Member Bio: Dan Sage

Dan Sage is an insurance professional, community leader, proud Eagle Scout, and enthusiastic Rotarian who believes life is better when you can learn, give back, and laugh at yourself along the way.

Born and raised in Loudonville, Ohio—better known to most people as the home of Mohican State Park—Dan attended the University of Akron, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing management in 1996. His college years also taught him an important lesson about reinvention: after deciding to use his first name, Aaron, he spent weeks wondering why no one in his dorm seemed to like him—only to discover that he had been unintentionally ignoring everyone because he wasn’t accustomed to answering to it. He quickly returned to Dan.

Dan joined his father-in-law’s insurance agency in 2000. He and his wife, Michelle, later purchased the business and operated it as Machor Sage Insurance before selling the agency to Johnson Financial Group in 2023. After what he calls “semi-retiring” from the insurance business, Dan joined HawkSoft as Director of Associations. The role allows him to travel the country, work with insurance-agent associations, and enjoy a career with considerably less stress.

Dan and Michelle have three adult children whose careers range from engineering and nursing to business studies—although Dan jokes that he is still waiting to see whether their youngest will launch a successful career or take up permanent residence in the basement.

Community service has always been important to Dan. He has served as a councilman-at-large in Middleburg Heights and has been involved with the citTy club, historical society, chamber of commerce, and Rotary. The value of giving back was instilled in him by his parents, and it continues to guide his involvement today.

One of Dan’s favorite pieces of advice is to “make a new mistake every day.” To him, making new mistakes means that you are continuing to learn and grow—a philosophy he tries to carry into his work, community service, and everyday life.

Blossom Hill Shares Its Mission with Rotary

Last Friday, we welcomed three representatives from Blossom Hill: George Swartz, Chairman of the Board; Lori Inks, Chief Development Officer; and Lisa Kristosik, President and CEO.

Blossom Hill partnered with our Rotary Club to sell ducks for our duck race, and we presented them a check for $1m395 representing 50% of the sales that they made.

Blossom Hill has served people with developmental disabilities and their families for nearly 60 years. The nonprofit operates four group homes offering around-the-clock care, along with respite care, supported living, transportation, and community-based activities.

The organization also operates the 25,000-square-foot Abilities Enrichment Center in Middleburg Heights. Opened in 2024, the center provides day programming, recreation, therapy, and opportunities for participants to develop skills, relationships, and greater independence.

The speakers explained that Blossom Hill’s guiding principle is “Where Love Grows.” Its staff members tailor their care to each person’s changing needs while emphasizing health, safety, dignity, personal choice, and community involvement.

Because Medicaid reimbursements do not cover the full cost of Blossom Hill’s specialized services, the organization relies on grants, donations, fundraising events, volunteers, and community partners. Members interested in learning more, arranging a tour, volunteering, or referring a family can visit Blossom Hill’s website.