CEO's You Should Know - Pittsburgh

As part of iHeartMedia’s commitment to the communities we serve, we are introducing CEO's You Should Know, a weekly podcast feature that profiles the businesses that drive our regional economy. CEO’s included in these episodes will represent small, large, local and international firms because all play a part in driving Pittsburgh's business community.

CEO, Jeff Hancher of Jeff Hancher Enterprises and Best Selling Author

Jeff Hancher is a military veteran turned leadership developer, keynote speaker, and national bestselling author dedicated to empowering leaders to “lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.” Jeff Hancher He’s the author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, and he designs workshops and tools to help organizations build trust, improve team performance, and navigate difficult conversations.https://www.jeffhancher.com/

09-24
23:15

CEO, Chris Franklin of Essential Utilities

Christopher H. Franklin is chairman and CEO of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG). A 30-year company veteran, he joined in 1992 and became CEO in 2015, leading the $4.2 billion acquisition of Peoples Natural Gas that created Essential in 2020. He serves on the board of CenterPoint Energy and is active on regional civic boards; he has also been named the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia’s Chair-Elect for 2025. Franklin holds a B.S. from West Chester University and an MBA from Villanova University.

09-10
12:25

CEO, Nick Subich of YTS Wealth Management

Nick Subich is President & CEO of YTS Wealth Management, an LPL Financial–affiliated firm he co-founded in 2019. A Lock Haven University alum and former Pennsylvania Army National Guard infantry officer, he leads a fast-growing team serving clients nationwide, now managing more than $1.6 billion in assets. Recognized on Forbes’ Best-in-State and Top Next-Gen lists, Nick is known for decisive execution, accountability, and a community-first approach across Western PA

08-27
27:23

CEO, Stacy Schesler of the Children's Home of Pittsburgh

The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center, where holistic care meets family empowerment.Our goal is to make sure every person who walks through our doors feels empowered whether it be to take care of their medically fragile child, or to make a life changing decision. We’re here to support the community; our family.What We Do:  We believe that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that any setbacks can usually be addressed by listening and teaching in a way that is conducive to the family unit.Togetherness and strong communication is incorporated in everything we do from the environment in which we teach families in our Pediatric Specialty Hospital, the care we provide to children in Child’s Way daycare expecting, and the supportive, nurturing accommodations we make for a birthparent considering adoption. We speak to and care for our patients and clients as if they were our own family.

08-14
27:23

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Chelsea Musial of The American Diabetes Association

Chelsea Musial is the Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association in Pittsburgh, where she leads efforts to fund research, support families, and advocate for those affected by diabetes. A passionate community builder, Chelsea is also the team captain of “Chelsea’s ChampYinz” in the ADA’s Step Out® Walk. Her leadership is driven by a deep commitment to health equity and empowering others to take bold steps toward a diabetes-free future. https://stepout.diabetes.org/participants/48203

08-07
31:06

CEO, Michael Costello of GNC

Meet Michael Costello, CEO of GNC—a dynamic leader driving innovation in global wellness right here in Pittsburgh! With decades of retail expertise and a bold vision for the future, he’s transforming how the world thinks about health and performance. Don’t miss our conversation on the CEOs You Should Know podcast!

07-28
30:58

PRESIDENT, Andy Mecs of Chicken of the Sea

What do mermaids, tuna, and Pittsburgh have in common? Find out in our conversation with Andy Mecs, President of Chicken of the Sea! We’re talkin’ leadership, seafood, and how this hometown guy made waves in the industry.

07-23
14:52

CO-OWNER, Chris Rupp of Rupp-Fiore Insurance

As a family-owned, community-first insurance agency, Rupp-Fiore Insurance strives to form relationships with our clients built on trust and understanding. We don’t just sell you a product and disappear. We want you to understand what’s protecting you, your loved ones, your business, your employees, and the assets you own and depend on. We make suggestions and provide explanations based on our full understanding of your unique insurance needs, allowing you to make the most informed decisions possible for your family or your business. https://ruppfiore.com/

07-16
13:50

CEO, Samantha Rawagah of Stahl Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling

Meet Samantha Rawagah, President of Stahl Plumbing & HVAC. From aspiring medical examiner to property management pro, her journey led her to modernize one of Pittsburgh’s legacy businesses. Now she’s building an employee-owned future where plumbers and HVAC techs have a real stake in success. Hear her inspiring story on the podcast! https://stahlplumbingpittsburgh.com/

07-09
19:30

CEO, Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam, Executive Director of Light of Life Rescue Mission

OUR MISSIONWe transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness through the love of Christ.OUR VISIONWe are a model community providing hope and healing to Pittsburgh's homeless and hurting.OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.lightoflife.org/

07-02
38:38

CEO, Dr. Rebecca Pounds of Cherry Way Dental

Meet Dr. Pounds of Cherry Way Dental—an award-winning dentist, mentor, and mom. With advanced training in bioesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, she’s one of just four Level IV certified dentists in PA. When not creating smiles, she’s exploring nature with her family or mentoring fellow dentists across the region. https://cherrywaydental.com/

06-25
19:49

CEO, Evan Markowitz from Casa of Westmoreland

CASA of Westmoreland, Inc., is a volunteer-based organization providing a voice in the courts on behalf of abused and neglected children in Westmoreland County. The recommendations of these volunteers assist the courts in determining the child’s placement in safe, permanent and nurturing homes. https://www.casaofwestmoreland.org/

06-11
29:38

CO-OWNER, Lea Kinnemann of Bully Max Dog Food, Supplements, Treats & More

Dogs are more than companions—they’re family. That’s why every Bully Max product is designed for performance and well-being. From muscle-building formulas to everyday care, we offer everything your dog needs to thrive. https://shop.bullymax.com/

06-03
18:41

CEO, Chuck Bailey of True North

Chuck Bailey, Founder & CEO of True North LLC, blends 26+ years of operational expertise with a passion for helping businesses grow. Since 2012, he’s led True North’s nationwide consulting and back-office services, driving client success, community impact, and entrepreneurial ventures across multiple industries.

05-27
46:09

CEO, Susanne Cole of Pressley Ridge

Susanne Cole, President & CEO of Pressley Ridge, has devoted over 35 years to helping vulnerable children and families thrive. Adopted at birth, her personal story fuels her passion. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown significantly, serving 8,000+ annually with innovative, community-based child welfare programs across seven states. https://www.pressleyridge.org/

05-21
27:51

Andrew Medlar of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Talks About The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books 2025

The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books is a free event that celebrates the city’s rich literary community and love of reading. Poets, authors and readers gather at the Festival to pay tribute to Pittsburgh’s growing literary reputation. The festival features local and nationally-recognized authors, dozens of poets, children’s activities, bookstores, entertainment, publishers and more. https://www.pittsburghbookfestival.org/

05-14
10:15

CEO, Bill Craig of Fein Tools USA

FEIN is renowned as a globally active company with roots in Germany that is synonymous with high-quality power tools and accessories, designed for the toughest jobs in industry and manual trades. Having laid the foundations by inventing the electric hand drill, the first power tool in the world, in 1867, Wilhelm Emil Fein founded the FEIN company. FEIN now holds more than 700 active industrial property rights, including around 500 patents and patent applications. FEIN focuses on products and services that are ideal problem solvers for metalwork and are marketed by over 16 subsidiaries and more than 50 offices around the world.

04-23
16:06

CEO, Mike Salanick of Fayette Furnace

Michael T. Salanick is President and Owner of Fayette Furnace Co. and Strictly Ductless. With 40+ years of experience in management, sales, and marketing across multiple states, he has grown Fayette Furnace from $1.5M to $5M since 2015. Known for innovation, leadership, and relationship-building, he brings a proven track record of business growth.

04-16
19:19

CEOs, Phil and Jenn Tompkins of Rent The Chicken

Thinking about backyard chickens? Rent The Chicken makes it easy! They deliver a portable coop, egg-laying hens, feed, supplies, and instructions—no guesswork needed. Enjoy fresh, healthy eggs within days. Great for families, foodies, or anyone curious about chicken keeping. Seasonal rentals with the option to adopt. https://www.rentthechicken.com/

04-10
41:08

Dr. Christina Clark, President at La Roche University

Dr. Christina A. Clark stands out due to her diverse career in both academia and leadership. Her expertise in Greek and Roman poetry, combined with her administrative roles at multiple universities, showcases her blend of scholarly depth and strategic vision. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion further enhances her appeal, along with her rich background in dance, having studied and performed ballet at prestigious institutions. Additionally, her global perspective from growing up in a military family and her scholarly achievements, such as her publications and awards, make her a multifaceted and inspiring figure.

04-02
33:37

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