPlus.org 

Credits: 

Host & CEO of Character Plus: Mike Park 
Executive Producer & Content Strategist: William "Chip" Schafer
Producer / Audio Editor: David Alexander
Introduction Audio Voice Actress: Kristen Pelster
Introduction Audio Voice Actor: David Alexaxnder 
Audio Engineer: Jacob Bowling