Ryan Curtis - State Farm and Community Leader

Ryan shares his journey from helping launch the Oasis teen center, a project that fostered lifelong friendships and shaped the town’s culture. The conversation highlights the importance of genuine connections, giving back, and cherishing every moment. Ryan also discusses his local insurance agency and the value of honesty in business. Listeners are left inspired by Grayslake’s strong sense of community and the impact of small acts of kindness.

Discovering Grayslake: Lessons in Community, Connection, and Contribution

Grayslake, Illinois, is more than just a dot on the map—it's a living, breathing community shaped by the people who call it home. In a recent episode of the "Discovering Grayslake" podcast, host David Woll sits down with Ryan Curtis, a lifelong resident and local leader, to explore what makes this town special. Their conversation is a masterclass in community building, personal resilience, and the power of genuine connection.

This blog post dives deep into the main themes and actionable insights from their discussion. Whether you’re a Grayslake local, a community organizer, or simply someone looking to make a difference where you live, you’ll find valuable takeaways here.

Table of Contents

The Power of Community Collaboration
Building Safe Spaces for Youth: The Oasis Story
Cherishing Time and Relationships
Finding Your Way to Give Back
Leadership, Honesty, and Business with Heart
The Ripple Effect: Small Actions, Big Impact
Civic Engagement: Start Local, Start Now
Final Thoughts: The Grayslake Way

The Power of Community Collaboration

Key Insight: Great communities are built by people who show up, work together, and care about each other.

Ryan’s journey in Grayslake is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. The Oasis teen center, a cornerstone of his story, didn’t materialize from a single person’s vision—it was the result of students, parents, business owners, and volunteers coming together.

Actionable Advice:
Identify Shared Goals:** Start with a common purpose. For Oasis, it was creating a safe space for teens.
Leverage Diverse Talents:** Not everyone needs to be a leader. Some are great at organizing, others at fundraising, and some at rolling up their sleeves for manual labor.
Celebrate Small Wins:** Every step forward, from painting a wall to hosting a fundraiser, builds momentum and community pride.
Keep the Door Open:** Welcome new faces and ideas. The more inclusive your project, the stronger your results.

Expert Tip: “It takes an army,” Ryan says. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to offer it. Community is a team sport.

Building Safe Spaces for Youth: The Oasis Story

Key Insight: Youth need places where they can be themselves, free from judgment and pressure.

Oasis was more than a building—it was a lifeline for Grayslake’s teens. It offered after-school refuge, live music, and a sense of belonging. Ryan’s involvement, from demolition to daily operations, highlights the importance of investing in young people.

Actionable Advice:
Listen to Youth Voices:** The original business plan for Oasis came from students. Let young people lead and shape the spaces meant for them.
Adapt to Changing Needs:** As technology and social habits evolve, so should community offerings. Oasis closed before the pandemic, but its spirit lives on in new forms.
Prioritize Safety and Inclusion:** Make sure every teen feels welcome, regardless of background or interests.

Expert Tip: “The culture of Grayslake was built in places like Oasis,” Ryan reflects. Safe spaces for youth are investments in a town’s future.

Cherishing Time and Relationships

Key Insight: Time is the one resource you can’t get back. Cherish it, especially with loved ones.

Ryan’s story is deeply marked by the loss of his father, a man he describes as his best friend and moral compass. The lesson? Don’t wait to appreciate the people around you.

Actionable Advice:
Be Present:** Put down your phone, turn off distractions, and give people your full attention.
Create Traditions:** Ryan and his father exchanged pink golf balls as a reminder to cherish their time together. Find your own meaningful rituals.
Express Gratitude:** Don’t assume people know how much they mean to you. Tell them.

Expert Tip: “Cherish every moment,” Ryan’s father taught him. Make it a daily practice, not just a saying.

Finding Your Way to Give Back

Key Insight: There’s no single path to community service. Find what fits your skills, interests, and schedule.

After Oasis, Ryan continued to serve through the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange Club. He emphasizes that the organization matters less than the act of giving back.

Actionable Advice:
Start Small:** Volunteer for a sin