Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

Akron native and former military helicopter pilot Ned Parks, now the owner of Aegis 360Consulting, joins Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to discuss how aviation has shaped his career andOhio’s broader economic momentum. He touches on the state’s unusually high number of airports, the challenge of keeping them ready year-round, and Ohio’s reputation as the nation’s largest flyover state. Ned also spotlights the annual AOPA Props and Pistons showcase as a major draw that brings visitors into the region, highlights Greater Akron’s assets, and encourages people to return, explore, and invest in the community.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What does it take to keep global business moving... and why does it matter locally? Damon Piatek,President and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics, joins us to share how he built a company thathelps businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of customs, compliance, and internationaltrade. From entrepreneurial lessons to practical insights, Damon sheds light on how logistics andleadership intersect to power growth in the region.

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Unpack the fiscal and political changes shaping our state in this conversation with State SenatorJerry Cirino, who serves as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Host Steve Millard,alongsideACAA Vice President John Rizzo, dive into the introduction of a 2.75% flat tax—the lowest amongneighboring states—and what it means for economic growth and talent retention; and property taxreform, which impacts the $22 billion revenue stream that funds schools, safety services, andmore. The trio also discuss the influence of the 2026 election cycle and redistricting on the state’spolitical landscape.

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Property taxes are confusing—and they’re about to take center stage in Summit County. Greater Akron Chamber President and CEO Steve Millard talks with Brian Nelson, Chief of Staff for County Executive Ilene Shapiro, to break down what residents need to know about the upcoming charter amendment (Issue2). With more than 30 years in public finance, Nelson explains how Ohio’s property tax system works and why Summit County is proposing a first-of-its-kind 3% annual cap to protect homeowners while keeping essential services funded.

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During the 2025 Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference, a signature event of thePolymer IndustryCluster (PIC), John Warner, CEO & CTO of Technology Greenhouse, LLC, delivered a keynoteemphasizing the critical role of green chemistry in improving the ways materials are produced, utilized, andrecycled to support a circular economy.This special episode brings Warner’s keynote to the podcastplatform and his call to polymer industry leaders to foster innovations that create safer products and ahealthier environment for future generations

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