Chamber Amplified

Hosted by Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce

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Episodes

218

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Each week Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce talks to industry experts to help local businesses find new ideas, operate more efficiently, and adapt to ever-changing conditions.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 25, 202619 min

A Day In The Life: Financial Advisors

Send us Fan Mail What does a financial advisor actually do all day? In the latest installment of our Day in the Life series, Chamber Amplified sits down with Josh Robb of Hixon Zuercher Capital Management for a behind-the-scenes look at a career in financial advising and wealth management. Josh explains why working as a financial advisor is much more relationship-driven than many people realize, how advisors help clients turn financial goals into a plan, and why building trust is especially important when starting a career in the industry. We also discuss how technology and artificial intelligence are changing financial planning, including clients bringing AI-generated financial recommendations into meetings - and why the human side of financial advising still matters during market volatility and major financial decisions. Plus, Josh shares his path from the nonprofit world into financial services and why financial advising can be a second career. Topics include financial planning, wealth management, retirement planning, AI in finance, career development, networking, client relationships and building trust in business. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

August 18, 202629 min

Workers Wanted: Understanding Findlay's Tight Labor Market

Send us Fan Mail Why are businesses still struggling to find workers when small-business confidence is improving? Randy Galbraith of Hancock County Job & Family Services joins Chamber Amplified to break down what the local labor market actually looks like and why hiring remains such a challenge for Findlay and Hancock County employers. Hancock County's unemployment rate sits at just 3.6%, while its overall labor force has barely grown in more than a decade. At the same time, new businesses continue to open and existing employers need more workers. Doug and Randy discuss what's behind that mismatch, including the rising cost of transportation, the shortage and cost of childcare, workforce participation, changing employee expectations and the challenges facing employers in an extremely tight labor market. Chamber Amplified is presented by the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

August 11, 202620 min

More Than Tourism: How Visit Findlay Helps Residents & Local Businesses

Send us Fan Mail There’s more happening in Findlay and Hancock County than you might realize - including more than 900 events over the next six months. On this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce , Doug Jenkins talks with Danielle Wilkin from Visit Findlay about how the Convention and Visitors Bureau is helping visitors, local residents and businesses discover everything Hancock County has to offer. Danielle explains how VisitFindlay.com can help users find events, restaurants, shopping, attractions and family-friendly activities; build and share custom itineraries; and explore interactive experiences like the Findlay Mural Trail. They also discuss the business side of tourism, including how sporting tournaments and major community events bring visitors into Findlay, how restaurants and retailers can prepare for those crowds, and how local businesses and organizations can get their events and information featured through Visit Findlay. Plus, hear what's next for Visit Findlay's interactive trails, including a new history and heritage experience celebrating the people, places and stories that shaped Hancock County. Whether you're visiting Findlay, looking for something to do close to home or trying to connect your business with more people coming into the community, this episode highlights resources you may not realize are available. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

August 4, 202624 min

Preparing the Next Generation for Careers in Hancock County

Send us Fan Mail Workforce continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today, but solving it starts long before someone submits a job application. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce , Doug Jenkins talks with Tricia Valasek of Raise the Bar Hancock County about how local schools, employers and community partners are working together to introduce students to career opportunities, develop essential workplace skills and build the future workforce. They discuss: How YouScience helps students discover careers that match their strengths Why businesses should create a free employer profile The importance of internships and career exploration Why soft skills still matter in the age of AI The value of lifelong learning Why the conversation shouldn't be "college vs. workforce" Whether you're an employer looking to hire, an educator, a parent or simply interested in the future of Hancock County's workforce, this conversation offers practical insights and opportunities to get involved. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

July 28, 202622 min

A Day In The Life: Local Real Estate

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Chamber Amplified's Day in the Life series, Doug Jenkins sits down with Brian Whitta, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Flag City , for a behind-the-scenes look at the real estate profession. Brian discusses how every day is different, why relationships are the foundation of real estate, how he monitors housing trends and economic indicators each morning, and what today's housing market really looks like. They also explore why inventory remains tight years after the Great Recession, how technology and regulations have changed the industry, and why community involvement plays such an important role in building a successful business. Whether you're thinking about buying or selling a home, considering a career in real estate, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the region's most important industries. Topics include: Housing inventory and market trends Real estate careers Building client relationships Community involvement The future of housing Small business leadership Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

July 21, 202637 min

Ohio's #1 Business Ranking: What It Means for Findlay and Northwest Ohio

Send us Fan Mail Ohio has officially been named CNBC's #1 State for Business, but what does that actually mean? In this episode of Chamber Amplified, Doug Jenkins sits down with Chase Eikenbary of the Regional Growth Partnership and Matt Gilroy of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development to unpack how Ohio climbed from 41st in the rankings to the top spot, why infrastructure became the most important category this year, and how years of planning are paying off across the state. The conversation also explores what this ranking means for businesses in Findlay and Hancock County, why site readiness and workforce development matter more than ever, and where Ohio still has room to improve as it works to remain competitive. Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or simply interested in Ohio's economy, this episode offers an inside look at the strategies helping attract new investment and create opportunities across the region. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

July 14, 202625 min

Networking, Trust, and Business Success with Rod Walton

Send us Fan Mail Rod Walton spent nearly 44 years building relationships in the banking industry, and while technology has changed dramatically, he believes the fundamentals of business success haven't. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce , Rod shares advice on networking, building trust, following up with clients, handling mistakes professionally, and developing relationships that last throughout an entire career. Whether you're just starting your career, growing your business, or looking to strengthen your professional network, this conversation offers timeless lessons that apply to every industry. Topics include: • Building trust and credibility • Effective networking strategies • Following up without feeling "salesy" • Customer service as a competitive advantage • Advice for young professionals • Why relationships still matter in an AI-driven world Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

July 7, 202617 min

Ohio Tourism, The Heart of It All Pass, and Why Local Travel Matters

Send us Fan Mail Summer travel is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of places to explore across Ohio. In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce , Doug Jenkins talks with Matt MacLaren, Director of Travel and Tourism Policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce , about Ohio’s tourism industry, the proposed Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass, and the connection between travel, local businesses, and economic growth. The conversation covers major attractions like Cedar Point, Kings Island, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ohio’s professional sports teams, and the state park system, but also highlights the smaller local destinations that help bring visitors into communities across the state. Matt also explains how tourism can support workforce attraction by helping more people see Ohio as a place to visit, live, work, and invest. Whether you’re planning a summer trip, looking for something new to do close to home, or interested in how tourism impacts local economies, this episode offers a look at why travel matters for Ohio communities. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

June 30, 202621 min

A Day in the Life: The Wellness Way of Ada

Send us Fan Mail In this Day in the Life episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce , Doug Jenkins talks with Dr. Todd Gillfillan and Alicia Weaver from The Wellness Way of Ada about what it’s like to work in the wellness and health restoration industry. The conversation covers chiropractic care, inflammation, lifestyle change, immune health, common misconceptions about wellness clinics, and why many people look for answers when they’re told everything looks normal but still don’t feel their best. Todd and Alicia also discuss how wellness-focused care and modern medicine can each have a time and place, why health restoration is often a step-by-step process, and what people should know about maintaining better long-term health habits. This episode is part of our monthly Day in the Life series, where we highlight different Chamber members and industries from across the Findlay-Hancock County business community. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

June 23, 202621 min

Go Where the Energy Is: Remembering Tony Iriti

Send us Fan Mail Former Findlay Mayor and former Alliance Economic Development Director Tony Iriti passed away on May 6, 2026. Ahead of his celebration of life on Friday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Dorney Plaza in Findlay, Chamber Amplified is taking time to remember his impact on Findlay and Hancock County. This episode features three shorter conversations with Jody Combs of RooBarb Studios, former economic development directory Tim Mayle, and Lydia Mihalik, former Findlay mayor and current director of the Ohio Department of Development. Together, they reflect on Tony’s humor, compassion, leadership style, love for Findlay, and ability to bring people together. From his work in local government and economic development to his mentorship, friendships, and unforgettable stories, Tony’s influence can still be felt across the community. This episode is not a complete retelling of his life, but a collection of memories from people who knew him, worked with him, and learned from him. Topics include Tony Iriti’s leadership in Findlay, his role in economic development, the “go where the energy is” philosophy, flood mitigation efforts, mentorship, community building, and the relationships that helped shape Findlay and Hancock County. Music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com