Best Greater Akron Chamber Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 74 - Connecting a Franchisee to the Community 27:23

10d ago27:23

27:23

Rick Small is the Chief Marketing Officer at Grube Inc., a franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings with 68 total locations,including a new sports bar in Cuyahoga Fallsand one of the first Buffalo Wild Wings "Go" locations in country here inAkron. Small champions the importance of connecting with the community despite being a part of a national brand.High …

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Ep. 73 - Small Business Growth – Collaboration Over Competition 32:36

17d ago32:36

32:36

Amy Mucha can be found at many Greater Akron Chamber events, but there's a chance you've heard of her referredto as the "cake pop lady" more than her actual name. She's the owner of Daisy Pops, a Kent-based cake pop shopthat sells a number of cake-based delicacies and services. If you've ever talked to her, you knowthat "pop" hasbecome a part of he…

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Ep. 72 – Apple Growth Partners Merger: More Resources, Happier Clients 29:26

1M ago29:26

29:26

Headquartered in Akron, Apple Growth Partners (AGP) is an accounting and business advisory firm thatoffers a fullrange of services, primarily to privately held small and mid-size businesses. In this episode, Chairman Chuck Mullen sits down with Steve Millard to discuss how in our ever-changing world, complete with AI other modern technologies ,clie…

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Ep. 71 - Small Roots, Large Growth – Expanding a Small Business Outside of our Region 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

Expanding a Small Business Outside of our RegionLeppo Rents was started nearly 80 years ago by Roy and Stella Leppo as a small Oliver Farm Equipmentdealer. A few decades later, a shift in focus to construction equipment rentals propelled the business intoyears of dynamic growth and expansion. Today, the company has expanded to 10 locations across t…

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Ep. 70 - The People and Work Behind the Polymer Industry Cluster 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

If you follow the Greater Akron Chamber or the Akron business community in general, you may have heardof the Polymer Industry Cluster. Akron has deep rootsin rubber and material science, and today, the regionhas hundreds of businesses, manufacturing plants, and research institutions focused on polymer-basedproduction and sustainability efforts. Thi…

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Ep. 69 - Crisis Intervention through the Victim Assistance Program 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

Each year, thousands of Summit County individuals are victims of crisis, violence, and tragedy, and manyare unprepared and unequipped to deal with the fallout. Luckily, Summit County has the Victim AssistanceProgram (VAP), a 501(c)(3) non-profit unattached to law enforcement and the court system that offersnonjudgemental crisis intervention and emo…

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Ep. 68 - Managing Risk in Business 28:45

2M ago28:45

28:45

Nothing is certain in life and in business. In this episode of the Dreamers, Drivers, Doers podcast, SteveMillard sits down with Schauer Group President and CEO Joe Schauer to talk about theintricacies ofcommercial insurance and risk management, and the impact Schauer Group has made in Akron, Cantonand Cleveland. The pair also discuss culture in th…

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Ep. 67 - The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and its Impact on Greater Akron 24:48

2M ago24:48

24:48

Northeast Ohio is on the verge of a historic event-the first total solar eclipse since 1806 is happening onApril 8, and Greater Akron sits in the 115-milewide "path of totality" where the eclipse is viewable. Anothertotal solar eclipse won't happen until 2099, making it a must-see event for people across the country.Hundreds of thousands of guests …

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Ep. 64 - Fighting the Stigma and Managing a Wide Range of Services at Planned Parenthood 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

There's often more to an organization than initially meets the eye. Many of them offer services and products that the public may not even be aware of, making it of utmost importance to market these services to their communities. Steve Millard sits down with Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, to discuss how th…

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Ep. 65 - Preserving and Renovating a Historic Piece of Greater Akron 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Offering a unique historic experience does numbers in attaching citizens to their community andencouraging outsiders to visit. Greater Akron is chock full of attractionslike this, and the Cuyahoga ValleyScenic Railroad (CVSR) is one that continues to preserve the past while constantly changing andimproving. From the North Pole Adventure to Dinner o…

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Ep. 66 - Commercial Real Estate Trends in Relation to Economic Development 27:03

2M ago27:03

27:03

Since the pandemic, businesses have been struggling to figure out the hybrid work environment and how it relates to their commercial spaces. As may be obvious, many businesses have decided to scale down their properties and invest more in other quality of life improvements for their employees, essentially doing more with less. Meanwhile, unused off…

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Ep. 63 - Evolving Business to Attract New Markets 26:14

2M ago26:14

26:14

Malleability is an important quality for any business to display-it's not often that you'll find a successfulbusiness that says no to change. Oftentimes, that need for changecomes from adversity or strife, something we've recently seen on a large scale as businesses exited the Covid pandemic with vastly different operations, goals, and functions, a…

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Ep. 62 - The Importance of Exit Strategies in Business 32:33

2M ago32:33

32:33

Interested in buying a business but unsure where to start? Or, are you a business owner without a clear exit strategy in place? While it seems counterintuitive to open a business and think about how you leave the business at the same time, it's important for business owners to be prepared when the unexpected happens. Steve Millard explores the worl…

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Ep. 61 - How Digital Solutions are Empowering Employees and Improving Efficiency in Business 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

Investing in new business processes, especially those using technology, is intimidating to many business owners and leaders, especially in the world of AI. Rest assured, the team of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP has you covered. What started as a primarily accounting-focused business has evolved into a team of trusted advisors helping their clients in all…

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Ep. 60 - Shopping Small and Supporting Local Artists in Greater Akron 35:31

2M ago35:31

35:31

There’s never a wrong time to shop small, as said by Justin Lepley, Director of Northside Marketplace,Founder of Lepley & Co. and Solidago Business Advisors. And he’s not wrong. As we head into the holidayshopping season, Steve Millard sits down with Justin and Heather Meeker, Executive Director at SummitArtspace, to talk about Small Business Satur…

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Ep. 59 - A Glimpse at the 2024 Economic Forecast 33:13

2M ago33:13

33:13

The 2024 economic forecast is “cautiously optimistic” as told by panelists Brian Pietrangelo, ManagingDirector of Investment Strategy at Key Private Bank, and Jacob Duritsky,Vice President, Strategy,Research and Talent at Team NEO, during the Greater Akron Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook eventon November 3, 2023. Following the event, Steve Millar…

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Ep. 58 - Reimagining Public Transit in Summit County 31:20

2M ago31:20

31:20

Did you know that every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns? On thisweek’s episode, Steve Millard chats with METRO RTA CEO Dawn Distler and ValerieShea, Director ofPlanning and Strategic Development, about the role public transit plays to drive and support economicdevelopment, how the transit agency’s redesigned bu…

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Ep. 57 - Exploring the Evolution of Retail with Celeste Brown 27:24

2M ago27:24

27:24

Celeste Brown is a go-getter–when she sees a problem, she comes up with a solution from the lenseofan entrepreneur. On this episode, Celeste shares the “aha moment” behind the launch of her businessDefining Enterprises, LLC., how one email led to the placement of two automated retail machines in theAkron-Canton Airport, and the future of retail wit…

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Ep. 56 - A Conversation on Fractional HR Services with Chrissy Myers 29:47

2M ago29:47

29:47

Becoming a leader was always in the cards for Chrissy Myers, but after a run of undesirable jobs as ayoung adult while working for her dad, she was adamant about not returning to work for the familybusiness. You can probably guess where this story goes, but what you don’t know is the how: HOW shedoubled her business in size and opened a fractional …

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Ep. 55 - Law and Leadership with Amanda Leffler 25:14

2M ago25:14

25:14

Thinking through a problem and coming up with a solution is second nature to Amanda Leffler, ManagingPartner of Shumaker's recently-established Akron office. Amanda sits down with Steve Millard to talk abouther role as a connector within the legal realm, how Shumaker offers a variety of services for businesses of all sizes, and their unwavering com…

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Ep. 52 - Impacting the Community Beyond Fundraising 34:02

2M ago34:02

34:02

United Way's evolution from a traditional fundraising organization to a community impact-driven entity reflects the changing landscape in the nonprofit sector, yet there is still a lack of awareness around the dynamic work that United Way of Summit & Medina leads and supports. President and CEO Jim Mullendives into how United Way collaborates with …

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Ep. 53 - Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape with Bill Manby 33:15

2M ago33:15

33:15

While venture capital is historically concentrated in the West Coast, experts have witnessed a gradual shift in investments in the Midwest and Ohio specifically. Plus, with startup support from Bounce Innovation Huband Akron's position as Rubber Capital of the World, Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio has potential to be a premier startup hub in the …

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Ep. 54 - Developing Talent at a Young Age Through College & Career Academies 36:52

2M ago36:52

36:52

Exposing students to experiences beyond the classroom in their early years is crucial–not only for personal development but also to ensure continuous growth of the local talent pool. On this episode, Marcie Ebright, Director of the College & Career Academies of Akron Public Schools, and Jobs for Ohio Graduates Executive Director, Chris Canova, talk…

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Ep. 51 - Addressing the Opioid Epidemic with CHC Addiction Services 29:51

2M ago29:51

29:51

On August 8, 2023, Summit County Public Health issued a public health alert following seven suspected overdose deaths in one weekend and a steady increase in overdose-related Emergency Department visits over the last month. Leaders from CHC Addiction Services sit down with Steve Millard to talk about the dangers facing the community, how employers …

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Ep. 48 - Trading Guitar Strings for Food Bank Leadership 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

If you were to ask college Dan Flowers, who was strumming his guitar at local gigs and teaching guitar lessons, if he’d be leading, let alone working, at a food bank, he probably would have laughed. But like many leaders featured on this podcast, the role seeks you out when you least expect it. In this episode, Dan takes listeners on a motivational…

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Ep. 49 - How You Can Help ‘Keep Akron Beautiful’ 28:58

2M ago28:58

28:58

A clean and beautiful community instills a sense of pride and ownership among its residents, and when residents have that sense of pride, they tend to be more responsible and respectful of personal and public spaces. Jacqui Ricchiuti, CEO of Keep Akron Beautiful, and Akron Police Officer Aaron Brown dive into the details of their partnership, the o…

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Ep. 50 - Revitalizing Kenmore with Tina Boyes 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

Did you know that Kenmore is the largest business neighborhood district and the second-largest neighborhood in Akron? For the past five years, Tina Boyes, a fifth-generation Kenmore resident who formerly led the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, has poured her heart and soul into the revitalization of Kenmore Boulevard. In this episode, Tina shares ho…

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Ep. 45 - Ground-Up Construction Services with Julie Brandle 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

As the President and co-founder of Metis Construction Services, Julie Brandle did not set out to become a part of the building industry. Finding her path in Real Estate sales, it was then she caught the bug for new home construction. Enduring the recession of 2007, she changed her focus to start a business in property management which eventually gr…

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Ep. 46 - What is Heart to Heart Leadership? with Jeremy Lile 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

Jeremy Lile grew up with entrepreneurial parents who started a fundraising business in their basement. His path took a turn when he was called to pastoral ministry, yet he also had that entrepreneurial mindset and started a nonprofit in West Akron. Fast forward to the present day, Jeremy is the Executive Director of Heart to Heart Leadership, engag…

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Ep. 47 - Protecting Your Data and Recycling Old Electronics 29:19

2M ago29:19

29:19

What really happens when your old computer is recycled and how is your data protected? Jeff Detkuliak,Director of Operations for Ohio at ARCOA, talks about responsible recycling, compliance with stringent data security norms, and navigating the complex landscape of data privacy laws. Whether you’re running a small business or an enterprise, Jeff an…

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Ep. 44 - A Deep Dive into Stark State College’s Mission with Dr. Para Jones 34:02

2M ago34:02

34:02

In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, Steve Millard engages in a conversation with Dr. Para Jones, the President of Stark State College. Hailing from the Akron-Canton area, Dr. Jones has been at the forefront of education and career planning in the region, emphasizing the significance of the college's mission: catering to the needs of st…

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Ep. 43 - Inspiring Community Philanthropy with John Petures 38:39

2M ago38:39

38:39

John Petures, serving as the President and CEO of the Akron Community Foundation, is fortunate to witness the remarkable endeavors taking place in our area on a daily basis. In a conversation with Steve Millard, John delves into his career, which has spanned from grassroots public service to nonprofit philanthropy.…

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Ep. 42 - Leading the University of Akron with Dr. Gary Miller 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

As the President of the University of Akron, Gary Miller came on board just at a very challenging time in the history of the institution. In this conversation, Gary and Steve Millard discuss how he sees his role as a leader and the University's part in the Akron community.

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Ep. 39 - Navigating the New Workplace Culture with Jon Clifton 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

This podcast was recording on the morning of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 2023 Annual Meeting (March 15th) with the event’s keynote speaker Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, and author of the recent Wall Street Journal Best Selling book, "Blind Spot: The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It". Jon and Steve Millard discuss some of the data …

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Ep. 40 - Energy Advice and Support with John Verdile 22:38

2M ago22:38

22:38

Today Steve Millard chats with John Verdile, Founder and President of XpenseSolutions, an energy advisory firm. John talks about his history in the energy business and how that industry has changed over his career. John also discusses some of the services that he is helping bring to members of the Greater Akron Chamber.…

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Ep. 41 - Signal Ohio: Reporting Live from Akron with Rita McNeil Danish 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

Rita McNeal Danish is spearheading a new way to deliver news across the State as the CEO of Signal Ohio. Her background as an attorney has helped her understand the importance of communicating with people who live in our communities and are directly impacted by events big and small. Steve Millard discusses with Rita how the non-profit Signal Ohio w…

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Ep. 37 - Reinventing the Urban Environment with Tony Troppe 32:18

2M ago32:18

32:18

It's hard to sum up what Tony Troppe brings to the community as a developer, business leader, architectural preservationist, and creative idea guy. Steve Millard goes one on one with the Akron region's "out-of-the-box" thinker for one of the most inspirational episodes of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers yet. Akron is going places and Tony will tell you wh…

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Ep. 38 - Selling Akron as a Destination Spot with Gregg Mervis 28:50

2M ago28:50

28:50

Gregg has had two jobs in his life. Both of them have involved welcoming people to Akron. Steve Millard has a one-on-one with the President and CEO of the Akron Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau. Gregg talks about how he found his career path within our community and the part his organization plays in bringing people to Akron to live, work, and…

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Ep. 36 - Employee-Owned Companies and Promoting from Within 19:56

2M ago19:56

19:56

If you are an Akron-area resident, you know Davey Tree. You have seen the trucks and THINK you know everything they do. Today, Steve is joined by Executive Vice President Dan Joy, and Sandee Reid, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning. During the program, Dan and Sandee share a whole lot more about this employee-owned co…

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Ep. 35 - Making a Presence in the Community as a Leader 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

This week, Steve sits down with Marcella Granick, the Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Synthomer, supporting North American business units. Marcella has worked across various industries and has mentored and coached across numerous career levels. On today's episode, she discusses her passion for working with, and developing people to re…

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Ep. 33 - Making a Presence in the Community as a Leader 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Bernett Williams is a go-to leader in the Akron region through the roles she has played at organizations such as The Urban League, Leadership Akron, United Way, and the Greater Akron Chamber. As the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives at Akron Children's Hospital, Bernett is helping pave the way f…

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Ep. 34 - February is Heart Health Month 19:46

2M ago19:46

19:46

In honor of National Wear Red Day on February 3rd, we have two guests this week to help bring greater awareness to the impact of heart disease. Joining Steve Millard in the studio is Val Weber, the Senior Community Impact Director of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Justin Dunn, an Interventional Cardiologist at…

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Ep. 32 - Getting Involved with the Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley Red Cross 19:55

2M ago19:55

19:55

As the Executive Director of the Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley Red Cross, Rachel D'Attoma and her team get to offer hope to people who are very much in need during a challenging time in their lives. The Red Cross in our region is making a difference every day. Rachel and Steve Millard also discuss the sense of community in the Akron area and ho…

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Ep. 30 - A Spirited Conversation with Anthony Piscazzi 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

This week Steve Millard talks to Towpath Distillery Owner and CEO Anthony Piscazzi, an Akron entrepreneur who comes from generations of family members in both the food and spirits industries. Last September, Towpath Distillery launched their first product and Anthony reflects on that experience along with operating a popular restaurant, The Merchan…

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Ep. 31 - Revitalizing Downtown Akron with Suzie Graham 30:31

2M ago30:31

30:31

In her career, Suzie Graham has always been a supporter of greater Akron through public service. From her work with theater programs for children, to bringing the Lock 3 entertainment space to life. Now, as the President and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership, she and her team have helped oversee the revitalization of the core of a legendary legacy …

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Ep. 29 - Communicating Clearly in Client-Facing Organizations 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

As the Managing Partner at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Steve Dimengo always knew he was going to be a lawyer. Greater Akron Chamber President Steve Millard sits down with Steve and discusses how he set himself on this professional path, how he helps others focus on their own expertise, and why he thinks Akron is the place to work and play.…

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Ep. 28 - A Look Inside the Knight Foundation with Kyle Kutuchief 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

In Akron, the birthplace of Knight Newspapers and the foundation, Knight focuses on downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods through investments in talent, opportunity and engagement. Our guest today, Kyle Kutuchief is the Akron Program Director for the Knight Foundation and has been involved in a number of Akron initiatives including serving as …

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Ep. 27 - Cultivating New Talent and Retaining a Seasoned Workforce 32:30

2M ago32:30

32:30

On this crisp Fall day, Steve Millard has a conversation with Chuck Mullen, Chairman of Apple Growth Partners, one of the Akron region's premiere accounting and business advisory firms. Chuck talks about building his career in Akron and how his organization has expanded to other cities and states. His leadership has helped his firm grow and develop…

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Ep. 25 - Building Upon Success Through Strategic Planning 35:11

2M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode, Steve Millard talks with Gino and Barbara Faciana from the Pleasant Valley Corporation. Their path is an amazing example of entrepreneurship and building upon success after success in the real estate and facilities management industry. Their strategic planning as a company is leaving a legacy for both their family and the greater A…

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Ep. 26 - Growing Up in Northeast Ohio with Meghan Meeker 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

The Greater Akron Chamber's podcast this week welcomes Meghan Meeker who is the Senior Manager of Social Media at Vericast but also serves as the President of the Board of Directors of Torchbearers here in Akron. Steve Millard discusses her experience growing up in Northeast Ohio and why she decided to stay and network here in our region as a profe…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Greater Akron Chamber Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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