Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.