Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

What actually gets decided in Columbus and D.C.—and how does it affect your business? In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Steve Millard talks with John Rizzo, VP of the Akron Canton Advocacy Alliance, for a deep dive into Ohio’s newly passed state operating budget and the federal reconciliation bill. From expanded tax credits and workforce programs to economic development tools and line-item vetoes and next steps, John breaks down what’s in the budgets, what they mean for your bottom line, and how local businesses can influence future policy.

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Turning polymers into startups isn’t easy—but Akron is making it faster, smarter, and more collaborative. In this episode, Steve Millard talks with Nick Glavan of Bounce Innovation Hub aboutSynthe6,a new accelerator built to help materials science founders move from breakthrough ideas to real-world impact. With funding, expert mentorship, and connections to the Polymer Industry Cluster, Synthe6 is redefining what’s possible in Northeast Ohio. Applications are open through July 31 at bouncehub.org/synthe6.

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As workforce needs continue to evolve across Ohio, the Ohio TechCred program remains a critical tool for helping employers close skill gaps and invest in their teams. In this episode, Jean Barbato, Senior Manager of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership at ConxusNEO, explains how businesses can take advantage of TechCred to receive up to $2,000 per employee for tech-focused credentials—up to $180,000 annually. With the July application window now open, this conversation is a timely look at how Northeast Ohio organizations can use TechCred to grow their workforce, retain talent, and remain competitive in today’s economy.

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Downtown Cuyahoga Falls is full of flavor... and not just from the popcorn. Kaylee Piper of the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership and Brent Vanfossen, owner of Metropolis Popcorn, join Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to talk about the city’s downtown revival. From DORA and the Riverloop Project, to small business growth and 50+ popcorn flavors, hear how local energy, investment, and creativity are transforming the Falls into a must-visit destination.

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What do the White House, global trade shows, and Akron’s economic revival have in common? Gregg Cramer. In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Gregg reflects on his 18-year legacy at the Greater Akron Chamber, where he helped launch the “Akron USA” movement and brought global attention and investment to the region. From retaining giants like Goodyear to pitching Akron’s potential overseas, Gregg shares how strategic partnerships, persistence, and long-term vision have shaped the region’s future, and how he’s continuing that work in his new role at Green Harvest Capital.

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When Zac Kohl bought his East Akron home for $4,500, he wasn’t just investing in property—he was planting roots in a neighborhood he believed in. Years later, that belief has grown into a movement, with community development, housing restoration, and now adynamic new food hall at the heart of it all in this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Zac, Executive Director of The Well CDC, joins Barry Dunaway to talk with Steve Millard about transforming Middlebury through local ownership, economic reinvestment, and restoring pride in place. From teaching neighbors how to care for their homes to creating a rooftop gathering space with purpose, this is a story of what’s possible when people build with a community—not just in one.

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What’s holding business leaders back from expanding, innovating, or taking that next big leap? For Chuck Mullen, it often comes down to fear—and he’s here to challenge it. Chuck, Partner and Great Lakes Market Leader at Eide Bailly, joins Steve Millard for a candid conversation on how to lead through uncertainty, navigate mergers, and build trust in a changing world. Drawing from 20+ years in public accounting, Chuck shares what’s stayed the same—and what absolutely hasn’t—when it comes to scaling a business.

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As the 2025 Kaulig Companies Championship returns to Firestone Country Club from June 18–22, we’re revisiting a conversation with Don Padgett, Executive Director of the tournament. In this episode, originally aired in 2024, Don and Steve Millard discuss the tournament’s deep roots in Akron, its economic and charitable impact, and what makes it more than just a golf event. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just looking for a premier summer experience in Greater Akron, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the championship continues to evolve as a community-wide celebration.

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In celebration of Small Business Month, this episode, originally spotlights the woman entrepreneurs building community and driving local impact. Steve Millard talks with Tara Mosley and Joelle Diane Zellman about Women Supporting Women, a vendor event that showcased the power of women-led small businesses in Greater Akron.

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In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber President Steve Millard sits down with Frey Canty, owner of The Soulful Vegan, Downtown Akron’s first Black female-owned restaurant. What began as a personal fitness journey and a love for sharing workouts online turned into a powerful pivot—from running a gym to creating plant-based meals that filled a gap in Akron’s dining scene. Frey opens up about the barriers she faced as an entrepreneur, her experience with community support programs like DAP’s Start Downtown and the Western Reserve Community Fund, and the difficult realities of opening a vegan business in a region still warming up to the lifestyle. She shares her belief in meeting people where they are—offering sample tastings, plans for a vegan-friendly food truck, and even blended menu options to bridge dietary divides

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