POWER CONNECTOR

Hosted by Derek Dickow

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Conversations to boost your confidence and guide you to success! The Power Connector podcast connects you with people who have traveled the road to success, navigated the bumps along the way and are stronger for it. Discover how their setbacks and struggles improved their self-esteem and helped them overcome other obstacles. Join host Derek Dickow as he explores the distinct journeys of each guest as they share their personal nuggets of wisdom, reveal how they built their confidence and what success means to them. Through their stories, you’ll discover ways to help you along your own journey.

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33 recent

June 5, 202628 min

Episode 30: Connecting with Dakoyta Greenman

Meet Dakota Greenman, Founder and CEO of Westwood AI, a technology company revolutionizing how commercial real estate owners, property managers, and portfolio holders assess, monitor, and protect their assets. A U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in geospatial intelligence, Dakota bridged his military experience with entrepreneurship to build Westwood AI from the ground up — bootstrapped, deliberate, and built to last. At its core, Westwood AI's flagship product, Roof Ranger, uses drone technology, machine learning, and multi-spectral analytics to give commercial property owners unparalleled visibility into the condition and value of their assets — from due diligence through long-term portfolio management. Dakota recently accepted back into a PhD program in data science, and Westwood AI is now ready for its full commercial launch — with Power Connections CRE as the launchpad. Explore Dakota's non-linear journey from barely graduating high school to guiding hunters in the Brooks Range, to opening businesses out of a Muskegon recruiter's office, to building a machine-learning platform that's now turning heads across Michigan and beyond. His story is one of calculated risk, relentless belief, and the discipline to slow-roll a product until it's truly ready — then show up at exactly the right room. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: -The absurdity of belief required to build something real, "It's okay to have absolutely no rational idea justifying what you're doing — but there's such a belief in there that if I don't, I'm gonna hate this decision for the rest of my life." -The risk of not acting, "There's a risk of doing — and there's also a risk of not doing." -Why preparation earns the opportunity, "I get one shot to impress. If you go out there and it flops, that's a small community. It's almost impossible to get that second chance."

April 27, 202644 min

Episode 29: Connecting with Chris George

Meet Chris George, Co-Founder and CEO of SubSummit, the largest meetup for subscription, membership, and loyalty brands. A serial entrepreneur, Chris has launched seven companies and successfully exited three, including the popular subscription brand Gentleman's Box. Chris founded SubSummit to bring together founders, operators, and innovators building recurring-revenue businesses across eCommerce, SaaS, and retail. Under his leadership, SubSummit has grown into the largest event dedicated to the subscription industry, bringing together hundreds of brands, technology partners, and thought leaders each year. Chris is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow profitable businesses and regularly mentors emerging brands, invests in startups, and shares practical insights on acquisition, retention, and scaling subscription models. Explore Chris's journey from identifying a gap in the men's subscription market to launching Gentleman's Box in 2014, founding SubSummit in 2016 with zero event experience, and ultimately building and exiting both. His passion for connecting people and creating value drives everything he builds — including his next venture, an academy designed to equip the next generation of college graduates with the communication skills and career readiness they need to succeed. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: The power of purpose over profit, "When I stopped focusing on revenue and focused on bringing people together, that's when we made a million dollars in year three." The discipline required to build something great, "Being an entrepreneur is a very lonely journey. You have to be 100% okay with missing things." Why legacy matters more than wealth, "The real legacy isn't what you had or what you bought. The real legacy is how many different people have you helped."

April 13, 202632 min

Episode Special: Fireside Chat with Greg Kelser, Lessons from A Lifetime in Sports

In this powerful fireside chat, Greg Kelser—former Michigan State Spartans men's basketball national champion and founder of the Greg Kelser Basketball and Education Camp—shares the mindset and principles that have shaped his success on and off the court. From his days as a NCAAA Champion to his career as a respected broadcaster and mentor to young athletes, Kelser emphasizes that true success is built on discipline, intentionality, and a deep love for the craft. He unpacks the importance of a process-driven mentality—where consistent habits, preparation, and perseverance outweigh short-term results. Kelser also highlights the role of mentorship, stressing that authentic relationships, humility, and genuine effort are what open doors and create lasting impact. Beyond personal achievement, the conversation explores the power of service. Kelser underscores how investing time—not just money—into communities creates meaningful change, while also enriching one’s own growth and network. His message is clear: success is not just about reaching goals, but about how you show up, who you impact, and the discipline you bring every day. Takeaways: · Trust the process — Long-term success is built through disciplined habits, not just ambitious goals. · Love what you do — Passion fuels consistency and sustains excellence over time. · Be intentional with mentorship — Authenticity, preparation, and respect are what turn connections into opportunities. · Show up for your community — Time and presence often create deeper impact than financial contributions alone. · Embrace the journey — Challenges and setbacks are part of the process, not detours from it. · Earn guidance, don’t expect it — Meaningful mentorship comes from genuine effort and mutual respect. · Service creates growth — Giving back expands your perspective, strengthens relationships, and builds lasting success.

August 21, 202553 min

EPISODE 28: Connecting with Ryley Austyn & Dan Fischer

Meet Ryley Austyn, Founder and CEO of Raustyn Holdings, joined by Dan Fischer, President and CEO of Citizen State Bank and Chairman of Raustyn Holdings. In this episode, they discuss the philosophy behind building successful, long-term businesses and the importance of leadership, integrity, and persistence. The conversation explores how to cultivate a high-performing team, mentor future leaders, and provide meaningful value to business owners while preserving the unique culture of their companies. They also highlight strategies for creating sustainable growth, navigating succession planning, and leveraging personal connections to open doors that others might consider closed. Key Takeaways: · Choose the difficult road — True growth often requires effort, persistence, and facing challenges head-on. · Study success holistically — Learn from individuals who excel in business, family, and personal development. · Consistency and integrity matter — Showing up reliably builds credibility and opens doors. · Mentorship and leadership — Surround yourself with talented people and guide them to achieve their best. · Patience is a competitive advantage — Focus on long-term success, not short-term gains. · Plan for legacy and succession — Thoughtful planning ensures a business thrives beyond its founders. · Work ethic and values matter — Courage, ethics, generosity, and persistence are essential for lasting success.

August 15, 202531 min

Episode Special Fireside Chat with Coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State

In this special fireside chat, legendary Michigan State Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo shares timeless lessons on leadership, trust, culture, and adaptability—lessons that resonate far beyond the basketball court. Reflecting on 31 years of coaching, Izzo discusses the evolving challenges of recruitment, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and how to maintain a winning culture despite constant roster changes. He emphasizes that success—whether in sports or business—comes from trust, work ethic, chemistry, and culture. Through stories of coaching greats like Mateen Cleaves and walk-on turned business leader Matt Ishbia, Izzo illustrates how values learned in athletics can be directly applied to building thriving organizations. He also shares personal moments, including the joy of coaching his son, and offers insights on legacy-building, humility, and staying driven even after reaching the top. Takeaways: -Trust is the foundation—whether recruiting athletes or securing business deals, people commit when they believe in your character and consistency. -Culture beats talent—a player-led team (or employee-led company) outperforms one that relies solely on top-down leadership. -Humility sustains growth—celebrate achievements but stay hungry; as John Wooden reminded Izzo, there’s always more to accomplish. -Personal connections matter—spending time with people at every level of your organization builds loyalty and performance.

February 17, 20251 hr 26 min

Episode 27: Connecting with Ankur Rungta & Chris Ostrowski

Meet Ankur Rungta, Co-Founder & CEO of C3 Industries, Inc., and Chris Ostrowski, Chief Technology Officer at Dutchie. In this episode, they discuss the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, focusing on the growing role of technology, particularly AI, in optimizing business operations. The conversation dives into the shift from a focus on growth to a more sustainable approach centered on optimization. They also address the challenges of navigating complex state regulations and the importance of collaboration among operators to drive industry-wide change. In this episode, we talk about: *The shift from growth to optimization in the cannabis industry. “The cannabis industry is no longer emerging; it’s here to stay.” *How technology, especially AI, is transforming business efficiency. “There’s just too much data; it’s a critical point for us.” *The necessity of collaboration and coalition-building to push for industry progress. “We need to see progress, and it’s a long game.” *The need for unified advocacy to drive meaningful policy reform. “We all need to participate federally.”

October 22, 202431 min

Episode 26: Connecting with Dan Fischer

Meet Dan Fischer, the President and CEO of Citizens State Bank. In this episode, Dan shares insights into the bank's impressive growth since 2020, its unique culture centered on strong relationships and community involvement, and his leadership philosophy of leading by example. The conversation also touches on the role of golf in building business relationships and the bank’s future expansion plans. In this episode, we talk about: *Relationship building at the highest level and its importance in business success. "It's all about relationship building at the highest level." *The bank’s commitment to community involvement and making a difference. "We take pride in being a part of our community and making a difference." *How golf serves as a valuable tool for forging business relationships. "Golf isn't just a game; it's where business relationships are forged."

July 16, 202442 min

Episode 25: Connecting with Charles Gleeson, II

Meet Charles Gleeson II, president and CEO of C.E. Gleeson Constructors, and his son, Charles Gleeson III, as they celebrate the 100 year anniversary of their company. Founded in 1924 by Charles Gleeson, II's grandfather, C.E. Gleeson Constructors has a rich history of family values, hard work, and building relationships that have allowed it to thrive and adapt over the years. Charles and his son share insights into their current projects, discuss the booming construction markets in Texas, the Carolinas, and Florida, and emphasize the importance of mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. In this episode we talk about: *The foundation of success at C.E. Gleeson Constructors: family values and hard work. "Family and God come first." *The importance of building relationships and treating everyone with respect. "Treat everybody right from the ditch digger to the CEO." *Adapting to market conditions and staying relevant for long-term success. *Mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. "Sometimes you're going to meet someone and you have to be willing to lend a hand to do something for them." *Opportunities in the construction industry for young people, including trade schools and well-paying jobs.

June 25, 202424 min

Special Fireside Chat with Hon. Mike Duggan, City of Detroit: Shaping Detroit’s Future: Detroit is Open for Business

Mayor Mike Duggan discusses the revitalization of Detroit and the opportunities for investment in the city. He highlights the progress made in terms of population growth, investment, and job creation. The mayor emphasizes the importance of every neighborhood having a future and the potential for development in various areas of the city. He also addresses concerns about safety and the steps taken to reduce crime rates. Additionally, the city's efforts to streamline the permitting process and support entrepreneurs and startups in the mobility and technology sectors. Takeaways: *Detroit has experienced a resurgence in population growth, investment, and job creation under Mayor Mike Duggan's administration. *Every Neighborhood in Detroit has a Future, and there are opportunities for development and investment in various areas of the city. *Crime rates in Detroit have significantly decreased, with the city experiencing the fewest homicides since 1966. *The city has made efforts to streamline the permitting process and provide support for entrepreneurs and startups in the mobility and technology sectors.

June 5, 202439 min

EPISODE 24: CONNECTING WITH ANDREW STEIN

Meet Andrew Stein, president & CEO of Children’s Foundation, an organization focused on improving children's physical and mental health through innovative programs and research. Andrew joined The Foundation in January 2023, inspired by the mission to create equitable opportunities for all children in Michigan. Andrew’s career has always been centered around children. Before joining The Foundation, he spent 14 years with City Year, where he held various leadership roles, including Executive Director of City Year Detroit, significantly expanding the organization’s reach. In this special episode, filmed at the Michigan Central Campus at the Book Depository, next to the iconic Michigan Central Train Station, we discuss: *The Transformation of Michigan Central Campus: “This incredible renovation represents the future of Detroit, a symbol of progress and innovation.” *Connecting The Children’s Foundation with Michigan Central: “The Michigan Central Children’s Endowment Initiative is a testament to our commitment, aiming to exceed our $10 million goal to support organizations serving kids.” *Creating Networks and Leading a Nonprofit: “You never know what opportunities will reveal themselves when you put yourself in the right rooms. Leading a nonprofit means selling impact, value, and a different kind of return—one that goes beyond business ROI. It takes authenticity and trust to build these connections.”