Business Episodes

Conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals about work, ownership, growth, and lessons learned.
Redemption and Grace
10
April 28, 2025

Redemption and Grace

In this episode, we present Dionne Dowdy-Lacy, a powerful advocate from Youngstown, Ohio. A mother, grandmother, and community leader, Dionne shares her journey from a vibrant childhood through personal challenges to creating opportunities for returning citizens. You’ll hear heartfelt stories of resilience, family, and the drive to help others rewrite their futures. Most of all, you’ll meet a woman who lives her mission of care through action, not words. In This Episode, We Discuss: Life Growing...
Hometown Grit
9
April 6, 2025

Hometown Grit

In this episode, we present Franco Lucarelli, a Navy Veteran and Director of Utilities for Warren, Ohio. With solid roots in Warren, Franco shares his journey of loss, rebellion, and finding unexpected opportunity in hard times. You'll learn eye-opening facts about national and local infrastructure and water. But most of all, you get to know a gentleman who proves loyalty, leadership, and grit through action, not talk. In This Episode, We Discuss: Life in Warren, Ohio Impact of Family Loss Navy ...
Bee Inspired
5
Dec. 26, 2024

Bee Inspired

In this episode, we present Seth I. Steward, a dedicated beekeeper and the co-founder of Linda's Bee Farm. Originally from Linden, New Jersey, Seth now calls Northeast Ohio home, where he's deeply connected to Warren and the Trumbull County beekeeping community. He shares his experiences as a Black beekeeper, discusses the challenges and rewards of his work, and reflects on pollinators' vital role in our ecosystems. Seth also discusses balancing family life and business and his vision for Linda'...
Engineering Environmental Justice
4
Dec. 2, 2024

Engineering Environmental Justice

In this episode , we present Courtney Boyle, an environmental engineer and founder of ECO, a consulting firm redefining sustainability through equity and community-driven solutions. Raised in Northeast Ohio, Courtney’s journey took her from traditional engineering roles to leading initiatives that merge environmental innovation with meaningful community impact. She shares her work on the Vibrant Valley project, addressing racism as a public health crisis, and reflects on the role of trust and co...
Roots of Leadership
1
Sept. 3, 2024

Roots of Leadership

In this episode , we present Matthew Longmire, a community leader and Business Resource Manager at Valley Partners. Matthew's journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Twinsburg, Ohio, where family values and entrepreneurship were a foundation. These values have profoundly shaped his dedication to boosting diversity in the business community. Matthew carries his family's legacy through his work while making a meaningful impact in the Mahoning Valley. Our discussion with Matthew will cover: E...
From Passion to Plate
6
Nov. 8, 2021

From Passion to Plate

In this episode , we present Nate Barker, a chef and restaurateur whose formative years in Warren, Ohio, were distinctly marked by a simplicity of palate — he hadn't tried salad dressing until he was 18. Now, at the helm of West & Main Restaurant, his culinary journey reflects a remarkable transformation from his conservative gastronomic beginnings to the dynamic flavors he now champions. Our discussion with Nate will cover: The pivot of aspiration: from law to culinary arts The moments that s...
Music is a Spirit
5
Oct. 10, 2021

Music is a Spirit

I n this episode , we present Howard Howell, a music artist & owner of the historical jazz club Frieda's, located in Youngstown, Ohio. It takes some people decades to find their calling or talent. For Howard, all this happened at around the age of 4. And as he shares his history, stories, and insights, you will connect the dots and discover that the phrase, God's Plan, is not just a saying. Music has always been a part of Howard's life. But in between the melodies, harmony, and rhythm is a man w...
An Adventurer Bringing Clean Energy to the World
4
Oct. 6, 2021

An Adventurer Bringing Clean Energy to the World

In this episode , we present Tony Frisone, co-founder & CEO of CZAR Power ( Carbon Zero Advance Research ). For both Tony and our team, we share something in common. For Tony, we are honored to be his first one-on-one podcast. And for us, this is our first interview with a thought leader in the area of clean tech. Everything starts with a story, and before we dive into discussing CZAR Power and the field of Clean Tech, Tony candidly, passionately, and sometimes with a dash of bluntness shares hi...
Roots, Values and Pivots
3
Sept. 29, 2021

Roots, Values and Pivots

In this episode, we present Mark Marvin, professional engineer and president of The Marvin Group, Inc. From solid family values to a journey filled with challenges and opportunities, Mark shares these and other stories that have helped him become who he is today. These stories include: Life in a Warren, Ohio MLB Dreams Having to pivot Balancing personal life and business Actual economic development, and Mark's "One Word" So press play, listen, learn and have a few laughs. Ladies and gentlemen, S...
Economic Opportunity Innovator
8
Nov. 24, 2020

Economic Opportunity Innovator

In this episode, we present Vernard Richberg, regional director of the State of Ohio's Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). As a veteran, entrepreneur, and with an extensive professional career, he brings a multi-disciplined approach to assist aspiring, emerging, and established business owners. Listen in to get detailed knowledge on MBAC resources and opportunities, the certification process, and what it takes to grow a successful business. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to pod...
Soaring... No Cape Needed
4
Aug. 21, 2020

Soaring... No Cape Needed

In this episode, we present, entrepreneur, former city councilman, and sushi lover, Greg Bartholomew, owner of All-American Comics. By the way, he's also the mastermind behind Ohio's largest comic book event - Comic-Con. As a kid, what started as a tool to keep him quiet on family trips blossomed into a passion and, ultimately, a business with multiple locations. We'll that, topics such as the "Why? ," partnerships, taking care of your employees, health, Guerrilla Marketing, Silver Surfer versus...
From Australian Coffee Culture to Nova Coffee
3
Aug. 1, 2020

From Australian Coffee Culture to Nova Coffee

In this episode, we present , entrepreneurs and co-owners of Nova Coffee, Logan Reinard, and his brother, John Ramsey. What started as a passion sparked within Australia's coffee culture has led to a partnership uniting the skillsets of each to establish Nova Coffee, a popular destination in downtown Warren, Ohio. We'll candidly discuss how it all began, maintaining a healthy partnership, a little coffee education, and more. Thank you for hitting the play button. C onnect with Nova Cofee Nova Co...
Comic Books to the Silver Screen
1
July 1, 2020

Comic Books to the Silver Screen

In this episode, we present , award-winning filmmaker, David L. Walker. It all started with comic books and a vivid imagination that's bloomed into 22 show credits, over ten directed films including two feature films on the silver screen. We'll discuss a journey that includes expanding beyond local boundaries, collaborating, his definition of a mid-life crisis, helping create an opportunity for a local news host, and of course, his answers to our random question segment. You'll also discover and...
A Blueprint for Business Longevity
9
April 13, 2020

A Blueprint for Business Longevity

For 41 years, Willie Edwards owned and operated Willie's Carwash, on the east side of Warren, Ohio. Before taking the solo entrepreneurial leap-of-faith, leaving his job, ending a partnership, and overcoming the fear of uncertainty would be the first obstacles to overcome - mission accomplished. At the core of Willie's business success were guiding principles such as family, faith, giving back, supporting his community, solid-work ethic, high and keen attention to detail. These principles would ...
A Sweet New Beginning
8
March 12, 2020

A Sweet New Beginning

What started as a 30-day challenge that included a little sabotaging turned out to be the start of an entrepreneurial journey for Tiffany King, owner of Bumpers Cheesecakery. Included in her journey was the closing of GM Lordstown, where for 23 years, Tiffany worked on the assembly line. For many workers at the plant, including Tiffany, the question was, "What to do next?" Learn More about Bumpers Cheesecakery Bumpers Cheesecakery Website Bumpers Cheesecakery Facebook Bumpers Cheesecakery Instag...
Empowering through Health and Happiness
7
March 1, 2020

Empowering through Health and Happiness

PūrYoga is a way of life, and it's lead by owner Shannon Shugart. From her beginnings to recently opening a second location, Shannon shares her thoughts on life and business growth as well as her expertise in Yoga and its benefits. Learn More About PūrYoga PūrYoga Website PūrYoga Facebook PūrYoga Instagram Let's Launch Your Podcast Sound United Website Sound United Instagram Sound United Facebook Be sure to subscribe wherever you vibe with podcasts or visit our website . www.soundunitedpresents....
Turning Past Experiences into a Passion
6
Jan. 15, 2020

Turning Past Experiences into a Passion

"If you're doing what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." After listening to Micheal Hagyari, you'll realize there is truth to this. From the working jobs that he dreaded to being given a life-changing employment opportunity its all played a role in building his company, Impression Media (with his wife, Brandi.) Learn More About Impression Media Impression Media Website Impression Media Instagram Let's Launch Your Podcast Sound United Website Sound United Instagram Sound United Face...
A Leap of Faith and Helping Downtown Growth
5
Dec. 24, 2019

A Leap of Faith and Helping Downtown Growth

Opening a restaurant isn't easy. But deciding to open a restaurant with no experience in the industry or having started a business before, is risky. Tony Schoffer, co-owner of the Warren Speakeasy Lounge, in downtown Warren, Ohio, shares his leap of faith, and the rewards of doing so, four years later. Learn more about downtown Warren's best restaurants here . Learn about the Sound United Podcast Studio here . Be sure to subscribe wherever you vibe with podcasts or visit our website . www.soundu...
Beauty, Resilience, and Collaboration
4
Nov. 27, 2019

Beauty, Resilience, and Collaboration

Nakilia Adams is an advanced Esthetician and owner of Bee and Bee, LLC, a Warren Ohio based business. Taking on the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, and boss, we discuss: Her journey into entrepreneurship Bee and Bee, LLC Loss and resiliency, and Building collaboration LINKS Bee and Bee, LLC, Sound United Presents Podcast - Local Entrepreneurs and Community Heros Sound United Podcast Studio - Studio Rental and Services Be sure to subscribe wherever you vibe with podcasts or visit our website ...
Manufacturing to Entrepreneurship
2
Nov. 8, 2019

Manufacturing to Entrepreneurship

Tim Drummond, the owner of Artististics Silkscreening, decided to plant his flag in downtown Warren, Ohio, well before it's resurgence as a vibrant downtown area. Hear his story of risks, mistakes, and the success of being in business for ten years. Local? Connect with Tim and Artistics Silkscreening here . Learn more about the Sound United Podcast Studio at http://www.thessoundu.com Be sure to subscribe wherever you vibe with podcasts or visit our website . www.soundunitedpresents.com Sound Uni...
Getting to Know Chef Gabe Gouvas
1
Oct. 29, 2019

Getting to Know Chef Gabe Gouvas

Gabriel Gouvas, Owner and Head Chef of downtown Warren, Ohio's newest restaurant, West & Main, candidly shares his background, thoughts, and answers a few random questions that you'll find interesting. Local? Check out the West and Main website . Interested in what Sound United offers? Check us out here Be sure to subscribe wherever you vibe with podcasts or visit our website . www.soundunitedpresents.com Sound United Presents is a community-focused podcast powered by Sound United Podcast Studio...