Advertise on podcast: Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

As colleges across Ohio face dropping enrollments, The University of Akron (UA) is boldlydefying higher education trends. The public university reported consecutive enrollmentgrowth for the past two years – that hasn’t been seen at UA since 2011. To betterunderstand the university’s momentum, Host Steve Millard sat down with two peoplebehind the wheel, President R.J. Nemer and Chief Brand Officer Katy Brennan.They talk UA’s new cheeky and memeified marketing strategy, how the university isrepositioning its value proposition, the viral football opening drive raffle, and tons of otherexciting updates.To learn more about the personalities and voices that are driving Greater Akron forward,subscribe to Dreamers, Drivers, Doers here: https://greaterakronchamber.org/podcast/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No employer expects to face tragedy in the workplace, but every organization should be prepared for how to respond when it happens. Host Steve Millard sits down with Rebecca Cole, CEO of Victim Assistance Program, to talk about how employers can support team members facingtrauma, violence, loss and other life-altering events. Rebecca shares practical insights on creating psychologically safe workplaces, responding to crises with compassion and connecting employees to critical resources. Learn more at victimassistanceprogram.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Child care isn't just a family issue, it's an economic issue. In this episode, host Steve Millard sitsdown with Liz Hibbs (Early Childhood Education Alliance), Ricardo Henriquez (Shift Work Forward),and Emily Lundgaard (Elevate Greater Akron) to explore how child care impacts employeeretention, workforce participation, and business growth. From innovative employer-supportedchild care programs to statewide advocacy efforts, the conversation highlights what Greater Akronemployers can do tosupport working families while strengthening the workforce of the future.Hereare a few ways employers can help move this work forward:Advocate for policy and funding changes: Join the Groundwork Ohio Business Coalition:groundworkohio.org/businessesCollect and share data:Quantify the impact of child care on your workforce.Join our Task Force:Help shape Greater Akron's child care solutions. Contact EmilyLundgard:[email protected]Explore existing employee support programs:Explore tax credits, 211, ERN, and financialempowerment programs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What got a company to its current stage of growth often isn't what will get it to the next one. Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber's inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this conversation examines how leaders transition from founder-driven operations to scalable businesses. Led by Steve Wilt, Principal and Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, panelists Dwayne Groll (Environmental Design Group) and Rachel Phillips (Fully Accountable) discuss the systems, leadership structures, and decision-making frameworks that support sustained growth. They also share how they expanded their leadership capacity, developed teams that could operate independently, and built organizations positioned for long-term growth beyond the founder.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For companies in growth mode, growth gets harder—not because opportunities disappear, but because there are too many directions to pursue. Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber's inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this conversation explores how leaders identify the right path forward. Moderated by Jessica Sublett, CEO of Bounce Innovation Hub, panelists Lori Colagiovanni (Disinfection Management Technology), Jason Therrien (Thunder Tech), and Vince Venditti (Premier Home Pros) share how leveraging adjacencies, expanding into new markets, strengthening customer relationships, and making strategic investments can unlock sustainable growth and reveal where the next opportunity may be hiding.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building a great company requires more than a great idea—it takes discipline, focus, and relentless curiosity. Building on insights shared at the Greater Akron Chamber's inaugural Business Growth Symposium, Steve Millard talks with Breeze Airways Founder and CEO David Neeleman, the serial entrepreneur behind JetBlue, WestJet, Azul, and more, about the realities of scaling successful companies. Neeleman shares lessons on building teams, preserving culture, managing risk, and leading through increasing complexity, along with his "Most Important Now" approach to focusing on the priorities that matter most. Along the way, he offers practical insights on empowering people, driving innovation, and creating momentum that lasts.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alison Matas-Smith knows how Gen-Z works. Through her role as the AVP of Communications and Talent Development at Schauer Group, she develops a robust internship program at the insurance firm all year round. In this conversation with Steve Millard, Alison shares her experience working closely with college-aged interns and how creating a meaningful internship program has helped the company recruit and retain great talent. Together, Steve and Allison discuss Gen-Z’s changing work perspectives, and how your organization can prepare to welcome them to the workforce.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every growth story has a side that people don’t see. Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber's inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this conversation explores the realities behind scaling a successful company. Moderated by Chuck Mullen, Partner and Great Lakes Market Leader at Eide Bailly LLP, panelists Rachel Mack (Staffing Solutions Enterprises), Jeff Kline (Robert J Events & Catering / Fun Services), and Mac Anderson (Cleveland Kitchen) pull back the curtain on the challenges that don't show up in metrics or case studies—from tough people decisions and internal misalignment to burnout, tradeoffs, and moments of uncertainty. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growth-stage companies don’t usually struggle because they lack talent—they struggle because they’ve built the wrong structure at the wrong time or failed to evolve their culture as the business grows. Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode brings together leaders who share what growing companies get right, where they often stumble, and how to build teams and cultures that can scale successfully. Moderated by Jeanne Coughlin, President of The Coughlin Group, panelists Krista Gesaman (Aeration Septic Inc.), Mike Milby (Ratliff & Company), and Chrissy Myers (AUI/Clarity HR) explore how to align people, processes, and culture with the next stage of growth—and how leaders can position their organizations for long-term success.    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fresh off the National Science Foundation’s announcement of up to $160 million to support the NEO-SMART Engine, Steve Millard sits down with NEO-SMART CEO Nick Barendt and Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster, to discuss what could be a transformational moment for Northeast Ohio. Building on Akron’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World, decades of materials expertise, and years of collaboration through the Polymer Industry Cluster, EDA Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, and Ohio Innovation Hub designations, the region has laid the foundation for national leadership in advanced materials. The conversation explores how the CHIPS and Science Act created the opportunity for this investment, why NEO-SMART is focused on polymers, chemicals and coatings, and metals, and how these industries are critical to strengthening America’s manufacturing competitiveness, economic security, and domestic supply chains. They also discuss the momentum behind this landmark award and how NEO-SMART is poised to attract investment, create jobs, accelerate innovation, and position Northeast Ohio as a driving force in the next era of economic growth for both the region and the nation. Learn more at neosmartengine.org.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At some point, every founder has to ask: am I just running a business, or actually building something that lasts? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode brings together leaders who’ve seen firsthand what makes companies strong, scalable, and ready for what’s next. Moderated by Dan Hampu, President & CEO of Burton D. Morgan Foundation, the panel features John Lubinski (Hanna Commercial Real Estate / Hanna Business Advisors), Anna Luczkow (Lewis Brisbois), and Brad Martyn (Focus CFO). Together, they unpack how stronger systems, clear structure, and scalable operations build value beyond revenue. Because whether you plan to sell your business or not, the same principles apply—companies built with intention create more value over time.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it actually look like to use AI inside a growing business? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode features a candid conversation with leaders who aren’t just talking about AI—they’re actively using it to drive results. Moderated by Jay Mellon, President of ATNETPLUS, panelists Mike McGill (Medical Service Co.), Rob Buchwald (AI Institute Akron), and Britney Trafis (Soarion Digital) share how they’re applying AI across marketing, hiring, finance, and customer engagement. And just as important, they talk through what didn’t work and how they moved past early roadblocks to scale their efforts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get an inside look at how the next wave of polymer solutions is taking shape and the people drivingit forward. This special episode features a clip from an Elevate Greater Akron webinar centeredonthe region’s “Global Polymer Capital” priority.Hans Dorfi,Executive Director and Chief InnovationOfficer of the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC), sets the conversation witha look at the region’sstrategy, followed by a panel led by Jessica Sublett,President and CEO of Bounce Innovation Hubof Bounce Innovation Hub, featuring Dr. James Eagan (University of Akron), Isaiah Kaiser(AuxiliumHealth), Katie Kelley (ARDL), and Erin Spring (The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company).Together, they share how ideas move from research to real-world impact through startup support,R&D investment, and strong regional partnerships. More info at polymerindustrycluster.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Supporting brain health at work starts with awareness, action, and the right resources. Steve Millard sits down with Lindsay Walker, State Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ohio, to discuss the growing impact of Alzheimer’s on employees, families, and employers. Together, they explore how workplaces can become more brain-healthy, why early detection matters, and what business leaders should know about supporting team members navigating a diagnosis or caregiving responsibilities. Lindsay also shares resources available at alz.org/resources and explains the policy push behind the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act (alzimpact.org).  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it take to lead through the decisions that define growth? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode brings together three leaders who have navigated growth from the front lines: Ben Boyer, Prospector Baseball Group; Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, Apex Skin; and Tia Ramlow, GreatWork Employment Services. Moderated by Steve Millard, the conversation explores the opportunities and challenges that come with expansion, building the right team, making strategic pivots, and leading through uncertainty. Along the way, each guest shares lessons from their own leadership journey and discusses why continued investment in Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio remains central to their success.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.