The James Protin Podcast

It’s a Burgh Thing with oneBURGH | The James Protin Podcast

With over 450,000 dedicated followers and a staggering 10 million impressions per month, oneBURGH has become a hub for everything that makes the Steel City unique.  Who is oneBURGH?  Just a couple cool cats…Brian Carothers and Ed Troup. Ed is the sports director. Brian is the creative genius. They are weird. But then, so are we. That’s what makes them cool.  Founded with the goal of bringing Pittsburghers closer to their city, oneBURGH started as a small social media platform focused on pop culture and sports.  Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, we quickly grew into the largest network in the city, offering fresh, original, and comedic content that resonates with Pittsburghers from all walks of life. While oneBURGH began as a social media platform, they’re growing far beyond that. With 10 daily posts about Pittsburgh, for Pittsburghers, the fellas highlight everything from the latest Steelers game to nostalgic throwbacks that only true Pittsburghers can appreciate. Tune in for this authentic Pittsburgh conversation, and learn the truth about how the fellas came into possession of one of the flume cars from the iconic Log Jammer ride at Kennywood As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Get Your Ideas Here! Michael Matesic | The James Protin Podcast

Mike Matesic is President & CEO of Idea Foundry, Inc., is a seasoned business executive experienced in working with businesses at a variety of stages. Over the last 21 years at Idea Foundry, he has invested in and participated in the development of over 300 equitable-based small businesses and innovation-based start-ups, creating jobs in the region.  Beginning in 2010 Mike led the company's global expansion, operating in China, Russia, Mexico, Vietnam, Chile and recently throughout Africa. He frequently presents on a variety of business topics from Entrepreneurship to Social Impact and Investment. Previously, Mike was Chief Executive Officer for two start-up companies and Chief Financial Officer for MetalSite, Inc., participating in the rapid growth of the company and public registration process. While at MetalSite, Mr. Matesic led the startup of the company's subsidiary, ScrapSite. Before that he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Anker Coal Group and its subsidiaries where he was responsible for Human Resources, Information Technology, Tax and Finance functions.  During his ten years with Anker Coal, he led a successful registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, managed the company's substantial growth, established and invested in various start-up companies and completed many acquisitions.  As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

All For One…One For All with George Robinson II | The James Protin Podcast

George Robinson II is Director of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion for UPMC.  He joined UPMC in April 2018 to enhance strategic planning and execution in the UPMC Supplier Diversity Program. George brings to this position over 20 years of experience in Business and Engineering Administration, Government Management and Diverse Business Development.  Prior to joining UPMC, George was responsible for the creation of Development (Real Estate) Services Group as Manager of Development Services for The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA).  Before relocating to Pittsburgh in 2013, he last served as Deputy Director of Public Utilities for the City of Toledo, Ohio and managed the city’s $521 million Federal Consent Order engineering and construction program (The Toledo Waterways Initiative).   George presently serves on several local boards, including Life’s Work (Board Chair), Provident Charter Academy, Rotary Club of Pittsburgh (President), Riverside Center of Innovation, Women’s Business Entrepreneurship Council (WBEC)-East (Second Vice-Chair), Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), Laurel Highlands Boy Scouts of America, and the Pittsburgh Historical Landmarks Foundation, among others.    He is graduate of the inaugural cohort of The Advanced Leadership Initiative (TALI) Executive Leadership Academy held in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and has completed Executive Education studies at Georgetown University with LEAD360.  A Toledo, Ohio native, he previously completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, an MBA with specialization in Operations Management, and Ph. D studies (ABD) in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Toledo (Ohio).    As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Share Your Gift with Hollie Geitner | The James Protin Podcast

Hollie Geitner believes your story is your gift to the world and leads by the mantra: live with intention; embrace imperfection.  As director of communications and brand for Duquesne Light Company (DLC), Hollie develops and shares stories to help educate, inform, and inspire their more than 1,800 employees and 600,000 customers in the Pittsburgh region.   Prior to her role at DLC, she was vice president, culture and brand ambassador for WordWrite, a public relations and digital marketing agency. During her eight years there she counseled clients on bridging the gap between truth and misunderstanding, especially in times of crisis.  In addition to her client responsibilities, she was accountable for the firm’s sales and marketing efforts where she collaborated with the entire team to showcase their expertise in the B2B space.   Before joining the agency world, she held various PR and marketing positions, including at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allegheny Energy and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.   She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and recently earned the prestigious APR accreditation and was inducted into the PRSA Renaissance Hall of Fame for her 20+ years of career success.  In 2019, she completed EDGE, a nine-month women’s leadership program offered through the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Align Leadership, as well as the EDGE Compass Senior Leadership program in 2021.   Hollie is actively engaged in the community as a member of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and a member of the WLC Allegheny County Leadership Team.  Additionally, she serves on the board of Pennsylvania Women Work and volunteers her time as a mentor for the Three Cups of Coffee program. She also supports Light of Life Rescue Mission and Dress for Success.    She received the Community Champion award from the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce and was named a Cribs for Kids Woman of Achievement. In 2022, she was honored as an ATHENA award finalist by the Pittsburgh Technology Council which recognizes women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to the community, and help other women and girls succeed through mentorship.  Additionally, she was recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine as a Woman & Business honoree in 2021 and in 2013 as a 40 Under 40 honoree—an annual recognition program managed by Pittsburgh Magazine and the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP).   Outside of the office, she enjoys walking the river trails with her chocolate lab and golden retriever, kayaking, reading, crafting at home, vintage shopping, and inspiring her children to chase their dreams. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Everybody Belongs Here: Lora McKnight | The James Protin Podcast

Our guest for Episode 128 is Lora McKnight, CEO of vibrantPITTSBURGH, where she leads strategic operations and program development. Lora spearheads initiatives to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Pittsburgh region. With a passion for fostering inclusive practices, Lora has crafted and implemented transformative programs to advance these crucial efforts.   Previously contributing to the Immigrants and Internationals Advisory Council of Allegheny County and the Welcoming Pittsburgh Advisory Council of the City of Pittsburgh, Lora currently serves on the boards of Awaken Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance and is a recent graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh (XL Cohort, the “best cohort ever”).  Her background includes roles at The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southwestern PA and Chatham University. Lora earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University and holds an MLIS degree from the University of Pittsburgh. As always, the visually inclined can catch it on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.