In this episode, we sit down with Don Bloom, founder and owner of PennCare, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and the long-term commitment required to build a successful business.

Born in Liberty and a graduate of Liberty High School and Youngstown State University, Don shares how he started PennCare in 1991 out of his business partner’s home with just $5,000. From those humble beginnings, PennCare grew into a respected company by staying focused on people, quality, and values.

Don also shares a powerful personal story connected to September 11th and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, including his interview with Anderson Cooper. The conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how ambulances are built, the dedication required to run a manufacturing operation, and why Don has remained committed to his employees and his company rather than selling out.

This episode blends business lessons, history, and leadership insight for both seasoned owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Guest Bio

Don Bloom is the founder and owner of PennCare. A lifelong local resident and YSU graduate, Don has spent decades building a company grounded in craftsmanship, loyalty to employees, and long-term thinking.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Growing up in Liberty and graduating from Liberty High School
• Attending Youngstown State University
• Starting PennCare in 1991 with $5,000 in a partner’s home
• Early challenges and lessons learned as a startup founder
• What it really takes to run a business and the level of commitment required
• Leadership principles for building and sustaining a company
• Don’s experience related to 9/11 and Shanksville, Pennsylvania
• His interview with Anderson Cooper
• A behind-the-scenes look at how ambulances are built
• The craftsmanship, safety, and precision required in ambulance manufacturing
• Commitment to employees and company culture
• Why Don chose not to sell out
• Why did Warren agree to a 50-year non-annexation agreement
• How Niles is doing it right from a business and development standpoint
• The one thing Don would have done differently if he could go back
• Key advice for new and aspiring entrepreneurs

Key Takeaways

• Building a successful business requires long-term commitment, not shortcuts
• Leadership starts with loyalty to employees and core values
• Manufacturing excellence demands precision, discipline, and accountability
• Entrepreneurs must be willing to sacrifice early to win later

Call to Action

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with business owners, leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want real-world insight from someone who built it the hard way.

Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John!
If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or private events give him a call.

330.228.3891
Email: bookdjbigjohn@gmail.com

From Hardship to Hope: The Story of the Warren Family Mission

Episode Description

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Kate White and Dominic Mararri of the Warren Family Mission to discuss faith, resilience, and the life-changing impact of serving others.

Kate shares her upbringing in Lordstown, growing up as one of seven children in deep poverty, and the early influence of her father, Pastor Chris, founder of the Warren Family Mission. Through stories of hardship, faith, and perseverance, Kate explains how God worked through her father’s struggles to establish the Mission and secure the buildings that continue to serve the community today. She also opens up about her own challenges and what it took to learn how to run the Mission from the ground up.

Dominic shares his journey from childhood loss and addiction to incarceration—and ultimately to faith and redemption. Once a dealer of drugs, Dominic now describes himself as a “dealer of hope,” dedicating his life to helping others find a way forward.

Together, their stories illustrate how the Warren Family Mission has become a cornerstone of compassion, serving tens of thousands of people each year.

Guests

Kate White
Warren Family Mission
Kate grew up in Lordstown and is the daughter of Pastor Chris, founder of the Warren Family Mission. She now plays a critical role in operating and expanding the Mission, helping guide its services and outreach efforts.

Dominic Mararri
Warren Family Mission | Real Estate Professional
Dominic’s life story includes loss, addiction, incarceration, and ultimately redemption through faith. Today, he serves others through the Mission and works to bring hope and stability to those in need.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Kate’s childhood growing up in Lordstown as one of seven children
• Trips to Warren with her father, Pastor Chris, and the early days of the Mission
• Pastor Chris’s difficult life journey and how faith transformed his path
• How God provided the buildings that became home to the Warren Family Mission
• Kate’s personal struggles before joining the Mission
• Learning to run a nonprofit from the ground up
• The Mission’s impact:
  • Over 100,000 meals served annually
  • More than 15,000 bags of groceries distributed each year
• Dominic’s early life and memories of his father
• Life after the death of his father
• Dominic’s descent into drugs and alcohol
• Jail, recovery, and finding God
• “From a dealer of dope to a dealer of hope”
• The ongoing need for volunteers, resources, and prayer

Mission Needs & How You Can Help

• Volunteers are always needed
• The Mission is seeking support to establish a family shelter
• If you have a building to donate, please contact the Warren Family Mission
• If nothing else, please keep the Mission and the families they serve in your prayers

Contact Information

Warren Family Mission
📍 Address: 155 Tod Ave NW, Warren, OH 44485
📞 Phone: 330-394-5437
🌐 Website: www.warrenfamilymission.com

Dominic Mararri
📞 Phone: 330-989-0132
🌐 Website: https://dominicmararri.howardhanna.com/

Call to Action

If this episode moved you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Most importantly, consider how you can support the Warren Family Mission—through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.

Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John!
If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or priva

Building a Smarter Fitness Plan: Mindset, Strength Training, and Sustainable Results

Episode Description

In this episode, we sit down with a personal trainer from Fitness 330 who grew up in Girard, where he also played football. We break down what it really takes to start—and sustain—a successful fitness journey. From mindset and planning to strength training, nutrition, and avoiding common pitfalls, this conversation focuses on practical, no-nonsense guidance for achieving long-term physical results.

If you’re looking to lose weight, build strength, or simply train smarter, this episode provides a solid foundation to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Guest Background

Our guest is a personal trainer at Fitness 330, with an athletic background rooted in football. His hands-on coaching experience provides real-world insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to exercise, nutrition, and consistency.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Growing up in Girard and playing football
• Transitioning into a career as a personal trainer at Fitness 330
• How to begin an exercise program the right way
• The importance of having a clear plan and the right mindset
• Why lifting weights is essential and how excessive cardio can work against your goals
• Proper exercise form and why you must leave your ego at the door
• Weight loss fundamentals: calories in versus calories out
• Understanding good carbs vs. bad carbs and the glycemic index
• Mental strategies and “mind tricks” to help achieve physical goals
• How to avoid overtraining and burnout
• Why changing workouts and nutrition is key to breaking plateaus
• Setting clear goals and developing a sustainable fitness plan

Key Takeaways

• Success in fitness starts with planning and mindset
• Strength training is critical for long-term health and fat loss
• Nutrition knowledge is just as important as exercise
• Consistency, recovery, and adaptability prevent plateaus and injury

Contact Information

For training inquiries:
Rob Duebelt
📞 330-647-2029

Call to Action

If this episode helped clarify your fitness goals, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone looking to start—or restart—their fitness journey the right way.

Thank you to my engineer DJ Big John!
If you are looking for a DJ for your wedding, graduation party or private events give him a call.

330.228.3891
Email: bookdjbigjohn@gmail.com

Revitalizing Warren: Entertainment, Real Estate, and Economic Opportunity with Ken Haidaris

Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Haidaris—owner of the historic Sunrise Inn, concert promoter, and real estate investor—to discuss the past, present, and future of Warren, Ohio. Ken shares the remarkable history behind some of Warren’s most iconic venues, his role in expanding live entertainment in the city, and why he remains deeply invested in the community’s economic revival.

From speakeasies and pizza recipes brought straight from Chicago to amphitheaters, restored theaters, and new business ventures, this conversation explores how entertainment, real estate, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive growth and opportunity in a city on the rise.

Guest Bio
Ken Haidaris is the owner of the Sunrise Inn, a concert promoter, and a real estate investor with deep roots in Warren, Ohio. He is actively involved in revitalizing local landmarks, developing entertainment venues, and investing in projects that contribute to job creation and long-term economic impact in the region.

What We Cover in This Episode

• The 97-year history of the Sunrise Inn, including its roots as an old speakeasy
• How the Sunrise Inn became Warren’s first pizza shop, featuring a recipe brought from Chicago
• Why the Sunrise Inn is known for its Reubens, including the fan-favorite Rusty Reuben
• Updates on the Westlawn warehouse project and its anticipated opening timeline
• Why entertainment is critical to attracting new businesses and talent to Warren
• How Ken got started as a concert promoter and grew the local amphitheater
• Job creation and economic development tied to entertainment and real estate projects
• The restoration of the 105-year-old Robins Theatre and its importance to the community
• The positive economic outlook for Warren and the surrounding metro area
• What it takes to be a successful promoter
• Getting started in real estate investing and the types of properties Ken focuses on
• The launch of Sunrise InnSurance and the motivation behind the new venture
• A thoughtful discussion on Warren’s history—not just as a “bedroom community,” but as a former industrial hub, evidenced by its abandoned industrial buildings
• A lighter moment we had a brief discussion on the Cleveland Browns and their uncertain future

Key Takeaways
Entertainment can be a powerful catalyst for economic development and job growth

Preserving historic venues while modernizing them can drive long-term community value

Successful promotion and real estate investing require vision, persistence, and local commitment

Warren’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who believe in its potential

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with anyone interested in local business, real estate investing, or the revitalization of American cities.

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Stringer from the Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP) to talk about the incredible work he and his team are doing to improve housing and strengthen our community.

We cover a range of important topics, including:

• 🏚 Emergency Home Repair Program – Learn how you can get help with urgent home repairs.
  📞 Contact Kevin at 330.647.6301 ext. 111 or kevin@tnpwarren.org
  for more info.
• 🏠 Tangled Titles Program – A partnership between TNP and Community Legal Aid that helps resolve ownership issues after the death of a homeowner or complications from land contracts.
  🔗 More info: communitylegalaid.org
  
  
• 🏡 New Homes Coming to Warren – TNP is building four brand-new homes in the Drexel Park neighborhood! Requirements apply, so reach out to Kevin if you’re interested.
• 🌿 Warren Farmers Market – Stop by the North Park Commons at 347 North Park Ave., Warren, Ohio, every Tuesday from 3–6 PM through September 30th.
• 🏙️ Downtown Revitalization – Big things are happening downtown—stay tuned for updates!

And a quick callout to University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic: it’s time to bring more resources to Warren. Lets go!!!

This episode is dedicated to Korey Stinger ❤️

We’re excited to introduce a new segment to the Defend Warren podcast focused on helping people understand the mortgage process. Joining us regularly will be Mattie Easton, who brings valuable insight and experience to guide listeners through the home-buying journey.

Mattie grew up in Bristolville with her two sisters and graduated in a close-knit class of just 30 students. As a teen, she loved dancing at local clubs and community spots. She attended Kent State University and later earned her accounting degree from Hiram College.

In this episode, you’ll hear the entertaining story of how Mattie met her husband and learn how she got started in the mortgage industry back in 2004. She emphasizes that qualifying for a mortgage involves more than just having a good credit score.

Mattie shares practical advice on:

• Understanding PMI and down payment requirements
• The basics of conventional loans
• Why being transparent with your lender matters
• How you can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 580
• Simple tips to build or improve credit
• The difference between a hard and soft credit pull
• What separates being pre-qualified from being pre-approved
• How self-employed individuals can navigate the mortgage process

Most importantly, she outlines the best ways to prepare financially and mentally for buying a home.

If you’d like to speak with Mattie about your mortgage questions, you can reach her directly at:
📞 330.307.1015
📧 measton@alcova.com

Music: Keepers of the Faith by Terror

Dr. Alisha Lyn
A proud graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 2004, Alisha began her educational journey at Kent State University before earning her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University. She later obtained a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and completed her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in K–12 education in 2022.

Alisha's path to success was far from linear. She worked as a lunch aide, in banking, and as a substitute teacher while continuing her education. Her life and career have been defined by resilience and transformation.

She is the author of Overcome, Transform, Soar: The Process of Breaking Barriers and Soaring to New Heights, a powerful testament to her personal journey. Alisha is a three-time traumatic brain injury survivor, a two-time cardiac arrest survivor, and a survivor and advocate of domestic violence. Her first major brain injury occurred while playing basketball at Warren G. Harding—an incident that nearly claimed her life and left doctors fearing she would not recover.

Today, Alisha serves as a member of the Warren City Schools Board of Education and works as a Senior Admissions Counselor at Kent State University. She remains a vocal supporter of Warren G. Harding and the Warren City School District, highlighting the district’s strong academic opportunities for high-achieving students and the new Wellness Center—which goes beyond athletics to support overall student well-being.

In 2009, she launched Alisha Lyn LLC (www.alishalynllc.com), a company built to inspire and empower others. She has also started a business venture for her daughters, continuing her legacy of leadership, education, and empowerment.

Link for her book: https://www.amazon.com/Overcome-Transform-Soar-Breaking-Barriers-ebook/dp/B0CBL3X7BG

www.thelynneetwins.com
www.alishalynnllc.com
www.dralishaalls.com

He currently serves as the Chief Legal Counsel at JP Morgan Law.

Originally from East Liverpool, Ohio, he comes from a family that started a furniture business. In the 7th grade, his family relocated to Mineral Ridge, where he graduated from Mineral Ridge High School. He shares fond memories of growing up in Mineral Ridge, including his first “small” business venture as a child.

He later attended the C.S. Lewis Institute in Youngstown, an organization focused on helping individuals grow as disciples in their faith. Passionate about service, he volunteers with Northeast Ohio Legal Aid and has also given back by coaching high school baseball and basketball at Heartland Christian.

Since 2002, he has operated his law office in downtown Warren, where he practices as a small general attorney with a focus on domestic/family law and criminal law. With over two decades of experience downtown, he offers insightful reflections on how the area has changed—and what steps can be taken to further its growth and revitalization.

He also shares candid thoughts on how Warren can be aggressively developed and grown, offering ideas for progress and positive change.

Side note: Warren’s city income tax rate is 2.5%.

And yes, there’s a brief (and slightly passionate) detour into a discussion about the Cleveland Browns—thanks in advance for your patience.

In closing, I asked him: If you could pull every string necessary to turn Warren around, what would you do?

Also—welcome to Warren, Kimberly-Clark and Rural King.

Song - Keepers of the Faith by Terror