Success Beneath the Surface

In healthcare innovation, success isn't just about breakthrough technology or market leadership - sometimes, it requires heroes at every level. Today's conversation with Joe Yaccarino, CEO of MTF Biologics, reveals how one of the world's largest tissue banks has built an organization where heroic acts happen daily - from donor families making selfless decisions in moments of tragedy to engineers developing cutting-edge processes to surgical teams delivering life-changing outcomes.
What makes this discussion particularly valuable for leaders is how Yaccarino, an engineer by training, has scaled MTF Biologics from 100 to 1,400 people by recognizing and empowering heroes throughout his organization. His journey from building medical devices to leading a major healthcare nonprofit demonstrates how to create a culture where every role - from shipping and logistics to R&D and surgical partnerships - is mission-critical and treated as such.
Join host Deborah Fell as she and Yaccarino explore how to build an organization where excellence isn't just expected, it's required at every level - and how this approach has helped MTF Biologics perform over 500,000 transplants annually while staying ahead of market disruption and maintaining a significant mission that saves and heals lives.
About Joe Yaccarino
Joe has served as CEO of MTF Biologics since June 2018. He received the Leadership Award for Large Businesses in NJ Top Workplaces in 2020 and 2022, and his organization has been named a New Jersey Top Workplace for five years running. Joe joined MTF in 1997 as its first processing engineer, developing several spinal surgery innovations that led to significant growth for the organization.
Joe's accomplishments include leading teams through more than 45 successful new product launches and creating innovative technologies for cartilage, dermal, adipose, amniotic, and cell-based tissues. In his CEO role, Joe has focused on building high-performing Business Units and developing Key Strategies to further MTF’s growth and fulfill its mission to save and Heal Lives.
LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Joe Yaccarino on LinkedIn
MTF Biologics
 
MTF Biologics
MTF Biologics is a nonprofit organization headquartered in central New Jersey with a 37-year history of advancing tissue and organ donation. Employing over 1,400 people, MTF Biologics has honored the incredible gifts of more than 165,000 donors while processing over 11 million tissue grafts to save and heal lives worldwide. The organization partners with medical professionals to deliver high-quality, safe, and innovative tissue for transplant, helping patients recover from injury and illness. MTF Biologics also supports research efforts aimed at improving the science of tissue transplantation. Their commitment to donor families and recipients drives their mission of transforming lives, offering hope and healing through the profound gift of donation. Through these efforts, MTF Biologics touches millions of lives each year. Learn more about their mission at mtfbiologics.org.
 

Deborah Fell reflects on her powerful conversation with Jeff Ostenso, CEO of Ironmark, and her chance encounter with another second-generation CEO during an extended train delay. These interactions highlight a crucial reality: family-owned businesses form the backbone of the American economy, representing 87% of U.S. businesses and employing 60% of American workers. From Jeff's transparent leadership style to his profound realization at a company picnic that Ironmark supports 500 family members, these insights reveal how second-generation leaders are transforming their family legacies while prioritizing employee growth. Join us for this commentary on Episode 81, where we explore the quiet but mighty impact of family-owned businesses in America.
Listen to the full episode, EP81, with Jeff Ostenso.

From delivery truck driver at 18 to CEO of an $80M company - Jeff Ostenso shares how he transformed his father's printing business into a modern marketing powerhouse. After 38 years and 16 acquisitions, he reveals the unconventional leadership approach that helped him retain employees and acquire company owners. Learn how sharing P&Ls with every employee and treating the CEO title as secondary to teamwork created a culture of growth and innovation that turned a $700K printing shop into a digital marketing leader.
Jeff Ostenso, CEO of Ironmark, is a second-generation leader who has spent the last three decades transforming the company from a local print shop into a national marketing and communications powerhouse. Jeff's vision centers on simplifying the complex intersection of digital and physical marketing for businesses. His strategic acquisitions and commitment to attracting top talent have fueled Ironmark's impressive growth, culminating in a company that not only delivers results but champions its employees as its greatest asset. Under Jeff's leadership, Ironmark has become a trusted partner for businesses seeking to navigate the ever-evolving marketing landscape. 
JEFF OSTENSO:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ostenso/
ABOUT IRONMARK:
In today's complex marketing landscape, businesses struggle to manage multiple channels and partners effectively. Ironmark simplifies the marketing supply chain by integrating end-to-end marketing services, bridging the gap between digital and physical marketing channels. They offer integrated solutions to help clients grow through predictive analytics, direct mail, digital marketing, asset management, print production, creative design, branded merchandise, and large format printing, serving diverse sectors like healthcare, restaurant, retail, and finance. Their SOC 2 Type II compliant processes ensure data security, while their advanced technology integrates services seamlessly. As a nationwide, one-stop shop for integrated communications, Ironmark streamlines marketing efforts, drives consistent messaging, and maximizes ROI across all channels. To explore the possibilities, visit ironmarkusa.com

Last week marked the conclusion of our three-part series featuring Clay Spitz, recently retired Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner at Chief Outsiders. Over my nine years with the firm, I've had the privilege of watching Clay in action – he's always been a class act, the kind of leader who earns trust naturally. Clay's perspective is particularly valuable because he is willing to share triumphs and setbacks with equal candor. In our final conversation, he opened up about the art of building authentic business relationships, offering insights from years of walking the talk. Our series should end with Clay's thoughts on playing the long game in business development – a philosophy defining his remarkable career.
About Clay Spitz:
Clay Spitz started his career in a family service business, eventually sold into an industry rollup. He has considerable experience as a marketing, sales and operating executive in companies ranging from midsize privately held to Fortune 1,000 corporations. Spitz has been a senior executive at Terminix International, TeleCheck International and Olshan Foundation Solutions and has owned his own business. Clay joined Chief Outsiders in 2010 as one of the very early members of the firm, and rose to Managing Partner and then COO.  He is now forming Wise Path Advisory to help other executives achieve their highest potential through coaching, advisory and board service.
Links from this episode:
Clay Spitz on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

At this conclusion of our three-part conversation, we join Clay Spitz and Deborah Fell as they reflect on Clay's remarkable journey with Chief Outsiders and his transition into the next chapter of his career. What begins as a discussion about business lessons learned evolves into a heartfelt exploration of wisdom gained, relationships built, and the lasting impact one leader can have on an organization's culture.
Clay is embarking on a new phase focused on helping others reach their peak performance rather than stepping into traditional retirement. His candid insights about business development, trust-building, and the importance of continuous learning reveal why he's been such a transformative force at Chief Outsiders. The conversation captures the excitement of new beginnings and the bittersweetness of change as Clay prepares to shift from his role while remaining connected to the company he helped shape.
This final segment offers a masterclass in authentic leadership, the power of genuine relationships, and the art of graceful transition. Through their natural rapport and thoughtful exchange, Clay and Deborah demonstrate the principles of trust and communication they discuss, making this farewell conversation instructive and deeply moving.
About Clay Spitz:
Clay Spitz started his career in a family service business which was eventually sold into an industry rollup. He has considerable experience as a marketing, sales and operating executive in companies ranging from midsize privately held to Fortune 1,000 corporations. Spitz has been a senior executive at Terminix International, TeleCheck International and Olshan Foundation Solutions and has owned his own business. Clay joined Chief Outsiders in 2010 as one of the very early members of the firm, and rose to Managing Partner and then COO.  He is now forming Wise Path Advisory to help other executives achieve their highest potential through coaching, advisory and board service.
Links from this episode:
Clay Spitz on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

This is a quarterly recap of our top episodes. You'll hear some of the highlights from several guests. From Bob Rhoda, CEO of Hemisonics, a medical device technology company, to Colleen Vassalette, CEO of landscape design firm Intrigue Design, Ryan P. Clark, co-founder and CEO of staffing and recruitment firm PeopleShare, and Will Bowie, founder and CEO of Empower Construction, a utility construction firm in greater Philadelphia, just to name a few.
Will's mother summed up what made every episode this quarter a compounding message of the power of being intentional. She inspired Will and his brother to be intentional about being the best at whatever they did, whomever they became. And Will showed up just like all the other guests this quarter with capability, confidence, and purpose. Take a listen to some of the highlights.
 
The full list is here.
 

This episode delves into the critical career decisions that shaped these business leaders' paths.
Clay candidly shares his experience of leaving Telecheck after 9/11 and buying a business - a decision he calls his "biggest failure" and "most costly mistake." He opens up about the financial devastation and valuable lessons learned from this setback.
Deborah reflects on her bold move to leave Marriott International despite having "the best job, the best people, the best colleagues." She discusses the challenges and rewards of expanding her capabilities beyond corporate roles.
As our discussion unfolds, Clay and Deborah offer honest insights into navigating business disruptions, dealing with failure, and the unexpected turns that led them to their current success at Chief Outsiders.
About Clay Spitz:
Clay Spitz started his career in a family service business which was eventually sold into an industry rollup. He has considerable experience as a marketing, sales and operating executive in companies ranging from midsize privately held to Fortune 1,000 corporations. Spitz has been a senior executive at Terminix International, TeleCheck International and Olshan Foundation Solutions and has owned a business. Clay joined Chief Outsiders in 2010 as one of the very early members of the firm, and rose to Managing Partner and then COO.  He is now forming Wise Path Advisory to help other executives achieve their highest potential through coaching, advisory and board service.
Links from this episode:
Clay Spitz on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

In this second part of our interview with Clay Spitz, we reminisce about the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Clay shares a crucial lesson about embracing new opportunities, even when they seem unfamiliar or challenging. We'll explore how this mindset led to his unexpected transition from operations to marketing at Terminix, completely transforming his professional trajectory.
Clay also offers valuable insights on corporate culture, customer retention strategies, and navigating both successes and failures in business. His candid reflections provide a wealth of wisdom for CEOs at any stage of their journey.
Join us as we continue to uncover the story behind Clay Spitz's remarkable career and the lessons that can help shape your own path to success.
About Clay Spitz:
Clay Spitz started his career in a family service business which was eventually sold into an industry rollup. He has considerable experience as a marketing, sales and operating executive in companies ranging from midsize privately held to Fortune 1,000 corporations. Spitz has been a senior executive at Terminix International, TeleCheck International and Olshan Foundation Solutions and has owned a business. Clay joined Chief Outsiders in 2010 as one of the very early members of the firm, and rose to Managing Partner and then COO.  He is now forming Wise Path Advisory to help other executives achieve their highest potential through coaching, advisory and board service.
Links from this episode:
Clay Spitz on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Clay Spitz, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner for Chief Outsiders. Clay's been with the company for nearly 15 years, playing a crucial role in shaping its culture and success. Today, I want to reflect on a key takeaway from our conversation with Clay - the importance of being upfront.
Clay's approach to leadership and communication left a lasting impression on me. His words, 'Always be upfront,' resonate deeply, especially in the business world where transparency can be a rare commodity. Clay's journey from growing up in a family pest control business to becoming a pivotal figure at Chief Outsiders is a testament to the power of honesty and directness in building strong, lasting relationships.
Let's listen to a clip from our conversation, where Clay shares some valuable insights from his experiences
Listen to his full episode here.
About Clay Spitz:
Clay Spitz started his career in a family service business which was eventually sold into an industry rollup. He has considerable experience as a marketing, sales and operating executive in companies ranging from midsize privately held to Fortune 1,000 corporations. Spitz has been a senior executive at Terminix International, TeleCheck International and Olshan Foundation Solutions and has owned his own business. Clay joined Chief Outsiders in 2010 as one of the very early members of the firm, and rose to Managing Partner and then COO.  He is now forming Wise Path Advisory to help other executives achieve their highest potential through coaching, advisory and board service.
Links from this episode:
Clay Spitz on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

Clay Spitz's journey from his family's pest control business to merging multi-million dollar companies offers a unique perspective on leadership. In this episode, Clay shares how he turned a struggling branch into a success, only to find himself navigating the complexities of corporate acquisitions. His experience integrating 100 companies in just two years provides invaluable insights into the challenges of merging diverse business cultures. Clay's straightforward account of the mistakes made and lessons learned during major transitions will resonate with leaders at any stage of their careers. Join us as we explore the human side of M&As and discover why exterminating distrust is as crucial in the boardroom as it is in pest control.
About Clay Spitz:
Clay Spitz started his career in a family service business which was eventually sold into an industry rollup. He has considerable experience as a marketing, sales and operating executive in companies ranging from midsize privately held to Fortune 1,000 corporations. Spitz has been a senior executive at Terminix International, TeleCheck International and Olshan Foundation Solutions and has owned his own business. Clay joined Chief Outsiders in 2010 as one of the very early members of the firm, and rose to Managing Partner and then COO.  He is now forming Wise Path Advisory to help other executives achieve their highest potential through coaching, advisory and board service.
Links from this episode:
Clay Spitz on LinkedIn
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders