Junior Leadership Class of 2026: Business & Industry Day

This month, Junior Leadership students stepped into the world of Medina County business to explore how motivation, innovation, and risk-taking drive success.
The day began at RPM International Inc., where students learned how calculated risk and motivation fuel progress in today’s business world—and gained practical tools to maintain motivation even when challenges arise. Through interactive discussions and hands-on exploration, they discovered how great leaders push boundaries while staying grounded in purpose.
Next, students visited McJak Candy Company, a factory where a small kitchen startup from 1982 has grown into a 65,000-square-foot operation producing gourmet lollipops, fudge, and cotton candy. Behind every sweet creation was a story of creativity, craftsmanship, and community—a reminder that success often starts with passion and perseverance.
The learning continued at RICO Manufacturing, where students went behind the scenes to explore welding, fabrication, and the assembly of heavy, custom lift trucks and specialty vehicles. They saw how teamwork, precision, and problem-solving keep industries moving—and how leadership thrives in every corner of the workplace. A huge thank-you to RICO Manufacturing for sponsoring our bus and helping make the day’s exploration possible!
After returning to RPM, students enjoyed lunch generously sponsored by the company. The afternoon concluded with an engaging session led by Brian Frasier, Director of Compliance Audit at RPM, who shared insights from his career—emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and the importance of thinking outside the box.
From factories to floors dedicated to welding to candy production lines, Junior Leadership’s Business & Industry Day offered students a firsthand look at the many ways leadership, innovation, and perseverance shape success across Medina County.