Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Every growth story has a side that people don’t see. Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber's inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this conversation explores the realities behind scaling a successful company. Moderated by Chuck Mullen, Partner and Great Lakes Market Leader at Eide Bailly LLP, panelists Rachel Mack (Staffing Solutions Enterprises), Jeff Kline (Robert J Events & Catering / Fun Services), and Mac Anderson (Cleveland Kitchen) pull back the curtain on the challenges that don't show up in metrics or case studies—from tough people decisions and internal misalignment to burnout, tradeoffs, and moments of uncertainty.

Growth-stage companies don’t usually struggle because they lack talent—they struggle because they’ve built the wrong structure at the wrong time or failed to evolve their culture as the business grows. Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode brings together leaders who share what growing companies get right, where they often stumble, and how to build teams and cultures that can scale successfully. Moderated by Jeanne Coughlin, President of The Coughlin Group, panelists Krista Gesaman (Aeration Septic Inc.), Mike Milby (Ratliff & Company), and Chrissy Myers (AUI/Clarity HR) explore how to align people, processes, and culture with the next stage of growth—and how leaders can position their organizations for long-term success.

Fresh off the National Science Foundation’s announcement of up to $160 million to support the NEO-SMART Engine, Steve Millard sits down with NEO-SMART CEO Nick Barendt and Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster, to discuss what could be a transformational moment for Northeast Ohio. Building on Akron’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World, decades of materials expertise, and years of collaboration through the Polymer Industry Cluster, EDA Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, and Ohio Innovation Hub designations, the region has laid the foundation for national leadership in advanced materials. The conversation explores how the CHIPS and Science Act created the opportunity for this investment, why NEO-SMART is focused on polymers, chemicals and coatings, and metals, and how these industries are critical to strengthening America’s manufacturing competitiveness, economic security, and domestic supply chains. They also discuss the momentum behind this landmark award and how NEO-SMART is poised to attract investment, create jobs, accelerate innovation, and position Northeast Ohio as a driving force in the next era of economic growth for both the region and the nation. Learn more at neosmartengine.org.

At some point, every founder has to ask: am I just running a business, or actually building something that lasts? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode brings together leaders who’ve seen firsthand what makes companies strong, scalable, and ready for what’s next. Moderated by Dan Hampu, President & CEO of Burton D. Morgan Foundation, the panel features John Lubinski (Hanna Commercial Real Estate / Hanna Business Advisors), Anna Luczkow (Lewis Brisbois), and Brad Martyn (Focus CFO). Together, they unpack how stronger systems, clear structure, and scalable operations build value beyond revenue. Because whether you plan to sell your business or not, the same principles apply—companies built with intention create more value over time.

What does it actually look like to use AI inside a growing business? Recorded live at the Greater Akron Chamber’s inaugural Business Growth Symposium on June 12, 2026, this special episode features a candid conversation with leaders who aren’t just talking about AI—they’re actively using it to drive results. Moderated by Jay Mellon, President of ATNETPLUS, panelists Mike McGill (Medical Service Co.), Rob Buchwald (AI Institute Akron), and Britney Trafis (Soarion Digital) share how they’re applying AI across marketing, hiring, finance, and customer engagement. And just as important, they talk through what didn’t work and how they moved past early roadblocks to scale their efforts.