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 Do...
Ep. 113 - Making Sense of Solar for Ohio Businesses
With energy costs set to rise by a whopping 10%-20% this summer, commercial businesses and residences alike are facing mounting expenses. By investing in solar, businesses can lock in energy rates for up to 30 years, take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit, and even benefit from domestic manufacturing incentives. In this episode, Steve sits down with Anthony Manna Jr., President of Hello Sunray, to discuss how solar energy provides a powerful solution, as well as detailing their large scale commercial solar project in Cuyahoga Falls with manufacturer Kyocera. Anthony also breaks down how solar works—net metering, policy impacts, and why Ohio gets more than enough sun to make solar a viable investment.
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34:08
Ep. 112 - Healing the Healers: How Another Act of Kindness Supports Healthcare Workers
In this episode, Steve sits down with Michele Maas, President and Founder of Another Act of Kindness, and Jonathan Maas, board member and survivor of a life-threatening battle with COVID-19. After Jonathan’s miraculous recovery, Michelle was inspired to give back to the nurses who saved his life. Together, they launched Another Act of Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting healthcare workers through scholarships, wellness retreats, and care initiatives like “Healing the Healers.” From providing nurses with stress-relief tools like massage and yoga to tackling burnout and attrition in the profession, Michelle and Jonathan are on a mission to uplift those who give so much to others.
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27:12
Ep. 111 – A Conversation with 2025 H. Peter Burg Award Recipient Richard Rogers
In this special episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, we sit down with Rick Rogers, Founder and Executive Director of Curated Storefront and the 2025 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award. A visionary entrepreneur, business leader, and champion of the arts, Rick has played a pivotal role in shaping Akron’s economic and cultural landscape. From expanding B.W. Rogers Company across multiple states to revitalizing downtown Akron through public art and creative placemaking, Rick’s impact is undeniable. He shares insights into his journey, the mission of Curated Storefront, and his belief in the power of the arts to drive economic resurgence in post-industrial cities.
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35:19
Ep. 110 - Unlocking Innovation through the Power of Design Thinking
In this episode, Steve sits down with Kathy Wilcox and Joe Watson of Switch Innovation Lab to explore the power of design thinking in organizational success and how a human-centered approach can solve workplace challenges, foster innovation, and create psychological safety. The three dive into appreciative inquiry, the importance of focusing on strengths rather than faults, and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. The conversation also covers the necessity of clarity in job roles, fostering an open culture for innovation, and how organizations—large or small—can be intentional in creating environments where employees thrive.
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36:48
Ep. 109 - Harnessing and Adopting AI for your Business
In this episode, Steve talks with Rob Buchwald, founder of Akron Innovations, about how businesses can effectively integrate AI to drive growth and innovation. Rob explains why AI adoption should be seen as a business process change rather than just a technology upgrade, emphasizing the need for leaders to embrace AI early rather than waiting for competitors to set the standard. He discusses the risks of vendor lock-in, the parallels between AI and the cloud revolution, and how AI can help businesses focus on their unique differentiators. Listen now to learn how Akron Innovations is guiding businesses through this transformation.
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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