Leading with Purpose Vince DiPofi on Innovation, Community, and the Global Impact of SSOE

Great leadership is not just about managing a company. It is about building relationships, investing in people, and creating a lasting impact both inside and outside the organization. In this episode of Taylor Community Connection, Terry Crosby sits down with Vince DiPofi, President and CEO of SSOE Group, to discuss leadership, innovation, community engagement, and what it takes to guide a global company while staying connected to its hometown roots.

Born and raised in Toledo, Vince's story is deeply connected to the community. As the oldest of five siblings, all of whom graduated from the University of Toledo, he credits his family and local upbringing for shaping the values that continue to guide him today. Those values of hard work, education, and community remain at the core of both his personal and professional life.

Under Vince's leadership, SSOE has grown into one of the world's leading architecture and engineering firms. Headquartered in downtown Toledo for more than 78 years, the company operates more than 20 offices across the United States, along with locations in Mexico and India. Their work spans more than 40 countries and includes projects in semiconductor manufacturing, automotive facilities, glass production, education, and architecture. Notable projects include the Jeep manufacturing expansion in Toledo, Start High School, and ongoing work with the Toledo Museum of Art.

Despite overseeing a global organization, Vince remains committed to a hands on leadership style. He regularly visits offices throughout the country, meeting directly with employees and clients to hear feedback, understand challenges, and stay connected to the people who drive the company's success. For Vince, leadership is about listening, building relationships, and ensuring employees feel valued regardless of where they work.

One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation centers on SSOE's commitment to community impact. Vince explains that philanthropy is not limited to Toledo. Each SSOE office is empowered to support organizations and causes that matter most within its own community. Rather than directing charitable giving from headquarters, local teams are trusted to determine where they can make the greatest impact.

That commitment extends far beyond financial contributions. Through SSOE's volunteerism initiatives, employees contributed more than 10,000 volunteer hours in a single year, supporting nonprofits, schools, and community organizations across the regions where they live and work. Vince believes investing in communities is not only the right thing to do, but also helps strengthen employees, organizations, and the communities themselves.

Vince also highlights the important role of Candace Harrison, SSOE's Director of Inclusion and Community Impact, whose leadership has helped expand the company's outreach efforts and deepen its community engagement. Her work continues to strengthen SSOE's mission of creating positive impact both locally and globally.

At the heart of everything SSOE does is a simple vision: imagining and creating the future for clients, colleagues, and communities. Vince explains that serving clients remains the foundation of the business, but success is only possible when employees feel supported and communities are strengthened through intentional investment and engagement.

This episode is a reminder that great companies are built by great people and that leadership is most effective when it remains grounded in relationships, service, and community.

👉 Watch now to hear how Vince DiPofi is leading SSOE's global growth while staying committed to the people, communities, and values that have shaped the company for generations.