Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

On this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, Steve Millard is joined by Renato “Ren” Camacho, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Akron-Canton Airport. Growing up in the Bronx, Ren has had transportation in his blood since an early age.  His career has spanned working in engineering at the New York and New Jersey Port Authority, to Cleveland's Department of Port Control. A job tha...

Our guest today on Dreamers, Drivers, & Doers is Daine Johnson-Owens of the Humane Society of Summit County. Diane has had many stages in her professional career including jobs in the legal and medical professions. But it is her role serving the animal members of our community that is her true passion. Steve has a chance to talk to Diane about the path that led her to where she thought she would b...

This week, Steve Millard has a conversation with Jackie Hemsworth, the Executive Director of ACCESS, an emergency shelter in Akron providing for the needs of homeless single women and homeless women with children. Having been on a path to be of service in this space since entering the workforce after college, Jackie talks about how her various career roles have helped her understand the challenges...

Now serving as the President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Joe Mazur has had quite a career in our region from his involvement at Thistledown Race Track, the All American Soap Box Derby, and the Wolstein Center in Cleveland. But it's his involvement at the CVSR that is truly a dream job for Joe. Steve Millard finds out what it takes to run such a equipment and personnel focused o...

When you think about dealing with challenges as a leader, imagine taking the reins of a large cultural venue in the middle of a global health crisis. Our guest today did just that. Jon Fiume is the Executive Director & CEO of the Akron Art Museum. Steve Millard sits down with Jon to talk about the non-traditional path to his current role in our community, and how he and the museum team are making...

As the Executive Director of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship,  Don  Pagett works tirelessly to bring one of the key annual sporting events in the United States right here to the Akron region.  Don  talks with Steve about growing up in the world of golf and how a major activity like this impacts our community economically and socially. 

With a long history of community involvement, our guest today has worked with individuals from all walks of life as a business counselor and as the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship at Akron's Bounce Innovation Hub. Steve Millard catches up with Ace Epps and finds out what drives his desire to help people and how business opportunities grow when we come together. 

There are a lot of leaders in the Akron region who impact various aspects of our core industries. President and CEO of ACE Laboratories Erick Sharp has made a name for himself and his company as an innovator and a doer in the field of R&D, and rubber and silicone testing. Steve Millard chats with Erick about his path into the world of business development and being a part of what makes Akron tick.

Not only is our guest on this episode a business owner in Akron (Great Work! Employment Services), but Tia Ramlow is also the current President of the Board at the Greater Akron Chamber. Steve Millard sits down with Tia to discuss what it’s like to manage a company and help others reach their potential as well.

Joining Steve Millard today is Cascade Capital Executive Director Bob Filipiak. Bob has been working with our business community in the commercial financing field helping a range of organizations develop their capital investments for growth opportunities such as owner-occupied real estate and equipment purchases.  

This week's episode brings us a conversation with Parker Platt, the Senior Strategy Manager and Senior Vice President with Citizens Bank. Parker is not only a Board member at the Greater Akron Chamber, he is a mover and shaker in the region helping nurture businesses, talent, and opportunities.

The Dreamers, Drivers & Doers features Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow. The organization leverages the arts and culture sector in Summit County to support and strengthen the region's economic and social vibrancy. Steve and Nicole discuss some exciting things happening in the arts & culture community, including the culture plan.