Rust Belt Rundown

Rust Belt Rundown
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Shining a light on the meaningful work being done in Northeast Ohio, the Rust Belt Rundown convenes manufacturing executives and business leaders for candid discussions about business, regional happenings, industry trends, entrepreneurship, and more.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 95 featuring Shakorie Davis of Next Generation Construction

    Our guest this week is Shakorie Davis, President and Owner of Next Generation Construction, a Cleveland-based construction company. In this episode, Shakorie shares his journey from carpenter to business owner. He talks about the power of mentorship and his commitment to ensuring the construction industry better reflects the communities it serves. He also discusses leading major projects with top Cleveland organizations and his excitement for the positive future of the region. His restaurant recommendations include Hyde Park, Morton’s, and Red—three favorites for a good steak. Follow Shakorie on LinkedIn to keep up on Next Generation Construction’s projects.

    43 min

  2. JAN 15

    Episode 94 featuring Tyler Adams of Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland

    This week our guest is Tyler Adams, Vice President of Development at Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland. In this episode, Tyler shares his personal journey with Junior Achievement—from participating as a young student to now helping lead the organization’s mission. He explains how JA empowers students to shape their futures through confidence-building, real-world experiences. He offers insight into how exposure and hands-on learning can change the way young people think about careers, particularly in manufacturing and skilled labor, and discusses shifting perceptions around higher education, workforce readiness, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI. Tyler’s Cleveland-area restaurant shoutouts go to House of Creole in Downtown and Smash Pizza Kitchen in North Ridgeville. Follow Tyler on LinkedIn to stay up to date on Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland.

    57 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Episode 93 featuring Sara Swisher of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

    Our guest this week is Sara Swisher, Vice President, Talent & Workforce for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, Sara shares her career journey with the Chamber and the key initiatives that the organization is focusing on, aimed at strengthening talent pipelines and supporting both employers and young job seekers. She offers her perspective at the current talent landscape in Northwest Ohio, including the region’s biggest workforce challenges and their innovative programs designed to address them. Her favorite restaurant in Toledo is Kengo Sushi & Yakitori. Follow Sara on LinkedIn to stay up to date on workforce development in the Northwest Ohio region.

    38 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    Episode 92 featuring Melissa Dittmer of Michigan Central

    This week our guest is Melissa Dittmer, the Head of Place at Michigan Central, a 30-acre tech and cultural hub where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. In this episode, Melissa shares how her work at Michigan Central goes beyond architecture and design, focusing on creating inclusive, authentic spaces that honor Detroit’s past while shaping its future. She also reflects on the lessons she’s learned from two decades of transforming Detroit’s built environment and offers insight into how postindustrial cities can collaborate to reimagine their future. Her restaurant of choice in Detroit is Coriander Kitchen and Farm for its location in Detroit’s canal district. Follow Melissa on LinkedIn to keep up to date on Michigan Central’s innovative work.

    41 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Episode 91 featuring Dr. Michael Baston of Cuyahoga Community College

    On this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Michael Baston, President of Cuyahoga County Community College. In this episode, Dr. Baston shares how Tri-C continues to shape Northeast Ohio’s workforce, particularly in manufacturing. He highlights the importance of soft skills and lifelong learning. He also shares more about valuable partnerships they have with local manufacturers to cultivate real-world learning opportunities. Dr. Baston shouts out Cleveland Chop as his favorite local restaurant. Follow Dr. Baston on LinkedIn to keep up to date on Tri-C’s manufacturing workforce initiatives.

    36 min

  6. 09/18/2025

    Episode 90 featuring Adam Artman of Manufacturing Works

    Welcome back to the Rundown, featuring our new host, Kevin Morron! Our guest for this week is Adam Artman, President & Executive Director of Manufacturing Works, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening manufacturing in Northeast Ohio. In this episode, Adam reflects on the organization’s decades-long role in connecting and educating manufacturers, and how they’re tackling today’s new challenges, such as technology adoption and building strong talent pipelines. He also shares what they are doing to reach their vision for the future—making manufacturing an industry of choice. Adam’s restaurant picks are crowd pleasing family favorites—Chicago Deli and Yours Truly. Follow Adam on LinkedIn to stay updated on Northeast Ohio workforce and manufacturing initiatives.

    43 min

  7. 01/16/2025

    Episode 89 featuring Todd McCracken of the National Small Business Association

    This week our guest is Todd McCracken, President and CEO of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). NSBA is the nation’s first small business advocacy organization and is proud to be staunchly nonpartisan.  In this episode, Todd discusses his 37-year career with NSBA and how their advocacy work has evolved. He shares his insights into the Corporate Transparency Act, workforce retention, healthcare, and other key issues facing small business owners today.  Todd’s top DC area food picks include SHŌTŌ, Rumi’s Kitchen, and Cantlers.  Learn more about NSBA and its resources here or connect with Todd on LinkedIn.

    35 min

  8. 12/05/2024

    Episode 88 - Rundown Wrapped 2024

    On this week’s episode, we’re wrapping up the Rundown for 2024! Inspired by Spotify Wrapped, here are some top highlights from this year’s episodes: Most Popular Episode - Episode 81 featuring Frank “Sully” Sullivan of DayGlo Color Corp Best Local Spotlight - Episode 78 featuring Rosemary Mudry of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation   Most Personable Episode - Episode 69 featuring Joe Cimperman of Global Cleveland Most Thought-Provoking Episode - Episode 77 featuring Terrence Southern of Robotopia Most Inspiring Episode - Episode 82 featuring Jeffrey Stern of The O.H.I.O. Fund A sincere thank you to all of our guests who shared their time and stories with us this year. Check out all of 2024’s episodes and more here. Is there a guest that you’d like to hear on the Rundown? Submit a request here. Learn more about the Rundown and sign up for email notifications here.

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Shining a light on the meaningful work being done in Northeast Ohio, the Rust Belt Rundown convenes manufacturing executives and business leaders for candid discussions about business, regional happenings, industry trends, entrepreneurship, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Rust Belt Rundown
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rust Belt Rundown
  • Show Website
    Rust Belt Rundown