Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

What would it take to transform early childhood education and strengthen Akron’s workforce at the same time? Richelle Wardell (City of Akron) and Laura DiCola (GAR Foundation) unpack theUnified Early Learning Pilot, a bold effort to stabilize childcare providers, boost quality, and get more kids kindergarten-ready. They discuss the data linking early literacy to long-term success, the staffing shortages pushing providers into crisis, and how strategies like substitute pools, leadership training, and on-site navigators aim to bring coherence to a patchwork system. With phase one underway and phase two already forming, they share what success could mean for families, employers, and the future of Summit County.

From designing roads and water systems to shaping business and policy in Northeast Ohio,Dwayne Groll, CEO of Environmental Design Group, has done it all. He shares how he grew hisfirm, launched innovative services like EDG Creative and economic development consulting, andscaled thoughtfully while challenging the status quo. Dwayne also dives into his advocacy workwith the Akron Canton Advocacy Alliance and the National Small Business Association, includinghis role in preserving the R&D tax credit, andhighlights some of his favorite hidden gems in theregion.

What does the economy look like heading into 2026? In this episode, Steve Millard talks with DanGriffith, Senior VP at Huntington National Bank, and Jacob Duritsky, VP of Strategy, Research &Talent at Team NEO, to break down the regional and national economic outlook. From strongconsumer spending and continued business investment to demographic challenges, labor marketshifts, and the evolving role of technology and AI, they discuss what’s driving growth, whereopportunities lie, and what headwinds to watch.

Ever wondered what your audience really thinks? Shon Christy, Founder & CEO of NeuroVantageSocial Labs, stops by to reveal how neuroscience and AI are transforming the way businesses understand attention and engagement. From his early days exploring social media to creating a mobile neuromarketing lab that tracks eye movements, facial responses, and heat maps, Shon shows how NeuroVantage helps clients test content, improve campaigns, and uncover real insights before anything goes public. He also highlights applications for Greater Akron, upcoming work with Microsoft, and why VR and experiential media are the next frontier in marketing.

Akron-Canton Airport is flying higher than ever, and President & CEO Ren Camacho joins theDreamers, Drivers, Doers podcast to share how. With nonstop destinations soaring from just fourin 2020 to 24 today, a $150 million Capital Improvement Plan in motion, and Breeze Airwaysexpanding its crew base to become CAK’s busiest carrier, the airport is redefining regional traveland driving more than $1.15 billion in economic impact. Ren also gives a look ahead at what’s nextfor CAK—from traveler-first amenities to the cutting edge of electric aircraft and advanced airmobility.