When people meet Joe Templin, most say, “Wow, you’re a Renaissance Man!” to which he typically responds, “No, I can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler. I am more like a Swiss Army knife: a multifaceted tool with nearly infinite applications.”

Martial Arts Master and Champion, special needs father, ultramarathoner, coach. These are parts of Joe but only parts. As is a Scout leader, Fraternity volunteer, teacher, and servant. Like all of us, Joseph RR Templin has a plethora of experiences and skills that, when combined and used properly, help him solve problems and make the world a better place.

From physics to psychology and financial planning, Joe has an eclectic background and seemingly unlimited energy that he applies to the concept of Human Kaizen, the mindset of continuous individual and organizational improvement. He is an alum of the American College at Bryn Mawr, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Johns Hopkins University and jokes that he has more degrees than a thermometer.

Joe is a native of Upstate New York (Saratoga), the proud father of three hooligans, and a die-hard Yankees fan. He sums up his philosophy as “Excellence, as opposed to Convenience.”

Heidi Gross is a seasoned genealogist with over 17 years of experience, dedicated to helping others discover their family stories. In 2016, she founded Forge Research Associates (formerly Ancestry Investigation Services), where she offers genealogical seminars and professional research services to assist people on their ancestry journey. Heidi’s passion for genealogy began with her own family history exploration and has since grown into a lifelong mission of uncovering the past to help others connect with their roots.

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Her latest book, Unlocking Your Roots: A Beginner’s Guide to Discovering Your Family History, was released on October 2, 2024. It draws on her extensive experience teaching genealogy courses and conducting both personal and professional research. Heidi’s approachable teaching style and deep understanding of genealogical techniques provide beginners with a practical, easy-to-follow guide for exploring their family history.

In addition to her genealogy work, Heidi is the founder of HG Creative Works, a publishing company that reflects her passion for storytelling and personal histories. Under HG Creative Works, she has released impactful titles, including Embracing Love: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing and Celebrating LGBTQ+ Identity, inspired by her journey as the mother of a transgender son. This heartfelt book offers insight, compassion, and support to parents on similar paths.

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Heidi is also the creator of Seniors Speak, a volunteer initiative designed to encourage seniors to share their stories and preserve their valuable experiences for future generations. This program fosters intergenerational connections and highlights the importance of community history.

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In addition to her focus on genealogy and publishing, Heidi accumulated over 26 years of experience as a senior HR professional, working across public, private, and non-profit sectors, including agile start-ups and Fortune 200 companies. Her company, Meridian HR Services, assists organizations to rise to their potential. She holds a BS in Communications and is currently pursuing her MBA, with an expected graduation in 2025.