Springfield High School’s STEP (Student Transition Employment Program) students welcomed two special guests on Thursday morning—Mike Lagenderfer, owner of The Countertop Shop, and one of his team members, who joined him to share firsthand insight into the trades and the world of small-business entrepreneurship.
Lagenderfer spoke about his journey—from attending college to ultimately discovering his passion for working with his hands, creating something meaningful and bringing joy to customers. He emphasized that for him, the greatest reward in business isn’t the sale—it’s helping people.
He highlighted several values that guide The Countertop Shop, including punctuality, professionalism and pride in craftsmanship. “In the trades, being on time matters,” he told students. “People are counting on you.”
The Countertop Shop serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, offering everything from laminate to granite, along with fast turnaround times and a customer-first approach. Lagenderfer explained that his team is committed to educating customers and providing a smooth, supportive experience from start to finish.
He also spoke about his passion for giving people second chances. The company routinely hires and trains individuals fresh out of high school, offering hands-on experience in areas such as logistics, fabrication and installation. “We walk through it together,” he shared. “We treat our employees like family.”
Jenni King, STEP instructor, expressed her appreciation for community partners like Lagenderfer who invest time in helping students understand the value of hard work, responsibility and opportunity.
Presentations like this align with the STEP program’s mission: preparing students for life beyond graduation through real-world learning, strong mentorship and community connections.
SHS is grateful for community partners who invest in the students and help them explore real-world career paths.
