Shows
The Jake Rouch ShowRebecca Styn - Blind Tiger, Room 33 & Much, Much MoreRebecca Styn has an undergraduate degree in piano but is building a national brand of spirit free cocktails called Blind Tiger. Rebecca's career path may not be a strait-line of progression, but it is a deeply impressive one. From marketing to campaign consulting to running for office to opening a restaurant to becoming a beverage manufacturer - Rebecca takes on challenges that peak her interest. Rebecca's curiosity, resourcefulness, willingness to learn and overcome obstacles, and commitment have made her a success on many fronts. Enjoy this conversation with a long-time friend to many...you may just learn something new...
2026-06-091h 05
Community Chronicles RadioJake Rouch Show & StayX: Jake Rouch/Yash Kasini & Yashash Kasini - May 29, 2026On this episode Dr. Platz welcomed Jake Rouch, Vice President of Development for Passport Reality and host of The Jake Rouch Show podcast. Jake has spent more than 30 years working with businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders to help Erie evolve and grow. In our second half, we were joined by Yash Kasini and Yashash Kasini, founders of StayX. StayX, Inc. is an AI software company on a mission to empower small businesses and professional services, believing that small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and they deserve the same caliber of AI tools that big enterprises have...
2026-06-0451 minThe Jake Rouch ShowBob & Desiree Troutner -Bob & Desiree Troutner are just husband and wife - they are business partners in two complex, technology heavy businesses. In 2012 they created ACTION SHOTS (a sporting event photo service for large tournaments and competitions) and in 2022 they created FIXED - HOME HANDYMAN SERVICES (a web-based technology company that is designed to connect skilled home repair and improvement professionals to jobs in a timely manner for planned – and unplanned – home improvements or repairs).ONE of these businesses would be handful for a couple…but the two businesses seems insurmountable. Today we will explore the origin story, challenges, futurevision and mo...
2026-06-021h 04The Jake Rouch ShowJenessa Norton & Sean Fedorko - Building Community & BusinessesIn this episode, we are joined by two individuals who are onthe daily, front line of entrepreneurship – Sean Fedorko and Jenessa Norton. Sean is an Erie native who founded Radius CoWork, is a champion for co-working, for entrepreneurship, for technology, for Erie, for downtown Erie and for youngdynamic professionals choosing Erie to live and work. Jenessa Norton Business Support Coordinator for Radius, ErieDowntown Development Corporation, and Erie Downtown Partnership. Jenessa works with entrepreneurs daily as a counselor, strategist, connector, colleague andfriend. Jenessa is dynamic young professional who radiates an optimistic and committed energy when talking about the work she do...
2026-05-291h 05The Jake Rouch ShowBrad DiFiore - Air Service in a Turbulent EconomyBrad DiFiore is Managing Director at Ailevon Pacific, an airline consulting firm that has been working with the Erie International Airport for the last 5+ years to help increase airservice options. Prior to creating Ailevon Pacific, Brad worked for Sabre Airline Solutions and Delta Airlines in a variety of capacities focused on scheduling, network planning, andcultivating relationships between carriers and airports/communities. Brad and I became more deeply acquainted during my work at the Erie Regional Chamber toincrease flight options and create the Fly Erie Fund. Brad is swimming in the air service water every day…and I find his dir...
2026-05-2655 minThe Jake Rouch ShowListener Feedback RequestedI think the first 10+ episodes are a good sample set to request some feedback from those of you who have been kind enough to listen. Take a listen to hear how best to share your thought and some ideas I have on how to go forward. Regardless of whether you share ides with me or not - a gigantic THANK YOU to all of you who have listened - it is beyond what I could have ever expected!
2026-05-2203 minThe Jake Rouch ShowTim Wachter - Civility, America 250 & Living A Full Life!Tim Wachter is a partner at The Knox Law firm where his practice specializes in working with municipalities, municipal authorities, and school districts. Tim is a national expert on Federal Opportunity Zones. But much like the onions he cooks over an open fire at home, Tim has many more layers to his professional personal life than even those who know him are aware. In this episode I learn more about Tim's professional background, we discuss America's 250th birthday, get geeky about Opportunity Zones, we chat about the state of civility in society today, and we finish with his thoughts...
2026-05-191h 07The Jake Rouch ShowYuriy Ostapyak, CEO, Logistics Plus - Global LogisticsTwo days after it was announced that Yuriy Ostapyak would be succeeding founder Jim Berlin as CEO of Logistics Plus, he joined The Jake Rouch Show to talk about life, business, global logistics, Ukraine, and more. Yuriy is a dynamic young leader that is a native of the Ukraine, went to school at Edinboro University, and has been working at Logistics Plus since 2008. As you listen, you will quickly understand why Logistics Plus is in great hands with Yuriy. You will also learn more about Logistics Plus – a company headquartered in Erie at Union Station that is fa...
2026-05-1555 minThe Jake Rouch ShowMark Tanenbaum & John Stockhausen - In All SeriousnessThis episode covers chasing a dream, friendship, adventures in performing, memories, and laughing...lots of laughing. My guests today are Mark Tanenbaum and John Stockhausen. Mark and I have been professionally connected for 20+ years. John and I grew up in the same Briggs Avenue neighborhood. Today, I want to find out more about how they met, their friendship, their involvement in the arts but mostly I want to hear the story of the comedy troupe they formed – In All Seriousness – a professional, touring comedy/improv group comprised of a whole host of close and loving friends – and talented artists – who all...
2026-05-121h 05The Jake Rouch ShowJim Foote - First Ascent BiomedicalJim Foote is the CEO of First Ascent Biomedical - is a biotech start-up founded in 2018 with a mission to transform medical oncology through highly individualized, prospective treatment planning technologies that improve survival and advance science. Our conversation provides a deeper dive into their technology - in a listener friendly manner - and how it pairs with an individual's oncologists comprehensive treatment for individuals with re-occurring cancer or rare cancer types to help better inform what drugs will likely be most effective in treating each unique individual's cancer. For more information you can go to www.firstascentbiomedical.com or...
2026-05-0844 minThe Jake Rouch ShowElana Como - Childcare & Early Childhood EducationMy guest today is Elana Como. E Elana is CEO of the Northwest Institute for Research (NWIR). NWIRoperates the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for 13 counties in NW PA, including Erie County. The ELRC provides a single point-of-contact for families, early childhood education professionals and communities to get information and accessservices that support high-quality childcare and early learning programs. Elana got connected during the pandemic and I quickly learned that she is one of the most well respectedprofessionals in Pennsylvania when it comes to childcare and early childhood education. Elana and I work to unpack and dive into childcare – it...
2026-05-051h 15The Jake Rouch ShowTina Mengine - Economic DevelopmentTina Mengine is the CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. Tina is one of those "names" that people in Erie know, but not nearly as many have had the pleasure to meet. I hope this conversation helps to shine more light on my friend and colleague whom I have known for over 25 years andworked with in a variety of capacities. I am confident that the development work she is doing presently is the most challenging – and most rewarding – work of her life. Today we dig in deeper with Tina about her career arch and discuss the challenges, frustrations, and e...
2026-05-011h 11The Jake Rouch ShowBrian Slawin - EntrepreneurshipBrian Slawin is a serial entrepreneur, tech investor, pilot,consultant, public speaker, a great hype-man, and the face of Ben Franklin Technology Partners in northwest Pennsylvania. Brian is also a great colleague and friend. Today, we will be talking predominantly about entrepreneurship...but a few other things may be sprinkled in there! Enjoy!
2026-04-281h 01The Jake Rouch ShowPrologue - The Jake Rouch ShowMeet the host and hear the back story on how and why The Jake Rouch Show came into existence.
2026-04-2509 minThe Jake Rouch ShowBrian Slawin - EntrepreneurshipBrian Slawin is a serial entrepreneur, tech investor, pilot, consultant, public speaker, a great hype-man, and the face of Ben Franklin Technology Partners in northwest Pennsylvania. Brian is also a great colleague and friend. Today, we will be talking predominantly about entrepreneurship...but a few other things may be sprinkled in there! Enjoy!
2026-04-101h 01The Jake Rouch ShowKatie Kretz - Refugee ResettlementRefugee resettlement has brought 700-1000 new residents per year to the Erie community over the last 20 years. Katie Kretz leads the Multi-Cultural Resource Center (MCRC), the largest organization in our community helping to facilitate this process for these new residents in a professional, thoughtful, and caring manner.
2026-03-241h 14The Jake Rouch ShowGary Horton - ActivismGary Horton is Executive Director of the Urban Erie Community Development Corporation. Gary comes from large Erie family with a storied history of political and social equity advocacy. Gary was one of the first professionals - outside my immediate office - that I worked with very closely. Gary and I remain professional colleagues and friends but today's conversation provided me with new perspectives that provide a more complete picture of him as a person.
2026-03-201h 09The Jake Rouch ShowSteve Trohoske (Pilot B)Steve Trohoske is a lifelong Erie resident, professional musician, and is co-owner of City Gallery with his wife, Lena Logvina. Steve is deeply passionate about the arts and the arts community in Erie. Steve and I have known each other for years and always enjoy each others company and perspective, but today I got to go deeper and know more about the person.
2026-03-201h 07The Jake Rouch ShowChris Sirianni (Pilot A)Chris Sirianni developed The Brewerie and played a material role in the redevelopment of downtown Erie over the last 20 years. Chris great guy and has been a positive energy force for so many. In this episode, we get his full story of creating Brewerie and learn more about one of truly good people living in our region. Enjoy!
2026-02-261h 29
The Economic Pulse: Insights for SuccessCentering ED Around People: Monica Hershberger - Feb. 20, 2026This episode, Laith and guest co-host Jake Rouch interview Monica Hershberger, Chief Strategy Officer of RoleCall in Cleveland, OH. The conversation centered around business retention and expansion, and maintaining strong relationships with the businesses in your community.Hosts:Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment AuthorityLaith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies
2026-02-2651 minThe Economic Pulse: Insights for SuccessDriving Business in a Context of Conflict: Jonathan Lindsley - Feb. 6, 2026Laith was joined by special co-host Jake Rouch in a conversation with economic development practioner Jonathan Lindsley from Stafford County, Virginia. Much of the focus of the conversation was on Jon's extensive humanitarian work in Gaza and Syria.Hosts:Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment AuthorityLaith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies
2026-02-1250 minThe Economic Pulse: Insights for SuccessLegal Considerations with AI: Zachary Heck - Dec. 12, 2025Attorney Zachary Heck of the Taft Law Firm in Dayton, OH, joined Laith and special guest co-host Jake Rouch to discuss the legal considerations and ramifications of artificial intelligence.Hosts:Tina Mengine - CEO of Erie County Redevelopment AuthorityLaith Wardi - Founder of Gem City Growth Strategies
2025-12-1851 minThe Economic Pulse: Insights for SuccessResources to Meet Manufacturing Challenges: Deb Lutz - Nov. 7, 2025Laith and special guest co-host Jake Rouch spoke with Deb Lutz, Northwest SEWN Regional Director for the Steel Valley Authority about business retention and providing resources and consulting for manufacturers throughout the region.
2025-11-1351 min
Erie’s Front Row20. Economic DevelopmentThis week, we turn the spotlight around and interview Jake Rouch, Vice President of Economic Development, on the principles and basics of Economic Development. We discuss the principles of Economic Development, including Business Attraction, Entrepreneurship, Business Retention and Expansion, and Workforce Development.
2025-09-0430 min
Deep Questions with Cal NewportEp. 365: What Technology Wants (and How to Push Back)Why do we end up entangled with tools that don’t have our best interests in mind? How can we fix this situation? In this episode, Cal dives deep into the difference between additive and extractive technologies, telling a story that weaves old technology with old versions of modern tools, testimony from recent trials to ideas from leading technology critics – all in the service of improving your relationship with tools. He then answers listener questions and discusses the books he read in July, 2025.Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answ...
2025-08-111h 04
We Question & LearnKaren Bilowith, President and CEO of Erie Community Foundation and Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth PartnershipThis episode of We Question and Learn program will feature Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation. With her will be Erin Fessler, Vice President of Community and Government Relations. We'll hear an overview about the Foundation's activities and accomplishments. Also featured is Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
Join us Sunday afternoons starting at 4 on WQLN NPR and then online at WQLN.org or your favorite podcast venue.
2025-01-0659 minWe Question & LearnRobert Chatfield, President and CEO of the Free To Choose Network & Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.This episode of We question and Learn will feature interviews with Robert Chatfield, President and CEO of the Free To Choose Network, a global media nonprofit organization whose history goes back to 1980 with the production of Milton Friedman's PBS series Free To Choose. And Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
2024-10-0659 min
TalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily Podcast2024 Erie Homecoming: Various Guests - Oct. 3, 2024The annual Erie Homecoming conference, sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, featured the theme, "Activating the Vision." Our guests included: Jake Rouch, President and CEO of the Chamber, Chris Norris of Revox Media, Sara Harris of Pulakos Chocolates and Shari Robinson of Mighty Fine Donuts, and Tim Burch of Burch Farms.
2024-10-0452 minTalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastMidyear Business Check-up: Jake Rouch - Jun. 17, 2024Jake Rouch, VP at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, visited our studio Monday for a mid-year report on how Erie businesses are doing in 2024.
2024-06-1844 min
CIPDPodcast 208: Is a transactional attitude toward work problematic?CIPD research suggests that work is occupying a less central place in our lives, with an increasing proportion of employees feeling that a job is ‘just a way of earning money’. While it could be argued that there is nothing wrong with employees taking a transactional view of work – it may after all be a way of them self-determining healthy boundaries – disengagement with the organisation may be a concern.Join Nigel Cassidy and this month’s guests: Jake Young, Senior Policy and Practice at CIPD and Garin Rouch, Consultant at Distinction, as we explore how a refreshed organisational development approach can help g...
2024-06-1033 minTalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastERMP: Jake Rouch & Jim Rutkowski- Feb. 6, 2023On this Monday edition, we talk with the Erie Regional Manufacturing Partnership. Jake Rouch oversees the ERMP’s interests from his position with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; and Jim Rutkowski, General Manager at Industrial Sales and Manufacturing and current Chair of the ERMP, both join us for a great conversation!
2023-02-0747 min
TalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastErie Homecoming 2021: Various Guests - Oct. 5, 2021On Tuesday, Joel Natalie was invited to Erie Homecoming 2021, back in-person at the Bayfront Convention Center. The focus of most of our coverage were to meet the new cohort members for the Chamber's FIRE Accelerator program. The FIRE Accelerator provides investment and mentorship to rising businesses, encouraging them to utilize Erie's talent and resources in the hopes that they spring roots here. We met with officials from Accelerate Wind, Muse Engine, N-Modes, Alegon Materials, and Psnergy. We also got reactions from Jordan Fuller, director of the FIRE Accelerator - ERCGP, Brian Slawin, of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and...
2021-10-0659 min
Motormouthin MamasRomance MoviesInspired by Jake Hampton and Chad Durham's podcast Rogue Auteurs, we decided to name our favorite Romance Movies. Could Rose have fit Jack on the door? Are Jill's romance movies REALLY romance? Why does someone die in all of Ashley's movies? We hope we did ya proud Rogue Auteurs!
2021-07-0631 min
Name-freeBlack & White Podcast 085 / Name-freeBlack & White Podcast series is a continuous set of Techno, House, Electro, Industrial and Acid music mixes. Hosted by electronic music duo Name-free. Stay tuned for a new release every first week of the month!
90 minutes of fresh Dark Disco, EBM and Electro sound in episode #095.
Tracklist:
01 - Man 2.0 - Bodies (Original Mix)
02 - Thomass Jackson - King Of Trassh (Original Mix)
03 - Nelli - Coma (Original Mix)
04 - Mmyylo - Emergencies (Original Mix)
05 - Ivan De La Rouch - Acid Time (Original Mix)
06 - Anna Lann - Saint Laser (Djedjotronic Remix)
07 - Itako - Social Disaster (Original Mix)
08...
2021-07-021h 30We Question & LearnEp 30 - Susanna Frigon and Jake RouchTom Pysz talks with Susanna Wies Frigon, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Erie Community Foundation. Then we'll hear from Jake Rouch, Vice President, Economic Division of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership along with Leslie Ridge Allen, Vice President of Business Engagement.
2021-06-0658 minTalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastErie's Wages: Janet Anderson, Geoffrey Lyons & Jake Rouch - Dec. 9, 2019On the Monday edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we covered the hot topic of wages. Why do people seem to get paid less to work in Erie as opposed to other cities in the Tri-State area. Are we better or worse off than the surrounding cities? Plus, what kind of wage would it take to break away from government programs. Our guests were Geoffrey Lyons from GECAC, Janet Anderson from Northwest PA Connect, and Jake Rouch from the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
2019-12-1044 minTalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastErie Homecoming 2019: Nathan Kelly & Paul Tuefel/James Grunke/Joseph Bione/Jake Rouch/Monique Winston - Aug. 19, 2019We began the week on location at the Bayfront Convention Center for the Erie Homecoming 2019 and it's focus on the Opportunity Zones. Our guests included both Erie natives home for the event along with local sponsoring officials. The expats on the broadcast was bankers and General McLane grads Nathan Kelly and Paul Tuefel, consultant Joesph Bione, and real estate attorney Monique Winston. Representing the sponsoring organization the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership were President & CEO James Grunke and Vice President Jake Rouch.
2019-08-2058 min
Economic DevelopmentSmall Business and the Modern WorkplaceWhat are the challenges facing small business after the Great Recession? Ty Barksdale of Sutton Bank and Jake Rouch of Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership describe demands of the current workplace, including that workers be adaptable, collaborative, agile, and entrepreneurial, in an Economic Development podcast.
2013-12-3000 min