Dreamers, Drivers, Doers podcast

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Understanding Taxes as a Newly Formed Small Business - Part 2 of the Small Business Starter Kit 28:24

25 days ago28:24

28:24

In our second installment of the Small Business Starter Kit series - we’re tackling a topic that’s sometimes tricky, sometimes confusing, but ever-present: taxes. Hosts Austin and Jannese have an insightful conversation with entrepreneur Isabella Rosal who started 7th Sky Ventures , an exporter and distributor of craft spirits, beer, and wine. Having lived and worked in two different countries and started a company in a heavily-regulated field, Isabella is no stranger to navigating the paperwork-laden and jargon-infused maze of properly understanding taxes for a newly formed small business. Join us as she shares her story and provides valuable insight into how to tackle your business’ taxes - so they don’t tackle you. Learn more about how QuickBooks can help you grow your business: QuickBooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

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Content provided by Greater Akron Chamber. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Greater Akron Chamber or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

Want to discover the personalities, leaders, and voices who are making things happen and making a difference in our region? Welcome to Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, where Greater Akron Chamber CEO and President Steve Millard engages in conversations with business owners, influencers, and government officials to discover what makes a group of people come together, the possibilities on a local and regional level, and the potential of an area that pulls together. Fascinating journeys, strong opinions, unique perspectives, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the business and legislative initiatives that are the heartbeat of our community.

… continue reading

101 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #Government #Greater Akron Chamber

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Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

updated 7 days ago

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Series home•Feed

Content provided by Greater Akron Chamber. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Greater Akron Chamber or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

Want to discover the personalities, leaders, and voices who are making things happen and making a difference in our region? Welcome to Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, where Greater Akron Chamber CEO and President Steve Millard engages in conversations with business owners, influencers, and government officials to discover what makes a group of people come together, the possibilities on a local and regional level, and the potential of an area that pulls together. Fascinating journeys, strong opinions, unique perspectives, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the business and legislative initiatives that are the heartbeat of our community.

… continue reading

101 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #Government #Greater Akron Chamber

All episodes

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Ep. 112 - Healing the Healers: How Another Act of Kindness Supports Healthcare Workers 27:12

7 days ago27:12

27:12

In this episode, Steve sits down with Michele Maas, President and Founder of Another Act of Kindness, and Jonathan Maas, board member and survivor of a life-threatening battle with COVID-19. After Jonathan’s miraculous recovery, Michelle was inspired to give back to the nurses who saved his life. Together, they launched Another Act of Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting healthcare workers through scholarships, wellness retreats, and care initiatives like “Healing the Healers.” From providing nurses with stress-relief tools like massage and yoga to tackling burnout and attrition in the profession, Michelle and Jonathan are on a mission to uplift those who give so much to others.…

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Ep. 111 – A Conversation with 2025 H. Peter Burg Award Recipient Richard Rogers 35:19

14 days ago35:19

35:19

In this special episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, we sit down with Rick Rogers, Founder and Executive Director of Curated Storefront and the 2025 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award. A visionary entrepreneur, business leader, and champion of the arts, Rick has played a pivotal role in shaping Akron’s economic and cultural landscape. From expanding B.W. Rogers Company across multiple states to revitalizing downtown Akron through public art and creative placemaking, Rick’s impact is undeniable. He shares insights into his journey, the mission of Curated Storefront, and his belief in the power of the arts to drive economic resurgence in post-industrial cities.…

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Ep. 110 - Unlocking Innovation through the Power of Design Thinking 36:48

21 days ago36:48

36:48

In this episode, Steve sits down with Kathy Wilcox and Joe Watson of Switch Innovation Lab to explore the power of design thinking in organizational success and how a human-centered approach can solve workplace challenges, foster innovation, and create psychological safety. The three dive into appreciative inquiry, the importance of focusing on strengths rather than faults, and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. The conversation also covers the necessity of clarity in job roles, fostering an open culture for innovation, and how organizations—large or small—can be intentional in creating environments where employees thrive.…

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Ep. 109 - Harnessing and Adopting AI for your Business 31:17

28 days ago31:17

31:17

In this episode, Steve talks with Rob Buchwald, founder of Akron Innovations, about how businesses can effectively integrate AI to drive growth and innovation. Rob explains why AI adoption should be seen as a business process change rather than just a technology upgrade, emphasizing the need for leaders to embrace AI early rather than waiting for competitors to set the standard. He discusses the risks of vendor lock-in, the parallels between AI and the cloud revolution, and how AI can help businesses focus on their unique differentiators. Listen now to learn how Akron Innovations is guiding businesses through this transformation.…

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Ep. 108 – How DFA Supports Development in Greater Akron 31:42

5 weeks ago31:42

31:42

In this episode, Steve sits down with Rachel Bridenstine, President of the Development Finance Authority (DFA), to discuss how the organization supports large-scale development and job creation. They explore how DFA helps finance community projects, infrastructure, and business growth. Rachel highlights the Western Reserve Community Fund, a nonprofit initiative providing access to capital, technical assistance, and development services for small businesses and nonprofits, and shares how DFA connects businesses with key partner organizations…

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Ep. 107 - Connecting Communities: The Impact of Akron’s Parks 26:55

6 weeks ago26:55

26:55

In this episode, Steve talks with Bridget Ambrisco, Executive Director of the Akron Parks Collaborative, about how Akron’s parks enhance community engagement, safety, and the city’s appeal to families and businesses alike. Bridget shares how the organization connects residents with the city to improve and maintain parks, the impact of initiatives like the Akron Parks Challenge, and the importance of activating these spaces beyond their initial development. She also discusses funding, business volunteer efforts, and upcoming events. Tune in to learn how Akron’s parks shape the community and how you can get involved.…

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Ep. 106 - A Case Study in Social Media Security for Small Business Owners 31:42

7 weeks ago31:42

31:42

When Daisy Pops owner Amy Mucha’s business Facebook account was hacked, she faced an uphill battle to regain control. In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, host Steve Millard walks through Amy’s story, with cybersecurity expert Jay Mellon of AtNetPlus offering insights on what she did right, what went wrong, and how small businesses can protect themselves. They discuss essential security measures like multi-factor authentication, password managers, and proactive steps to safeguard your business’s online presence.…

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Ep. 105 - The ROI of Business Volunteerism 36:07

8 weeks ago36:07

36:07

In this episode, Steve sits down with Elizabeth (Biz) Voudouris, President & CEO of Business VolunteersUnlimited (BVU), to discuss the positive impact of business volunteerism andboard service onorganizations. Biz shares how companies can engage employees in board service to develop leadershipskills, enhance company culture, and strengthen community impact. The conversation explores strategiesfor integrating board engagement, managing commitments, and balancing financial support. Listeners willalso learn how BVU connects businesses and individuals with nonprofit opportunities and how volunteerismcan be a game-changer for companies and employees alike.…

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Ep. 104 - AI, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Business: Navigating Opportunities and Risks with Jay Mellon 27:01

9 weeks ago27:01

27:01

This episode dives deep into how small and midsize businesses can navigate today’s fast-paced technology landscape with a focus on IT management, cybersecurity, and AI integration. Jay Mellon, Owner of AtNetPlus, explains the interconnected nature of network management and security, highlighting the rising cybersecurity risks facing businesses and how tailored solutions can mitigate them. The conversation expands to the transformative impact of AI, exploring real-world examples like workflow automation, custom AI tools, and insights derived from proprietary data.…

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Ep. 103 - ADVOCACY IN ACTION: The ACAA is Your In-House Government Affairs Council 33:41

10 weeks ago33:41

33:41

In 2024, the Greater Akron Chamber and Canton Regional Chamber formally aligned their government affairs and advocacy activities through the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA) to represent the needs of their collective 4,500 members and engage with elected officials and policymakers for the benefit of jobs, investment, and growth for the Akron-Canton region. Steve Millard sits down with Jeff Dafler, President and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and John Rizzo, Vice President of the ACAA, to dive into the partnership, share recent milestones, and preview key issues for 2025. Even if you’re not a policy expert, there’s a wealth of opportunity for business owners and leaders to get involved in key issues and legislation, including the State Operating Budget, to ensure your voice is heard by elected officials and policymakers. Visit akroncantonadvocacy.org to learn more and get involved in the ACAA.…

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Ep. 102 - Connecting the Dots for Businesses in Greater Akron 36:24

12 weeks ago36:24

36:24

In this episode, GAC Executive Vice President Brynn Allio Popa turns the tables on host Steve Millard for a fun, fast moving discussion about GAC’s work in 2024 and key priorities for 2025 created by the recent refresh of the organization’s blueprint. The pair cover key aspects of the strategy refresh, helping businesses navigate resources in the community, fighting the workforce problem, DEI, and more.…

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Ep. 101 - Mark Greer on the 2025 Akron Bicentennial 35:05

13 weeks ago35:05

35:05

Akronites know that our city has a deep and colorful history that's shaped the fabric of our region. Back in June, we welcomed Mark Greer, Executive Director of the Akron Bicentennial, into the studio to talk about the upcoming Bicentennial celebration in 2025. A number of events and historic celebrations will take place aimed at bringing the city together that we want to put on your radar before the new year starts.…

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Ep. 100 - Celebrating Legacy with Michael Considine of Norka Beverage Company 23:54

15 weeks ago23:54

23:54

In this milestone 100th episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber President Steve Millard sits down with Michael Considine, founder of Norka Beverage Company. As Norka marks its 100th anniversary, Michael shares insights into preserving a legacy brand while navigating the challenges of running a small family business. Steve and Michael discuss the incredible transformations happening in Akron, the power of community roots, and the resilience it takes to thrive in today’s market. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a lover of Akron’s rich history, or just curious about the secrets behind a century-old soda company, there’s something for everyone in this episode!…

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Ep. 99 - The Vision Behind the Center for Immersive Leadership 33:31

16 weeks ago33:31

33:31

Leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and an effective leadership strategy starts with the individual–understanding one’s strengths (and weaknesses), what makes them “tick”, and how they can best contribute to their community. Earlier this year, United Way Summit/Medina and Heart to Heart Leadership merged to create the Center for Immersive Leadership at United Way with a focus on creating opportunities for learning at individual, peer, and organizational levels. Steve sits down with Jeremy Lile, Chief of Leadership and Learning, and Jim Mullen, President and CEO of United Way Summit/Medina, to learn more about the mission and vision behind this merger and how the Center aims to empower inclusive leadership to drive systemic change and address key community issues.…

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Ep. 98 - Stronger Together: A New Chamber Partnership 44:07

17 weeks ago44:07

44:07

This special episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers highlights the new partnership between the Greater Akron Chamber and the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce. On November 20, 2024, the Chambers hosted a joint luncheon for members of both organizations to hear from Steve Millard, GAC President and CEO, and Ned Parks, Interim Executive Director of Cuyahoga Falls Chamber, discuss the partnership in a Q&A format.This collaboration provides unified membership benefits, enhanced regional connectivity, and local programming to foster economic growth and small business success throughout the Greater Akron area. Learn more at greaterakronchamber.org…

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