It is with both gratitude and a heavy heart that I share this episode. Ron took the time to speak with me in early summer 2024, and I truly enjoyed our conversation. He was a wealth of knowledge, and I had the pleasure of knowing him for about 10 years, sharing insightful discussions from time to time.

If you're a business owner, this is a must-listen episode.

Ron grew up in Girard and graduated from Girard City Schools. At 28, he began his post-high school education in Hiram College’s weekend program. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Antioch in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and later obtained a Ph.D. in Leadership from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.

A seasoned traveler, Ron started his career at Peerless Winsmith in Warren and spent many years working in consulting and business turnaround strategies. He emphasized that businesses often face similar challenges—you are not alone in dealing with issues within your company.

In this episode, we discuss startup strategies and business scaling. If you're an entrepreneur, pay close attention around the 36-minute mark. Also, take advantage of your local SCORE office in Youngstown—a valuable and free resource for business owners.

We also touch on local economic growth and how Warren can expand exponentially.

Exciting news! Rural King is building a new store on Parkman Road—welcome to Warren!
Kimberly-Clark, it’s time to build and create jobs!
Learn about the Lake to River organization and why it plays a vital role in Warren’s future.
Keep an eye out for #MoveToWarren—our city is positioned for growth, but it will take effort! LET'S GO!
Ron strongly believed in leaving the world better than he found it.

Ron Emery
April 19, 1957 – August 22, 2024

Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror

Frank Bosak – WGH Robotics (Recorded 2024)

Frank Bosak is the Head Chief of the Robotics Department at Warren G. Harding High School and also works in the Warren City Schools Technology Department. A proud Warren native, he graduated from Warren G. Harding in 2005. Frank shares memories of growing up in Warren, including the irresistible smell of Uncle Nick’s chicken.

Frank joined the WGH Robotics team in 2002. The team was founded in 1998 and won the National Championship in 1999. In this discussion, we explore how the robotics team operates, how competitions are run, and the impact the program has on both the school and individual students. Over its 27-year history, Warren’s robotics team has competed at the national and international level in more than half of those years.

Hear the story of how the team once got “stuck” in Orlando, Florida, and learn about exciting new developments, including the team’s dedicated shop and expansion into 3D printing.

The robotics team is actively seeking volunteers and sponsors to support its mission through the Warren Robotics Boosters 501(c)(3). If you're interested in helping, reach out to frank.bosak@warrencityschools.

We also share personal stories from our time growing up in Warren City Schools.

We love Don (RIP) and Donna Fowler! Go Raiders!

Leslie Dunlap
Owner of Fatty Cakes Soap Company and Fifth Mountain Therapy

In this conversation, we explore Leslie's life growing up on Kenilworth Avenue SE, where she attended Laird Avenue Elementary, East Junior High, and graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 1983. She reflects on her time in the neighborhood, sharing fond memories of shopping at Cicero’s Grocery Store and enjoying pizza from Carmen’s.

After high school, Leslie entered the workforce but later pivoted at the age of 38, returning to school to pursue a career in massage therapy. She earned a two-year degree in Occupational Sciences and became certified in Neuromuscular Therapy. During our discussion, she breaks down the key differences between a masseuse and a licensed massage therapist.

Leslie also shares the story behind Fatty Cakes Soap Company—known for its tagline, "Funny name, serious soap"—and how her passion for high-quality, handmade products led her to start the business.

We discuss her experiences during the pandemic, how she navigated its challenges, and the inspiration behind the name Fifth Mountain Therapy.

This interview was recorded in 2024.

Check out her work:
Fatty Cakes Soap Company on Facebook

Jeff is a 1988 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School and a co-founder of Chess is Life and is a software engineer. We learn about life in his neighborhood and his super kind and friendly personality. We discuss life growing up in Warren City Schools and the advantages it provided. He has wonderful passion for Warren and wants to see Warren grow.

He started his post high school education at University of Akron and finished at Youngstown State University.

Jeff also worked at Copperweld Steel and shares his experience there including the miralce surviving accident that he had there. He also stresses the important of helping other people.

Learn how Jeff is like Iron Man.
The beginning of Chess Is Life.
His families move to California and them coming back to Warren.

Jeffs love for Warren is very evident. His passion clearly shines through in this interview. It is my first real long form interview but it is jam packed.

This was recorded earlier in the year - the distribution center has broken ground. Looking forward to its completion.

Chessislife.org

This is a solo episode where I discuss the purpose of Defend Warren and share some of my observations about what’s happening in our city. Since recording this, a few updates have come to light. Word has it that Rural King, which owns the K-Mart plaza, is finally moving into the old K-Mart space. Time will tell, but that plaza needs significant work—let’s hope they step up. It also looks like a buyer has been found for Trumbull Memorial Hospital, which is more good news for Warren.

One landlord I forgot to mention is Steve Coon of the Legacy Group, which owns the Packard Apartments on North Park. His company has held onto that property for at least five years, yet no development has taken place. Meanwhile, he managed to tear down a historic home—a topic for another episode, as that house shouldn’t have come down. So, what’s the holdup with the Packard Apartments?

On a brighter note, the Warren West Industrial Park project is finally gaining momentum. Initially, they aimed to have a tenant in place by late 2024 or early 2025. Progress is progress!

The Cleveland Steel Containers project is also taking shape in the industrial park off Parkman Road on Warren’s west side. A big welcome to them—great to see businesses investing in our community.

Warren has so much history and untapped potential. Let’s focus on the positive and work together to build on our strengths. But we also can’t ignore the challenges we face. Recognizing the areas where we need improvement is essential for growth.

As always, friends, keep the faith and Defend Warren!

Ken MacPherson City Council Bio:

2022 Ken MacPherson grew up in the Warren area a short distance away from his current residence and has represented the citizens of Warren’s 5th Ward as Councilman on the SouthEast side from 2018-2021. Ken was elected city-wide Council-At-Large in 2021 and loves the richness, demographic diversity, backbone, and historical charm that the City of Warren has to offer. Ken has a successful career of helping organizations fix and improve institutional processes, his main goal is to modernize and implement technology initiatives across the Ward and City to improve the communication and delivery of critical services to the citizens.

Mr. MacPherson’s diverse experience in business, technology, science, community service, and farming, provide a unique perspective to help guide the City of Warren into the future. Mr. MacPherson has a lifetime experience in advanced technology, software development, and business startups.

EXPERIENCE: 1. Member of Warren’s Community Development Board (2 years)
2. Consultant to State of Oregon ACA HealthCare Website
3. Consultant to City of Austin, TX – Citizen Portal
4. Consultant to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Portal
5. Consultant to US Depart of Transportation (DoT) Citizens portal
6. Created the City of Cleveland Community Portal
7. Consultant for Suez Canal Water & Sewage System engineering
8. Consultant to GM, McDonalds, and numerous fortune 500 companies
9. Traveled and visited 100s of cities around the World
10. Advisor to Youngstown Oakhill Collaborative (technology outreach)
11. Wife & I manage the Lena Mason Christian Memorial fund to help children
12. Member of UN International Standards Committee (OASIS)
13. Rotary International – Paul Harris Fellow
14. Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout
15. Certificate Ohio SERB on Public Sector Fact Finding
16. Engineering & Technology Degree – Case Western Reserve University

Any resident of the City of Warren is welcomed to contact Mr MacPherson via email, tweet, call, SMS, or morse code with your ideas, issues, concerns, questions, or complaints.

Email: ken@KenMacPherson.com
Phone: (330) 219-3564
Website: http://kenmacpherson.com/
Twitter: @kenmacpherson
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmacpherson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmacpher

City of Warren Annexation Policy
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/warren/latest/warren_oh/0-0-0-13282

City of Salem annexation policy.
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/salem/latest/salem_oh/0-0-0-16413

Article: Annexation and Mayor Sensenbrenner. The Story of How Columbus Grew to be the Largest City in Ohio. By Alexander Tebbens.
https://teachingcleveland.org/annexation-and-mayor-sensenbrenner-the-story-of-how-columbus-grew-to-be-the-largest-city-in-ohio-by-alexander-tebbens/

We talk about all kinds of things. Everything from the Warren Raiders 2003 football state title game to his adventures in the woods near his home.

He shares his life post high school. Brandon didn't go to college but worked various full time jobs till he decided to go all in with MDI Studios.

Brandon Giovannone, Warren Born and Raised and A 2003 graduate of Warren Harding. Owner of MDI Studios, a Web Design and Stadium Entertainment company. Celebrating their 10th year in Warren, creating College/Pro stadium video productions and entertainment for NEO Ohio High School Football Stadiums. And it all started at Warren’s own Mollenkopf Stadium!

A strong passion and commitment to be part of the evolving renewed energy of Downtown Warren. MDI Studios has been located on courthouse square for over 6 years!

Happily married to his wife Katie, and father of 2 beautiful daughters! Brandon looks forward to continue his drive to defend warren by creating inspiring video productions of Warren, Warren City Schools, and Downtown for years to come, While growing his stadium entertainment side to more NEO high school stadiums.

MDI Studios
145 West. Market St.
Warren, Ohio 44481
330.501.9126

www.mdistudios.com
www.downtownwarrenohio.com

Learn what Tom's dream career was and what ended it.

Hear how Tom met his wife and how he asked her to marry him.

Tom shares his experience with the JFK/Howland rivalry.

Hear the struggles Tom had in the jewelry business and the risks he took to grow his business. He also shares how his father, Thom, got started in the jewlery business.

Tom shares his views of downtown Warren over the years.

Tom also shares how he got his business, Thom Duma Jewelers, up and running. Also the vision he had for the store.

Thom Duma Jewelers does repairs on site.

Looking for Rolex. They have them.
https://www.tdfj.com/rolex

Thom Duma Jewelers
https://www.tdfj.com/
(330) 393.4696
115 WEST MARKET ST. WARREN, OHIO 44481 Downtown Warren