From Brookfield roots to global boardrooms, this is how hustle, curiosity, and AI are reshaping success.

In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross sits down with Jeff Leo Herrmann, Global Client Director at Kantar. Jeff takes us from his Brookfield roots to a career built on curiosity, a bias for action, and creating opportunities inside large organizations. He shares what it was like pioneering digital measurement at Nielsen (including early video-game analytics and a PS3 launch party story), why career paths are rarely linear, and how he now leads global research programs for major brands.

If you’re a student, early-career pro, or a leader retooling for the AI era, this conversation is a masterclass in staying curious, building relationships, and translating consumer insights into business growth.

About Our Guest

Jeff Leo Herrmann is the Global Client Director at Kantar, a leading marketing analytics and consumer insights firm operating in 60+ countries. Jeff’s path runs from WKBN ad research to 15 years at Nielsen (digital, streaming, and video-game audience measurement), through a decade in digital marketing and B2B media, to his current role orchestrating global research and effectiveness programs for clients including P&G and Meta. Known for his bias for action, intrapreneurial approach, and global perspective, Jeff champions using data, culture, and AI to unlock growth.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross talks with Derrick McDowell, founder of Youngstown Flea and independent candidate for Mayor of Youngstown. Derrick shares how personal loss, faith, and perseverance shaped his path from a 12-year leadership career at AT&T to building the Flea, a thriving “market for makers” that’s become a local institution. He opens up about buying and restoring a historic downtown building, lessons learned in patience and purpose, and his mission to bring transparency, accountability, and opportunity to all 31 neighborhoods in Youngstown.

About Our Guest

Derrick McDowell is an entrepreneur, community leader, and founder of the Youngstown Flea, a celebrated “market for makers” that supports small businesses, artists, and creatives throughout Northeast Ohio. With a background in corporate leadership and consulting, Derrick blends business insight with a passion for community revitalization. He is dedicated to creating spaces that bring people together, foster local pride, and inspire economic growth. A husband, father, and man of faith, Derrick believes in leading with integrity, vision, and service, values that continue to guide his work in making Youngstown a stronger, more connected city.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross sits down with Peter Caputa, CEO of Databox and former early team leader at HubSpot (employee #15). Pete walks through the pivots that shaped his career—from chemical engineering and a scrappy startup, to building HubSpot’s partner program into a revenue powerhouse, to leading Databox from ~$60k ARR to eight figures as a largely bootstrapped SaaS. It’s an honest look at innovation, sustained (not hockey-stick) growth, and building a culture where every business decision is informed by data.

About Our Guest

Peter Caputa is the CEO of Databox, a platform helping teams make better decisions with data. Previously, Pete spent nearly a decade at HubSpot, where he conceived and built the agency partner program that now drives a significant share of the company’s revenue. An engineer by training, Pete blends analytical rigor with go-to-market savvy, publishing daily on LinkedIn about strategy, planning, execution, and data-driven leadership. When he’s not helping teams level up their numeracy, he’s championing the idea that transparency and process unlock innovation at scale.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross sits down with Liza Streiff, CEO of Knopman Marks, to talk about resilience, leadership, and building a career rooted in purpose. Liza opens up about her powerful personal journey, from overcoming early family struggles and navigating college challenges to discovering her passion for helping professionals succeed in high-stakes moments.

The conversation explores how her first job “for a paycheck” became a lifelong calling, the mentors who shaped her leadership style, and the evolution of education and training in an increasingly digital world.

This episode is full of insight and encouragement for anyone striving to grow their career and step into leadership.

About Our Guest

Liza Streiff is the CEO of Knopman Marks, a leader in training financial professionals for licensing exams and beyond. Over her 20+ year career, she has helped transform the company into a trusted partner for over 500 top firms, training hundreds of thousands of students. Liza is passionate about blending technology with a human-centered approach to education, empowering professionals not just to pass exams, but to thrive in their careers. She is also a mentor, speaker, and advocate for resilience and high performance.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, we sit down with Dominic Montori, Senior Vice President of Sales at American Tire Distributors, the largest replacement tire wholesaler in the U.S. and the world. From scraping stickers off warehouse floors to leading billion-dollar operations, Dominic’s career path is packed with lessons on grit, risk-taking, leadership, and the power of mentorship.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or someone navigating the ups and downs of your career, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiring stories.

About Our Guest

Dominic Montori is the Senior Vice President of Sales at American Tire Distributors, a $6 billion corporation with over 113 distribution centers nationwide. With decades of experience in the tire industry, Dominic has held leadership roles spanning from grassroots distribution to president of a global brand. Known for his high tolerance for risk, people-first leadership, and ability to scale organizations, Dominic brings a wealth of wisdom on growth, culture, and resilience.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.
💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

What does it take to go from a college dropout to the president of a leading healthcare company? Steve Cross sits down with Dan Halas, President of Angel Care Medical, to uncover the gritty, real-world path to entrepreneurial success. From humble beginnings to industry leadership, Dan shares the mindset, moments, and mentors that helped shape his incredible journey, and how he pays it forward now.

In this episode of Success Stories, you’ll hear how Dan navigated a nontraditional career path, built a thriving business in the medical equipment space, and embraced innovation through technology like asset-tracking software and real-time delivery tools. He opens up about the importance of mentorship, the power of personal branding, lessons learned in leadership, and how his company is transforming the hospice and long-term care industry with a bold vision for the future.

About Our Guest

Dan Halas is the President and Co-Founder of Angel Care Medical, Ohio’s leading DME (durable medical equipment) rental company serving long-term care and hospice providers. With over a decade of experience and a passion for compassionate care and innovation, Dan leads a growing team across multiple states, focused on improving healthcare delivery through efficiency, technology, and heart.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, we sit down with Robert Pelletier, Owner & President of Pacific Hardwood, to dive deep into his remarkable journey from corporate executive to scaling a high-end manufacturing business nearly 4x in just a few years. Robert shares the lessons he learned from leading large-scale operations at companies like Unilever and RSI Home Products, the pivotal role of mentors, and how calculated risk-taking helped him navigate buying a company just weeks before COVID-19 shut the world down.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and building a business that thrives — even in uncertain times.

About Our Guest

Robert Pelletier is the Owner & President of Pacific Hardwood, a luxury wood flooring manufacturer based in California, known for serving high-end residential and commercial clients. With over 15 years in corporate leadership roles managing billion-dollar operations and mastering lean manufacturing, Robert now applies his expertise to scale Pacific Hardwood’s growth while maintaining a focus on quality, innovation, and people.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross sits down with Marvin Logan, Director of Education and Employment at Rocket Community Fund. Marvin takes us on his inspiring journey from growing up in Warren, Ohio, to becoming a leader in social impact and philanthropy. He reflects on the values his father instilled in him, his early exposure to volunteering, and the mentors who helped shape his career path.

The conversation explores Marvin’s first steps into nonprofit work, his decision to pursue philanthropy, and the lessons he learned from leaders who gave him the grace to grow through mistakes.

About Our Guest

Marvin Logan is the Director of Education and Employment at Rocket Community Fund, where he leads initiatives designed to strengthen workforce development, expand digital equity, and create post-secondary opportunities in Detroit. With more than two decades of dedication to social impact work, Marvin has helped countless people find their path through mentorship, education, and philanthropy. His passion lies in building sustainable opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive, and this fall, he begins his PhD studies at Case Western Reserve University to further his impact in the field.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

Failure doesn’t have to be final; it can be one of the most powerful tools for growth and leadership. In this conversation, Adam Hickman shares how documenting his own failures for years has shaped not only his personal journey but also how he develops and leads others. From creating a safe space for mistakes to fostering a culture of learning, Adam’s insights will challenge the way you think about leadership and success.

About Our Guest

Adam Hickman is a leadership expert with a passion for transforming how organizations think about development and culture. With years of experience in executive leadership, coaching, and research-driven talent strategies, Adam currently works with Disney Partners, leading initiatives that enhance employee engagement and team performance. His unique approach blends academic expertise, practical leadership skills, and real-world experience in guiding teams through growth and change.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.

In this episode of Success Stories, host Steve Cross sits down with Ed Kiernan, founder of Stream Engine, to dive into his incredible journey, from building a career in sports marketing and entertainment to pioneering cutting-edge AI technology with real-world applications in defense, intelligence, and law enforcement.

Ed shares how growing up in Northeast Ohio shaped his grit, the lessons learned from building and selling multiple agencies, and how his latest venture evolved from solving problems in esports streaming to developing dual-use technology that can protect lives worldwide.

About Our Guest

Ed Kiernan is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Stream Engine, a technology company developing advanced AI-powered tools for real-time streaming analysis with applications in advertising, military intelligence, and law enforcement. With over 25 years of experience across sports marketing, entertainment, and tech, Ed has built and sold multiple agencies, partnered with top global brands, and now leads one of the most promising startups to emerge from the pandemic era.

About Success Stories

Welcome to Success Stories, the official podcast from the growth-obsessed team at iSynergy. Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with CEOs, founders, and business leaders who are building, scaling, and thriving across a variety of industries.

Through real-world insights, hard-won lessons, and inspiring strategies, we uncover what’s driving today’s top performers and how they’re shaping the future of their businesses. From scrappy startups to established enterprises, these stories go beyond surface-level wins to explore the mindset, habits, and decisions behind real success.

Hosted by iSynergy CEO Steve Cross, this podcast was built for growth-minded professionals who crave authenticity, actionable takeaways, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

💡 For more about iSynergy and how we help brands grow through strategic digital marketing, visit https://isynergy.io/connect/.