Stephen Poullas is a Dad, daredevil, disc golf fan and more. He is married, with three kids and three pets at home, but he still enjoys spending lots of time outdoors, working for the greater good and casual gatherings with Rotarians. Read on to learn about one daring ski trip and how he developed his singing voice.
Name: Stephen Poullas
Preferred Nickname: Stavros
Years in Rotary: 6
Resident of: Youngstown
Hometown: Campbell / Hubbard
How long have you lived here? 37 years
What brought you here, or kept you here? Born and raised and never had a desire to leave. :-)
Education: Bachelors of Technology from Kent State University, Masters of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve
Occupation: Project Manager for Zekelman Industries (the largest manufacturer of pipe, tube, and structural buildings in North America)
Who is in your family circle? Courtney and I have been married 9 years. Three kids, Jaxson, 10, Gracie, 6, and Michael, 2. All will have numbers added to their ages this month.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names and what are they like? Miles the bad golden doodle; Macbeth and Juliet, rescue cat sisters.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time? Taking pictures, skiing, walking through Mill Creek, golf and disc golf, managing an art gallery, hanging with the kids. Watching “Frozen” on repeat.
Why did you join Rotary? I wanted to be a part of a community of people that really cared for where they live and the people with whom they live.
Why do you remain a Rotarian? I love being a part of something bigger than myself.
Which Rotary Project resonates with you and your understanding of our community's needs? Operation Warm for sure. I'm amazed at how it has grown since inception.
What does Rotary's motto "Service Above Self" mean to you? That the self isn't the most important. What we can do and offer to others is paramount.
What would you be doing on Wednesdays if you didn't attend the weekly luncheon meeting? Pigging out not on camera in a Zoom meeting.
Which type of Rotary socials do you prefer - black tie affairs or casual attire? Casual. I like seeing people in their natural circumstances.
A Rotary tradition is to have sing-alongs during meetings. Would you ever lead us in a song? Sure. I have a goofy opera voice that sometimes comes out for fun developed through years of high school musicals.
What do you think of Scott Schulick's Rotary pants, and would you wear a pair? They're an abomination that should never be seen in public again.
What's a story of yours that you don't get to tell often enough? A year after taking up skiing (I wasn't too good) a friend took me to one of the biggest resorts in the world: Whistler. One day, we decided it was a great idea to go to the very top of the peak, 7,000+ feet. We got onto the lift and a giant snow storm hit. We reached the top in whiteout conditions. There was nowhere to go but down. All I could see were the orange signs indicating where there was a cliff. We just kept moving in a sea of white. I've never been more terrified in my life and I wish I could do it all over again.