Grit, Growth, and Hard Hats

Big bets on tech, infrastructure, and local business

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Kaden and I had one goal before I skipped town for a bachelor trip that may or may not break my liver: get this issue of Toledo Money out the door. Because while my weekend might be questionable, one thing isn’t — the momentum around this platform.

The DMs, the emails, the “hey, I heard about that in your newsletter”—it’s real. The back-and-forth with you all is what makes Toledo Money more than a newsletter. It’s becoming the trusted group chat for Northwest Ohio’s business-minded.

Whether you are sipping coffee at your desk or reading this from the plane headed to FLA we appreciate you, truly.

This week:
🚨 We’ve got real business news (like real real — remember who told you about Shake Shack first).
💸 Another money confessional for all of us who love to peek behind the financial curtain.
🍿 And a fresh round of money snacks to keep you smarter than your coworkers.

Let’s keep building. Even while I’m sipping something irresponsible poolside.

Local Stock Market 📈 

Owens Corning | $OC ( ▼ 1.17% ) 

Dana Incorporated | $DAN ( ▼ 2.34% ) 

The Andersons | $ANDE ( ▼ 0.8% ) 

Owens Illinois | $OI ( ▼ 1.31% )

Welltower Inc. | $WELL ( ▲ 0.9% ) 

Marathon Petroleum Corporation | $MPC ( ▲ 0.02% ) 

BGSU Doubles Down On Tech + Manufacturing

BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering Dean Dr. Wael Mokhtar, right, helps connect the beam to the crane.

Future-focused since ’71. Now fully reengineered.

Bowling Green State University is well underway on its new Technology Engineering Innovation Center—a $26 million overhaul of a 1971 building originally designed to look toward the future. Now, that future is laser-focused on advanced tech and manufacturing.

With Ohio’s $133 billion manufacturing sector evolving fast—thanks to automation, robotics, and semiconductors—BGSU is making sure its graduates aren’t left behind. The new 24,000-square-foot space will feature seven high-tech labs, hands-on learning zones, and upskilling programs for industry partners.

The project is part of BGSU’s Campus Master Plan and a cornerstone of its new STEM corridor—bringing students, faculty, and employers into one collaborative ecosystem.

Smart move. In a region where manufacturing is modernizing by the minute, BGSU’s future-ready pivot is exactly what the economy ordered. Additionally, the university is well positioned to attract and retain talent as large data centers move into the area.

High Paying Jobs of the 419 📨 

Our shortcut to stacking more cheddar without leaving Northwest Ohio.

We’ve combed through the noise and handpicked a shortlist of high-paying opportunities right here in the 419. Whether you’re looking to level up, cash in, or simply see what your neighbor might be making — this list is for you.

We’re talking six-figure roles, director seats, and high-skill positions across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and tech. No spam. No gimmicks. Just real jobs with real paychecks. We will feature critical public-service roles, as well. These folks deserve more than can ever be compensated.

🔎 Check out this week’s curated list:
👉 www.tolmoney.com/job-board

New roles added weekly. Bookmark it. Share it. Or shoot your shot and start negotiating like a pro. Employers, are you looking to attract top talent? Shoot us a message to get your posting highlighted on the Toledo Money job board.

$53M in Streets, Roots, and ROI | Toledo’s Next Big Bet

Mobility Hub Concept

Toledo is investing $53 million to rewire the Uptown and Junction neighborhoods — not just for traffic, but for transformation.

With a $20M federal RAISE grant and the rest from the City, the Connecting Toledo Neighborhoods to Opportunity project aims to replace crumbling roads, outdated pipes, and underused land with bike lanes, wider sidewalks, trees, lighting, art, and access. The kind of infrastructure that attracts people and capital.

40% of the area is currently vacant. The hope? Public dollars spark private growth: housing, small business, and new employers.

Anchors Already in Motion:

  • The Innovation Post, a renovated Jefferson Center, now hosts 4 orgs and 150+ employees

  • TARTA’s first mobility hub will sit out front — real-time updates, scooters, parking, accessibility (more on this below in the Money Snacks 

Adams Street Gets Its Spotlight:

Known for its indie charm and zombie crawls, Adams is getting:

  • Historic lighting, outdoor dining zones, reclaimed brick, and a lighted arch

  • Design input directly from locals and business owners

Timeline: 2027–2030

It’s not just infrastructure. It’s strategy. Lay the groundwork, invite the market, and build pride from the block up. 

💸 The Cost of Comfort | Toledo Ranks Among America’s Most Affordable Cities

In a world where your coffee order, rent, and grocery bill seem to climb higher each week, some good news just landed for Toledoans: we’re living in one of the most affordable major cities in the country—and it’s not just a feeling, it’s a fact.

A new report from GOBankingRates, highlighted by Travel + Leisure, just ranked Toledo as the #2 most affordable city in the U.S. where you can live comfortably. That’s a big deal—and here’s why.

According to the study, you only need $62,141 in annual income to live comfortably as a homeowner in the Glass City. That’s well below the U.S. median household income of $80,610, making Toledo one of just 14 major U.S. cities where living well is still within reach for the average household.

Here’s what makes Toledo shine:

  • 🏡 Low cost of living: From affordable median home prices to everyday expenses, Toledo remains far below national averages.

  • 🚗 Easy commutes: Average one-way drive time? Just about 20 minutes.

  • 🧳 Vacation-friendly value: Forbes Advisor recently named Toledo one of the most affordable family vacation spots in the country.

Compare that to places like Irvine, California, where you’d need over $326K a year to live comfortably as a homeowner, and it’s clear: Toledo offers value without sacrifice.

🎯 Why it matters:

For entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and high-net-worth individuals, Toledo isn’t just an affordable city—it’s an investable one. It’s the rare place where your money goes further without giving up the perks: access to healthcare, amenities, culture, and connectivity.

Toledo isn’t just a smart place to live—it’s a smart place to build.

Money Confessional | Brains, Brawn & a South End Starter Home

Real people. Real money talks. Learn & Grow from one another. Interested in sharing, here is a 100% confidential form to do so.

Age: Late 20s / Early 30s
Roles: Analyst at a local publicly traded company + Founder of a fast-growing trades business
Salary: Household income ~$135K (and growing fast)

📍 Meet our newest confessional couple—newlyweds, new homeowners, and Toledo proud. She brings steady income, benefits, and structure from her role as a corporate analyst. He brings grit, tools, and 120% year-over-year growth from a trades business he started with little more than a truck and a dream.

💬 “We complement each other well—her paycheck gives us stability, which allows me to go full throttle with the business. Right now, I’m actually turning down jobs because I’m overbooked.”

🏡 Living Situation: Just bought their first home in the South End, walking distance from Earnest Brew Works. “It’s got great bones, the neighborhood’s underrated, and the price was right.”

💰 Household Income: Around $135K. $75K from her full-time analyst gig, ~$60K+ (and rising) from his growing trade operation.

💳 Favorite Splurge: “Date nights and live music. We love finding hidden gems in the Glass City. Especially if we can walk home after.”

🔥 Biggest Financial Worry: “Hiring. The business is growing, but labor is tough. I either need to train someone up or keep burning out.”

💡 Toledo Tip: “If you’re looking for opportunity; start a trades business or find a way to support them. There is so much demand for basic services that people will pay top dollar for.”

📈 Net Worth: Between equity in the home, modest retirement accounts, and business assets, they estimate about $100K.

👩‍💻 Budget Style: Google Sheets + monthly money talks over beer (@ Earnest). “We automate savings and treat the business like a household partner—it has to pitch in or sit out.”

🛠️ Financial Freedom Goal: “Build the business into something I can manage without doing every single job. We’d love to scale to a few crews and keep Toledo homes running.”

🌟 Inspiration: “We’re betting on each other—and betting on Toledo. It's affordable, it's scrappy, and it's the kind of city that gives you a real shot.”

Want to see how dual-income families are building real wealth in South Toledo—and doing it without giving up craft beer or their sanity?

🚨 Subscribe to Toledo Money for more money confessions, hyperlocal insight, and sharp takes on Northwest Ohio’s economic landscape: www.tolmoney.com

Money Snacks

Headlines we are snacking on

  • Toledo’s teaming up with TARTA to launch the region’s first mobility hub — right outside the Jefferson Center. Think of it as a 21st-century bus station: elevated, accessible, covered, and tech-equipped with real-time transit updates.

    Bonus? It’ll also connect riders to scooters, bikes, and public parking — a true hub for people, not just buses.

  • The Eddie George Effect! Bowling Green Football just scored 600 new season ticket holders—that’s a 233% increase from last season. And yes, a lot of that buzz can be credited to one name: Eddie George. Since the former Heisman winner came on the scene, ticket sales have jumped 40% year-over-year. Now the real question… can this hype turn into W’s on the field? MAC champions in the making? Time (and touchdowns) will tell. 🏈💸

  • ✈️ Hardware Store, High Flyers Did you know the folks behind Menards (yes, the same one you hit up on Airport Hwy) aren’t just selling plywood and patio sets—they’re flying private. Menards owns a jet or two, including a luxury Embraer ERJ-135, often spotted at Toledo Express Airport while checking in on flagship stores. This isn’t your average puddle jumper either. A new ERJ-135? That’ll run you about $21 million. Not bad for a place where you “Save Big Money,” huh?