x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Greater Akron Chamber

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,

government entrepreneurship

All Episodes

28:57

Building Homes and Shaping Neighborhoods with Richard...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2026/01/06

Step into Greater Akron’s homebuilding landscape with Richard Bancroft, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association serving Summit & Portage Counties. He explains what the HBA does and why Ohio’s regulatory environment matters, unpacking how tightening codes, material requirements, and labor shortages affect costs and timelines. We explore consumer trends—renovating versus building new—and how community partnerships are addressing affordability and access. Plus, hear an exclusive preview

en

30:17

Inside Effective Nonprofit Governance with Biz Voudouris

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/12/30

Behind every high-performing nonprofit is a board that knows how to listen, lead, and stay in rhythm. In this episode, BVU’s Biz Voudouris joins Steve Millard to discuss the founding of BVU and the growing need for strong, confident governance in today’s challenging nonprofit landscape. Biz breaks down the board chair as “conductor,” the value of clear expectations, and the importance of effective meetings, succession planning, and contingency thinking. She also shares her top three priorities for

en

31:00

The Power of Flight: Aviation’s Impact on Greater Akron

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/12/23

Akron native and former military helicopter pilot Ned Parks, now the owner of Aegis 360Consulting, joins Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to discuss how aviation has shaped his career andOhio’s broader economic momentum. He touches on the state’s unusually high number of airports, the challenge of keeping them ready year-round, and Ohio’s reputation as the nation’s largest flyover state. Ned also spotlights the annual AOPA Props and Pistons showcase as a major draw that brings visitors into the region,

en

36:55

Early Learning, Lasting Impact: A New Approach for...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/12/16

What would it take to transform early childhood education and strengthen Akron’s workforce at the same time? Richelle Wardell (City of Akron) and Laura DiCola (GAR Foundation) unpack theUnified Early Learning Pilot, a bold effort to stabilize childcare providers, boost quality, and get more kids kindergarten-ready. They discuss the data linking early literacy to long-term success, the staffing shortages pushing providers into crisis, and how strategies like substitute pools, leadership training, and

en

31:11

From Engineer to Advocate: Driving Change in...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/12/09

From designing roads and water systems to shaping business and policy in Northeast Ohio,Dwayne Groll, CEO of Environmental Design Group, has done it all. He shares how he grew hisfirm, launched innovative services like EDG Creative and economic development consulting, andscaled thoughtfully while challenging the status quo. Dwayne also dives into his advocacy workwith the Akron Canton Advocacy Alliance and the National Small Business Association, includinghis role in preserving the R&D tax

en

38:39

2026 Economic Outlook: Growth, Challenges, and...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/12/02

What does the economy look like heading into 2026? In this episode, Steve Millard talks with DanGriffith, Senior VP at Huntington National Bank, and Jacob Duritsky, VP of Strategy, Research &Talent at Team NEO, to break down the regional and national economic outlook. From strongconsumer spending and continued business investment to demographic challenges, labor marketshifts, and the evolving role of technology and AI, they discuss what’s driving growth, whereopportunities lie, and what

en

29:33

Data, Attention, and the Next Era of Marketing

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/11/25

Ever wondered what your audience really thinks? Shon Christy, Founder & CEO of NeuroVantageSocial Labs, stops by to reveal how neuroscience and AI are transforming the way businesses understand attention and engagement. From his early days exploring social media to creating a mobile neuromarketing lab that tracks eye movements, facial responses, and heat maps, Shon shows how NeuroVantage helps clients test content, improve campaigns, and uncover real insights before anything goes public. He also

en

39:35

Inside the Takeoff of Akron - Canton Airport

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/11/18

Akron-Canton Airport is flying higher than ever, and President & CEO Ren Camacho joins theDreamers, Drivers, Doers podcast to share how. With nonstop destinations soaring from just fourin 2020 to 24 today, a $150 million Capital Improvement Plan in motion, and Breeze Airwaysexpanding its crew base to become CAK’s busiest carrier, the airport is redefining regional traveland driving more than $1.15 billion in economic impact. Ren also gives a look ahead at what’s nextfor CAK—from traveler-first

en

28:07

Ep 142 – Damon Piatek, President & CEO, Piatek...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/11/11

What does it take to keep global business moving... and why does it matter locally? Damon Piatek,President and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics, joins us to share how he built a company thathelps businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of customs, compliance, and internationaltrade. From entrepreneurial lessons to practical insights, Damon sheds light on how logistics andleadership intersect to power growth in the region.

en

31:08

Tax Policy and Political Shifts with Senator Jerry C....

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/11/05

Unpack the fiscal and political changes shaping our state in this conversation with State SenatorJerry Cirino, who serves as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Host Steve Millard,alongsideACAA Vice President John Rizzo, dive into the introduction of a 2.75% flat tax—the lowest amongneighboring states—and what it means for economic growth and talent retention; and property taxreform, which impacts the $22 billion revenue stream that funds schools, safety services, andmore. The trio also discuss

en

35:49

Understanding Summit County’s Property Tax Proposal

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/28

Property taxes are confusing—and they’re about to take center stage in Summit County. Greater Akron Chamber President and CEO Steve Millard talks with Brian Nelson, Chief of Staff for County Executive Ilene Shapiro, to break down what residents need to know about the upcoming charter amendment (Issue2). With more than 30 years in public finance, Nelson explains how Ohio’s property tax system works and why Summit County is proposing a first-of-its-kind 3% annual cap to protect homeowners while

en

40:50

Building a Circular Economy: John Warner’s Vision for...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/21

During the 2025 Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference, a signature event of thePolymer IndustryCluster (PIC), John Warner, CEO & CTO of Technology Greenhouse, LLC, delivered a keynoteemphasizing the critical role of green chemistry in improving the ways materials are produced, utilized, andrecycled to support a circular economy.This special episode brings Warner’s keynote to the podcastplatform and his call to polymer industry leaders to foster innovations that create safer products and

en

22:53

How Public Health Funding Intersects with Civic Well...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/14

Aimee Wade, Executive Director of the County of Summit ADM Board, joins us to discuss the Chamber’s endorsement of the ADM levy and what’s at stake for Summit County. She breaks down how the proposed renewal and increase—from 2.95 to 3.45 mills—would generate $46 million annually to sustain mental health and recovery services, fund 30+ provider agencies, and support projects like the new Dr. Fred Frese Residential Center. We also explore how investing in ADM services strengthens our workforce, fuels

en

31:47

The Power of Play: Andrew Novak’s Vision for Community

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/10/07

Andrew Novak, co-founder of Summit Sport and Social, shares how a simple idea with a friend became oneof Akron’s most dynamic community builders. From blending competition with social connection topartnering with local organizations and launching a creative 2026 downtown project through the KnightEmerging City Champions fellowship, Andrew talks about keeping people downtown, fostering inclusivity,and why Akron is the perfect place for new ideas

en

31:17

Why Businesses Should Bet on Northeast Ohio

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/30

Matt Dolan, President of Team NEO, joins Steve to share why Northeast Ohio is positioned for long-term growth. From the unique JobsOhio model and Ohio’s strength in manufacturing workforce development to the importance of supporting the industries already thriving here, Matt highlights how regional wins create ripple effects for all communities. He also breaks down grant opportunities and relocation incentives through Team NEO and explains why connecting with Team NEO early can give businesses a

en

34:39

SPARKing Growth: Emmanuel Hilton on Supporting Small...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/23

Emmanuel Hilton, Vice President of Ecosystem Growth at Bounce Innovation Hub, is helping shape Akron’s entrepreneurial future. From leading SPARK Akron, a strategy under ElevateGreater Akron that connects small businesses with the right resources, to highlighting programs like MORTAR for Black entrepreneurs, Emmanuel shares how Bounce is breaking down barriers and building a stronger support system for founders. He also previews the upcoming Startup Circle conference, a first-of-its-kind event

en

31:21

When Success Becomes a Prison: Josh Muller on Taking...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/16

What happens when your business success starts running you instead of the other way around?JoshMuller, founder of Maple Creek Coaching, shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped him break free from burnout, delegate effectively, and transform his company. Josh and Steve dive into the dangers of overworking, the power of curiosity, and the importance of authentic networking and maintaining relationships

en

51:09

Ep. 133 - A Conversation on House Bill 159: The...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/09/09

House Bill 159 proposes the ManufacturingTechnologies Assistance Grant Program (MTAP) to help Ohiomanufacturers boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness while ensuring small and mid-sizedbusinesses have access to vital resources. In this recording from the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliancebriefing session, State Representative Nick Santucci and key stakeholders discuss the bill’s impact on thestate’s manufacturing industry and answer audience questions about what it could mean for the future

en

34:56

Ep. 132 - Mental Health as a Driver of Business Success

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/08/26

What does it take to be a leader who not only drives results but also builds resilience and wellbeing into the workplace? Christine Williams, Associate Vice President of Immersive Leadership at United Way of Summit& Medina, and John Ropar, longtime counselor and therapist, sit down with us to share their perspectives on leadership, growth, and mental health. Together, they explore how immersive leadership programs can equip professionals to lead with empathy, and why caring for mental wellbeing

en

32:57

Ep. 131 - Where Sneakers meet STEM: Akron Sneaker...

Dreamers, Drivers, Doers ·

2025/08/19

To Dominique Waters, sneakers are more than fashion—they’re a bridge to science, self-discovery, and community change. The Akron Sneaker Academy founder shares how his path from luxury fashion to youth mentorship is using sneaker culture to spark interest in STEM, connect students to Akron’s history and polymer industry ties, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger.

en

63 results

Similar Podcasts

The Fly

Georgetown"s Institute of Politics and...

THE CONSTITUTION STUDY

Paul Engel

The DSR Daily

The DSR Network

The Lawfare Podcast

The Lawfare Institute

Fora do Baralho

Rádio Observador