Pat Steele, a long-standing resident and thriving business owner in Thornwood, has spent the last 18 years calling this wonderful community home. From the ease of access to various conveniences to the overall welcoming atmosphere, Thornwood has been the perfect place for Pat to raise a family. With over 30 years of experience in driving business growth, Pat now uses his expertise to help local leaders break through barriers and achieve their goals through Focal Point Coaching.

Pat's journey began with an engineering and management background, where he honed his skills using Six Sigma and Lean methodologies to foster business growth. He eventually advanced to positions such as Vice President of Operations and CEO, where his focus on improvement strategies led to the rapid expansion of multiple businesses. These experiences laid the foundation for Pat’s current role as a business coach, where he helps leaders work on their business rather than in it.

Pat is passionate about enabling change, often encountering clients who initially resist new ideas. "Many people I work with start with reasons why something will not work," he explains. "The breakthrough moment is when they start exploring what the opportunities are by embracing change." Pat finds his success in witnessing these transformative moments, where clients transition from "we cannot do that" to "why can't we do that?"

At Focal Point Coaching, Pat works with business leaders to create solutions that eliminate obstacles hindering growth or progress. By focusing on effective communication, team engagement, and prioritizing key strategies, Pat helps leaders identify the areas that will drive the most significant results. His coaching approach not only drives profitability and revenue growth but also empowers teams to become proactive problem-solvers and efficient contributors to daily business improvements.

Pat remains committed to ongoing learning and self-improvement, a value he instills in his clients. Whether it's staying informed through books and online resources or engaging with the local Chamber of Commerce and industrial organizations, Pat is always working to stay ahead. He also works with a coach himself, emphasizing the importance of accountability for continuous growth.

One of Pat's proudest achievements was keeping jobs local while growing a business in Chicago, a goal that has left a lasting impact on the lives of many employees. "It is great to hear from people who thought their jobs would be moved elsewhere and realize they are still working in the area 15 years later," Pat shares.

Last October marked Manufacturing Month, Pat is a firm advocate of the industry. He encourages the community to recognize the value of local manufacturing, which offers significant opportunities for learning, employment, and career growth.

Thornwood continues to offer Pat and his wife, Debbie a vibrant place to live, learn, and work. His message to the community is simple yet powerful: "Everyone can get better. Embrace change and maintain a positive attitude. The biggest challenge is waiting to change—so start today."