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In this episode, we sit down with Don Bloom, founder and owner of PennCare, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and the long-term commitment required to build a successful business. Born in Liberty and a graduate of Liberty High School and Youngstown State University, Don shares how he started PennCare in 1991 out of his business partner’s home with just $5,000. From those humble beginnings, PennCare grew into a respected company by staying focused on people, quality, and values. Don also shares a powerful personal story connected to September 11th and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, including his interview with Anderson Cooper. The conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how ambulances are built, the dedication required to run a manufacturing operation, and why Don has remained committed to his employees and his company rather than selling out. This episode blends business lessons, history, and leadership insight for both seasoned owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Guest Bio Don Bloom is the founder and owner of PennCare. A lifelong local resident and YSU graduate, Don has spent decades building a company grounded in craftsmanship, loyalty to employees, and long-term thinking. What We Cover in This Episode Growing up in Liberty and graduating from Liberty High SchoolAttending Youngstown State UniversityStarting PennCare in 1991 with $5,000 in a partner’s homeEarly challenges and lessons learned as a startup founderWhat it really takes to run a business and the level of commitment requiredLeadership principles for building and sustaining a companyDon’s experience related to 9/11 and Shanksville, PennsylvaniaHis interview with Anderson CooperA behind-the-scenes look at how ambulances are builtThe craftsmanship, safety, and precision required in ambulance manufacturingCommitment to employees and company cultureWhy Don chose not to sell outWhy did Warren agree to a 50-year non-annexation agreementHow Niles is doing it right from a business and development standpointThe one thing Don would have done differently if he could go backKey advice for new and aspiring entrepreneursKey Takeaways Building a successful business requires long-term commitment, not shortcutsLeadership starts with loyalty to employees and core valuesManufacturing excellence demands precision, discipline, and accountabilityEntrepreneurs must be willing to sacrifice early to win laterCall to Action If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with business owners, leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want real-world insight from someone who built it the hard way. Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John! If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or private events give him a call.  330.228.3891 Email: [email protected]

From Hardship to Hope: The Story of the Warren Family Mission Episode Description In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Kate White and Dominic Mararri of the Warren Family Mission to discuss faith, resilience, and the life-changing impact of serving others. Kate shares her upbringing in Lordstown, growing up as one of seven children in deep poverty, and the early influence of her father, Pastor Chris, founder of the Warren Family Mission. Through stories of hardship, faith, and perseverance, Kate explains how God worked through her father’s struggles to establish the Mission and secure the buildings that continue to serve the community today. She also opens up about her own challenges and what it took to learn how to run the Mission from the ground up. Dominic shares his journey from childhood loss and addiction to incarceration—and ultimately to faith and redemption. Once a dealer of drugs, Dominic now describes himself as a “dealer of hope,” dedicating his life to helping others find a way forward. Together, their stories illustrate how the Warren Family Mission has become a cornerstone of compassion, serving tens of thousands of people each year. Guests Kate White Warren Family Mission Kate grew up in Lordstown and is the daughter of Pastor Chris, founder of the Warren Family Mission. She now plays a critical role in operating and expanding the Mission, helping guide its services and outreach efforts. Dominic Mararri Warren Family Mission | Real Estate Professional Dominic’s life story includes loss, addiction, incarceration, and ultimately redemption through faith. Today, he serves others through the Mission and works to bring hope and stability to those in need. What We Cover in This Episode Kate’s childhood growing up in Lordstown as one of seven childrenTrips to Warren with her father, Pastor Chris, and the early days of the MissionPastor Chris’s difficult life journey and how faith transformed his pathHow God provided the buildings that became home to the Warren Family MissionKate’s personal struggles before joining the MissionLearning to run a nonprofit from the ground upThe Mission’s impact:Over 100,000 meals served annuallyMore than 15,000 bags of groceries distributed each yearDominic’s early life and memories of his fatherLife after the death of his fatherDominic’s descent into drugs and alcoholJail, recovery, and finding God“From a dealer of dope to a dealer of hope”The ongoing need for volunteers, resources, and prayerMission Needs & How You Can Help Volunteers are always neededThe Mission is seeking support to establish a family shelterIf you have a building to donate, please contact the Warren Family MissionIf nothing else, please keep the Mission and the families they serve in your prayersContact Information Warren Family Mission 📍 Address: 155 Tod Ave NW, Warren, OH 44485 📞 Phone: 330-394-5437 🌐 Website: www.warrenfamilymission.com Dominic Mararri 📞 Phone: 330-989-0132 🌐 Website: https://dominicmararri.howardhanna.com/ Call to Action If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Most importantly, consider how you can support the Warren Family Mission—through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John! If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or private events

Building a Smarter Fitness Plan: Mindset, Strength Training, and Sustainable Results Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with a personal trainer from Fitness 330 who grew up in Girard, where he also played football. We break down what it really takes to start—and sustain—a successful fitness journey. From mindset and planning to strength training, nutrition, and avoiding common pitfalls, this conversation focuses on practical, no-nonsense guidance for achieving long-term physical results. If you’re looking to lose weight, build strength, or simply train smarter, this episode provides a solid foundation to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. Guest Background Our guest is a personal trainer at Fitness 330, with an athletic background rooted in football. His hands-on coaching experience provides real-world insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to exercise, nutrition, and consistency. What We Cover in This Episode Growing up in Girard and playing footballTransitioning into a career as a personal trainer at Fitness 330How to begin an exercise program the right wayThe importance of having a clear plan and the right mindsetWhy lifting weights is essential and how excessive cardio can work against your goalsProper exercise form and why you must leave your ego at the doorWeight loss fundamentals: calories in versus calories outUnderstanding good carbs vs. bad carbs and the glycemic indexMental strategies and “mind tricks” to help achieve physical goalsHow to avoid overtraining and burnoutWhy changing workouts and nutrition is key to breaking plateausSetting clear goals and developing a sustainable fitness plan Key Takeaways Success in fitness starts with planning and mindsetStrength training is critical for long-term health and fat lossNutrition knowledge is just as important as exerciseConsistency, recovery, and adaptability prevent plateaus and injury Contact Information For training inquiries: Rob Duebelt 📞 330-647-2029 Call to Action If this episode helped clarify your fitness goals, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone looking to start—or restart—their fitness journey the right way. Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John! If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or private events give him a call.  330.228.3891 Email: [email protected]

Revitalizing Warren: Entertainment, Real Estate, and Economic Opportunity with Ken Haidaris Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with Ken Haidaris—owner of the historic Sunrise Inn, concert promoter, and real estate investor—to discuss the past, present, and future of Warren, Ohio. Ken shares the remarkable history behind some of Warren’s most iconic venues, his role in expanding live entertainment in the city, and why he remains deeply invested in the community’s economic revival. From speakeasies and pizza recipes brought straight from Chicago to amphitheaters, restored theaters, and new business ventures, this conversation explores how entertainment, real estate, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive growth and opportunity in a city on the rise. Guest Bio Ken Haidaris is the owner of the Sunrise Inn, a concert promoter, and a real estate investor with deep roots in Warren, Ohio. He is actively involved in revitalizing local landmarks, developing entertainment venues, and investing in projects that contribute to job creation and long-term economic impact in the region. What We Cover in This Episode The 97-year history of the Sunrise Inn, including its roots as an old speakeasyHow the Sunrise Inn became Warren’s first pizza shop, featuring a recipe brought from ChicagoWhy the Sunrise Inn is known for its Reubens, including the fan-favorite Rusty ReubenUpdates on the Westlawn warehouse project and its anticipated opening timelineWhy entertainment is critical to attracting new businesses and talent to Warren How Ken got started as a concert promoter and grew the local amphitheaterJob creation and economic development tied to entertainment and real estate projectsThe restoration of the 105-year-old Robins Theatre and its importance to the communityThe positive economic outlook for Warren and the surrounding metro areaWhat it takes to be a successful promoterGetting started in real estate investing and the types of properties Ken focuses onThe launch of Sunrise InnSurance and the motivation behind the new ventureA thoughtful discussion on Warren’s history—not just as a “bedroom community,” but as a former industrial hub, evidenced by its abandoned industrial buildingsA lighter moment we had a brief discussion on the Cleveland Browns and their uncertain future Key Takeaways Entertainment can be a powerful catalyst for economic development and job growth Preserving historic venues while modernizing them can drive long-term community value Successful promotion and real estate investing require vision, persistence, and local commitment Warren’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who believe in its potential If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone interested in local business, real estate investing, or the revitalization of American cities.

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Stringer from the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP) to talk about the incredible work he and his team are doing to improve housing and strengthen our community. We cover a range of important topics, including: 🏚 Emergency Home Repair Program – Learn how you can get help with urgent home repairs. 📞 Contact Kevin at 330.647.6301 ext. 111 or [email protected] for more info.🏠 Tangled Titles Program – A partnership between TNP and Community Legal Aid that helps resolve ownership issues after the death of a homeowner or complications from land contracts. 🔗 More info: communitylegalaid.org 🏡 New Homes Coming to Warren – TNP is building four brand-new homes in the Drexel Park neighborhood! Requirements apply, so reach out to Kevin if you’re interested.🌿 Warren Farmers Market – Stop by the North Park Commons at 347 North Park Ave., Warren, Ohio, every Tuesday from 3–6 PM through September 30th.🏙️ Downtown Revitalization – Big things are happening downtown—stay tuned for updates!And a quick callout to University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic: it’s time to bring more resources to Warren.  Lets go!!! This episode is dedicated to Korey Stinger ❤️

We’re excited to introduce a new segment to the Defend Warren podcast focused on helping people understand the mortgage process. Joining us regularly will be Mattie Easton, who brings valuable insight and experience to guide listeners through the home-buying journey. Mattie grew up in Bristolville with her two sisters and graduated in a close-knit class of just 30 students. As a teen, she loved dancing at local clubs and community spots. She attended Kent State University and later earned her accounting degree from Hiram College. In this episode, you’ll hear the entertaining story of how Mattie met her husband and learn how she got started in the mortgage industry back in 2004. She emphasizes that qualifying for a mortgage involves more than just having a good credit score. Mattie shares practical advice on: Understanding PMI and down payment requirementsThe basics of conventional loansWhy being transparent with your lender mattersHow you can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 580Simple tips to build or improve creditThe difference between a hard and soft credit pullWhat separates being pre-qualified from being pre-approvedHow self-employed individuals can navigate the mortgage processMost importantly, she outlines the best ways to prepare financially and mentally for buying a home. If you’d like to speak with Mattie about your mortgage questions, you can reach her directly at:  📞 330.307.1015  📧 [email protected] Music: Keepers of the Faith by Terror

Dr. Alisha Lyn A proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 2004, Alisha began her educational journey at Kent State University before earning her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. She later obtained a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and completed her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in K–12 education in 2022. Alisha's path to success was far from linear. She worked as a lunch aide, in banking, and as a substitute teacher while continuing her education. Her life and career have been defined by resilience and transformation. She is the author of Overcome, Transform, Soar: The Process of Breaking Barriers and Soaring to New Heights, a powerful testament to her personal journey. Alisha is a three-time traumatic brain injury survivor, a two-time cardiac arrest survivor, and a survivor and advocate of domestic violence. Her first major brain injury occurred while playing basketball at Warren G. Harding—an incident that nearly claimed her life and left doctors fearing she would not recover. Today, Alisha serves as a member of the Warren City Schools Board of Education and works as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Kent State University. She remains a vocal supporter of Warren G. Harding and the Warren City School District, highlighting the district’s strong academic opportunities for high-achieving students and the new Wellness Center—which goes beyond athletics to support overall student well-being. In 2009, she launched Alisha Lyn LLC (www.alishalynllc.com), a company built to inspire and empower others. She has also started a business venture for her daughters, continuing her legacy of leadership, education, and empowerment. Link for her book: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Transform-Soar-Breaking-Barriers-ebook/dp/B0CBL3X7BG www.thelynneetwins.com www.alishalynnllc.com www.dralishaalls.com

He currently serves as the Chief Legal Counsel at JP Morgan Law. Originally from East Liverpool, Ohio, he comes from a family that started a furniture business. In the 7th grade, his family relocated to Mineral Ridge, where he graduated from Mineral Ridge High School. He shares fond memories of growing up in Mineral Ridge, including his first “small” business venture as a child. He later attended the C.S. Lewis Institute in Youngstown, an organization focused on helping individuals grow as disciples in their faith. Passionate about service, he volunteers with Northeast Ohio Legal Aid and has also given back by coaching high school baseball and basketball at Heartland Christian. Since 2002, he has operated his law office in downtown Warren, where he practices as a small general attorney with a focus on domestic/family law and criminal law. With over two decades of experience downtown, he offers insightful reflections on how the area has changed—and what steps can be taken to further its growth and revitalization. He also shares candid thoughts on how Warren can be aggressively developed and grown, offering ideas for progress and positive change. Side note: Warren’s city income tax rate is 2.5%. And yes, there’s a brief (and slightly passionate) detour into a discussion about the Cleveland Browns—thanks in advance for your patience. In closing, I asked him: If you could pull every string necessary to turn Warren around, what would you do? Also—welcome to Warren, Kimberly-Clark and Rural King. Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror

Bob has been a guest before, so go and check out that episode.  We are beginning a series of shows that will discuss residental real estate market in Warren, Ohio.  This series is being done in conjuction with a series titled: "Move to Warren".  We hope to encourage people and business to move to Warren with the information on these episodes. Also, It looks like Kimberly Clark Project on Warren's south side is moving forward.  We shall see..... Bob Easton - [email protected] 330.307.3355

Natasha graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1996, earned her bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University in 2000, and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Akron in 2004. Growing up on the north side of Warren, she developed a strong work ethic early on, delivering newspapers and working at a concession stand from the age of 14. With a firm belief that mindset shapes one’s future, Natasha shares her determination and personal journey to earning her law degree. She reflects on her family life and the cherished memories of delicious meals prepared by her grandparents. Her legal career began in Las Vegas, where she specialized in civil litigation. Committed to giving back to her community, she launched the "Steer and Clear – Warren" program at Packard Park, a workshop dedicated to helping individuals regain their suspended driver’s licenses. Hear the compelling story of how she overcame a major setback just before finals while working at Kahunaville—an event that tested her resilience but didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. Natasha’s passion for law and love for Warren, Ohio, continue to drive her efforts. Stay tuned for upcoming events she has planned for the community! Music by Terror Song - Keepers of the Faith

Dennis is a 1967 graduate of Warren G Harding High School.  He is currently the administrator of Fund for Warren's Future. Dennis graduated from Hiram College with a degree in English and later earned his MBA from Ohio State University. He began his career at the Federal Trade Commission and has lived in Chicago, New York City, and Columbus, among other places. Most of his career was spent in publishing with Time Inc., including 15 years at Fortune magazine, along with other notable publications. Dennis is also the creator of the Warren Expressed blog. In this episode, we discuss the positive developments in Warren and the progress made over the past 10–15 years. He sheds light on the Poggemeyer study, explaining its benefits and how it has been leveraged.He shares insights on how Warren is positioned to attract new businesses and encourage economic growth.And there’s a not-so-well-kept secret about a major development happening downtown—shhh!Finally, I have to admit—I was wrong. Rural King is FINALLY opening a store in the Parkman Road plaza, and development for distribution and light manufacturing on the old Westlawn property has officially begun. As a friend of mine likes to say: "I hate it when I’m right and love it when I’m wrong." Thank you for your time, Dennis. Defend Warren.

It is with both gratitude and a heavy heart that I share this episode. Ron took the time to speak with me in early summer 2024, and I truly enjoyed our conversation. He was a wealth of knowledge, and I had the pleasure of knowing him for about 10 years, sharing insightful discussions from time to time. If you're a business owner, this is a must-listen episode. Ron grew up in Girard and graduated from Girard City Schools. At 28, he began his post-high school education in Hiram College’s weekend program. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Antioch in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Leadership from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. A seasoned traveler, Ron started his career at Peerless Winsmith in Warren and spent many years working in consulting and business turnaround strategies. He emphasized that businesses often face similar challenges—you are not alone in dealing with issues within your company. In this episode, we discuss startup strategies and business scaling. If you're an entrepreneur, pay close attention around the 36-minute mark. Also, take advantage of your local SCORE office in Youngstown—a valuable and free resource for business owners. We also touch on local economic growth and how Warren can expand exponentially. Exciting news! Rural King is building a new store on Parkman Road—welcome to Warren! Kimberly-Clark, it’s time to build and create jobs! Learn about the Lake to River organization and why it plays a vital role in Warren’s future. Keep an eye out for #MoveToWarren—our city is positioned for growth, but it will take effort! LET'S GO! Ron strongly believed in leaving the world better than he found it. Ron Emery April 19, 1957 – August 22, 2024 Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror

Frank Bosak – WGH Robotics (Recorded 2024) Frank Bosak is the Head Chief of the Robotics Department at Warren G. Harding High School and also works in the Warren City Schools Technology Department. A proud Warren native, he graduated from Warren G. Harding in 2005. Frank shares memories of growing up in Warren, including the irresistible smell of Uncle Nick’s chicken. Frank joined the WGH Robotics team in 2002. The team was founded in 1998 and won the National Championship in 1999. In this discussion, we explore how the robotics team operates, how competitions are run, and the impact the program has on both the school and individual students. Over its 27-year history, Warren’s robotics team has competed at the national and international level in more than half of those years. Hear the story of how the team once got “stuck” in Orlando, Florida, and learn about exciting new developments, including the team’s dedicated shop and expansion into 3D printing. The robotics team is actively seeking volunteers and sponsors to support its mission through the Warren Robotics Boosters 501(c)(3). If you're interested in helping, reach out to frank.bosak@warrencityschools. We also share personal stories from our time growing up in Warren City Schools. We love Don (RIP) and Donna Fowler! Go Raiders!

Leslie Dunlap Owner of Fatty Cakes Soap Company and Fifth Mountain Therapy In this conversation, we explore Leslie's life growing up on Kenilworth Avenue SE, where she attended Laird Avenue Elementary, East Junior High, and graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 1983. She reflects on her time in the neighborhood, sharing fond memories of shopping at Cicero’s Grocery Store and enjoying pizza from Carmen’s. After high school, Leslie entered the workforce but later pivoted at the age of 38, returning to school to pursue a career in massage therapy. She earned a two-year degree in Occupational Sciences and became certified in Neuromuscular Therapy. During our discussion, she breaks down the key differences between a masseuse and a licensed massage therapist. Leslie also shares the story behind Fatty Cakes Soap Company—known for its tagline, "Funny name, serious soap"—and how her passion for high-quality, handmade products led her to start the business. We discuss her experiences during the pandemic, how she navigated its challenges, and the inspiration behind the name Fifth Mountain Therapy. This interview was recorded in 2024. Check out her work: Fatty Cakes Soap Company on Facebook

Jeff is a 1988 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School and a co-founder of Chess is Life and is a software engineer.  We learn about life in his neighborhood and his super kind and friendly personality.  We discuss life growing up in Warren City Schools and the advantages it provided.  He has wonderful passion for Warren and wants to see Warren grow. He started his post high school education at University of Akron and finished at Youngstown State University. Jeff also worked at Copperweld Steel and shares his experience there including the miralce surviving accident that he had there.  He also stresses the important of helping other people. Learn how Jeff is like Iron Man. The beginning of Chess Is Life. His families move to California and them coming back to Warren. Jeffs love for Warren is very evident. His passion clearly shines through in this interview.  It is my first real long form interview but it is jam packed.  This was recorded earlier in the year - the distribution center has broken ground. Looking forward to its completion. Chessislife.org