Advertise on podcast: CEO's You Should Know - Pittsburgh

If Jim Mazany's career had a soundtrack, it would open with Prince. His first concert was the Purple Rain tour at Nassau Coliseum. Since then, his path has run from washing dishes on Long Island to culinary school in Hyde Park to leading brands like TGI Fridays, Logan's Roadhouse and Joe's Crab Shack, and now to the CEO role at P.F. Chang's.In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia Region President Chris Long sits down with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang's, to talk about hospitality, culinary craft and leading an iconic brand through a turnaround.Jim traces the influences that shaped him, from a Marine father who taught him work ethic to a mother who made hospitality the center of their home. He shares how a chef's mindset still guides the way he leads, why "the speed of trust" matters when building a leadership team and how P.F. Chang's is working to turn "I like P.F. Chang's, but I haven't been there in a while" into "I love P.F. Chang's, and I was there last night." He also takes Chris inside the brand's turnaround, from renewed focus on the in-restaurant experience and culinary innovation to double-digit sales growth, rising guest traffic and plans to expand P.F. Chang's footprint in the U.S. and around the world.Guest: Jim Mazany, CEO, P.F. Chang'sHost: Chris Long, Region President, iHeartMedia Dallas-Fort Worth & Central Texas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens after the diagnosis? For many families, that's when the real journey begins. In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Jonny Hartwell talks with Stephanie Ciranni, Executive Director of Cancer Bridges, about the organization's mission to provide free emotional, social, educational, and wellness support for individuals and families impacted by cancer. Under Stephanie's leadership, Cancer Bridges continues to expand programs that help people navigate every stage of the cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and grief support.Based in Pittsburgh's Strip District, the nonprofit serves adults, children, caregivers, and loved ones, ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Stephanie shares the power of connection, the growing need for supportive care, and how Cancer Bridges is helping thousands of families find hope, healing, and community.https://cancerbridges.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth Anderson is the co-founder of Sedgwick Land and Limb, a Pittsburgh-area company specializing in sustainable landcare, organic lawn care, landscaping, masonry, and outdoor living spaces. Alongside co-founder Ben Sedgwick, Beth has helped build a reputation for combining environmental stewardship with exceptional craftsmanship and customer service.Her passion for sustainable practices has guided the company’s approach to landscape design, site development, and eco-friendly property management throughout Western Pennsylvania. Under her leadership, Sedgwick Land and Limb continues to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces while promoting responsible land management and long-term environmental health. Beth is committed to helping clients connect with and enjoy the natural beauty of their properties.https://www.sedgwicklandandlimb.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on CEO You Should Know, we spotlight Zerorez Pittsburgh leader Rachael Kulka Rudski — a passionate businesswoman focused on building a company centered around service, innovation, and trust. From redefining what clean really means to creating a customer-first culture, Rachael shares how Zerorez has grown into one of the region’s most recognized names in carpet and surface cleaning.In this conversation, Rachael talks about leadership, entrepreneurship, balancing family and business, and why relationships matter just as much as results. She also explains how Zerorez’s patented cleaning process is changing the industry by delivering a deeper clean without harsh soaps or residue. It’s a conversation about growth, community, and creating a company people genuinely believe in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a family-run HVAC business started in 1971…to leading one of Pittsburgh’s most recognized heating and cooling companies…this week on CEO You Should Know, we sit down with Jim Conley of Metro Heating & Cooling.Jim grew up around the business. His parents, John and Dolores Conley, built Controlled Climate Systems on a simple philosophy: serve the customer first. Today, Jim continues that same approach while overseeing the growth of Metro Heating & Cooling after acquiring the company in 2015.In this episode, Jim talks about carrying on a family legacy, the challenges of running a 24/7 service business, and why trust, speed, and customer relationships still matter in an industry driven by technology and constant change. From emergency furnace calls in the middle of a Pittsburgh winter to expanding commercial and residential HVAC services across the region, Jim shares what it takes to build a company people rely on when comfort matters most. It’s a conversation about leadership, reputation, hard work… and delivering what Jim calls “Good Old Fashioned Service” in a modern world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of CEO You Should Know, we sit down with Jamie Bordas of Bordas & Bordas — one of the region’s most accomplished trial attorneys and the managing partner behind a law firm that has secured massive verdicts and settlements across multiple states.From multimillion-dollar courtroom battles against corporations like Walmart to high-stakes toxic tort and insurance bad faith cases, Jamie has built a reputation as a relentless advocate who knows when to negotiate… and when to fight.But this conversation goes far beyond the courtroom.Jamie talks about growing up around the family business, leading Bordas & Bordas into Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and balancing the pressures of managing a major law firm while raising six children and coaching youth football for more than two decades. We also dive into leadership, preparation, client trust, philanthropy, and the mindset required to handle cases where the stakes can change lives forever.It’s a fascinating look at the business of law, the art of persuasion, and the responsibility that comes with fighting for people on the worst days of their lives.https://www.bordaslaw.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to lead one of Pittsburgh’s most respected family law firms—and guide people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives?On this episode, we sit down with Joseph R. Williams, partner at Pollock Begg and one of the region’s most recognized family law attorneys. Named the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in family law by Best Lawyers in America, Joe shares his philosophy on leadership, litigation, and why every client’s journey requires a different roadmap.From becoming partner at just 30 years old to serving as president of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Joe discusses the evolution of modern law, the human side of family court, collaborative law, and how trust, strategy, and empathy all play a role in helping clients move forward.It’s a candid conversation about leadership under pressure, the changing legal landscape, and the responsibility that comes with helping families navigate life-changing decisions.https://www.pollockbegg.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we spotlight two inspiring leaders making a real impact in the fight against cancer—Ann Regan and Beth Wild. Their conversation centers around the upcoming Rush to Crush Cancer Weekend, happening May 16–17, and the powerful mission behind it.From community-driven fundraising to groundbreaking research at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, this episode dives into how every mile ridden and every dollar raised is helping accelerate progress toward a world without cancer. Ann shares how the event has grown into a regional movement, while Beth offers insight into how those funds directly impact patient care and innovation.Whether you're a cyclist, a survivor, or someone looking to make a difference, this conversation is a reminder that together, we can turn hope into action—and action into results.https://www.rushtocrushcancer.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Commonwealth Nutrition, it’s about more than what’s on the shelves—it’s about what people take with them when they leave. Built on a foundation of education, honesty, and community, Commonwealth Nutrition was created to give people real answers, not sales pitches. From complimentary InBody scans to personalized guidance on nutrition, training, and supplements, every experience is designed to help individuals understand their bodies and take control of their health.Led by Joseph Kania, the mission is simple: put people before products. No brand bias, no shortcuts—just transparent advice and a commitment to helping every customer feel stronger, more confident, and equipped to reach their goals. Because at Commonwealth Nutrition, it’s not just about supplements—it’s about building better people.https://www.commonwealthnutrition.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olivia Suchko is the CEO and founder of Shop Olive, a Pittsburgh-based fashion technology startup. She is developing a "tech-tailoring" system that uses 3D body scanning and AI to create made-to-measure, size-less apparel aimed at disrupting traditional manufacturing by offering personalized, high-quality clothing at scale.Key Aspects of Olivia Suchko & Olive:Mission: To empower women with high-quality, comfortable, and tailored clothing that eliminates traditional sizing issues.Technology: Olive uses an "AI fit engine" analyzing 3D scans and fabric properties to generate precise, custom-tailored garments.Background: Suchko is a former Miss Pennsylvania USA (2018) who bootstrapped her company, focusing on sustainable, "tech-tailored" apparel."Tech-Tailoring" Approach: Instead of mass production, Olive uses modular manufacturing where garments are finished upon order.Experience: She has worked for nearly a decade on this concept, researching, testing, and developing, and has been involved with The Warhol Academy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the way we’ve handled documents for decades… is completely broken?On this episode of CEO You Should Know, we sit down with Joe Hipsky, President of U.S. Operations at Factify—a company on a mission to fundamentally change how businesses create, manage, and trust information in the age of AI.Joe is no stranger to building from the ground up. As co-founder of IRALOGIX, he helped take the company from its very first line of code to national recognition—earning a spot among the top 20% of the Inc. 5000, multiple WealthTech 100 honors, and recognition as a Forbes Top 500 Start-up Employers company.Now, with more than 20 years in financial and B2B enterprise technology, Joe is tackling a new challenge—helping companies safely and responsibly integrate AI into their most critical workflows. From the limitations of PDFs to the future of “intelligent documents,” this conversation explores how trust, accuracy, and innovation collide in today’s fast-moving tech landscape.And why did Factify choose Pittsburgh as a key part of its growth strategy? Joe shares what makes this region a rising force in tech—and what it takes to build something that truly lasts.If you care about the future of business, AI, and where technology is headed next… this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

P3R is an innovative full-service event management organization, specializing in transformative sporting events and exhilarating experiences that unite.Our clients (like the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the National Senior Games Association, just to name a few) trust us to bring every aspect of operational excellence to their special events. From operations planning, permitting, and execution to meaningful sponsorships, creative marketing and advertising, and engaging public relations, P3R is the region’s premier sporting event and experience expert.As part of our non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, our award-winning Kids of STEEL program, the Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we sit down with Sam Milligan, co-owner of Cousins Roofing, Siding & Decks—one of the fastest-growing, family-owned exterior remodeling companies in the Pittsburgh region.What started humbly—building decks out of pickup trucks alongside his cousin and business partner Calvin—has grown into a trusted name in roofing, siding, and custom outdoor living spaces.Sam shares how he helped transform the company from its early days as CNS Construction into the Cousins brand you see today, built on craftsmanship, integrity, and a commitment to treating every home like it’s their own. While Calvin didn’t participate in this interview, his role as co-founder and partner remains central to the company’s story and success.From scaling a business in a competitive industry to building a reputation rooted in trust, relationships, and community impact, this conversation dives into what it really takes to grow a family business the right way.If you’ve ever wondered how hustle, values, and a little Pittsburgh grit can turn a small operation into a regional powerhouse—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.https://www.callthecousins.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great events don’t happen by accident. Behind every unforgettable wedding, festival, or corporate celebration is someone making sure the right talent meets the right moment.In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we talk with Jackie Danko, Founder and President of Sound Advice Entertainment, a Pittsburgh-based full-service entertainment and event booking agency. For more than a decade, Jackie has been connecting clients with musicians, DJs, specialty acts, and speakers—helping create memorable experiences across weddings, corporate events, festivals, retirement communities, and private parties.Jackie shares how she turned a lifelong passion for music into a thriving business, the art of matching performers with the perfect audience, and why relationships and reputation are everything in the entertainment industry. We also talk about her life as a performer with The Joe & Jackie Show and The Pittsburgh PolkaMeisters, and how being on stage shapes the way she runs her company.It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the business of bringing people together through music and entertainment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we sit down with Brian McMahon — an entrepreneurial powerhouse who took the reins of his family’s business and transformed it into one of South Pittsburgh’s go-to home improvement and repair teams. As Owner and CEO of Ace Handyman Services South Pittsburgh, Brian brings over 7 years of hands-on leadership and business management experience to a company that helps homeowners and businesses solve their toughest property needs.From his early hustle — kicking off ventures as a teen — to mastering the art of running a local services company, Brian’s journey is a testament to grit, community focus, and smart scaling. Under his guidance, Ace Handyman Services has become a trusted name across Monongahela, Bethel Park, West Mifflin, and beyond, tackling everything from drywall and carpentry to aging-in-place renovations with integrity and craft.In this conversation we explore:How Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit shaped his leadership styleTurning a hobby-driven start into a thriving home services businessThe balance between hands-on craftsmanship and strategic managementWhat it takes to build trust in your community one customer at a timeIf you’re curious about leadership lessons from someone who literally helps keep homes running — and who believes no job is too small — this is a CEO worth meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.