Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Hosted by Greater Akron Chamber

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Episodes

158

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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, unique perspectives, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the business and legislative initiatives that are the heartbeat of our community.

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60 recent

June 16, 202645 min

Growth Unfiltered: Real Lessons from Leaders Who've Scaled

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. 

June 9, 202627 min

The Story and Talent Behind "The Remember Balloons Live!" Show

What started as a routine visit to the library with her children turned into a powerful production rooted in memory, family, and love. Ashley Moore Dunson, executive producer and partner at MooreDunson Co., shares the story behind The Remember Balloons Live! and how it grew from an emotional encounter with a children’s book into a moving performance created, produced, and choreographed by Akron artists, husband Dominic Moore-Dunson and Theron Brown. After two years on the road, The Remember Balloons Live! comes “home” to E.J. Thomas Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 for a one-night-only performance that pays a homage to the community that has held, shaped, and inspired these artists. Tickets can be purchased at the Akron Civic Theatre Box Office or on Ticketmaster. Visit rememberballoonslive.com to learn more. 

June 2, 202633 min

Advocacy in Action: The Future of Ohio’s R&D Tax Credit

Where research and development dollars are invested, jobs and economic growth follow. Ohio Representative Jack Daniels joins John Rizzo, VP of the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA), and Dreamers, Drivers, Doers host Steve Millard to discuss Ohio’s proposed R&D tax credit modernization and what it means for companies across industries—not just technology. From manufacturers to trucking firms, Daniels explains how House Bill 756 could boost competitiveness, incentivize investment, and keep jobs local. He also demystifies what it entails to submit a testimony or testify on Ohio legislation and how business leaders can make their voices heard and influence policy that shapes Ohio’s economic future. Learn more about HB 756 and other policies the ACAA is tracking at akroncantonadvocacy.org. 

May 26, 202624 min

How the SBA is Showing Up for Small Businesses with Brad Zaun

From access to capital to navigating uncertainty, small businesses are looking for real solutions, right now. In this episode, host Steve Millard sits down with Brad Zaun, Acting Regional Administrator for the Great Lakes and Regional Administrator for the Great Plains, to unpack how the U.S. Small Business Administration is stepping up. They explore SBA programming, services, the recent limit increase to the Cumulative 7(a) and 504 Loans—what it means, who it benefits, and how businesses can take advantage of it—and the $1M Patriot Pitch Competition open through June 10. Learn more at sba.gov. 

May 19, 202633 min

Investing in Your Most Valuable Asset with the GAC 401(k) MEP

As employee benefits continue to evolve, employers are rethinking how to take care of their most valuable asset—their people. In this episode, Steve Millard talks with Grey Kennedy of CAPTRUST, plan administrator of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 401(k) MEP, and Chrissy Myers of AUI/Clarity HR, who brings the perspective of both an adopter and advisor. Together, they explore how the MEP helps businesses reduce administrative burden, strengthen retirement readiness, and build a smarter, more scalable approach to supporting employees and long-term growth. Visit greaterakronchamber.org/mep401k to learn more. No direct or indirect compensation was exchanged in connection with this appearance. The Greater Akron Chamber Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) is a CAPTRUST client. The topics discussed in this podcast are educational in nature and do not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to sell or an offer to buy securities, investment products, or investment advisory services. 

May 14, 202634 min

What Actually Drives Employee Engagement (Hint: It’s Not the Perks)

Think “fun at work” means a foosball table and a snack bar? Think again. Employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and turnover don’t operate in silos—and the impact shows up in real outcomes. In this episode, University of Akron Professor Dr. Steven Ash breaks down what truly drives employee engagement—from the fundamentals of self-determination theory to the outsized role of managers—and why it’s more than a “culture issue.” The result? A clearer path to improving performance, retention, and customer experience. 

May 5, 202633 min

Powering Summit County: District Energy, Community Investment & the Future of Infrastructure with Akron Energy Systems

District energy is a strategic economic and infrastructure advantage, and Akron Energy Systems (AES) has helped Akron punch above its weight. AES executives Mark Divis, President & CEO and Kevin Felder, VP of Sales, talk about how AES uses carbon‑free aggregation, water reuse, and major investments in efficiency to remove upfront capital barriers and support downtown and regional growth across Summit County. The conversation also explores workforce challenges, energy policy gaps, and AES’s philanthropic impact through the YouMatter Foundation—investing more than $9 million back into the community through STEM engagement. 

April 28, 202624 min

IEEPA Tariff Refunds Explained: What Businesses Need to Know with Damon Piatek

A recent Supreme Court ruling has opened the door for U.S. businesses to recover money paid on certain tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creating a significant refund opportunity for importers. In this episode, Damon Piatek, President and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics, breaks down what this means for business owners, who may be eligible, how the refund process is rolling out in phases, and why timing is critical. For companies seeking guidance, Damon will host a webinar on Monday, May 4 at 11:00 AM, offering a step-by-step walkthrough of the IEEPA refund process so importers understand exactly what’s required—and what isn’t. Webinar registration is available at members.greaterakronchamber.org/events. 

April 21, 202635 min

Top 5 Legal Risks Growing Companies Overlook with John Hill

For growing companies, legal strategy should be part of the plan, not something considered only when problems arise. In this episode, John Hill, Partner at Lewis Brisbois, unpacks common legal missteps businesses make as they scale—from misalignment with partners and not fully understanding governance documents to sticking with outdated processes simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” He also explores how leaders can misread the impact of AI and why failing to plan for litigation can create real long-term risk. John shares practical guidance to help business leaders build legal awareness into their everyday decision-making. 

April 14, 202641 min

Ready for Growth: Elevate Greater Akron’s Site Readiness Strategy

What happens when a growing business is ready to expand but can't find the right location? Inthis special episode, Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) partners explore site readiness and selection as a core strategy for supporting and coordinating local business growth. Facilitated by EGA partner Jason Dodson (Roetzel & Andress), panelists Camille Billups (Team NEO), Joan Chase (Cuyahoga Land Bank), and Brandy Brady (Summit County) draw on real-world examples, regional data, and available tools to help businesses grow locally with confidence. From site identification and assessment to infrastructure, utilities, and funding mechanisms, the conversation highlights how intentional collaboration through EGA is building a stronger pipeline of ready sites—supporting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and growing employers across Northeast Ohio.