We caught up with some Woodstock men and inquired about a few thoughts.
What inspired your commitment to leadership, and how has that
purpose evolved as you’ve grown personally and professionally?
In a community like Woodstock, what drives your passion to show up, give
back, and make a lasting impact beyond your day-to-day work?
When you reflect on your work and leadership, what legacy or influence do
you hope to leave behind to the community you serve?
What advice would you give to the next generation of young men who want
to lead with purpose and impact?
Dr. Daniel Martin, Co-owner Longevity Wellness and Spa
Early in my career, my inspiration for leadership was rooted in the clinical results I
saw—helping patients regain mobility and quality of life. I realized quickly that to truly help
people, I couldn't just provide a service; I had to lead them toward a different way of thinking
about their health. Over the last 30 years, that purpose has evolved from 'fixing' problems to
'empowering' longevity. Today, leadership for me means fostering a collaborative environment
where we combine chiropractic care with the latest in regenerative medicine to treat the whole
person, not just the symptom.
Woodstock has a unique energy; it’s a place where people genuinely look out for one another.
My passion comes from seeing our patients at the grocery store or a local event and knowing
we’ve played a part in keeping them active and engaged. Giving back isn’t just
about business—it’s about stewardship. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives or simply being
a reliable resource for health education, I’m driven by the desire to see our neighbors thrive in
every decade of their lives.
I hope my legacy is one of transformation—shifting the conversation from 'aging' to 'thriving.' I
want to be remembered as someone who brought integrity and innovation to the local
healthcare landscape. More importantly, I hope to leave behind a practice that continues to treat
people with the same level of care and personalized attention that we’ve prioritized from day
one. I want the influence of our work to be seen in the vibrant, healthy lives of the people who
call Woodstock home.
First, focus on mastery before management. Become an expert in your craft, because true
leadership is built on a foundation of competence and trust. Second, play the long game. Impact
isn't made overnight; it’s the result of showing up consistently for decades. Finally, lead with
empathy. Whether you are leading a team or a family, your ability to listen and understand the
needs of others will always be your greatest asset. Purpose is found where your unique skills meet the needs of your community.
yourlongevitymd.com
Andrew Porreca: Co-owner Deep Roots Woodstock
Originally I was inspired by watching my dad run and grow his own law firm as I grew up. He really showed me what it meant to be a leader and how to treat your employees the right way so that they wanted to come to work each day. Deep Roots is my first foray in to a real position of leadership where I have this many people counting on me to provide that place that they can enjoy coming to work. I want to be seen as a friend and a leader, not someone that people feel like they have to tiptoe around because they're afraid of saying or doing something wrong. Candidly, since Woodstock does have that small town feel to it, I'm driven by the desire to be known in the community.
I want Deep Roots to be a place where people genuinely feel excited to come to because they enjoy the people, atmosphere, and of course the wine. I hope that I can show my children what it means to be a hard worker and teach them what it means to be a leader in the community
The biggest piece of advice I have is to believe in yourself. There's a famous quote by Henry Ford that comes to mind, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." That is something that I have always been a firm believer in and I think that really helped me have the confidence and self-determination to be able to take this leap of faith in to business ownership.
deeproots.co
John Flint: Owner Edward Jones
While I was in school, I taught adults how to swim and learned that what held most of them back wasn’t ability, but fear and lack of confidence. Helping them overcome that showed me how powerful confidence can be. In my professional life, I’ve seen the same pattern with finances—many people are capable, but uncertainty keeps them stuck. I’m driven by helping people gain the confidence they need to move forward and live their best lives.
Woodstock is more than where I work—it’s a community I truly believe in. Its broad appeal, from families and entrepreneurs to artists and long‑time residents, creates a place that feels vibrant and grounded. I admire how Woodstock supports small businesses and the arts. I’m driven by helping people build confidence—especially around their finances. Giving back here is my way of investing in the strength of the community itself.
When I reflect on my work and leadership, I hope the influence I leave behind is one of confidence and freedom. To me, success isn’t just financial security—it’s having the clarity and peace of mind to enjoy time with family, pursue meaningful experiences, and make decisions without constant worry. When my work helps people engage more fully in the lives they’ve worked so hard to build, I’m accomplishing my goal.
I’d encourage the next generation to lead with care and curiosity. Care deeply about the people and communities you’re part of, and stay curious enough to keep listening and learning. You don’t need all the answers—lasting impact comes from asking thoughtful questions, acting with integrity, and genuinely wanting to help others live better lives.
edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/john-flint
Josh Bagby: Agency Principal, Providence Insurance & Founder of Cherokee Connect
Growing up here, I watched nonprofits, church families, local businesses, and complete strangers step in to help one another for the common good or to take care of someone in need. When I started thinking through Cherokee Connect in the early days, I knew how special this place was. One of the goals was to bring that spirit together at scale. Our community is full of people who genuinely want to help, but many times they just don't know when, where, or how to plug in. Cherokee Connect created a place where people could see needs, meet needs, and support their neighbors.
Cherokee County has been pouring into me for over 30 years. Nothing my family or our team at Providence has built would be possible without decades of people showing up for us as kids and continuing to invest in us as adults. I'm a big "leave the dugout better than you found it" guy. This community has always been special. We're just trying to do our part to make it even better for the next generation that gets the opportunity to build on what was handed to us. Gratitude. I'm indebted to this community.
One of our core values at Providence is simple: always do what's right for our clients, our community, and one another. That value was modeled for my wife, Katie, and me early by our parents and grandparents, one we're trying to pass down to our own kids, but ultimately it's rooted in our faith. Staying close to the Lord helps you hear that still, small voice that guides your decisions and keeps your priorities in order. Doing what's right isn't always easy, and I think most people know that firsthand. But our communities need people who are willing to stand for what's right, even when it's inconvenient. I'm still striving every day to be one of those people.
Sports were a huge part of shaping me because they taught me so much about life: how to lead, how to follow, how to handle pressure and adversity, how to work in a team, and how to compete the right way. I was blessed with incredible coaches growing up, and one of the most impactful was Mark Richt, with whom I worked as a walk-on at the University of Georgia. He was operating at the highest level of college football in the SEC under immense pressure, yet he consistently led with integrity in a cutthroat business. Watching that showed me it could be done anywhere. I haven't always gotten it right, but when you're wrong, own it, correct it, and let the Lord guide you forward. Doing what you know is right rarely leads you wrong.
John and Zach Blend
Goshen Valley Homes and Boys Ranch
Growing up, in the summertime, I worked on a dairy farm in upstate New York, where I learned that growth takes patience and nothing thrives without care. Then came a summer trip to Mexico City, where I visited an orphanage and met children born without arms who crafted jewelry with their toes. They laughed and worked and lived with dignity in circumstances most would call unbearable. That moment pierced my soul. I left Mexico with a conviction that my life had to be about creating safe places for children who had none. God planted a burden in me that I could never shake. — Zach
When Connie and I purchased farmland in Cherokee County, we saw more than a home. We saw a sanctuary. Neighbors became allies, churches rallied, and leaders across the community shared the mission from day one. I would describe it as providential. — John
After college, I was charting a different path in consulting when a mission trip to Nicaragua changed everything. Surrounded by children who longed for security, I discovered that service was not just an obligation. It was a calling. My father's words redirected my life: stop feeling sorry for yourself and find someone to serve. This community shows up in a way that still amazes me. — Zach
Since 1999, over 1,500 children and families have been impacted. We launched Goshen New Beginnings for young adults aging out of foster care and Goshen Homes to keep siblings from being torn apart. Our Family Resource Center now works with families before crises escalate, because prevention matters as much as intervention. Partnerships here are never transactional. They are transformational. When people serve, their hearts change alongside the children's lives. The roles between my father and me are reversing, but the relationship is the same. I get to give back to the man who gave everything for me. — Zach
John's courage to follow a whisper from God laid the foundation. Every decision about Goshen was a response to something I felt God was asking of me. That mixture of conviction and humility has to define your leadership long before there is land, buildings, or a title. — John
Broken beginnings do not define the future. We have watched children rise into leaders, volunteers become advocates, and families be made whole. Cherokee County continues to shape Goshen Valley, and Goshen Valley continues to shape Cherokee County. Find someone to serve. Pour into them. That is where your legacy begins. — Zach